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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Tutoring Club
A very special thank you to the Tutoring Club for being a business partner and donating a ream of paper for each teacher! Again thank you for the support and much needed paper!
Fundraiser
Student Council will be hosting a fundraiser at Tropical Smoothie on CR210 on Thursday, December 19th from 4-8pm. 15% of the sales will be donated to Student Council with proceeds going to Relay for Life. 6th Grade Science Study Session Ms. Spratt, Ms. Fallon and Mr. Johnson will be holding a study session for the 6th grade science EOC on: Monday, Dec. 16th from 2:15-3:00. Students who attend the study session MUST come with specific questions. Parents should pick up their child in the car pool lane by 3:00pm. New Teacher
Mrs. Bransford's replacement, Mrs. Mayer, will start this Monday. Please join me in welcoming her to Swiss Point!
Draft of 2014-2015 School CalendarThe proposed 2014-2015 District Calendar is located on the home page of the school board website (www.stjohns.k12.fl.us) under the What's New section. There is a comment area to give feedback until December 16. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR Swiss Point MS will be hosting a blood drive on Monday, January 13th for Baby Blake Hunter. Times will be announced later, but please plan on donating blood for Mrs. Hunter's son.
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PTSO Information
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PTSO Meeting!
The next PTSO Meeting will be on January 17, 2014 @ 9:15 am.
It's hard to believe 2013 is almost over! Thank you for all of your support the first half of this year. We hope you plan to join us in January as we kickoff the new year with some new ideas. We're only as strong as our membership, and we'd love to see you!
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
We're working on the student directory and will get it out to all members before the winter break.
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 email her limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us to set up times.
Holiday Gift Shop Update- Items Needed
The holiday elves did a great job of setting up the Holiday Gift Shop. It is fully stocked although the merchandise will be bought out very quickly. If you wish to donate any new or gently used items, they would be greatly appreciated. Items for Dads are always in need. Contact Mrs.Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns. Donated items can be brought to the guidance 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
Worried that your child may be addicted to alcohol or other drugs? This article gives 8 warning signs parents should take into consideration. Click here to view the article.
Seaton's Corner
With the holidays coming up, many of us are looking forward to the many exciting events and extended family time, but are also feeling that little tinge of stress coming on! There are several things that parents can do to help offset the "holiday blues" and family stress. If older siblings will be home from college, set the ground rules right away on any new expectations and family rules. Get involved in activities that won't overly stretch your finances (bake cookies, select old or unused toys to donate, volunteer at agencies/centers, or help needy families with home repairs). Remind yourself that you cannot do it all. Have all the family members sign up from a list of "must-do's", so everyone helps out as they can. Setting a definite schedule in advance of the holidays helps everyone, especially blended families where the schedules of several families are involved. Providing times where children can talk out their feelings will validate to them that their feelings are important! Remind yourself that, even though all your plans may not turn out perfectly, your children probably won't even those worrisome little details! They love you and just want to enjoy some fun, memorable times with you!
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council
Switzerland Point Middle School
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 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.
Click here to view the minutes from the November meeting.
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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.
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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.
2014 PLAYERS - Get tickets NOW!
Our band has the unique opportunity to sell a specially-created discounted Good Any One Day Grounds ticket for $45 (regularly priced Daily Grounds tickets are $58 and day-specific)
- Chip In tickets are valid for any one day of the 2014 THE PLAYERS
- Good Any One Day Grounds tickets are not available for purchase by the general public after December 31, 2013
- Promotion period for Chip in for Youth tickets is October 28, 2013 through April 18, 2014
- $25 from each ticket sold will be donated back to our organization
You can purchase tickets online through the Chip in for Youth website: www.chipinforyouth.com
Use our special code: SPMS
Or you can send this FLYER with your check written to SPMS BBA and we will send you your tickets with your student.
Click here to view 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 December 9
Holiday Gift Shop Open All Week During Lunch Times
Monday, December 9th- Black Day
Singing Auditions for Musical, 2:00-5:00 pm, Auditorium
Tuesday, December 10th - Silver Day
Road Raiders, 2:00-3:30 pm, End of Season Party
Singing Auditions Callbacks for Musical, 2:00-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Wednesday, December 11th- Black Day- Early Release
Thursday, December 12th- Silver day
Acting Auditions for Musical, 2:00-5:00 pm, Auditorium
Digital Art Club, 2:00-3:00 pm, Room 325
NJHS Induction Ceremony, 7:00 pm, Auditorium & Cafeteria
Friday, December 13th- Black Day
Grades updated in HAC
Film Club, 4:00 pm, 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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Click here SPMS Girls Varsity Development Team
Click here SPMS Girls Varsity Team
Click here SPMS Boys Varsity Development Team
Click here SPMS Boys Varsity Team
The boy's varsity soccer team won against the Fruit Cove Varsity Development team on Tuesday. The boy's varsity development team team lost against Landrum's Varsity.
The girl's varsity team defeated Fruit Cove's development team 3-0 on Tuesday. Tori Grambo led the Raiders with two goals. Jovi Cernatescu scored a goal after playing shutdown goalie in the first half. Last week at Aberdeen, the girls tied the defending SJMSSA Champions, Fruit Cove MS Varsity 3-3 on a hat trick by Tori Grambo.
SPMS Volleyball Tryouts
Click here to view and print the SPMS Parent Approval Form. Try-out dates are December 16-20. Girls from 2-4pm and boys from 4:30-6pm.
SPMS Road Raiders
Road Raiders will have their END OF SEASON party on Tuesday, December 10th! :) The party will be in the cafeteria from 2-3:15pm. This is the last practice for the season! More information about the spring season will be available soon.
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 .
The Induction Ceremony, for new members, will be held on Dec. 12, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. All NJHS members met with Mrs. Rizzuto Friday during lunch and were given a letter explaining the Induction Ceremony, for both new and old members, and other requirements and responsibilities of NJHS members.
Holiday Shop Opens on Monday
Students.....you've saved since the first day of school and those Raider Bucks are heavy to carry around! Well now is the time to spend them. The Holiday Shop opens on Monday for sales. Only 10 students at a time will be able to leave the cafeteria during lunch times to make purchases. Only this year's Raider Bucks are acceptable. The store will be open for 8 days or until the merchandise is gone. Happy Shopping!
Tacky Sweater & Wacky Sock Day
The Student Council will be hosting a tacky sweater and wacky sock day on December 20th for a donation of $1 to participate with proceeds being donated to local charities.
Tutoring Club 3rd Quarter Sessions Available
Click here to view the SPMS 3rd quarter flyer form the Tutoring Club.
Digital Media Art Club
Love Art and Technology? Join the Digital Media Arts Club for 6th Grade or "D-MAC6". Our first meeting is on Thursday 12/12/13 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm in room 325. Bring a note pad and pencil for our first meeting. For more information, see Ms. Nidi Miller in room 740 prior to the meeting.
Yearbook Sales
Click here for information regarding yearbook sales.
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.
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.
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
All Three Buses are FULL!!! Please contact Mrs. DiDeo at Nereida.dideo@stjohns.k12.fl.us. with any questions or concerns.
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of December 9th
Monday - Homestyle Mac & Cheese, BBQ Chicken Max Snax, Stamed Broccoli Florets, Corn, Applesauce,Variety of Milk
Tuesday - Winter Luncheon Roaster Turkey & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Roll, Apple Crisp,Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Fajita Chicken Salad, carrot & 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, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Variety of Milk
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From the District
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This new section will contain information coming from the St. Johns County School Board. Visit their website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Superintendent's Weekly Review- 12/3/2013
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
Cookbook to Benefit ASSIST Program
The folks at 40 Orange Street are publishing a holiday cookbook to fundraise for our district's ASSIST program that aids our homeless students and their families. This year, our number of homeless students has increased by a staggering 25%, so your support is urgently needed!
* To order cookbooks, please send payment (cash or check made payable to SJCSD) by Thursday, December 12, 2013. Quantities are limited, so order soon!
Cookbooks will be delivered during the week of December 16. Buy several--they make great gifts! Click here for more information.
District School Happenings Calendar
Click here to view the December 2013/January 2014 School Happenings Calendar from the district
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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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 .
St. Augustine Orchestra Presents "Sounds of the Season"
The St. Augustine Orchestra presents "Sounds of the Season" with William McNeiland as musical director. Click here to view the details of the event.
First Coast Technical College presents Christmas Cuisine
Click here to view information regarding the FCTC's Community Education Program presentation of Christmas Cuisine: Friday Night Fun in FCTC's Kitchen. The event is Friday, December 13 from 6-9.
So You Want to be a Chef?
First Coast Technical College is hosting a day of exploring educational opportunities, cooking with professional chefs and enjoying a meal prepared by yourself. Cost is $20 and you receive a FCTC logo chef's jacket. Click here for more information.
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.
Camp Composition
Camp Composition, a writing camp for 4th through 10th graders, will take place at UNF over the course of six Saturdays in January and February 2014 (immediately prior to the FCAT writing exam). Camp Composition will be led by local lead area teachers who specialize in writing instruction. These teachers will work with specific writing teams on a variety of topics, including the introduction of weekly prompts and feedback to each individual student. Stress reduction strategies will also be taught to students by an expert. For more information and to register go to http://www.unf.edu/coehs/celt/Camp_Composition.aspx
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