Police Department

ON TRACK Teaching Responsibilities and Choices to Kids

As a result of federal and state government mandates, an educational program has been developed through the efforts of the Durango Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff's Office and School District 9-R. This core program is directed at fifth-grade classes in School District 9-R.

The School Resource Officer in coordination with the classroom teacher and school counselor, teaches one lesson per week. Lessons include discussions, roll-playing, group activities, and videos. Homework will be assigned. The course is followed by health curriculum.

Lesson 1 - Introduces the rights of students and the responsibilities associated with those rights.

Lesson 2 - This lesson provides students with basic alcohol and drug information, as well as an in-depth investigation of nicotine. Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and chemicals and their physical and mental effects are discussed.

Lesson 3 - Using the information from Lesson 2 as a foundation, the physical effects of alcohol, adrenaline, marijuana, and inhalants are examined.

Lesson 4 - Consequences, risks and choices. This lesson helps students apply the decision-making process by evaluating the consequences of their actions.

Lesson 5 - Discusses the major sources of pressure, including mass media communications. Helps students understand and recognize the influence of the media, and how it may affect their views on drugs and violence.

Lesson 6 - Examines ways to deal with peer pressure. Explores passive, aggressive and assertive responses.

Lesson 7 - Focuses on reducing violence and bullying by identifying non-violent ways of dealing with anger and disagreements.