Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) is a collaborative effort by DARE certified law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents, and the community to offer an educational program in the classroom to prevent or reduce drug abuse and violence among children and youth.

The DARE certified law enforcement officer uses specific workbooks to help students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, or other drugs or to engage in violence.

The DARE program offers preventive strategies to enhance those proactive factors - especially bonding to the family, school, and community - which appear to foster the development of resiliency in young people who may be at risk for substance abuse or other problem behaviors.  DARE Officer Michelle Spencer-Fink is assigned to Bessie Allen Middle School to conduct weekly lessons in the 5th grade classrooms. DARE Officer Donovan Heavener teaches a two week refresher course in the 8th grade classrooms.

"The DARE program provides a unique opportunity for positive interactions between police and youth, while also teaching children valuable life lessons." says Chief Darren Pautsch.  The DARE program has been and continues to be offered to fifth grade students in the North Fond du Lac School District based largely on community contributions and other fundraising efforts.  Chief Pautsch states, "We are very grateful for contributions from local supporters that enable us to continue these efforts."

 For questions or concerns regarding the DARE program contact DARE Officer Michelle Spencer-Fink at (920) 929-3760 or  e-mail at mspencer-fink@nfdl.org.