SPMS - Week of February 21, 2012

Switzerland Point Middle School

2/17/2012

777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL 32259

547-8650

Headings

Quick Links

SPMS Home Page

SPMS Parent Page

Archived Raider Raps

St Johns County Home Page

FL DOE Home Page

Click Here for Free Coupon

Click here for Summer Fun at Adventure Landing

Message from Mrs. Kunze

Events this week:

Mon., 20th

No School- President's Day

Tues., 21th

Talent Show Rehearsal- 2:00-5:00pm

Symphonic Band Presentation- 3:00-5:00pm

Wed., 22th

Early Release, 1:00pm

Thus., 23th

Hoops For Heart- 1:00-2:00pm

Surf Club- 1:00-2:00pm

Talent Show Dress Rehearsal- 2:00-5:00pm

Fri., 24th

Hoops for Hearts- 1:00-2:00pm

Chess Club 1:00-2:00pm

Talent Show Performance- 6:30-8:30pm

Sat., 25th

SPMS 5K Run at BTHS- 9:00 am

8th graders who went to Washington DC

Students returned this morning from the 4 day trip. We had a great time and enjoyed learning about our nation's capital. Some of the highlights of the trip were going to the Holocaust Museum, the Newseum and the Crime and Punishment Museum. Students went to Gettysberg and Lancaster, PA on Wednesday. The trip occurs every year, so interested 7th graders can start saving! A HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. Pearson and Mrs. Robbins for organizing the trip!!!

SPMS Students Excel in Chess Tournament

Alexander Dominguez and Maxwell Bustamante did an excellent job representing SPMS at the Jacksonville Country Day School Tournament on Saturday, February 11th. Maxwell came in First Place by beating four opponents in the 6th thru 8th grade group. Alexander won 2 out of four matches thus helping in the point score which lead to a 3rd place finish in their class group. Great job!!

SPMS Band Student's Solo and Ensemble Awards

The SPMS band students did a fantastic job at the Solo and Ensemble Festival! They were on time, prepared, professional, polite, and represented SPMS well. Students received "superior" and "excellent" ratings! That is incredible considering that most of our students have never done this festival before!

All students earning a "superior" rating will receive a blue medal from FBA. These can be worn on their band uniform every time they perform. Each student was also given the judge's comment sheet. Here is a summary of the ratings:

Superior

Jennan Abduljaber - saxophone solo

Jake Bennett - saxophone solo

Sam Bevans-Kerr - xylophone solo (grade 3)

Samantha Castle - clarinet trio, clarinet quartet

Katie Harper - clarinet trio

Caroline Knee - clarinet trio, clarinet quartet

Rebecca Clay - flute solo

Danielle Earl - saxophone solo

Ben Peralta - clarinet solo, clarinet duet

Connor Westcott - clarinet duet, clarinet solo

Shelby Purl - horn solo, horn trio

Skylar Davis - horn trio

Kevin Williams - horn trio

Alex Ralph - drum solo

Daniel Shaw - saxophone solo (grade 3)

Claudia Finnerty - flute solo

Collin Fonda - clarinet quartet

Lucinda Napoli - clarinet solo, clarinet quartet

Ashleigh Hatsell - brass quartet

Douglas Griswold - brass quartet

Jesse Sherman - brass quartet

David Damiani - brass quartet

Anthony Kerr - saxophone solo, saxophone trio (grade 3)

Jacob Floyd - saxophone trio (grade 3)

Hannah Moring - saxophone trio (grade 3)

Erin Kirsche - bassoon solo

Marisa McCarty - flute solo, flute duet

Emily Sangiamo - flute duet

Emily Mitchell - oboe solo

Ryan Nugent - trumpet solo

Nathan Tarongoy - saxophone solo

Sydnee Vaughan - flute solo (grade 3)

Andi Zentz - flute duet, flute trio

Dani McCarty - flute duet

Kirsten Jacobs - flute trio

Mikella Jeanty - flute trio

(grade 3 is a higher difficulty level)

Excellent

Samantha Castle - clarinet solo

Dani McCarty - woodwind trio

Andi Zentz - woodwind trio, flute quartet

Bella Pan - woodwind trio

David Damiani = trombone solo

Jacob Floyd - saxophone solo

Anthony Freed - trumpet trio

Andrew Morley - trumpet trio

Ryan Nugent - trumpet trio

Connor Hayes - saxophone solo

Manoj Kandakumar - euphonium solo

Lily Khatibi - bassoon solo

Marisa McCarty - flute quartet

Kirsten Jacobs - flute quartet

Miki Jeanty - flute quartet

Taylor Mattson - trumpet duet

Lauren Vogel - trumpet duet

Savannah Green - trumpet duet

Lauren Moody - trumpet duet

Brandon Siple - bass clarinet solo

Reminder from the Clinic

SPMS follows the recommendation from the CDC(Center for Disease Control) and the DOH(Department of Health) that states that sick children should be kept at home until they are fever free for 24 hours without intervention from fever-reducing medications. You may want to consult your health care provider for treatment recommendations. In other words,if you have to give your child any fever reducing medications within a 24 hour period, the child should stay home another 24 hours to be monitored for fever. If during those 24 hours no medication had to be given to reduce a fever, the child may return to school the following day.

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 closed. Letters of invitation from the academies will be mailed to the students on February 24th. Acceptance of this invitation must be online and this process opens February 25th with a deadline of March 2nd. If your child would like to apply for the APID program at Bartram, the applications and all teachers recommendations must be completed and mailed or taken to the Guidance department at Bartram Trail High School by March 30th. Click here to visit the website. Call Rachel Kusher at BTHS also for further information

2011-2012 Programs of Studies Timeline for Middle School students:

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.

Daily Rotation for the Week
Week of February 20th Monday - No School- President's Day Tuesday - White Day (all 6 classes: no study hall) Wednesday - Silver day - 1pm dismissal Thursday - Black day Friday- Silver Day

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 casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

PTSO News

Next Meeting: March 14, 2012 at 9:30 am at SPMS

PTSO February Meeting Recap

The slate of candidates for the 2012/2013 PTSO Board and committees will be voted via Monke Survey and officialized on May 16 during the PTSO meeting. Discussed about snack options for students during FCAT testing. Discussed the Carnival to be held on May 3rd. Please check the PTSO webpage for the meeting minutes.

8th Grade Graduation Dance Party

Mark your calendars for a "Here's to the Night" semi-formal dance party scheduled for June 4th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Nocatee Crosswater Hall. 8th Grade students were surveyed about the theme and chose the black and white theme. Keep your eyes open for the graduation flyer which will go home to 8th grade parents in March.

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). Click here for more information including the entry form.

SAC News
School Advisory Council Meeting Switzerland Point Middle School Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 Teacher's Lounge, 3:30pm-4:30pm

Guidance News

Guidance Counselors

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.

Students Corner

Summer Marine Science Program

Applications for the summer Marine Science program will be passed out at all schools during the week of march 1st. Applications can also be downloaded at any time from the website prior to April 15 at the following link: click here to go to the link then click on the Marine Science Link.

This summer program is available to all students in grades five through eight and has been sponsored by the school district since 1982. Three seven day sessions are held at Menendez High School with bus transportation provided. the dates for the three sessions this summer will be June11-June 20, June 25-July 5 and July 9-July 25. (The school district will be closed during the week of July 16-20) Small classes that average 14 students are separated by grade level. All instructors in the program are st. Johns County District teachers.

The Marine Science Program is a carefully designed experience for responsible students who are interested in learning about out local marine environments. Learning is "hand on" in the field with students kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, etc . Specific grade level activities and curriculum are attached to the application and are also available from the website.

More information about the program can be had be emailing John Gordon at gordonj2@stjohns.k12.fl.us or by calling 547-8700.

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. For further information or to make a donation, go to the SPMS Team Page at http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/spms.

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.

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.

AthleticsAthletic

Creekside High School Sponsors Track Meet

Click here for information regarding a track meet sponsored by Creekside High School

SPMS Golf Team

Matches for the golf team will be announced later in the school year. Now the team is practicing in preparation for competition.

SPMS Volleyball News:

The boys and girls volleyball teams completed their seasons this past week. Congratulations to both teams for a great season.

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!!

Lunch Menu

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 20th

Monday - No School- President's Day

Tuesday - Brunch for Lunch- Breakfast Biscuit, French Toast Sticks with Yogurt, Potato Triangles, Applesauce, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk

Wednesday - Oven Baked Chicken with a Roll, Assorted Pizza, Seasoned Green Beans, Pineapple Tidbits, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk

Thursday - Chicken Quesadilla Max, Chef Boyardee Ravioli with a Roll, Whole Kernel Corn, Sliced Apples, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.

Friday - Macaroni & Cheese with a Roll, Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Sweet Peas, Fruit Cup, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.

Community Events

Host An Exchange Student for 27 Days in July

Step to USA is a 27 day program for students from Spain ages 14 to 17. This is a great program for families with younger children as it's a great way to start off the summer with a responsible teenager in the home. Enrich your life with an exceptional young person and open doors to learn about a new culture. Hosting can change your world!

Host families provide a bed, meals, limited transportation and a warm supportive environment. Students all speak English, come with their own spending money and medical and insurance. Students are expected to have chores and be treated as a family member not a guest. They are here to practice their English and to learn American family culture and are eager to teach their host family about Spain!

Students arrive on Sunday, July 1st in Orlando and will be bussed to the St Augustine area to meet their host families. The return date is July 27th. Students attend 1 all day and 1 half day field trip a week. Host family members are welcome to come along at group discount pricing. We will be visiting local sights as well as Universal Studios, Sea World and Daytona Lagoon. Bus transportation is provided for these field trips as well as airport transfers.

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.