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.
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School Registration
Rising 6th Grade Students
Welcome Firebirds! The transition from elementary school to middle school is a huge change for incoming students. It is an exciting opportunity to experience more freedom and autonomy. Please make sure to take your time and select courses, through the registration process, that interest you and meet your academic needs.
Academic course placement in English and Math courses are determined by the elementary teacher recommendations based on district set criteria. The elementary school teachers are responsible for completing recommendations for each of their students. At the middle school level, there are no parent overrides for core course placement. It is encouraged that the parents/guardians review all academic course recommendations and assist their student during the registration process that takes place during the spring of their 5th grade school year. Any parent that has concerns with the academic recommendations is encouraged to contact the current teachers during the designated registration window.
During the registration process, students request their Related Arts courses. The scheduled courses are selected based upon requests, enrollment, teacher allocations, and class size. Due to these restrictions, students may not be enrolled in the requested choices. As students request their Related Arts courses, they should choose the courses that interest them the most, while keeping in mind that there are no guarantees for course placement.
The administration, faculty, and staff at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School are excited to welcome the new class of sixth grade Firebirds. While the transition to middle school can be challenging, it is our goal to make this transition positive and full of wonderful opportunities. Parents/Guardians can begin preparing their child for middle school by setting goals, addressing changes that are inevitable, and fostering a love for learning in this innovative school.
Academic Course Placement Policy
Students are recommended for the academic courses by their current teachers using district- mandated criteria. The Greenville County School District develops course placement criteria based on students’ progress, grades, and standardized test scores. The goal is for all students to achieve success. Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School has a seven period schedule. Students will attend seven courses each day. There are four core courses, a STEAM course, Study Topics/Advisory, and the state- mandated Physical Education/Health course requirement for all students. The number of Related Arts courses is dependent on each individual student. Related Arts courses should be ranked and scheduling will be made based upon requests, enrollments, teacher allocations, and class sizes.
ALL 6th Grade students are required to take the following courses:
English Studies 6 or English GT 6
Math 6 or Math 6 Advanced
Science 6
Social Studies 6
Resarch Skills/STEAM (Quarter)
PE/Health (Semester)
Related Arts courses will be selected in one of the two combinations: 1 yearlong & 1 quarter class OR 5 quarter classes in addition to the 1 semester of PE/Health and the 1 quarter of Research Skills/STEAM.
Core academic courses offered at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School include:
English Studies 6
English GT 6 - Must meet district criteria & identified as Gifted and Talented.
Math 6
Math 6 Advanced - Must meet district criteria
Science 6
Social Studies 6
English and Math anticipated middle school course progression paths:
English Studies 6 >> English Studies 7 >> English Studies 8 or English I Honors
English GT 6 >> English GT 7 >> English I Honors
Math 6 >> Math 7 >> Math 8
Math 6 Advanced >> Math 7 Advanced >> 8th Grade Math & Geometry & Statistics
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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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Math
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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 (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
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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:
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
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Title:
Dance 6th
15250000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental knowledge in dance, to recognize choreographic processes, enhance aesthetic awareness, and make connections between dance and other subjects. Students will participate in technical exercises, improvisation, and dance composition, and will study early and contemporary modern dancers. Performances will be an outgrowth of study. 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:
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
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Title:
Singers Chorus
25993000
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6 - 8
This course is for students with advanced vocal talents. Students study either early music literature, vocal jazz, or popular music. They learn the elements of music, proper tone quality production, music reading, and vocal flexibility as it relates to style. The direction and emphasis of the course are determined by the instructor. PREREQUISITE: Instructor approval
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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:
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.
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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.
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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
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Miscellaneous
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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:
Research Skills 6th
17991200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides students with training in the methodology and techniques of primary and secondary research in both print and non-print media, including electronic. PREREQUISITE: None
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Title:
Pod Casting 6th
17991400
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
This course provides the student an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with small groups to create audio broadcasts, photo stories, and short video movies. Students will use free computer software, media files downloaded from the Internet, and their own recorded voices. PREREQUISITE: None
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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
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