S.T.A.R.T. Program Launches for 5th Grade Students, Replacing D.A.R.E.
February 13, 2026
The Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Pittsfield Police Department are proud to announce the S.T.A.R.T. Program (Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training) for all 5th grade students in our community.
This nine-week awareness and prevention program is designed to educate students about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and other negative external influences that can impact their lives.
Throughout the program, students will participate in engaging lessons covering tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, pills, powders, inhalants, bullying, digital citizenship, and peer pressure.
S.T.A.R.T. empowers students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe, healthy decisions and confidently resist harmful influences. We look forward to educating your child,
and encourage you to have family discussions about what they are learning each week at home.
S.T.A.R.T. Instructors include School Resource Officers from Pike County Sheriff's Department and Pittsfield Police Department including Deputy Chass Anderson, Officer Clint Weir, Deputy Lisa Hobbs, and Officer April Epperson.
