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Message from Mrs. Kunze
This week was Celebrate Literacy Week. We had a student read a passage out of their favorite book each morning on the announcements, had a poster contest and today we all participated in 20 minutes of silent reading during study hall.
Congratulations to Jasmine Lam, Delaney Maxwell and Alice Xhang for receiving recognition for their posters. Each student received a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card! Congratulations to them and the over 40 students who turned in posters. It was a difficult decision to honor just 3.
Congratulations to 8th grader, Sam Turner, for placing 3rd in the district's Martin Luther King essay contest. Sam will be recognized this Saturday night at the school board building.
SPMS TALENT SHOW AUDITIONS
It is time to start thinking about auditioning for the SPMS Talent Show!!! This year's talent show will be on two nights, Feb. 28th and March 1st and benefits Dreams Come True to sponsor a dream for a child with a life-threatening illness. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, January 29th. We are looking for a variety of talent, so please start planning your act!!! You must register for auditions, so please pick up your registration form in the front office. This form needs to be returned to the front office by Jan. 25th.
Donate Your Old iPods, iPhones, and iPads to SPMS
Not sure what to do with your old iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Donate your iPods, iPhones and iPads to Switzerland Point Middle School! In our effort to incorporate technology into every classroom, we are seeking iPod, iPhone, and iPad donations (must be in good working condition) to stimulate learning in all classrooms. iPods, iPhones and iPads can be used in numerous ways to prepare students for 21st century learning, spark engagement, and improve overall academic success. With the use of iPods, iPhones, and iPads in the classroom, students can engage in multiple learning activities to help them improve their math and reading skills. These devices can be used as a dictionary, thesaurus, calculator, and recorder for Podcasts and fluency practice. Also, they can be used for listening centers and math drills, perfect for Edmodo and BrainPop and can be used as Clickers, which is a fantastic way to provide immediate feedback on formative assessments. The academic and motivational benefits are endless! If you are interested in donating an iPod, iPhone or iPad to Switzerland Point, please drop off your device in the front office. Donations will be accepted all year and are tax deductible. Don't forget your charger! If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Lime, Curriculum Coordinator at 547-8642 or by email at limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us Thank you so much for your donation and support!Paper Needed for RecyclingSt Johns County schools are participating in a paper recycling contest and SPMS will win!!! We need your help by getting your business to support our paper recycling program. Perhaps there are old catalogs, files, newspapers, magazines that need to be disposed of? Send it all with your child or drive it to our school. Students would love to help carry it from your car to the front office if it is too much for you to carry. Too much Junk mail in your mail box! We want it! Save it for us and send it in with your child.
Superintendent's Weekly Review dated 1/14/2013
The Community Relations Department is proud to announce the Superintendent's Weekly Review as an electronic newsletter! Please visit http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/ to view.
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Daily Rotation & Calendar for the Week
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Week of January 21th
Monday - No School - HOLIDAY!!
Volleyball at Pacetti, 5:30
Tuesday - No School for Students- Teacher Planning Day - School offices open 7:00-3:30
Wednesday - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
Home Access System Updated
FCA General Meeting during study hall - Patio
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-4:30 pm, Gym
Volleyball vs. Sebastian at home starting at 5:30pm
Thursday - Black Day
Character Counts Luncheon, during lunches, Patio
FCAT Math Practice Test during Study Hall
Road Raiders, 2:00 pm, Auditorium
NO Chess Club this week
Friday- Silver Day
Pajama Bottom and Hat Day, cost $1 each
FCAT Math Practice Make up Test in Study Hall
New Student Get Together during study hall on patio
Surf Club Mtg, PLC Classroom during Study Hall
Honor Band, Band Room and Cafeteria, 3 pm
Saturday
Honor Band, Band Room and Cafeteria, 9:30 pm
Sunday
Honor Band, Band Room and Cafeteria, 3 pm
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Volunteer Information
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Several months ago a SignUp Genius request was made to volunteer to voice record test for students. Please take a moment to look at that request to see if there is any time to help with this very special request.
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PTSO
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Click here
to view the January 14, 2013
PTSO meeting minutes.
Open Board Positions and Committees for 2013/2014
PTSO has one open position for 2013/2014. Please contact Débora McCarty at rdmccarty10@comcast.net if you are interested in holding a position:
President: OPEN
Membership 2012/2013
Family membership is $20. Teacher membership is $10. Your membership helps us provide so much more. Please join.
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson Label News
Continue cutting those labels! 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. Our next contest will start the first week of January 2013.
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, January 16, 2012
Room 725, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Meeting Minutes
As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
Members in attendance: Lisa Kunze, Ross Garza, Elizabeth Loeser, Megan Miller, Lena Ford, Emily Piscitello, Connie VanWinkle,
Members absent: Kristee Burgess, Alice Kromphardt, Michael Lewandowski, Melissa Muley, Stacy Pendarvis, Patrick Victor, Melissa Lime
Non-voting guests: Brennan Asplen, Carol Higley
- 3:34 pm Welcome: Call to Order: Megan Miller
- 3:36 pm Good News: Megan Miller
- 3:44 pm Vote: Approval of December Minutes
- Vote postponed due to lack of quorum
- Current Balance: $2,051.00
- Vote postponed due to lack of quorum
- Question #19 from the Parent Survey was changed to "When I access the school counselors regarding my child's social and emotional needs or educational path, they are responsive."
- Add yes/no question: "My child would participate in paid enrichment programs (art, computers, tutoring, etc.) offered after school.
- Add yes/no question: "My child would only be able to participate in these paid enrichment programs if my child could be picked up at 6pm."
- Change #13 to " My teachers set high expectations for learning in their classrooms"
- Change #14 from "My teachers celebrate my improvements" to "My teachers comment when I make improvements."
- Change #17 from "I use learning goals to guide my studying" to "I use learning goals/standards to guide my studying."
- Questions #18 - 28 are being discussed with the appropriate department chairs. (table for any changes and approval next SAC meeting)
- Take question #29 off the survey
- Change #30 "I use Parent Assist to monitor my grades" to " I use Home Access Center (HAC) to monitor my grades" and add the following answer option "I do not have access to login"
- Change #31 to add a colon after "in" and change "learning goals" to "learning goals/standards"
- Change #32 to "My teachers use a variety of activities to teach the standards/learning goals"
- Change #34 to "My teachers provide opportunities for extra help in:"
- Change #35 to "advantage"
- Omit question #36
- Omit question #37
- Add a comment box after question #38 "If no, what are your suggestions?"
- Add a comment box after question #39 "If no, what are your suggestions?"
- Question #40: "I know an adult (teacher, administrator, office staff, cafeteria, bus drivers, etc) cares about me." Answer options are "yes/no; add comment box "If yes- who and why?")
- Question #41 change answer option to "yes/no and add a comment box "If no, provide specific examples of why you do not feel comfortable asking your teachers for help."
- Omit question #42
- Omit question #43
- Question #44: Omit answer option "Not applicable"
- Omit question #45
- After question #45, add the question, "As a new 7th or 8th grade student at Switzerland Point, I found the one day "New Student Camp" beneficial." Answer options are "yes/no/NA"
- Mr. Hurst (dean) resigned and we have a new dean (Mr. Eddie Clement)
- Next meeting: February 20, 2013 at 3:30pm
- No quorum
- 3:45 pm Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- 3:46 pm Vote: Approval of Parent Survey Questions: Megan Miller
- 4:15pm Review of Needs Assessment Survey Questions: Student Survey : Megan Miller
- 5:26 pm Principal Update: Lisa Kunze
- 5:29 pm New Business/Questions and Answers: Megan Miller
- 5:31 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:
3/19/13 Ocean Palms Elementary School
5/13/13 Julington Creek Elementary School
*All meetings are from 3:30 to 4:30
Meetings are open to all parents of students served by the Gifted Program in St. Johns County Schools. These meetings are designed to provide information and discuss topics related to the unique needs of gifted learners.
Does Your Child Need a Coat?
Sometimes we all need a little help. If you are worried about not being able to purchase a coat for your child please let us help by providing one to him/her. This service is completely confidential so don't hesitate to call one of the counselors at school - Mrs. Dail (547-2684) or Mrs. Moseley (547-8632)
New Student Get Together
SPMS has registered 23 new students since November! We are so happy to have each on of them and will have a Fun Friday for them on January 25th. Our Junior Student 2 Student group plans and runs these fun activities for our students each month during study hall. Drinks and snacks are always needed so if you would like to donate, please call or email Mrs. Dail (547-8624 / daile@stjohns.k12.fl.us
The Last Child in the Woods
The St Johns County School Counselors' Professional Learning Community read The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. Mr. Louv is the recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal who writes about the impact to our society of having less and less meaningful contact with nature. He writes about a possible "Nature-deficit Disorder" that our children may be developing as a result of not using their senses to their fullest, not having enough access to natural play to develop healthy problem solving skills, ongoing sustained attention, etc.
Any parent & teacher who worries about children spending too much time "wired", increased rates of ADHD, the national youth obesity problem, family activity overscheduling & stress may want to read this and other books suggested by Mr. Louv.
There is a need for more research in this area but we don't have to wait for the results to be published to know that we must all act NOW to ensure that our children have a chance to meet milestones in their youth that in great part can't be met in front of an X-Box, T.V. / computer screen or even organized sports.
Thank you Mr. Louv for giving us so much "food for thought".
Free Tutoring
With the second semester starting you may need to access tutoring for your child. If you are looking for a way to improve your child's skills you may want to consider utilizing SOAR (Student On-line Achievement Resources). SOAR is an internet based application on which students take assessments aligned to state standards and then directs them to individualized tutorials to improve skills where needed. Parents can check on their child's progress and are provided with resource materials.
SOAR is brought to you by the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA). You can register your child at www.SoarAtHome.org
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 January 31st. NOTE THIS IS AN EXTENSION FROM ORIGINAL DATE and the EXTENSION DATE
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.
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From the Nurse
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Welcome to the "From the Nurse" section of the Raider Rap. This new section will inform you on issues regarding the clinic and medical awareness. I look forward to communicating to you important information throughout the school year.
Joan Beccard
Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Important Announcement
If your child has the flu or the chicken pox please notify the clinic immediately at 547-8628. These are diseases that must be reported to the Health Department.
The Chicken Pox
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
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- Fever, runny nose, cough.
- Rash (i.e., small, red bumps blistering over 3-4 days, then
forming scabs)
- Rash is more noticeable on the trunk than exposed parts
of the body.
- Rash may appear inside mouth, ears, genital areas, and scalp.
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INCUBATION PERIOD:
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14 to 16 days.
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CONTAGIOUS PERIOD:
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The most common period is from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until right after it appears. An infected person no longer spreads the virus when all the blisters have scabs and no new blisters are forming.
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TRANSMISSION:
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Primarily from direct contact with mucus from the eyes, nose, or mouth and from fluid inside the blisters of an infected person.
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SCHOOL ATTENDANCE:
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All blisters must have formed a scab before a student may return to school. Upon re-entry the child must report to the school clinic for clearance.
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Student Corner
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Don't Forget
Talent Show forms due by January 25th to the front office
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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.
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
Thursday, January 24-Pedro Menendez High School
Monday, January 29-Allen D. Nease High School
Thursday, January 31-Ponte Vedra High School
Tuesday, February 5 - Creekside High School
ALL Academy Nights start at 6pm.
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Policy Reminders
| Switzerland Point Standards
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
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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SJMSAA Soccer
The girl's team placed 2nd overall in the tournament while the boy's placed 5th. The season is over and all the coaches are proud of everyone. Great season.
SPMS Baseball
Roster for the SPMS Raider 2013 Spring Baseball Team:
Daniel Breen
Connor Carter
James Chrystie
Andrew Dziwulski
Caleb Gerald
Anthony Giangaspro
Jesse Giroux
Jarrett Grant
Mathieu Lawson
Jeffrey Loeser
Jack Merrifield
Elijah Rawlinson
Drew Reagor
Alec Sanchez
Bryce Sapala
Cade Sapala
Brandon Shee
Jordan Smith
Parker Stastny
Ryan Thorsen
Zachary Thorsen
Luis F. Torres
Jared Whittle
Chase Wilson
Steve Holder
The roster is comprised of both JV and Varsity Players. Some players will move between teams. The first practice is Thursday, January 24. Players will meet in the cafeteria on that day before taking the field. Practices end at 5pm.
SPMS Volleyball
Schedule:
January 16- Murray WIN Boys WIN Girls!!!
January 21- Pacetti Bay, away
January 23- Sebastian, home
January 28- Gamble, home
February 4- Landrum, home
February 6- LPA, away
February 11- FCMS, home
February 13- Landrem, away
February 20- LPA, home
March 4- FCMS, away
March 6- Tournament
March 11- Tournament
Girls play first @ 5:30 and the boys game is scheduled for 6:30. Cost for students is $2 and adults $3 Good luck volleyball raiders!!!!
SPMS Softball News
Softball Tryouts will be held on February 4 - 6.
Please go to the SJMSAA website and register for Softball.
SPMS Intramurals
Any student interested in participating in after-school basketball and flag football, please see Coach Singleton about a permission form. SPMS Road Raiders The Road Raiders will have practice on Thursday, January 24, 2013 and they will run in the Matanzas 5k on Saturday, January 26th. Be sure to sign up for the race at www.matanzas5k.com SPMS Tennis News
Try-outs for the tennis team will be sometime February. The exact date and time will be announced at a later date.
SPMS Winterguard 2012 - 2013 Competition Schedule
January 12 - Field Day, Lyman High School, Longwood, FL
February 9 - Timber Creek High School, Orlando FL
February 23 - Lyman High School, Orlando FL
March 9 - Freedom High School, Orlando FL
March 16 - Fleming Island High School, Orange Park FL
March 23 - Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach FL
April 6 - FFCC Championships, Daytona Beach Ocean Center
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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 January 14th
Monday
No School
Wednesday
Chicken Nuggets Baked Beans Steamed Carrot Coins Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Fresh Sliced Apples Variety of Milk Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup
Thursday
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
Fajita Chicken Wrap with Shredded
Cheese
Spinach / Romaine Salad Mix with LF
Salad Dressing
Cucumber & Baby Carrot Dippers with LF
Dressing Dunk Cup
Mixed Fruit
Variety of Milk
Friday
BBQ Chicken Meatball Marinara Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup Green Beans Choice of 100% juice: 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.
Babysitting for Valentines
Are you planning on a special night for Valentine's Day? Senior Troop 507 will be hosting a babysitting night for children 2 and up on February 14th, 2013 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at Swiss Point Middle School Cafeteria. Suggested donation is $5 per hour. Please call Débora McCarty at 230-2669 or email rdmccarty10@comcast.net to RSVP.
After School Activities
We are always interested in activities that our students participate in after school. If you would like to send us information on a class, club or program your child participates in so we can publish it please email Mrs. Casper in guidance. Here is an example:
Introduction to Fly Fishing or Beginners Fly Tying Class - Black Fly Outfitter in Jacksonville offers these classes, so if you are interested call them at 904-997-2220 to reserve your space.
Get Fit With Friends and Family
Click here to view the flyer "Get Fit with Friends and Family". A fun event held on Saturday, January 19th at Alpine Grove Park from 8am-noon.
Field of Dreams Baseball
Spring registration is now open for the Spring 2013 Field of Dreams Baseball program. Field of Dreams is a recreational spring baseball program on a specially-designed turf field for children with special needs grades K thru 12.
For more information and to register online, please visit the Field of Dreams website at www.fodbaseball.com
Spring 2013 Creeks Softball Is Coming!
Cost: 6U & 8U $135 | 10U, 12U & 16U $150
League Ages: Babe Ruth Softball 6U thru 16U
Mail-In Registration Deadline: January 19th
Note: Registration forms not postmarked by Saturday, January 19th will be automatically put on a wait list. Do Not Delay Register TODAY! In-Person Registration - * You may also register in person at Aberdeen Park on the following dates:
- * Thursday, January 10th from 6:30-8:30PM
- * Saturday, January 12th from 9:30AM-12:30PM
- * Tuesday, January 15th from 6:30-8:30PM
Saturday, January 19th from 9:30AM-12:30PM Important Registration Information - * We are using a new jersey style this fall. We recommend that everyone come to try on the jersey. We will be using the same pants as the fall.
- * ALL registrations must be mailed to the address at the bottom of the registration form or turned in during one of the in-person registration dates.
- * Do NOT give your registration form to a CSA Board member.
- * We will not accept registration forms that are scanned and emailed.
Registration must include a signed registration form, a signed waiver and complete payment for it to be recognized by the board. [Image] Please forward this email to anyone who you think may be interested in playing softball. We are not taking late registration this year, so please help us get the word out to as many as possible. Evaluations Player evaluations will be on Saturday, January 26th at Aberdeen Park as follows: - * 10U & 12U Pitchers & Catchers at 12:30PM
- * 8U Field #2 at 1:30PM
- * 10U Field #3 1:30PM
- * 12U Field #4 1PM
16U Field #4 3:30PM - * Important Spring Season Dates[Image]
- * Coaches will draft teams on February 2nd
- * AB Try Outs will be on February 2nd
- * Practices will start Monday, February 4th
- * Opening Day is March 2nd
- * All-Star Try Outs will be May 5th
Last game of the season will be May 10th The Creeks Softball Association (CSA) is a Babe Ruth softball league in the Julington Creek/NW St Johns County area and a proud member of the Creeks Athletic Association . We offer recreational and Advance ball during the spring and fall seasons and an All-Star season during the summer. player development and higher level skills. Game time is a direct reflection of player team practice participation. The program offers an open registration for all without tryouts. Our goal is to Play and develop players more and keep associated cost to a minimum for players and parents. You may contact Mary Keller at ronmary003@aol.com with any questions or concerns about the Creeks Softball program. 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 Chocolate & Beyond- A Sweet Way to Support Volunteers Chocolate and Beyond, an exciting celebration of chocolate, desserts, and other culinary sensations, is coming up on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Ponce de Leon Mall, 2121 US 1 South in St. Augustine. Guests will sample chocolate and other delicious creations from some of the area's finest restaurants and specialty shops, while enjoying contests, raffle and a silent auction. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event. Samples of chocolates, desserts, and other fare will be available from some of the area's finest culinary artisans, including Whetstone Chocolates, Raintree Restaurant, FCTC School of Culinary Arts, Hilton St. Augustine Historical Bayfront, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Cold Cow Ice Cream, Harry's Seafood Bar &Grille, Smoothie King, Purple Olive, Savannah Sweets, Hugo's Muffins, and many more. Attendees will "Guess the Chocolates," with the person closest to the actual number of candy pieces winning them all! Guests will also cast their vote for the People's Choice Award winner. Special food demonstrations will be showcased during the afternoon, and great items such as restaurant gift certificates and tickets to local attractions will be available for bid at the silent auction. Children can also invent their own creations at the cookie decorating table. It's fun for the whole family! Proceeds from the Gala will be used for volunteer recognition and recruitment, as well as purchase of books for young learners through the Early Learning Coalition of Putnam and St. Johns Counties. Tickets for Chocolate and Beyond are $10.00 each and include 8 tastings. Additional tastings can be purchased for $1.00 each at the event. Tickets can be purchased on the RSVP website www.rsvpstjohns.com or in person at Whetstone Chocolates (139 King Street and 13 Anastasia Blvd), Cold Cow Ice Cream (4010 U.S. 1 South), and TD Bank (2510 U.S. 1 South) in St. Augustine. Call RSVP at 904-547-3945 for more information. Click here for flyer 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. Girls Lacrosse Early registration is open through www.creekslax.com/girls. See the website for more information. 33rd Matanzas 5K Please support your cross-country and track teams by registering for the 33rd Matanzas 5K to be held on January 26, 2013 in St. Augustine. Race proceeds go to the running programs at St. Johns County high schools and middle schools. Over the past 4 years alone, the Ancient City Road Runners have donated over $50,000 to the schools in our county. Bonus to school with most entrants. Entry fee is $20.00 before Jan. 12. For race entry, race expo and
sponsorship information, go to www.matanzas5k.com |
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