Lutacaga Elementary fifth graders graduate from D.A.R.E. program
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months, 3 weeks AGO
A class of around 80 fifth graders at Lutacaga Elementary School graduated from the DARE program this year. The other three elementary schools in Othello will go through similar training.
COURTESY PHOTO/OTHELLO PD
Othello Police Chief Dave Rehaume said the DARE program has changed throughout the years, but the “bread and butter” is the relationships students are able to form with school resource officers.
OTHELLO —The Othello Police Department celebrated the graduation of fifth graders from Lutacaga Elementary School on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The graduation highlighted the diligence and leadership shown by students throughout the ten-week program, according to OPD Chief Dave Rehaume.
“Every fifth-grade class in the Othello School District receives the D.A.R.E. curriculum through our school resource officers,” said Rehaume.
The program, which has been a staple in the community since its inception, focuses on cultivating essential life skills, particularly decision-making, that students can carry with them into the future. D.A.R.E. is a nationally recognized initiative that has undergone several revisions since its establishment in the early 1980s. The Othello Police Department reintroduced the program two years ago after a hiatus since 2003. Rehaume expressed enthusiasm about the program's ongoing positive impact.
“The curriculum has changed to focus more on decision-making rather than solely on anti-drug messaging,” he said.
In a statement from OPD, special recognition was given to School Resource Officer Fernando Lopez for his outstanding dedication and engagement with the students.
“Your commitment makes a real difference,” said Rehaume, emphasizing the critical role that SROs play in students' lives.
“I consider them the best school resource officers that we have,” the chief said, praising their proactive approach and their ability to build trustful relationships with students. “Having an officer that they trust is incredibly important, especially as they advance through their education.”
The D.A.R.E. program includes the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model, which teaches students to Define, Assess, Respond, and Evaluate challenging situations, ranging from drug use to bullying to gang awareness.
“The long-lasting relationships built between officers and students aren't easily quantifiable, but they are invaluable, they are the bread and butter of this program,” he said. “It helps instill trust and safety within the community.”
Approximately 80 students graduated from Lutacaga Elementary, with upcoming ceremonies scheduled for other schools in the district. “We’re excited to continue this tradition and help prepare our students for the challenges they face,” said Rehaume.
Othello Police Chief Dave Rehaume said the DARE program has changed throughout the years, but the “bread and butter” is the relationships students are able to form with school resource officers.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”