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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Back to School Neon Bash
PTSO will host their first student event this Friday, September 27th with a Back to School Neon Bash from 2-5pm. There will be neon giveaways, a DJ, concessions, games and more. Your student won't want to miss all the fun! Tickets will be on sale this week during lunch - $5 for PTSO members and $7 for nonmember.
Pick-up from the event will happen in the BACK bus loop. Student will NOT be allowed to go to the front loop when we dismiss.
To coordinate with the Neon Bash, Swiss Point will have an 80's dress up day this Friday, September 27th. Students are encouraged to participate in the fun by going through your wardrobe to select outdated 80's attire to wear.
DBQ Project
Document-based Questions have been a part of Advanced Placement Social Studies courses in high school for years. Last spring our county purchased the DBQ Project materials for every middle school. The middle school social studies teachers are required to complete one DBQ lesson each quarter. The lessons take several days to complete and engage the students in reading primary and secondary sources, analyzing these sources, drawing conclusions and then writing an essay. The motto of the DBQ Project is "Helping ALL students to read smart, think straight and write clearly."
What is a primary and secondary source? Primary sources are first hand documents. For instance, a letter from a general to his superiors, a map, a treaty, a picture. Secondary sources are written by an outsider not a participant in the event. For instance, a newspaper or magazine article, a documentary, a textbook or an online encyclopedia.
Click here for more information on the DBQ Project
Edmodo Update
I have received some emails regarding the Parent Account for Edmodo. The Parent view is much different than the student view. Some teachers were not posting to the class group AND the parent group, but hopefully you have seen an improvement with this. If not, please let me know.
As we continue to use this program if you have suggestions on how we could make things better, please email me.
8th grade DC Trip
We currently have 3 full buses. We have started a waiting list, in case someone that has paid their deposit changes is not able to attend. Remember that all money is due by November 1st.
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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.
Click here to view the PTSO September 6, 2013
Meeting Minutes
Important Dates
Friday, Sept 27th, Bring on the Neon Back to School Bash 2 - 5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 6th, PTSO First Friday Meeting 9:15 am
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 $20.
Click here to print the form and send it in to your child's homeroom teacher.
Spirit Wear
Our Spiritwear order has been placed and it was a big one - thanks for your support! Once the items arrive at Swiss, our hardworking Spiritwear Committee will process them and deliver to your student's homeroom. PTSO will be doing another Surprise Spiritwear lunchroom treat after the orders are delivered.
Magazine Sales
This week was the 2nd turn in date for Magazine Sales. If you did not turn in your orders on Thursday, please bring them on Monday morning.
Our Top 5 homerooms: 1st - Ms. Sweatt
2nd - Ms. Williams
3rd - Ms. Piscitello
4th - Ms. Dail
5th - Ms. Buning
Which homeroom teacher will come in the top three to earn Gift Cards?
Which homerooms will win the Donut Party?
Turn in those orders! Thank you.
If you place orders online, you also have until Monday to get those orders in to qualify for prizes. There is a lot more than magazines on the website, there is Gift Wrap, Gourmet Foods and Personalized Gifts!
Online Magazine Sales - GASCHOOLSTORE.COM
Online Store ID# 2529543
Sell - 1 order : 1 Duck
3 orders: Invitation to the Illusionist Show - 2 Ducks
5 orders: Tootsie Roll Bank - 3 Ducks
8 orders: Drink Fuzer
10 orders: VIP pass to Illusionist Show
For this turn in date only: Sell 10 orders to earn time in the Ca$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. There will be neon giveaways, best dressed contest, a DJ, dancing and games. Tickets will go be on sale Wednesday 9/25 - Friday 9/27 during lunch and will be $5 for PTSO members and $7 for non-members. The volunteers selling tickets will have the membership list so you don't have to bring any proof of joining to get the discount.
We'll also be hosting a poster contest all next week and prizes will be awarded at the Neon Bash. Posters are up in the school with details and Dean Clement has the poster board if your student wants to participate.
If you'd like to volunteer, please email the coordinator Natalie Smith at natmcsmith1@bellsouth.net
Did You Sign Up to Volunteer?
If you signed up on a PTSO committee list or with your homeroom teacher during open house, you'll be contacted by the first week in October. We had a great response and are trying to keep up with everyone!
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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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.
More Volunteers Needed for Ms. Lime
Ms. Lime is in need of a few volunteers to help with data input. Please see her email above to set up times.
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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.
Character Counts
On Thursday we had our first monthly Character Counts Luncheon during all three lunch periods. 64 students were nominated for their exemplary character and these students were recognized with an award from the teacher. They were able to sit outside on the patio and bring a friend and enjoy a free lunch, music and balloons! If your child was a recipient, ask to see their award! Congratulations to all!
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
Please check back in next week's Raider Rap for the meeting minutes of the September 18
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Emergency Cards
Unfortunately, there are still 108 emergency cards that have not been turned in to the school. These cards are vital in an emergency to locate family member, advise of student's medical conditions and gives other helpful vital information. Please return the completed form as soon as possible.
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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.
Click here to view flyer.
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 23th
Monday, September 23th- Black Day
Dreams Come True Meeting, 2-3, Ms. Bower's portable
Basketball games at Sebastian starting at 5:30pm
Tuesday, September 24th - Silver Day
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunches in MPR
Road Raiders, 2-3:30pm
Wednesday, September 25th - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
FCA Meeting, 1:00-2:30, Patio
Basketball games at LPA starting at 5:30pm
Thursday, September 26th - Silver Day
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunches
Road Raiders, 2-3:30pm
Friday, September 27th - Black Day- 80s Day!
80's Dress Up Day
PTSO Neon Bash, 2-5pm, Gym
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Policy Reminders
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Hall Pass
Students must have a hall pass in order to be out of class during a scheduled class period. It is the student's responsibility to have a hall pass. Teachers will have a hall pass available in their classrooms.
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 WIN!! 28-8
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
Click here to view the flyer for a Sonny's Fundraiser
to benefit the football team on Tuesday, September 24th!!!
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***************
Congratulations to the girl's and boy's teams as they won both their games this week. The Raiders were victorious over Murray and Landrum Middle School. Both teams record currently stands at 2 wins and 0 losses. The next game will be at Sebastian Middle School on Monday (9/23) and at Liberty Pines on Wednesday (9/25). Great Job and RAIDERS are #1.
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 has over 75 runners who have signed up to participate! WOOHOO! We will practice from 2-3:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays, weather permitting! 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
The first FCA General Meeting will be held this Wednesday, September 25 from 1-2:30 on the patio. We will be having a guest speaker from Creekside Christian Church and playing ultimate frisbee. We will have an ice breaker game and a small snack. All students are welcome to attend. If you have any questions or concerns please contact casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us
National Junior Honor Society will have applications available in October after the first Quarter grades are given out. Look for more information in upcoming Raider Raps.
80's Dress Up Day
Students (and faculty!) are encouraged to dress up on Friday, September 27 in their favorite 80s wear! The PTSO is providing iTunes gift cards for the best 80s wear!
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
We have filled 3 buses!!! At this time all seats are accounted for. If you did not submit your deposit, you can be placed on a waiting list in case someone cancels.
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 23th
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 Nuggests & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Chicken Fajita Salad & Choice of WG Garlic Breadstick, Cherry Tomato & 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 with LF Salad Dressing, Sweet Green Peas, 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- 9/16/2013
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
Teen Defensive Driving
The St. Johns County School District is pleased to announce its partnership with the St. Johns County Tax Collectors Office to offer the Teen Defensive Driving course at all high schools in the district. This 28-hour program focuses on teaching students to be a defensive driver with knowledge of the laws that relate to the operation of a motor vehicle and safe driving procedures. The "behind the wheel" training includes braking, backing, parking and lateral control movements. Once a student can safely control a motor vehicle, 20 additional hours will be spent with other students driving on a variety of roadways, including I-95, with a certified instructor.
The reduced cost of the Teen Defensive Driving Program is $200 with a 10 percent discount for students who acquired their Learner Permit through their high school's course. Scholarships are also available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs.
For schedule information or to register, go to
www.sjctax.us/DriverEducation.aspx or contacdt Ricky McIntryre at rmcintyre@sjctax.us or 904-209-2298
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.
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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Relax Lacrosse
Click here to view the Relax Girls Lacrosse Flyer . The flyer includes information regarding dates, places and benefits of girls lacrosse.
Junior Wave Academy
Click here to view a flyer regarding girls lacrosse from the North Florida Wave Lacrosse Club.
KidzArt Presents: Friday Night Teen Art Workshops!
Join us for our new TeenzArt workshops at River of Life United Methodist Church 2600 Race Track Road! Our art enriched "workouts" are packed 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! Painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and more! Workshops are from 6:30-8:00pm and are $20-$22 depending on the project scheduled. View our schedule online and view samples of our planned projects! First class is Friday, September 20th. Register for classes online at /www.simpson.kidzart.com or call (904) 287-8603
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.
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