SIMMONS
MIDDLE
Simmons offers a wide variety of elective course offerings at all grade levels. Those who attend a Simmons' feeder school will receive course selection sheets in the spring and at that time be able to choose from the options below. If you are transferring to Simmons from another distrcit or feeder pattern, elective choices will be made upon registering onsite with the school. All students recieve one year-long PE course.
EXPLORATORY
The exploratory option varies by grade level. 6th grade students who choose this track are randomly assigned to four of our elective options: Art, Computer Science, Theatre, Spanish, and Family Living. They will spend 9 weeks in each of their assigned courses.
7th grade students will rank their preferred electives and be assigned to courses based upon that information. The courses are still 9 weeks, although Art and Theatre do allow semester students with permission from the teacher.
8th grade students choose elective offerings and spend a semester with each. Art and Theatre do offer year long options based on teacher approval and availibility. **An additional elective option will be offered to 8th graders only, based upon academic standing.
For additional information, please visit the pages below:
SMS THEATRE
SMS COMPUTER
SMS SPANISH
SMS FAMILY LIVING
LIBRARY AIDE
Pre-Requisite: Application Process
Library Aides positions are available for a small group of students based on application, interview and teacher recommendations. Applications are released int he Spring for 7th and 8th graders and at the end of the 1st nine weeks for 6th graders. Library aides go through extensive training in order to serve their fellow students and the Simmons faculty. Students are required to read, create promotional book materials, projects, and presentations. Students must also become proficient in the use of the online catalog, Google Applications, Multi-media programs and other related technologies.
BAND
SMS is proud to offer mulitple band opportunities for students during their elective period. ALL BAND CLASSES ARE YEAR LONG COMMITMENTS and require additional fees.
BEGINNING BAND (7th & 8th)
Pre-Requisite: None
This ensemble is offered to any student who has an interest in learning to play a band instrument. To maintain membership in this band, students are required to play their instrument within the performance expectations set for the class and attend all performances and rehearsals.
7th and 8th Grade Concert Band
Pre-Requisite: Audition/ Director Recommendation This ensemble is offered to 7th and 8th grade students who have demonstrated a moderate level of musical competency on their instrument. To maintain membership in this band, students are required to play their instrument within the performance expectations set for the class and attend all performances and rehearsals. Failure to fulfill these requirements will result in removal from the performance organization.
HONOR BAND
Pre-Requisite: Audition/Director Recommendation
Honor Band Auditions will be held in the fall. The Honor Band is an enrichment activity for students who are in the Concert Band. This ensemble is offered to 7th and 8th Grade students who have demonstrated a high level of musical competency on their instrument. To maintain membership in this band, students are required to play their instrument within the performance expectations set for the class and attend all performances and rehearsals. Failure to fulfill these requirements will result in removal from the performance organization.
JAZZ BAND
Pre-Requisite: Audition/Director Recommendation
Jazz Band Auditions will be held in the fall. The ensemble will meet before school on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00 AM. Students will learn various jazz styles of music and will be introduced to improvisation. High performance expectations are also held for this select group of musicians and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
CHOIR
The Simmons Choral Department offers a wide range of choral experiences, meeting the needs of those brand new to music as well as experienced choral singers. ALL CHOIR CLASSES ARE YEAR LONG COMMITMENTS and require additional fees.
SIXTH GRADE CHOIR
Pre-Requisite: None
The sixth grade choir is open to young men and women who are interested in music. All singers are welcome, including those who don't think they can sing! That is what choir is for! To become a member of the choir, students are required to pay a uniform fee. These students are also able to audition for the Young Voices Choral Festival in Tuscaloosa.
SEVENTH GRADE CHOIR
Pre-Requisite: None
The seventh grade choir is also open to young men and women who are interested in music. Students who participated in the 6th grade choir will move into this choir automatically, however new members are always welcome! To become a member of the choir, students are required to pay a uniform fee. These students are also able to audition for the Young Voices Choral Festival in Tuscaloosa and the All-State Choir.
EIGHTH GRADE CHOIR
Pre-Requisite: None
The eight grade choir is also open to young men and women who are interested in music. Students who participated in the 7th grade choir will move into this choir automatically, however new members are always welcome! To become a member of the choir, students are required to pay a uniform fee. These students are also able to audition for the Young Voices Choral Festival in Tuscaloosa and the All-State Choir.
SYNERGY
Pre-Requisite: Audition
Synergy is a 44-48 member auditioned choir comprised of highly motivated 7th and 8th grade choral students. This choir performs traditional choral literature. In addition, Synergy is a highly competitive show choir that competes at various locations in the Southeast. Auditions for Synergy are held in May with additional auditions held in August for any students new to SMS. Members of Synergy are required to attend additional extracurricular rehearsals in addition to their in-class time. There are also additional fees attached to this group covering their travel and additional costumes.
GIRLS CHORALE
Pre-Requisite: Audition
Girls Chorale is an auditioned choir comprised of highly motivated 7th and 8th grade female choral students. This choir performs traditional choral literature and meets outside the school day only. Auditions for Girls Chorale are held in May with additional auditions held in August for any students new to SMS. There are no additional fees attached to this group.