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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Please join me in congratulating Swiss Point's Teacher of the Year, Julie Pantano, for being selected as one of the district's 4 finalists for the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at the District's Teacher of the Year Banquet on Feb. 21st.
CONGRATULATIONS Mrs. Pantano!!!!
We have our 1st semester Reward Trip to the movies this Monday. Students MUST wear their grade level t-shirt to attend. If they do not have a shirt, please have your child bring $10 to purchase first thing Monday morning. The only food that will be served at the theater is the pre-ordered snack pack, so there is no need for students to bring extra money. We will have approximately 700 students attending this field trip. Due to logistics it will not be possible to pick your child up from the movie theater. They MUST return to school on the bus. We should arrive back to Swiss around 1:15pm. ALL students are required to bring a sack lunch if they are attending the field trip, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Students will attend Expectation Assemblies this week during study hall to review rules and behavior expectations.
Tue, Jan. 29th - 7th grade
Thu, Jan. 31st - 8th grade
Fri, Feb. 1st - 6th grade
Course registration for next year
During the 7th grade expectation assembly this Tuesday students will be given a non-core course application. Rising 8th grade students will be offered choice in next year's non-core courses. Please review the form carefully. If students would like to apply for a non-core course that requires approval, then the application MUST be returned to their homeroom teacher or guidance by THIS FRIDAY, Feb. 1st.
Click here for Rising 8th non-core course application
Option Verification forms for next year's courses will be mailed home Feb. 22nd. Students will know on the 22nd, if they were accepted into the non-core course.
Please mark your calendars for the parent meetings on....
Monday, Feb. 25th - Rising 7th & 8th grade parents at 7pm
Monday, Mar. 4th - Rising 6th grade parents at 7pm
Social for new students
On the first Friday of each month, the students involved in Jr Student 2 Student run a social event during study hall for new students. Today's social was a huge success with the 40 new students that have enrolled since the end of November.
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 1/23/2013
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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ily Rotation & Calendar for the Week
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Week of January 28th
Monday - White Day
First Semester Reward Trip, 9:00 am, Movie Theatre
Volleyball vs. Gamble home, starting at 5:30 pm, Gym
Tuesday - Silver Day
7th Grade Expectation Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
Talent Show Auditions, 2:00 pm, Auditorium
Wednesday - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-5:30 pm, Gym
Thursday - Silver Day
8th Grade Expectation Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
Road Raiders, 2:00 pm, Auditorium
Chess Club, 1:00 pm, MPR
Friday- Black Day
6th Grade Expectation Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
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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.
The February meeting will be held on February 15 starting at 9:00 am in the Professional Library.
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)
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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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.
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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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SPMS Baseball
The Spring boys baseball team will be practicing for a few weeks before their first game. Continue to look in the raider rap for the game schedule
SPMS Volleyball
Schedule:
January 16- Murray WIN Boys WIN Girls!!!
January 21- Pacetti Bay, away- did not play, no school
January 23- Sebastian Boys fell short WIN Girls!!!
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 28th
Monday
Macaroni & Cheese
Beef & Bean Chili
Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick
Steamed Broccoli
Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers
with LF Dressing Dunk Cup
Mixed Fruit Applesauce
Variety of Milk
Tuesday
Mini Corn Dogs
Cheese Tortellini
Marinara Sauce
Spinach / Romaine Salad Mix with LF
Salad Dressing
Corn
Diced Pears
Variety of Milk
Mustard, Ketchup
Wednesday
Cheesy Garlic Flatbread or Personal Galaxy Cheese Pizza Baby Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup Fresh Sliced Apples Variety of Milk Thursday
Hamburger on a Bun
Hot Dog on a Bun
Homestyle Chicken Sandwich
Potato Wedges
Baked Beans
Mixed Fruit
Variety of Milk
Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle Cup
Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo
Friday
Chicken Nuggets Beef Steak Burrito with Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese Cup Sweet Potato Puffs Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Choice of 100% juice: Apple, Apple Cherry or Fruit Punch Variety of Milk Dipping Sauce, Taco Sauce |
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UNF Camp Composition
Click here to view the UNF sponsored writing camp held in January and Februrary.
Character Counts! 6 Pillar-6K Run
Please visit www.racesmith.com to get information regarding the Character Counts! Run on Saturday, February 16 at 2:00.
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.
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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