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Message from Mrs. Kunze
We had a wonderful first week of school!!
Thank you for your support at home. With our continued collaboration, I am positive we will have a successful school year.
New Hires
Please welcome the following Swiss Point employees....
Ann Seppela - Reading & 6th grade Computers
Sheri Worth - Paraprofessional for the Spanish classes
Positions still vacant
ESE Support Teacher - interviews are Monday
Reading Teacher
MS 101 Night
Thank you to everyone who joined us Thursday night for our Middle School 101 night. If you were unable to attend, the PowerPoint can be viewed on the Swiss Point website.
www.Edmodo.com
Except for about 30 6th graders everyone was registered for an Edmodo account this past week. We will be using Edmodo this year for teachers to post assignments instead of webpages. The reason for switching to Edmodo is the calendar feature for students and unlimited storage for teachers.
Students have joined all of their classes, a grade level group and a Swiss Point group. When a teacher posts an assignment or an administrator posts a school event, the assignment or event automatically shows on the student's calendar. No more searching multiple websites to stay organized. The student calendar can be color-coded or filtered for easier viewing.
Edmodo MUST be opened in Chromo or Firefox. The program does not work well in Internet Explorer.
Parents can create their own account or can log in using their student's username and password. To set up a parent account, please click on "I'm a parent" and enter the information. The code that must be entered must be obtained off of the lower left side of the student's home page.
Edmodo looks very much like facebook. Currently, all teachers but Mrs. Pantano have the groups set up as "read only" Until we can ensure that students understand how to properly respond to a post, this feature will remain off.
The 7th grade group was set up incorrectly allowing students to post comments. The group was archived and a new group code must be entered for 7th grade students to rejoin the group. All 7th graders need to do this, so they know what is happening in 7th grade. The code is yt62nb.
Online Textbooks
We have been asked if online textbooks can be used on a Kindle or Nook. We were told that unless the device has access to the internet to access and read the textbook online, the textbooks are too large to download onto either device.
Open House
Due to high enrollment, Open House will be held on 2 nights.
6th grade Open House will be Tue., Sept. 3rd at 6pm.
7th & 8th grade Open House will be Thur., Sept. 5th at 6pm.
We will have an Edmodo tutorial session at 5:30pm in the auditorium before each Open House.
PE
Starting Monday students will dress out for PE. Please ensure that students have PE clothes and tennis shoes. The PE teachers will still sell shorts, shirts and drawstring bags for $10 each.
Assemblies
Wednesday of this week, students will attend assemblies by grade levels. Each quarter students attend a behavior expectation assembly to review SP policies and procedures. After the expectation assembly, students will hear information about the PTSO Magazine fundraiser. All students are given a magazine packet. If you joined PTSO at the opt out level or just do not want to participate, throw the packet away. This is PTSO's largest fundraiser, so we would like to encourage all to participate. 100% of the funds raised are returned to Swiss Point.
Required Drills
Wednesday afternoon we will perform a fire & bomb threat drill and an intruder drill. Before each drill students are given instructions and told that we will be practicing the drills. During the intruder drill, the teacher is supposed to lock the door, cover the window in the door, turn off the lights and keep the students hidden and quiet. We have adults who walk around banging on doors or trying to get into the classrooms. The point of this is to see if the students will remain quiet. In the case of a real intruder, students must remain silent so the intruder in not alerted to the location of the students. All of this is being explained, because every year we have a student or two who get scared by this drill. You may want to talk to your child and explain the importance of us practicing this drill.
Change in Tardy Policy
The SPMS tardy policy is now cumulative and NOT counted per class period.
*Your third tardy will result in one lunch detention.
*Your fourth tardy will result in two lunch detentions.
*Your fifth and each subsequent tardy will result in one day of In-School Detention (ISD).
Backpacks
Starting Monday students who are carrying anything but a drawstring bag will be sent to their locker to put the backpack away. You can review the current policy below in the policy section. THANK YOU in advance for your support.
Town Hall Meetings
Town Hall Meetings to discuss zoning options for new K-8 schools HH and II will be held in September. The schedule is as follows:
September 10, Creekside High School Auditorium, 6:30 PM
September 10, Hickory Creek Elementary Cafeteria, 7:30 PM
September 12, Ponte Vedra High School Performing Arts Center, 6:30 PM
Starter plans for zoning of these new schools will presented, and public comment will be received. Plans will then be posted on the School District website with a link for additional comments/suggestions. The School Board pl ans to vote on the final zoning plan at our November meeting. See also the From the District section below.
Tutoring Club
Swiss Point MS will be working with The Tutoring Club to offer after school tutoring through The Tutoring Club but at Swiss Point after school two days a week. Please click on the link below to view the flyer for details.
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PTSO Information
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Book Fair
This year's book fair will be held at SPMS in the Multipurpose Room, Thursday, August 29th through Friday, September 6th from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The book fair will also be open during Open House on Thursday, September 5th from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. There are still several spots available to volunteer. Please see the Volunteer Information below to view the SignUp Genius.
Magazine Sales
Kick off date - Wednesday August 28, 2013
Post-card turn in date: Thursday August 29. 2013
Please look out for the magazine packages to come home on Wednesday.
There is a magazine for Everyone and low subscription prices!
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson News
It's time again to cut those labels! And don't forget to bring in the ones that you clipped over the summer. Each student who brings in 50 valid labels will receive one Raider Buck. Please be sure to check the expiration dates on each label. Place your labels in a zip lock bag or an envelope with the student's name, grade and homeroom teacher's name listed. Watch the news letter for upcoming contests!
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Volunteer Information
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Thank You Very Much!
What wonderful volunteers we have at SPMS!! The Get Ready for School Day Event. Many people shared kind words for how organized and well run the event was. It could not have been so if it wasn't for the wonderful volunteers. Thanks for stepping up to help!
Book Fair Volunteers Needed
A SignUp Genius email was sent out early this week requesting volunteers for the book fair that starts next week. There are still 15 slots available. Please check your schedule and see if you can help. If you wish to volunteer and did not get the email, please go to www.signupgenius.com, find a signup, enter casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us, and you are in!
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Guidance News
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Guidance Counselors
Barbara Seaton-6th grade and 7th graders with last names beginning with A-J.
Tanya Moseley- 7th graders, last name ending in K-Z and the entire 8th grade.
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From the Nurse
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Joan Beccard
Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Great Job Raiders!
Every 7th grade student was allowed to start school on the first day for all the Raiders and their parents worked very hard to get the immunization records turned in. 6th grader students......when you get your Tdap shot, bring the shot record to me! Beat the rush before school starts next year!
Again, thanks for your diligence in getting your shot record turned in!
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Daily Rotation
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Week of August 26th
Monday, Aug. 26 - Silver Day
Cheerleader Meeting, MPR, 2:00-3:30pm
Boy's basketball Tryouts, Gym, 2:10-3:45pm
Girl's Basketball Tryouts, Gym, 4:30-6:00pm
Tuesday, Aug. 27 - Black Day
Boy's basketball Tryouts, Gym, 2:10-3:45pm
Girl's Basketball Tryouts, Gym, 4:30-6:00pm
Wednesday, Aug 28 - White Day - 1pm dismissal
Expectation & Magazine Assemblies
Boy's basketball Tryouts, Gym, 1:10-3:45pm
Girl's Basketball Tryouts, Gym, 4:30-6:00pm
Thursday, Aug 29 - Silver Day
Book Fair, MPR, 8:00-2:00pm
Friday, Aug 30 - Black Day
Book Fair, MPR, 8:00-2:00pm
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Policy Reminders
| On occasion, Alert Now messages are sent through the telephone system. Please do not call the school without checking voicemail messages first. Messages are left on an answering machine or voicemail system. Calling the school back without checking voicemail messages ties up the phone system that may be needed for an emergency.
Parent Drop-off & Pick-up Parent drop-off and pick-up are in the FRONT loop. The school was not built with a large loop for parent drop-off. To speed up the drop-off process, we ask that students are ready to exit the vehicle quickly. We also ask that parents pay attention to the adults out front and follow their directions in regards to pulling forward and letting students get out of the vehicle. Students can be dropped off starting at 7:10am where they will sit in the media center until buses are released at 7:30am. Backpack Policy for 13-14 Why a backpack policy? Our number one priority is safety in our hallways and classrooms. The large backpacks cause problems in crowded hallways and they block the aisles in classrooms. Our enrollment is be around 1280, which will make our hallways tight. What is the policy? Large backpacks can be carried to and from school, but MUST be kept in the student's locker during the school day. Students can only carry small drawstring bags to class - no other small backpacks will be allowed. The PE Department and PTSO will sell drawstring bags for $10, but one can be purchased from somewhere else. The purpose of the drawstring is to carry small supplies, such as pencils, pens, highlighters, calculators, index cards, markers, etc. Students should not stuff folders and books into the drawstring bags or the bags will rip. The bags are not made to carry books and folders. Students will have 5 minutes between classes and at the most will only need to carry books and notebooks for 2 classes at a time.
St. Johns County Dress Code While you are out shopping for school clothes, please keep in mind the following dress code requirements: - No sleeveless shirts, muscle shirts, tank tops or spaghetti strap tops
- No backless shirts or dresses
- No shirts that reveal midriff or reveal cleavage
- No see-through or lace shirts with a tank underneath
- No yoga pants
- Shirts may not have profanity or inappropriate slogans advertising alcohol, drugs, sex, weapons, racial and/or ethnic slurs, sadistic or violent themes or the confederate flag.
- No flip flops or backless shoes
- ALL dresses, shorts and skirts MUST be 4 inches or less above the knee in length. If leggings or tights are worn, the outer garment must still be in dress code.
- No jeans or shorts with holes showing skin anywhere 4 inches above the knee.
- Pants MUST be worn at the waist.
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Athletics
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SPMS Football & Cheerleading
Good luck to our Raiders football team as they prepare for their first game of the season next week versus Sebastian Middle School. The game will be Thursday, August 29th at Plantation Park and wil begin at 6:00pm. Also, good luck to our cheer team. GO RAIDERS!
Basketball Try-outs
Yes!! We are looking for some outstanding players to be part of the SPMS Interscholastic basketball teams. The teams will be made up of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Yes!! 6th graders are allowed to try-out. There will be a boys team AND a girls team. The boy's try-outs will begin on Monday, August 26th . The boy's try-outs will start at 2:10pm until 3:45pm. The girl's try-outs will also begin August 26th. The girl's try-outs will begin at 4:30pm until 6:00pm. Students must provide their own transportation. Parent pick-up will be required promptly after try-outs each day. In order to try-out students need to have a try-out waiver signed and returned. Waiver forms may be obtained from Coach Terrance Singleton or any PE coach. All students that are trying out for the team must show up the first day, but are not guaranteed to stay all three days. If there are any questions please contact Coach Singleton. singlet@stjohns.k12.fl.us Raiders are #! Baby!
Click here for Eligibility Requirements & Information For Try-Outs
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Student Corner
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6th and 7th Graders Rock too!!
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Watch this exciting section especially for 8th graders!!
8th Graders Rock!
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of August 26th
Monday -Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Sticks, Marinara Sauce, Steamed Broccoli, Mandarin Oranges, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Tuesday - Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Beef Taco on Ultra Grain Tortillas with lettuce, tomato, cheese cup, Baby Carrot Dippers w/ LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Wednesday - Chicken Nuggets & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Chicken Fajita Salad & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Cherry Tomato and Celery Stick Dippers w/ LF
Dressing Dunk Cup, Baked Beans, Fresh Sliced Apples, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
Thursday - Pasta & Meatballs, Fajita Chicken Wrap, Spinach/Romaine Salad w/ LF Salad Dressing, Sweet Green Peas, Peaches, taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Friday - BBQ Chicken & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Cheesy Garlic Flatbread or Personal Galaxy Cheese Pizza, Steamed Carrots, Green Beans, Choice of 100% Juice: Apple, Apple Cherry or Fruit Punch, Variety of Milk
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From the District
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This new section will contain information coming from the St. Johns County School Board. Visit their website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Superintendent's Weekly Review
The Superintendent's Weekly Review for this week is now posted at [ http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/ ]http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/. The newsletter can also be found on the home page of the St. Johns County School District website at
http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Town Hall Meeting
The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) has moved the location of one of the Town Hall meetings scheduled to discuss potential attendance zoning changes for the two new K-8 schools currently under construction and slated to open for the 2014-2015 school year. K-8 School HH is located at 475 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259. K-8 School II is located at 105 Greenleaf Drive, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081. Other high-growth areas may also be addressed.
The location of the meeting scheduled on Thursday, September 12 has been changed from Nease High School to Ponte Vedra High School at 460 Davis Park Road. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
As previously announced there will also be meetings at Creekside High School, located at 100 Knights Lane, on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. and at Hickory Creek Elementary at 235 Hickory Creek Trail at 7:30 p.m.
Proposed zoning plans will be released at the Town Hall meetings, along with an opportunity for the public to provide comment. The same information will be presented at all three meetings. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner, School Board members and district staff will be in attendance.
"Parents and other interested parties are encouraged to attend the Town Hall meetings so that they may hear the various proposals firsthand and express their opinions," said Mr. Tim Forson, deputy superintendent for Operations
The Redirecting Children's Behavior Course Course Content
The Redirecting Children's Behavior course presents non-violent strategies that foster appropriate behavior in children. The following topics are explored: assessing and building relationships, styles of interaction and results to expect, handling emotions during heat-of-the-moment exchange, diagnosing motivations that lead to misbehavior, appropriate redirection strategies, improving self-esteem, fine-tuning communication skills, and creating problem solvers.
Details
The St. Johns County School District is offering the course free of charge. The 15-hour course is divided into a series of five 3-hour classes (one night per week). Participants must attend the first class to be eligible for the remaining classes. The course will be taught at the Fullerwood Center auditorium (10 Hildreth Drive, St. Augustine FL 32084). Participants must arrange for child care on their own. Special accommodations must be arranged with Nancy Morrison at 547-7672 the week before the first class session. Participants completing all 5 classes will receive a certificate from the International Network for Children and Families in collaboration with the St. Johns County School District.
Registration
The course is open to school district staff and to the public. Seating is limited. To register, please contact Jill Bullard at jill.bullard@stjohns.k12.fl.us 547-7712. If you leave a voice message, be sure to spell your name and provide a phone number or email address. Please be sure to indicate which session you would like to attend (Summer or Fall). Seats will be held until 5:45p during the first session - and then made available to those on the waiting list.
Fall Course Dates
Class 1........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Class 2........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Class 3........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Class 4........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Class 5........ 530p-830p, Tuesday, October 15, 2013
About The Publisher
The Redirecting Children's Behavior course is published and monitored by the International Network for Children and Families in Gainesville, Florida (Kathryn Kvols, President).
About The Instructor
The certified instructor for the course is George Freeman who holds a masters degree in psychology and is certified in the state of Florida as a behavior analyst. He currently serves as a Program Specialist for the St. Johns County School District. He has taught the Redirecting Children's Behavior course since 1999 and values its techniques and philosophy.
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4-H Youth Development Program
Click here to view a flyer with information regarding the St. Johns County 4-Hprogram for students ages 5-18. Visit http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H.shtml to familiarize yourself with the mission and opportunities provided.
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