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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Thank you to all rising 7th & 8th grade parents who attended the scheduling meeting this past Monday. After our meeting the school board approved to add a period to the middle school day. This means that students will take 7 classes next year. We have not decided what additional non-core class will be added for each grade. Click here to view the 13-14 bell schedule.
Option Verification Forms Due March 8
Course registration materials for next year went home last week to current 6th & 7th grade students. The Option Verification Forms are due no later than Friday, March 8th.
SPMS Student Performers and Parents
We regret that unexpected and unavoidable circumstances force the cancellation of this year's spring musical. Many of you have already spent hours planning and preparing for a role; all of us share your disappointment. We appreciate your enthusiasm and devotion to the dramatic arts and we commend your dedication to our school programs. The SPMS family eagerly await your participation in future productions.
FCAT Writes Test
This past Tuesday, all 8th graders took the FCAT Writes exam during an extended homeroom. All 6th & 7th graders also responded to a district writing prompt during this time. The teachers and students worked very hard to prepare for the test. Great job Raiders!
Talent Show Performances
Thursday's performance was outstanding! There are so many talented students at SPMS. Great job students and faculty who worked so hard to make a wonderful show. Great job also to the Dreams Come True student members who work many hours to help a child. If you missed yesterday's performance, the last show is tonight, March 1st at 6:30pm in the auditorium.
Community Empowerment Series
The St. Johns County Education Foundation, in partnership with Communities in Schools, is sponsoring a Community Empowerment Series to better equip parents to help their children navigate difficult areas. The speakers are nationally known and are providing their services free of charge to our community. The next in the series is Saturday, March 9, featuring internationally recognized speaker Dr. Michele Borba, and will cover the topics of bullying, cyberbullying, surviving the social jungle, raising responsible kids, peer pressure, cliques, and relationship aggression.
Where? World Golf Village, Renaissance, St. Augustine, FL 32092. Doors open at 9 am, Speaker 10 am to noon, Meet & Greet 12 pm to 1 pm.
Who? Parents, educators, school-age children, everyone that wants to make our community a safer place fore kids.
For free tickets, more information and speaker bios, visit: Prepare for Cheerleading at BTHS Cheerleading prep classes will begin for next year's 9th grade students attending Batram Trial High School on March 6th at Premier Athletics. Click here to view the flyer. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30. Danielle Parker is the Varsity Cheerleading Coach at BT and can be reached at danielle.parker@stjohns.k12.fl.us 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 2/26/2013
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 March 4
Monday - Black Day
FCA Meeting, Patio, 2:00 pm
Rising 6th grade Registration Assembly, 7:00 pm, Auditorium
Tuesday - Silver Day
Dreams Come True Meeting, 1:00 pm, MPR
Battle of the Books, 1:00 pm, Media Center
Road Raiders, 2:00 pm
Wednesday - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
Parent Assisant Updated
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-4:30 pm, Gym
Thursday - Silver Day
Spring Portraits through Social Studies Classes
Chess Club - Study Hall - Raider Roost
Road Raiders, 2:00 pm
Friday- Black Day
Spring Portraits through Social Studies Classes
MPA Assessment for Concert and Symphonic Band, leave at 12:00 pm, Pacetti Bay MS
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Volunteer Information
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Thanks to the proctors that helped with the FCAT Writes testing. A SignUp Genius will be sent shortly to ask for volunteers to help with the final portion of FCAT testing in April.
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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.
2013 Players -- Tickets will be available for sale -- For New Computer Lab
Tickets 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
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 20, 2012
Room 725, 3:30pm-5:00pm
Members in attendance: Megan Miller, Lisa Kunze, Emily Piscitello, Alice Kromphardt, Elizabeth Loeser, Kristee Burgess, Connie VanWinkle, Mina Bustamante, Lena Ford, Melissa Muley, Stacy Pendarvis, Tanya Thompson, Patrick Victor
Members absent: Ross Garza, Michael Lewandowski
Non-voting guests: Carol Higley
- 3:31 pm Welcome: Call to Order: Megan Miller
- 3:32 pm Good News: Megan Miller
- 3:37 pm Vote: Approval of December and January Minutes
- Approval of December and January Minutes
- Current Balance: $ 2,057. 63
- Request for monies of $183.55 for Marian Campbell (was approved and will change balance to $1,874.08)
- Request of monies to support funding for 9 Language Arts substitute teachers, so that Language Arts teachers can grade 6th and 7th grade writing prompts; which is a total of $825 for subs (was approved and will change balance to $1049.08)
- Approval of parent survey questions
- Approval of student survey questions
- Approval of math and science questions, which will be added to the parent and student surveys
- Honor of Rookie Teacher of the Year and the Teacher of the Year at SPMS
- New Teacher: Erin Buning
- PTSO: $11,900 to use for new computer lab
- Course requests go out this Friday (2/22/13) for current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders
- District approved for security cameras for interior and exterior of campus of SPMS
- District approved the stage curtains for SPMS
- Next meeting: March 20, 2013 at 3:30pm
- Vote: Approved
- 3:38 pm Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- 3:41 pm Vote: Request for SAC Monies
- 3:59 pm Vote: Approval of Parent Survey Questions
- 4:01 pm Vote: Approval of Student Survey Questions
- 4:02 pm Vote: Approval of SPMS Department Questions to be Added to Parent/Student Surveys
- 4:03 pm Principal Update: Lisa Kunze
- 4:24 pm New Business/Questions and Answers: Megan Miller
- 4:25 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.
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
Phone Number Changes
Please notify the front office(547-8621) of any changes in your student's emergency card such as change of home number, new cell number or new work number. This is vital in case of an emergency and we are trying to reach you.
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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Media Center Messages
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Welcome to the newest section of the Raider Rap!
Media Specialist - Jane Phillips
Media Assistant - Nery DiDeo
SPMS Battle of the Books competition
The third and final Battle of the Books will be held Thursday, March 7th, instead of Tuesday, March 5th, due to a conflict with a band competition.
Update on the Fall 2012 Scholastic Book Fair
The fall 2012 Scholastic Book Fair raised a total of $3,528.10.00 for the Media Center. We have spent the last of the proceeds and we were able to add a total of 233 books plus several sets of headphones for use with computers. Thank you, parents, for making the book fair such a success!
Media Center Checkout News
Students need to make sure they pay their late fees on overdue books to the Media Center by Spring Break (end of the 3rd Quarter). Starting 4th Quarter, any student with a fine will not be able to check out a book until the fine is cleared. The fine for an overdue book is $.05 per book, per day. Thank you so much for your help and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Media Center at 547-8629.
An Exciting New Fiction Series to the Media Center:
Books of Umber by P.W. Catanese
1. Happenstance Found (book 1) - a SSYRA nominated book
"Happenstance, a boy with unusual green eyes, awakens with no memories. Falling in with the adventurer Lord Umber and his band of misfits, this boy with many uncanny gifts soon discovers that he may be the strangest one of all."
2. Dragon Games (book 2)
"When Lord Umber receives a pair of mysterious messages, he and Happenstance are hurled into a wild, epic adventure. Before the final twist, Umber and company will encounter a ring of volcanic fire, a strange island filled with murderous creatures, a man from Umber's past living with a terrible curse, and a land ruled by a cruel tyrant who is eager for Umber to witness his Dragon Games."
3. The End of Time (book 3)
"Umber is under siege from dangers near and far. Suddenly the fate of two worlds is at stake. For Hap to fulfill his destiny, he must survive a life-or-death battle with more than one mighty enemy."
The series is praised in a Publishers Weekly starred review for its "rich characterizations . . . well-choreographed action . . . and genuinely surprising twists".
Encourage your child to stop by the Media Center and check out our newest titles.
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."
Sir Richard Steele
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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.
Counselor-In-Training Program
Click here to view the application for Zoo Camp 2013: Counselor-in-Training Program. The deadline for applications is May 3rd.
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.
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.
FCA Softball Clinic
Click here to view a flyer regarding a Softball Clinic on Saturday March 30. Cost is $30 and it is open to all ages.
SJMSAA Golf Team Tryouts
Tryouts for the 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 againstGamble Rogers! The next game is Monday, March 4th at Landrum.
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
The first practices will will be Tuesday 2:45-3:45 and Thursday 2:45-3:45 pm at Mills Field tennis courts. Pay to play fees were due today.
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
Congratulation First Place Winners!!!
March 9 - Freedom High School, Orlando FL
Tentative Performance Time of 11:14 am
Good Luck Raiders!
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 March 4th
Monday
Chicken Quesadilla Max
Meatball Marinara
Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick
Steamed Broccoli
Mandarin Oranges
Variety of Milk
Taco Sauce
Tuesday
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Beef Taco on Ultra Grain Tortillas with lettuce,
tomato, cheese cup
Mini Corn Dogs
Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk
Cup
Corn
Diced Pears
Variety of Milk
Taco Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard
Wednesday
Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Fajita Salad with Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick Baked Beans Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup 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
Sweet Green Peas
Peach Cup
Variety of Milk
Friday
BBQ Chicken Whole Grain Breadstick Max Cheese Sticks Marinara Sauce Cucumber & 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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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.
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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