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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Please welcome our new employees that should start by Thursday this week.
Associate Teacher - Catherine Pollitt
Associate Teacher - Debra Gregory
Clerk - Christine Southworth
Secretary - Joan Balermo
Also, Mary Geiger is now officially our Reading teacher for Intensive Reading. She has been substituting in this position since school started.
Interims
The district interim date is Wednesday, September 18th. We do not print interims to send home. Grades will be updated in HAC by 3pm on the 18th. Please make sure you check HAC on a regular basis. If you are having difficulties accessing HAC, please contact Cynthia Casper, Guidance Secretary, at 547-8627.
Fall Pictures
Pictures will be taken this Thursday & Friday through Social Studies classes. Students will be given order forms during their social studies class on Monday or Tuesday. Money must be included with the order form that will be given to the photographer on Thursday or Friday or pictures can be ordered online.
Free Money to Us!!
Target Stores sent SPMS a check for $523.64 from their 2013 Take Charge of Education plan. Thanks to parents, teachers and other supporters in our community, SPMS is benefiting from Take Charge of Education. Every time they shop with their REDcard, Target donated up to 1% of their purchase to SPMS. Click here for more information on how shopping can help Switzerland Point. Thank you Raiders!
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PTSO Information
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PTSO meeting!
It was great to see some new faces, but we'd love to meet more of you. Plan on joining us next month for our First Friday PTSO meeting on October 4, 2013 @ 9:15. Location will be listed by the computer when you check in.
Want to Stay in the Know?
Besides the Raider Rap (which you absolutely MUST read!) PTSO has three other ways to keep you informed of upcoming dates and big plans.
*Sign up for the PTSO newsletter
http://facebook.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=366f61a268e3580c9f689c964&id=b373be5c3e
* If you missed our first one, click here to take a peak!
Click here to chek out the PTSO webpage (still under construction) on the school website!
Membership
Is your student's class going to reach 100% membership? Which grade is going to show the most Raider Spirit? Your membership just means you support the work of PTSO. You are not committed to any set volunteering time, but you are allowing us to continue our mission to provide a link between school and home while supporting the learning of every student. And we're a lot of fun, so join today for just $20.
Click here to print the form and send it in to your child's homeroom teacher.
Spirit Wear
Orders are being processed right now and thanks to your overwhelming support, we are completely sold out of our stock items and will be placing another order. Those orders will be delivered to your student in their homeroom within three weeks. PTSO will be doing another Surprise Spiritwear lunchroom treat after the orders are delivered so don't worry - your student won't miss out!
Magazine Sales
This week was the 2nd turn in date for Magazine Sales. If you did not turn in your orders on Thursday, please bring them on Monday morning.
Our Top 5 homerooms: 1st - Ms. Sweatt
2nd - Ms. Williams
3rd - Ms. Piscitello
4th - Ms. Dail
5th - Ms. Buning
Which homeroom teacher will come in the top three to earn Gift Cards?
Which homerooms will win the Donut Party?
Turn in those orders! Thank you.
If you place orders online, you also have until Monday to get those orders in to qualify for prizes. There is a lot more than magazines on the website, there is Gift Wrap, Gourmet Foods and Personalized Gifts!
Online Magazine Sales - GASCHOOLSTORE.COM
Online Store ID# 2529543
Sell - 1 order : 1 Duck
3 orders: Invitation to the Illusionist Show - 2 Ducks
5 orders: Tootsie Roll Bank - 3 Ducks
8 orders: Drink Fuzer
10 orders: VIP pass to Illusionist Show
For this turn in date only: Sell 10 orders to earn time in the Ca$h Machine!
Prizes will be handed out on Wednesday during lunch. If you have any questions please contact Mary Panariello at mary.panariello@hrblock.com
Bring on the Neon! Back to School Bash
The fall party will be held Friday, September 27th from 2 - 5 p.m. in the gym. Tickets will go on sale the week before and will be $5 for PTSO members and $7 for non-members.
Bartram Trail HS PTSO Needs Your Help
The BTHS PTSO is looking for a few volunteers to help out during Orientation this Tuesday, September 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. If you're a future BTHS parent and want to help out the Bear Nation, please contact them at bthsptso@msn.com. Thanks in advance!
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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Fall Portrait Volunteers Needed
Thank you in advance for the folks that have signed up to help with spring portraits on September 19th and September 20th.
PSAT Proctor Needed
A proctor is needed on Saturday, October 19 from 7:30-11:45 at SPMS to help with the PSAT. Please contact Mrs. Lime at limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us. The volunteer can not be an 8th grade parent.
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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.
Be a Take Stock in Children Mentor - Change a Life Over Lunch!
A mentor is a caring, compassionate adult who chooses to devote their time to a young person, offering them support, guidance, and encouragement. If you can donate one hour per week, you can change a life by helping a child build a solid foundation of values, establish goals, improve their academic and life skills, while developing their self-esteem and confidence.
The St. Johns County Education Foundation's Take Stock in Children Program is in need of mentors for the following schools:
3 Female mentors at Bartram Trail High School
1 Female mentor at Switzerland Point Middle School
1 Female mentor at Nease High School
Please contact Marci Poston at 904-547-7121 to become a mentor.
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council Meeting
Switzerland Point Middle School
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Teacher's Lounge, 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
- Member Introductions
- Vote: parent elected new members and alternates
- Paperwork-SAC composition forms: Due to district 10/28
- SAC Training Powerpoint
- Review SAC By-Laws: On our SAC page to discuss next meeting
- Vote: Future Meeting Dates and Times: Due to district 10/28
- Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- Vote: 2012-2013 School Improvement Plan: Due to district 09/20
- Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- Adjourn
Proposed Items for October meeting:
Vote: School Recognition Money Allocation: Due to district 10/28
Vote : SPMS SAC by-laws: Due to district 10/28
Review of Needs Assessment Survey - Parent Survey Questions
SAC BALLOT
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Emergency Cards
Parents, I am missing many emergency cards for the 2013-14 school year! If your student tells you their name is on the board for missing this important paper,please ask them for their emergency card! Complete and return to homeroom immediately.
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Raider Band News
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Welcome to the newest section of the Raider Rap.....Raider Band News!!!
Our Raider Band program at SPMS is growing so fast!!! We have over 400 students placed in 5 different bands (beginning, Jazz, Concert, Symphonic and Wind). We definitely need your help to make this band program the best ever. So, please support your Raider Band program:
Bozard Oil Change Vouchers for $20 each
SPMS BBA is partnering with Bozard Ford and is offering $20 vouchers for FREE OIL CHANGE, VACUUM & CAR WASH in support of our Band Boosters. This is a great deal!!!! All makes/models are welcome (diesel & European models may cost extra)!!!! Please contact Débora McCarty at rdmccart10@comcast.net if you would like to purchase a voucher and support our Raider Band. Vouchers are good through 12/31/2013.
SPMS Band Boosters Fundraising
Thursday, September 26th at Firehouse Subs (210 and SR 13)
Monday, November 18tth at Firehouse Subs (210 and SR 13)
From 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Firehouse will donate 20% of proceeds to our band. Please join us for a fun night with friends at Firehouse Subs on SR 13 and 210. Make sure to bring the attached flyer so you can be counted!! You can just show it on your phone as well!
Click here to view Firehouse Fundraiser Flyer
Raider Band Tumbler for $10 each
Our special Raider Band Tumbler is available to all parents at Swiss Point. A great gift for any occasion! Contact Débora McCarty at rdmccarty10@comcast.net
Click here to view the SPMS Band Tumbler Flyer
Coming up Soon
Dunkin Donuts Coffee will be available in October. Stay tuned for more information to follow!
Thank you for supporting the SPMS Raider Band program!
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Daily Rotation
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Week of September 16th
Monday, September 16th- Silver Day
Basketball games at Murray Middle starting at 5:30pm
Tuesday, September 17th - Black Day
Wednesday, September 18th - Silver Day - 1pm dismissal
Grades updated in HAC
Basketball games vs. Landrum at SPMS starting at 5:30jpm
Thursday, September 19th - Black Day
Fall portraits taken through Social Studies classes
Character Counts luncheon, during lunches
Road Raiders, 2-3:30pm
Friday, September 20th - Silver Day
Fall portraits taken through Social Studies classes
PTSO magazine fundraiser turn-in during lunches
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Policy Reminders
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Absence notes
As outlined in the Switzerland Point Handbook, in the event of an absence, a note signed by a parent/guardian is required within 48 hours of return to school, stating the date of absence, the specific reason for the absence and a parent/guardian's signature. the excuse note must be brought to the attendance office before or during homeroom and placed in the red folder on the door to Mrs. Miller's office (data operator) in guidance. Upon return from an absence, it is the student's responsibility to communicate with teachers about any make-up work assignments.
Early Checkout Procedure
As indicated in the Student Handbook 2013-2014:
As a safety precaution, students will only be released to the parent/guardian or the Emergency Contact listed on the Emergency Card. A current driver's license or state issued ID must be presented in the front office to check a student out early.
The following procedure will be strictly enforced: NO student may be signed out after 1:35 p.m. every day except Wednesday. The latest early checkout on Wednesday is 12:35 p.m. Parents must arrive in the front office no later than 1:30 p.m. (or 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday) in order to sign their child out early.
Students who check out during the school day due to illness are not eligible to return to the school that same evening for any activities as a participant or a member of the audience.
Access to the building
We have been informed by the district that ALL parents that plan on entering the building during the day before or after school ,even if students are not in the building, need to be cleared. We are asking that EVERY parent or guardian that might be on campus for a conference, IEP meeting, 504 meeting or for anything else, PLEASE click on the link below to register for access.
Click here to go to the School Access Form
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Athletics
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SJMSAA Football & Cheerleading
See below for schedule and results.
Thu, Aug. 29th - 6pm - Sebastian at Plantation Park - WIN!!
Thu, Sep. 5th - 6pm - Fruit Cove at Plantation Park - Postponed due to lightening
Thu, Sep. 12th - 5pm - Pacetti Bay at PBMS WIN!!! 32-26
Thu, Sep. 19th - 5pm - Gamble Rogers at Gamble Rogers
Thu, Sep. 26th - 5pm - Landrum at Ponte Vedra HS
Wed, Oct. 2nd - 5pm - Fruit cove at Bartram Trail HS
Wed, Oct. 9th - 7pm - Murray at Plantation Park
Thu, Oct. 17th - 6pm - FSDB at Plantation Park
Sat, Oct. 26th - TBD - Playoff Week 1
Sat, Nov. 9th - Championship Week
SPMS Basketball
DATE OPPONENT PLACE TIME
9/16 MURRAY AWAY 5:30/6:30
9/18 LANDRUM HOME 5:30/6:30
9/23 SEBASTIAN AWAY 5:30/6:30
9/25 LIBERTY PINES AWAY 5:30/6:30
9/30 GAMBLE ROGERS HOME 5:30/6:30
10/2 FRUIT COVE HOME 5:30/6:30
10/7 PACETTI BAY HOME 5:30/6:30
10/9 LANDRUM AWAY 5:30/6:30
10/14 LIBERTY PINES HOME 5:30/6:30
10/16 FRUIT COVE AWAY 5:30/6:30
10/21******************PLAYOFFS***************
SJMSAA Soccer Information/Tryouts
Registration fees this season will be $260.00
All students must register online (click here for website) for tryouts, no exceptions, waivers and medical release information has to be signed digitally. We are looking to have an early registration link added to the website.
Tryouts will begin October 1st and can last up to October 8th. Roaster to be posted on October 9th on school's website.
Practices will begin November 4th
Season games will begin November 15th
During the season practices will be Monday and Thursday, Games Tuesday and Friday
End of season tournament will run a different this season. We will have the first games of a double elimination played on January 9th and 10th, Second game of the double elimination, semifinals and finals will be on January 11th and 12th.
SPMS Road Raiders
Road Raiders will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3:30 pm. The registration forms were due last week. We are no longer taking late forms! Please join the Edmodo group for all information regarding Road Raiders! The code is umjx2u. If you would like to donate ice pops to the team, please have your child drop them off to Ms. P at Room 575. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email Ms. Piscitello at piscite@stjohns.k12.fl.us
SPMS Winterguard
SPMS Winterguard continues practicing on Wednesday from 1-5:30.. A schedule of competitions is forth coming.
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Student Corner
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Clubs After School
SPMS is offering a few clubs this school year. Road Raiders (running club), FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and Dreams Come True are just a few. Listen to morning announcements and read the Raider Rap for any additional clubs that may begin.
PLEASE ATTEND THE SPMS
"DREAMS COME TRUE KIDS HELPING KIDS CLUB"
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
WHO: ALL 6TH- 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
WHEN: September 23rd, 2:00-3:00 pm (Arrange to be picked up at front entrance of school at 3:00.)
WHERE: Mrs. Bower's Room - Portable 1
1ST SEMESTER MEETINGS:
Sept. 23rd Nov. 4th
Oct. 7th Nov. 18
Oct 28th Dec. 2nd
LET'S MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR A LOCAL CHILD BATTLING A LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS!!!
Questions? Contact Sue Black at skeckblack@aol.com or one of the following teacher sponsors by email: Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Bower, Ms. Buning, Mrs. Sekora, or Ms. Sweatt
Lost and Found
Please check the lost and found in the front office. There are already 12 lunch boxes that have been turned in with no name on them.
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.
Remember of check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Washington DC Trip
Don't miss out on a once in a lifetime trip with your friends!! We need 2 more people to fill up the 3rd bus. Anyone after that will be placed on a "Waiting List" in case we have any cancellations. Please get your deposit of $265 in to Mrs. DiDeo in the Media Center. Also, please remember to return your Permission Form/Medical Form ASAP. If you need one, please see Mrs. DiDeo and she will give you one. Don't forget the 2nd Payment of $250 is due Friday, September 20th.
8th grade Algebra 1 and Geometry Students
The PSAT is scheduled on Saturday, October 19th from 7:45 to 11:45 at SPMS (MPR) for 8th grade Algebra 1 and Geometry students. Copies of the parent letter with information about the PSAT have been distributed. Students must submit payment to Mrs. Casper in guidance. The cost is $20, cash or check. Students will receive a payment receipt and study booklet with their purchase. A detailed information about the PSAT was given to students and discussed in the parent letter. IMPORTANT: there are limited seats. We only have room for 75 students, so it is first come, first serve. Contact Melissa Lime at limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of September 16th
Monday -Macaroni & Chees, Honey BBQ Ribette Sandwich, Steamed Broccoli, Green Beans, Applesauce, Variety of Milk
Tuesday - Mini Corndogs, Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce, Spinach/Romaine Salad Mix with LF Salad Dressing, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Mustard, Ketchup,Variety of Milk
Wednesday - Cheesy garlic Flatbread or Personal Galaxy Cheese Pizza, Chicken Fajita Salad & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Baby Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Sliced Apples, Variety of Milk
Thursday - Hamburger on a Bun, Homestyle Chicken Sandwich, Potato Wedges, Baked Beans, Peaches, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Friday - Chicken Nuggets & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Hot Dog on a Bun, Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Potato Puffs, Choice of 100% Juice: Apple, Apple Cherry or Fruit Punch, Dipping Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, 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- 9/9/2013
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
The District May Be Able to Help
Are you living in a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground; on the street; in abandoned buildings; or living with friends or relatives to to an economic hardship, are you a teenager and living independently or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian; then you may be eligible to receive services provided under the McKinney-Vento Act. Contact your school Computer Operator or your local Homeless Liaison-Mr. Chris Stone @ 547-7589 for more details. You may also visit: http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/depts/student/homeless/
Parents as Partners
Click here to view the Parents as Partners, the St. Johns County School District ESE Department Newsletter. It contains detailed information regarding events, contact information and more.
News Release
SJCSD Receives Cenergistic Energy Excellence Award
The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) has achieved over $22,300,000 in cost avoidance since implementing its energy savings plan five years ago and earned the Cenergistic Energy Excellence Award, which was presented at yesterday's monthly School Board meeting. Cenergistic helps organizations reduce consumption of electricity, natural gas, fuel oil and water. Its approach is built on a proprietary methodology, which optimizes clients' infrastructure, improves internal processes and changes behavior to ensure that savings endure.
As part of the program, SJCSD Energy Manager Al Crutchfield tracks energy consumption, including electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and fuel oil, using energy-accounting software. By tracking consumption and analyzing energy use, he can quickly identify and correct areas that need immediate attention.
"Reaching this savings mark is a significant milestone," said Dr. William S. Spears, chairman and founder of Cenergistic. "The SJCSD has achieved success by consistently implementing the organizational behavior-based approach to energy conservation and maintaining productive efforts at all levels of the organization. The Superintendent and School Board, along with other administration, faculty and staff members are to be commended for clearly fulfilling their commitment to being good stewards of the taxpayers' money and the environment."
A key benefit of the Cenergistic program is that all costs come out of the existing utility budget, with savings projected to more than pay for the program, as it has done for the SJCSD. While dollar savings are significant, the energy program's environmental impact is also noteworthy.
"The cost savings of implementing and maintaining this program has enabled our district to keep programs and services that might have otherwise been eliminated or reduced due to several years of budget cuts," said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner. "I am very proud of all of our staff and administrators for being so mindful of energy consumption and making a conscious effort to substantially avoid energy costs."
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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CAA Flag Football Registration Now Open
The CAA Flag Football season will run from November through February 28. Games will start on December 7 with the final playoffs in February. New this year for 13U, 14U and 15-17U divisions: Coaches may submit up to 8 names per team. There will be no draft for these age groups. Not registering with a team? Not a problem - we will place you on an established team. Visit www.caaflagfootball.com for more information. Registration closes October 1, 2013.
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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