Accomack DARE

Party in the Park is up and running. We are here until 8pm. Don’t miss it!

📢 ** : Beware of "Cart Pens"!** 🚭📚

Hello, parents! 👋 We've come across a new trend that requires your attention—"cart pens." These seemingly functional pens can actually camouflage v**e cartridges that may contain to***co or ma*****na. Here's what you need to know:

🔍 **What Are Cart Pens?**
"Cart pens" look like regular pens but hide v**e cartridges inside. They can be easily concealed and used discreetly, making them particularly concerning.

⚠️ **Why It's Important:**
Unscrupulous companies are targeting our kids, working against their best interests. These products can contain harmful substances like ni****ne and ma*****na, which pose significant health risks to young, developing minds.

🗣️ **Talk to Your Kids:**
It's crucial to have open conversations with your children about the dangers of va**ng and using such products. Emphasize the importance of safe habits and making informed decisions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 **Parental Vigilance:**
Stay informed and vigilant about the products your children are using or exposed to. Monitor their belongings and be aware of any unfamiliar items.

Let's work together to keep our children safe and healthy. Awareness and communication are key. 🚭📚

**A Heartfelt Thank You to New Mount Zion Baptist Church!**

This Sunday was truly special as we had the opportunity to engage with the wonderful community at New Mount Zion Baptist Church. A huge thank you to everyone for welcoming us with open arms and allowing Daren to pass out fingerprint cards to the kids. Your support helps us in our mission to educate and protect our youth. Together, we are building a safer and more connected community.

It was an amazing DARE Day celebration at Nandua High School today. You may see some amazing kids holding trophy’s in the photo, more information is coming.

This isn't DARE related, but the positivity is amazing. If you haven't seen this yet, give it a look. Shout out to Ms. Owens, Principal at Nandua Middle School, for providing some much needed laughter at the end of the school year.

Nandua Middle staff nails hilarious photoshoot for Teacher Appreciation Week “They’re still talking about it and laughing about it every day.”

🚨 Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day! 🚨

On this day, we come together to raise awareness about the dangers of illicitly manufactured fentanyl. This synthetic opioid, up to 50 times stronger than he**in, continues to contribute to overdose deaths in our communities.

Let's educate ourselves and others about the risks associated with fentanyl, the importance of naloxone as a life-saving intervention, and the need to reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder and treatment options.

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Reach out to our community resources for support and guidance.

Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

All Accomack County Public Schools will observe a 2 hour fog delay today.

Spread the word!!!

Calling all superheroes in the making! The DARE Program's food drive is now officially underway and we need your help to make it a roaring success! It's time to rally together and show our community what we're made of.

Let's turn our schools into beacons of generosity by encouraging our little champions to bring in non-perishable food items. Every donation counts and will go directly towards supporting our neighbors in need. Together, we can make a real difference in their lives!

But wait, there's more! We're turning this into a friendly competition among our elementary schools. The school with the most donations will be crowned champions! 🏆 So, parents, teachers, and students, let's band together and make sure our school takes home the prize!

Spread the word far and wide! Together, we can make this food drive the talk of the town and spread smiles to those who need it most. Let's make kindness contagious!

Join us for our annual DARE Food Drive supporting the Eastern Shore Food Bank! From April 28th to May 18th, we'll be collecting donations at the front of your child's elementary school. Every contribution counts! Donations from each school will be weighed, and we'll be recognizing the top three schools with the highest weight of donations. Let's empower our children to make a difference in their community while also fostering a spirit of giving. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Help your child, help your school, help our community thrive.

🌟 Wonderful News from ACPS Child Nutrition Services! 🌟

We are thrilled to share that ACPS Child Nutrition Services will be relaunching their home-delivered summer meals program this summer! We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ACPS team for their dedication to providing nutritious meals to our community's children.

To participate, simply return the attached permission slip to your child's school by April 19, 2024. Upon providing permission, families will receive a UPS shipment every two weeks, right to their doorstep! Each box will contain 10 days' worth of shelf-stable breakfasts and lunches, provided at no cost to the families.

For every child under the age of 18 in a household, one box of meals will be delivered. This fantastic program is open to all households in Accomack County with children 18 years and younger.

Anticipating the first shipment to occur the week of June 17, with the program running until the week of August 30, families can look forward to convenient, healthy, and nutritious meals throughout the summer.

We extend our deepest gratitude to ACPS Child Nutrition Services for their commitment to ensuring our children have access to essential meals during the summer break. Your efforts in supporting the well-being of our community's children are truly commendable! 🍎🥪

🚗 Parent Tip of the Week: Ensuring Your Child's Safety in the Car 🚗

As parents, we devote significant time teaching our children to make wise decisions, from crossing the road safely to choosing healthy snacks. Yet, one crucial aspect often overlooked is ensuring our kids are properly secured in the car.

It’s not just a suggestion, it's the law. Every child under the age of eight must be secured in a child restraint device meeting federal standards when traveling in a motor vehicle. This means rear-facing for infants and toddlers until they reach the age of two or the minimum weight limit prescribed by the device manufacturer. And remember, these devices belong in the back seat for optimal safety. Additionally, all passengers under 18 must be secured by appropriate safety belt systems when traveling in applicable vehicles. It's not just about following the rules; it's about protecting our precious cargo.

We empathize with the rush of busy mornings and the flurry of afternoon errands and activities. However, failing to secure our children, particularly during school commutes, is a risk we simply cannot overlook. Beyond the financial implications, where fines can accumulate for each unsecured child as a separate offense, the true gravity lies in the potential consequences of neglecting proper safety measures.

Let's make a commitment to prioritize our children's safety on the road. Take the extra minute to ensure they're buckled in correctly before every journey, no matter how short. Let's lead by example, showing our kids that safety in the car is non-negotiable.

Together, we can keep our children safe and give them the best chance for a bright and happy future. Stay safe out there!

🔙 Flashback Friday 🔙 Today, we pay tribute to the remarkable Corporal Mike Barnes, our former DARE Deputy (2015-2019), whose journey from DARE to his current role as a distinguished law enforcement officer is truly inspiring. 🌟

"My favorite part of the DARE program was the opportunity to build relationships with the students in a way that they saw Law Enforcement as a positive. Gaining the trust of the students so that they would reach out to the Sheriff's Office if they needed anything was a fulfilling experience. I still see former students to this day, and without fail, they always speak positively about their experience in the DARE program," reflects Corporal Barnes.

Since then, Corporal Barnes has continued to shine. Promoted to Corporal in 2020, he helps leads the civil division, serves as the Project Lifesaver Coordinator, a General Instructor, and a Field Training Officer. 🏆 His dedication extends to being recognized as the Virginia CIT Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the Eastern Shore region—an honor reserved for those who embody the CIT mindset in their job.

Corporal Barnes, an exceptional CIT Officer, approaches crises with a calm and steady demeanor. His outstanding reputation is built on dependability, politeness, and honesty. He's not just a CIT officer but a versatile professional willing to adapt to new challenges. From coordinating TDO court hearings to assisting in crisis situations, Corporal Barnes exemplifies excellence. His ability to make difficult situations less stressful makes him a true asset to our community.

🙌 We are honored to have had Corporal Barnes serve in various capacities. We consider ourselves fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable individual at the heart of our Sheriff's Office. Thank you, Corporal Barnes, for your unwavering commitment to our community!

👏

🎓🌟 Hats off to the incredible graduates of Metompkin Elementary who have successfully completed the DARE Program! 🌟🎓

We are delighted to share the news of the graduation ceremony that took place on Tuesday, January 19, marking a memorable milestone in your journey.

🏆📝 Let's applaud the remarkable winners of the DARE essay contest:

**From Mr. Knox's Class:**
🥇 First Place: Ma'Lajah Harmonson
🥈 Second Place: Ashley Saintima
🥉 Third Place: Ellie Garcia-Guerrero

**From Ms. Duncan's Class:**
🥇 First Place: Jaylen Satchell
🥈 Second Place: Drake Turner
🥉 Third Place: Bristol Johnson

**From Mrs. Brady's Class:**
🥇 First Place: Sophia James
🥈 Second Place: Jocabed Reyes-Soto
🥉 Third Place: Ella Stabler

**From Ms. Ames' Class:**
🥇 First Place: Angel Lope-Gonzalez
🥈 Second Place: Mason Washington
🥉 Third Place: Jefferson Perez-Diaz

🏆 This year's Metompkin Elementary Keepin' It Real award is presented to Lonnie Mae Justis for her outstanding involvement, insightful contributions, and unwavering dedication to the class.

Your commitment to making positive choices shines brightly, and we celebrate your accomplishments. Keep making a positive impact as you embark on your future adventures!

🚀

🎓🌟 Congratulations to the outstanding students of Accawmacke Elementary who have successfully completed the DARE Program! 🌟🎓

We are thrilled to announce the graduation ceremony that took place on Tuesday, January 16, was a remarkable celebration of their dedication and commitment.

🏆📝 Let's also recognize the talented winners of the DARE essay contest:

**From Ms. Henley's Class:**
🥇 First Place: Liam Taylor
🥈 Second Place: Yomari Sandoval-Sandoval
🥉 Third Place: Cristian Bamaca-Ramirez

**From Mrs. Holland's Class:**
🥇 First Place: Brantley Bundick
🥈 Second Place: Amanda Morales-Chavez
🥉 Tied for Third Place: Kyreik Wharton and Adiana Simuta

**From Mrs. Cline's Class:**
🥇 First Place: Elizabeth Marsh
🥈 Second Place: Jessica Cruz Mendoza
🥉 Third Place: Perla Velasquez-Roblero

A special shoutout to Rosabella McCarter for winning the prestigious Keepin' It Real award! 🏆 Your commitment to making positive choices is truly commendable.

Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of each and every one of you. Keep shining bright and making positive choices as you continue your journey!

🚀

**Parent Tip of the Week: Building Resilience in Kids with the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model! **

Hello Accomack County D.A.R.E. families! 👋✨ This week, let's explore the empowering journey of building resilience in our kids using the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model. Resilience is a crucial skill that helps children bounce back from challenges and navigate life with confidence. Here's how you can guide them through it:

**1. Define (the Problem):**
🤔 Encourage your child to clearly define the challenge they're facing. Whether it's a disagreement with a friend, a tough school assignment, or a personal struggle, understanding the problem is the first step to finding a solution.

**2. Assess (Your Options):**
🧐 Help your child explore different options for addressing the issue. Discuss the pros and cons of each choice and consider potential outcomes. This process encourages critical thinking and helps them see the array of possibilities.

**3. Respond (Make a Choice, Consider the Consequences):**
🤝 Guide your child in making a thoughtful decision. Encourage them to consider the potential consequences of each option and choose the one that aligns with their values. This step empowers them to take control of the situation.

**4. Evaluate (Did You Make a Good Choice?):**
🔄 After implementing their decision, prompt your child to reflect on the outcome. Did it resolve the issue? What did they learn from the experience? This reflection fosters a growth mindset and prepares them for future challenges.

Building resilience is a lifelong journey, and the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model provides a practical framework for navigating difficulties. As parents and caregivers, let's support our kids in developing the skills they need to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger! 💪🌟

**Parent Tip of the Week: Embracing the New Year with Your Kids! **

Hello Accomack County D.A.R.E. families! 👋✨ As we step into the brand-new year, it's a wonderful time to connect with our kids, reflect on the past, and set positive intentions for the future. Here's your **Parent Tip of the Week** to make the most of this special time with your children:

🎉 **Reflect Together:** Take a moment to chat with your kids about the highlights of the past year. What were their favorite memories? What challenges did they overcome? Reflecting together fosters gratitude and appreciation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 **Family Goals:** Encourage the whole family to set goals for the upcoming year. Whether it's learning a new skill, spending more quality time together, or being kind to others—setting goals as a family creates a sense of unity.

🎈 **Celebrate Achievements:** Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements from the past year. Recognizing their efforts, big or small, helps build confidence and reinforces a positive mindset.

🤝 **Open Communication:** Remind your kids that you're always here to listen. Encourage open communication about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Creating a safe space for dialogue strengthens your bond.

Remember, the start of a new year is a canvas awaiting colorful memories and experiences. Let's embrace it together as a community, supporting each other in raising happy, healthy, and resilient children! 🌟💙