Whittier Elementary
Granite DistrictTHE EVENT
Classes: Sixth grades
Number of students: 124
Subject: Healthy, drug-free lifestyles
Whittier's sixth-graders went through a 17-week course, led by a local police officer, that helps them to recognize the negative effects of drug abuse. Students pledged to stay away from damaging chemicals.
THE SCHOOL
Location: 5975 W. 3500 South
Students: 790, kindergarten through sixth grade
Number of teachers: 29
Principal: Shannon Nishi
School district: Granite
THE LESSON
The teachers' objective: To arm children for the fight against the temptation to use drugs.
West Valley Police Officer Paul Jacobsen worked with the school, particularly with the sixth-graders.
"In addition to the curriculum that they learned, which was strong, it was a very positive experience to have Officer Jacobsen here. The teachers worked closely with him, and he associated with the children both in and out of the program, going to lunch with them and visiting informally," said Nishi.
The sixth-graders are at a critical juncture in their lives when such decisions as drug abuse become very real, she said.
Whittier used the DARE approach to drug abuse prevention.
Nationally, the program is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the local outlet gave Whittier's drug fighters certificates.
All of the sixth-grade students "graduated," Nishi said, and in an end-of-project program they pledged to resist the pressure to involve themselves in the use of drugs.
Family members, city government leaders, local legislative representatives and others who influence youth attended the program. The children say: Drugs are not for us. We want a healthy, positive lifestyle free from all of the negatives associated with drug use. What happens next: Teachers at Whittier will continue to reinforce the lessons presented by Officer Jacobsen.