Raider Mascot 
Switzerland Point Middle School


     9/27/2013

 777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL  32259
547-8650
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Archived Raider Raps 

 

 

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BUSINESS PARTNERS

 

Tutoring Club 





Message from Mrs. Kunze

 

PTSO's Back to School Neon Bash

A HUGE THANK YOU to Natalie Smith who organized the event along with all the parents who helped setup, stayed to supervise and cleaned up.  A BIG THANK YOU to the teachers who stayed to chaperone.  The students had a wonderful time!

The students were extremely well behaved and we look forward to the next event.  

 

Edmodo Update

If you have an ipad and a MAC there is a way to see the full view on the ipad.  Open Edmodo on your MAC and save the program as a bookmark.  When you open the ipad, the Edmodo bookmark should be there as well.  When you open the program now on the ipad through the bookmark, you will see the full version.

 

As we continue to use this program if you have suggestions on how we could make things better, please email me.

  

Skateboards
Recently some students have been bringing skateboards to school.  Per our school policy- (pg. 3 under contraband) skateboards are not to be bought to school for any reason. Thank you for your support.  

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.

 

Found Item left by Parents

A set of keys for a Cadillac from Cadillac Saab of Orange Park have been found at SPMS.  

 

PTSO Information
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, 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.

     *Like us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SwissPointPTSO

      *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. 

    

Magazine Sales 

Although the prizes for students are over, there is still the opportunity to purchase magazines and gifts through the website.  Please visit:           

GASCHOOLSTORE.COM

Online Store ID: 2529543

Any orders placed will benefit SPMS PTSO.  Thank you for your support!

If you have any questions please contact Mary Panariello at mary.panariello@hrblock.com
   

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! 

Also, please visit [ http://www.boxtops4education.com/ ]http://www.boxtops4education.com/  to register and learn more ways to earn Box Top credits for our school.  Thank you for your support.  
Volunteer Information

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.


Guidance News
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.

 
SAC News

School Advisory Council Meeting

Switzerland Point Middle School

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Teachers Lounge

All welcome to attend

 

Click here to view the minutes from the September meeting.

 

From the Nurse
Joan Beccard
Licensed Practical Nurse 
547-8628 

beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us

 

Emergency Cards

Parents I am still missing 75 emergency cards! Please ask your student if their homeroom teacher has told them they are missing one.  All students missing an emergency card have been given another one.  Please fill it out ASAP and have student return it to their homeroom teacher.

 

Parents and students, we have many students with asthma. What can you do to help keep them in school and not trigger an asthma attack?  Please don't wear anything with a strong odor like perfume, talcum powder,cologne or body spray into the school.All of these things are asthma triggers. Perfume can also be a trigger for a migraine.
    
Asthma Workshop
I recently attended a workshop about Asthma given by a Registered Respiratory Therapist from Wolfson Children's Hospital. She is willing to come to our school on an evening from 6pm-8pm if I have enough interest. Light refreshments would be served. Classes are offered for children 5 and up and adults.  A spacer and pillow case covering will be provided for each family. Please call me at the number above if you are interested.
 
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!

 
Daily Rotation
 
Week of  September 30th
 
Monday, September 30th- Silver  Day
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunches in MPR
Basketball games home versus Gamble starting at 5:30pm

Tuesday, October 1st - Black Day
Road Raiders, 2-3:30pm

Wednesday, October 2nd - Silver Day - 1pm dismissal
Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunches in MPR
FCA Meeting, 1:00-2:30, Patio
Basketball games home versus Fruit Cove starting at 5:30pm

Thursday, October 3rd - Black Day
Road Raiders, 2-3:30pm

Friday, October 4th - Silver  Day

Guitar Hero Tournament, during lunches in MPR 

Policy Reminders
Skateboards
Recently some students have been bringing skateboards to school.  Per our school policy- (pg. 3 under contraband) skateboards are not to be bought to school for any reason. Thank you for your support.  
 
Pre-Approved Absence Request
Click here to view and print form needed for a pre-excused absence.   
 
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 

 

 

Athletics

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 WIN!! 20-16 with excellent sportsmanship

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 basketball teams as they defeated Sebastian on Monday and Liberty Pines on Wednesday. Both teams are undefeated this season as both teams have 4 wins and 0 losses. Next week's schedule: Gamble Rogers on Monday and Fruit Cove on Wednesday.
 

**Monday's game is a "WHITE-OUT" game. 
Wear White to the game.

**Wednesday's game will be a "BLACK-OUT" game. 

Wear Black to the game.

 

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 practice will be Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3:30pm. Please be on time picking up your child. Please be sure to sign up for the first 5k race, "Pink Up the Pace", which will be held on Saturday, October 5th! Check out Edmodo for more information. The Edmodo code is umjx2u. 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. 

Student Corner

FCA- Fellowship of Christian Atheletes

The first FCA General Meeting will be held this Wednesday October 2ndfrom 1-2:30 on the patio.  Last week's meeting was postponed due to the threat of weather.  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

 

SPMS Dreams Come True Club
To join the Dreams Come True Edmodo Group, please use the following code:  na7u8c  Visit often to learn of our club's activities.  If you were unable to attend our first meeting, please come to our next meeting on Oct. 7th in Mrs. Bower's room, Portable 1.  We look forward to a Great year with a Great group of SPMS students while working to make a dream come true for a child battling a life-threatening illness.  

 
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.
  

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. 

Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders

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.

Lunch Menu
Week of September 30th

Monday -  Macaroni & Cheese, BBQ Chicken Max Snax, Steamed Broccoli, Green Beans, Applesauce,Variety of Milk

Tuesday - Mini CornDogs, Mini Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce & WG Garlic Breadstick, Spinach/Romaine Salad Mix with LF Salad Dressing, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Variety of Milk

Wednesday -  Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni 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 -  Hamberger 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 Breakstick, Hot Dog on a Bun, Cherry Tomato & Celery Stick Dippers with LF Dressing Cunk cup, Sweet Potato Puffs, Choice of 100% Juice: Apple, Apple Cherry or Fruit Punch, Variety of Milk
From the District
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- 9/25/2013

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 

 

Volunteer Needed 

An assistant principal from one of our schools was asking if there were any potential volunteers that speak Chinese.  There are two lovely kindergarten students in much need of assistance.  If you know anyone (or more than one) that could help, please contact Cheryl Freeman (District RSVP/Volunteer Coordinator)  at 547-3952.  

 

ESE Parent Advisory Committee Meeting

October 17, 6-8pm.  40 Orange Street, 3rd floor auditorium

The purpose of the Parent Advisory Committee is to identify barriers experienced by exceptional students and their families. This information is then shared with those who can effect changes (administration at schools and Exceptional Student Education staff at the district level).  A copy is also provided to those who attend the meeting.  If you need special accommodations, please contact Nancy Morrison (547-7672) one week prior to the meeting.  The District contact for the Parent Advisory Committee is George Freeman (547-7704).

 

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.

 

Community News vents
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.

 

 

"18th Annual Ancient City Kid Day"

EPIC Behavioral Healthcare                                

1400 Old Dixie Highway

St. Augustine, FL 32084

(904) 829-2273

Contact: Teresa Andrews

St. Augustine, FL - Attention Parents!  Looking for something fun to do with your kids that doesn't cost a lot of money?  Then the 18th Annual Ancient City Kids Day is for you!  Ancient City Kids Day will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 11am-3pm at Francis Field on Castillo Drive.  This event, coordinated by local agencies, is a day of fun-filled activities for children and families. The event is free for the public, and will include over 40 youth service agencies offering carnival style games and activities, arts and crafts, contests for the kids and free entertainment all day plus Smokey the Bear.  No child will leave empty-handed as t-shirts, prizes or goodies are given out all day.  Educational information on resources in our community is available for parents.   The only cost to the public will be for food or drinks.  Ancient City Kids Day has grown to be one of St. Augustine's biggest youth activities, and is a popular event for the whole family. Last year's event brought approximately 3,000 people out for the fun.  For more information, please feel free to contact EPIC Behavioral Healthcare at 829-2273.