Schools

Manchester Fifth Graders Graduate From DARE Program

Fifth grade students from throughout the Manchester Township school district recently celebrated their graduation from the DARE program, Capt. Lisa Parker said.

Officers and educators joined 235 fifth grade students from throughout the Manchester Township School District to celebrate their graduation from the DARE program Tuesday morning.

 “The program promotes a partnership among the police, schools, parents and children,” said Sgt. Charles Brooks, who supervises the DARE program in Manchester. “DARE teaches students how to deal with the dangers of peer pressure, drug and alcohol use, and violence. These are important life skills for students to have. We’re very proud of this class.”

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The DARE program was taught by Manchester Township Police Officers Marc Micciulla, Shawn Cavalcante and Chris Cerullo over a 10-week period. DARE offers students a comprehensive drug and violence prevention curriculum that also teaches them about healthy life choices.

The students and officers celebrated their graduation at the Ridgeway Elementary School with a pizza party and a DJ. A New Jersey State Police helicopter made a visit to the grounds, along with a Humvee and a Manchester Township police department DARE.

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Manchester Township Police would like to thank the students, school district staff and New Jersey State Police for their help in making this year’s DARE graduation a success," Parker said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here