September 18, 2023

Lyndon Town School, in partnership with UVM Extension, offers families of incoming 6th graders the Step Up & Prosper program which provides hands on learning opportunities through evidence based programs. Prosper is a program that promotes family and community wellness through a variety of workshops that help build resiliency.

Strengthening Families Program 10-14 is a series of seven, fun workshops for LTS 6th graders and their families to help with a successful transition to middle school. The activities in this program will help prepare youth and their families for the new challenges and opportunities of middle school.

SFP 10-14 Helps Youth with:

• Handling peer pressure
• Showing respect for others
• Understanding and appreciating their family
• Dealing better with stress

SFP 10-14 helps parents to:

• Improve communication
• Be kind but firm, using love and limits
• Be consistent with rules and expectations
• Explore and share family values and goals with their child

As we know Vermont youth are engaging in risky behaviors at an early age, and there is a need for evidence-based programs that can prevent these behaviors before they become a problem, helping youth to lead fulfilling contributing lives.

Studies of this Family Program shows outcomes lasting into young adulthood.

• Reduced exposures to substance use
• Reduced lifetime STD rates and substance use in young adults
• Multiple positive outcomes up through 12th grade including;
• Better grades
• Economic benefits
• Reduced lifetime prescription drug misuse

6th Grade Step Up and Prosper gets started soon! We hope to be offering 2 sessions:

• Tuesdays starting 9/26
• Thursdays starting 9/28

Some other program highlights:

• Free Family Dinner at 5:30
• Free Babysitting for younger family members
• Individual one hour sessions for the parents and the youth starting at 6:00
• Family Session for all from 7:00 - 8:00

What Program Participants say about STEP UP AND PROSPER

“This program has opened my eyes to a lot of the ways in which I interact with & discipline my daughter. We look forward to coming every week and always enjoy being here. It’s good to know that other families go through the same trials & tribulations that we go through.”  –LTS Parent

“Some of my favorite things about Step Up & PROSPER are: spending time with friends, free dinner, peer pressure practice, making family shields, making our goal posters, making family trees. Overall Step Up & PROSPER was very fun!” –LTS 6th grade student

“I learned how much better my relationship with my child can be when we spend more time together.” –LTS parent

“I feel this has been such an enriching program for our family. I highly recommend this program for families to strengthen the family bond.” –Jan Wade, LTS parent