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Message from Mrs. Kunze
The faculty & staff wish all of you a safe and restful winter break! We will see you on Tuesday, January 7th.
Students who missed their semester exams need to be prepared to take exams on Tuesday, January 7th.
On the 7th we will have a special schedule. Students will attend their grade level expectation assemblies and we will complete required drills - tornado, fire, bomb & intruder.
The daily rotation will switch 2nd semester - black day will be first, then silver.
Blood Drive to Benefit Baby Blake Hunter
A SignUpGenius has been created to allow for people to schedule blood donations.
1. Go to www.signupgenius.com
2. Find a sign up
3. Enter casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us
4. Schedule a time
The last day to schedule an appointment is Monday, Dec. 23rd. We have to submit our appointment schedule to the Blood Alliance on Tuesday morning.
Any questions or concerns, please contact Cynthia Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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Reading Plus Drawing
Congratulation to Kyle Roberts and Sanya Bansal for winning the bicycles and helmets donated by Joy Orthodontics in support of our Reading Plus program. Students were entered into the drawing based on the number of times they have leveled up this year.
Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Cassidy Bolton for winning the school wide Spelling Bee. She will represent SPMS at the District Spelling Bee on January 15. Jacob Bennett came in 2nd and Lily Tall in 3rd. Bailey Bucher, Becca Jaeger, Sam Rauterstrauch and Marcos Villa all represented their grade level.
Way to go Raiders!
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!
PSAT Results Are In!
The PSAT results are in! Last week, all PSAT test takers received a copy of their score report and a copy of their PSAT qualifying test. I highly recommend that students analyze their score reports to develop a study plan based on their areas of strength and weakness in critical reading, mathematics, and writing. Students can use their qualifying test booklet as a resource to review their answer choices. Students can also log in to My College Quick Start to see their correct answers and explanations, get a personalized SAT study plan, search for colleges, explore majors and careers, learn more about scholarship programs, and learn more about AP courses. Students will need their Online Access Code located on the inside of their score report to log into their personalized site at www.collegeboard.org/quickstart.. If you have any questions about your child's score report, please email me at limem@stjohns.k12.fl.us
or call me at 547-8642.
Melissa Lime, Curriculum Coordinator
2014 Annual Drug-Free Pledge Speed Camp
01-05-2014 - 02-23-2014
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Plantation Park
Price: Free
CSSA's innovative off season speed camp is coached by former NFL and collegiate athletes. The speed camp caters to the youth in the local community and assists student athletes with fine tuning their athletic skills. Coaches emphasize teamwork, nutrition, leadership and discipline. The speed camp is "free". Register at www.cs2sa.com Click here to view flyer.
Report Cards will be issued on Friday, January 10th.
Semester Grades
Semester grades for core courses are calculated using the District formula:
1st Qtr x .40 + 2nd Qtr x .40 + Sem Exam x .20 = Sem. Grade
Algebra 1 Honors, Geometry Honors and Civics all have a State EOC exam. The EOC for these courses will count as 30% of the overall course grade. Therefore, the district semester exam was placed in the 2nd quarter grade instead of counting as a separate semester exam grade.
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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.
Even volunteers need a break!
Thanks for all you do.
Enjoy the break with family and friends!
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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.
Happy Holidays from the Guidance Staff!
Tanya, Barbara and Cynthia
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council
Switzerland Point Middle School
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 12, 201
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
Report Illnesses
Parents, please notify the clinic of any cases of chicken pox or shingles. We do have students who are immunocompromised whose parents have to be notified.
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)
Click here
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 January 6, 2014
Monday, January 6th
No School for Students - Teacher Planning Day
Tuesday, January 7th - Special Schedule
Behavior Expectation Assemblies and Required Drills
Make-up Semester Exams
Wednesday, January 8th- Black Day - Early Release
Winterguard Practice, 1-8:30pm, Gym
Thursday, January 9th- Silver Day
Road Raiders, 2-3:30
Friday, January 10th- Black Day
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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 Girls Varsity Development Team
Click here Girls Varsity Team
Click here Boys Varsity Development Team
Click here Boys Varsity Team
Girls Varsity Development Team- Despite their best effort, the Girl's Soccer team (VDT) lost against Gamble Rogers. They quickly recovered as they won against Landrum with a score of 6 to 0. Lindsey Vanderlinde scored three goals followed by Olivia Nagle, Emily Bulthuis and Siobhan Grabski with one goal each. Midfielder Hannah Morell did an excellent job getting the ball up to the offense and Sarah Kroehler did an excellent job on defense. Their next games are Friday against Liberty Pines at Plantation Park and Jan 7th against Fruit Cove VDT at Plantation Park.
SJMSAA Softball Registration Open
SJMSAA Softball Registration will open on Dec 30, 2013. Remember there is no fee to register for tryouts. Just go to the website at www.sjmsaa.org to register. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Tracy Cain at tracyj.cain@gmail.com Dates for tryouts will be posted at a later date. Keep checking the website for updates.
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 Teams Congratulations to the 2013/14 SPMS Girls Volley Ball Team Alyssa Shawver Linsley Horn Alex Murphy Taylor Smith Lauryn Wheeler Ashlyn Harper Reedy Davenport Caroline Coley Alexis Ahren Kendall Sheffer Cassie Moore Developmental Team Kate Woodruff Kelly Stechschulte Kayla Ahren Samantha Binard Breanna Yost Chloe Andrews Congratulations to the 2013/2014 SPMS Boys Volleyball Team Robert French Jack Morrow Jonas Mathiew Rhett Barnett Braden Irish Erik Nourse Mark Castle Beezer Vespi Griffin Helm Dwayne Harvey Jacob Saarela Connor Easterling Michael French Sean Lynch Bradley Barnett Logan Blazejowski Congratulations to Cheer Team Congratulations to the Creeks Outlaws Midget Cheerleaders for placing 4th in the National Cheer and Dance Competition
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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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.
Nease High School Pantherettes Dance Camp
Click here to view a mini camp for middle schoolers on January 9th-10th.
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- Sunday, January 5-Friday, January 10
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 January 6th
Monday- No School for Students- Teacher Planning Day
Tuesday- Mini Corn Dogs, Mini Cheese Ravioli, Garlic Breadstick, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Ketchup, Mustard, Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Fajita Chicken Salad, Garlic Breadstick, Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Apple Slices, 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, White Wheat Roll, Choice of 100% Juice, 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- 12/19/2013
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 .
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
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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