LPS Prevention Program

Welcome to the Lexington Public Schools (LPS) Physical Education, Health, and Wellness Prevention Program website.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides core principles and Foundations of Prevention

1. Propose realistic alternatives to substance abuse

2. Present honest and factual material

3. Enhance protective factors

    • Help youth engage in positive aspects of life helping, caring and goal setting

    • Teach youth strategies that help them recognize external pressures (including advertising, role models, peer attitudes) to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

    • Contribute to the development of cognitive skills to resist these pressures

    • Teach youth social skills to increase their ease in handling social situations and peer pressure. Including how to handle stressful situations, decision-making, communication, and assertiveness skills

    • Teach refusal skills

    • Correct misconceptions held by youth about the nature and extent of drug use among peers.

    • Perceived harm- help/educate youth on the risks and short/long-term consequences of substance use

4. Reduce risk factors

    • Early aggression

    • Academic failure

    • Dropping out of school

The LPS Prevention Program in collaboration with students, parents, guardians, town programs/departments and community members is committed to a community-based approach preventing, postponing, and reducing substance abuse and other risky behaviors among Lexington youth.