Curriculum

First Through Fourth Grade
First through 4th grade classes receive 4 lessons. The lesson topics include:
  • "About Feelings"
  • "Being Safe"
  • "Drug Safety"
  • "Learning to Say No"
These lessons are designed to introduce students into learning about rules that govern behavior and how they apply to real-life situations. These lessons are meant to complement existing educational efforts given by the homeroom teacher and the guidance offices.

Keepin' It Real Logo
Third & Fourth Grade Levels
The 3rd and 4th grade levels receive a higher level of drug and prevention strategies while still following the central themes discussed in the earlier grades. The lessons are complimentary in style and address the issues as seen from the perspective of our 9 and 10 year olds:
  • "Dare to Say 'NO'"
  • "Drugs May Help or Harm"
  • "Feeling Special"
  • "Rules to Keep Safe"
  • "Saying 'NO' to Drug Offers"
Emphasis is placed on adapting information learned in the classroom setting to real life situations.

Fifth Grade Level
The 5th grade level is organized into 10 50-minute lessons, concluding with an assembly activity/graduation. During the course of the semester, students participate in facilitated discussions on topics relating to:
  • Assertiveness and resistance skills
  • Communication skills
  • Drugs and drug abuse
  • Normative beliefs
  • Positive alternatives
  • Preventative strategies
Students participate in final projects prior to graduating from the program. The research-based programming evolves around a central theme in which the students are introduced to the "DARE Decision-Making Model". This model is designed to build the students' capacities to solve difficult personal and social problems related to substance use and abuse and to make and act on decisions that are informed and in their best interest. While many of the scenarios discussed involve interactions involving drugs and alcohol, students are taught that the same decision-making skills may benefit them in other areas of their lives, to include relationships, risky behaviors, interpersonal communications, etc.

Seventh Grade Level
The 7th grade program consists of a series of 10 50-minute lessons on drug education, social skills, normative beliefs and violence prevention strategies. In a recent update, the information brings strategies into focus through the use of the DARE Decision-Making Model, learned in the 5th grade level. To enhance their abilities, students are encouraged to combine the decision-making using 4 communication strategies. This program is entitled, "Keepin’ It REAL" and teaches the communication strategies Refuse, Explain, Avoid and Leave. By using these strategies in conjunction with one another or as a "stand alone" concept, students are encouraged to work through practical problems by; refusing to take part if the activity is unsafe or unwanted, by explaining their opinions or concerns that the activity is not for them, by avoiding the activity or avoiding the situation once they may find themselves in it, or by safely leaving the activity or area. The program usually culminates with a visit from Corporal David Dewey (Colchester Police) and his K-9 Tazor.