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 Graders
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 classes are determined by teacher recommendations based on district set criteria for each of these classes. The elementary teachers are responsible for completing recommendations for their students. Once recommendations are made for individual students, they will have limited choices available based on those recommendations. It is the parents’ responsibility to review all academic course recommendations for accuracy and to assist the children in the registration process. Any parent that has concerns with the academic recommendations is encouraged to contact the current teacher/s during the designated registration window. The academic placement is finalized at the close of the registration process.
Related Arts courses are selected based on requests, enrollment, teacher allocations and class size, as well as the limited number of students enrolled for the inaugural year. Due to these restrictions, students may not be enrolled in the requested choices. As students rank their related arts courses, they should choose the courses that interest them the most, while keeping in mind there are no guarantees for course selections.
The administration, faculty and staff at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School are excited for new class of sixth graders. While there are many challenges, it is our goal to make this transition, a positive one, full of amazing opportunities. Parents, begin preparing your child for middle school by setting goals, addressing changes that are inevitable and fostering a love of learning in this innovative school.
Academic Course Placement Policy
Students are recommended for the academic courses by the current teachers using district mandated criteria. The Greenville County School District develops course placement criteria based on students’ grades and standardized test scores. The goal is for all students to achieve success. Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School has a seven (7) period schedule. Students will attend seven periods each day. There are four core courses, a STEAM course, Study Topics and a physical education/health course requirement for all students. Based on standardized test results, some students may be required to take an additional reading, math or both course/s. The number of related arts courses is dependent on each individual student. Related arts courses should be ranked and decisions will be made based on need and availability. (S)= Semester, (Q)= Quarter
English – 1 required
English GT 6
English Studies 6
Math – 1 required
Math 6
Math 6/7
Science – required
Science 6
Social Studies – required
Social Studies 6
Research Skills/STEAM (Q) – required
Physical Education/Health – required
Physical Education/Health (S)
Academic-
Broadcast Journalism (Q)
Spanish 6 Beginner (Q)
Career Education (Q)
Arts
Band 6
Chorus 6
Strings 6
Art 6 (Q)
Theatre (Q)
Career and Technical
GTT 6 Design Model (Q)
GTT 6 Auto Robotics (Q)
Video Gaming (Q)
All students at the completion of the registration process should have a total of 7 classes.
Required courses are: English, Math, Social Studies, Science, PE (S), Advisory & STEAM (Q). The other 1.25 classes will be chosen from related arts options. For your Related Arts, you will select your classes in one of the two combinations: 1 yearlong & 1 quarter class OR 5 quarter classes.
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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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Title:
Creative Writing 6th
10992200
Course Number:
Unit Credit:
0
Grade Level:
6
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. PREREQUISITE: None
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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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