B-C-S school in drug education pilot program

        R.C. Waters Elementary School in the Benton-Carroll-Salem School District is one of seven schools in the state to be included in a drug education and mentorship pilot program.
        Gov. Mike DeWine announced the launch of the program last week.
        The Drug Resilience Education Awareness Mentorship (DREAM) program was developed by the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio Task Force Commanders Association, and Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association with support from Recovery Ohio.
        The program offers a variety of videos for students, including a special role model series featuring several standout Ohioans delivering positive messages on the importance of hard work, the dangers of using or abusing substances, and the importance of never giving up on dreams.
        In the first round of videos, local elementary students interview a role model, including Shilese Jones, U.S. national team gymnast; Erin Bender, executive director of The Point at Otterbein University, and Angela Gould, media specialist at Glacier Ridge Elementary.
        “The DREAM program provides Ohio educators, local law enforcements, parents, guardians, and others with a new opportunity to have important age appropriate discussions with kids about drug use and how it can negatively impact their futures,” the governor said. “The new DREAM program is another tool to help enforce the drug free message early and often.”
        The program is intended to complement other curricula already in use such as DARE, the HOPE Curriculum, and Generation Rx.
        Tom Stickrath, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said the program gives law enforcement an opportunity to have a presence within drug and alcohol education being taught in schools.
        The K-3 pilot program is in schools in Hamilton, Lake, Paulding, Union and Marion counties in addition to R.C. Waters in Ottawa County.
        It will later be expanded to older age groups.