September 19, 2022

On Saturday, September 16th, Colin Ulrich, LTS grad, and his mom Lisa met with DJ Jeff Garfield to discuss the Step Up and PROSPER program for incoming 6th graders and their families. Colin's parents have been through the program twice, most recently with Colin and a few years before with his older sister. Lisa and Tim Ulrich also volunteered on the PROSPER Community Team, which supports the continuation of the program in the school.

Some talking points to consider:

• What are some highlights about the program that you would each like to share (parent perspective and student perspective)?
• What activities do you think were most helpful for you as a family? 
• What comments do you have about the format of dinner, separate student/parent meetings, then combined student/parent activity to end the night?
• What are your thoughts about interacting with school teachers as the facilitators of the program?
• What benefits do you see for those who might be interested in being a member of the Community Team?
  

Topic: Surviving and Thriving in Middle School: Our Step Up & PROSPER Program

At Lyndon Town School we want students and parents to feel confident as they enter the middle school years. and are very excited about the activities we have to help students Step Up to Sixth Grade, and to help strengthen families to survive and thrive through middle school and beyond. We have partnered with the UVM Extension Agency to offer the Step Up & PROSPER program at LTS, and are excited that it is in its 59th year at LTS. We have about 70 families who have graduated from the program. We received great feedback from the families on how the program helped them open up stronger lines of communication, strengthen the levels of respect within their families, and gave parents and students tools for dealing with tough topics often encountered during the adolescent years. This program is a unique opportunity to LTS 6th graders and their parents; it is only offered in one or two other schools in the state. 

The program includes a series of seven fun and informative workshops for sixth graders and their families to help with a successful transition to middle school. Each meeting includes a meal together, separate youth and parent sessions, and a family session, as well as childcare for younger siblings. Topics such as how to handle peer pressure, improving communication with your parents, dealing with stress, and appreciating your family will be explored. For parents, topics such as being kind but firm with limits, setting consistent rules and expectations, and supporting homework responsibilities will be addressed. Families will work together on setting goals, sharing hopes and dreams, family meetings, and communication skills. Each meeting includes activities, prizes, and helpful tips and strategies. 



Highlights:

• 21/40- 21 hours to teach the community program/40% reduction in the onset of substance abuse
  
• When families prosper we all do. When kids prosper we all do. 
• We are working to secure funding to sustain the program long term
• $400+ per family to deliver the program
• We are seeking community partners and business and individual contributors
• Contact Lyndon Town School if you are interested in supporting this great program