S.H.A.P.E

SHAPE-300x300.pngIn order to prioritize and facilitate other school safety functions, the Fairfield Police Department School Safety Unit has implemented the S.H.A.P.E. program as an alternative to the D.A.R.E. program.

S.H.A.P.E. is an acronym for Safety, Health And Positive Environment. The program is taught by our School Safety Officers.

S.H.A.P.E. focuses on decision making and also increases awareness among students on key issues such as:

  • Internet & Social Media Safety
  • Drug Education
  • Communication Skills
  • Peer Pressure
  • Stress Management
  • Bullying
  • Reporting vs. “Tattling”
  • Getting Help & Helping Others
The core classes are taught at the 5th grade level and consist of five, one hour classes. The classes consist of PowerPoint driven lectures and include video, written activities, scenarios and role playing. Lessons are created using real-life situations and topics that have occurred in, or are applicable to Fairfield and are relevant to school aged children. Positive reinforcement is given throughout the program utilizing S.H.A.P.E folders, challenge coins and t-shirts, which all display the S.H.A.P.E logo. A more in depth bullying presentation is also given at the 6th grade level.

Reallocation of time:

Under the D.A.R.E. model, 45 fifth grade classes received 10 one-hour classes, a total of 450 classes and an approximate total of 450 hours of instruction.
Under S.H.A.P.E., the 5th and 6th grade instructional plan will total 234 classes, an approximate total of 234 hours of instruction. This concentrated structure will enable the SSU officers to fulfill the remainder of their school safety responsibilities as listed above. 

S.H.A.P.E. Course Outline

5th Grade

45 fifth grade classes will receive 5 one-hour classes each (225 total classes, approximately 225 total hours of instruction). Topics include:

  • Internet & Social Media Safety
  • Drug Education
  • Communication Skills
  • Peer Pressure
  • Stress Management
  • Bullying
  • Reporting vs. “Tattling”
  • Getting Help & Helping Others
6th Grade

3 one-hour assemblies at 3 middle schools, for a total 9 assemblies, approximate total of 9 hours of instruction. Topics include:

  • Stress Management
  • Internet & Social Media Safety
  • Bullying/ Potential Legal Ramifications
  • Effective Communication
7th and 8th Grade

At the 7th and 8th grade levels, the schools have several different peer groups.  These smaller groups of peers create a very comfortable environment for our youth to share real life problems and challenges that they face every day.  Our SHAPE model allows us to be part of these groups, on request, several times throughout the year.  This is further reinforcement at yet another stage of the children’s development, and also allows for a more personal connection between the mentoring officer and the youth facing a very real and very specific challenge.