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Message from Mrs. Kunze Teachers and administration have had numerous calls and emails about grading, especially why we have moved to an 80% summative and 20% other catergories. In a standards-based system, which is what schools have been directed to become by 2014-2015 by Senate Bill 736, grades should reflect what a student knows. A grade should not be "fluffed." For high school graduation now, your child will have to take an Algebra End of Course Exam (EOC), Geometry EOC, Biology EOC and US History EOC. These rigorous exams MUST be passed to receive HS credit no matter what the grade in the course is. Starting next year there will be a Civics EOC in middle school that students MUST pass to promote to high school. The grade should indicate what the child knows and should be close in predicting a grade on an EOC. Florida will fully implement Common Core Standards in Language Arts and Math starting in 2014-2015, when the FCAT Reading and Math exams will be replaced by PARCC. There are MANY changes in education right now. This is not something that Swiss Point has decided to just do on our own. We are taking steps to prepare our students and teachers for 2014-2015. Below is information on grading from page 15 of the St. John's County's Middle School Student Progression Plan........ The Importance of Grading
Grading practices can vary greatly, according to research by Reeves, Marzano, and others. Grading inconsistencies
can result in honor roll or high GPA students scoring Level I on the FCAT, students failing for non-completion of
homework, students passing courses and moving grade to grade with inflated averages due to participation,
homework, effort or extra credit grades. St. Johns County School District offers a standards-based curriculum and strives for consistency so that a course
grade at one school equates to the same course grade and level of mastery at another school. The curriculum in
all schools in St. Johns County is based on the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These standards specify what students should know and be able to do. In a
standards-based system, grades should be an indication of the level of mastery as determined by summative
assessments.
Summative assessments are those assessments that are administered at the end of a learning sequence after
ample practice or rehearsal of essential knowledge. Summative assessments indicate mastery of benchmarks and
standards. Examples of summative assessments include:
chapter tests
reading selection tests
quizzes (only if amply practice/rehearsal has been provided prior to the quiz)
performance assessments evaluated by a rubric shared with students prior to the assessment.
Teachers also use formative assessments, which are frequent, in-progress checks for understanding, on a regular
basis. Formative assessments are used to inform instruction, to provide ongoing and helpful feedback (1) to alert
teachers to what challenges students are still facing, and (2) to inform students about where they are in relation to
mastery of the standard. Examples of formative assessments include:
guided and independent practice activities - classwork and homework
workbook exercises as a direct follow-up to instruction
quizzes to spot check for understanding
observing students at work and noting progress or need for re-teaching
students and teachers communicating about a topic by talking or writing (teachers informally assess what
students know and are able to do and determine next steps for instruction).
Examples of formative/summative assessments and multiple opportunities to improve can be found in everyday
life. A child falls while attempting to ride a bicycle - this is formative feedback (1) for the child, who may need to
sit up straight, maintain balance or pedal faster, and (2) for the parent who is teaching the child to ride. What
matters is not the number of times the child fell, but if the child is now able to ride the bicycle. Similarly, some
people fail their initial test for a driver's license, but no one cares as long as they can ultimately demonstrate
knowledge of the necessary driving skills by passing the test.
Grades should be clear, undiluted indicators of what students know and are able to do at the conclusion of the
learning sequence. Below are several links that will be valuable in learning about FL Standards, Common Core Standards and the PARCC.
Attention: Active Military and Veterans
We are attempting to organize a speaking event in honor of Veteran's Day, and we're looking for interested speakers. The idea is to have an assembly for each grade level on November 5, 6 & 8 from 1:15 - 2:00. With about 5-7 people per grade level, each person only needs to speak about 5-7 minutes. All you would speak about is your experience in the military; why you joined, what you've done, training, deployment, etc. We want you and your children to share yourselves with our family here. Many students have no idea what goes on in the military, and this could be the perfect opportunity to give them some insight about what you go through. If you think you might be able to participate, please email me at
and I will organize the details and get back to you as soon as possible. If you would like to speak about it on the phone, please include your phone number in the email and the best time to call.
Thank you, Mrs. Anagnostou
Click here to read the Superintendent's Weekly Review dated 10/9/2012 Picture Retakes Show us your smile! Thursday is picture day for individual color portraits. This is your opportunity to get your picture taken if you did not get one done previously. You may order online. To view pricing and available packages, go to www.leonards.com/order. Order number: 92075-152 Home Access Information and Instructions The school district has launched a new system for parents to access their child's academic progress. Please review the following documents to learn more about how the system works and instructions on how to access the system. If you are still having trouble logging into HAC after you have read all directions, please email Cynthia Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us Home Access Account Registration Instuctions eSchoolPlus and Home Access Center (HAC) Introduction Home Access Center Email Verification Form 2012-2013 |
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Daily Rotation & Calendar for the Week
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Week of October 15th
Monday - Black Day - Pink Out Day
Students bring $1 to wear a hat during the day to support our Relay for Life Team
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunch, MPR
Wear Pink to the Basketball Game HOME vs Liberty Pines starts 5:30 pm
Tuesday - Silver Day
District Quarter Exams- Language Arts & Social Studies
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunch, MPR
Science Fair Seminar #2, Study Hall, 7th & 8th in MPR, 6th location to be announced
Dreams Come True Meeting, Study Hall, Raider Roost
Road Raiders after school
Wednesday - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
District Quarter Exams- Language Arts & Social Studies
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunch, MPR
Winterguard Practice, 1:30-5:30pm, gym
FCA Meeting, 1:00 pm, Patio
SAC Meeting 3:30 pm, Teacher's Lounge
Basketball Game at Fruit Cove, starts 5:30pm
Thursday - Silver Day
Fall Portrait Retakes, Auditorium, during Study Hall
District Quarter Exams- Math & Science
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunch, MPR
Chess Club, Study Hall, MPR
Surf Club, Study Hall, Location TBA
Road Raiders after school
Chorus Concert, 7:00 pm, Auditorium
Friday- Black Day
District Quarter Exams- Math & Science
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunch, MPR
Fun Friday Events, during study hall, all classrooms
Saturday
PSAT starting at 8:00 am for those students who pre-registered
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Volunteer Information
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Volunteers to Record Tests
Thank you to all those who have signed up to record tests. The next 6 weeks are covered! A test recorder will read a test into a recording device so that students with special needs will be accommodated. Volunteers will be needed for 3-4 hours once a week for the rest of the school year. Contact Mrs. Roberts at the front desk if you are interested.
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PTSO
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Our PTSO meeting was October 8th at 9:30am in the Media Center. Minutes will be posted in the next Raider Rap. Our next PTSO meeting is scheduled for November 5th at 9:30 am in the Media Center. We encourage all members who can come to join us.
Membership 2012/2013
Family membership is $20. Teacher membership is $10. Your membership helps us provide so much more. Please join.
PTSO Membership Drive Update
Thank You EVERYONE for a Great PTSO Membership Drive. We have 464 Families that signed up to be members. We would love to have more, so if you want to sign up, you still can.
Spirit Wear
SPMS PTSO has a brand new spirit wear logo for both boys
and girls. T-shirts (short and long sleeves), hoodies and
drawstring bags will be available for pre-order only. We will
place a 2nd order by mid October to be delivered beginning
of November. This will be our last order.
Gator Bowl Tickets
The Gator Bowl is more than a football game... it is a week-long celebration for the entire family! If this one has become a
tradition in your family, please consider purchasing the tickets
through our PTSO and help Swiss Point. See link to flyer
below. Deadline is November 15, 2012. Please write checks to SPMS PTSO.
Magazine Fundraising
Thank you all who participated in our magazine sales. Our Limo Ride took place earlier today and the kids had a great time. See pictures on same link for Dance Party Photos below.
Dance Party Photos
We took many pictures of our Dance Party back on September 21st. You may access the photos by going to www.walgreens.com and login with the following information:
hurstd@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Password: raiders2012
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson Label News
Continue cutting those labels! We are keeping running totals
for the first contest that will continue until 12/1/12. Remember,
each student who brings in 50 valid labels will receive one
Raider Buck. Be sure to check the expiration dates on each
label. Please place your labels in a zip lock bag or an
envelope with the student's name, grade and homeroom
teacher's name listed. Speaking of teachers, there will also
be prizes for the homeroom teachers with the highest label
count from all of their students' totals. So, along with earning a prize for yourself, you can help your teacher win a nice surprise too!
Also, please visit http://www.boxtops4education.com/ to
register and learn more ways to earn Box Top credits for our
school. Thank you for your support
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SAC News
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Switzerland Point Middle School
School Advisory Council Meeting
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Teacher's Lounge, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Agenda
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 September Minutes
- Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- Vote: Approval of SAC By-Laws
- Vote: School Recognition Money Allocation
- Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- Adjourn
Next Meeting will be December 19th at 3:30pm
Proposed Items for December meeting:
Begin Review of Needs Assessment Survey
Survey Request
The district is currently preparing to go through the accreditation process this spring. Each school is required to have students, parents and faculty complete the accreditation survey.
This survey is NOT the SAC Needs Assessment Survey that you will take in the spring to provide data for our School Improvement Plan.
This survey is strictly required for accreditation and we MUST have a certain percentage of parents respond.
PLEASE take a few minutes to complete the survey.
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Guidance News
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Guidance Counselors
Ellen Dail - 6th grade & 7th grade A-G
Tanya Moseley - 7th grade H-Z & 8th grade
Gifted Parent Advisory Dates 2012-2013:
10/16/12 The Webster School
1/8/13 Durbin Creek Elementary School
3/19/13 Ocean Palms Elementary School
5/13/13 Julington Creek Elementary School
*All meetings are from 3:30 to 4:30
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Student Corner
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FCA
The next FCA meeting will be Wednesday, October 17 at 1:00 on the patio. All students are invited to attend. Enjoy games, fellowship and prayer.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Attention parents of 8th grade Algebra and Geometry Students!!!
Your 8th grade child is being given the opportunity to take the PSAT at Switzerland Point on Saturday, October 20th from 8am to 11am. This is a national test day for the PSAT and there is not a make-up date. The cost is $20. The PSAT measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that are important for success in college. The PSAT Score Report gives your child personalized feedback on their test performance allowing them to see which questions they answered incorrectly and which academic skills they may need to improve. The PSAT is excellent practice for the SAT which your child will take in high school. Payment (cash or check payable to SPMS) for the PSAT should be turned in to Melissa Lime, Academic Coordinator. Students will receive an "Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT" when they register for the test. Seating is limited. The last day for payment is Wednesday, October 17th. Your child will receive a receipt. A parent letter with more information about the PSAT will be distributed in Mrs. Robbins and Mrs. Piscitello's math class. Please email Mrs. Lime at limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have further questions.
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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
Bus Passes
Bus passes to ride home with another student are not allowed. The buses are at capacity.
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Athletics
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2012 SJMSAA Raider Football Schedule
Date School Location Time
10/24 Liberty Pines Bartram Trail HS 5:00
The football team showed great character during their last game coming up short by only one point. Good Job Raiders!
SPMS Winterguard
You've Been BOO'ED!
SPMS Winterguard will be selling BOO-Grams from October 15-October 31 during all three lunches as a fundraiser!
Here's how it works: If you'd like to BOO a special friend, teacher, or family member at SPMS purchase a BOO-gram during your lunch for $1.00 and the gram will be delivered to that special someone during Study Hall! BOO-Gram deliveries start October 22 so don't delay!
Help BOO'tify Swiss Point by supporting the SPMS Winterguard team!
SJMSAA Soccer
Congratulations!! to all the girls and boys teams who made the SPMS soccer team. The coaches would like to commend all the girls and boys that tried out for the team. It was a tough decision. Good luck this season. Practices will start soon.
SJMSAA Baseball
Congratulations to the boys baseball team who won by a large margin against Landrum Middle School yesterday. Their next game is Monday.
SJMSAA Golf
The try-outs were held this past week and the team will be announced very soon.
SPMS Basketball
Good luck to the boys and girls basketball teams this week as they play Liberty Pines Academy at home on Monday. This is a PINK OUT game, so wear pink to support breast cancer awareness. The teams also play at Fruit Cove on Wednesday.
SJMSAA Cheer Team
We would like to Congratulate all the cheerleaders for doing a great job every week. RAH!!! RAH!!! Gooooooooooooo Raiders!!!!!
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Lunch Menu
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Click here to view information regarding the cafeteria.
Traditional lunch is $2.60
Ala carte pricing can be found using the link on the parent page of the SPMS website.
Week of October 8
Monday
Max Cheese Sticks
Chicken Quesadilla Max
Steamed Broccoli Florets
Green Peas
Marinara Sauce
Peaches
Variety of Milk
Taco Sauce
Tuesday
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Beef Taco on Ultra Grain Flour Tortillas
Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Cup
Corn
Mandarin Oranges
Variety of Milk
Taco Sauce, Lettuce/Tomato/Cheese Cup
Wednesday
Chicken Nuggets Baked Beans Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Cup Whole Grain Roll Variety of Fresh Fruit to include: sliced apples, pears, or oranges Variety of Milk Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup
Thursday
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Fajita Chicken Wrap Spinach / Romaine Mix Salad with LF Dressing Cup Cucumber & Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Cup Pears Variety of Milk
Friday
Oven Baked Chicken BBQ Meatballs Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Cup Green Beans Applesauce Variety of Milk |
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Lions, and Tigers, and BEARS, Oh My!
Follow the yellow brick road to Bartram Trail High School to see the musical version of the Wizard of Oz performed by the Bartram Trail High School theatre department. It should be a spectacular show! Performances are November 29-December 2.
Creekside High School has an exciting fall theatrical season!
The first of three fall shows will hit the Creekside stage next week. Come check out The Curious Savage on Thursday (10.18), Friday (10.19), or Saturday (10.20). The doors will open at 6:30 and the show will start at 7:00. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. This show is sure to make you laugh and warm your heart!
Next up is The Murderous Mansion of Mr. Uno on Monday, November 5th. This show will be presented in the style of a dinner theatre; pre-sale tickets for $15 will be sold and will include show admission and the pre-show Italian dinner. Tickets for the show portion only will be sold at the door for $7. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations to this show as the drama students will be participating in the Educational Theatre Association's "Trick-or-Treat so Kids Can Eat" campaign. Also, a percentage of proceeds from this show will be donated to "Broadway Cares."
On December 13th and 14th, you can join the Creekside drama group for some holiday fun as they perform a theatrical adaptation of The Nutcracker. Tickets for the show will be $7 and will include a reception after the show with the characters; attendees are encouraged to stay after the show to take photos with the characters and to enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. A percentage of proceeds from this will be donated to "Broadway Cares" as well.
For more information about any show, please contact Creekside's Theatre Director Leia Fixel via email at
Calling all Young Artists
The St. Augustine Art Association is currently taking registrations for the upcoming Fall AFTER SCHOOL ART STUDIO session that takes place five Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 24, from 3 to 6pm at 22 Marine Street in downtown St. Augustine.
This fun art-making adventure includes painting, drawing and sculpture projects that will be exhibited in the gallery! Open to students ages 6 through 12.
Space is limited, so register today by phone with a credit card or send in the registration form on the attached flyer via mail or fax.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call. We hope to see you there!
Elyse Brady
Administrator
St. Augustine Art Association
22 Marine Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
PHONE: (904) 824-2310
FAX: (904) 824-0716
elysebrady@staaa.org
www.staaa.org
San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church 6th Annual Fall Festival
The San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church 6th Annual Fall Festival is November 2,3,4, 2012. There are: rides, games, silent auction, jail & bail, country store, cafe san juan, book nook, food/refreshments,
reverse draw dinner Saturday night, bingo, all ages talent show contest, free entertainment all 3 days, homemade soup contest and our grand draw and raffle with over $10,000 in prizes. The Grand Draw top prize is
Cruise to Bermuda value of $4,000 limited to first 500 entries. Great odds in winning. Cost is $60 a ticket. For additional information contact Sal Santapola - saldesanta@gmail.com. Click here for the informational flyer.
Saint Johns County Education Foundation
Click here for information regarding the 2nd Annual Nissan of St. Augustine Charity Golf Tournament on October 10th.
St. Johns County School District Community Education
The St. Johns County School District is conducting Community Education classes in the evening and are available in a variety of subjects including, computers (Microsoft Office and Excel), World Languages (Spanish, French, ASL, ESL), yoga, sewing, photography, bluegrass string band, memoir writing, drawing and painting. Classes begin soon at 6 locations around the county. Visit www.sjccommunityed.com
When Girls Succeed, So does Society!
It is never too late to join Girl Scouts! Whether exploring their own neighborhoods, going on overnight camping trips, participating in community service projects, or flying to one of the four world centers, Girl Scouts are continually expanding their horizons. Girl Scouts today thrive to build a better world by helping others. Come see what we are all about! Call Débora McCarty at 230-2669 or send an email to rdmccarty10@comcast.net
Middle School Girls Lacrosse
Dates: Sundays October 7th - November 4th 2012
Time: 12:00pm-2:30pm
Location: Plantation Park (Fruit Cove MS)
Price: $105 early registration (before 9/7)
$150 registration (after 9/7)
Just for Parents
The Florida Department of Education's Bureau of Family and Community Outreach is pleased to send you our "Just for Parents" newsletter. We hope that you will share this newsletter with your friends, colleagues, schools and especially parents.
Our first issue, published in July, focuses on fun ways to keep children actively learning throughout the summer break from school.
Our August issue offers great tips for parents to help get the new school year off to a great start, how to choose a quality afterschool program, what children will be learning in their grade level this year, and more!
To view the July and August newsletters that include "live" links to other helpful resources, please click on the link below which will take you to the Florida Department of Education's "Just for Parents" web page. http://parents.fldoe.org/newsletter
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