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About Being Safe and Responsible

The 5th grade DARE graduations in May and June at St. Vincent de Paul School, East Haven Academy, and D.H. Ferrara School went very well. There were about 120 DARE graduates, and I had the honor and pleasure of teaching them the DARE Program, which covers some very important issues that can help them throughout life. I am extremely happy that I had the opportunity to teach them about being safe and responsible. I thank our mayor, police department, school system, and everyone who continues to support this important program. Thanks go to the principals, teachers, and school staff for their help, involvement, and support and for allowing me to come into their classrooms. Thanks also go to the PTOs and teachers who helped with the DARE graduations by serving refreshments. Each graduation was a success!

The new East Haven Police 6th grade Anti-Bullying Program went very well also. Thanks go to our chief for initiating it and having me put it together. I got to teach this program to all the 6th grade classrooms in town. It was more in-depth about bullying and cyberbullying.

I’m really looking forward to teaching DARE and the Anti-Bullying Program again this upcoming school year to all the students from preK to 6th grade, as I did this past year. This entire experience has been great.

Also, thanks go to Ferrara School PTO President Jenn Bagnoli and the PTO, who recently put together a special raffle with the $370 of proceeds given to DARE. The grand prize, the Nick Fradiani/American Idol basket, was donated by Ferrara teacher Trish Rispoli (Nick’s aunt). Thanks go to Trish, and everyone involved, for their generosity. The raffle was a great success and was greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks go to everyone for the support. Have a great summer!

Officer Dave Torello, DARE

East Haven Police Department