|
|
Message from Mrs. Kunze Events this week: Mon., 5th 8th Grade Registration with Bartram at SPMS, by appointment Nease Pre-IB & Academy Registration, 1:00-2:00 Intramurals, 2:00-3:00, gym Tues., 6th 8th Grade Registration with Bartram at SPMS, by appointment Intramurals, 2:00-3:00, gym Wed., 7th Early Release, 1:00pm Character Counts Luncheon Thus., 8th Surf Club, 1:00-2:00 Intramurals, 2:00-3:00, gym Fri., 9th Pajama Day ($1) to support our Relay for Life team Concert Band MPA, 2:00 Symphonic Band MPA, 7:45 Chess Club 1:00-2:00pm Intramurals, 2:00-3:00, gym Guitar Hero Tournament Congratulations to all who participated in the Guitar Hero Tournament during lunch this week. The winner from each grade won a $15 Itunes card. 6th grade - Matthew Cress 7th grade - Josh Zoeller The next event planned in March to use Raider Bucks is Dodge Ball - students vs faculty. Bravo to the Dreams Come True Talent Show The SPMS Dreams Come True Club says THANK YOU to all participants, stage crew, announcers and sound/light crew for a job well done! Our talent show is totally run by students, so we are extremely proud of them for their outstanding performance! Also, many thanks to the SPMS administrators, teachers, and support staff who helped in a variety of ways to make the show possible. We truly appreciate your support and could not have done it without your help. Thank you to our school community for attending this year's show. Because of you, we raised $2,801.00 through ticket sales and donations!!!! All profits will help provide a dream for a child battling a life-threatening illness. Vaccine Requirement for 6th Graders for Next Year It is not too early to think about getting your 6th grade student ready for 7th grade. Students entering the 7th grade will need to provide the school Guidance department proof of their child's Tdap vaccine before they can receive their schedule for the 2012/2013 school year. You may go to your private physician, the St.John's County Health Department(825-5055) or a walk-in clinic.. If you choose a walk-in clinic, a receipt will not be accepted by the school as proof of the Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine must be documented on a Florida shot record along with the other childhood vaccines. You may want to bring a previous shot record with you to a walk-in clinic. Any questions at all, please feel free to call Joan Beccard at 547-8628. 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. 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.
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:
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.
Attention 8th Grade Students
The JROTC at BTHS is at capacity, but if you would like to sign up on a waiting list, please use the following link:
APID (Advanced Placement International Diploma) at BTHS - deadline March 30th! APID is a globally recognized certificate for students who are thinking they may want to apply to a university outside of the United States. APID provides additional certification of outstanding academic excellence. Similar to an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, it challenges a student to display exceptional achievement on AP Exams across several disciplines. If you'd like more information and an application, please go http://www-bths.stjohns.k12.fl.us/APID. The application deadline is March 30th. All applications must be mailed or turned into BTHS, attention Rachel Kusher. |
|
|
Daily Rotation for the Week
| |
Week of March 5th
Monday - Silver day
Tuesday - Black day
Wednesday - Silver day - 1pm dismissal
Thursday - Black day
Friday- Silver Day
|
|
Volunteer Information
|
SignUp for FCAT Proctoring Now!!
|
|
PTSO News
|
Next Meeting: March 14, 2012 at 9:30 am 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 Fun Run Results
Congratulation to Stephen Kirsche for winning 1st place at the 5K Raider Fun Run. First student to cross the line was Morgan Thieben (4th place overall), 2nd place student was Locklan Lambert, and 3rd place student went to Jacques Steyn. Mr. Kirsche finished first and went back to the race to finish with his daughter Erin.
|
|
SAC News
| |
School Advisory Council Meeting
Switzerland Point Middle School
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Teacher's Lounge, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Your Action is Requested Now
Parents need to complete the SAC Needs Assessment Survey that is online. Needs Assessment Survey will help our school develop our School Improvement Plan with your input for 2012-2013. If you need a paper copy to complete and submit, we ask that you send in a note to your child's homeroom teacher and a survey will be sent home to you. We also ask that when you complete your survey print the last page that "thanks" you for completing the survey or write a note stating you completed the survey. Your child will take this to their homeroom teacher to help their homeroom be the first to complete our survey. The first homeroom will win a prize. Please complete your survey(s) by March 19th. We want to thank you in advance for taking time to complete a survey for each of your children and their respective grade levels. Your input is important to us. We are looking for every family to participate so we can reach our goal of having 75-80% return. Thank you for doing your part to help us achieve our goal and to make our school the best it can be. The survey link can be found on our school's website http://www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us/
CLICK HERE NOW TO TAKE THE SURVEY NOW:
https://surveys.stjohns.k12.fl.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=9698n73
|
|
Guidance News
| | Guidance Counselors
Ellen Dail - 6th grade & 7th grade A-L
Tanya Moseley - 7th grade M-Z & 8th grade
What Exactly is The FCAT/FCAT 2.0 Program???
The FCAT program began in 1998 as part of Florida's overall plan to increase student achievement by implementing higher standards. The FCAT consists of criterion-referenced tests (CRT) in reading, mathematics, science, and writing, which measure student progress toward meeting the Sunshine State Standards (SSS) benchmarks. During the 2011-2012 school year, Florida will continue the transition from the FCAT to the FCAT 2.0 and Florida End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments. The FCAT 2.0 measures student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS). FCAT 2.0 Reading for Grades 3-10 and FCAT 2.0 Mathematics for Grades 3-8 were administered in the spring of 2011. During this spring 2012 administration, Grades 5 and 8 students take FCAT 2.0 Science for the first time. The FCAT/FCAT 2.0 assesses high-level, challenging standards appropriate to the grade levels assessed, as defined by the SSS/NGSSS benchmarks. FCAT Writing is administered at Grades 4, 8, and 10, and the test requires students to write an essay in response to a prompt. All FCAT/FCAT 2.0 Reading, Mathematics, and Science tests include multiple-choice items. In addition, FCAT/FCAT 2.0 Mathematics tests include gridded response items at Grades 4-8 and Retake. More information on the Statewide Assessment Program can be found on the Department's Web site at http://fcat.fldoe.org
Bullying Prevention
Mrs. Dail (School Counselor) went into the 6th grade Critical Thinking Skills classes in the last two weeks to teach students how to identify, react and prevent bullying. This is a topic of great interest to the students and they were able to report that even though they consider our school to be an inviting and safe place in which to learn, students need to do a better job in treating each other with respect and kindness. Middle School students like to "mess" with others and sometimes they fail to realize that their actions can be hurtful. Please help us continue this conversation at home by talking with your child about different ways in which they can make our school a place all students want to come to. Discuss with your child the strength and character that it takes to help a class mate, to include a student in group work or in PE who is typically excluded, to not pass a "note", to not laugh when someone makes fun of another or calls someone a name, etc. We see great kids in our hallways every day who love this school and we work hard to get them to believe that it is "cool" to be kind. From our students' feedback during these lessons this goal is "a work in progress" so we need to unite (at home and at school) to continue to send the message that we will not accept anything less because every student who walks through our doors deserves to feel at Home while they are at School.
Out of Zone Gifted Students
If your child attends Swiss Point for gifted services and Swiss Point is not your home zoned school, please be sure to complete the "Request to Transfer to a Gifted Cluster Site" form between March 1st and June 6th. The form can be accessed by visiting https://surveys.stjohns.k12.fl.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=m84Mmm6 or you can click on the "What's New" link on the St Johns County District home page.
|
|
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.
L.E.E. - Language, Exploration, Enrichment
Click here to view information on the L.E.E. program.
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
|
|
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 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
Congratulations to the boys baseball team as they won their first game yesterday versus Gamble Rogers Middle School. All the boys did a great job. Their next game against Landrum Middle School on Monday, March 5 at 3:00.
SJMSAA Softball
The girl's softball team will play their first game on Monday, march 5th versus Fruit Cove Middle School at 4:00 pm at Aberdeen. Good luck!
SJMSAA Tennis Team
The tennis team has started practicing and will not compete for a few weeks. A schedule will be forthcoming.
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!!
SPMS Winterguard
Congratulations to our SPMS Winterguard Team! They won First Place on Saturday, February 25th when they competed in Orlando, Florida at Lyman High School. The trophy will soon be on display for all to see. Job well done ladies, next stop is Fleming Island High School on March 10th. The competition is open to the public for a small fee if anyone wants to come out and cheer our team on. Our tentative performance time is 2:14pm.
|
|
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 March 5th
Monday - Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with a Garlic Breadstick, Assorted Pizza, Seasoned Green Beans, Applesauce, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
Tuesday - Asian Glaze Chicken over Rice, Deli Sandwich on a Whole Wheat Bun with Yogurt, Oriental Blend Vegetables, Pineapple Tidbits, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
Wednesday - Hot Dog on a Bun, Beef Quesadilla Max, Tater Tots, Sliced Strawberries, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk
Thursday - Chicken % Rice with a roll, Cheese Tortellini with a roll, Sweet Peas, Sliced Pears, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.
Friday - Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Home Style Chili with a Roll, Oven Baked Potato Fries, Sliced Peaches, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.
|
|
The Redirecting Children's Behavior Course
Course Content
The Redirecting Children's Behavior course presents non-violent strategies that foster appropriate behavior in children. The following topics are explored: assessing and building relationships, styles of interaction and results to expect, handling emotions during heat-of-the-moment exchange, diagnosing motivations that lead to misbehavior, appropriate redirection strategies, improving self-esteem, fine-tuning communication skills, and creating problem solvers.
Details
The Exceptional Student Education department of the St. Johns County School District is offering the course free of charge. The 15-hour course is divided into a series of five 3-hour classes (one night per week). Participants must attend the first class to be eligible for the remaining classes. The current course will be taught at the Fullerwood Center auditorium (address is 10 Hildreth Drive, St. Augustine FL 32084). Participants must arrange for child care on their own. Special accommodations must be arranged with Susan Wells at 547-7772 the week before the first class session. Participants completing all 5 classes will receive a certificate from the International Network for Children and Families in collaboration with the St. Johns County School District's Exceptional Student Education Program.
Registration
The course is open to school district staff and to the public. Seating is limited. To register, please contact Susan Wells at (904) 547-7772 or wellss@stjohns.k12.fl.us. If you leave a voice message, be sure to spell your name and provide a phone number. Seats will be held until 5:45p during the first session - and then made available to those on the waiting list. Course Dates
Class 1........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Class 2........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Class 3........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Class 4........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Class 5........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, April 3, 2012
About The Publisher
The Redirecting Children's Behavior course is published and monitored by the International Network for Children and Families in Gainesville, Florida (Kathryn Kvols, President).
About The Instructor
The certified instructor for the course is George Freeman who holds a masters degree in psychology and is certified in the state of Florida as a behavior analyst. He currently serves as a Program Specialist for the St. Johns County School District. He has taught the Redirecting Children's Behavior course since 1999 and verifies that the course content is as relevant as ever!
YMCA to Offer Middle School Youth In Government Program
Middle school students motivated to learn more about how our state government works will want to sign up for the First Coast YMCA's upcoming Youth in Government (YIG) program. They will be the "founding members" of a local organization that has been part of the state YMCA program for over 50 years.
Youth will learn how to research, draft, and present a bill for it to become law. They will learn legislative procedures and protocol as they debate their bills before their peers.
High school Youth in Government participants hold their General Assembly in Tallahassee at the state Capitol and debate in the actual Senate and House chambers. Members of the current high school Youth in Government program, organized last fall, will be facilitators and mentors.
David Bonaro (Creekside High School), Peighton Jones and Katie Dyal (both of Nease High School) were recently installed as president, vice president and project manager, respectively, by St. Johns County Judge Clyde Wolfe.
Volunteers Tim Brooks, Jeani Taliaferro and Nancy Birchall will assist YMCA staff to coordinate the four sessions and the mock legislative assembly. Sessions will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the Palencia Club (600 Palencia Club Drive) on March 22nd, April 5th and May 3rd. An April 12th meeting will be at the Prosperity Bank building (790 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.). The legislative assembly will convene at 9:00am and run until 5:00pm at the County Commission Auditorium on June 8. Lunch will be provided.
Cost of the program is $60.00. Scholarships are available. Applications are online at www.firstcoastymca.org. Look under St. Augustine and the Download Center for Junior Youth in Government application. Print, complete and return along with a check for the program fee to Danielle Smith at St. Augustine YMCA, 500 Pope Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080. For more information about YIG, visit http://www.floridayig.net. Questions about the program? Call danielle at 904-471-9622, Ext. 211. Parent to Parent Lunch and Learn Workshops Parent to Parent is a two session lunch and learn workshop that takes place over two days. each session last 1 1/2 hours. During the workshop we will go over what you can do to help teens avoid the problems that come from use of drugs and alcohol. Click here to view the flier with more information. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
