Finley Recognized for High Achievement

 in Glen Cove is one of 10 schools in the country—and only two in New York—recognized for high academic achievement through the 2011 MetLife Foundation-National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Breakthrough Schools program.

The program, which was established in 2007, recognizes high achieving middle and high schools that report a large number of students living in poverty.

With almost half of the 652 students at Finley considered to be in economic need, Middle School Principal Anael Alston said that Glen Cove is a prime example of a community that embraces a diversity.

"The school is a microcosm of America that works hard to celebrate its diversity and prevent any student from feeling disenfranchised," Alston said. "Gaps in student achievement have decreased significantly just as all student achievement has improved over the last five years. This improvement is attributed to targeted professional development that has focused on differentiated, hands-on classroom instruction." 

Interim Superintendent Dr. Joseph Laria said that this honor is a community-wide achievement.

"Glen Cove is a collaborative community at work," Laria said. "This recognition is the result of everyone working together with a common north. Glen Cove is on the rise."

Alston also attributes the success of Finley to the residents of Glen Cove: "The entire Glen Cove community has embraced its middle school. Everyone from the mayor to small business owners to clergy and parents, teachers and students alike feel that this school is important and successful," said Alston. 

Amityville Memorial High School is the only other school New York State school recognized in 2011.

The schools will be honored in on Feb. 24-27 in San Fransico at the 2011 NASSP Conference, which is being held in San Francisco, CA, February 24-27, 2011.

This is not the first honor to celebrate diversity bestowed upon the Glen Cove School District this year;