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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank-RESULTS
SPMS ranked 3rd in the county for total food collected out of 12 participating schools! Great job Raiders!
Congratulations to Britni Hodge who was selected for the Florida All-State Middle School Mixed Chorus! Britni will participate in the All-State Middle School Concert in Tampa January 9-11th.
Just Dance Tournament Winners
Thanks to all who participated in the Just Dance Tournament. The winners were....
B lunch - Geethika Katarv
C lunch - Sophia Stachowiak
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.
Holiday Gift Shop Ready for Volunteers
A SignUp Genius request went out on Tuesday asking for volunteers to help with the Holiday Gift Shop. Those who like to set up for garage sales should take the set up times. The last day includes packing the unsold merchandise up for storage. Go to www.signupgenius.com, click "Find a Signup" and enter casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us. Sign up as much as you can!. Also, 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
Recognize respect in your child:
When you need to tell your child something you know they do not want to hear, such as: a final decision made, a consequence, or a reminder of a chore or homework to do, etc., if they respond to you respectfully, take a minute to let them know you appreciate their respect! Explain that you understand they will not always agree with your decisions or like your consequences and reminders, etc. but how they handle the situation shows their respect for you....and that they are maturing!
Seaton's Corner
Helping your children to effectively manage their time is a very helpful skill in our fast-paced world today. Using a calendar to set their long and short term goals, they could then prioritize their time while keeping the big picture in mind. This is most helpful in planning for big projects and assignments, avoiding the stress of a last minute undertaking. Writing "To Do" lists could keep them on track, after breaking their assignments up into small, manageable parts. Share with your child your own strategies for having good time management in your everyday life.
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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?
- New Request: Charles Moseley, Technology Conference
- 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 Procedure- Reunification Policy
I want to remind everyone of our reunification process in case of school- wide emergency. If you would come to a Parent-Child Reunion Center (both onsite or offsite) you need to have your ID with you. NO student will be released to anyone unless they are on the student's emergency card. If you were new to our area and now have met someone that you would like to add to your student's emergency card, please put it in writing, have your student bring it to the front office and we will staple it to their emergency card. Our current population is 1269 students and we will not be able to take phone calls during a school wide emergency authorizing people other than who you have indicated on your emergency card to pick your child up.
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 18th
Monday, November 18th- Silver Day
Dreams Come True Meeting- Auditorium, 1-3:30
Tuesday, November 19th - Black Day
Road Raiders, practice, 2-3:30pm
Wednesday, November 20th - Silver Day - 1pm dismissal
Grades Updated in HAC
Road Raiders Race, LPA, 4:00 pm
FCA General Meeting, Patio, 1-2:30pm
SAC Meeting, Room 725, 3:30-4:30
Thursday, November 21st- Black Day
6th Grade Health Screening, through PE classes, MPR & Auditorium
Character Counts Luncheon, Patio, lunch times
Road Raiders, practice, 2-3:30pm
Beginning Band and Jazz Concert, Gym, 7:00 pm
Friday, November 22nd - Silver 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! WIN!!! 38-7. Great job on a wonderful season!!
Sat. Nov 16th- All-Star Game
The following young men have been selected to play in the All-Star Game:
Brandon Staats
Brandon Dickman
Rhett Barnett
Tristen Sheptock
Devin Cooper
Daniel Breen
Parker Devine
Riley Smith
Gabriel Shuey
John Amell
Connor Carter
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.
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 and Thursday from 2-3:30 pm. They will also have a race at Liberty Pines on Wednesday. The race is scheduled to begin at 4pm, so please try to be there by 3:30 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ms. P 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 still 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.
FCA General Meeting
The next FCA General Meeting will be help on Wednesday, November 20th from 1-2:30. The agenda will consist of a pie eating contest, a guest speaker from Christ's Church and soccer. All are welcome to attend!
Dreams Come True Fundraiser Coming!
The Dreams Come True members will be selling coupon books for $20 and contains over $1000 in savings!!! AND you get your money back immediately with a $20 Wind Dixie Coupon. The books will be sold from November 18-December 2nd. The Coupon Book can be purchased from any Dreams Come True Club Member or teacher sponsor (Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Bower, Ms. Buning, Mrs. Sekora, Ms. Sweatt, Mrs. VanWinkle or Mrs. Black at skeckblack@aol.com. All profits will help sponsor a dream for a local child battling a life-threatening illness.
Family Volunteer Day Beach Clean Up
Families with children 5 and older or individuals age 13 and older are invited to help. Supplies will be provided. Meet at Micklers Landing, 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd. Saturday, November 23 from 8:00-10:00 am. Sign up under Family Volunteer Day at HandsOnJacksonville.org or contact Mary Howard thhcpa@comcast.net
for more information. Click here to view flyer.
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
2 Student Slots available
The DC roommates sign up sheet is posted outside the Media Center. There is also a list of students attending the fieldtrip if you need to find a roommate.
Due to the Thanksgiving Holidays, the final payment for DC is due on Tuesday, November 26th. SPMS is closed from Wednesday, November 27th - Friday, November 29th.
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of November 18th
Monday - Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Sticks, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Mandarin Oranges, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Tuesday - Holiday Luncheon- Roasted Turkey & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Roll, Apple Crisp, Variety of Milk
Wednesday - Chicken Nuggets, Fajita Chicken Salad, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Baked Beans, Fresh Apple sliced, Garlic Breadstick, Variety of Milk
Thursday - Pasta & Meatballs, Fajita Chicken Wrap, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Peaches, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Friday - BBQ Chicken, Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Steamed Carrots, Steamed Green Beans, 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- 11/13/2013
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
Legislative Update
The St. Johns County Legislative Update for this week is posted at http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/legupdates/2013/11/08/legislative-update-week-of-november-4/
St. Johns County Education Foundation
Click here to view the News Flash for November/December form the St. Johns County Education Foundation. Articles include information regarding Take Stock in Children, fundraising and the annual Teacher of the Year celebration.
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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