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Message from Mrs. Kunze
A huge thank you to Joy Orthodontics for becoming a business partner AND donating two brand new bicycles and helmets to support our Reading Plus program. Students will be entered into the drawing based on the number of times they have leveled up this year. The drawing of two names (one boy, one girl) will be on Wednesday, December 18th
Semester Exam Schedule
click here for daily exam schedule
District exams can not be administered early. Students who are absent will have to take district exams upon their return in January.
Bicycle Safety
Click here to view a brouchure from the The St Johns County Sheriff's office regarding moped, motor scooter and bicycle safety. It also has information about street signs, helmets and contact information.
Variety Show Auditions
Start planning your act now for the annual SPMS Variety Show! Audition Registration Forms will be available in the front office after winter break, and auditions will be held on January 28th. This show is sponsored by the Dreams Come True Club, which sponsors a dream for a local child battling a life-threatening illness. We are looking forward to a variety of individuals or groups of entertainment such as singing, dancing, gymnastics, piano, guitar, violin, rock bands, comedy, etc. The sky is the limit, so get creative and start practicing!
Congratulations to our box top winners!!!
First place: Charlie Mlynarczyk with 5,426 box tops!!!!!!!!! Charlie got a $25.00 gift card for his efforts!
Second place: Steven Reese with 868 box tops, Steven got some nice items from Barnes & Noble
Third place: Jordan Potts with 672 box tops. Jordan also got some nice items from Barnes & Noble.
Keep collecting those box tops and Campbell labels and bring them to the front office. Ms. Roberts will keep track of all of them turned in and will issue a raider buck for every 25 turned in. The next winner will be revealed in the spring. Good job everyone
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. Draft of 2014-2015 School Calendar
The 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.
Good news for today - Baby Blake was discharged from Wolfson's today! It has been a long 2 months for the Hunter family.
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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!
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
The store has sold an astronomical amount of merchandise. Monday 1956, Tuesday 2419, Wednesday 1575, Thursday 1112: which makes a grand total of 7062!!! WOW!! A huge thanks to all that have made this special event happen! Contact Mrs.Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns.
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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
If you're finding yourself stressed and even a little depressed this season, the staff at Mayo Clinic offer some tips:
- Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Try to be flexible.
- Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations.
- Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with gifts.
- Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.
- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.
- Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
- Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
For more info visit: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030
Seaton's Corner
As you know, the semester exams begin next week, starting Tuesday, December 17th. Please refer to the exam schedule on the home page of our school website and our recent Raider Rap Newsletters. We hope that all of our students have been preparing for these upcoming exams and asking teachers for help in their weak areas. These semester exams will count as 20% of their final semester grade, while their first and second quarter grades count as 40% each. When students return on Tuesday, January 7th, we will be starting our second semester. So January truly starts a "clean slate" for our students.
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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.
Proposed Agenda
- Welcome: Call to Order - Emily
- Vote: Approval of November Meeting Minutes - Emily
- Finance Report - Emily Piscitello
- Vote: Student Needs Assessment Survey - Emily Piscitello
- Vote: Parent Needs Assessment Survey - Emily Piscitello
- Principal Update - Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- The January SAC meeting has been cancelled. (The next SAC meeting will be in February)
- Adjourn
Proposed Items for December meetings:
- Update on Needs Assessment Surveys (Parent and Student)
- Next meeting: February 12th, 2014
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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 June 2014.
Click here to view flyer.
SPMS Band Boosters Fundraising
Monday, February 3rd, March 31st and May 5th 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! (Flyer to be attached after break)
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
See Semester Exam Schedule in
Message from Mrs. Kunze Section
Monday, December 16th- White Day
Holiday Store open during lunches
Girls Volleyball Tryouts, 2-4, Gym
Cast Meeting for Musical, 2-3, Auditorium
Tuesday, December 17th - Exam Schedule
Semester Exams S2 & B2
Last day Holiday Store open during lunches
Girls Volleyball Tryouts, 2-4, Gym
Wednesday, December 18th- Exam Schedule- Early Release
Semester Exams S3 & B4
FCA General Meeting, 1-2:30, Patio
SAC Meeting, 3:30, Teacher's Lounge
Thursday, December 19th- Exam Schedule
Semester Exams B3 & S4
Friday, December 20th- Exam Schedule- Early Release
Semester Exams Skinny & Make-ups
End of 2nd Quarter
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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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CREEKS OUTLAWS PEE WEE DIVISION 2 FOOTBALL TEAM IN THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP WIN 24-0! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEAM AND ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG MEN FROM SPMS!
SJMSAA Soccer Schedules
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 girl's varsity development team started their season with some challenging games. This week they won against Murray with a score of 4 to 0 with Jessica Reddington scoring two goals followed by Lindsey Vanderlinde and Olivia Nagle with one goal each. Goalie Haley Sherman blocked some tough shots and defenders Kylie Pearson and Erica Perez made some great defensive plays. Monday they played a tough game against Pacetti Bay in which they ultimately lost. Their next games are Friday at Gamble Rogers and Tuesday at Landrum.
Free Lacrosse Clinics for Middle School Boys
Creeks Lacrosse is running a free clinic on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00pm-8:30pm at Durbin Lax Fields. The clinics begin this Tuesday and run for two weeks. They are FREE, require no registration and loaner Lacrosse sticks will be provided. The goal of the clinic is to generate interest in the sport for Middle Schoolers who are not involved with a spring sport. LAX is a great sport that improves athleticism, speed, agility and eye hand coordination. The clinic will be run by local area coaches aimed at introducing the sport to beginners. Registration for spring lacrosse ends December 31st so this is a great way to try the sport out and see if you may be interested in playing this spring. Click here to view the website.
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 resume in January. Please use Edmodo for further updates. Contact Mrs. 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 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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Holiday Shop- Last day of sales- Tuesday, December 17
So many students have enjoyed spending their Raider Bucks at the school store (see Volunteer Information for totals from each day). The last day the store will be open is Tuesday, december 17. Please get to the store the last couple of days and buy items for your family (or yourself ;)) Monday and Tuesday.
Lost and Found
All unclaimed lost and found will be donated after school on December 20th to the St. Augustine Youth Services and the St. Gerard House in St. Augustine.
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.
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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Media Center News
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Reading Poster Contest
All students are invited to create a reading poster to support "Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!", January 13th-17th. Students are able to earn 3 Raider Bucks by entering a poster design that celebrates reading. In addition, the top three posters will be awarded an art prize with a retail value of $15.
Rules are:
1. The poster should be no larger than 11" x 17".
2. A brief, catchy message about reading needs to be written clearly on the poster.
3. All posters must be received in the Media Center by Thursday, January 16th.
4. Put your name and grade on the front, right bottom of the poster.
5. Posters need to be creative, original and artistic.
If interested, please stop by the Media Center for further details.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of December 9th
The website to view lunch menus is www.nutrislice.com. The website was not working at the time the Raider Rap was published.
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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- 12/10/2013
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 at the District
There is a need at the Teacher Depot for a volunteer once per week at their St. Augustine location. Duties would include filling school supply orders made from teachers, and maintaining a spreadsheet. The Teacher Depot exists to provide classrooms with needed supplies through community donations. The volunteer hours could be flexible, and would provide a tremendous amount of assistance to this project. Please contact Cheryl Freeman at (904-547-3952).
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. Performances are on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 15 at 3:00 pm.
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. The event is on January 10 from 8:30 am-1:00 pm.
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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