Manatee County Law Enforcement and the School Board of Manatee County have developed the program "Crossroads, It's Your Choice" to be used in lieu of the D.A.R.E. program. "Crossroads, It's Your Choice" is a proactive approach to combat issues that affect the youth of today. School Resource Officers will instruct eight - 45 minute lessons to Manatee County fifth graders and nine - 45 minute lessons to Manatee County seventh graders.
This program is designed to engage your child in critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. The topics discussed include basic law, cultural diversity, peer pressure, anger management, making appropriate choices, drugs and violence. The objective of the program is to help students develop pro-social skills to deal with negative behaviors to be prepared to deal with negative situations. The activities, exercises and discussions topics presented in "Crossroads, It's Your Choice" address some of the causes of inappropriate and violent responses.
"Crossroads, It's Your Choice" will utilize a variety of activities to stimulate thought and discussion. Methods of instruction will include activities, games, modeling and videos. The videos chosen for each topic depict real situations that your child may encounter.
"Crossroads, It's Your Choice" will also permit the students of Manatee County to see the law enforcement community in a positive manner. Through these proactive efforts we hope to prepare and encourage students to deal effectively with the negative influences they will encounter.