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.
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SIXTH GRADE COURSE CATALOG
ADMINISTRATION
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Principal |
Daniel Greene |
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Assistant Principal |
Brianna Falvey |
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Administrative |
Corey Ramey |
| Administrative Assistant |
Carrie Klemm |
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Instructional |
Angela Bruce |
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Counselors |
6th Grade: Caitlynn Murphy 7th Grade: Ashley Martin 8th Grade: Rachel Moon All Grades: Alice Atkinson |
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Student Records |
Sharon Smith |
The Northwest Middle School community unites to achieve academic excellence and personal success!
Planning Your Education
Northwest Middle School provides this course curriculum guide as a means of assisting students and parents in understanding and planning their student's course of study. Students are encouraged to carefully select related arts courses during the registration process. School counselors and teachers will assist and answer any questions that may arise. Parents are encouraged to actively participate by assisting their student.
The information included in this curriculum guide provides the different types of classes that will be offered to your child at Northwest Middle. Northwest is already working with the 5th grade teachers and counselors to ensure that your student is placed in the appropriate academic courses.
Currently, all grade levels are comprised of separate teams. Your child will be assigned to one of these teams. It is this team that will provide your student with all academic courses of English, Math, Science and Social Studies, as well as advisory. Related Arts courses are not teamed. Students from all three teams will be merged together for related arts courses.
The teaming concept allows a core group of teachers the opportunity to provide a more student centered approach to learning by allowing them to focus on a fewer number of students. Northwest has found that building that relationship component with the students and families has had a direct impact on student achievement.
Courses for 6th Graders:RELATED ARTS INFORMATION
Semester Long Courses
PE (Required)
Art
Agriculture Education
Piano
Video Gaming
Office Assistant
Math Assistance
Reading Assistance
Computer Tech
Year Long Courses
Band
Chorus
Strings
Academic Support
Reading Assistance and Math Assistance are semester courses that are designed to provide students with additional support and academic services in English/Language Arts and Math. Placement is determined by Spring SC Ready scores and previous grades. Any parent interested in their student enrolling in these classes should contact the grade level counselor.
Academic Standards
For academic areas, state standards guide both curriculum and classroom instruction. Each teacher outlines his/her projected plans both academically and procedurally in a course syllabus available online and by request in print form. South Carolina standards are located at www.ed.sc.gov.
Athletics
Students are eligible to try out for various sports beginning in seventh grade. Students will be held to the same guidelines for try-outs and conditioning as high school students. Announcements and information will be sent out at various times during the year regarding different activities.
Currently we have football, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, and soccer. If a sport is not offered at NWMS, students in 7th and 8th grade may try out for a team through Travelers Rest High School. For athletic related information, please contact the Athletic Director, Ellen Greene, at the school.
Clubs and Organizations
Students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations. Throughout the year, sponsors for various activities will announce meetings and projects. Being involved in our school will help create a more positive experience and will help our school be more successful. Clubs can be started with an approved advisor and approval from the Principal.
We have the following clubs/organizations at Northwest Middle: Robotics, Criminal Justice, Yearbook, Girls on the Run, Bike Club, and Student Council.
School Counseling Services
Students are encouraged to visit our counseling department. Some of the services provided include: basic counseling, career counseling, student/student conflicts, schedule planning, time-management and study skills.
If an appointment is needed, students and/or parents should contact the grade level counselor. If there is an emergency, please report directly to the counseling or administrative offices.
Parent Conferences
Parents are strongly encouraged to stay in contact with their child’s teacher. Parent conferences can be scheduled during the teacher’s planning time, before school, or after school. In order to provide the best supervision and instruction to all students, parents are asked not to interrupt classes. The office staff will be glad to have the teacher contact you to schedule a conference. When questions or concerns arise, parents may contact the teacher by e-mail, a note with your student or in the student agenda or by leaving a message with the front office. Administrators will be happy to meet with parents as needed after a conference has occurred with the teacher.
Parent/Teacher Organization (PTA)
Regular meetings will be held during the school year. Our PTA organizes and supports a number of events and programs in our school. Get involved and join the PTA today! We expect all parents to join and support the work of the PTA.
School Improvement Council
Northwest Middle School has developed a School Improvement Council (SIC) consisting of community members, students, parents, and staff members. This group works in conjunction with the principal and the school to develop a mission for the Northwest Middle School SIC. For more information on becoming a member of the SIC, please contact the principal.
Strategies to Help You Handle Potential Academic Problems
The primary goal of Northwest Middle School is the education of our students. We have established a variety of systems to help students with academic problems.
Proven Study Skills!
Textbooks
Students will be assigned textbooks for some subjects. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of and keep up with textbooks. If a textbook is lost or damaged, the student will be responsible for making payments as deemed necessary. Students who tamper with or remove the barcode from their book will be assessed a fine.
Tutoring Time
Every NWMS teacher provides on-going tutoring times and tutoring is open to all students.
Specific tutoring times for all teachers will be made available at the beginning of the school year and posted on the school website as well as each teacher's website.
Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome and appreciated at Northwest Middle School. All volunteers must complete annual paperwork required by the Greenville County School District before volunteering in any Northwest activity or project. This policy is designed with the safety and security of all students in mind. Volunteers are needed for a variety of reasons. Please contact the PTA or the school for further details.
Website & Social Media
Our website and social media (Facebook) are important communication tools for our school. Not only do they showcase life at NWMS, they also contain announcements, upcoming events, and important dates that are of interest to school stakeholders. Additionally, the link to the parent portal is on the website. Please consult the school should you have any questions about any information contained on the website or social media.
Students should experience success if they:
Come to school each day prepared and ready to learn.
Accept responsibility for their learning and behavior.
Use appropriate organizational skills including recording assignments.
Complete all assignments on time.
Reflect on their learning each day.
Communicate with their parents about school.
Are willing to ask questions and ask for help.
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English
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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.
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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)
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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
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Math
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Title:
Math Assistance 6th
11010000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course offers students remediation and additional assistance in math skills in support of on grade level instruction in the regular math classroom. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement
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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
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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
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Science
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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
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Social Studies
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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
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Arts
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Title:
Piano Keyboarding 6th
15990200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This class is an opportunity for students to learn the fundamentals of piano keyboarding. Students will learn the skill of reading music and will work on eye-hand coordination. Simple musical compositions will be practiced and performed. PREREQUISITE: None
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Foreign Language
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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
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Physical Education
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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
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Career and Technology
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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
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Miscellaneous
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Title:
Computer Tech 6
17010000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides the student an opportunity to work with word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. PREREQUISITE: Keyboarding skills
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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
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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
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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
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Title:
ESOL A - Multi-Grade
27998700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
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
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