Finley’s Eighth Grade Academic Program Profiled

J. Taylor Finley Middle School counseling and student support faculty members are striving to keep the parents of current seventh graders up to date with the program available to their child next year as an eighth graders. The PDF of a presentation covering the essentials and the processes of the of Finley’s academic program was recently made available to all parents through the Parent Square platform.

Some of the highlights of the presentation appear below. Principal Traci Roethel and Assistant Principal Kenneth Parham are encouraging everyone to become familiar with these important aspects of the Finley program.

Units of Study Offered

• English Language Arts

• Social Studies

• Science

• Mathematics

• Technology Education

• Family and Consumer Science

• Physical Education

• Health

• Music and Arts*

• Business* (Virtual Enterprise Junior)

• World Language

• Humanities enrichment (during lunch)

*Electives will be dropped if academic support is needed

High School Courses Available

The following high school level courses in the following areas are offered to Finley students:

• Mathematics (Algebra 1), Regents Exam June, 2025 (All students)

• Science (Earth Science),* Regents Exam June, 2025

• World Languages (French, Italian, Modern Latin, Spanish), FLACS-A Exam June, 2024, (For non-dual language students)

• Art (Studio in Art)*

*Students must be recommended by a teacher

Scheduling Process for Grade 8

• February- April: Communication between students, teachers, parents, and school counselors regarding grade 8 placement begins.

• May: Recommendations for Earth Science and Studio Art will be made and parents will be notified by department supervisors.

• June: Final determination will be made regarding course placements, based upon final grades earned.

Role of the School Counselor

To assist students:

• Set S.M.A.R.T. goals (i.e., Specific-measurable- attainable- relevant-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

Planning for High School

(College and Career Readiness)

• Students registered in high school level courses earn credits towards their high school diploma

• Students are required to obtain 22 credits in order to graduate from high school

Diploma options include:

• Advanced Regents - 65 and above on the required Regents exams and a LOTE checkpoint B exam or concentration in the Arts or CTE.

• Regents - 65 and above on the required Regents exams.

• Local diploma – available to all students who appeal Regents exams or special education students.

Diploma Distinctions include:

• Mastery in Math - 3 math Regents exams with an 85 and above.

• Mastery in Science - 3 science Regents exams with an 85 and above.

• Honors Designation – overall average of 90 and above of the required Regents exams (excluding the FLB)

• NYS Seal of Civic Readiness

• NYS Seal of Biliteracy

• Career Technical Education (CTE) – complete work-based learning requirements.

Questions? Please contact the Guidance Department at 631.673.2022.