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Message from Mrs. Kunze Events this week: Mon., 6th Golf Team Tryouts at The Champions Club 4-5:30 pm Volleyball away against Fruit Cove at 5:30 pm Tues., 7th Character Counts Luncheon Dreams Come True Meeting, 1:00 pm Talent Show Meeting, 1:00pm in the auditorium Auditions for Grease 2:00 pm Wed., 8th FCA Meeting Canceled Thus., 9th Spring Portraits during Social Studies Classes Volleyball Tournament starts 5:30pm at either LPA or FCMS Fri., 10th Spring Portraits during Social Studies Classes Band Solo & Ensemble, Creekside High School Chess club during study hall Surf club meeting during study hall Sat., 11th Band Solo & Ensemble, Creekside High School Sun, 12th 8th graders leave for Washington D.C. Student Volunteer of the Year This past Monday, Douglas Griswold, an 8th grader at Swiss Point received a visit from Superintendent, Dr. Joyner and Board Member, Mrs. Slough to congratulate him on being the Regional Winner for Student Volunteer of the Year. Douglas volunteers daily at Cunningham Creek Elementary School to work in the extended day ESE classroom. CONGRATULATIONS DOUGLAS - way to represent Switzerland Point - St. Johns County and our region!! Honor Band Participants - CONGRATULATIONS! Last Sunday the St. Johns Middle School's Honor Band performed at Pacetti Bay MS. The students listed below represented Switzerland Point. Their performance was impeccable!! Also, congratulations to Mrs. Zentz for rekindling the Middle School Honor Band, so these students have the opportunity to play with the best from our county. Tyler Aristimuno Jennan Abduljaber Andi Zentz Samantha Castle Kirsten Jacobs Shelby Purl David Damiani Sydnee Vaughan Jacob Floyd Collin Fonda Lily Khatibi Ryan Nugent Ashleigh Hatsell Sarah Hansen Students Honored at Art Show and Science Fair The following students were recognized at the St. Johns County Middle School Art Exhibition: Maddie Carter Madison Masters Lauren Burgess Gardner Cook AJ Gonzalez Great job students and Mr. Wilson!! Congratulations to Daniela McCarty who won 3rd place in the Junior Materials Physics Category at the District Science Fair. Way to go Daniela! Grades being updated in Parent Assist In an effort to help parents know when grades will be updated and to give teachers time to grade, we will have grades updated on three dates throughout the quarter. February 6th February 27th March 19th Please check parent assist on these days for the most accurate grades. Please contact the teacher first if you have any questions regarding grades. LEE Spanish Classes LEE Spring session starts on Feb. 28th, for six weeks. We will meet every T/Th after school for 45 min. Hurry up and sign up today! Space is limited. Fee: $95 per student, payable to LEE. Net proceeds benefit your school!!! Contact us at: LEEStJohns@aol.com or 657-1918 Attention 8th grade parents! On Thursday, our 8th graders attended High School Blitz at the World Golf Village to learn more about the various academies offered at all of our St. Johns County high schools. Parents were also invited to attend the High School Showcase that evening. Parents and students were able to meet teachers and other students representing these programs and were also able to receive information on programs of interest. .Online Academy Registration opened Friday (Jan. 27th), so your 8th grader may now choose to apply for an academy! The academy registration deadline is Feb. 13th. St. Johns District Schools offers a variety of Programs of Study and Career Academy options. The goal of these programs is to encourage relevant academics through real-world activities tied to student interests. Students can prepare for further education in academic and career areas which require post-secondary education at a college, university, community college or technical institute, and in career areas which are open for immediate employment upon graduation. Academy students can earn free college credit through dual enrollment or by earning industry certifications which may articulate to college credits. Please take the time to visit the academy website (click here to view) to explore the exceptional programs that St. Johns County has to offer. Parents and students may also attend the Academy Night offered at each high school if they would like to meet the teachers and get more information on particular academies of interest. Please see below for the dates. 2011-2012 Programs of Studies Timeline for Middle School students: Jan. 27 Online Academy Registration Opened Jan. 30-Feb. 9 Academy Nights offered at each high school (All Academy Nights begin at 6:00 p.m.) * Allen D. Nease High School - February 9, 2012
presentation at both 6 and 6:35 in the PAC giving an overview of pre-IB/IB and a question and answer time.
* Bartram Trail High School - February 7, 2012
* Creekside High School - February 2, 2012
* Pedro Menendez High School - January 31, 2012
* Ponte Vedra High School - February 6, 2012
* St. Augustine High School - January 30, 2012
* St. Johns Technical High School - January 30, 2012
Feb. 13 Academy Registration DEADLINE
Feb. 13 at Nease at 7pm there will be an IB Student/Parent Panel in the PAC to give their perspective on IB.
Feb 24 Letters of invitation (from each high school) are mailed to the students*
Feb 25 Online acceptance opens
March 2 Online acceptance DEADLINE**
March 5-6 BTHS comes to SPMS for 9th gr registration meetings with students and parents. You will receive info about an appointment time from BTHS beforehand.
* Please note that IF students apply for more than one program, they may receive multiple invitations.
** Students may only accept invitation(s) to one school, thereby committing to attending that selected school. Students may select an additional academy within that chosen school.
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Daily Rotation for the Week
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Week of February 6
Monday - Black Day
Tuesday - Silver Day
Wednesday - Black day - 1pm dismissal
Thursday - Silver day
Friday- Black day
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Volunteer Information | |
New System to Sign Up to Volunteer Coming Soon!!
SPMS is in the process of setting up an account with Sign Up Genius. It is an internet program that conveniently allows volunteers to sign up for events, to bring things to school, etc. Currently, the program is being set up to schedule FCAT proctors. Please continuously look for updates! Any questions or concerns regarding volunteering at SPMS, contact Cynthia Casper at
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PTSO News
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Next Meeting: February 15, 2012 at 9:30AM at SPMS.
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson Label News
Do not miss out on our final contest of the year which ends on 5/25/12. The top three students who send in the most labels will each win a gift card. Each student who brings in 50 valid labels will receive one Raider Buck. Please make sure to place your labels in a zip lock bag or an envelope with the student's name, grade and homeroom teacher's name listed. Thank you for supporting our school.
2012/2013 PTSO Board and Committees
This is the slate of candidates for the 2012/2013 PTSO Board and Committees. Election will be held in May.
Board:
President: Débora McCarty
1st VP Membership: Nery Dideo
2nd VP Fundraising: Mary Panariello
Treasurer: Sharon Moore
Secretary: Michelle Sotto
Committees:
Teacher Appreciation: Annette McIntosh
Concessions: Missy Kahn
Spirit Wear: Mary Ryan
Business Partner: TBA -- Still need volunteer
Volunteers: Cathy Wilson
Dance: Dyana Giles
Box Tops: Dena Warner
Book Fair: Nancy Ridley
5K Raider Run - February 25th at Bartram Trail High School at 9:00AM
Mark your calendars for our 5K Raider Run -- February 25th at Bartram Trail High School starting at 9:00AM. The course is very friendly and a lot of fun. You may register online now on www.active.com. Registration fee is $15 general entry and $10 for students/staff. Congratulation of our logo contest winner Cole Noack (7th Grade) and 2nd place to Coral Barry (8th Grade).
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SAC News | |
SAC Minutes from the January 18, 2012 Meeting
Members in attendance: Mina Bustamante, Kristina Bransford, Kristee Burgess, Lena Ford, Shirley Jones, Lisa Kunze, Lori Madrid, Megan Miller, Stacy Pendarvis, and Luis Sanchez Ramos
Members absent: Tina Newman and Connie VanWinkle
Non-voting guests: Bev Hawkins and Emily Piscitello
- 3:32 Call to Order: Kristina Bransford
- 3:32 Good News: Kristina Bransford
- 3:36 Kagen Strategy: Kristina Bransford
- Goal Setting Note Cards: Set a goal for the next nine weeks, and three strategies for achievement
- Members will be reminded to revisit goals after 9 weeks
- 3:40 Approval of November Minutes: Kristina Bransford
- Vote: Approved
- Minutes approved without change
- 3:41 Finance Report: Megan Miller
- Current Balance: $2,837.03
- Unencumbered funds: $917.03
- 3:41 Review of Needs Assessment Survey Questions: Student Survey
- Questions to be included on Student Needs Assessment Survey were reviewed by SAC members present. Specific questions were re-worded or re-worked with a goal of establishing a survey that will provide data that better drives the School Improvement Plan.
- Needs Assessment Survey Questions are due to SJCSD on February 1, 2012
VII.4:28 Approval of Parent and Student Survey Questions: Kristina Bransford
- Vote: Approved
- Questions approved in drafted form
- 4:28 Principal Update: Lisa Kunze
- FCAT Cut Scores Changed: Florida legislature changed FCAT cut scores in December. Effects of these changes could drastically change student performance. Cut scores have been increased so as to require students to answer more difficult questions correctly, effectively making it harder to maintain a previously attained score.
- SPMS Principal Informational Videos: Mrs. Kunze has been recording informational PowerPoint videos which will be posted on the SPMS website. Each video runs about 5 minutes and was created for the purpose of disseminating information to SPMS stakeholders. Video topics will include FCAT 2.0, High School Graduation Requirements, and End of Course Exams. It is Mrs. Kunze's hope that the videos provide some clarification concerning recent changes that effect middle school students and their education.
- 4:50 New Business/Questions and Answers: Kristina Bransford
- Next Meeting February 15th, 3:30pm
- 4:52 Adjournment: Kristina Bransford
- Vote: Approved
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Guidance News
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Ellen Dail - 6th grade & 7th grade A-L
Tanya Moseley - 7th grade M-Z & 8th grade
FCAT Writing Test for 8th Graders
Dear Parent/Guardian of 8th Grade Students,
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) would like to inform you that your student will be taking the FCAT Writing Test on Tuesday, February 28, 2012.
The FCAT Writing Test is administered to Grades 4, 8, and 10 students in one 45-minute session in which students write an essay in response to a prompt. Your student will receive a planning sheet on which to plan his/her writing, but writing responses must be recorded in the writing folder. Your student will receive a score on a scale of 1-6 points.
Please be sure to review the following policies before the day of the test:
Electronic Devices-Students may not have ANY electronic devices during testing, including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart phones, even if they are turned off. We encourage students to leave devices at home or in their lockers on the day of testing.
Academic Honesty -Your student will be asked to sign a pledge prior to testing that states I agree that I will not give or receive unauthorized help during this test. I understand that giving or receiving such help during the test is cheating and will result in the invalidation of my test results. ~ If any student is caught cheating during the assessment, his or her test will not be score.
Leaving Campus-If your student leaves campus before completing the test (for lunch, an appointment, illness, etc.), he or she WILL NOT be allowed to complete the test. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for him or her to wait and be tested on a make-up day. Wednesday and Thursday, February 29 and March 1, are reserved as make-up days for the FCAT Writing Test.
If you have any questions related to this test administration, you may contact Mrs. Dail in Guidance.
Thank you for supporting your student as he/she prepares for the test.
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Students Corner
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Talent Show Participants
Thanks to all students who auditioned for the 2012 Talent Show! The list of this year's participants was posted at the school on Friday. Important dates for participants:
* Tuesday, Feb. 7th: Mandatory meeting in the cafeteria during study hall. Bring a copy of your CD.
* Tuesday, Feb. 21st: Mandatory Rehearsal: 2:00-5:00
* Thursday, Feb. 23rd: Mandatory Dress Rehearsal: 2:00-5:00
* Friday, Feb. 24th: Talent show: 6:30 (Participants arrive at 5:30)
Yearbooks on Sale
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $30 or $35 with a personalized nameplate. All orders can be placed online at www.yearbookordercenter.com.
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Policy Reminders | Switzerland Point Standards
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
School Safety!
Students, remember YOU help us keep Switzerland Point safe. Report any suspicious activity to Dean Hurst or Deputy Kowieski, or use the school tip line at 335-8609
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AthleticsAthletic
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SPMS Golf Team Tryouts
Golf team tryouts will be held Monday, February 6th at The Champions Club at Julington Creek driving Range from 4:00 to 5:30pm. Proper golf attire is required and boys and girls are welcome.
SPMS Volleyball News:
The boys and girls volleyball teams are doing great. The girl's have a record of 6 wins and 1 loss and boy's teams have a record of 4 wins and 3 losses.
The last regularly scheduled game is Monday, February 6th at FCMS starting at 5:30. The tournament will begin on Wednesday, February 8. Location to be announced.
SPMS Wrestling News
Any students that would like to sign up for wrestling intramurals, please see a P.E. coach for a permission form. Wrestling will be on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 2:10 - 3:30.
SJMSAA Baseball/Softball News:
Congratulations to the following boys who made the baseball team: Brett Barrs, Brady Breedlove, Connor Carter, Jarred davenport, Caleb Gerald, Anthony Giangaspro, Jarrett Grant, Matthew Lavender, Blake Marabell, Bert Maxwell, Connor Miller, Jake Sanders, Drew Reagor, Alec Sanchez, Cade Sapala, Brandon Shee, Luis Torres, Chase Wilson, Heath Wiseman, Jeremy Yost
Congratulations to the following girls who made the softball team: Morgan Dixon, A.J. Gonzalez, Leah Pendarvis, Alexis Wilson, Kennedy Albertson, Ashley England, Emily Frick, Alyssa Girard, Taylor Wildes, Chloe Andrews, Reedy Davenport, Ashley Edenfield, Emmy Iannone, Nelia Marichal, Shannon Mellish
SJMSAA Tennis Team update
Each school has a facility and pro assigned. Some schools share court location and pros. Six tennis centers will be utilized. Switzerland Point Middle school will be using St. John's Tennis Academy at Mills Field.
Tryouts are scheduled for February 22 and 23 at the assigned location.
Clinics begin the week of March 5th. They will run two times per week for two weeks. The season will include one clinic per week.
Matches will be played every Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm beginning the week of March 19-May 17.
Cost to play is $210.00
Team size: minimum of 6 and max of 10 players.
Format: 2 singles, 2 doubles.
NEED: one parent volunteer to take role of 'TEAM PARENT'. They will travel with kids to matches, record scores and assist in team communication.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to respond or call.
Darla Neal
904-540-4971
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Lunch Menu
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Traditional lunch is $2.50
Ala carte pricing can be found using the link on the parent page of the SPMS website.
Week of January 6th
Monday - Chicken Nuggets with a Roll, Cheese, Bean and Rice Stuffed Vegetarian Sandwich, Carrot Rounds, Applesauce, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
Tuesday - Cheeseburger on a Bun, BBQ Chicken with a Roll, Baked Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle Cup, Pineapple Tidbits, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
Wednesday - Mini Corn Dogs, Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese cup, Whole Kernel Corn, Mixed Fruit Cup, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk
Thursday - Fish Sandwich on a Bun, Assorted Pizzas, Seasoned Green Beans, Sliced Peaches, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.
Friday - Spaghetti and Meat Sauce with Garlic Breadstick, Grilled chicken Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bun, Sweet Peas, Diced Pears, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.
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Chocolate and Beyond Gala- A Sweet Way to Support Volunteers
The 19th Annual RSVP Gala - Chocolate and Beyond will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM at First Coast Technical College, Building C in St. Augustine. A parade of savory delicacies including chocolate, desserts and other fare will be available from many of the area's finest restaurants and specialty shops. Live and silent auctions, raffle and contests will also be part of this exciting event.
Chocolate and Beyond is hosted by The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of St. Johns County, and proceeds benefit the volunteer program and the Early Learning Coalition of Putnam and St. Johns County through book bag purchases. Tickets are $20.00 each and can be purchased by calling 904-547-3945 (credit card) or at Whetstones Chocolates and Cold Cow Ice Cream (St. Augustine) as well as Community First Credit Union in St. Augustine and select Jacksonville area locations.
Proceeds from the Gala will be used for volunteer recognition and recruitment, as well as purchase of book bags for students through the Early Learning Coalition of Putnam and St. Johns County.
Gala tickets are $20.00 each and can be purchased at one of the following St. Augustine locations: Cold Cow Ice Cream (U S 1 South), Whetstone Chocolates (Anastasia and King Street locations), and Community First Credit Union (north Ponce de Leon Blvd). Tickets are also available at select Community First Credit Union branches in the greater Jacksonville area. For payment by credit card or if you have questions please call 904-547-3945.
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