Finley Student Scheduling for Next Year Gets Underway
J. Taylor Finley Middle School guidance counselors Phil Lowe and Cathy Cain are set to make the rounds, visiting classes and laying the groundwork for student scheduling for the 2008-09 school year. Counselors are ready to discuss course selections and answer questions to help insure a smooth process.
“For seventh graders going into eighth grade, most of the courses are extensions of mandated courses from the previous year,” Finley Principal John Amato said. Since math, science, social studies, English, physical education and foreign language courses are required, students are “automatically” placed in the next level, provided they earn a passing grade this year.
Some current seventh grade students may be eligible for the advanced courses in Earth Science and accelerated math as eighth graders. “Students eligible for these courses, and their parents, will be notified in the spring,” Mr. Amato said. Selection criteria for these courses are included below and will also be posted on Finley’s page on the district’s website at www.hufsd.edu.
Despite the fact that most freshman courses are mandated, students will have several elective choices. “Students will be filling out selections sheets for those electives in January,” Mr. Amato said. Students are asked to bring selection sheets home for parental review and then promptly return them to the guidance office. The selections will also be forwarded to Huntington High School for faculty input there.
Mr. Amato said that course selections made now “can be reviewed and changed based on the student’s needs. We must start this process now in order to be ready to begin the school year in September.” Additional scheduling information will soon be posted on Finley’s page located on the school district’s website at www.hufsd.edu.
The opportunity to take accelerated courses is on interest to may students and parents. In science, current seventh grade students are selected for the eighth grade accelerated program based upon the following criteria: Quarterly grades in seventh grade science, math and English, seventh grade assessment scores in English and math, a placement exam and a teacher recommendation.
Current Finley eighth graders moving on to their freshman year at Huntington High School have the option of taking the following science courses based upon their eighth grade science grades and teacher recommendation: Chemistry Honors, Living Environment Honors or Living Environment.
For more information on science courses call Director of Science Kenneth Graham at 673-2078 or send an e-mail to kgraham@hufsd.edu.
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