Finley to Host Sixth Grade Parent Night on January 22

The parents of sixth graders currently attending Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School are invited to Sixth Grade Parent Night at J. Taylor Finley Middle School on Thursday, January 22 at 7 p.m.

“We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Sixth Grade Parent Night, an important evening dedicated to supporting your child’s transition from intermediate school to middle school,” said Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr., district director of school counseling and testing, K-12. “This informational event will provide an overview of the opportunities and experiences awaiting your child at Finley Middle School, as well as guidance to help ensure a smooth and successful transition.”

The sixth grade parents will hear from school staff, learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities and student support services available at Finley Middle School. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers.

“We encourage all parents and guardians of incoming sixth-grade students to attend this event,” Dr. Papandrea said. “We look forward to welcoming you and partnering with you to support your child’s middle school journey.”

Finley Middle School is led by Principal Traci Roethel (troethel@hufsd.edu) and Assistant Principal Alexis Estrada (aestrada@hufsd.edu).

J. Taylor Finley Middle School opened in late September 1965. The structure wasn’t quite complete yet, but the district needed the space badly so it came into service as soon as its classrooms were ready.

Finley actually consists of two separate buildings constructed side by side and connected by two hallways. The building that fronts Greenlawn Road contains most of the classroom space and also includes offices and the library. The rear building features the cafeteria, gym, shops and music rooms.

The artist’s rendering of the school on the cover of the dedication program actually differs in a few ways from what was constructed, including the placement of the flagpole.

Finley was designed “for tomorrow’s education.” Architects incorporated many cutting edge features. The school originally housed students in grades 7-9 and quickly added sixth graders as well.

“The J. Taylor Finley Junior High School has been designed for optimum efficiency and maximum flexibility,” according to the dedication program. “The various arrangements of sliding doors, which form small and/or large instructional areas, as the need arises, present many possibilities for large group instruction, individual study programs and seminar classes.”