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Table of Contents

Page 1
Planning Your Education - Grade 6
Online Registration
Promotion Criteria
Page 2
School Information
Page 6
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.

A Welcome Statement from
          Blue Ridge Middle School Principal Sandy Taylor

Welcome to Blue Ridge Middle School and Ridge Nation! We are excited to share opportunities for students to grow academically through course offerings at BRMS. Take a look at the course offerings and reach out if you have any questions. We are happy to have your child at our school and look forward to working with them.      



        Blue Ridge Middle School 

        2423 East Tyger Bridge Road

     Greer, SC 29651

   Phone: 864-355-1900

   Fax: 864-355-1966

    www.greenville.k12.sc.us/bridgems

 


Principal: Mrs. Sandy Taylor
Assistant Principal: Mr. Jay Grady
Assistant Principal: Mr. William Gillette
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Kelli Bechtel 

 

School Counseling Information

Visit the BRMS Counseling website for more information regarding counseling services at https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/blue-ridge-middle-counselors

 

8th Grade

Brittany Shepard

355-1904

bshepard@greenville.k12.sc.us

7th Grade

Sara Broome

355-1913

sbroome@greenville.k12.sc.us

6th Grade

Allyson Kilgore

355-1961

ankilgore@greenville.k12.sc.us

All Grades - Career Development & 504

Beverly Wilbanks

355-1994

bewilban@greenville.k12.sc.us 

School Counseling Clerk

Cindy Batson

355-1903

cybatson@greenville.k12.sc.us

School Counseling Clerk

Sarah Serpe

355-1957

sserpe@greenville.k12.sc.us


 

Related Arts Information 

During the two semesters in the year students have the opportunity to take up to four related arts classes.  Classes are set up as semester or year long classes.  The length of the class will determine how many related arts courses students are able to take during the year. 

   

6th Grade

Students may choose Band, Strings or Chorus.
These are year-long courses and take up two semesters.


Each student must choose PE. This is a semester long classes.  

Then, students may choose from the following courses to equal four semesters:

Art

Career Education

Character Education

Exploratory
General Music
GTT Design & Model
GTT Automation & Robotics
Service Learning (by application only)

 

 

 

 

 

celebrate teachers like Tara Sargent ...


Blue Ridge Middle School is proud to be recognized as a National Forum School to Watch and a vital part of our community schools network known as Ridge Nation. As a Schools to Watch designee, we are committed to continuous growth in the areas of academic excellence, social equity, and developmental responsiveness. Through Ridge Nation, our schools work collaboratively from K4 through graduation to build a better graduate—one who is career-ready, college-ready, or both. Together, we strive to provide the best educational experience in the Upstate.

                                                                                       School To Watch | Blue Ridge Middle School
Located at 2423 E. Tyger Bridge Road in Greer, South Carolina, Blue Ridge Middle serves approximately 900 students in a one-story facility that includes an auditorium, cafeteria, media center, nine science labs, and two Gateway to Technology labs. The building underwent a major renovation in 2001, and the auditorium received a full renovation in 2025. While we are situated in a rural community, we provide educational opportunities comparable to those in much larger districts.
Blue Ridge Middle offers a variety of high school credit courses, available both on campus and virtually. Students also have a wide range of athletic opportunities. Seventh and eighth-grade students may try out for basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball. Additionally, middle school students may participate in high school athletic programs, including wrestling, track, cross country, football, tennis, cheerleading, and golf.
Our students also thrive in the Fine Arts, with high-quality instruction in band, strings, chorus, and visual art. These programs provide numerous performance and exhibition opportunities throughout the year, including local concerts, state and theme park assessments, and regional art shows.
The BRMS career education program offers job shadowing, guest speakers, industry tours, district specialty center visits, a related arts career course, and career interest assessments to help students explore future pathways.
We also offer a variety of after-school programs such as our Extended Day Program, Science Club, Chess Club, and a highly successful VEX Robotics team, which has earned multiple local and statewide awards. Blue Ridge Middle also incorporates student service organizations, such as Student Council, Student/Principal Advisory Committee, known as Tiger PAC and Junior Beta. 
Blue Ridge Middle School remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student can excel. We are honored to serve our community and to continue the tradition of excellence that defines Ridge Nation.

 

Barney's VEX V5 Robotics Competition ...

 

 

 

 

Tips for a Successful Transition to Middle School


*Make sure you know the school rules and expect your child to follow them *Support the school and the teachers and administrators
*Attend parent programs and parent-teacher conferences
  *Establish a routine for doing homework everyday
*Discuss with your child how to make new friends *Assist your child with getting organized and having all of their supplies
*Encourage the use of the school agenda to write down daily homework *Recognize your child's growing independence- while they may need guidance they do not need parents who try to solve all of their problems for them *Encourage your child to try new things and to get involved in school activities *Insist on daily attendance- have them in school and on time daily
*Encourage a healthy lifestyle
*Show an interest in what your child is studying *Make homework your child's responsibility, but help with time management *Talk about the importance of getting a good education
*Communicate with your child daily that you LOVE THEM


 

 

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:
Band 6 Brass
15311600
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides beginning-level instruction for trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. 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:
Band 6 Woodwinds
15311700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course is a beginning-level course for Woodwind instruments. Middle school literature will be studied. 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
Title:
Electronic Music
25999600
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
This semester class will focus on using digital audio workstations (DAWs), along with virtual instruments and effects, for producing music and designing sounds to be used in various applications. There will be heavy focus on production techniques using pre-made instrument samples and arrangements or using the student's own compositions. The class will use computer-based automation software equipped with midi controllers for real-time interactivity and external controlling of production parameters. Students will get a feel for what it would be like to produce music, score film, compose with computers, and work in sound design. 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:
GTT6 Automation & Robotics
17810000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
Students trace the history and development of automation and robotics. They learn about structures, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for careers in engineering.
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:
Character Ed 6th
17990200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
Character Education is a related arts class where students participate in activity based on universal virtues such as, integrity, cooperation, respect, and responsibility in order to make healthy and caring decisions and to develop self discipline that leads to a lifetime of success in all areas of life. PREREQUISITE: None
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:
Service Learning
27993900
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
Service Learning is designed for participants to learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet community needs through a collaboration between the school and community. It provides students with opportunities to use newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-life situations in their own communities. The course emphasizes essential life skills such as effective communication, problem solving, goal setting, and teamwork. Students will address real-life problems and make meaningful contributions to the school and community. The emphasis will be on planning, serving, and evaluating. PREREQUISITE: None