Dare 2 Care is a program developed in 2015 by (GPS) Psychologists Dr. Alina  A Boie and Dr. Fabian Boie and is integrated in the work of the district’s Behavior Support Team. The Team is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that fosters students’ academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being. They seek to equip students with the knowledge, skills, character, and resilience necessary to become compassionate, responsible, and engaged members of their communities.
During the 2025-2026 year, Dare 2 Care activities reached 4500 students. Highlights include:
Mindfulness Ambassador Program
Launched at Riverside and Cos Cob Schools to train upper-grade elementary students to lead mindfulness practices for younger peers in Kindergarten and 1st grade.
Mindfulness Lessons for Hamilton Avenue School preschoolers help students learn about emotions, practice breathing strategies, and develop age-appropriate coping skills to support self-regulation and social-emotional growth.
Glenville Ambassadors Program
The program at Glenville Schools provides selected 5th-grade students with meaningful opportunities to develop leadership, responsibility, empathy, and community engagement skills to prepare for the transition to middle school.
Core Mindfulness Training Program
Provides students and teachers with structured, in-person instruction designed to strengthen social-emotional skills, enhance well-being, and foster positive school climates.
 Mindfulness Retreat at New Lebanon School
The parent–child mindfulness and yoga retreat brought families together for a calming morning filled with gentle yoga, guided mindfulness activities, and opportunities for building practical tools to manage stress and emotions.