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Message from Mrs. Kunze
This Tuesday, all 8th graders will take the FCAT Writes exam during an extended homeroom. All 6th & 7th graders will respond to a district writing prompt during this time, which will be graded. PLEASE ensure that your child is on time this Tuesday. The ONLY make-up day for FCAT Writes is Wednesday, 27th.
Course registration materials for next year went home today with current 6th & 7th grade students. The Option Verification Forms are due no later than Friday, March 8th. We hope that you will be able to attend the informational parent meeting scheduled for this Monday, Feb. 25th, at 7pm in our auditorium.
Attention 8th grade parents:
Bartram Trail HS will hold their rising 9th grade informational meeting this Thursday in their auditorium at 6:30pm.
Job Opportunity
The Transportation Department is beginning planning for the 2013-2014 school year. Part of our work is to begin hiring and training school bus drivers. This allows them to gain experience by driving for the rest of the school year and prepares them to move into route positions next year. There are currently employment opportunities in the Transportation Department. Please visit the School Board website www.stjohns.k12.fl.us for additional information. We provide the training and testing to obtain the appropriate license.
Talent Show Invitation
When: February 28 at 2:15 pm
(must have a pre-purchased ticket for the 2:15pm show)
March 1 at 6:30 pm
(tickets can be pre-purchased or purchased at the door for this evening show)
Where: SPMS Auditorium
Cost: $5.00
(tickets will be on sale during lunch beginning Feb. 25th)
Benefits: Dreams Come True to sponsor a "DREAM" for a child with a life-threatening illness
Talent: Singing, gymnastics, dancing, drums, guitar, piano
Florida Writes! February 26th
The FCAT 2.0 Writing Test will be administered on Tuesday, February 26th. All 8th grade students will participate in one 60-minute session in which students write an essay in response to a prompt. Your child will receive a planning sheet to plan his/her writing, but writing responses must be recorded in the writing folder. Makeups for Florida Writes are scheduled for February 27th. No other make-up days are available per state mandate.
Please be sure to review the following policies with your child before testing:
Electronic Devices-If your child is found with ANY electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart phones, during testing, including bathroom breaks, his or her test will be invalidated. The best practice is for students to leave devices at home or in their lockers on the day of testing.
Testing Rules Acknowledgment-The Writing Test includes a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads, "I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated." Prior to testing, test administrators will read the rules to students, and students must acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by signing their names under the statement.
Leaving Campus-If your child leaves campus before completing the test (for lunch, an appointment, or illness, etc.), he or she WILL NOT be allowed to complete the test. If your child does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for him or her to wait and be tested on the make-up day.
If you have any questions related to this field test administration, you may contact Mrs. Melissa Lime at limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us. For more information about the statewide assessment program, visit the FDOE http://fcat.fldoe.org/
*All 6th and 7th graders will participate in a district writing assessment on February 26th during the FCAT Writing time for 8th graders.
Hardship Transfer Application
Letters were distributed to all students today regarding Hardship Transfer applications. Click here to view the letter with important information.
ESE Survey
The Florida Department of Education is conducting a survey designed to provide the state with information on how well schools are supporting parents' involvement in their child's education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states must report this information to the federal government on an annual basis. All parents of children with disabilities and a current IEP (PK to 12th grade) are invited to participate in this survey. The survey is opened from February 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013. Please visit www.esesurvey.com to complete the survey.
Superintendent's Weekly Review dated 2/20/2013
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 February 25
Monday - Silver Day
Talent Show Rehearsal, 1:00-7:00 pm, Auditorium
Tuesday - Black Day- No Study Hall
FCAT Writing, 7:50 am, Classrooms
Talent Show Rehearsal, 12:45-6:45 pm, Auditorium
Road Raiders, 2:00 pm
Wednesday - Silver Day - 1pm dismissal
FCAT Makeups, 7:50 am, 8th Grade Only, Site TBA
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-5:30 pm, Gym
Thursday - Black Day
Chess Club - Study Hall - Raider Roost
FCA Leaders Meeting, Study Hall, Teacher's Lounge
Road Raiders, 2:00 pm
Talent Show, 2:15 pm, Auditorium - MUST have ticket purchased in advanced.
Friday- Silver Day
Talent Show, 6:00 pm, Auditorium
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Volunteer Information
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Volunteer Request- FCAT Writes Test Proctor
The SignUp Genius request is still active for volunteers to proctor the FCAT Writing Test on Tuesday, February 26. There are still a few more people needed. Please sign up for this very important opportunity. Please also look for another SignUp for Proctors for the FCATs in April. More than 100 slots will need to be filled to be in compliance.
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PTSO
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At our February 15th meeting PTSO approved two motions to purchase 4 new microwaves for the cafeteria as well as a chocolate fountain for Teacher Appreciation events. Please click here for meeting notes.
Next meeting is March 11th, 2013 @ 9:30AM.
Thank you DYANA GILES for letting us use your chocolate fountain!!!! It made the difference!!!
Thank you ANNETTE McINTOSH for working so diligently in getting treats for our school staff/teachers.
Kicking off 2 fundraisings TODAY:
ˇ Domino's Pizza Card
ˇ TCP Tickets for the Players
2013 Players -- Tickets will be available for sale -- For New Computer LabTickets will cost $40 and are good for ANY ONE DAY grounds (regularly priced daily grounds tickets are $58 and day specific) for ANY DAY. Children 18 and under do not pay when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Free Parking for vehicles containing four (4) or more passengers (voucher should be printed off www.pgatour.com after March 1st, 2013). Ticket Form will be available soon. Please help us get as close as possible to our goal to donate a total of $20,000.00. THANK YOU! Domino's Pizza Card Fundraising -- Kick off February 15, 2013 -- For New Computer Lab Swiss Point is working on a new computer lab which will cost a total of $31,369.88. The new computer lab will be used to implement an academy course next year. PTSO will be donating a total of $11,900.00 toward the amount which has been budgeted already. PTSO would like to help SPMS even further so we are kicking off a Domino's Pizza Card Fundraising to help offset the costs. The card sells for $10.00 and you get: 10 stickers with a total value of over $100! The stickers will expire on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 1st sticker gives you free medium 1 topping pizza with any purchase (carry out only) 9 extra stickers to buy a large pizza at menu price, receive any pizza or equal or lesser value FREE! (carry out or delivery) 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
Next Meeting
Wednesday, February 20, 2012
Room 725, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Click here for the January 16, 2013 SAC Meeting Minutes
Proposed Agenda
As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
Good News
Vote: Approval Of December and January Minutes
Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
Vote: Request for SAC Monies
Vote: Approval of Parent Survey Questions
Vote: Approval of Student Survey Questions
Vote: Approval of SPMS Department Questions to be Added to Parent/Student Surveys
Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
New Business/Questions and Answers
Adjourn
Next Meeting will be March 20th at 3:30pm
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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
Books Pertaining to Deployed Military
There are 1.2 million military children around the world and many at SPMS with parents who are deployed. If you are looking for some titles for non military kids to read to foster a connection and build understanding of our military students' experiences please consider suggesting or incorporating any of the following titles:
Middle School & High School Aged Children
Make Me A Memory by Tamra Norton. A father is deployed to Iraq and a girl has to go live with her grandparents.
Soldier Mom by Alice Mead. A pre-teen girl has to take on additional responsibilities when her mom is deployed during Operation Desert Storm.
War, I'm Scared by We Write Children. Addresses the events of 9/11.
High School Aged Children.
Operation Homefront by Carolina Cooney. This book is about a mother who joins the reserves to pay for schooling. She gets called up.
Charlie Pippin by Candy Boyd. This is a book about a daughter whose father is always angry and the cause is his experiences in the Vietnam War.
The Purple Heart by Marc Talbert. This book is about a son who realizes what war can do to a person when his father returns from Vietnam.
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.
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.
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
Procedure for Student to Carry Over the Counter Medication
An adult must bring in all medications to the clinic. If you want your student to be able to carry an over the counter medication you must have an over the counter medication form filled out with the medication that you bring. It must be in an original sealed container. Your student fills out the bottom of the form stating that they will not share this medication with anyone. This form can be found on the SPMS website by clicking "Parents" at the top and then clicking on "Clinic/Health Information" on the left side of the page. There you will find both the prescription and the over the counter med sheet. You must have a doctor fill out our St. Johns County prescription form when you bring in a prescription that you want the nurse to give. I cannot give the first dose of any medication in case of a reaction. Call me or e-mail me if you have any questions.
Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices
Teach teenagers that eating "healthier" does not mean giving up their favorite foods altogether. For teenagers, it means cutting down on portion size and adding foods with nutritional value to their diet-having a smaller bag of chips along with an apple or switching from higher fat chips to pretzels, for example. If they are going to eat fast food encourage them to buy the smallest portion size available or to share a super-sized meal with a friend. Encourage your teenager to make beverage choices that are nutritious, such as milk, rather than selecting sodas. Starting the day with a bowl of cereal with milk is a great way for teens to get more calcium. Remind teenagers to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Skipping meals does not help with weight loss. Encourage your teenager to choose an activity they enjoy for at least 30 minutes to 60 minutes most days of the week. This article was taken from www.mealsmatter.org
Requirements for 7th Grade
VERY IMPORTANT! Rising 7th graders can NOT attend classes or receive their schedule in August without proof of Tdap vaccine! This shot must be documented on a DH 680(Florida shot record) Please do not wait till the last minute to get this! If you have any questions, please contact Joan Beccard in the clinic at 547-8628.Check with your physician to see if your student has already had the shot and have them document the Tdap along with your student's other immunizations on a DH 680(Florida shot record)
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Student Corner
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Summer Marine Science Program
Click here for information regarding the 2013 Summer Marine Science Camp. Applications will be passed out the week of February 25 and are due back to science teachers by March 7th.
Lost and Found Pickup
The lost and found will be donated to charity on February 28th.There are 3 large bins of hoodies and jackets and lunchboxes with no names in the front office. Please help us by making sure your student's names are on all of their lunch boxes. Their hoodies and jackets should have their first and last name on a tag if possible NOT their initials. So far this school year we have donated 15 large trash bags of clothes to charity. Student helpers look for names daily and when they do not find a name, they will eventually be donated.
Second Semester Reward Trips
6th & 7th grades - Friday, May 24th, location to be determined
8th grade - Friday, May 17th - GradVentures
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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AVID Program Offered at Bartram Trail High School
Bartram Trail High School is pleased to offer the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program to incoming freshman for the 2013-2014 school year. AVID is a college preparatory program designed to provide academic instruction and support to improve skills in writing, critical thinking, communication, organization, and reading. Students must meet certain criteria and commit to taking the AVID I Elective course for the entire school year. Additional information will be presented at the BTHS 8th Grade Parent Night on February 28, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
Parent Night at Bartram Trail High School
Bartram Trail will be hosting an 8th grade parent night on Thursday, February 28th, at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. This presentation will be geared to rising 9th graders who will be attending BTHS for the 2013-2014 school year. Topics discussed will include new state of Florida graduation requirements, scheduling options, high school GPA, and, will include a time for questions and answers.
Mark your calendars!!
GradVenture Field trip to Universal (both parks) on Friday, May 17th. Leave school 1pm and return 3am (In park from 4pm to midnight) Cost: $85 per student, first deposit of $45 due Friday, February 15, balance due March 8 of $40 to the student's homeroom/study hall teacher.
AT THIS TIME WE HAVE A WAITING LIST FOR CHAPERONES.
Click here to view flyer!
8th grade Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 24th at Swiss Point MS, 9:30am start
8th grade Dance - A Starry Night
Friday, May 24th at San Juan Del Rio from 7pm to 10pm
Tickets $25 and due by Tuesday, April 2nd.
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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.
Volunteer Approval Necessary to be at School
Very soon there will no longer be the option to be just a visitor in schools. Everyone will need to be a cleared volunteer. We review applications everyday. Please fill out an application by visiting http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/depts/cr/volunteer/
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Athletics
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Creekside High School Elementary and Middle School Track and Field Championship
Click here to view information regarding the event on Wednesday, march 13th. Forms are also available in the front office.
SPMS Golf Team Tryouts
Tryouts for the SPMS Golf team will be Wednesday, March 6, 2:30pm at the South Hampton Driving Range. *Previous Golf Experience Required. Register for tryouts at www.sjmaa.com
For more information, please contact George Zitzewitz (904)545-8348.
SJMSAA Baseball
Congratulations on your win against Pacetti Bay!
SPMS Volleyball
Schedule:
January 16- Murray WIN Boys WIN Girls!
January 30- Pacetti Bay- WIN Boys WIN Girls!
January 23- Sebastian Boys fell short WIN Girls!
January 28- Gamble Boys lost, WIN Girls!
February 4- Landrum, Boys lost, WIN Girls!
February 6- LPA, WIN Boys WIN Girls!!!
February 11- FCMS, Boys and Girls both fell short
February 13- Landrem, Boys lost, WIN Girls!
February 20- LPA, WIN Boys! WIN Girls!
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!!!!
SJMSAA Softball News
Practices have started and their first game will be in March.
SPMS Intramurals
Intramurals is over at the present time. The next intramural session will start in March featuring dodgeball. Students can pick up a permission form from a PE coach or the front office. Any questions, please see Coach Singleton. Don't be left out on all the fun! SPMS Road Raiders The Road Raiders continue to practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school this week until 3:30 pm. Make sure to register for the Gate River Run, if you haven't already done so. SJMSAA Tennis News
Congratulation to the SPMS Raider Tennis Team!
Mikayla Thompsen
Sneha Kapil
Jonathan Dumdei
Allie Arcipete
Maelee Seres
Ryan Marra
Jane Huffnagle
Kyle Sue
Herbie Steigelman
Natalie Stone
Madison Long
Nicole Leonard
Jaclyn Burkett
The first practices will will be Tuesday 2:45-3:45 and Thursday 2:45-3:45 pm at Mills Field tennis courts.
SPMS Winterguard
2012 - 2013 Competition Schedule
February 9 - Timber Creek High School, Orlando FL
Congratulation First Place Winners!!!
February 23 - Lyman High School, Orlando FL
Good Luck this weekend!!!
Tentative performance time is 1:21 pm.
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 February 25th
Monday
Macaroni & Cheese
Beef & Bean Chili
Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick
Steamed Broccoli
Green Beans
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 Sweet Peas Fresh Sliced Apples Variety of Milk Thursday
Hamburger on a Bun
Hot Dog on a Bun
Homestyle Chicken Sandwich
Potato Wedges
Baked Beans
Peach Cup
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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Picasso
Click here to view information regarding works of art from the Picasso Foundation Event runs from February 1-May 11 at the St. Augustine Visitor Center
Introducing TeenzArt Workshops by KidzArt
Our art-enriched classes are full of challenging design projects and fun surprises intended to motivate students at this age level and to push their creative potential to the max. Our students in grades 6 through 8 become more independent and we see their personal sense of individual style grow stronger. In these 1-2 hour TeenzArt workshops, we will explore many different types of media including watercolors, pastels, collage, acrylic painting, metal tooling, and more! Famous artists, cultural history, art history, and different artistic styles are studied and practiced. Sign up for one workshop, or sign up for them all...you choose! Classes are held at the River of Life United Methodist Church at 2600 Race Track Road Jacksonville, FL 32259 (just South of Julington Creek Elem) every other Friday night. Visit our website www.simpson.kidzart.com to view our complete schedule and to register or call our office (904)287-8603. Registration is required to attend. Minimum of 5 enrollments for class to take place.
Community Empowerment Series
Click here to view a flyer advising Dr. Michele Borba will be speaking on March 9 from 9:00 am until 1:00pm regarding surviving the social jungle, bullying & cyber-bullying, raising responsible kids, peer pressure and cliques and relationship aggression.
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
Press Release from the District
The St. Johns County School District will hold pre-registration for children entering kindergarten and students new to St. Johns County and/or public schools on Wednesday, February 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesday, March 6 from 1-6 p.m.; Wednesday, April 3 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 1 from 1-6 p.m.
To be eligible for public kindergarten in St. Johns County, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 and must reside in St. Johns County. To register for first grade, children must be 6 years old on or before September 1 and have documentation of successful completion of kindergarten.
Parents must register children at the school where they are zoned for the 2013-2014 school year. Three proofs of residency must be provided such as a current mortgage statement, lease or rent agreement and two other forms of residency documentation such as a current electric bill, car registration and/or driver's license. Additional information on residency and guardianship as well as a link to the Attendance Zone Locator can be found on the website at
www.stjohns.k12.fl.us under "Featured Links."
Florida law requires any student entering a Florida school for the first time to show proof of required immunizations documented on the HRS Form 680. Proof of a physical examination that has been obtained within one year prior to enrollment in school is also required. Physical examinations can be performed by either a private physician or by the county health department.
Students can be registered during the spring and summer for the 2013-2014 school year, however; parents are encouraged to register during the designated dates above so that schools can adequately prepare for the new school year. Additional information regarding registration and school attendance zones may be obtained from the Student Services Office at 547-7598.
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