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Table of Contents

Page 1
Planning Your Education - Grade 6
Online Registration
Promotion Criteria
Page 2
School Information
Page 4
Course Descriptions

Planning Your Education

Your school provides this course curriculum guide as a means of assisting students and parents in understanding and planning their course of study. Students are encouraged to carefully select related arts courses during the registration process. Your school's guidance counselors and teachers stand ready to assist them. Parents are invited and encouraged to actively participate by assisting their student.

Related arts classes are scheduled based upon student requests. However, due to schedule conflicts and changes in course offerings, the staff cannot guarantee that students will be scheduled for all courses they request. In addition, be aware that the school builds a master schedule and employs teachers based on students' requests; therefore, schedule changes will only be considered on a very limited basis.

Online Registration

Online Registration was implemented in 2004. It allows parents and students to request related arts courses for the next school year from home via the Internet. Families who do not have access to the Internet will be given opportunities to use school computers to register online. Parents and students should understand that requesting a related arts course through online registration does not guarantee that the student is placed in the course the next school year. Final placement in a course is dependent upon enrollment, scheduling feasibility, and teacher allocation. Parents without Internet access at home will receive a printed copy of the course curriculum guide by request. The window for students to select related arts courses online is posted by the school on the school's website and in parent newsletters. Schools will provide instructions on accessing the online registration tool.

Promotion Criteria for Grades Six, Seven, and Eight

Criterion 1: Students in grades six through eight are expected to learn, at a minimum, curriculum standards in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and meet attendance requirements.
Criterion 2: The student earned a minimum average grade of 60% in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies (if language arts is taught as a separate subject in grades 6-8, the English language arts grade will be determined by the mean of the yearly average of reading and language arts.)
End of Year Promotion Status
The following are summary designation and descriptors for end-of-year promotion status of students in grades six-eight.
Promoted – The student met all promotion criteria. The one exception is that students who fail a high school credit bearing course in middle school are promoted but must retake the course. Enrollment in these credit bearing courses will be determined by the district criteria.
Promoted - Summer School Required - The student failed to meet the criteria for one or two core academic areas, but successful performance in summer school for any deficient area was met.
WELCOME TO BRYSON MIDDLE SCHOOL!
The transition from elementary to middle school is one of the most significant milestones in a student’s educational journey. At Bryson Middle School, our faculty and staff are committed to making this transition as smooth and positive as possible. We offer several opportunities for rising 6th grade students and their families to visit our campus and learn more about our programs.
 If you have any questions or concerns about registration or what to expect in sixth grade, please contact our School Counseling Department.
 
 
School Administration
 
Role Name
Principal Mrs. Caroline Bohnenberger
Assistant Principal Mr. Travis Cash
Assistant Principal Mr. Garrett Pace
Assistant Principal Ms. Taurie Thomason
 

 
 
 School Counseling Department
 
Counselor Grade(s) Phone Number
Mrs. Morgan Chambers 6th Grade 355-2117
Mrs. Nicole Allen 7th Grade 355-2116
Ms. Julia Brown 8th Grade 355-2104
Mrs. Joy Hawkins All Grades 355-2162
Ms. Laura Scaggs Registrar/Clerk 355-2114

Dates to Remember

February 17–20
Rising 6th grade registration window. Registration will occur at each student’s elementary school. Parents and students may view teacher recommendations and select related arts courses.

August 2026
A 6th grade orientation called our "Bulldog Boot Camp" will be held with both morning and afternoon sessions. Please check our school website for updated information.


Academic Classes for 6th Grade Students

All sixth grade students take four core academic classes: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Prior to registration, 5th grade teachers will recommend students for English and Math courses based on district criteria. Parents should consult with their child’s 5th grade teachers if they have questions about recommendations.

Most students will be recommended for English Studies. Exceptions include students identified by the district as Gifted and Talented (GT). Please see the GT section below for details.

All students will be assigned to Science 6 and Social Studies 6. Course descriptions are available in this catalog.


Gifted and Talented Program

In middle school, students identified by the district as gifted and talented (or “Challenge”) are served through their English class and will be recommended for English GT 6. Parents who prefer that their child not be placed in GT English must contact the elementary school counselor to complete the required paperwork, including a parent override form and a Challenge withdrawal form.

Gifted and talented identification does not automatically place students in advanced math. Students recommended for advanced math (e.g., Math 6/7) must meet district criteria.


Related Arts Classes

Bryson Middle School offers a variety of related arts courses. Students attend four core classes and two related arts classes each day. Bryson provides both yearlong and semester-long related arts options.

All rising 6th grade students will take PE/Health 6 for one semester. Students may choose:

Students will also select two alternate courses.

The School Counseling Department will make every effort to place students in their preferred related arts classes. However, teacher availability and course demand may impact placement. Students will have additional opportunities in 7th and 8th grade to request courses they may not have received in 6th grade, and priority will be given to those who did not receive their first choices.

Some students may be recommended for an academic support course (Read180, ESOL, Reading Assistance). These courses may replace one or two related arts classes.


Yearlong Related Arts Courses

Note: Students selecting a yearlong course should commit to participating for the full year. Requirements include providing an instrument (for Band or Strings) and participating in practices and performances outside regular school hours.


Semester Courses

As with all district schools, elective requests are not guaranteed. Placement depends on teacher availability and student demand.


Academic Support

Bryson Middle School serves students receiving special education services in two settings: the regular classroom or a self-contained classroom. Students served in regular classrooms learn through a co-teaching model in which two teachers collaborate to deliver standards-based instruction and accommodations. All services and placements follow each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Some students may be assigned to an educational support class during a related arts period for more individualized assistance. Placement in these classes is determined by the student’s IEP and may be for one or two semesters. Parents with questions should contact their child’s elementary special education teacher.


Course Descriptions

English
Title:
English Studies 6
10013100
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
English Studies 6 is designed to prepare students for College and Career readiness as required by the South Carolina State Standards. The curriculum exposes students to a variety of genres, both literary andinformational. Placement Recommendation - Successful completion of grade 5.
Title:
English GT 6
10013200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course is designed to meet the needs of academically gifted and talented students who were identified through the standard measures implemented by The School District of Greenville County. The curriculum designed specifically for this course meets the guidelines set forth by the South Carolina State Department of Education as criteria for Gifted and Talented instruction. Students should expect to find the curriculum challenging in a number of ways: text complexity, analytical writing, problem solving, creative endeavors, and accelerated pace. Prerequisite: Identified as GTA (Gifted and Talented Academic)
Math
Title:
Math 6th
11100600
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This standards-based sixth-grade course is designed to help students begin the transition from arithmetic to algebraic thinking. It includes concepts, operations, and problems solving with decimals, fractions, and percents in addition to an introduction to integers and ratios. Students will develop algebraic thinking through the investigation of patterns, the use of simple equations and inequalities to represent relationships, and the use of tables and graphs to solve problems. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections. PREREQUISITE: Teacher recommendation
Title:
Math 6th (A)
11100700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This standards-based course is designed to help students begin the transition from arithmetic to algebraic thinking. It includes all of the grade 6 standards and half of the grade 7 standards. Topics include operations and problem-solving with decimals, fractions, integers, ratios, proportions, and percents. Students will develop algebraic thinking through the investigation of patterns, the use of one-and two-step equations and inequalities to represent relationships, and the use of tables and graphs to solve problems. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections. PREREQUISITE: Must meet district criteria including Teacher recommendation
Science
Title:
Science 6th
12010000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
The focus for science in sixth grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Structures, Processes and Response of Plants-structure and function of plants; Structures, Processes and Responses of Animals-structure and function of animals; Earths Atmosphere and Weather-atmospheric properties and processes; and, Conservation of Energy-properties of energy, work, and conservation of energy. PREREQUISITE: None
Social Studies
Title:
Social Studies 6th
13010000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
Sixth grade social studies expands students' understanding of history through the study of people, places, and events to the era of European exploration and settlement. Students focus not only on facts about various cultures but also on the significance of geography in history, their everyday lives, problems, and accomplishments of people, and their roles in developing the social, economic, and political structures of major civilizations. Instruction should emphasize the elements of social studies literacy, the tools, strategies, and perspectives necessary for understanding how history, geography, economics and government are interwoven. PREREQUISITE: None
Arts
Title:
Art 6
15010000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
The purpose of this course is to enable students to communicate ideas and concepts through a variety of artwork, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, arts, and crafts. A study of artists and their work will help students understand the techniques, skills, and diverse intentions of artists from many cultures and times. Students will focus on developing creative problem-solving skills, visual literacy, and personal expression. PREREQUISITE: None
Title:
Band 6
15310000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides beginning-level instruction on brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. No previous musical experience is required. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: None
Title:
Chorus 6
15410000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 6 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of the musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: None
Title:
Strings 6
15510000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides beginning-level instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass. No previous musical experience is required. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and string techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Some larger instruments are available at the school, and parents should coordinate with the director for their use. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: None
Title:
General Music 6th
15610000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This is a course providing students with the opportunity to explore musical concepts and further their understanding of music through listening, singing, playing instruments, and engaging in creative activities. PREREQUISITE: None
Foreign Language
Title:
Spanish 6 Beginner Level
16500000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence. PREREQUISITE: None
Physical Education
Title:
PE / Health 6
14401200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
Enrollment in this course fulfills the regulation that all students will complete one quarter of physical education each year in grades 6 - 8 and all students will complete one quarter of health each year in grades 6 - 8. The content of the course will consist of both health and PE standards-based instruction. PREREQUISITE: None
Career and Technology
Title:
GTT6 Design & Modeling
17800000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.
Title:
Digital Literacy
18530000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course is designed to equip students with many of the needed computer skills to excel in a digital world. The student will be exposed to a broad range of computer technology from basic hardware/software to applications and the internet. Digital Literacy will support the student with the concepts in the 8th grade technology proficiency assessment as required by NCLB.
Title:
AgEducation6
18560500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course is designed to assist students in exploring science as it relates to agriculture. Through well planned instructional activities, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of human relations, communication, the importance of agriculture to the economy, and key scientific terms related to the field of agriculture concepts. PREREQUISITE: None
Miscellaneous
Title:
Life Fitness 6th
14990200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
Life Fitness is a related arts class taught through the physical education department. It focuses on nutrition, exercise, along with cardiovascular and strength building activities. The purpose of the class is to encourage habits that lead to healthy, active adult life. PREREQUISITE: None
Title:
ESOL 6th
17990300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course is designed for the student who has a primary language other than English, and is not proficient in listening, speaking, reading, writing, or comprehension in the English speaking classroom. Instruction will be provided in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension to assist students in classrooms where English is the language of instruction. Students will receive skills to aid in the transition to all academic areas, as well as help in the preparation for middle school formal tests. Limited English proficiency should be determined by an approved language assessment instrument. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement
Title:
Study Topics 6th
17990400
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course focuses on skills that students need to make better and more efficient use of study time. Students will actively engage in learning time management skills, study techniques, organizational skills, and test-taking strategies to strengthen their performance in the classroom. PREREQUISITE: None