Groveland Det. Josh Sindoni teaches Bagnall students the proper way to dial 911 as part of the D.A.R.E. program. (Courtesy photograph)
Groveland kindergarteners are up to speed on how to dial 911 after the town reinstated its Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program this month following a 12-year hiatus.
The D.A.R.E program’s return is headed up by Groveland Detective Josh Sindoni, who has been teaching kindergarten students at Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall Elementary School as part of an eight-week curriculum about making responsible decisions.
During his first week, Sindoni taught the children how and when to dial 911. He also to stressed to students the importance of learning their home address, in order to better communicate with dispatchers.
Sindoni continues his work at Bagnall through February and will visit all kindergarten classes to discuss topics including stranger danger, prescription drugs and bullying.
“We’re excited to have D.A.R.E. up and running after more than 10 years without it,” Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen said of the educational effort, which was in place from 1993 to 2006 before it was halted due to lack of funding. “Through this program, we’re reaching students at a young age to not only educate them about the basics of keeping themselves and others safe, but to help them make responsible and positive decisions in their adult lives.”