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Switzerland Point Middle School


     4/19/2013

 777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL  32259
547-8650
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Message from Mrs. Kunze

 

 

THANK YOU to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped us proctor FCAT this past week.  We could not have managed without you. 

 

Also, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our students who were great during testing.  Everyone has been patient with all of the class changes and different testing groups rotating through the computer labs.  

 

Make-up testing will continue next week, as well as, 6th grade FCAT Reading.

 

8th grade Dance

Ticket sales have been extended through April 26th.  The dance is Friday, May 24th from 7pm to 10pm at San Juan Del Rio on SR 13.  Tickets are $25.  There will be a DJ, dancing, food and a photo booth to make plenty of memories. Money should be given to the homeroom teacher.  Students will not want to miss out on this special event!!

 

Relay for Life

Copies of a flyer regarding Relay for Life will be sent home with students on Tuesday, April 9th.  Relay for Life of Bartram Trail will be May 4-5 with the Luminaria Ceremony on Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 pm.  The flyer allows you to buy luminaries to remember those lost to cancer, support those fighting cancer and rejoice with those who have fought the disease and won!  

Click here for a sneak peak of the flyer.  Extra copies will be available in the cafeteria during lunches. 

 

Important Testing Dates - PLEASE mark your calendars!

Monday, April 22nd through Thursday, April 25th - 6th graders will rotate through computer labs in assigned groups to take FCAT Reading.

 

FCAT Make-ups for Math, 8th grade Reading, 8th grade Science & 7th grade Reading - Week of April 22nd

 

Monday, May 6th and Tuesday, May 7th - 7th graders will rotate through computer labs in assigned groups to field test the State's Civics EOC.

 

Monday, May 13th through Wednesday, May 15th students taking Algebra 1 Honors will rotate through the computer labs by classes to take the State's Algebra EOC.  This exam must be passed in order to earn high school credit for Algebra.

 

Tuesday, May 21st Geometry Honors students will take the State's Geometry EOC.  This test will be 30% of the student's overall grade.

   
 

Superintendent's Weekly Review dated 4/18/2013

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 22nd
 

Monday, April 22 - Silver Day

6th graders in Groups A & B and those with extended time take 

Session 1 of FCAT Reading on the computer.

FCA General Meeting, 2:00 pm, Gym

 

Tuesday, April 23 - Black Day
6th graders in Groups A & B and those with extended time take 
Session 2 of FCAT Reading on the computer.
Dreams Come True Meeting, 1:00 pm,  MPR
 

Wednesday, April 24 - Silver Day - Early Release

6th graders in Groups C, D, E, F, G & H will take 

Session 1 of FCAT Reading on the computer.

 

Thursday, April 25 - Black Day

6th graders in Groups C, D, E, F, G & H will take

Session 2 of FCAT Reading on the computer.

Chess Club, 1:00 pm, Raider Roost

 

Friday, April 26 - Silver Day

6th grade make-ups for FCAT Reading.

Volunteer Information
FCAT Proctor Fillers
Today a SignUp Genius was sent asking for 11 volunteers to fill in the spots needed to complete FCAT testing next week.  ONLY 7TH AND 8TH GRADE PARENTS NEEDED.  6th grade students are testing so their parents can not be in the room.  Please see if this wonderful volunteer opportunity can fit into your schedule.
 
Upcoming Opportunities
Look for upcoming volunteer opportunities for the 8th grade award ceremony and dance, fun end of year events and book return.  Sign Up Genius emails will go out when coordinated.

PTSO  

Click here for the April 12, 2013 PTSO Meeting Minutes 

 

SPMS PTSO held an electronic voting this past week and all board members were approved unanimously.

 

2013 Players -- Tickets are 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). .

Please help us get as close as possible to our goal to donate a total of $20,000.00. THANK YOU!

 

 

The code is: SPMS

  

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.

·        PTSO Members pay $5

·        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. 

  

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
 
C News

Switzerland Point Middle School

School Advisory Council Meeting

 Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Teacher's Lounge, 3:30 pm

 

As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.

Members in attendance:  Lisa Kunze, Megan Miller, Emily Piscitello, Mina Bustamante, Lena Ford, Alice Kromphardt,  Melissa Muley, Tanya Thompson, Connie Van Winkle

Members absent: Brennan Asplen, Kristee Burgess, Ross Garza, Michael Lewandowski, Elizabeth Loeser, Stacy Pendarvis

Non-voting guests: Carol Higley

  1. 3:34 pm Welcome: Call to Order: Megan Miller
  2. 3:35 pm Good News: Megan Miller
  3. 3:38 pm Vote: Approval of February, March, and April minutes (tabled to next meeting)
  • It is imperative that all members try to attend next month so that we can vote
  • Current Balance: $2,326.26
  • The balance will be discussed next meeting on how funds could be allocated
  • Discussion of the highlight concerns from the parent survey
  • Discussion of the highlight concerns and data from the student survey
  • The School Improvement Plan has a goal provided through School Advisory Council at SPMS. We will decide whether to keep or change this goal for the 2013/2014 school year.
  • The goal we had last year was "to increase the percentage of students who felt that an adult at Swiss Point cared about them by 3%."
  • Discussion for adding new electives next year
  • Discussion of giving all standard math students an intensive math, as well
  • The budget for 2013/2014 was announced and shared at the meeting
  • Next meeting: May 15, 2013 at 3:30pm
  1. 3:40 pm Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
  1. 3:41 pm Analyzing Results from Parent and Student Needs Assessment Surveys: Megan Miller
  1. 5:58 pm School Improvement Plan Suggestions
  1. 6:03 pm Principal Update: Lisa Kunze
  1. 6:08pm New Business/Questions and Answers: Megan Miller

Guidance News
Guidance Counselors
Ellen Dail - 6th grade & 7th grade A-G
Tanya Moseley - 7th grade H-Z & 8th grade

   

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

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).  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

Thank you to all the students who tried out for the county Battle of the Books competition. The five students who will be representing SPMS at the county battle are:

            Alexia Smith

            Emma Geiger

            Amanda Higley

            Maxwell Bustamante

            Alexandra Hudson

Congratulations!

 

Media Center Checkout News

Students need to make sure they return their overdue library books and clear late fees. Any student with an overdue book and/or fine is not able to check out additional books until their record 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:

 

The Juvie Three by Katy Grant - a SSYRA nominated book

 

Gecko, Arjay, and Terence, all in trouble with the law, must find a way to keep their halfway house open in order to stay out of juvenile detention.

 

"There's lots to relish in this action filled book."-Kliatt (starred review)

 

"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.

L.E.E. Spanish Classes
L.E.E. Spanish Classes will begin the week of April 15 on Tuesday and Thursday.  This is a six-week session for only $90.  Contact www.leestjohns@aol.com or call 657-1918 for more information.

Textbooks
Similar to library books, students are assigned their books through a barcode system:  the book assigned to a specific student has a specific barcode.  There is a charge for lost or damaged books that are not turned in.
 
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.
 
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

Class of 2017- Apparel Order

Click here to view the flyer that will allow you to purchase apparel before you get to Bartram Trail High School.  The BTHS Class of 2017 tshirt is only available through this flyer.  

  

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 (Money already due).

 

Nease Dance Team Tryouts

Click here to view a flyer regarding Nease Dance Team Tryouts on Friday, April 26 from 4-5 at the Nease High School Gym 

 

Nease Cheerleading Tryout Meeting

Click here to view the flyer regarding the Nease High Competition & Sideline Cheerleading Tryout Meeting on May 7th at 4:00 in the Nease Cafeteria

 

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

SPMS Cheerleading

Tryoutswill be held from April 30-May 3 from 4-6pm in the SPMS gym.  An email to announce the squad will be sent on May 4th. Premier Athletics offers an optional class from 3:30-4:40 on Mondays.  Students who are not currently enrolled at SPMS but will be attending next year will be able to tryout via video.  Please email Marissa Sheffer at mcsheffer@msn.com.

for more information as well as tryout information/registration forms if needed.

 

SJMSAA Football

Tryouts are complete for the SJMSAA Football team. Emails have been sent advising team members.  The coaches are proud of all the students that came and worked so hard to tryout.  They are expecting a great season next year!

 

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

Schedule

4/3- Landrum, Valley Course, 3:00: Just a few putts short of a win.  Good Luck against LPA!

4/10- Liberty Pines, South Hampton, 2:30: WIN!!.  Eli Rawlingson shot the lowest score for the match with a 38.  Not far behind, Harrison Presta shot a 39.  Overall the whole team played excellent with many low scores.

4/17- Fruit Cove, South Hampton, 2:30: WIN by 15 strokes!! Low round:   Harrison Presta, 38.  Eli Rawlingson, 39.  The team had many low scores and are getting better playing together.

4/23- South, South Hampton, 3:00

5/1- Landrum 2, South Hampton, 2:30

5/14- Pacetti Bay, Palencia, 4:00

 

SJMSAA Baseball

Varsity Boys lost to FCMS but WON against Landrum!  The JV team beat Sebastion!  Great job!

 

SJMSAA Softball News

The girls softball team beat Pacetti Bay Middle School!  Their record currently stands at 5 and 2.  They have a bye on Monday with their next game against Sebastion on Wednesday, April 24. Go Lady Raiders!

 

SJMSAA Tennis News

The golf team had a loss last week but the team is improving!  Way to go Raiders!

 

SPMS Summer Basketball Camp

Coming Soon!!  Information regarding the SPMS Summer Basketball Camp!! Any questions, please contact Coach Singleton at singlet@sthohns.k12.fl.us.  

 

SPMS Winterguard
Auditions for Winterguard will be May 14-16, 3:45-6:00 pm in the SPMS gym.  Information and audition forms can be found on the SPMS Winterguard website: http://www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us/winterguard/
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 April 22nd

  

Monday 

Chicken Quesadilla Max

Max Cheese Sticks

Marinara Sauce

Steamed Broccoli

Mandarin Oranges

Taco Sauce

 

 Tuesday

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Beef Taco on Ultra Grain Tortillas with Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese Cup

Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup

Corn

Mixed Fruit

Taco Sauce

       

Wednesday

Chicken Nuggets and choice of Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick

Chicken Fajita Salad and choice of Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick

Baked Beans

Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup

Fresh Sliced Apples

Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup

 

       Thursday     

 Pasta and Meatballs

Fajita Chicken Wrap

Spinach/Romaine Salad Mix with LF Dressing

Sweet Green Peas

Peaches

Taco Sauce

 

Friday 
 BBQ Chicken and choice of Whole Grain Garlic Breadstick
Cheesy Garlic Flatbread or Personal Galaxy Cheese Pizza
Steamed Carrots
Green Beans
Choice of 100% Juice: Apple, Apple Cherry or Fruit Punch

 

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

 

2013 Flagler Volleyball Camps

Click here to view flyer regarding Volleyball camps held at Flagler College.  Registration deadline is June 1. 

 

Internet Safety Highly Recommended by Dr. Joyner

and it is FREE to the Public

Over 95% of teens use social networking

 

·       Last year over 500,000 kids had their online identity stolen

 

·       85% of teens have been cyber bullied at least once

 

·       Sexting: 71% of teen girls and 67% of teen boys have participated in posting/sending sexually suggestive content.

 

These are only a few reasons why Dr. Joyner stresses the importance of registering for the Community Empowerment Series final event featuring Cyber Expert,  Theresa Payton.  Circle the date, Saturday, April 27th at Nease High School, doors open at 9:00am.  You can't afford to miss this opportunity to learn from one of the country's leading experts regarding Internet Safety and Security.  Payton was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in the White House, the only female to hold that position, and is listed as the top 25 most influential people for online security. 

She will be discussing cyber bullying, online identity theft, cell phone safety and other areas of cyber safety.  From teachers, to guidance counselors, to parents  and especially students, this event should be mandatory.  Sure, some proms are in the evening, but before your kids go to prom and start posting those pictures to their Facebook and Instagram profiles, shouldn't they find out the consequences first?  There will be plenty of time to get ready for prom and these few hours in the morning of an education of their digital future will actually provide them with the tools to insure their digital footprint for a bright future.

Click here  to view flyer.  See you on Saturday the 27th!  Online registration is recommended.  See flyer.

 

Parents as Partners

Click here to view the newsletter from th St. Johns County School District ESE Department entitled Parents as Partners.  

 

BeaTPAC 2013:A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Bartram Trail Performing Arts Camp

Bartram Trail High School

7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway

St. Johns, FL 32259

Camp Dates: June 17th - June 28th

Performance Showcase at 3 p.m. on June 27, 2013 in the BTHS Auditorium

On Fridays (6.21 and 6.28), camp is held at San Juan Del Rio.

Times:  9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Please contact us for BeaTPAC questions, information, and brochures at www.beatpaccamp@yahoo.com

  

Sandlot Beach Volleyball Club

Click here for Sandlot Information and Click here for 2013 Sandlot Volleyball Club Flyer.Sessions start on May 6th and end on August 18th.

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.