Raider Mascot 
Switzerland Point Middle School


     3/28/2013

 777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL  32259
547-8650
Headings
Quick Links

 

  

Archived Raider Raps

 

 

Join Our Mailing List

BUSINESS PARTNERS

 

Tutoring Club 





Message from Mrs. Kunze

 

I hope that everyone enjoyed their spring break!  It is hard to believe that we only have 1 quarter remaining.  Where has the time gone?

 

Please remember that Monday, April 1st is a Teacher In-service day.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 2nd.  

 

If you have not taken a few minutes to complete the SAC needs assessment survey, please do so.  The link is in the SAC section.

 

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 

 

Student Council Dance

There will be a fun costume dance for all students on April 12 from 6-8:30 in the gym. There will be a great D.J., pizza, snacks & sodas, and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.  Tickets will go on sale the week of April 8 for $7 each, $10 at the door.  Starting planning now what your costume will be!!!

 

Superintendent's Weekly Review dated 3/21/2013

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. 

Daily Rotation & Calendar for the Week
 
Week of April 1st
 
Monday -   No School!
 
Tuesday - Silver Day
 8th Grade Expectations Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium 
  
Wednesday -  Black Day - 1pm dismissal
Winterguard Practice, 1:00-5:30 pm, Gym
Cheer Meeting, 5:00 pm, Auditorium
 
Thursday -   Silver Day
Report Cards Issued, Study Hall
7th Grade Expectations Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium
Chess Club, Study Hall, Raider Roost 
  
Friday-   Black Day
6th Grade Expectations Assembly, Study Hall, Auditorium  
Surf Club, Study Hall, PLC Room 
  
Volunteer Information

  
Who is this SPMS employee?
Answer in next week's Raider Rap
(hint:  it is not Mrs. Casper)
 
As of Friday, March 26th at 10:00 am, 27 out of 97 slots have been filled.  That is only 3 more people in a week to sign up.  Spring break is in full swing and you need to fill in your calendar for April.  
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
PTSO  

Click here to view the SPMS PTSO March 11, 2013 meeting minutes.  

NOTICE OF DATE CHANGE

Next meeting is April12th, 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
 
SAC News

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.
 

Guidance News
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.  

  

From the Nurse
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.

Media Center Messages

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. 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.

 

Recommended Fiction Book: 

 

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park - a SSYRA nominated book

 "Nya goes to the pond to fetch water for her family. She walks eight hours every day. Salva walks away from his war-torn village. He is a "lost boy" refugee, destined to cover Africa on foot, searching for his family and safety. Two young people . . . two stories. One country: Sudan. This dual narrative follows two threads-one unfolding in 2008 and one in 1985-with one hopeful message: that even in a troubled country, determined survivors may find the future they are hoping for."

 

The book is praised in a Booklist starred review for its appeal to young readers -- "young readers will be stunned by the triumphant climax".

 

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

   
Student Corner

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.

Honor Card Businesses
Click here to view a letter of congratulations from Dr. Joyner if you received a honor card for all A's or A-B honor roll.  Click here to view the businesses that are granting discounts/rewards.

Yearbook Sales
The price of Yearbooks is now $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.

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

     

Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders

 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.

 

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/  

Athletics

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. 

 

SPMS Cheerleading

There is a mandatory informational parent meeting for students interesting in trying out for cheerleading at Swiss Point for the 2013-2014 school year. The meeting is on Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:00 in the Switzerland Point Middle School Auditorium.

 

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

Congratulations to the SPMS Raider Golf Team!

Harrison Presta

Hayden Zitzewitz

Taylor Wilson

Eli Rawlingson

Marc Engle

Caleb Sutherland

David Russoman

Brandon Siple

Brandon Good

Zachary Perrigo

Practices are on Tuesday's at 3:30 at South Hampton Golf Course.  Matches will be on Wednesday's. 

 
SJMSAA Baseball

The SPMS Raider Baseball team is doing great and continues to be competitive.  Go 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!

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
Congratulations to the girls for their win at Fleming Island. Best wishes as you go to the FFCC Championships, Daytona Beach Ocean Center on April 6th.
Lunch Menu
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 Aptil 1st

  

Monday 

No School

  

 Tuesday

 Mini Corn Dogs

CheeseTortellini with Marinara Sauce

Spinach / Romaine Salad Mix

th LF Salad Dressing

Corn

Mixed Fruit

Mustard, Ketchup

 

       
Wednesday

Cheesy Garlic Flatbread or Personal Galaxy Cheese Pizza

Chicken Fajita salad and choice of Whole Grain Garlic Breadsitck

Baby Carrot and Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup

Sweet Peas

Fresh Sliced Apples

  

       Thursday     

Hamburger on a Bun

Homestyle Chicken Sandwich

Potato Wedges

Baked Beans

Peaches

Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle Cup

Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo

  

         
Friday    
Chicken Nuggets and choice of Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick
Hot Dog on a Bun
Sweet Potato Puffs
Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup
Choice of 100% Juice: Apple, Cherry or Fruit Punch
Dipping Sauce, ketchup, Mustard

 

 
Community Events

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.
 
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.