Student Family
February 03, 2010
Student Family at York Middle School:
We take tremendous pride in our Student Family program. It is the heart and soul of York Middle School. This program is facilitated by our Guidance Counselor Dave Ciccone and the eighteen staff members who serve as Family Advisors.
The York Middle School population is divided into eighteen Student Families. Each Family consists of five or six students from each grade level. After placement, the students remain in the same Student Family throughout their three years at the middle school. This arrangement encourages a sense of "belonging" for each of our students.
The Student Family plays a pivotal role in the orientation of new students. It provides students with information concerning schedules, locker assignments, rules and regulations, assignment books, and all other issues that students face upon enrollment. Student Family's primary focus the first two weeks of school is to help all students assimilate to York Middle School.
Student Family is an integral part of our curriculum. Its foundation is built upon units which explore a multitude of issues. In essence, we view the student as a whole person addressing the cognitive and affective needs of each child. Family lessons delve into the areas of family relationships, friendships, coping skills, stress management, decision-making, manners, games that encourage teamwork, issues surrounding loss and death, values, bullying, and many others. Currently we have adopted the 8 to Great curriculum. The students learn about the Eight Highways. These highways are the following:
- Highway 1 – “Get the Picture”
- Highway 2 – “Risk”
- Highway 3 – “Full Responsibility”
- Highway 4 – “Feel All Your Feelings”
- Highway 5 – “Honest Communication”
- Highway 6 – “Forgiveness of the Past”
- Highway 7 – “Gratitude for the Present”
- Highway 8 – “Hope for the Future”
In addition to the curriculum, our Student Families participate in school activities and community projects which encourage our students to work together, to grow as individuals, and to ultimately realize the importance of good citizenship. Needless to say, Student Family enriches the lives of our students, teachers, and the community of York.
