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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Honor Band
Congratulations to 8th grader, Connor Westcott, for being selected for the 2014 Florida All State Middle School Honor Band. Connor is the first chair clarinetist in our SPMS Wind Symphony and has participated in Solo and Ensemble Festival, Clarinet Camp at Stetson University, and the St Johns County Middle School Honor Band. He will perform on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Tampa, Florida, at the Florida Music Educators Association Annual Conference.
Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank
We ended our food drive today - it always amazes me the tremendous support we receive from families to help our fellow neighbors in need. The food will be picked up and weighted on Tuesday. Whether we win or lose the competition, we are all winners for making a difference in our community! Thank you to all who donated.
Semester Exams
We just started 2nd quarter, but semester exams will be here before you know it. PLEASE mark the following dates on your calendar. It is very important that students are present for semester exams, which count as 20% of their semester grade.
Monday, Dec. 16th - white day - attend all classes
Tuesday, Dec. 17th - Exams in Silver 2 & Black 2
Wednesday, Dec. 18th - Exams in Silver 3 & Black 4
Thursday, Dec. 19th - Exams in Black 3 & Silver 4
Friday, Dec. 20th - Exam in Skinny & any make-ups
***************Winter Break***********************
Monday, Jan. 6th - Planning Day - grades are due
Tuesday, Jan 7th - Students return - 3rd qtr starts
Semester exams will NOT be administered early, so it is EXTREMELY important that students are present during this testing week. During exams, we only report to the classes that are testing for the day, so on Tuesday the 17th students will ONLY go to Silver 2 & Black 2 for an extended period of time. On Friday, Dec. 20th after the skinny exam, students will be in homeroom until dismissal at 1pm.
How are Semester Grades Calculated?
Semester grades are calculated using the district formula of
(Qtr 1 grade x 40%) + (Qtr 2 grade x 40%) + (Semester Exam x 20%) = semester grade
This is how all semester grades in the district are calculated.
SJCSD Education Foundation
The SJCSD Education Foundation will host their first Annual "Eagles fore Educators" Golf Tournament, Nov. 22nd. The foundation would like to raise funds to help teacher and staff in the district need.
Click here to view the flyer regarding this event.
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PTSO Information
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PTSO Meeting!
The next PTSO Meeting will be on Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 9:15 am. We'd love to have you join us fro some fun and planning!
Click here to view the PTSO September 6, 2013
Meeting Minutes
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
Click here to check out the PTSO webpage on the school website!
Membership
Raider Bucks will be sent home this week to all students whose families joined PTSO!
Magazine Sales
It is not too late to order magazine subscriptions: you can still purchase Magazines and gifts online at
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
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson News
The first contest is coming up! We are keeping track of the totals so keep cutting those labels. Submission for the first contest concludes 12/13/2013. First prize is a gift certificate! Also, 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.
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Volunteer Information
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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.
Next Big Event
The next event for several volunteers is preparing and operating the Holiday Store. The Swiss Point Holiday Store is stocked with new and gently used items for students to purchase with Raider Bucks for their parents, siblings, friends, etc. A SignUp Genius will go out sometime in November. Want to donate items? Sure you can. Please send any new or very gently used items to the front office. Thanks in advance for your support!
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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.
Moseley's Food for Thought
Think for a moment about the alcohol advertisements you have seen...whether they have been on TV, on a billboard, in a magazine, etc. Did you know that advertisers say that they only need to get someone's attention for 6 seconds for the person to remember the product? So what they portray in their advertisement has to grab your attention! Alcohol companies have deep pockets and can hire top notch advertisers! Their ads are the most popular during the Super Bowl half-time show! Alcohol companies have stated that they are not intentionally marketing to teenagers (that would be illegal!). However, statistics show that teens actually see more alcohol ads in magazines than adults do. How does this happen? Alcohol companies research which magazines teens read the most and put their ads in those magazines! Totally legal!
Alcohol companies have "standards" and "codes" they are supposed to follow.....here is a summary of a few.
Alcohol advertising should not:
- Use any music, symbols, gestures, or cartoon figures that primarily appeal to persons under the legal drinking age.
- Say that without alcohol you cannot gain social, professional, educational, athletic, or financial success.
- Show people drinking prior to or during activities that require a high degree of alertness or coordination.
- Portray sexually explicit poses or depict promiscuity.
What do you think?
Seaton's Corner
At Switzerland Point, we take bullying seriously. Recently, after a class presentation, sixth grade students were asked to write several reasons why they feel safe at our school. It's amazing the things our students notice. Below are some things that our students listed that were important to them:
"Teachers stand out in the halls between every class period (Macey Rigdon), posters telling us how to act and the effects of bullying (Olivia D'Errico), a guest speaker (Marc Mero) that came to the school, cafeteria monitors (Diego Rodriguez), signed Social Contracts (Nora Ghali), cameras around the school with 2 deans walking around (Zain Rajwani), and bus drivers that watch everything (Taylor Williams)."
"I am proud that the school is working very hard to prevent bullying (Olivia Szabo). I like that the teachers really care and we can talk to them, because we can really trust them (Layla Budeiri). I am glad that I go here at SPMS (Emily Huey). I have good friends here that care about me (Haley Bradley)."
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council
Switzerland Point Middle School
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Room #725
As always, this is a public meeting and all are welcome to attend.
Click here to view the minutes from the September meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the October meeting.
Proposed Agenda for the November Meeting
- Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
- Vote: Approval of October Meeting Minutes
- Finance Report: Emily Piscitello
- Update on Teacher/Department Requests for SAC Monies
- Karen Ostrow, Language Arts Department: Was district money received to cover LA request?
- Continue Review of Needs Assessment Survey - Parent Survey Questions
- Review of Needs Assessment Survey - Student Survey Questions
- Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- Adjourn
Proposed Items for December meeting:
Vote: Approval of Needs Assessment Survey - Parent Survey Questions
Vote: Approval of Needs Assessment Survey - Student Survey Questions
Vote: Department Questions to be added to Needs Assessment Survey
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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 still missing 2 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.
Current 6th grade parents!
It is not too early to start preparing for your child's 7th grade immunization requirement. As soon as they have their 11th birthday they can get their Tdap shot. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call me. This school year we had 108 students that did not have their Tdap two weeks before school was to start! Please don't wait till the last minute! This shot must be documented on a Florida Certification of Immunization.
Attention 6th Grade Parents
You should have received a letter about our 6th grade Health Screening with your student's report card. The Health Screening will take place on November 14th and November 21st. All students will be screened through PE. (If your child does not have PE they will be screened through their non-core class) I do not need anything back from you if you wish your child to participate. I need all forms returned to the homeroom teacher no later than November 7th. There is a section on the bottom of the form to be returned ONLY if you do not wish your child to participate.
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Raider Band News
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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
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
Thank you for supporting the SPMS Raider Band program!
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Week of November 11th
Monday, November 11th- No School- Veteran's Day
Student and Teacher Holiday
Tuesday, November 12th - Silver Day
Road Raiders, practice, 2-3:30pm
Wednesday, November 13th - Black Day - 1pm dismissal
Road Raiders Race, Sebastian Middle School, begins at 4:00pm
Thursday, November 14th- Silver Day
Grades updated in HAC
6th Grade Health Screening, through PE classes, MPR & Auditorium
All Bands Concert, 7:00pm, Auditorium
Friday, November 15th - Black Day
Film Club, 2-4pm, MPR
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Policy Reminders
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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
Sat, Nov. 9th - Versus Pacetti Bay Middle, Nease HS, noon Good Luck Raiders!
Sat. Nov 16th- All-Star Game
Four SPMS cheerleaders were chosen to represent Swiss Point at the 2013 SJMSAA all-star game. They are: Jailyn Hopkins, Kendall Sheffer, Meghan Wellington and Sophia Carguillo. We are very proud of them.
Intramural News
After-school basketball and flag football will begin next week on Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 6 from 2:00 - 3:00. This is a program for boys and girls who enjoy sports, fun, and learning more about each sport. All students that sign-up will be placed on a team and play, "NO CUTS", everyone plays. Sign-up forms can be picked up from a PE coach or the front office. If their are any questions, please see Coach Singleton.
SJMSAA Boys Soccer
SPMS Golf will have a tournament on Wednesday, November 13 at St. Johns Golf and CC beginning at 2:30.
SJMSAA Golf
Practice will start on Wednesday, October 30 at 3:30 at South Hampton Golf Course.
SPMS Road Raiders
Road Raiders will have practice on Tuesday, 11/12/13 from 2-3:30pm. There will be another meet at Sebastian Middle School on Wednesday, 11/13/13. The race is scheduled to begin around 4pm, and Ms. P will send a handout home on Tuesday. Please refer to the Edmodo page for more information on the race, as well! Practice will be on Thursday, 11/14/13, from 2-3:30 pm. Please email Ms. Piscitello at piscite@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns.
SPMS Winterguard
SPMS Winterguard continues practicing on Wednesday from 1-5:30.
Competition Schedule
Jan 18 - Premier (site stil TBA)
Feb 22 - Lyman HS (longwood FL)
Mar 1 - University HS (Orange City, FL)
Mar 8 - Freedom HS (Orlando, FL)
Mar 15 - Cypress Creek HS (Orlando,FL)
Mar 22 - Fletcher HS (Neptune Beach, FL)
Mar 28/29 - Championships (Daytona bch, FL)
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Student Corner
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National Junior Honor Society .
Forms of Intent can be picked up in the Media Center. The applications and forms due date has been extended to Tuesday, November 12th.
Dream of Going to College? We Can Help!
The St. Johns County Education Foundation is now accepting applications for its Take Stock in Children Program Scholarship Program.
To be considered for inclusion in the program, a potential student must meet the following parameters:
Current 7th or 8th grade student attending a public St. Johns County School; and Student is attending school on a local campus to ensure contracted mentoring requirement is accommodated; and Eligible for free or reduced lunch program, even if student does not participate; and
Student maintains a minimum grade point average of 2.5, with grades in all classes of a C or better.
Applications may be secured through the school's guidance office or by contacting Marci Poston, Program Coordinator at 547-7121 or postonm@stjohns.k12.fl Application submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013.
Homeless Project
Let's rally together and help the homeless in our county!! We are collecting gift cards for the homeless shelters to help the homeless be able to make holiday purchases, have a meal, or a cup of coffee. Whatever the amount of your gift card you donate is sufficient and appreciated! Gift cards will be turned in to Ms. Roberts in the front office. Ms. Roberts will coordinate the giving of the cards with our homeless liaison at the school board. All cards need to be turned in to the front office by December 13th.
Student to Student Contest
The Student to Student Organization: A Military Child Education Coalition Initiative, is having a contest: What 6 words describe your family best. Click here to view flyer. Entries need to be submitted no later then November 22, 2013.
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- MEETING NOTICE
Do you want to go to DC?
We have space for
2 Students and
2 Parent Chaperones
If you were not able to attend the meeting this week, you can view Mrs. Kunze's Powerpoint on our school website. Please make sure you watch the presentation with your child so they know what is expected and what to bring. A lot of important information was covered and a lot of your questions about this trip will be answered. Also, Mrs. DiDeo emailed the parents the Powerpoint as well as the Packing List for your convenience. Students will be able to sign up for their roommates next week. There will be a sign up chart in the Media Center. If your child needs a roommate or two, Mrs. DiDeo has posted a list of boys and girls going to DC right outside the Media Center.
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of November 4th
Monday - No school
Tuesday - Mini Corn Dogs, Mini Cheese Raviolis, Spinach and Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Breadstick, Ketchup, Mustard, Variety of Milk
Wednesday - Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Przza, Fajita Chicken Salad, Carrot and Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Apple Slices, Garlic Breadstick, Variety of Milk
Thursday - Hamburger, Homestyle Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Potato Wedges, Baked Beans, Peaches, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Friday - Chicken Nuggets, hot Dog, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Potato Puffs,Garlic Breadstick, Dipping sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Choice of 100% Juice, 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- 11/6/2013
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.
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Creeks Girls Lacrosse
Registration (ages K - 8th grade) Registration - Cost$160.
New Player Clinic (ages K- 8th grade) Mark your calendar for our final clinic on Sunday, December 1st, at Durbin Crossing Park with players from Jacksonville University Women's Lacrosse team - free and open to all ages. Returning players are welcome too!!
For additional information and registration visit www.creekslax.com or contact creeksgirlslax@gmail.com
You can help children in your community by Fostering or Mentoring a local teen.
An orientation and question-and-answer class will be held at 6:30pm on January 6, 2014, at the Health and Human Services building (1955 US1 South, 32086). Come or call to see if you have the skills required to make a positive impact on a child's life. For more information please call, 904-209-6131, or visit www.sjcfl.us/fip .
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
Santa Suits on the Loose
The Second Annual Santa Suits on the Loose 5K is a walk/jog/run benefiting St. Augustine Youth Services, a local therapeutic home for boys. The race will be held on December 14, 2013 starting at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park at 8am. Registration begins at 6:30am. Entry fee is $35 per person. Sign up early to receive a Santa Suit, guaranteed to the first 300 adult registrants. Children will receive a Santa-inspired T-shirt. For more information or to register online, visit www.racesmith.com or email santasuitsontheloose@gmail.com for any questions.
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