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. Schools will post the courses that they will be offering the next school year in a course curriculum guide which will be located on the school's website. 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.
The South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) requires school districts to develop a curriculum organized around the career cluster system–16 career clusters, schools of study, and majors. In the organization of the district curriculum around the career cluster system, Greenville County Schools divided the 16 career clusters into five schools of study. These five schools of study include School of Arts, Media, & Communication; School of Business, Marketing & Information Systems; School of Engineering, Manufacturing & Environmental Sciences; School of Health Science; and School of Public and Human Services. Under each school of study a student will find related career clusters. The career clusters are then broken down into academic focus areas (majors) that students may choose based on interests and skills.
Personal Pathways to Success is the name given to this reorganization of the curriculum which is designed to help students take control of planning for their futures. Personal Pathways to Success provides the solid mix of academic and technical skills students need to compete in the global economy. It gives students a reason to achieve in school by connecting success in school with success in life. It maintains South Carolina's core academic requirements while opening up pathways to success for students no matter where they lead – to two-year colleges, four-year colleges or universities, the military, or directly into the workforce. Students, parents, and counselors work together to develop Individual Graduation Plans (IGP) that specify a student's cluster, academic focus (major), post-secondary goals, planned high school activities, and planned out-of-class activities. The Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) is a document that states the student's intentions related to courses that are taken during high school. The IGP is initiated in the 8th grade with the choice of a cluster area. When the IGP is updated in the 10th grade, the student will select an academic focus (major) within their cluster of choice. The courses that are taken are determined by the student's interests. It can be modified over time as interests and skills develop or change. The IGP is like a road map to the future: if the student stays on course, the student will reach the destination – graduation – with all the courses, skills and experience needed to take his education or career to the next level. Each year the student, parents/guardians, and counselors will review and update the plans for the coming year. Switching clusters or majors is okay -- as the high school years progress and the student learns more about his interests and skills there are bound to be changes in choice of coursework. It is just as important for a student to learn what he doesn't like as it is for him to learn what he does like. Just remember: This is a road map to the future.
The following link provides more information on Personal Pathways to Success: http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/district/schools/eeda/index.asp
Charles Townes Center Middle School
7th Grade 8th Grade Math Math 8 for 7th Or Algebra I Honors Algebra I Honors Or Geometry English Language Arts English GT 7 English I Honors Social Studies Social Studies 7 Social Studies 8 Science Science 7 Science 8 Spanish Spanish I Spanish II
The following pages contain information about course selection for 7th and 8th grade students. 7th and 8th grade students all take 5 core academic classes, including Spanish. Students also take 2 periods of related arts classes everyday.
Students will receive a paper registration which includes teacher recommendations and choices for related arts classes. Students will rank the related arts classes they are interested in taking on paper first. Then students will transfer these selections to the online registration program. This process will take place at school.
Rising 7th Graders
Academic Classes:
You can view the course descriptions for all academic and related arts classes in our course catalog.
Math placement will be based on district criteria. All 7th graders will be placed in the same English, Science and Social Studies classes.
English GT 7
Science 7
Social Studies 7
Math:
Math 8 for 7th graders
Algebra I
Related Arts Classes:
Students will receive a related arts ranking sheet and will rank their related arts in order of preference.
If you are interested in taking a year long class (Band or Strings) you will indicate that on the related arts ranking sheet.
Desktop Publishing is a technology class that has taken the place of Keyboarding. It is offered virtually, and requires a certain amount of independence and self-motivation. ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST PASS A PROFICIENCY EXAM DURING 7TH OR 8TH GRADE OR TAKE THE DESKTOP PUBLISHING CLASS.
One semester of health/pe is required each year (6th-8th)
Rising 8th Graders
Academic Classes:
You can view the course descriptions for all academic and related arts classes in our course catalog.
Math placement will be based on district criteria. All 8th graders will be placed in the same English, Science, and Social Studies classes.
English I Honors
Science 8
SC/ US History 8
Math
Algebra I
Geometry
Related Arts Classes:
Students will receive a related arts ranking sheet and will rank their related arts in order of preference.
If you are interested in taking a year long class (Band or Strings) you will indicate that on the related arts ranking sheet.
Desktop Publishing is a technology class that has taken the place of Keyboarding. It is offered virtually, and requires a certain amount of independence and self-motivation. ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST PASS A PROFICIENCY EXAM DURING 7TH OR 8TH GRADE OR TAKE THE DESKTOP PUBLISHING CLASS.
One semester of health/pe is required each year (6th-8th)
Middle School Information:
Students go to their lockers beginning at 7:50, and must be in their homeroom class at 8:00. Be here on time.
PTA sells planners at the beginning of the year. We require that you purchase this planner as it also contains Hall passes.
Grades are very important and can have an impact on your participation in clubs (Youth in Government, Model UN, and Jr. Beta Club). How you perform academically will also impact your course choices in middle school and high school. If you plan on applying to a magnet high school, your middle school grades, attendance and discipline record will all be reviewed.
Organization is a key to success in middle school. Start off writing assignments in your planner so you can get into the habit.
Dress code for middle school students is strictly enforced. Please review the parent/ student handbook. Be advised that in addition to the printed policy a principal may deem certain attire inappropriate for school.
Cell phones and electronics are not allowed to be turned on in the school building. Cell phones should be kept in a locker. If a cell phone is confiscated from a child it will be handled as follows:
1st Offense: Phone will be returned to a parent
2nd Offense: Phone will be held by administration for 30 days
3rd Offense: Phone will be held by administration for 60 days
4th Offense: Phone will be held by administration for the remainder of the school year.
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English
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Title:
English GT 7
20013200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Identified as GTA (Gifted and Talented Academic)and a MAP RIT score >240
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.
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Title:
Eng 1H:Genre Analysis
301116HW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Students identified as GTA automatically qualify. Students who are not identified as GTA must meet the following five criteria: PASS scores of Exemplary in 6th grade or 7th grade; MAP RIT score of 240 or above in Reading; High level of performance in reading and writing skills; Ability to think critically and demonstrated enthusiasm for language arts; Teacher recommendation
This is an honors-level high school course for academically gifted eighth grade students who have the ability to pursue an accelerated English program. These students are taking a high school level course in preparation for Advanced Placement English (college level courses) in their junior and senior years; therefore, the coursework will reflect more rigor than other middle school English courses. Literary study includes all genres, and students will be required to read extensively from texts with a wide range of complexity. Students in English 1 Honors will be expected to exhibit critical thinking skills when analyzing what they have read. Nonfiction readings will incude literary criticism as well as political essays, memoirs, and historical texts. Composition skills of those entering the course must exceed mere proficiency and should exhibit the student's understanding of voice, style, and purpose. Grammar and usage skills will be reviewed through mini-lessons preceding each writing assessment. Students should expect major essay assignments on a frequent basis and for writing skills to constitute a large percentage of the final grade. The rigor of this course will fully prepare students for the EOC testing in English 1 and all future Honors or AP English courses. Note: This course earns high school credit and carries Honors GPA weighting.
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Title:
Creative Writing 7
20991700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course, designed for students interested in written expression, includes a study of the various forms of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Students will create portfolios of their own creative writing and experiment with various forms of expression.
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Title:
Speech And Debate 7
20992000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course is for students who wish to learn more about the art of public speaking. The course includes instruction in the fundamentals of speech composition and delivery, original oratory, and debate and parliamentary procedure. In addition, this course includes an introduction to forensic (speech & debate) competition with an overview of selected forensic events.
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Title:
Speech And Debate 8
20993700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course is for students who wish to learn more about the art of public speaking. The course includes instruction in the fundamentals of speech composition and delivery, original oratory, and debate and parliamentary procedure. In addition, this course includes an introduction to forensic (speech & debate) competition with an overview of selected forensic events.
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Title:
Creative Writing 8
20994400
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course, designed for students interested in written expression, includes a study of the various forms of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Students will create portfolios of their own creative writing and experiment with various forms of expression.
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Math
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Title:
Math 8 for 7th Graders
21100800
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Must meet district criteria including Teacher recommendation
This standards-based eighth grade course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, and integers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
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Title:
Algebra 1 H
411103HW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7-10
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Math teacher recommendation
This honors-level course will be a more extensive study of the algebraic concepts traditionally covered in Algebra 1. It is an intense program that includes all topics taught in Algebra 1 as well as additional enrichment topics. Students in this course must take a state-mandated end-of-course test as the final exam, and it will count as 20% of the final grade.
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Title:
Geometry H
412103HW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8-10
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Algebra 1 Honors or Algebra 1 CP with Math teacher recommendation
This honors-level course is for motivated mathematics students who are candidates for AP Calculus. It includes all topics taught in Geometry as well as a unit in formal logic and other enrichment topics.
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Science
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Title:
Science 7
22211300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or science course
The focus of science in seventh grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Cells and Heredity-structure and function of cells and heredity; Human Systems and Disease-functions and interconnections within the human body and breakdown of these functions due to disease; Ecology-the Biotic and Abiotic Environment-interactions and responses between biotic and abiotic components and organisms; and Chemical Nature of Matter-classifications, properties and changes in matter.
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Title:
Science 8
22513500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or science course
The focus for science in eighth grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Earth's Biologic History-Earth's biologic diversity over time; Structure and Process in Earth System-materials and processes that alter the structure of Earth; Astronomy-characteristics, structure, and motions of celestial bodies in the universe; Forces and Motion-effects of forces on the motion of an object; and, Waves-properties and behaviors of waves.
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Social Studies
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Title:
Social Studies 7
23101300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or course
Seventh grade social studies continues the study of world cultures with a focus on the changes that have occurred in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from 1600 to the present. Students examine the history, geography, and continuing changes in political and economic ideas that have shaped the world in which we live today. Students also address the growing interaction among societies developing concurrently during this period, including the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. 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.
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Title:
SC/US History 8
23203500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of previous grade or course
Eighth grade social studies focuses on the story of the history of South Carolina and the role that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a nation. Students learn about the state’s development during colonial times and the growth of the American ideal which led to the break with England, the rising controversy about slavery, and the Civil War. The study of the rebuilding of South Carolina after the Civil War and the continuing struggle for civil rights and justice waged by the people of South Carolina allows students to see the progress that the state has made and to appreciate the contributions that its people have made to the nation as a whole. Students also learn about the major political, economic, and social changes in South Carolina through the twentieth century and to the present in the context of national and worldwide events. 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 in our state’s history.
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Arts
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Title:
Art 7-1
25011600
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Students will develop creative-thinking and problem-solving skills as they observe the world around them. They will explore and produce 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.
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Title:
Art 7-2
25012700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Previous art instruction and teacher recommendation
Techniques for drawing and design, creative problem-solving, personal expression and artistic craftmanship will be studied. As a part of the curriculum of this course for more experienced students, a variety of experiences with local artists and community arts organizations will be explored.
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Title:
Art 8-1
25014100
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Students will refine their ability to communicate visually, manage a wide range of tools and materials, and achieve quality, style, and craftsmanship in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. Students will have opportunities for evaluating and critiquing their own and other students’ artwork as wall as studying artists and analyzing their work.
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Title:
Art 8-2
25014400
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Previous art instruction with teacher recommendation
The purpose of this course is to teach students who have advanced art ability to achieve work at a higher level than the general art classes. The knowledge of the principles and elements of design will be studied in depth through vigorous exercises and research. Students will be involved in a variety of experiences with local artists and community arts organizations.
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Title:
Art 78 Combination
25015000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7-8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Previous art instruction with teacher recommendation
This course provides an in-depth study of the elements (line, form, color, value, and texture) and the principals (balance, rhythm, variety, harmony, emphasis) of design in art. Students in this advanced-level class will develop a personal portfolio to demonstrate learned knowledge and process-driven examples of their work.
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Title:
Band 7
25311300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Band 6 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Band 6 for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Intermediate-level 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.
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Title:
Band 8
25313500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Band 7 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Band 7 for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Advanced-level 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.
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Title:
Strings 7
25511300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Strings 6 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Strings 6 for violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Intermediate-level 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 strings 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.
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Title:
Strings 8
25513500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Strings 7 or permission of instructor
This course is a continuation of Strings 7 for violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Advanced-level 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 strings 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.
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Title:
Music 7
25611300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
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.
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Title:
Music 8
25613500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
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.
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Title:
Graphic Art & Design 7
25991900
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
The purpose of this course is to challenge the students’ problem solving skills through the relationship of images and fonts. Compasses, French curves, protractors and ruler knowledge will be used to solve technical projects manually. The students will also learn the basics of letter formations and typographical formats. Some projects will be enhanced with computer graphics.
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Title:
Graphic Art & Design 8
25992000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
The purpose of this course is to challenge the students’ problem solving skills through the relationship of images and fonts. Compasses, French curves, protractors and ruler knowledge will be used to solve technical projects manually. The students will also learn the basics of letter formations and typographical formats. Some projects will be enhanced with computer graphics.
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Foreign Language
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Title:
Spanish 1 CP
365107CW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8-10
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
This course focuses on meaningful communication and language as it is used in real-world situations that students are most likely to encounter. Students will first begin to develop aural and oral skills, then read and write what they can say—familiar words, commands, phrases, short sentences, and basic questions. They will learn to use predictable language in familiar settings. They will begin to develop cultural awareness and the ability to recognize the products, practices, and perspectives of the culture they study. Students will also develop insights into their own language through linguistic and cultural comparisons with the foreign language and culture they study and use the language to expand their knowledge in all content areas.
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Title:
Spanish 2 CP
365207CW
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
1.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
9-12
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
Spanish 1
This course focuses on meaningful communication and language as it is used in real-world situations that students are most likely to encounter Students will continue to learn to use predictable language in familiar settings and begin to not only express basic needs, but elaborate on them . They will continue to develop cultural awareness and the ability to recognize the products, practices, and perspectives of the culture. Students will continue to develop insights into their own language through linguistic and cultural comparisons with the foreign language and culture they study and use the language to expand their knowledge in all content areas.
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Physical Education
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Title:
PE / Health 7
24403700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
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.
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Title:
PE / Health 8
24403900
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
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.
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Miscellaneous
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Title:
Math Counts 7
21991300
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Math Counts is a coaching and competition program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders nationwide. Students who have a strong interest in mathematics can select this class to explore mathematics beyond what is typically taught in middle school classrooms. Participating schools will select individuals or teams to compete in written and oral competitions at the regional level in February. Top teams and individuals at the regional level will advance to the state competition in March. State level winners will then advance to the national competition.
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Title:
Math Counts 8
21993500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
Math Counts is a coaching and competition program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders nationwide. Students who have a strong interest in mathematics can select this class to explore mathematics beyond what is typically taught in middle school classrooms. Participating schools will select individuals or teams to compete in written and oral competitions at the regional level in February. Top teams and individuals at the regional level will advance to the state competition in March. State level winners will then advance to the national competition.
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Title:
Life Fitness 7
24991500
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
7
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
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.
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Title:
Life Fitness 8
24993700
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0.00
Duration:
Grade Level:
8
Short Title:
Prerequisite:
None
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.
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