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Messages from Mrs. Kunze
Course selections for next year
The final parent meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 24th at 6:30pm for students rising into 6th grade next year. We sent information to Cunningham, Hickory & Timberlin, but please help spread the word.
ALL Option Verification Forms are due by Friday, March 7th.
Bartram Trail High School will be at Swiss Point March 3rd & 4th to register students for next year. Instead of mailing letters this year, Bartram will bring us letters with appointment schedules this week to distribute.
Creekside High School will be at Swiss Point March 11th & 12th during all 3 lunches to register the 31 students attending Creekside. CHS will host a Freshman Informational Meeting on March 24th at 6:30pm in their Media Center.
Student Council Fundraiser a Success
The SPMS Student Council collected nearly 400 pairs of blue jeans to benefit homeless teens. The winners of the Jeans Drive are Mrs. VanWinkle with 61 pairs, Ms. Buning with 40 pairs and Ms. Joyner with 21 pairs donated! Thank you to all who have participated!
Variety Show
The last performance of the Variety Show is tonight from 7pm to 8:30pm. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go towards a dream for a child with a life-threatening disease. The show is full of wonderful acts, so you won't want to miss out!!
SAVE THE DATE - Friday, April 25th
PTSO is planning a special event on April 25th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm for all students. This will be loads and fun and no one will want to miss out! Details to follow!
Summer Marine Science Camp
Applications for the summer Marine Science Program were passed out at all schools during the week of February 17th. Applications were due back to science teachers by February 28th. Applications can still be downloaded at any time from the website prior to April 15 at http://www-grms.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ and click on the Marine Science link.
This summer program is available to all students currently in grades five through seven and has been sponsored by the school district since 1982. Three eight day sessions are held at Menendez High School with bus transportation provided. The dates for the three sessions this summer will be June 9-June 19, June 23-July 3 and July 7-July 24. (The school district will be closed during the week of July 14-July 18) small classes of 12-14 students are separated by grade level. All instructors in the program are St. Johns County School district teachers.
The Marine Science Program is a carefully designed experience for responsible students who are interested in learning about our local marine environments. Learning is "hands on" in the field with students kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, surfing etc. Specific grade level activities and curriculum are attached to the applications and are also available from the website. More information about the program can be had by emailing John Gordon at gordonj2@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
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PTSO Information
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Join Us for the Next PTSO Meeting
Thursday, March 13 , 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.
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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Volunteer Information
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Proctors Needed
On Monday, a SignUp Genius will go live requesting proctors for Alternate Assessments, FCAT Reading, Math & Science and EOC exams in Algebra, Geometry, and Civics. Over 300 proctor slots will be needed starting Monday through the end of the school year. Please review your schedule and volunteer for as many as you can. Thank you in advance for your help. It is greatly appreciated and needed.
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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.
The PACT Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on February 27 at 7 p.m. at Allen D. Nease High School. The keynote speaker is Donovin Darius, former Jacksonville Jaguar. Donovin's theme is "Game Plan to Success, Steering Clear of Alcohol and Drug Use." The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with several local professionals to talk about the impact of underage drinking and drug abuse. All students attending will be entered into a free drawing for one of several 2013 NFL autographed footballs. For more information, contact Lynnette Horwath at 829-6261 or lynnette@pactprevention.org
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council
Switzerland Point Middle School
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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.
Click here to view the minutes from the December meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the February meeting.
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Students Asked to Know Phone Numbers
Parents,could you help us out in the front office? When students use the front office phones and the clinic phone they do not know their home number,parent's cell number or work number. We spend countless hours each week looking up your numbers in the computer and in the emergency card books. Please ask your child this weekend if they know your numbers by memory and work with them on memorizing these numbers or at least writing them down in their planners. This would be greatly appreciated by the front office staff.
Current 6th grade parents! NEVER TOO EARLY!
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:
Jazz Band for Next Year
Open to students who have at least one year of band on the alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone or percussion. These students must be in a band class in addition to jazz band class. There are openings for piano, electric bass and electric guitar. Must be able to read music but do not have to be from a band class. Auditions will be after school on Monday and Tuesday, February 24th and 25th from 2:00-3:00 pm in the band room. results will be announced on Thursday, February 27. There is a limit of 28 students in the class. Any questions or concerns, email Mrs. Zentz at zentzl@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Fundraiser
The SPMS band will be participating in a Dunkin' Donuts Pound of Coffee Fundraiser. Each pound of coffee will sell for $9. Selling period is from February 13-March 3 or 4. Click here to view extensive flyer with more information and actual order sheet.
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 24, 2014
Monday, February 24th- Black Day
Civics Field Trip to Tallahassee, depart 5:30 am, return 6:30 pm
Chorus Rehearsal, 2-4 pm, Auditorium
Volleyball Game at FCMS, 5:30 pm
Rising 6th grade Parent Meeting, 6:30 pm, Auditorium
Tuesday, February 25th- Modified Silver Day
Civics Field Trip to Tallahassee, depart 5:30 am, return 6:30 pm
FCAT Writes, 8th Grade, 7:40 am
6th & 7th graders will take a practice FCAT Math test during the extended homeroom time for 8th graders to take the FCAT Writes.
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Rehearsal for Musical, 2-4:30 pm, Auditorium
Wednesday, February 26th- Silver Day - Early Release
Volleyball Tournament, 1st Round
Grades Updated in HAC by 3:00 pm
Thursday, February 27th- Black Day
History Fair, MPR
Chorus MPA, Mandarin HS
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Rehearsal for Musical, 2-4:30 pm, Auditorium
Friday, February 28th- Silver Day
History Fair, MPR
Chorus MPA, Mandarin HS
Saturday, March 1st
Chorus MPA, Mandarin 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.
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
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 both the boys and girls teams as they defeated Liberty Pines on Wednesday. The next game will be on Monday(2/24) versus Fruit Cove. The girl's record stands at 7 wins and 2 losses and the boy's record stands at 5 wins and 4 losses. The playoffs for both teams will begin on Wednesday(2/26). Good luck to the Raiders volleyball teams. Go Raiders.
Creekside HS Elementary & MS Track & Field Championship
Click here to view the flyer regarding the Elementary & Middle School Track and Field Championship event on Wednesday, March 12. This is a fun event for the students!
SJMSAA Baseball Team
Congratulations to the boy's JV and Varsity baseball teams as they won their preseason game on Wednesday. The first game of the season will be on Thursday(2/27) versus Gamble Rogers. Go Raiders.
SJMSAA Golf
Golf is currently practicing while preparing for their first match.
SJMSAA Softball
Softball is currently practicing while preparing for their first game.
SJMSAA Tennis
Swiss Point Tennis Roster
Garrett Cain
Daniella Estrada Torres
Mikayla Thompson
Maddie Thompson
Sneha Kapil
Jonathan Dumdei
Krista Latham
Zain Rajwani
Mykaela Smith
Natalie Snyder
Herbie Steigelman
Peri Tippins
Thomas Michael Mayer
John Bennett
Kevin Hufnagel
Micah Seres
Geethika Kataru
Mika Goswami
Madison Long
Austin Bell
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.
Lost and Found
The found items will be donated to charity on Monday, March 3rd. This includes all winter items and items left from the Washington DC trip.
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.
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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Attention 8th grade Parents
Accept a Program of Choice offer on-line by February 23, 2014 at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies July 1 Last day to appeal
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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Congratulations to Emma Geiger, Lexi Smith, Amanda Higley, Frederique Victor and Sarah Kroehler for winning the SPMS Battle of the Books competition which was held on Thursday afternoon in the Media Center. Great job ladies and a big thank you to everyone who participated!
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Lunch Menu
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Week of February 24th
Monday-
Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Sticks, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Mandarin Oranges, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Tuesday- Cheese or Pepperoni Calzonettes, Crunchy Beef Tacos, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Corn, Pears, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese Cup, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Chicken Nuggets, Fajita Chicken Salad, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, baked Beans, white Wheat, Fresh Apple Slices, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Beef & Bean Chili with Cheese, Fajita Chicken Wrap, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Peaches, Garlic Breadstick, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Friday- BBQ Chicken, Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Steamed Carrots, Steamed Green Beans, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, 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- 2/20/2014
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
Hardship Waiver Information for 2014-2015
Students were given a letter to bring home from the district for the purpose of providing updated and new information regarding the Hardship Out of Zone Waiver process and the recent changes in Attendance Zones in our School District. Click here to view the letter. The Hardship Transfer application process will begin on Tuesday, February 18th when the new application will be live on the District's website.
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.
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/
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 or click here to view flyer.
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.
Auditions for the Arts Alive Academy
Auditions for the Arts Alive Academy are being held from February 26-28. Click here to view flyer.
Rotary Community Family Fun Event
The Rotary Club of Bartram Trail presents the Rotary Community Family Fun Event celebrating 10 years of service above self in St. Johns on Saturday, February, 22 from 1-5 p.m. at the Creekside High School stadium. This family fun day will include a laser maze, hamster balls, entertainment arena and more. Funds raised support Rotary community service projects such as Teacher of the Quarter recognition, Creeks Athletic Field of Dreams, St. Augustine Youth Services Boys Home, Rotary Youth Leadership programs among many others.
In His Image Special Needs Conference
On May 3, 2014, Fruit Cove Baptist Church is hosting an In His Image Special Needs Conference from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm. Please click here to view flyer with additional information.
KidzArt Presents: Friday Night Teen Art Workshops!
Join us for our new TeenzArt workshops at River of Life United Methodist Church 2600 Race Track Road! Our art enriched "workouts" are packed full of challenging design projects and fun surprises intended to motivate students at this age level, and to push their creative potential to the max! Painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and more! Workshops are from 6:30-8:00pm and are $20-$22 depending on the project scheduled. View our schedule online and view samples of our planned projects! First class is Friday, September 20th. Register for classes online at /www.simpson.kidzart.com or call (904) 287-8603
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