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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Common Core Shifts
What is a "shift"?
A shift is the transition from present work based on state standards to the common core standards.
* There are twelve (12) shifts that the Common Core
requires of us if we are to be truly aligned in terms
of curricular materials and classroom instruction.
* There are six (6) shifts in ELA/Literacy
* There are six (6) shifts in Mathematics
Click here to go to the Parent Page of our website to read more!
Scroll 1/2 way down to the Link titled - Common Core State Standards - Shifts for Students and Parents
School Accountability Report and School Improvement Plan
Both of these items can be found on the home page of the Swiss Point website. Scroll to the bottom to Important Links.
We're having a FOOD FIGHT! There is a competition among St. Johns County Schools to see who can collect the most food for Second Harvest Food Bank. From November 5 - 9 we're collecting these items: Canned fruits, vegetables, meats, beans, peanut butter, pasta, soup, macaroni, cereal, etc We'll record the number of OUNCES total for each homeroom, then compare! One homeroom for each grade level will be a winner and get a pizza lunch! Let's help everyone in our community has a wonderful holiday dinner!
The 6th grade Health Screening will take place on Thursday,November 29th and Thursday,December 6th. All students will be screened for height,weight,vision,hearing and scoliosis. A letter will be going out soon through the homeroom teachers. At the bottom of the letter will be an opt out choice that you can check if you choose not to have your student participate. Please wait for this school letter before sending in any personal notes of your own. Please call Joan Beccard at 547-8628 if you have any questions or concerns.
Click here to read the Superintendent's Weekly Review
dated 10/30/2012
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 November 5th
Monday - Black Day
Canned Food Drive
8th Grade Veteran's Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
Tuesday - Silver Day
Canned Food Drive
Character Counts Luncheon, During lunches, Patio
Science Fair Seminar #3, Study Hall, Bransford & Kennedy
7th Grade Veteran's Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
6th Grade AB Honor Roll Recognition, During Studyhall, Back Patio
Road Raiders after school
Wednesday - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
Canned Food Drive
Winterguard Practice, 1:30-5:30pm, gym
Thursday - Silver Day
Canned Food Drive
6th Grade Veteran's Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
Science Fair Seminar, Study Hall, Milton
Battle of the Books, 1:00 pm, Media Center
7th Grade AB Honor Roll Recognition, During Studyhall, Back Patio
Chess Club, Study Hall, MPR
Friday- Black Day
Canned Food Drive
Student Council Meeting, 1:00 pm, MPR
Note: No School on Monday, November 12
for Veteran's Day
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Volunteer Information
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The Raider Buck Store will be opening in December for students to purchase items for the holidays with the raider bucks they have acquired so far this year. Volunteers are needed to run the store and one person to be the coordinator. This volunteer opportunity is fun and interacts with the students. Also, donations are needed for items to sell in the store. If interested in volunteering or donating, please contact Mrs. Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us or 547-8627. Please look for a SignUpGenius email going out next week.
6th Grade Health Screening
Volunteers are needed to help with the 6th Grade Health Screening on Thursday, November 29th and Thursday, December 6th. Four volunteers are needed all day from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm. Please contact Joan Beccard in the clinic at 547-8628. |
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PTSO
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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.
Click here for the SPMS PTSO October 8, 2012 Meeting Minutes.
Open Board Positions and Committees for 2013/2014
PTSO has a few open positions for 2013/2014. Please contact Débora McCarty at rdmccarty10@comcast.net if you are interested in holding a position:
President: OPEN
1st VP Membership: OPEN
Secretary: OPEN
Committees:
Fall/Spring Parties: OPEN
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.
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
Minutes
Members in attendance: Mina Bustamante, Lena Ford, Ross Garza, Alice Kromphardt, Lisa Kunze, Michael Lewandowski, Elizabeth Loeser, Megan Miller, Melissa Muley, Stacy Pendarvis, Emily Piscitello, Tanya Thompson, Connie Van Winkle, Patrick Victor
Members absent: Kristee Burgess
Non-voting guests: Melissa Lime, Carol Higley
- 3:35 pm Welcome: Call to Order: Megan Miller
- 3:36 pm Good News: Megan Miller
- 3:38 pm Vote: Approval of September Minutes
- Approved
- Current Balance: $0.00
- SAC committee read the SAC By-Laws before attending meeting, and discussion about altering By-Laws occurred at this time
- Motion to approve by Mr. Garza
- Discussion of School Recognition funding; there was concern with the length of time a teacher must work before receiving recognition funds, as well as giving recognition funding to teachers who were not reappointed (this discussion was tabled to the spring when recognition funds for the next school year (2013) are discussed)
- Megan Miller explained the process of voting on the recognition funds by the school, which included three ballots:
- 3:38 pm Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- 3:39 pm Vote: Approval of SAC By-Laws: Megan Miller
- 3:40 pm Vote: School Recognition Money Allocation: Megan Miller
- 1. The first ballot asked how the money should be allocated. The choices were:
- All money to the school
- All money to faculty/staff bonuses
- Money should be given to both the school and to bonuses
- 2. Ballot two asked who should receive the bonus (2011-12 faculty and staff, 2012-13 faculty and staff, or some money to be given to employees of both school years).
- 3. Ballot three asked how much each 2011-12 employees should receive. Faculty, Administration & Staff should receive a whole share (as defined) Or Faculty & Administration should receive a whole share, and Support Staff should receive a ˝ share (as defined).
- 3:53 pm Principal Update: Lisa Kunze
- Visitors will be on campus on Friday for recognition about our middle school career academy
- Total school count: 1169 students (we added an associate teacher; ESE teacher for support facilitation classrooms; and a part-time paraprofessional for Band)
- There is a possibility of hiring an associate teacher if more students register at SPMS
- Shared discussion and concerns of the paradigm shift in education, which includes: teaching to the standards, common assessments, pacing of the curriculum, the increase in rigor, the communication between the school and the parents/students
- Next meeting: December 19, 2012 at 3:30pm
- December agenda will be focusing on beginning the process of the "Needs Assessment Survey"
- Vote: Approved
- 4:37 pm New Business/Questions and Answers: Megan Miller
- 4:38 pm Adjourn
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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:
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
Bullying Prevention at SPMS
This week all of the students in Mrs. Millsaps's Critical Thinking class took part in a guidance lesson on bullying/cyber-bullying prevention. Mrs. Dail covered the types of bullying, how to react to it and how to prevent it. Switzerland Point needs to continue to strive to be a bully-free zone! Please speak with your son/daughter about the types of bullying and help him or her solve small conflicts that if left unresolved can result in bullying behaviors. Conflict may be resolved by staying calm, stating the problem, allowing both sides to discuss their perception of the situation, and brainstorming ways to resolve it.
Sixth graders who do not have Critical Thinking will receive the lesson during study hall next week.
New Student Get Together
The school held the monthly New Student Get Together today. Students were placed in teams to compete in a Marshmallow Tower competition were the most elaborate tower made from marshmallows and spaghetti won a prize. Following the competition students were treated to hot chocolate out on the Patio and where they socialized with each other and talked with Student 2 Student members about how to continue to be successful at Swiss Point. Our last New Student Get Together will be in December.
Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps
Today all Marines around the world celebrate the 237th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps with ceremonies and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. During the traditional cake cutting ceremony, the first piece of cake is presented to the oldest Marine present while the second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Semper Fidelis.
Doctor Forms/Checklists - Best Practice
Our students go to a doctor to be evaluated for many reasons and sometimes return to school with forms for the teachers to complete. Please be aware that it is our policy for the forms/checklists to be given by the parent or the student to the guidance department. The student's counselor will make sure that the forms are completed by the teachers and are mailed back to the doctor requesting them (please send in a large enough stamped envelope with the doctor's address on it). If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Dail or Mrs. Moseley in guidance.
The New Quarter Is Here
- Reports cards will be going home this Monday, October 29th.
- Your child's first nine weeks' grade will be averaged with their second nine weeks' grade and the semester exam to give them a first semester grade. The first semester grade is calculated as follows: first nine weeks=40% + second nine weeks=40% + semester exam=20%.
- Have you visited the Home Access Center to see your child's grades? If you need assistance with HAC please go to our school's website or call guidance at 547-8627.
-Teachers' class pages are a wonderful resource for you and your child so please create shortcuts to your desktop to access class pages with ease. Many questions about assignments and classroom procedures can be answered by visiting the teachers' class web page.
- Organization is a key to middle school success. A strategy is for students to finish all of the homework they were given that same day and not wait until a day later. Also, many students are doing homework but are not spending additional, ongoing time reviewing notes, downloads on the teachers' class pages, text book and packets issued in class.
- Many students need help balancing school, extracurricular activities, eating healthy and getting enough rest.
- If you have questions or concerns about your child's progress please email the teacher.
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Student Corner
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Lost and Found to be Donated
The items that have been collected and not claimed by students will be donated to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. The items will be picked up on Thursday, November 8th.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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We are looking for 8th grade parents who would like to help organize the 8th grade end of year dance. If you are interested in helping, please email Mrs. Kennedy at kennedm@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Thank you!!
Career Academies and Programs of Choice
The district's career academies and other programs of choice have been recognized as some of the best in the nation. To ensure that students know their options for high school, the following dates will help parents and students to consider options available.
November 19-22 Middle school and high school videos shown during class
November 26-30 Middle School Blitz at middle schools given by high school teams
December 3 Registration begins for returning academy students
December 17 High School Showcase 3-8 p.m. at the World Golf Village
Registration opens for new applicants for Programs of Choice
February 8 Registration deadline
February 15 Acceptance letters mailed
February 22 Acceptances due
July 1 Deadline to appeal decisions
Academy Nights
Monday, January 14-St. Augustine High School/St. Johns Technical High School
Thursday, January 17-Bartram Trail High School
Thursday, January 24-Pedro Menendez High School
Monday, January 29-Allen D. Nease High School
Thursday, January 31-Ponte Vedra High School
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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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Intramurals
The first session of intramurals will begin on November 13, 2012. The sports will be basketball and flag football for ALL grade levels. Basketball will be held on Tuesday and flag football on Thursday. Students may choose to sign-up for one sport or both. In order to participate, students must pick up a permission slip from a P.E. teacher, front office or the coaches website. The permission slip must be returned by Monday, November 12, 2012 in order will to participate. The times will be from 2:10pm - 3:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Remember that everyone is allowed to participate in intramurals; no one gets cut from the team. If you have any questions please contact a P.E. teacher or call 547-8650.
2012 SJMSAA Raider Football
The football team was defeated by Landrum this past week but are looking forward to their Bowl game. Good luck boys!
SJMSAA Baseball
The Varsity team and the JV team both won their games this week. Good luck teams as you continue your winning streaks!
SJMSAA Golf
Good luck in your next match. Go Raiders!
SJMSAA Soccer
The girls soccer team starts practice next Monday and the boys soccer team started their practices this past week. Look for upcoming schedules in future Raider Raps.
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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 November 5
Monday
Macaroni & Cheese
Beef & Bean Chili
Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick
Steamed Broccoli
Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with
LF Dressing Dunk Cup
Peaches
Variety of Milk
Tuesday
Mini Corn Dogs
Chef Boyardee Ravioli
Marinara Sauce
Baby Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF
Dressing Dunk Cup
Mandarin Oranges
Variety of Milk
Mustard, Ketchup
Wednesday
Cheesy Garlic Flatbread or Personal Galaxy Cheese Pizza Spinach / Romaine Salad Mix with LF Dressing Dunk Cup Corn Variety of Fresh Fruit to include: sliced apples, pears, or oranges Variety of Milk Thursday
Hamburger on a Bun Hot Dog on a Bun Potato Wedges Baked Beans Mixed Fruit Variety of Milk Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle Cup Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo Friday
Fish Sandwich Beef Steak Burrito with Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese Cup Sweet Potato Puffs Green Beans Applesauce Variety of Milk Dipping Sauce, Taco Sauce |
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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.
2012 CFL Winter Games at Plantation Park
Cornhole Tournament & Skills Competition
Saturday, November 3rd @ 4 pm. Register online at www.cfoutlaws.com. Cost is $25 the day of the competition. Visit the website for more information.
Right Whale Festival.......and it is FREE!
Celebrate the North Atlantic right whales' annual return to their only known calving area in the Southeast U.S., as well as the 40th Anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. With as few as 400 remaining, come learn about local and national efforts to protect these critically endangered whales from extinction. Join us at the 4th annual Right Whale Festival to learn how we can protect the right whales that share our coastal waters! Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. November 17, 2012 from 10 am-5 pm. Beach Clean-up from 9-11 am, Beach Run from 2:30-3:30 pm and Live music from 12-5 pm. Visit www.rightwhalefestival.org for more information and a list of sponsors.
Creekside High School has an exciting fall theatrical season!
The next performance will be 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
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.
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