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Switzerland Point Middle School


     4/6/2012

 777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL  32259
547-8650
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Message from Mrs. Kunze

 

I hope that everyone had a relaxing spring break and is rejuvinated to finish the 4th quarter.   After break is when students typically start slacking.  We have many important tests this quarter.  Please try and help your child stay focused through the last day in June. 

 

After spring break is when we see behavior start to slip as well.  We will remind students in this week's expectation assemblies that students who receive ISD or OSS this semester will not be allowed to attend the year end trip.  Also, if a major offense is committed and the student is referred and sent to Gaines Alternative School, he/she will start the next school year at Gaines to complete their required 45 or 90 days.  We want everyone to end the school year on a positive note, so please talk to your child about appropriate school behavior and your expectations.

 

Events this week:

Mon., 9th

No School for Students

Tues., 10th

Character Counts Luncheon during lunches

Dreams Come True Meeting, 1:10pm, Ms. Black's Room

8th Grade Expectations Assembly, 1:10pm

Wed., 11th

Early Release, 1:00pm

Thus., 12th

6th Grade Expectations Assemble, 1:10pm

7th Grade Honor Roll Celebration, 1:10pm

Fri., 13th

6th Grade Honor Roll Celebration, 1:10pm

7th Grade Expectations Assembly, 1:10pm

 

FCAT 2.0 is fast approaching!

What is the FCAT 2.0? 

FCAT=Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test

*  The FCAT is a test given to Florida students in grades 3

    through 10 to determine what they know and can do in

    reading, math, science and writing.

*  The FCAT was developed by the State of Florida and first

    administered in 1998.

*  FCAT 2.0 started last year and is a more rigorous version

   of the test.

*  Students receive a score which places them in a level from

   1 to 5.  The cut scores have been raised for this year, so

   students will have to answer more moderate and high level

   questions correctly to score a 3, 4 or 5.

 

Testing Schedule

Click here to view the FCAT daily bell schedules

Monday, April 16th

6th graders take both sessions of math

7th & 8th graders take session 1 of reading

Tuesday, April 17th

6th graders start the computer-based reading.  Students have been divided into 4 groups.  Groups A & B will take session 1

7th & 8th graders take session 2 of reading

Wednesday, April 18th

6th graders in groups A & B take session 2 of the computer-based reading

7th & 8th graders take both sessions of math  (7th & 8th students with an IEP or 504 will only take session 1 since early release)

Thursday, April 19th  

6th graders in groups C & D take session 1 of the computer-based reading

7th & 8th graders do not test (7th & 8th graders with an IEP or 504 will take session 2 of math)

Friday, April 20th

8th graders will take both sessions of science

6th & 7th graders will take a practice science for their grade level

6th graders in groups C & D take session 2 of the computer-based reading

 

Before the Test

Make sure your child:

*  Arrives at school on time.  Testing will start at 7:40am

*  Gets a good night's sleep.

*  Eats a healthy breakfast.

*  Knows you care!

Make sure you:

*  Encourage your child.

*  Keep a positive attitude.

*  Talk and listen to your child.

*  Provide time for relaxation and exercise.

*  Review test taking strategies with your child.

 

 Test Taking Strategies

*  Make sure to read and follow all directions.  Reread if  

    necessary.

*  Do not spend too much time on any one question.  If the

   question is too difficult, skip it and come back to it later.

*  If you are still not sure of the correct answer, make your best

   guess.

*  Do not leave any questions unanswered.

*  On multiple choice questions, avoid the temptation to

   choose an answer until you have read and thought about all

   the choices.

*  On multiple choice questions, eliminate the answers that

   you know are wrong, then make your best guess.

*  When you are finished, check to see you have not skipped

   any questions.

*  If you have time, reread to be sure you are satisfied with

   your answers.

*  Be especially careful to check math work since computation

   errors are sometimes made.

 

Dates Parent Assist will be updated 4th quarter 

Friday, April 13th

Monday, April 30th (district interim date)

Monday, May 14th

 

 

Mixed Bag Fundraiser

All order forms and money are due April 11th.  Thank you in advance for supporting Swiss Point!!  All proceeds will be used to enhance classroom technology.

 

7th grade Reward Field Trip

Information will come home next week for the 7th grade Reward Field Trip.  We will be going to Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta GA on June 5th for our semester Reward Trip.  The cost of the field trip is $55.00 per person.  ($30.00 for students with valid passes).  This price includes the admission into the park and charter bus transportation.  All money and forms must be turned in no later than May 22nd to the student's homeroom teacher.  Students will need to bring money for lockers, meals and souvenirs.  Students are required to wear their 7th grade blue grade level shirt, when not at the waterpark.  Shirts can still be purchased for $10.00. Any questions once the information comes home, please email Mrs. Bransford at bransfk@stjohns.k12.fl.us

    

8th Grade Graduation Dance Party

Mark your calendars for a "Here's to the Night" Black & White semi-formal dance party scheduled for June 4th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Nocatee Crosswater Hall.  The ticket price is $25 and will include dinner. A flyer will go home after spring break. Deadline to purchase tickets is May 11th.

 

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: 

  

 

Daily Rotation for the Week

Week of April 9th

  

Monday -  Teacher Inservice- Student Holiday

 

Tuesday -  Silver day 

 

Wednesday - Black day - 1pm dismissal

  

Thursday - Silver day

 

Friday- Black day 

Volunteer Information
Last Chance to 


PTSO News

 

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11th

at 9:30am in the media center.

 

Click here to read the PTSO minutes from the March 14th meeting. 

 

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 Soto-Rivera

 

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

 

 

SAC News


School Advisory Council Meeting

Switzerland Point Middle School

Next Meeting:

Wednesday, April 18th, 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

     

Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC Assessments

EOC Assessments are part of Florida's Next Generation Strategic Plan for the purpose of increasing student achievement and improving college and career readiness. EOC Assessments are criterion-referenced assessments that measure the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for specific courses, as outlined in the course descriptions. The computer-based Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC Assessments contain multiple-choice and fill-in response items. For more information on Florida EOC Assessments and computer-based testing, please visit the Department's web site at http://fcat.fldoe.org/eoc/

 

The dates for the Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC exams are:

Geometry Practice EOC - April 12

Geometry EOC - April 25

Algebra Practice EOC - May 3 or 4 (depending on their assigned group)

Algebra EOC - May 8 or 9 (depending on their assigned group)

 

The computer-based Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC are two 80 minute sessions, however students who do not finish after 160 minutes will be allowed to continue to work on the test the remainder of the school day until they finish. Students may not leave the test before the start of the second 80 minute session.  Students are required to participate in a practice test session at their school prior to testing so your student will have an opportunity to participate in a Practice test to become familiar with the software, item types, and online tools they will encounter and use during testing. Teachers, parents, and students can go on and check out the Algebra 1 and Geometry EOC Assessment computer-based practice test, called an ePAT. This tool is available online www.FLAssessments.com/ePAT   

Instructions for downloading the installer software and ePAT are also located on this website.

 

How will this exam affect my child?

For students in Algebra 1 Honors, the exam will count as 30 of their final course grade.  These students must also pass the test in order to receive high school credit.  For students in Geometry Honors, the exam will count as 30% of their final course grade.

 

 Algebra I Honors Letter sent home with report cards

Students Corner

New L.E.E. Classes Starting

Click here to view a flyer regarding the L.E.E. program. Classes begin April 24th.

 

Policy Reminders
Switzerland Point Standards
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe 

 

Dress Code 

PLEASE remember......

*  shorts and skirts can not be shorter than 4" above the knee

*  sleeveless shirts are not allowed

*  tanks under see-through shirts are not allowed

*  yoga pants are not allowed

*  tops must be high enough to cover all cleavage

 

Students who violate the dress code will be provided clothes  to change into or they can call home for appropriate clothes to be brought to school.  Repeat offenders will receive ISD for defiance of school rules.

 

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

 

SPMS Winterguard News

Congratulations to our SPMS Winterguard Team!  They won the Gold Medal on Friday, March 30th when they competed in Daytona Beach, Florida for their Championship Competition.  Our girls are AWESOME!!  They received higher scores than some of the High School Teams in other divisions.  If you see a Winterguard Team Member, please make sure to Congratulate them.  It was a great victory and quite an accomplishment to achieve for this year. 

 

For those of you moving on to High School - we will miss you!  For our returning members - we are looking forward to another awesome year.  Way to go Ladies!!!

 

SPMS Golf Team

Congratulations to the SPMS Golf Team winning their season opening match against Fruit Cove, 202 to 227.  Seventh grader, Eli Rawlinson shot a 38 for the lowest round of the match, followed by eighth grader Jake McKay with a 39.  We are looking forward to our match Tuesday @Palencia against Pacetti Bay.

 

The SPMS Golf Team would like to thank our sponsor, Mr. Dan Butterworth of All Weather Contractors, for providing team uniforms again this year.

 

 

SJMSAA Football 

Football registration is open and the players need to register for try outs.  They do not have to pay until they make the team.  They register on the SJMSAA website.

 

 

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 April 9th

 

Monday - No school for Students
 

Tuesday - Hot Dog on a bun, Macaroni & Cheese with a roll, Carrot Coins, Slices Pears, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk

 

Wednesday - Oven Baked Chicken with a roll, Breaded Beef Fingers with a roll, Mashed Potatoes, Pineapple Tidbits, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk

 

Thursday - Popcorn Chicken with a roll, Deli Sandwich on Whole Wheat bun with Yogurt, Homestyle Baked Beans, Diced Peaches, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.

 

Friday - Assorted Pizza, Chicken & Rice with a roll, Seasoned Green Beans, Applesauce,  Assorted fresh fruit & fruit Juices, milk


Community Events

CHS presents Bye, Bye Birdie

The Creekside High School Performing Arts Department is presenting Bye, Bye Birdie in just a few short weeks.  Please share the following information with your teachers and students. Thank you so much, and we hope to see you there!

Creekside High School's spring musical is Bye, Bye Birdie.  The energetic and colorful show stars Andrew Morales as Albert, Lexi Inks as Rosie, and Caroline Spell as Kim.  The wonderfully entertaining show will make its debut on the Creekside stage on Thursday, April 12th with additional performances on April 13th and 14th. Creekside is bursting with talent.  But don't take our word for it, come see it for yourself!  Check out Bye, Bye Birdie on the Creekside Stage at 7pm on April 12th, 13th, or 14th. Pre-sale tickets for Bye, Bye Birdie will be available and additional tickets will be sold at the door; Bye, Bye Birdie admission is $10. For more information, contact CHS Theatre Director Leia Fixel by email at Bartram Trail High School.

  
BEATPAC 2012

The Bartram Trial Performing Arts Camp is hosting "I've Got the Magic in Me" this summer.  Click here for more information.

 

Reading Skill & Speed Reading Program Offered for Children and Adults

The University of North Florida Division of Continuing Education is offering a Reading Skills and Speed Reading Program for Adults and Children.  Click here for page one of the flyer and click here for page two.

 

FCTC 2012 Kids Cooking Camp 

Promote learning enjoyment and be a chef for a week!  Learn from First Coast Technical College's award-winning School of Culinary Arts how to prepare a variety of taste-tempting items.  Food prep basics, good nutrition, kitchen safety, and how to properly use various gadgets/appliances included.  Camp is "hands-on" and campers will enjoy all the foods they make in a safe, supportive environment.

 

'Tweens, ages 8-12

Choose from June 18-21 or July 16-19

Mon - Thurs, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Teens, ages 13-17

Choose from July 9-12 or July 23-26

Mon - Thurs, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

Class size is limited.  $195 fee includes all materials, groceries, professional instruction, and lunch for the four-day session.


 
For info, email Jean Salce at jean.salce@fctc.edu 

or call 904.547.3461 to register with a credit card.  Cooking camps held on FCTC's main campus, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine.  

 

Click here to view chef camp flyer

Click here to view cook camp flyer. 

 

 

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.