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Message from Mrs. Kunze
The SPMS Student Council will be selling holiday items in the cafeteria during lunches to support the American Cancer Society. Items can be purchased with real money.
During the Holiday Season we open the school store and allow students the opportunity to purchase presents for their parents, siblings or other family members using Raider Bucks. It is always fun to see the students get excited when they have found the perfect gift. The store is basically a huge "garage sale" with some new items but mostly gently used items donated by our staff. Below are the totals in sales this week...
Monday - $1,158 Raider Bucks
Tuesday - $1,715 Raider Bucks
Wednesday - $850 Raider Bucks
Thursday - $1,043 Raider Bucks
A HUGE THANK YOU to the moms that volunteered to set the store up and who have worked this week during lunch and study hall. If you have items that you would like to donate to the store, please send them to front office or contact Mrs. Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
Washington DC Meeting
If your child is attending the Washington DC trip in January, the last informational meeting will take place on Friday, December 14th at 1:15pm in the multi-purpose room. PLEASE try and attend. Students will receive final packing lists and information regarding the trip.
Service Project
The Advanced Civics classes are hosting a service project that will run from December 3 - December 21. In support of the NGSSS Civics state standards, advanced civics students are leading a letter writing campaign for troops serving overseas this holiday sesaon. It is our hope that this activity will support not only our students' civic participation, but also our extended SPMS family!
Cardboard "mailboxes" will be located in various locations around the school where students can drop their letters, notes, drawings, etc. to be mailed overseas. Civics students will be responsible for collecting the letters, proofing them for appropriateness, and packaging /mailing them off.
If parents would like to "sponsor" the postage of a package of letters, or suggest a recipient (family or friend) who is currently serving overseas, please contact Ms. Megan Miller or Ms. Darlene Dowling via email for more information.
Semester Exam Schedule
Tuesday, Dec. 18th - White day - no study hall
During exams, students only attend classes testing.
Wednesday, Dec. 19th - Exams in Silver 2 & Silver 3
Thursday, Dec. 20th - Exams in Black 2 and Silver 4
Friday, Dec. 21st - Exams in Black 3 & Black 4
Semester Exams are cumulative and count as 20% of the students semester grade.
Click here for Semester Exam Bell Schedule
Exams will NOT be administered early. Make-ups for exams will be Monday, January 7th and Tuesday, January 8th when we return from the holiday break.
Click here to read the Superintendent's Weekly Review
dated 12/4/2012
Science Fair
We are looking for judges with field or occupational experience in the following fields-
Engineering- Design and manufacturing, technical fields, possible computer engineers, mechanical engineers
Environmental Sciences- Geology, Environmental Engineering etc.
Physical Sciences- Chemistry/Physics, pharmacists, consumer sciences
Life Science- Biology, microbiology, vets, doctors, botanists, biotechnical fields
Judges should not be the parent or guardian of any student submitting a science fair project this year.
Judges will need to be present from 7:00-2pm on the day of the fair, Wednesday, December 19th
Judges need to go through the ID process prior to fair date.
Click here to register as a volunteer for St. Johns County
Judges can email Christy Milton with their area of expertise or area they feel most comfortable judging, so a welcome letter can be mailed. Her email address is christina.milton@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
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Daily Rotation & Calendar for the Week
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Week of December 10rd
Monday - Silver Day
American Cancer Society Sales, during lunches
Tuesday - Black Day
American Cancer Society Sales, during lunches
6th Grade Spelling Bee, Study Hall, Auditorium
Dreams Come True, 1:00 pm, MPR
Road Raiders after school
Wednesday - Silver Day - 1pm dismissal
American Cancer Society Sales, during lunches
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-5:30 pm, Gym
Thursday - Black Day
Parent Assist Updated
American Cancer Society Sales, during lunches
7th Grade Spelling Bee, Study Hall, Auditorium
Chess Club, Study Hall, MPR
Road Raiders, after school
Friday- Silver Day
Band Concert for HCE students, 8:30 am, Auditorium
American Cancer Society Sales, during lunches
8th Grade Spelling Bee, Study Hall, Auditorium
DC Meeting, 1:15, MPR
Surf Club, Study Hall, PLC Room
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Volunteer Information
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Volunteer Opportunities
Great job to the volunteers that helped with the 6th Grade Health Screening. Thank you very much. The first week of the the Holiday Gift Shop went very well. Due to lack of merchandise the store may have to be closed early. Please look for an email from Mrs. Casper if the store will be closing early. Finally, an email was sent out requesting test recorders for the new year. Many responded but there are still spots available. Once the holidays are over I am confident more dates will be filled. Please email casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns.
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PTSO
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Click here to view the November 5, 2012
PTSO 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
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.
Do your Holiday Shopping with Gift Cards!
When purchasing Gift Cards with Shopwithscrip.com, PTSO will earn a percentage of the sales for SPMS. Get started today!
To order online:
www.shopwithscrip.com
Highlight: Family Sign Up
Enrollment Code: F1FF4D8C35158
Last Date to order: December 14, 2012
If you do not prefer to order online, click here to download the attached flyer that shows the participating retailers and order form. Make checks payable to Switzerland Point Middle School PTSO and return the completed order form with payment to the front office in an envelope marked PTSO/Scrip Order. Orders will be placed every Friday. Last date to order will be December 14, 2012. Once gift cards are delivered, your orders will be sent home with your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact MaryPanariello at
mary.panariello@hrblock.com
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
Contest Winners
Congratulations to our box tops for education winners. 1st place was awarded to Ciera Atkinson for turning in 742 box tops! Ciera got a $25.00 gift card to Walmart! Thank you Walmart: we appreciate your support in our efforts to raise money for our school! Cindi Williams is Ciera's homeroom teacher and she got a gift card to Starbucks! Thank you Starbucks! The second place winner was Sarah Kroehler from Mrs. Anagnostou's homeroom. Sarah collected 405 box tops. Thank you Sarah! Finally, third place went to Jordan Haley from Mr. Laino's homeroom. Jordan collected 384 box tops. Both Sarah and Jordan got to pick out lovely prizes that were donated from Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble was very generous in giving us wonderful things to pick from. Thank you to everyone for your generosity!! Keep collecting and turning in your box tops to homeroom or the front office: there will be a second contest and prizes will be awarded in late spring! The first contest gives us a check for the school for $1,132.90!!!!! Awesome job everyone!!!
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SAC News
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Switzerland Point Middle School
School Advisory Council Meeting
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Room 725, 3:30pm-5:00pm
As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
Proposed Agenda
- Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
- New Year Reflection/Goal Setting
- Vote: Approval Of October Minutes
- Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- Review of Needs Assessment Survey Questions: Parent Survey
- Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- Adjourn
Next Meeting will be Janurary 17th at 3:30pm
Proposed Items for December meeting:
Continue Review of Needs Assessment Survey Items
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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
New Student Get Together
138 new students received an invitation in homeroom to come to a fun get together with outdoor activities this Friday, Dec 7th. Games were facilitated by the Junior Student 2 Student members to continue to foster bonding between the new students and all enjoyed an ice cream treat.
Since Switzerland Point continues to grow, we will continue to have a New Students Get Together for "recently added" students and those registering after the Holiday break. If you or your business would like to support this program with a snack donation, please call Mrs. Dail at 547-8624.
Tutoring for Military Children
www.tutor.com is for U.S. Military Families that provides free, personalized 24/7 online academic support to military-connected children. This Department of Defense-funded program is provided at no cost to grades K-12 children in National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty military families, regardless of the service member's deployment status.
Attention 7th grade Parents
Your 7th grade student was given a flier to bring home in study hall from Take Stock in Children, an educational program in our district that provides college scholarships to deserving students who meet certain income guidelines. Each student selected to participate in Take Stock in Children will receive a 4-year college tuition scholarship. A mentor will be matched with the student who is a caring adult who will provide encouragement, support and friendship to the student. These scholarships provide the student with two years of community college tuition followed by two years tuition at a state university in Florida. Or the student may receive a two year post-secondary technical training scholarship. When selected for the program, the student (3rd - 9th grade) and his/her parents sign an agreement with Take Stock in Children that requires that the student: stay in school, have good attendance, maintain good grades, exhibit good behavior at school, and stay drug/crime free. Applications can be obtained through Mrs. Moseley in Guidance and must be returned no later than December 17th. NOTE THIS IS AN EXTENSION FROM ORIGINAL DATE
Hope for the Holidays
A Community Hospice program for the bereaved - The festive holiday season can be challenging for those experiencing the death of a loved one. They may find themselves torn between the need to grieve and pressure to get into the holiday spirit. It makes no difference whether the death took place last week or several months ago. A loss can be felt more acutely at this time. Community Hospice of Northeast Florida invites you to attend "Hope for the Holidays." Created for families, friends and caregivers who have experienced the death of a loved one, the workshop will help attendees reflect on their loss, cope with grief reactions and restore a sense of hope for the upcoming season.
Community Hospice bereavement counselors will present information about ways to cope with grief during the holiday season to determine what is right for individuals and their family. Attendees will learn how to refocus energy on positive activities that honor and remember their loved one. Hope for the Holidays is available at no charge and open to the public. Spaces can be reserved by calling 904.407.7001.
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.
Redirecting Children's Behavior CourseThe 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.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 (1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5 and 2/12). Participants must attend the first class to be eligible for the remaining classes. The course is open to school district staff and to the public. Seating is limited and already filling up. To register, please contact Jill Bullard at bullarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call 547-7712. If you leave a voice message, be sure to spell your name and provide a phone number or email address. Seats will be held until 5:45pm during the first session - and then made available to those on the waiting list. Click here for more information.
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Student Corner
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Spelling Bee Dates
Each Language Arts teacher will hold their own class spelling bee. All of the class winners will participate in the grade level competition on their designated day.
6th grade - Tuesday, Dec. 11th - during study hall
7th grade - Thursday, Dec. 13th - during study hall
8th grade - Friday, Dec. 14th - during study hall
Winner from each grade level - Monday, Dec. 17th - study hall
Box Top Competition Winners
1st Place
Ciera Atkinson
742 boxtops
2nd Place
Sarah Kroehler
405 boxtops
3rd Place
Jordan Haley
384 boxtops
See the article under PTSO for more information.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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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.
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
Congratulations to the Brownies for winning the basketball intermural championships. Flag football will continue next week on Thursday. If you have any questions please contact a P.E. teacher or call 547-8650.
SJMSAA Soccer
Congratulations to the girls' soccer team for beating Pacetti Bay and Gamble Rogers. The boys lost to Pacetti Bay. Both teams will be playing Sebastian Middle School tonight. Next week on Tuesday both teams will play Murray Middle School and Friday will play Pacetti Bay.
SPMS Volleyball Tryouts
Girls volleyball tryouts are December 10, 11, and 13 from
2:10 - 4:00. The boys' try-outs will be December 10, 11, and 13 from 4:30 - 6:00. We are looking for some outstanding players to be part of SPMS volleyball teams. The teams will be made up of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. There will be a boys and a girls team. Students must provide their own transportation in order to try out. Students need to have a tryout waiver form. signed and returned to Coach Burney. Tryout waiver forms can be picked up from any PE coach, any PE coaches webpage or the front office. Any questions please contact Coach Burney.
Winterguard
The SPMS Winterguard will be selling Winter Wish Grams during lunch between December 10- December 18. Winter Wish Angels will cost $1, and will be delivered to students during their Study Hall class. Students can share their good wishes and positive thoughts with their friends through these holiday notes while surprising them with a special treat - a mini-candy cane heart! Please help support the SPMS Winterguard this holiday season!
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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 December 10th
Monday
Max Cheese Sticks
Chicken Quesadilla Max
Steamed Broccoli
Green Peas
Marinara Sauce
Peaches
Variety of Milk
Tuesday
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Beef Taco on Ultra Grain Flour Tortillas
Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing
Dunk 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 Dunk Cup Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Variety of Fresh Fruit to include: Sliced Apples, Pears or Oranges Variety of Milk Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup Thursday
Winter Luncheon
Roast Turkey & Gravy
Deli Roaster Red Potatoes
Seasoned Green Beans
Dinner Roll
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Variety of Milk
Friday
Oven Baked Chicken BBQ Meatballs Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup Green Peas Variety of Juice to include: Apple, Apple Cherry, or Fruit Punch Variety of Milk |
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UNF Camp Composition
Click here to view the UNF sponsored writing camp held in January and Februrary.
Ancient City Kids Day
The 17th Annual Ancient City Kids Day has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 8 from 11a.m.-3 p.m. at Francis Field on Castillo Drive. This event, coordinated by EPIC Community Services, is a day of fun-filled activities for children and families. Entrance is free for the public and includes over 40 youth service agencies offering information to parents, as well as carnival style games and activities, arts and crafts, and contests for children with live entertainment throughout the day. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For
more information, please contact EPIC Community Services at 829-2273.
ESE Department Parents as Partners
Click here to view the St. Johns County School District- ESE Department Parents as Partners Winter 2012 Newsletters. It has much information regarding special needs and gifted students. It's mission is to identify and meet the unique educational needs of exceptional students and to provide support and resources to enhance educational opportunities so they may become productive citizens.
Annual Winter Workshop & Audition Prep Clinic
The Bartram Trail Dance Team is sponsoring their Annual Winter Workshop and Audition Prep Clinic on December 14, 2012. Registration at the door. Please make checks payable to BTHS for $20.
The Winter Workshop will be held in the BTHS Auditorium from 5:00-8:00 pm and is open to all students in kindergarten through 7th grade. Dance technique classes for all ages and skill levels. Performance at end of workshop. Various styles of dance offered. We will watch the kids while you get your holiday shopping done!. Please pack a healthy snack.
The Audition Prep Clinic will be held in the BTHS Dance studio from 5:00-9:00 pm and is open to all students in 8th-12th grade. designed for those considering trying out for the 2013-2014 season of Dance team, however this is also open for anyone wishing to improve their dance skills. One on one assistance from past and present members of BTDT. Mock audition with immediate feedback. Please pack a healthy dinner and drink.
**Note: Any 8th grade student who would prefer to participate in the winter workshop instead of the prep class is welcome to do so, and any 7th grader wishing to join the prep class is encouraged to challenge themselves
Please contact Coach Lindell at bartamdance2004@gmail.com
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Florida Theatre will be performing their 21st Annual Production fo the Nutcracker Ballet on Friday, December 7 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 8 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. For tickets, call The Florida Theatre box office at 904-355-2787 or visit www.jaxnutcracker.org
St. Francis House Food Pantry Needs Your Help!
The cupboards are bare in the St. Francis House Food Pantry. Supplies to feed those among the most needy in St. Johns and surrounding counties are not merely dwindling, they are gone. A sign on the door announces that the Food Pantry is closed awaiting donations. November marks the start of the big holiday push to feed the hungry. St. Francis House is the only full-time emergency shelter between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. The soup kitchen serves an average of 380 hot meals each day.
The Food Pantry at St. Francis House is in critical need of donations to stock its shelves. Last year, nearly 1,000 households received food from the pantry, which is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The St. Johns River Farmers Market has decided to act as a drop-off site for donations starting Saturday 11/10 at the weekly market from 10am to 2pm in Alpine Groves Park, 2060 SR 13, Switzerland 32259 through December 1st, 2012. Please bring any canned, non-perishable food items to the Farmers Market. THANK YOU!
Creekside High School has an exciting fall theatrical season!
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
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