J. Taylor Finley Middle School entered the spring semester with the same type of energy and enthusiasm it has been known for since September 1965 when the building first opened its doors.
The school is on twin campaigns that involve students enhancing their understanding and practice of kindness toward others as well as conducting themselves in a manner that keeps them safe and secure.
“This year at Finley Middle School, we have implemented a new program we call the 3Cs,” first year Principal Traci Roethel said. “Students have three areas; classroom, cafeteria and Chromebook where they need to be safe, respectful and responsible.”
During separate assemblies for seventh and eighth graders, building expectations were reviewed with students. “Posted throughout classrooms and the cafeteria are charts with examples for each expectation,” Mrs. Roethel said.
In the guidance office, there is a focus of the month, “which includes a quote that is incorporated into their sessions,” Mrs. Roethel said. “There is a wall in the office where staff and students can write on a sticky note what they are thankful for or they can ‘take what you need’ sticky note from the kindness wall.”
Finley’s student council and Junior National Honor Society chapter conducted a Thanksgiving food drive and toy drives for the holidays. “Students have created get well cards and birthday boxes for kids in the hospital,” Mrs. Roethel said.
Encouraging kindness while simultaneously striving to develop safe, responsible and respectful habits and practices are both well underway at Finley Middle School.