Sixth Grade Parents Attend Informational Night at Finley

J. Taylor Finley Middle School hosted parents of Woodhull Intermediate School and Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School sixth graders for an informational presentation about the programs and classes that await the group as seventh graders next fall.

The evening’s topics included student support services, seventh and eighth grade units of study, high school level course offerings available to Finley students, the scheduling process for the current sixth graders, the role of school counselors and planning for the future. A question and answer session followed the presentations.

Principal Traci Rothel, Assistant Principal Kenneth Parham, Director of Guidance Jeannette Alomia, Dean of Students Lauren Biscardi and school counselors Ruth Escobar, Alison Logan and Paloma Ramlogan were introduced.

Parents were told that Finley offers courses in Earth Science, Studio in Art, Algebra I and World Language that carry high school academic credit.

The role of school counselor was also discussed and the following points were offered:

• Assists students to set SMART (specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time bound) and develop an action plan to meet those goals.

• Recognize and utilize academic strengths so they can make effective decisions.

• Explore interests and abilities; research careers and colleges.

• Enhance independence and responsibility.

• Address social emotional and relationship concerns.

The scheduling process for sixth graders who will be transitioning to seventh grade features:

January: Information will be gathered by the counselor Ruth Escobar regarding world language selections. Music selections will be based upon sixth grade course placement. Ms. Escobar will meet with students to review seventh grade courses and life at Finley.

February/March: Course placements for seventh graders will be entered into the e-school student management system to allow for proper staffing.

August: Final determinations will be about course placements. Schedules will be posted to the parent portal.