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Messages from Mrs. Kunze
Course selections for next year
It is hard to believe that it is time to start thinking about next year. Please mark your calendar for the appropriate grade level informational parent meeting.
Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 6:30pm - Rising 8th grade parents in auditorium
NOTE THE DATE CHANGE for Rising 8th
Thursday, Feb. 20th at 6:30pm - Rising 7th grade parents in auditorium
Monday, Feb. 24th at 6:30pm - Rising 6th grade parents in auditorium
Bartram Trail High School will be at Swiss Point March 3rd & 4th to register students for next year. You will receive a letter in the mail from Bartram. Creekside has not confirmed a date yet, but they will register students at Swiss around the same time.
Congratulations Science Fair Participants
Congratulations to Daniela McCarty for receiving an Honorable Mention award in the Junior- Engineering/Math category for "Can a BioMetallic Strip be Fabricated Rigidly Sufficient as an Accurate Thermometer?" Congratulations also to Lorena Lee, Amanda Higley, Geethika Kataru, Hayven Ancelin, William Mitchell, Christopher Slyvester, Harrison Schwartz, Chase Penton, Benjamin DuPre, Jake Glass and Cade Bedell for representing SPMS as well.
Attention 8th grade Parents
The online application to apply for a career academy is open until February 9 at midnight.
Academy Nights start this week. PLEASE plan on visiting all schools that you are interested in attending. ALL academy nights start at 6pm unless otherwise indicated.
Feb. 4th - Bartram Trail
Feb. 6th - Ponte Vedra
Other important dates:
February 14 Invitation Letters Mailed to Each Student (Each high school mails out invitations to all applicants to join.)
February 14 Acceptance Link Opens (applicants must accept the invitation online - ONLY ACCEPT ONE school's invitation)
February 23 Deadline to Accept the Invitation is midnight February 23, 2014.
July 1 Last day to appeal
Do you have a New Cell or Home Phone Number....maybe new email address?
Parents, if you have a new home number, work number, cell number or e-mail address, please notify Norma Miller in Guidance. Contact her at 547-8626 or millern@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
PACT Town Hall Meeting
On February 27, PACT will be hosting our annual Town Hall Meeting at Nease High School. The keynote speaker is Donovan Darius, former Jacksonville Jaguar. Donovan's theme is "Game Plan to Success". We will follow with a panel discussion with several local professionals discussing the impact of underage drinking and drug abuse.
The mission of PACT is: To make St. John's County a healthy, substance-free community through the reduction and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse by our youth by Prevention, Advocacy, Choices and Teamwork.
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 have been ordered for Mrs. Campbell's computer lab. 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.
Variety Show Performance
You are invited to the 2014 SPMS Variety Show!!!!
When: February 20th, 2:30 pm. Must have a pre-purchased ticket
February 21st, 7:00 pm. Tickets can be pre-purchased or purchased at the door.
Where: SPMS Auditorium
Cost: $5.00. Tickets will be on sale during lunch beginning February 18th.
Benefits: Dreams Come True to sponsor a "Dream" for a child with a life-threatening illness
Featuring: Singing, Dancing, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Comedy and Rock Bands
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PTSO Information
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Join Us for the Next PTSO Meeting
Friday, February 7, 2014 at 9:15 am. Put it on your calendar now! PTSO is working on some fun new ideas for the Spring semester and you're going to want to be in the know. Looking for highly energized and fun parents who want to help make SPMS the best it can be. See you then!
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
Business Partners
H&R Block on CR 210. Raise money for SPMS by having H&R Block prepare your personal income taxes. For every new client, H&R Block will donate $20 to SPMS. Our business partner at the 210 location (Johns Creek Shopping Plaza, 2849 CR 210 West) will match that donation so you get your taxes done and SPMS gets $40. Win-win! Contact H&R Block at 904-230-8080 with questions.
Tutoring Club. Don't forget that the St. Johns Tutoring Club location is offering an assessment and fundraising deal for SPMS families, but you must purchase by January 31, 2014. You receive an assessment of your choice: reading or math, plus 4 hours of tutoring in like subject for $75. SPMS will receive $35 of the purchase price. Contact SPMS parent, Elizabeth Loeser at 904-230-2855 to purchase.
We are grateful for the support we receive from our business partners, especially those run by our parents. Great communities are supported by great families and Swiss Point has lots of those! Contact SPMSPTSO@hotmail.com
if you would like to sponsor one month's Character Counts lunch or become a business partner.
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson News
Continue cutting those labels! Be sure to check the expiration dates on each label. Please place your labels in a zip lock bag or an envelope with the student's name, grade and homeroom teacher's name listed. Our next contest will be here before you know it!
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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 Corner
Registration ends on February 9th. If you get accepted into an academy, you have to "Accept" the invitation on-line by February 23rd. High schools are offering an Open House at their campus for you to get more information:
Feb. 4 Bartram Trail
Feb. 6 Ponte Vedra
Seaton's Corner
Everyone's familiar with "Dear Abby" articles in the newspapers. We will be collecting (anonymously) some questions from students during the year pertaining to middle school life in a similar fashion as "Dear Abby". We will call ours "Dear Raider Aide". We will have a student give the advice on many occasions, so this should be fun and a unique learning experience for all! So here's our first advice article below:
"Dear Raider Aide, my best friend has moved and I am having a hard time. I am so sad. How can I get over this?"
(Response written by Madi Bishop, 6th Grader): My friend recently moved to California so I know what you are going through. It took me a few weeks to adjust, but hearing her say how much she likes it there made me realize that I might not like the fact that she isn't here anymore, but she was happy! It will take a while to get used to, but keeping in touch might help, and so will talking to a parent or another friend. Good luck!
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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
Health Alert
Parents, students and teachers please be mindful of the many students and faculty who have migraines and asthma. Many of these conditions can be triggered by perfumes, colognes and body spray. Please refrain from using any of these products during the school day.
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 February 3, 2014
Monday, February 3rd- Teacher Inservice- No School Students
Tuesday, February 4th- Silver Day
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Wednesday, February 5th- Black Day - Early Release
Volleyball, 5:30 pm versus LPA at LPA
Thursday, February 6th- Silver Day
Jazz MPA at Creekside HS
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Informational Meeting at FCMS for 6th graders zoned for new K-8 school next year, 6-7 pm
Friday, February 7th- Black Day
PTSO meeting, MPR, 8:30-11:30 am
Solo & Ensemble, Creekside HS
Grades updated in the HAC system
Saturday, February 8th
Solo & Ensemble, Creekside HS
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Policy Reminders
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Cell Phones
On page 23 of the St. Johns County Student Code of Conduct there is an entire section on cell phones. Paragraph 1 states: Students may possess cellular telephones and other wireless communication devices at school, on buses, and at school function. However, they must be turned off, stored in student's backpack, purse, locker or vehicle. The device shall not be used during the school day without administrative approval or on school buses to and from school. Failure to comply may result in the device being confiscated. Repeated failure to comply will be considered defiance of school rules. Paragraph 3 states: When there is reasonable suspicion that a student has used a cell phone or wireless communicative device in violation of the Code of Conduct or other school rules, or for an unlawful purpose, the school administration may review the phone's call log, voice messages, text messages, photographs and any other applications to furtherance of its investigation of the suspected violation.
We have communicated this district policy to the students every quarter in our behavior expectation assemblies. We have communicated that their cell phone may not be used on campus at all, which includes in the hall or outside at dismissal or upon arrival to school. We will no longer ask a child to just put their cell phone away. The phone will be confiscated. Students who are not feeling well need to go to the clinic to call their parent not call or send a text from their cell phone. PLEASE talk to your child about following school rules. We have a phone in the main office that students are allowed to use. Thank you for your support.
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
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.
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Athletics
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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.
SPMS Volleyball News
The boy's and girl's volleyball teams have 3 wins and 2 losses for the season. The next game will be Wednesday, February 4 at Liberty Pines. Good luck to both teams.
SJMSAA Baseball Team
The boys baseball teams have started practicing and a schedule of games will be published in upcoming Raider Raps.
SJMSAA Golf
Tryouts will be on February 10 at 3:30 pm at South Hampton Golf Club and anyone interested should go to the website www.sjmsaa.com to register. Click here to view flyer with additional information
SJMSAA Softball
Try-outs will begin on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 2:15 pm. Please bring your glove, cleats, helmet, bat and catcher's bring your gear. Good luck to all the girlst trying out for the team. Go to www.sjmsaa.com for further information.
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 have practice on Tuesday and Thursdays from 2-3:30 pm. Please check Edmodo for updates. The code is: btg6t7. Contact Mrs. Piscitello at piscite@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns.
SPMS Winterguard
Performance Dates:
Feb 22 - Lyman HS (Longwood, 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.
Dreams Come True
The next Dreams Come True meeting will be Monday, February 10 from 2:00-3:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. The remaining meetings are scheduled for Monday, March 3rd, Monday March 31st and Monday, April 7th.
Thanks to Joy Orthodontics
Sanya Bansal and Kyle Roberts, 6th graders, won the Reading Plus Bike Give-A-Way in December. Sponsored by Joy Orthedontics (donated 2 bikes). All students were eligible for the drawing based on their reading performance on the Reading Plus program. Every time a student "leveled up" on their reading, their name was entered into the drawing.
Winter Wonderland Bash
Student Council is sponsoring a Winter Wonderland Bash/Sock Hop (AKA dance, but more students attend if we don't call it a dance.)
When: Friday, February 14th
Where: Swiss Point gym
Time: 2:15pm to 5pm
Cost: $5 plus a toiletry item - Pay at the door
Toiletry items will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Items needed: packaged toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, , etc. All items must be new. Students must follow dress code for the event. Students may choose to dance in socks, but they are not required. There will be prizes for students in each grade level wearing elaborate socks. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase for $1 each. Parent pick-up will be in the BACK of the school in the bus loop. PLEASE do not pick-up your child before 5pm. If your child has any additional questions, please have him ask his homeroom student council representative or see Mrs. Huber in room 430.
HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE BASH!!!
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 print.
*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.
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.
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 Academies
To Do:
Watch each high schools' video at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies
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 is a large bin of lost and found from the 8th grade Washington DC trip in the clinic. I have gloves,single and pairs,hats,scarves,jackets,tennis shoes,ac/dc data charger and ear buds. Please have your student come claim their items!
Remember to check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Media Center News
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In the SPMS Media Center!
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Lunch Menu
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Week of February 3rd
Monday- No School Students- Teacher Inservice
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, Pears, 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- 1/30/2014
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
ESE Parent Survey
Click here for the Florida's 2013-2014 ESE Parent Survey. The web-based survey opens February 1, 2014 and ends May 31, 2014. Your feedback is important in helping the state and local school systems continue improving educational programs for children with special needs.
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.
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.
Are you wanting to quit smoking?
Then take advantage of a FREE 2-hour "Tools to Quit Smoking" class at the Wildflower Clinic in St Augustine. This class is offered Monday, Feb 3rd,~from 5:30-7:30pm and includes a free workbook, water bottle, stress ball, and 4 weeks of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patch, lozenge, or gum). Call 904-482-0189 to register! Click here for more information!
2014 Give Kids a Smile Day
Seaside Children's Dentistry will be hosting the 2014 Give Kids a Smile Day event on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 8:00 am-3:00 pm on 1100 2 S. Ponce De Leon, St. Augustine, Florida. For more information and eligibility call 829-6321.
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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