Holden O.

D.A.R.E. Report

Did you know that alcohol slows down your brain and body?  In D.A.R.E. I learned a lot.  This essay/report will teach you some of the facts I learned, about the D.A.R.E. decision making model, and how I will use what I learned to make good choices in the future.

In D.A.R.E. I learned about right and wrong choices.  Here are some  interesting facts I learned: there are over 200 harmful known chemicals in cigarette smoke.  Also, over 400,000 Americans die each year from tobacco related causes, and nearly 50,000 deaths each year, due to secondhand smoking.  There are also 75,000  alcohol related deaths each year in the U.S. Another thing I learned about in D.A.R.E is about peer pressure. There is positive, and negative peer pressure.  Positive peer pressure is when someone tries to convince you to do something good.  Negative is when someone tries to get you to do something bad.

The D.A.R.E. decision-making model helped me choose what to do in certain circumstances.  For example if I was in a bad situation, the D.A.R.E. decision making model would help me choose what the right choice was.  If I followed all the steps, I would make the right choice.  Here is a model of the D.A.R.E. decision making model:  Define  Describe the problem, challenge or opportunity.   Assess  What are your choices?   Respond  Make a choice.  Use the facts and information you have gathered.   Evaluate  Review your decision. Did you make a good choice?

Using all the information I gathered with Officer Mark, I know that I will make the correct and responsible choices.  For example, if someone was putting negative peer pressure on me, like offering a cigarette, I would say no.  If they wouldn’t take no for an answer, you can say something like you’re busy.  Then if they let you go, tell an adult as soon as possible.  

In D.A.R.E. I learned a lot and had fun.  Our class couldn’t have done it without Officer Mark (our D.A.R.E. teacher).  He taught us all a lot.  In this essay/report I talked about facts I learned, how to use the D.A.R.E. decision making model, and how I will use what I learned in the future.  

Thanks Officer Mark!