nm.dare

05/14/2026

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

02/10/2026

Kirtland Elementary School and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, NM are proud to announce the launch of the D.A.R.E. Keepin' it REAL program at Kirtland Elementary!

Starting today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, sixth-grade students at Kirtland Elementary will begin a 10-week, evidence-based program taught by a certified D.A.R.E. officer, Cory Verhaar from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. The program teaches students essential decision-making and communication skills through interactive lessons and role-playing activities. REAL stands for Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave — four strategies that empower students to make safe and responsible choices.

CCSD and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office are the first agency and district to bring the D.A.R.E. program back north of Belen, New Mexico. We are excited to invest in the growth and lifelong success of our youth.

A special welcome to Otero County Under Sheriff Robles and Darin the D.A.R.E. Lion, who joined students and staff for today's kick-off celebration!

The district plans to expand the program to middle schools and high schools in the future, with additional enhancement lessons for younger students.

Together, we are building a safer, stronger community — one student at a time.

12/14/2025

2025 D.A.R.E. Officers training (DOT) in Ruidoso, NM hosted by Otero County Sheriff’s Office.

The DOT is 80 hour training to certify Law Enforcement officers to teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum.

In attendance were several law enforcement officers from the state of New Mexico from numerous agencies. Also in attendance were officers from California and Lousiana. A total of 23 officers completed the training and are now certified to go to the schools in our communities and give our youth the tools to make safe and responsible decisions.

Three mentors from the state of New Mexico also completed their training. These mentors will be part of future DOTs in the state of NM.

This is a big stepping stone for the state of NM. The goal is to have D.A.R.E. in every community in the state of NM.

As always you all be safe and be responsible.

11/20/2025

Graduation at Sunrise Elementary in Dona Ana County — instructed by Otero County Sheriff’s office.

Another great graduation at Sunrise. Students are taught to the skills to be confident when making responsible decisions.

Congratulations Sunrise Elementary students! 🦁

11/19/2025

Holloman Elementary DARE graduation in Otero County.

The children at Holloman now are equipped with the tools to make safe and responsible decisions.

Congratulations Holloman Elementary students! 🦁

11/18/2025

Cobre District elementary DARE graduation

All fifth graders from the Cobre elementary are ready to lead on making safe and responsible choices 🦁

11/18/2025

Lesson 9 and 10 with Cpl Meed and Sgt Flores in Bayard elementary Ms. McNeal 5 grade class

11/17/2025

Come join us at New Mexico Safe School Summit! Growing D.A.R.E. one school at a time.

09/12/2025

Some AWESOME DARE boxes from Holloman Elementary student’s in Holloman NM, AFB.