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 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.
Beck International Academy Registration 2024-2025
Principal’s Message
Let me be the first to welcome you to Beck International Academy! The transition from elementary to middle school is an exciting time and we are honored to be a part of your child’s journey through middle school. To help ease the anxiety that many students and parents face during this time, the faculty and staff at Beck offer our rising 6th grade students and their parents an opportunity to come into the school over the summer for Knight SHIFT. This program is a great opportunity for parents and students to visit the school, before any other students arrive, and learn all the ins and outs of middle school. Students also get to know each other by participating in fun interactive games and get a head start on the year by learning about lockers, IDs, changing classes, dress code, and any other questions or concerns they have. We believe that this is critical to easing the stress that some students feel during the transition.
Information about the time and date of Knight SHIFT will be sent home in May once the summer school calendar has been set.
If you are new to the Beck community, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the unique aspects that make Beck Academy one of the best middle schools in the state.
-We have a highly qualified teaching staff that is committed to maintaining a student centered learning environment. This is showcased consistently in above average achievement scores obtained by our students.
-We place a strong emphasis on teaching students strategies for success. We are focused on content mastery and provide a multitude of support for our students.
-We are determined to make a difference in the lives of our students by providing a positive learning environment to maximize student achievement. Academic achievements are celebrated on a quarterly basis and positive behavior is recognized biweekly through Fabulous Fridays.
-We are committed to providing a safe and secure school that includes a climate conducive to learning. We accomplish this with close supervision of students and consistent and fair discipline practices. Beck also has a uniform dress code to improve discipline and encourage a sense of belonging in our school. In addition, we offer an incentive program to students with our Fabulous Fridays. Students that have not received a disciplinary referral for approximately two weeks are allowed to wear Greenville County Dress Code.
-There are many leadership opportunities for students as we encourage and foster the development of a strong community. Students can serve as peer buddies and are encouraged to complete community service hours through volunteering in the school and in the community. Each grade level has an Assistant Principal to facilitate communication. We pride ourselves on our ability to work with parents to provide the best education possible for students. We communicate with parents on a regular basis through weekly phone blasts, School Information App for smart phones, and Facebook page updates.
-Our award winning PTSA is one of a kind! Not only are our parents committed to helping our school succeed, they also understand the different needs of our parents. To help with this, they have devised a variety of ways for parents to be involved. Regardless of your schedule and available time, there are opportunities for everyone. Our PTSA also produces an award winning e-newsletter to keep parents informed. You can sign up to receive an electronic copy by visiting our Beck Academy webpage at www.greenville.k12.sc.us/beck/. Scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see a link to subscribe to the newsletter. Just enter your email address and you will begin receiving the newsletter every two weeks.
There are so many great things going on at Beck, that we could not possibly list them all in one letter. The best way to experience Beck is to come in and get involved! I am excited about the possibilities of the upcoming school year. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions as we work together to make a difference in the lives of our students.
We look forward to meeting our Future Knights!
Jennifer Meisten, Principal
Mission
The mission of Beck Academy is to meet the needs of our diverse student body in an environment that nurtures, accepts, challenges, inspires, and empowers all students to achieve their individual best.
Beliefs
The middle school years can be very challenging for students as they navigate academics as well as social emotional development. Our teachers, staff and administrators strive to provide students with an appropriate level of support to help them successfully navigate these challenges. It is our goal to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. Teaching students how to learn and how to critically evaluate information to develop meaningful real world solutions is as important as learning facts.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and their experience of the world that they have experienced.
Through this approach, students develop an understanding of their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet through developmentally appropriate explorations of:
Teachers provide students with the tools to enable them to take responsibility for their own learning, thereby developing an awareness of how they learn best, of thought processes and of learning strategies.
Community and Service
Beck Academy promotes participation through community service. Community and Service extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to participate in the communities in which they live. The emphasis is on developing community awareness and concern, a sense of responsibility, and the skills needed to make an effective contribution to society.
Important Registration Dates
Beck Academy Registration Reference for Students & Parents:
Beck Academy has a 6 period day made up of 4 core academic periods and 2 elective periods. Your child's 5th grade teacher(s) will make recommendations for your child in the areas of English and Math. Science and social studies are mass assigned. Core academic courses offered at Beck Academy include:
Grade 6 Core Courses
English
English Gifted & Talented - Must meet district criteria & identified as Gifted & Talented.
English Studies
Math
Math 6/7 - Students should meet district criteria.
Math 6
Science 6
Social Studies 6
Parents who have questions about a recommendation(s) in the areas of English or math should contact your student's 5th grade teacher and/or elementary school counselor. Any parent wanting to override a recommendation should contact his/her student's 5th grade teacher and/or counselor to discuss the recommendation. The override should be completed at the elementary school and attached to the registration form prior to a student entering Beck Academy.
2024-2025 Elective Course Information
Beck Academy offers a variety of yearlong and semester elective options. Students enrolling with Beck Academy for the 2024-2025 school year will take 3-4 elective classes next year. Directions for selecting electives are as follows.
Elective 1: Physical/Health Education - This course is required and has been assigned to all students in the registration system.
Elective 2-4: Students will then have the option to choose 1 yearlong elective and one semester elective or 3 semester electives.
Alternates: Students must choose 3 alternates.
Important Information for Band & Strings Students
Beck Academy's band or strings teacher will be in contact with students after registration to help them choose an instrument. Please only select band OR strings not both.
Elective Courses for Grade 6
| Year Long Classes | Semester Classes |
| Band | PE- Required for all students |
| Strings | Art 6 |
| Read 180/System 44-Required if recommended | Chorus 6 |
| Reading Assistance-Criteria based enrollment | Career Education 6th |
| Gateway to Technology-Design and Model | |
| Spanish 6 | |
| General Music | |
| Theater 6 | |
| Broadcast Journalism 6 | |
|
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:
Theatre 6th
15210000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course explores theater arts through the use of creative dramatics, diction, vocal expression, improvisation, dramatization, technical theatre, audience etiquette, and theatre appreciation. Performances will be an outgrowth of study. 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:
Career Education 6th
18300000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course introduces the students to the careers that are available to them after their education. Students are given a chance to research and explore various careers as well as learn about the skills that are needed for a particular occupation. During this time, the students are also introduced to the career clusters that are used in the district. PREREQUISITE: None
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
Title:
Exploratory 6
17010100
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore and learn information and skills that will enhance their academic and personal lives in middle school. 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
|
|
Title:
Broadcast Journ 6th
17992100
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
In this course, students study journalism in a television broadcast setting. Study includes review of principles of journalism, writing, camera technique, research and interviewing, culminating in regular production of actual programming for in-school television and community viewing. PREREQUISITE: Teacher Recommendation
|
|
Title:
Visionary Teen Leadership
27991300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
Teen Leadership begins with a review of concepts learned in Foundational Teen Leadership, so that trust and safety can be established in a new setting, with new classmates. The course continues with Chapters 8 and 9 of the Teen Leadership Curriculum, covering: the importance of affirmation and listening skills; making meaningful relationships; understanding family types; the influence of vision on the future; developing a vision; how one’s approach to life determines how one accepts responsibility, and how it affects reaction to people and events; balancing dreams with reality; and, having a sense of purpose. With each chapter, students continue to develop confidence and build skills in delivering speeches. Each instructor will have Capturing Kids’ Hearts training and be curriculum certified by the Flippen Group.
|
|
Title:
Responsible Teen Leadership
27991400
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
Responsible Teen Leadership begins with a review of concepts learned in Foundational Teen Leadership, so that trust and safety can be established in a new setting, with new classmates. The course continues with Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the Teen Leadership Curriculum, covering: the connections between choices and consequences; taking responsibility for their one’s own actions; what it means to live a principled life; examination and practice of concepts of effective communication; positive and negative peer pressure; and, defending and rescuing skills. With each chapter, students continue to develop confidence and build skills in delivering speeches. Each instructor will have Capturing Kids’ Hearts training and be curriculum certified by the Flippen Group.
|
|
Title:
Foundational Teen Leadership
27998200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
Foundational Teen Leadership is composed of the first four chapters of the Teen Leadership curriculum created by the Flippen Group, and is designed to produce quality leaders. The course covers: goals and relationships; the importance of first impressions; the process of reframing; internal and external qualities of leaders; emotional intelligence; the difference between image and self-concept; the relationship between public self and private self; the importance of values to leaders; and, community service. With each chapter, students develop confidence and build skills in delivering speeches. Each instructor will have Capturing Kids’ Hearts training and be curriculum certified by the Flippen Group.
|