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Message from Mrs. Kunze
A survey was created last week to gather input on what non-core courses parents would like to see added next year as we move to a 7 period day. Thank you to the 68 parents who took the time to complete the survey. The overwhelming response was a world language - Spanish and a typing, basic computer course.
I announced a few weeks ago that PTSO had purchased 4 new microwaves for the cafeteria. Since this announcement 2 of the microwaves have been destroyed during A lunch. Not destroyed by making a mess in them, but literally will not work due to putting metal in one for several minutes and then setting one for 30 minutes as lunch ended with nothing in it. Until further notice the microwaves are not available during A lunch The microwaves are being taken out each day for A lunch and returned for B & C. Having microwaves in the cafeteria is a privilege, since not all schools have them available to students. If your child has any information on who is destroying the microwaves, please tell him/her to see Dean Clement.
Quarter Exams this week
Monday - Exams in Silver 2 & Silver 3
Tuesday - Exams in Black 2 & Silver 4
Wednesday - Exams in Black 3 & Black 4
Thursday - White day - make-up exams (last day of 3rd qtr)
Friday - Student Holiday! - Teacher planning day
Click here for the daily quarter exam schedule
Spring Break
Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29th
Student Holiday - Monday, April 1st - Teacher In-service day
Students start 4th quarter on Tuesday, April 2nd
SPMS Volleyball
The girls beat Fruit Cove in the District Championship to take 1st place in the District!
The boys lost to Fruit Cove in the District Championship for 2nd place in the District!
CONGRATULATIONS to both teams for a great season!!!
Firehouse Sub Fundraiser
Firehouse Sub on both County Road 210 and in Julington Creek are graciously sponsoring a community night fundraiser on Tuesday, April 2 form 5 pm- 9 pm. 20% of the proceeds will benefit SPMS. The flyers below must be presented to be counted. PLEASE mark your calendars for April 2nd to support Swiss Point MS.
Firehouse Sub- Julington Creek Flyer
Firehouse Subs- CR210 Flyer
SPMS Beginning Band Concert!
Our 150 member Beginning Band showcased their talent on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 pm in our SPMS gym! How impressive they were! Great Job!!
Concert, Symphonic & Jazz Bands
These 3 bands performed this past Friday at the Music USA Festival at Universal Studios in Orlando. All 3 bands received superiors with Jazz Band taking 1st place. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Yearbooks
The LAST day to purchase a yearbook online for $35 is the Thursday before spring break (March 21). After the 21st, the price goes up to $40 and you must purchase through Mrs. Edwards with cash or check. We have sold about 460 so far and we only have about 140 books remaining so it's first come, first serve.
Option Verification Forms Due Immediately
Course registration materials for next year went home last week to current 6th & 7th grade students. The Option Verification Forms were due Friday, March 8th. If your form has not been completed and turned in, please do so ASAP!
Is your student going to Creekside?
There will be a Freshmen Orientation Experience prior to school opening in early August. Please watch the Creekside website and the Raider Rap for more information Hardship Transfer Application
Letters were distributed to all students today regarding Hardship Transfer applications. Click here to view the letter with important information.
Superintendent's Weekly Review dated 3/13/2013
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 18
Monday - Exam Day
District Quarter Exams- S2 and S3
FCA General Meeting, 2:00 pm, Gym
Tuesday - Exam Day
District Quarter Exams- B2 and S4
Wednesday - Exam Day - 1pm dismissal
District Quarter Exams- B3 and B4
SAC Meeting, 3:30 pm, Mrs. Millsap's classroom
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-5:30 pm, Gym
Thursday - White Day - no study hall
End of the 3rd quarter
Make-up District Quarter Exams
NJHS Field Trip, Epcot (8th graders)
Friday- No School for Students- Teacher Planning Day
NJHS Field Trip, Epcot (8th & 7th graders)
Spring Break
Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29th
Teacher In-service Day - Student Holiday!
Monday, April 1st
Classes Resume for Students, Tuesday, April 2
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Volunteer Information
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To get to Swiss Point to be an FCAT Proctor of Course!!
As of Friday, March 15th at 8:00 am, 24 out of 97 slots have been filled. That is a 25% completion rate.!!
Please check your schedules to see if you can spare a couple of hours to help with this huge undertaking. Any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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PTSO
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Click here to view the SPMS PTSO March 11, 2013 meeting minutes.
Next meeting is April 8th, 2013 @ 9:30AM.
Slate of PTSO Board & Committee Volunteers for 13-14
SPMS PTSO will hold an electronic voting starting April 8th thru April 15th. Only PTSO members can vote. The Survey Monkey link will be emailed to PTSO members and posted on the PTSO webpage.
Board:
President: Colleen Wood
1st VP Membership: Chantel Campbell-Goutcher
2nd VP Fundraising: Mary Panariello
Secretary: Michelle Soto-Rivera
Treasurer: Terri Jeffries
Committees:
Teacher Appreciation: Annette McIntosh
Fall/Spring Fundraising: Débora McCarty
Book Fair: Heather Granby
Spirit Wear: Mary Ryan & Kristen Baker
Boxtop: Dena Warner
Fall/Spring Event: Kelly Floyd & Débora McCarty
Concessions: Missy Kahn
2013 Players -- Tickets will be available for sale -- For New Computer Lab- Deadline April 26th
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!
Spring Carnival -- June 3rd - 12:10PM to 2:00PM
Mark your calendars for our Spring Carnival scheduled for June 3rd from 12:10PM to 2:00PM. Inflatables, talent show, cupcake walk are a few of the fun activities lined up for our students to say THANK YOU for a great school year. Tickets will be available for sale during lunch time on May 30th and 31st.
ˇ PTSO Members pay $5
ˇ Non PTSO Members pay $7
Concessions will be available starting at 1:00PM.
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
Proposed Agenda
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Room 725, 3:30pm-5:00pm
As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
Proposed Agenda
- Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
- Good News: Spring Break Plans?
- Vote: Approval Of February Minutes
- Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- Vote: Request for SAC Monies
- Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- Adjourn
Next Meeting will be April 17th at 3:30pm
SAC Parent Needs Assessment Survey
The following is the link for parents to complete the SAC Parent Needs Assessment Survey.
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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
Attendance Issues:
There have been many students absent due to sickness the past several weeks. In the event of an absence, a note signed by a parent is required within 48 hours of return, stating the student's name, date of absence, the specific reason for the absence and a parent's signature. The excuse note must be brought to the attendance office before or during homeroom. Upon return from an absence, it is the student's responsibility to communicate with teachers about any make-up assignments. A computer generated phone call may be expected as a courtesy notification of each absence; however, a written note signed by a parent is still required within 48 hours of returning to school.
Example of an Excuse Note:
Date
Dear Principal or teacher:
Please excuse Johnny Smith's absence on Thursday, September 7, 2012. He had a sore throat.
Thank you, Mrs. C. Smith
The following reasons for absences are valid and will be excused: illness, serious illness or death in the immediate family, health related appointments, emergency medical or dental attention, authorized religious holidays, and absences approved in advance by the administration. The form to request a Pre-approved Absence may be found on the Switzerland Point website.
Any student arriving after the end of the third (3rd) period or dismissed prior to the end of the third (3rd) period will be considered absent for the day. Any student arriving after 10:57am or dismissed prior to 10:57am will be considered absent for the day.
After 15 total days of absences(excused or unexcused), a student must have a doctor's verification for all subsequent absences due to illness for the absences to be excused. If a parent writes a note after 15 total days of absences it will be recorded as "unexcused with note".
A student is deemed truant after five (5) unexcused absences within a calendar month, or ten (10) unexcused absences within a 90-calendar-day period. The parent will receive written notice by mail regarding the unexcused absences and the consequences if the truancy continues.
Please be certain to carefully read the Student Code of Conduct concerning Student Attendance for further explanation. Regular attendance plays a very important part in determining success at school.
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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.
Requirements for 7th Grade
Spring Break is an excellent time to get Tdap vaccines!!
Bring the shot records to Ms. Beccard in the Clinic
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).
NEW INFORMATION:
If you choose to go to a walk in clinic you must ask the clinic to print you out a hard copy of the 680 shot record which shows the Tdap your child received. A receipt from the clinic will not be accepted! If you choose to go to the St. Johns County Health Department (825-5055) please call ahead to see if you qualify for their Vaccines for Children Program.
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Media Center Messages
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Media Specialist - Jane Phillips
Media Assistant - Nery DiDeo
County Battle of the Books
Any student who participated in the SPMS Battle of the Books is eligible to try-out for the county Battle of the Books. Try-outs will take place the week after Spring Break during study hall on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. From the results, a five member team plus two alternates will be chosen to represent SPMS. The county battle will take place the morning of May 13th. Any questions, please have your child stop by the Media Center.
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.
Very Popular Fiction Book:
Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald - a SSYRA nominated book
"Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born. And so far, he's managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover. But now that he's in middle school, avoiding reading isn't as easy as it used to be. And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides he's tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe must resort to desperate measures to keep his perfect non-reading record intact."
The book is praised in a Booklist starred review for its appeal to reluctant readers -- "with his deep seated love of not reading, this title's young narrator, Charlie Joe, speaks straight to other book-averse middle-schoolers".
Encourage your child to stop by the Media Center and check out our SSYRA books.
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."
Sir Richard Steele
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Student Corner
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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
The lost items that have been collecting in the front office will be donated to a local charity on Friday, April 5th. Students please come by the front office if you have misplaced an article of clothing or lunchbox.
6th Grade End of Year Field Trip
The 6th grade End of the Year field trip will be on Friday May 24th. Students will be traveling via charter bus to Disney's Epcot. Please return permission slips and money by Thursday March 21st, 2013. Seating is limited please do not wait! If your child has lost their permission slip you can download the attachment! Any questions please email Amy Huber or Connie Vanwinkle
Epcot Permission form 2013
Epcot Field Trip Information
Medical Information Form
Second Semester Reward Trips
6th grade- Friday, May 24th, Epcot
7th grade - Friday, May 24th, Wild Adventures
8th grade - Friday, May 17th - GradVentures at Universal
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Mark your calendars!!
GradVenture Field trip to Universal (both parks) on Friday, May 17th. (Money and permission already due)
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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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.
Running of the Knights
The Creekside High School Athletic Department is hosting the Running of the Knights 5K Run/Walk on Friday, may 10, 2013. See flyers below.
2013 Running of the Knights Informational Flyer
2013 Running of the Knights Registration Form
SJMSAA Golf Team Tryouts
Coming soon! The names of the golf team!
SJMSAA Baseball
The SPMS Raider Baseball team is doing great and continues to be competitive. Go Raiders!
SPMS Volleyball
Both boys and girls volleyball teams have moved forward in the tournament. The boys will be playing at home on Monday at 6:00 against Liberty Pines Academy. This is Fan Appreciation Night so admittance is FREE! Donations will be taken for Dreams Come True. The girls will be traveling to Landrum for a 5:30 start. If both teams win they will play in the Championship on Wednesday, March 13.
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!
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 - Congratulation First Place Winners!!!
February 23 - Congratulation First Place Winners!!!
March 9- Congratulations First Place Winners!!!
March 16 - Fleming Island High School, Orange Park FL
Tentative Performance Time is 2:14
It is one of our local performances, we would love to have our friends, family and teachers attend.
Good Luck Raiders!
March 23 - Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach FL
Tentative Performance Time is 2:07
Again a local one, if you live out by the beach, stop by and see us.
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 18th
Monday
Max Cheese Sticks
Chicken Quesadilla Max
Steamed Broccoli
Marinara Sauce
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
No School for Students- Teacher Planning Day |
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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
Flash Mob Members Needed
March is Women's History Month and on April 2nd Betty Griffin House is hosting a flash mob in the Plaza downtown. We need participants of all ages as well as boys and girls.
Become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/BettyGriffinHouse and follow us on Twitter @BGHStAug.
Arts Alive is Looking for Talented Students in St. Johns County The St. Johns County Education Foundation (SJCEF) is hosting its second annual Performing Arts Alive competition this year. All students, grade K-12, are encouraged to come showcase their talents as singers, dancers, musicians or actors at this year's competition. Auditions are being held March 19-21 from 4-6 p.m. in the auditorium at the St. Johns County School District Office located at 40 Orange Street in St. Augustine. No registration is necessary prior to auditions, but interested students will need to bring a CD with their music, if applicable.Students auditioning need to dress neatly, modestly, and appropriately for the style of their talent. Both group and individual auditions are encouraged. Students will be judged on presentation, talent and appearance. The panel of judges is made up of professionals from the community including a Grammy-nominated songwriter, a concert pianist and a local television personality. Arts Alive was designed to give students and teachers in St. Johns County a creative outlet while simultaneously raising funds for arts education in our county. With budget cuts being made every year, Arts Alive allows the Foundation to fill in the gaps to keep the arts alive in our schools. What better way to do that, than to show off the potential that students in our county have? Sandlot Beach Volleyball Club
Click here for Sandlot Information and Click here for 2013 Sandlot Volleyball Club Flyer.
Employment Opportunity
The St Johns County School District Transportation Department has employment opportunities as a school bus driver. We provide the training necessary to become licensed as well as a training payment. This is an excellent opportunity to become an employee of the St Johns County School District and to become a member of a team which provides an important service for the school children in St Johns County. We would appreciate the opportunity to provide you with additional information about our Department- 904-547-7810.
Click here to view flyer.
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. 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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