In short, it is an attempt to provide a more humane environment at school. A certified staff member assumes the responsibility of Family Advisor when hired to work at York Middle School. The Last name of the advisor is used as the name of the family and thus becomes the Beck Family, the Thomas Family, etc. Each family is composed of approximately fifteen to eighteen students with about equal division of 6th,7th, and 8th grade students. Families are balanced to as great an extent as possible as to attitude, leadership, motivation, and number of boys and girls.
Student remain in the family for as long as they are in the middle school.
May. Families participate in activities that provide friendly competition. This allows for participation by all students in team work and unifying activities. It also provides an opportunity for teachers and students to see and work with each other in a non-classroom environment and to bolster school spirit. Points are totaled for each family and the top six families are recognized at a convocation on the last day of school. Each student in the winning families receives a ribbon.