Finley Middle School eighth-graders recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to Boston. The students began their day at the Hall of Science where they viewed an IMAX movie. They also took a Duck Boat Tour of the city and harbor, explored Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market and had dinner at Pizzeria Uno. A great time was had by all! 

Eighth-grade students from Robert M. Finley Middle School attended an anti-bullying campaign at Hofstra University in conjunction with Northwell Health Systems and Hofstra Radio on May 8.

The event was a terrific experience for the students as they participated in educational workshops, presentations and group discussions on leadership, being an upstander, recognizing the warning signs of teen dating abuse, cyberbullying, suicide prevention and taking a stand against bullying. 

Finley Middle School students in grades 6-8 have been learning the history of Glen Cove and transforming it into art in honor of the City of Glen Cove’s 350-year anniversary.

Art teachers Michele McLoughlin and Korey Zalk incorporated lumber in their art classes thanks to Taylor Tree Service in Locust Valley, which donated remnants, and technology teacher John Gervat, who cut down and sanded the pieces for student use, with help from the school’s digital media students. The lumber related to Joseph Carpenter, who in 1668 purchased 2,000 acres of land from the Matinecock Indians. The land was located northwest of the Town of Oyster Bay, now Glen Cove. Carpenter along with four partners named the land Musketa Cove and constructed a sawmill and gristmill. 

Students used the wood pieces to paint multicolored rings similar to the growth rings of a tree. According to McLoughlin and Zalk, the project symbolized the roots of the community. It also reinforced the students’ learning of color theory and paintbrush control and exposed them to painting on a different medium.  

The students’ work will be on display at the City of Glen Cove’s 350th anniversary celebration on Memorial Day weekend at Morgan Park.

Finley Middle School eighth-graders participated in the Regional Junior Division of National History Day on Sunday, March 18. The students competed against hundreds of other students at Hofstra University, showcasing their exhibits, documentaries and performances in front of parents and friends.

The work was the product of a yearlong effort in their Research III course, taught by teacher Ms. Maggi Ibrahim. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Dr. Michael Israel and District Coordinator of English Mr. Andrew DiNapoli were also in attendance.

Each year, students participating in National History Day engage with one particular theme. This year’s theme was “Conflict and Compromise in History.” The intentional selection of the theme was to provide an opportunity for students to push past the antiquated view of history as mere facts and dates and delve down into historical content to develop perspective and understanding.

Students’ topics included the Oklahoma City bombing, the Voting Rights Act, American discrimination against Latin Americans and the politics of Venezuela. Congratulations to all of the students!