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DINWIDDIE - Following a recent request to restore the DARE program at Dinwiddie schools, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday received a report on drug education plans from Dr. Charles Maranzano, acting school superintendent.
Maranzano said the new program will be taught by health and physical education teachers, rather than sheriff's deputies, who taught under the old DARE program.
Maranzano explained that the old DARE program was not viewed as "scientific" as other programs supported by the state and federal government.
"This drug awareness program is called Too Good For Drugs. It is a school-based program designed for grades kindergarten through the eighth grade. It is developed to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among students," Maranzano said.
He said, "Too Good for Drugs builds five essential life skills- goal setting, decision making, bonding with pro-social others, communicating effectively and managing emotions."
He indicated students will have 10 lessons each year starting with kindergarten and completing the curriculum in the eighth grade. Different lessons have been developed for each grade level.
Too Good for Drugs was developed by the Mendez Foundation of Tampa, Fla.
McKenney resident Michael Bratschi, who had asked the supervisors to put DARE back into the schools, commended Maranzano for planning the new program. But he added he would still like to see the uniformed deputies teaching in the schools.
Maranzano said a different program designed to fight gang activity in Dinwiddie and developed by the office of Attorney General Jerry Kilgore will be incorporated into the curriculum during the 2004-05 school year.
Supervisors also received a report from Col. John G. "Jack" Heslin, who told about Workforce Development plans in Dinwiddie. He said the library situated at the Eastside Enhancement Center will become the contact point for adults wishing to learn about job opportunities that match their personal skills.
He explained the education and training program is funded in part through the Crater Regional Partnership and Tobacco Indemnification funds.
"The long-term vision for this project has been to provide opportunities for individuals in career transition a chance to prepare for a career in local industries that are in need of skilled employees," Heslin said.
He is project manager for the program and is situated at the John Tyler Community College campus. He may be reached at (804) 706-5182.
In other business the supervisors:
* Agreed to spend $1,512 to repair a fire truck for the Ford Volunteer Fire Department.
* Learned that Supervisor Mike Stone is offering a town hall meeting at 7 p.m Aug. 16 for all interested citizens. The session will be held at the county administration auditorium. Stone placed an emphasis on town hall meetings last year prior to his election. He has already held several such meetings.
* Ben Bagwell may be reached at 732-3456, ext. 260.
