The Minnesota National Guard Counter Drug Program will land a Blackhawk helicopter at WestWood and Grainwood elementary schools Friday, Dec. 18 to discourage students from using drugs.

Officer Scott Johnson, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officer for the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, is coordinating the events. The Prior Lake Police Department is supporting the helicopter landings along with the District 719 D.A.R.E. program.

The helicopter will land near WestWood, 5370 WestWood Drive, S.E., Prior Lake, around 10:30 a.m. At about 12:30 p.m., the helicopter is scheduled to touch down on the football field near Grainwood, 5061 Minnesota St., S.E., Prior Lake. Both events will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

Students will get the chance to look closely at the helicopter and hear the pilots discuss the importance of staying drug-free.