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Switzerland Point Middle School


     5/18/2012

 777 Greenbriar Road

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

 

Monday, May 21st

Just Dance Tournament, all lunches

Intramurals - gym - 2pm

Tuesday, May 22nd

Just Dance Tournament, all lunches

Dreams Come True meeting, 1:00 pm

Dreams Come True "Dreamer's" Party, 2:00 pm

Intramurals - gym - 2pm

Winterguard Tryouts, 3:45pm, Gym

Wednesday, May 23th

Just Dance Tournament, all lunches

Winterguard Tryouts, 3:45pm, Gym

Thursday, May 24th  

Just Dance Tournament, all lunches

7th gr Field Trip Assembly during study hall, auditorium

Intramurals - gym - 2pm

Winterguard Tryouts, 3:45pm, Gym

Friday, May 25th

Semester Exams - Silver 2 & Silver 3 

Just Dance Tournament, all lunches

Student Council Elections during homeroom

Intramurals-gym-2pm   

 

FCAT Writing 

FCAT Writing scores were released today.  Switzerland Point had 50% of our 8th graders score a 4 out of 6.  We had 68% score a 3.5 or higher.  These scores have gone down compared to last year, but the test changed along with the scoring rubric.  In comparison to the other 8 middle schools, we ranked 3rd following Landrum (54% 4 or higher) and Fruit Cove (52% 4 or higher).  CONGRATULATIONS to our Language Arts department and to all of the teachers who have implemented writing into their curriculum this year.   Student score reports should be delivered this week.  Upon arrival, we will distribute to the students.

 

2nd Annual Carnival a Success

We had 290 students attend the carnival today after school.  Students had an awesome time on the inflatables, playing games and dunking some teachers, Ms. Breger and myself in the dunk tank.  We have an amazing PTSO board who goes above and beyond on every PTSO event!  A HUGE thank you to Dyana Giles for organizing the carnival!

 

Portable Classrooms

If you have driven past the school, you have seen 6 portable classrooms being installed.  With the rezoning to help relieve Fruit Cove Middle School, we will have an increase of 190 students next year.  We currently have 960 students and are being budgeted for 1,150 for 2012-2013.  Fruit Cove will still have around 1,400 students.

 

Making a Move to Middle School

Join us in starting the 6th grade adventure!  Click here to view the flyer with registration form.  The camp is on Tuesday, August 7 and Wednesday August 8 from 7:40-2:00.  Highlights of the camp include getting to know the 6th grade teachers , opportunity to earn Raider Bucks and making new friends.

 

Informational Videos

Below is a link to a few video clips that Mr. Moseley helped me create.  We know that many of you have questions about standards, high school graduation requirements, EOCs, etc.  There have been so many changes lately in education that it is hard to stay informed.  We hope that you find the clips helpful.

  

Click here to view video clips

  

Important Semester Exam Dates - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!

Friday, May 25th - Exams in S2 & S3

Monday, May 28th - Holiday!!

Tuesday, May 29th - Exams in B2 & S4

Wednesday, May 30th - Exams in B3 & B4

Thursday, May 31st - Make-up exams

  

Daily Rotation for the Week

Week of May 21th

  

Monday -  Silver Day

 

Tuesday -  Black Day

 

Wednesday - Silver Day- 1pm dismissal

  

Thursday - Black Day

 

Friday-  Special Bell Schedule

7:40-8:15- Homeroom- 8th Graders to Return Textbooks

8:22-10:42- Silver 2 Exam

10:42-10:52- Extended Restroom Break

10:52-2:00- Silver 3 Exam, Lunches

 

 Volunteer Information
Volunteer Opportunities
I love SignUp Genius!  This website has been extremely helpful in coordinating volunteers.  Currently the only volunteer opportunity available has enough volunteers.  Thanks so much in advance for the help that will be given in the book room.
 
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
SPMS would like to thank all volunteers who have helped this year in any way.  Whether you volunteered for one hour or several days, if you proctored for the FCAT or plan on going on an end of year field trip, please join us on Tuesday, May 29th at 11:30 in the Multi-purpose room.  Go to www.signupgenius.com to RSVP. Thank you to all the volunteers and we hope you can make the luncheon.
PTSO News

 

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.

  

 

  

SAC News

School Advisory Council Meeting

Switzerland Point Middle School

 

The last meeting was Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

 

Guidance NewsGuidance News
Guidance Counselors
Ellen Dail - 6th grade & 7th grade A-L
Tanya Moseley - 7th grade M-Z & 8th grade

   

Eraser Burn Marks Going Around SPMS

The middle school brain is full of surprises and once in a while we have our kids doing things that stop us in our tracks. We have recently had a number of kids rubbing off their skin by using an eraser. This behavior has been observed in students who inflict self-injury, not unlike cutting, but we are finding that some of our kids are doing it for fun and as a fad.  PLEASE look at your child's arms, hands and legs and if you see marks on them be aware that they may have been caused by this behavior and that IT MUST be addressed. Dean Hurst or a counselor is speaking with any student who engages in this behavior and a parent will be notified.

Student's Corner

Zoo Camp Counselors in Training Needed

Click here  if you are interested in volunteering as a counselor in training with Zoo Camp at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

 

Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders

8th Graders: BTHS Dance Team Tryouts

There is a Parent Meeting on Tuesady, May 22nd at 6:30 pm in Room N126 at BTHS.  Packets with more information are available in the front office at SPMS.  Click here to view flyer.

  

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.  Deadline to purchase tickets is May 11th. 

 

8th Grade Students Zoned for Bartram

Bartram Trail High School is offering S.T.A.R.T. The Summer Transition and Readiness Training Program for 8th graders zoned for Bartram next year.  Click here for the informational flyer and click here for the registration form.  Contact Rachel Kusher, school counselor at 547-8349 or kusherr@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

  

8th grade parents - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

Monday, June 4th at 9am we will have the 8th grade awards ceremony in the gym at Swiss Point.  Every student will have their name called and will be given a certificate of completion.

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

 

Pre-Excused Absences

Students planning a future absence  MUST submit a completed "Pre-Excused Absence Form" to the attendance office at least one week prior to their absence.  The form is available on line or from the attendance office.

 

Vaccine Requirements

Students entering,repeating or transferring into the 7th grade will need to provide to 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 can go to your private physician or the St. Johns County Health Department(825-5055). 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 Joan Beccard at 547-8628.  

  

  AthleticsAthletic

Winterguard Tryouts

Tryouts for next year's winterguard are May 22, 23, and 24 from 3:45-6:00pm in the SPMS gym.  You must be present all 3 days. Bring a snack and dress in loose fitting black clothing.

 

 

SPMS Basketball Camp

Switzerland Point Middle School will be hosting its Annual Summer Basketball Camp for boys & girls ages 6 - 14. The camp will have three one - week sessions June 11-14, June 25-28, and August 6-9 (Notice this session is now completely booked and is not available). This is a fun filled camp where "Teaching Never Stops". Don't be left out of this year's camp because the camp fills up fast. Please check your child's school for a brochure or Terrance Singleton's website at Switzerland Point Middle School. Questions/concerns, please call Coach Singleton singlet@syjohns.k12.fl.us

at 287-2626 or 547-8650.

Also, we are seeking donations or prizes for the students. (Example: gift certificate, T-shirt, coupons, drinks or candy). If any area business can contribute it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.


SJMSAA Tennis Team
The tennis team compete on Saturday, May 12th against Liberty Pines Academy at Mills Field at 10:00.

SPMS Golf Team

The Golf Team spent the day at TPC Sawgrass at the Players Championship.  Many students received autographs from Rickie Fowler and Jim Furyk.

     

SJMSAA Boys Baseball
The boys will start their playoff game today at 4:00pm at Bartram Trail High School against Gamble.  If they win, they will play a championship game later this evening.

SJMSAA Football

Congratulations on making the 2012 Swiss Point Raiders Football team!  This years tryouts were tough and the coach would like to Thank all the boys that tried out for the team. The spring season began on May 3rd at 2:30pm.  We will have two more days of conditioning and then start in pads on May 7th.  We will conclude the spring season with a game on May 19th at 12:00pm.

 

The schedule will be as follows: Practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:30 to 7:30ish.  The players will be in pads Monday, May 7th. 

  

Players please drink lots of water and make sure you stay hydrated.  This will be a hot spring session and we want to make sure everyone stays healthy.

 

If you have any questions that need to be answered before the meeting please email to dmims8@aol.com or call 904-497-8797.

   

Spring Game Day May 19th

Spring Game Day for SJMSAA Football will be held on Saturday, May 19th at Pacetti Bay Middle School. Matchups for spring games were chosen by the SJMSAA President, Curtis Carter, pulling names from a hat. The top four teams from 2011 were grouped together and the bottom four teams from 2011 were grouped together.  

The Spring Game Day schedule is as follows:

  • *           10AM - Fruit Cove vs. Murray
  • *           12PM - Landrum vs. Swiss Point
  • *           2PM - Sebastian vs. Pacetti Pay

 4PM - Gamble Rogers vs. Liberty Pines

 

Basketball Camps at BTHS

BTHS Elite Basketball Camp for Rising 8th-9th Grade Boys (grade in fall of 2012)  Click here for the Elite Camp flyer.

  • CAMP DATES:
  •  Tuesday, June 5 from 6:30-8:30 
  • Thursday, June 7 from 5:30-8
  • Friday, June 8 from 6-8     
  • Saturday, June 9 from 8:30-11am
  • Camp cost is $85

BTHS Basketball Camp for Rising 3rd-7th Grade boys (grade in fall of 2012).  Click here for the camp flyer.

  • Camp Dates:  Monday, June 18 through Thursay, June 21
  • Camp Description:   The BTHS Basketball Camp is a great way for campers to learn the FUNdamentals of the game and improve their basketball skills. Campers will be instructed by the Bartram Trail Basketball Coaching staff as well as members of the 2012 District Championship team
  • Camp Cost is $85
  • Any questions please contact Coach Jeremiah Teuscher at teuschj@stjohns.k12.fl.us.   
 
Lunch Menu
Click here to view information regarding the cafeteria. 
 
Traditional  lunch is $2.50
Ala carte pricing can be found using the link on the parent page of the SPMS website.

  

Week of May 21st

 

Monday - Asian Glaze Chicken over Rice, Assorted Pizza, Oriental Blend Vegetables, Pineapple Tidbits, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk
 

Tuesday - Tacos with lettuce, tomato & cheese cup, Twisted Cheese Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce, Sweet Kernel Corn, Mixed Fruit, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit juices, milk

 

Wednesday - BBQ Chicken with a Roll, Beef Quesadillia Max, Sweet Peas, 100% Fruit Sidekick, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk

 

Thursday - Spaghetti & Meat Sauce with Garlic Breadstick, Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a Whole Wheat Bun, Mini Corn Cobettes, Diced Peaches, Assorted fresh fruit and fruit juices, milk.

 

Friday -Macaroni & Cheese with a Roll, Deli Sandwich on a Whole Wheat Bun with Yogurt, Homestyle Baked Beans, Sliced Pears, Assorted fresh fruit & fruit Juices, milk


Community Events
Jaguars and Team Teal to Touchdown at WGV
Click here to view the flyer when the Jacksonville Jaguars and Team Teal will be visiting World Golf Village. 
 
Caring for Kids: Sitter Training
Click here to view the flyer for a sitter class at Memorial Hospital on Sturday, June 16.
 
Play Works Therapies & Developmental Program
Click here to view a flyer regarding an opportunity for fun, learning and individual development conducted and supervised by licensed therapists.  It is a 10 week program starting June11th. Space is limited.

Beckman Etiquette Children's Program

Some of the parents in Saint Johns County have expressed an interest in grooming the next generation of young ladies and gentlemen by participating in the famous Beckman Etiquette children's program. The Beckman Etiquette children's program offers a twist of modern and traditional etiquette practices that will encourage our children to present themselves in a socially acceptable manner when around friends, family, and people. The program will create a sophisticated super star within each person.  If you are interested in 6 sessions that will:

 

- Learn how to do commercials, photo posing, modeling techniques, and public speaking.

- Learn how to appropriately dress for different occasions, learn how to mix and match outfits, how to travel light.

- Learn confidence development, social protocol, how to avoid bullying or becoming a bully, how to be a good team player and interact in a professional setting.

- Learn how to adjust posture while sitting, standing, or walking.

- Learn tips on keeping your room neat and organized.

- Learn social grace, personal hygiene, and social protocol & manners.

- Learn how to deal with peer pressure, conflict resolution, self-esteem building, focus and get better grades.

- Learn how to respect each other, social graces and role playing, learn table etiquette and how to set a formal place setting.

-Learn about diet & nutrition, dining out at a 5-star restaurant, enjoying a fabulous 5-course meal, and much more!

 

For more information please contact Director, Sabrina Samuels @ Phone: (407) 876-0306 or Mobile: (510) 501-8383. Please visit http:/www.BeckmanEtiquette.com for more information.
 
BEATPAC 2012

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

  

Foster Care Parents Needed

Skilled and loving caregivers are needed for St. Johns County children who cannot safely remain in their homes.  For more information on becoming a foster parent, call 904-209-6131. 

 

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. 

  

2012 Shamrock Soccer Camps at Flagler College

Shamrock Soccer Camps at Flagler College, John Lynch will hold the 13th annual summer soccer camps for ages 5 - 14 on June 25 - 29 and for ages 8 - 18 on July 1-3 and July 7-10.  Camps are half day, full day commuter and residential.  Players will be divided by skill level and age.  For more information, visit www.shamrocksoccercamp.com or www.flaglerathletics.com
 and click on camps or contact Coach Lynch at (904) 819-6254 or by email: lynchj@flager.edu

 

Educational Summer Program: Host a Spanish Exchange Student

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. Host one of the older students as a companion for your child. We go on two field trips a week in which your children are welcome to come along at group discount pricing. We will be visiting Sea World, Universal Studios, Daytona Lagoon as well as local sights.

 

Host families provide a bed, meals, limited transportation to the bus stop or activity location and a warm supportive environment. Bus transportation is provided for the airport transfers and for all day excursions. Students all speak English, come with their own spending money and medical insurance. Students are expected to have chores and be treated as a family member not a guest as they are here to experience the life of a typical American family.    

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.  Interested host families can contact community coordinator Susan James at 904-806-1392 or by emailing steptousa@aol.com 

Susan has personally hosted 18 students over the past 15 years. Spanish students are very good role models for today's teens. They are responsible, gracious and thrilled for the opportunity to come to America to live in an American home! If you have room in your heart and your home, would you please consider opening your home to a young person from abroad? Enrich your life with an exceptional young person and open doors to learn about a new culture. Hosting can change your world!

  

 Great Summer Camps