Today, the Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria was filled with fifth-grade chatter as students from Jefferson, Mariaville and Woestina learned what their peers had to say about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. Their projects were just one part of a day-long event that included exploring a police car, touring the nearby Rotterdam Police Department and listening to a presentation by New York State Trooper Hal Wittner.

Jefferson fifth-grade teacher Carrie Fiske helped organize the event. It was held to support the efforts of a subcommittee, chaired by Assistant Principal Jason Thompson, that was charged by the Schalmont Board of Education with finding a way to integrate traditional D.A.R.E. program principles into the fifth-grade health and science curriculum. She said fifth-graders at all three schools completed projects that involved researching the negative effects of substance abuse and ways to resist peer pressure.

"A lot of the pressure they feel is simply from friends. We thought it was important to gather everyone together to talk about these issues before they move on to sixth grade," said Fiske.

Fellow Jefferson teacher Mary Zanta echoed Fiske's concerns. "What I think was most important was our discussions about peer pressure. They want to know how to say, 'No,' and come out of it not embarrassed," she said.

In the cafeteria, posters hung on the walls, displays crowded the tables and a TV even played one group's video project. Students Caroline Gillooley, Kaylie Older and Allison George worked together on a presentation about tobacco use. "I like teaching other kids about tobacco and telling them how to say, 'No,'" said George.

Her teammates agreed. Gillooley also said she enjoyed spending time with students from Mariaville and Woestina. "It's really fun. We met them at the fifth-grade Friendship Games, too. They're really nice," she said.

After the presentations, students had some hands-on learning experiences before sharing a lunchtime. For example, red lights flashed and students' voices boomed out over a microphone as Mariaville fifth-graders explored Officer Patty Mahar's squad car. Later, students came together again to hear Trooper Wittner discuss how to resist peer pressure and to sign a drug-free pledge.

Summer may still lie ahead, but Schalmont's rising sixth-graders are already prepared to set good examples for the incoming fifth-graders who'll join them at Schalmont Middle School next fall.

Click on the images below to view more pictures.