A Policeman with a Teddy Bear?

This isn't an ordinary policeman... and that isn't an ordinary teddy bear.  This is Police Chief Jeff Madsen with Daren the DARE lion.  See?  It isn't even a teddy bear at all.

We started the DARE program today.  Officer Madsen will be coming into our room once a week to talk to the 5th graders about how to make good choices in life.  He does a fantastic job getting to know the kids and teaching them great stuff.  We usually end the year with a field trip to Minneapolis to see a Twins game.  It's going to be a great DARE year!