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Message from Mrs. Kunze Events this week: Mon., 13th Student Council, 1:00 Girl's Volleyball game - 5:30pm Tues., 14th Wed., 15th Early Release, 1:00 Thus., 16th Girl's Volleyball Game at 5:30pm (if a win on Monday) Fri., 17th WHITE DAY (all 6 classes no study hall) Winterguard, 2:00 8th Graders Return from DC trip
7th grade NJHS students
Field trip forms are due by Friday, Feb. 17th. Mrs. Rizzuto will be in DC, so forms should be given to her sub in room 580.
Time Change
Starting Monday, Feb. 13th the time between S4 or B4 and study hall will be changed from 7 minutes to 5 minutes. We gave the students extra time at the beginning of the year, since they were learning their combinations and getting adjusted. Now, this extra time has become "roaming time" and we are starting to see mischief happen. PLEASE remind your child that starting Monday they will have 2 less minutes to get to study hall. Students will be marked tardy if they are late or we will never get them to be in the room on time. Click here if you wish to print the new schedule.
Concern
Recently a young teenager posted a video of herself on youtube swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon which resulted in a hacking coughing escapade. The video went viral with nearly four million hits in two months. The result, of course, has been kids all over the country trying the same thing. The New Haven Register posted this in a recent article: "The "cinnamon challenge" is the newest, potentially dangerous, teen fad where the youngsters attempt to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon. Since the spice is highly absorbent, the result usually entails gasping for air, coughing spells and in some cases, vomiting. The activity can have harmful impacts on children,particularly children with asthma, as the cinnamon absorbs the saliva in the mouth and throat making it difficult or impossible to swallow and may result in breathing issues and other adverse physical reactions."
Please be aware of this fad and do not allow your children to bring cinnamon to school.
Proof of Immunizations
Students entering,repeating or transferring into the 7th grade will need to provide the school Guidance department proof of their Tdap vaccine before they can receive their schedule for the 2012/2013 school year. It is not too early to take care of this requirement. You may go to your private physician or the St.Johns County Health Department. If you choose to go to a walk-in clinic,a receipt will NOT be accepted as proof of the Tdap vaccine. The vaccine must be documented on a Florida shot record. If you have any questions please call our School Nurse, Joan Beccard, at 547-8628.
Responding to Emails
Please remember that teachers have 48hours to respond to an email or phone call. Teachers are not required to check emails on the weekend.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent conferences are scheduled during study hall instead of after school, so teachers can utilize their only planning time from 2 to 3pm. Right now, we are scheduling conferences 2 weeks out. If you feel that you can not wait, please try contacting the teacher(s) by email or phone.
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.
Attention 8th grade parents!
Registration for high school academies is now open for all 8th grade students. Academy registration deadline is Feb. 13th. You will need to know your child's student ID number which is on their report card. 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. Please see below for the dates.
2011-2012 Programs of Studies Timeline for Middle School students:
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 | |
Week of February 13
Monday - Silver Day
Tuesday - Black Day
Wednesday - Silver day - 1pm dismissal
Thursday - Black day
Friday- White day (all 6 classes with no study hall)
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Volunteer Information
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Ticket Sales Volunteers are needed to help sell tickets for the Talent Show from Tuesday, Feb 21- Friday, Feb. 24 from 11-1. Please contact Mrs. Casper at casperc@stjohns.12.fl.us if you can help. Thank you.
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 casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
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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
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School Advisory Council Meeting
Switzerland Point Middle School
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Teacher's Lounge, 3:30pm-4:30pm
As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
Proposed Agenda
Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
Good News
Vote: Approval of January minutes
Finance Report: Megan Miller
Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
Discovery Education (Thinklink) Data Breakdown
New Business/Questions and Answers
Adjourn
Next Meeting will be March 21th at 3:30pm
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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
National School Counseling Week 2012, "School Counselors: Helping Students Be Brilliant," was celebrated from Feb. 6-10, 2012, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. SPMS is thankful for Mrs. Dail and Mrs. Moseley for all they do!
The Price of Privilege
Last month district School Counselors read and discussed Madeline Levine's book, The Price of Privilege. Doctor Levine takes us on a journey into the lives of some of her young patients who come from affluent homes. Her findings and research suggest that young Americans are increasingly disconnected and unhappy. Even though our country is double in wealth since 1958, the people are twice as unhappy. It appears that the group most affected is kids who we would expect would be benefiting the most. Is it possible that affluence makes kids more dependent on others or that a parenting style that emphasizes the importance of external motivation can be a substitute to the hard personal and interpersonal work that adolescence demands making it harder for kids to develop a sense of self?
Materialistic kids have lower grades and higher rates of depression and substance abuse. In addition, the more self-centered and indifferent that they become to the needs of others the less sense of purpose and altruism they develop. All young people need to feel a sense of LOVABILITY in order to develop a healthy self, but money, parental over involvement, and indiscriminate praise do not provide it. Some parents do not deal with the child in front of them but with the child in their fantasies. This can be due in part to the competitive demands that our society and the media push on us which makes it harder for us to truly see what really matters and what doesn't.
Our children need to be given the opportunity to contribute, be disappointed, and learn how to delay gratification, tolerate frustration and learn from mistakes. When we as parents prematurely solve their problems we deprive them of the sense of competence that comes from figuring out things on their own.
This is a great book for us who live in St Johns County since most of our families can be considered affluent. Doctor Levine says that "parenting is an art and not a science" and as such we can reinvent ourselves, color over or start from scratch on how we balance our good fortune and how we parent. Let us work hard to prevent this "connected" young generation from growing disconnected - take a day this week to have dinner, talk, or play games with your family without TV, cell phones, or the computer.
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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Hoops for Heart
The Hoops for Heart event will take place on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 in the gym. Information was sent home with students through their P.E. class. Any questions, please contact Coach Singleton at singlet@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
L.E.E. - Language, Exploration, Enrichment
Click here to view information on the L.E.E. program.
2012 Dreams Come True Talent Show
The 2012 Dreams Come True Talent Show will be held on Friday, February 24th at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Tickets cost $5 and will be sold in the cafeteria from Tuesday, Feb. 21st until Friday, Feb., 24 during lunch times. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
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
More School Safety!
It has been brought to the attention of SPMS to be more aware of the sidewalk at the entrance of the school. Many students from Hickory Creek as well as the community use this sidewalk on a daily basis. Vehicles should be stopping behind the stop sign located on the gate and creeping forward to look for cars, walkers or bicycle riders. Please use caution when driving in the parking lot as well as when entering or leaving the lot.
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AthleticsAthletic
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SPMS Golf Team
Congratulations to the following students: Jacob Alexander, Elliot Beddard, Mitchell Bennett, Marc Engle, Hunter Lane, Jake McKay, Eli Rawlinson, Brandon Siple, Caleb Sutherland, Joey Taylor, Bryce Walker and Taylor Wilson. Good luck to the SPMS Golf Team!
SPMS Volleyball News:
The boys and girls volleyball teams both won their first round playoff game. The girls beat Sebastian Middle School and their next game is Monday, Feb.13 at SPMS versus Pacetti Bay Middle School. Game time is 5:30. The boys beat Liberty Pines Academy in an exciting match and their next game is Monday, Feb. 13 at Pacetti Bay Middle School at 5:30. Good luck to both teams.
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:
The baseball and softball teams are practicing diligently. Their schedule starts in March. First game to be announced.
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
Intramural Sports
Students get ready to sign-up for our new round of intramural sports. The new sports are volleyball and dodgeball. Volleyball will be Tuesdays and dodgeball on Thursdays. Students are allowed to do both if they choose. Activities will start Feb. 21st. Forms can be picked up from the PE coaches or the front office. If you have any questions, please see a PE coach. don't get left out of all the fun!!
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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 February 13th
Monday - Asian Glaze Chicken over Rice, Beef Quesadilla Max, Oriental Blend Vegetables, Mixed Fruit Cup, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
Tuesday - Popcorn Chicken with a Roll, Deli Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bun with Yogurt, Oven Backed Potato Fries, Valentine's Day Ice Cream Cup, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
Wednesday - Hot Dog on a Bun, Twisted Stix with Marinara Dipping Sauce, Carrot Coins, Sliced Strawberries, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk
Thursday - Chicken & Rice with a Roll, Assorted Pizzas, Steamed Broccoli Florets, 100% Fruit Sidekick, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.
Friday - Cheese Tortellini with a Roll, Breaded Beef Finders with a Roll, Mixed Vegetables, Cinnamon Apples, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.
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It Starts in Parks
Click here to view 2012 Super Summer Spectacular. Lottery registration begins March 5, 2012.
Epilepsy Walk
Click here to view the flyer regarding a walk to honor Paul Dvorcek. The walk if Saturday, March 31st at Memorial Park in Jacksonville. Paul Dvorcek is the late father of SPMS student Cameron Dvorcek.
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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