Huntington’s Sixth Grade Parent Night Offers Insight

The Huntington UFSD’s Sixth Grade Guidance Night in January offered parents valuable insight into the J. Taylor Finley Middle School academic and extracurricular programs.

Among the topics discussed were student support services, seventh and eighth grade units of study, scheduling process for current sixth graders, role of the school counselor, high school level course offerings and planning for the future. A question and answer session was also held.

School administrators, counselors social workers and psychologists were introduced to parents along with the school dean and neighborhood aide.

The New York State units of study for middle school grades was discussed, including:

• English Language Arts – 2 units

• Social Studies – 2 units

• Science – 2 units

• Mathematics – 2.5 units

• Technology Education/Computer Science Education: 1.25 units

• Family and Consumer Science: .75 units

• Physical Education – 2 units

• Health: .5 units

• The Arts: .5 units in visual arts and .5 units in music

• World Languages: 2 units

The presentation also included the high school level courses available to Finley students including Earth Science, Studio in Art, Algebra I and world language. Students can earn up to four high school course credits.

The scheduling process for current sixth graders goes like this:

January: World language selection information will be shared with families via Parent Square by the principals. Students will be visited in their classrooms by a counselor to discuss all seventh grade courses as well as life at Finley.

February/March: Course selections from parents are due by February 14. Once all selections are entered into the eSchool student management system, a counselor will begin meeting with students one-on-one to discuss their selections and to review their academic progress.

May/June: Sixth graders will be invited to a walkthrough at Finley.

August: Final determination will be made regarding course placements. Schedules will be posted on parent portals.

The presentation also included the role of the school counselor and how this person can assist students on the their educational journey through Huntington UFSD.