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Messages from Mrs. Kunze
Course selections for next year
ALL Option Verification Forms for current 5th, 6th & 7th graders 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.
Nease High School will be at Swiss Point April 3rd during the skinny class to register students attending their academies.
District Quarter Exams
The district exams start this Friday, March 7th and run through next Wednesday, March 12th. Make-up exams will be administered on Thursday, March 13th. It is very important that students are present for these exams.
Volleyball Supporting Dreams Come True
The Dreams Come True Club wishes to thank the Volleyball teams for accepting donations towards Dreams Come True in lieu of an admission this past Wednesday. We are most grateful for the $311 donation, which will go directly towards sponsoring a dream for a LOCAL child battling a life-threatening illness. Thank you to those of you in our SPMS community for making a donation!
Gifted Parent Advisory Council
This Council meets four times per year to inform the school district about ways in which we can improve our efforts in serving our gifted students.
Next meeting: March 25 from 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Media Center of Ocean Palms Elementary School
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!
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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 now through the end of the school year. Our success is yours too! SPMS is a top performing school in Florida and St Johns County, partly measured by FCAT success. We desperately need your help this year to ensure that students have the highest quality testing environment and that we comply fully with testing standards. 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.
Here is how you can sign up to help:
Go to www.signupgenius.com
Click "Find a SignUp"
Enter in the "Search by the Creator's Email"- Mrs. Casper's email address- casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Enter the random letters and numbers as indicated then click search
Sign Up Today as a volunteer!!
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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.
Seaton's Corner
Please be reminded that regular school attendance plays a very important part in determining success at school. After a student has been absent a total of fifteen (15) days (excused or unexcused), the student must have a doctor's verification for all subsequent absences. Please be sure that your student turns in an excuse note, with a parent signature, within 48 hours of returning to school to Ms. Norma Miller, in the guidance office area. Please refer to page 1 in the Student Planner for more information. Attendance is especially important because of our block scheduling, where students do not see their teachers every single day (except for the Skinny classes). We are grateful that this is not an issue with most of our students and, of course, we do not want students coming to school when they are sick. This is just a reminder to please try your best to schedule doctor/dentist appointments outside of school hours if possible. Also, please keep our upcoming testing schedule handy when making doctor appointments these next few months.
Moseley's Food for Thought
This February is recognized as the 50th American Heart Month. During this month we ask you to sustain a healthy lifestyle to avoid heart disease. A healthy lifestyle not only consists of eating right and exercising, but abusing tobacco and alcohol and get lead to heart disease.
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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:
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 March 3, 2014
Monday, March 3rd- Black Day
Rising 9th Grade Registration for Bartram, scheduled appointments, Library
Dreams Come True Meeting, 2:00-3:00 pm, Portable 1
Rehearsal for Musical, 2-4:30 pm, Auditorium
Spanish Club Meeting, 2:00-3:00 pm, Room 725
Student Council Meeting, 2:00-3:00 pm, Room 430
Girls Volleyball - 5:30pm at Swiss vs Gamble Rogers
Tuesday, March 4th- Silver Day
Rising 9th Grade Registration for Bartram, scheduled appointments, Library
Citi Group STEM Activity for 7th grade girls during science classes in the MPR
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Rehearsal for Musical, 2-4:30 pm, Drama Room
Wind Symphony Pre-Festival Judging at the Bolles School, 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 5th- Black Day - Early Release
Citi Group STEM Activity for 7th grade girls during science classes in the MPR
Thursday, March 6th- Silver Day
NJHS Fund Raiser Collection during lunches, MPR
FCA Leaders Meeting, 2:00-3:00 pm, Teacher's Lounge
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Rehearsal for Musical, 2-4:30 pm, Auditorium
Friday, March 7th- Black Day
Exams- LA & Social Studies for 6th & 7th graders
Exams - LA & Science for 8th graders
Option Verification Forms Due
MPA for Concert Band, 4:00 pm, Pacetti Bay MS
Saturday, March 8th
MPA for Symphonic Band, 9:30 am, Pacetti Bay MS
MPA for Wind Symphony, 1:45 pm, Pacetti Bay MS
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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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The girls and boys started the 1st round of the playoffs at home on Wednesday and both teams will advance to the 2nd round. The girls defeated Sebastian Middle School and the boys defeated Murray Middle School. The next game will be on Monday, the girls will play at home versus Gamble Rogers Middle and this game will be a "BLACKOUT". Please wear your black shirt to the game, the game will begin at 5:30. The boys will have to travel to Fruit Cove Middle, and their game will begin at 6:30. Please come out and support both teams. If the teams win then they will play for the CHAMPIONSHIP of St. Johns County on Wednesday. Good luck to both teams. RAIDERS are #1 Baby.
Creekside HS Elementary & MS Track & Field Championship
Students don't forget to sign up for the middle school track meet at Creekside High School on March 12th. Please see a PE coach or the front office for the permission form.
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
Games were canceled due to the weather. The next game will be on Monday versus Landrum Middle School.
SJMSAA Golf
SPMS golf team members are Hunter Layne, Jackson Crandall, Joshua Veracruz, Elliot Beddard, David Russoman, Conner Sullivan, Caleb Sutherland, Brandon Good, Brandon Siple, Taylor Fowler, Forrest Pinkerton, Nick Mancini, Mitchell Bigley, Jake Smith, Janie Wang, Garrett Griffith and Bryce Durden.
Schedule:
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3/12/2014
| Landrum vs. SPMS | South Hampton | |
3/26/2014
| FCMS vs. SPMS | South Hampton | |
4/2/2014
| SPMS vs. South | South Hampton | |
4/9/2014
| SPMS vs. PBMS | Palencia | |
4/16/2014
| LPA vs. SPMS | South Hampton | |
4/30/2014
| SPMS vs. PBMS | South Hampton | |
5/14/2014
| SPMS vs. South | County 3 |
SJMSAA Softball
Softball is currently practicing while preparing for their first game.
SJMSAA Tennis
Teams are practicing for their first match the week of March 10th - 14th.
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.
Dodgeball News
Any student interested in signing up for after-school dodgeball, please get a permission form from a PE coach or the front office. "If you can dodge a wrench, then you can dodge a ball"
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.
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
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, March 3rd, from 2:00-3:00 pm in Portable 1. The remaining meetings are scheduled for 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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SPMS GradVenture 2014
Information for the SPMS GradVenture 2014 for 8th graders was distributed this past week. If you did not get a form, more a located in the Guidance office.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of March 3rd
Did you know that the SPMS Cafeteria offers Breakfast?!
Go to the website above to view daily options
Monday- Homestyle Mac & Cheese, BBQ Chicken Max Snax, steamed Broccoli Florets, Green Beans, Applesauce, Sliced Apples,
Variety of Milk
Tuesday- Mini Corn Dogs, Mini cheese Ravioli, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Breadstick, Ketchup, Mustard,Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Fajita Chicken Salad, Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Apple Slices, Garlic Breadstick, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Hamburger, Spicy 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, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, 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- 2/27/2014
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/
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.
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.
Julington Creek Baseball
JCB Baseball has limited slots available for the Spring 2014 season for Cal Ripken Division Ages 5u - 12U. Please go to www.julingtoncreekbaseball.org.
Field of Dreams Baseball
Aberdeen Park
1401 Shetland Drive, Saint Johns, FL 32259
Who Can Play?
Any child with special needs from ages 5 to 18 or up to age 21 if still in high school.
Donations & Sponsors
Although other enhancements are in progress, we would like
to start phase II construction in which a turf outfield replaces
the natural grass. This enhancement will allow for additional
special needs sports to be played at the Field of Dreams. We
are actively seeking corporate and individual sponsors to help
us complete the field to help more kids & families.
Volunteer Opportunities
Field of Dreams is always thankful to our volunteers and is in
need of additional support to run the league this season and
next. Please contact us via our website if you have the desire
and ability to help us provide a quality program.
Registration is currently open and will remain open the entire season. Please visit the Field of Dreams Website at www.fodbaseball.com to register.
Field of Dreams 2014 Opening Day will be Saturday, February 22nd with the Opening Ceremony at 10:00am. Games will be held each Saturday until April 12th (except 3/15 for spring break). In order to have a uniform for Opening Day, you must register by January 31st
Field of Dreams is a place where all our area's exceptional kids can meet on the field and play ball. What child does not want to hear the cheer of the crowd? What child does not want to receive a trophy? And what child does not want the opportunity to play America's favorite sport? At the Field of Dreams they will and can!
Registration is Now Open!!!
Registration is FREE and will include a full uniform courtesy our sponsors
Field of Dreams is a specially designed turf baseball field that will allow children with mentally or physically disabilities living in or near St. Johns County, Florida the opportunity to play baseball, to wear a uniform and play as a member of a team
CAA Track and Field
As we previously communicated, CAA is proud to be adding Track and Field as the 14th sport to our program. We have a few dedicated volunteers willing to get this club up and running.
There is a need and a demand in our area for this fast growing sport. We hope that not only will your children participate, but that you will help volunteer as well.
We will have two in person registrations:
SUNDAY MARCH 2 AND SUNDAY MARCH 9 4p-6p
at Plantation Park Field House
Racetrack Road, (behind Fruit Cove Middle School.)
Please come out to one of these registrations to register and to have any of your questions answered.
The club will be open to youth ages 6-14 and the season will start April 1.
Marty Mceachean will be leading this club. Coach Marty has a wealth of experience both coaching and participating in Track and Field at the collegiate level. You can contact Marty at martymceachean@yahoo.com
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