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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 MIDDLE SCHOOL!

The transition from elementary school to middle school is the biggest educational transition that a student will face in his educational career.   Typically it is a challenging time for both parents and students.    It is the goal of the faculty and staff at Bryson Middle School to make this transition as smooth as possible.   We offer several opportunities for rising 6th grade parents and students to visit our school and to receive information about our educational program.   Please do not hesitate to contact our Guidance Department at 355-2114 if you have questions or concerns about the registration process or about what to expect during the sixth grade school year.
 
The events below are important parts of this year's registration process:



Registration for Middle School Classes :   February 27  until March 3rd at the home elementary school.

An orientation/boot camp is scheduled for August 4, 2023 for our 6th grade students.   There will be a morning and afternoon session.   Please consult our school website for updates.   

Academic Classes for 6th Grade Students :

Fifth grade teachers will recommend rising 6th grade students for the appropriate levels of 6th grade English and 6th grade math.   The fifth grade teachers' recommendations will be based upon established district criteria.    Parents should consult with fifth grade teachers if they have questions about course recommendations.  


All rising 6th grade students will be recommended for one of the following math courses: Math 6 or Math 6/7.   Math recommendations are based on district criteria which include standardized test scores, cumulative average and student work habits.  

The majority of 6th grade students will be recommended for English Studies.  The only exceptions are students who have been identified by the school district as gifted and talented.   Please see the section below on the gifted and talented program for more information about English classes for these students.

All 6th grade students will be assigned to Science 6 and Social Studies 6.   Course descriptions are included in this catalog.   Course standards are available through a link on the Greenville Country School District website.   ( www.greenville.k12.sc.us )

The Gifted and Talented Program :  

In middle school, students who have been identified as gifted and talented or "challenge" by the district will be served through their English classes and will be recommended for English GT 6.  Parents who do not want their gifted and talented students assigned to these courses must contact their elementary school counselor so that proper paperwork, including a parent override form and a challenge withdrawal form , is completed.   Gifted and talented students are not necessarily  ​recommended for advanced math.  Any student who is recommended for an advanced math class such as Math 6/7 must meet district criteria as stated in the section above.

Related Arts Classes:

Our sixth grade students participate in two related arts (or elective) classes each day. Related arts courses may be one or two semesters in duration.   While teachers make recommendations for academic courses, students may choose some of their related arts courses during the registration process.

The Bryson Middle School Guidance Department makes every effort to place students in their preferred related arts classes.   Sometimes due to teacher allocations and/or student demand for particular courses, it may not be possible to honor all student requests.   Students will have opportunities in both their seventh and eighth grade years to request these related arts classes again.   Students who are not placed in the related arts classes of their choice in sixth grade will be given priority for the courses during the following school year.

All sixth grade students participate in physical education and health according to state law.   Students will be placed in a combination PE and health course for one semester during one of their 2 related arts class periods to meet this state requirement.

Students who require extra assistance in reading or math may be placed in our Reading Assistance or Skill Building class to provide extra support.   Placement into either of these classes will be based upon standardized test scores and/or teacher recommendation.  

Yearlong (Two Semester) Related Arts Courses:
Yearlong elective classes include Band 6, Strings 6 and Chorus 6.   These classes meet every day all year long.   Students who choose to participate in one of these classes should make a yearlong commitment to the class.   Course requirements will include outside practice and performances.   Students who are interested in participating in band, strings or chorus classes at any point during their middle school career  must enroll during their sixth grade year to qualify for courses in their 7th and 8th grade years.
 
Parents are encouraged to help their students make decisions with regard to participation in the middle school music program.   The teachers in our Music Department are willing to answer questions that parents or  students may have about our programs.   Many parents have questions about instrument rental and its cost.   Our band and strings teachers make every effort to work with parents in their efforts to obtain instruments.   Please contact Mrs. Julie Summey at 355-2178 for more information about the band program and contact Ms. Chandler Klotz at 355-2118 for information about our strings program.  

One Semester Related Arts Courses:
Students who are involved in 2 semester (yearlong) elective classes (band, strings or chorus)  still will be able to request 1 other semester elective class.   Students who do not register for year long elective classes may request 3 semester elective classes.   Students are encouraged to explore new interests through their elective choices.     Semester elective courses include Research Skills/STEAM 6, Art 6, Music and Theater, General Music, Spanish 6, Life Fitness, and Digital Literacy.

As is true throughout our district, requests  for elective classes are not guarantees , and placement in elective courses depends upon teacher allocation and student demand for the courses .


Special Education Classes

Bryson Middle School serves its special educational students in one of two environments:   the regular classroom or the self contained classroom.   Special education students who are placed in the regular classroom are served through the co-teaching model whereby two teachers work together to deliver the appropriate standards and to meet proper accommodations.    All special education students have Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and placement is a function of these.  

Some of our special education students may be placed in an educational support class which will meet during one of their related arts classes.   Students may be assigned to an educational support class for one or two semesters depending upon the requirement as stated by the IEP.   This educational support class is designed so that students can receive more intensive assistance in their deficit areas.   Again, placement in such classes is a function of a child's IEP.   If you have questions, please consult your child's elementary special education teacher.


Art 6- This course enables students to communicate ideas and concepts through a variety of artwork, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, arts and crafts. Students will focus on developing creative problem solving skills, visual literacy and personal expression.


Digital Literacy–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.


Gateway to Technology 6: Design & Modeling–Utilizing design approaches, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a part of the design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts students create models and documentation to solve problems.

 

General Music 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. 


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.   


Music & Theatre 6-- In this course the student will develop skills in singing, acting, and choreography. The student will gain an understanding of the process involved in creating a musical production. The student will also recognize the aspects of the history of American musical theater. This course combines and develops skills used in musical theater and choral music.  


Research Skills/STEAM 6th–This course provides students with training in the methodology and techniques of primary and secondary research in both print and non-print media, including electronic. The course content will also integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics skills 



Spanish 6-- 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.




Band 6–The 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 on an instrument and individual practice at home.   Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.


Chorus 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 signing, 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 musical concepts.


Strings 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.

 


 


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)
Title:
Reading Assistance 6th
10240000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course offers students remediation and additional assistance in reading skills in support of on grade level instruction in the regular Language Arts and/or Literature classroom. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement
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/7th
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.
Miscellaneous
Title:
Skill Building 6th
17990100
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
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