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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Blood Drive to Benefit Baby Blake Hunter
Thank you to everyone who donated blood for Baby Blake. We donated 30 bags - way to go Swiss Point!!!
Cell phones
The district code of conduct states that students may have a phone at school, but it must be off and in their bag or locker. Students may NOT use their cell phone during the day, which includes walking in the hall or to their bus at dismissal. Students will be warned on Tuesday over the intercom and then phones will be taken and held until the next day. Please talk to your child about this policy.
District Science Fair
The district fair will be held at Sebastian MS on 1/29/14. The awards ceremony will be at Sebastian at 6:30pm on Thursday, Jan. 30th. The exhibits will be on display prior to the awards ceremony.
Your Donations Make a Difference
Students using science equipment for a hands-on approach to learning. Thank you parents for your science donations and teaming with us to make a difference. We appreciate you! We have a better understanding of the human body systems. Click here to view pictures of the lab rat dissection.
Donations for new computer lab
A special Raider Rap was sent requesting donations to purchase computers, tables & chairs for a computer lab for a new 7th grade course for next year. We had money saved for the computers, but we have to use this money to replace the computers in the 6th grade lab. We currently have an N-computing system that can not handle the flash and animation that the software requires. The computers are freezing and students are losing work. Replacement stand alone computers will be ordered for Mrs. Campbell's computer lab early next week. We want to thank the students for their patience. We will work as quickly as possible to resolve the issues. Now, we need to raise funds for the 60 computers needed for the new lab. If you know of any business that could donate, please ask. All donations are tax deductible. The total cost needed is $50,000.00, which is possible if 500 families or businesses donate $100. Thank you in advance for supporting Swiss Point MS.
SAC Needs Assessment - Parent Survey
It is time to complete our annual SAC needs assessment survey. The survey link is in the SAC section below. We truly value your input, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey. We would appreciate your constructive feedback on how we can improve. Please keep in mind that rules and procedures are needed to keep order with 1270 students.
Thank You to Beller & Bustamante, PL
Thanks to our newest Business Partner, Beller & Bustamante, PL for sponsoring our Character Counts January luncheon. We appreciate your support of our students!
Fundraiser with Tutoring Club
SPMS Business Partner, the Tutoring Club, on SR 13 is offering help for your student and Swiss Point at the same time. You receive an assessment of your choice: reading or math plus 4 hours of tutoring in like subject for $75.00. Your school receives $35.00 of the purchase price. Thank you to the Tutoring Club for your support of Swiss Point Middle School! Click here to view flyer.
Business Partner Information
Click here to view business partner Ossi Orthodontics offer for all SPMS Raiders. Thanks for all you do!
Variety Show Auditions
Start planning your act now for the Annual SPMS Variety Show! Audition Registration Forms are available in the front office 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!
Registration forms will be accepted until end of day
Thursday, January 23rd.
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.
Master Calendar for 2014-2015
The master calendar for the 2014-2015 school year was approved at a recent School Board meeting. Click here to download. *Please note that semester exams will be given the week before winter break just like this year. PLEASE do not schedule vacation during exam time.
Are you a 6th grader zoned for the new K-8?
Principal Harrison of the new K-8 will host a meet and greet on Thursday, Feb. 6th from 6-7pm at Fruit Cove Middle School. Please plan on attending to meet her and to hear about the new school.
Honor Card Businesses
Last week report cards were distributed. Students who received all As or all As or Bs, received an honor card. Click here to view all the businesses and their offers.
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PTSO Information
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Join Us for the Next PTSO Meeting
We had some great new faces at our January meeting and we'd love to meet more of you. Please join us Friday, February 7, 2014 at 9:15 am to learn about the exciting plans we have for the rest of this school year!
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
*Click here to check out the PTSO webpage
Magazine Sales
You can always 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.
FL Writes Proctors- Request Filled
The request has been filled. Another SignUp will be created shortly to ask for volunteers for the FCAT Reading, Math and Science. Any questions or concerns, contact Cynthia Casper at casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call 547-8627.
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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.
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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.
ATTENTION PARENTS! It is that time of the year where we reflect on the good and bad of the school year. We need your help! What do really like about Swiss Point? What suggestions to you have to offer to Swiss Point?
Once you take the survey, print out the survey complete page and have your child bring it to school for a raider buck!
Please take a few minutes and fill out the survey attached to this link:
https://surveys.stjohns.k12.fl.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=78KInm4K
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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 20 , 2014
Monday, January 20th- No School
Tuesday, January 21th - Black Day
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
High School Showcase, World Golf Village, 3-8 pm
Wednesday, January 22th- Silver Day - Early Release
Volleyball, 5:30 pm, at Gamble Rogers MS
Thursday, January 23th- Black Day
Character Counts Luncheon, during lunches, Cafeteria
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Friday, January 24th- Silver Day
Honor Band Rehearsal, 4-8 pm, Band Room
Saturday, January 25th
Honor Band Rehearsal, 9 am-3 pm, Band Room
Sunday, January 26th
Honor Band concert, 3 pm, BTHS
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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
No Homeroom on Wednesday
Please make sure that students arrive on time on Wednesdays. Students will need to go immediately to their first period class (either Black 2 or Silver 2). Many students are late on Wednesdays and it is difficult for teachers to start their lessons on time.
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Athletics
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The Swiss Point Girls Varsity Soccer team played in the SJMSAA Double elimination tournament this past weekend along with 11 other teams from across the county and finished in third place. The girls won six out of 8 games played over two days to make it to the semi finals, playing most games with not substitutes. Thank you to Coach Nelson & Coach Dustin for their work with the girls this season.
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.
Nease 2014 Track & Field Event
Click here to view the flyer for the Nease event on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Individual and team participants welcome.
SJMSAA Baseball Team
Varsity Team for 2014. Thank you to all those who tried out.
Amell
Breen
Carter
Dziwulski
Fisher
Lawson
O'Brien
Popik
Sapala
Maurer
Merrifeld
Stastny
Wilson
Lisner
Report Thursday, January 23rd to the cafeteria at 2pm and practice from 3-5pm.
Raiders Baseball JV Roster 2014. Thank you to all who tried out.
Thorsen, R
Thorsen, Z
Whittle, J
Falor, B
Webster,J
Delamielleure,J
French, M
Houslin, S
Carguillo, V
Arreaza, A
Sapala, B
Ussery, L
Rolison, C
Report to practice on Wednesday, January 22. Meet in the Cafeteria after school at 1pm.
SJMSAA Softball Please register at www.sjmsaa.com website, try-outs will begin in February. SJMSAA Tennis Any student interested in trying out for the tennis team, please go to www.sjmsaa.com website to register. The try-outs will be held on February 12-13 at Mills Field.
SPMS Road Raiders
Road Raiders will begin on Tuesday, January 21st, from 2-3:30pm. Runners need to be dressed and ready to run. A student must have a health form on file to be able to participate, and each runner must be able to run at a ten minute mile pace for the spring season. Contact Mrs. Piscitello at piscite@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns.
LB3Wave- Girls Lacrosse
Click here to view a flyer regarding the girls lacrosse LB3 Wave Middle School Select Team Tryouts being held on Sunday, January 19th from 12-2 at Aberdeen Park. Current 5th-7th graders only. Cost is free!!
SPMS Winterguard
SPMS Winterguard continues practicing on Wednesdays from
1-5:30pm.
Competition Schedule
Jan 18 - Premier- Good Luck Raiders!!!
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 Beach, 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.
Celebrate Literacy Week
Literacy Week is being celebrated the week of January 13-17th. Please stop by the Media Center if you are interested in entering a poster contest for an art prize.
Remember of check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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8th Grade Parents & Students!
Here's important info you need to know about high school academies and up-coming dates! Please read below and click on this link for more info: Career AcademiesTo Do:
Watch each high schools' video at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies
Attend the High School Showcase on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 between 3:00-8:00 pm at the World Golf Village Convention Center.
Attend the Academy Nights at your schools of choice, meet the teachers and other students! All are at 6:00 pm, except St. Johns Tech will be held at 5:30 pm.
Jan. 27 St. Johns Tech Jan. 30 Creekside
Jan. 27 St. Augustine Feb. 4 Bartram Trail
Jan. 28 Nease Feb. 6 Ponte Vedra
Jan. 30 Pedro Menendez
Discuss your options as a family.
Apply on-line between January 21 and February 9.
Accept a Program of Choice offer on-line by February 23, 2014 at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies
Found Missing Items from the Washington DC Trip
There are still many items that were taken off the buses from the Washington DC trip that have not been collected. Please see Mrs. Beccard in the Clinic.
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Media Center News
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The Media Center would like to thank all the students who entered the Celebrate Literacy Reading Poster Contest.
The following students are the contest winners:
Bella Galo
Emilee Harris
Cody Wilson
Isabelle Amacker
Congratulations on a job well done!
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Lunch Menu
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Week of January 20th
Monday- No School- Student/Teacher Holiday
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, Bakes 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- 1/15/2014
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
District School Happenings Calendar
Click here to view the December 2013/January 2014 School Happenings Calendar from the district
Redirecting Children's Behavior
Click here to view information regarding the Redirecting Children's Behavior course offered by the Student Services Department.
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/
Character Counts Six Pillars 6K Run/3K Walk
Character Counts in St. Johns County Six Pillars 6K/3K Walk will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Palencia Elementary School. Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Chocolate & Beyond- A Sweet Way to Support Volunteers
Chocolate and Beyond, a celebration of chocolate, desserts, and other culinary sensations, will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 2 - 4 p.m. at First Coast Technical College, Building C in St. Augustine. Guests will enjoy tasty samples from some of the area's finest restaurants and specialty shops. A silent auction, raffle, and contests will also be part of this fun and exciting afternoon.
Hosted by The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of St. Johns County, proceeds from Chocolate and Beyond benefit the volunteer program, and young students through book purchases. Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased on the RSVP website, www.rsvpstjohns.com or in person at Whetstone Chocolates (King Street and Anastasia Blvd locations), Cold Cow Ice Cream, and TD Bank in St. Augustine. Call RSVP at 904-547-3945 for more information.
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.
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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First Coast Kids Triathlon
Click here to view flyer regarding the First Coast Kids Triathlon held on May 17-18.
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
On Campus Transition Open House at UNF
Click here to view flyer regarding the On Campus Transition Program Open House at UNF on Friday, February 7, 2014. This event is for students who may be interested in applying to the On Campus Transition program, their parents, school ESE personnel, and anyone else who would like to find out more about our program. The presentation at 11:30 am will include an overview of the OCT and its related programs, how to get college ready (information on Medicaid waiver, IEP and VR), and eligibility requirements for the program.
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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