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Messages from Mrs. Kunze
NEW DATES for 6th grade Camp!!!!
The district is no longer offering professional development in early August, so we can move our camp back to Tuesday & Wednesday, August 5th & 6th. We will deliver registration flyers to the elementary schools after spring break.
Additional Dean
Please join me in welcoming Ron Johnson to his new role as dean. Mr. Johnson was one of our ESE teachers.
Concert Band
Our Concert Band traveled to Pacetti Bay MS last night for their MPA (similar to an FCAT for band). The band received all Excellent (like an A) on stage and Superior (like a B) in sight reading. This is the Concert Band's first time to MPA, so we are very proud of them!
Wind Symphony & Symphonic bands perform at Pacetti Bay today. Good luck to both!
Course selections for next year
ALL Option Verification Forms for current 5th, 6th & 7th graders were due yesterday, March 7th.
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.
Congratulations History Fair Participants and Winners
Our students did very well this week at the district history fair. Listed below are the winners. Please congratulate our students on their hard work and for representing SPMS so well.
Anamika Goswami and Joshua Veracruz- Special Engineering Award from RPM Services for the design of their display board (Topic- MLK)
Aidan Mather- 3rd place Individual Website (Topic- Freedom of Speech)
Lauren Donalson and Anna Grace Shell- 3rd place Group Website (Topic- Religious Rights)
Camille Aguilar and Sanya Bansal- 1st place Group Website (Topic- Hammurabi's Code)
Camille and Sanya were also selected as two of the top overall winners in SJCSD and will represent the district in the state history fair in Tallahassee this May.
Other students who competed at the district fair are as follows:
Marshall Bustamante
Logan Kern
Jack Smith
Joshua Zalkan
Mikayla Lindefeld
Ashlyn Kane
Jake Glass
Easton Pillay
Cade Bedell
Matthew Zammataro
District Quarter Exams
March 7th & 10th
6th & 7th grades - LA & Social Studies
8th grade - LA & Science
March 11th & 12th
6th & 7th grades - Math & Science
8th grade - Math & Social Studies
March 13th
Make-up day
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
As you know, we occasionally collect anonymous questions or concerns from students and then have a fellow student ("Raider Aide") give advice. Below is a submitted question:
"Dear Raider Aide, I am not making good grades, so I am grounded a lot. Help!"
(Response/Advice written by Haley Bradley, 6th Gr.) - "Need to make good grades? I can help! The first thing you should do is to stay organized. Staying organized is the best thing. You also need to study, and also always do your homework. Start on your homework the same day it is assigned and remember to turn it in on time. I hope this helps you get better grades."
From Mrs. Seaton: Very good advice, Haley! Please also remember to write out your homework in your planner, and also regularly check in Edmodo and HAC to keep on track. Also take advantage of being able to retake your Summatives if you score less than 75%. Remember that Summative Grades count as 80% of your grade, so retaking them could make a huge impact! Also ask for help! Your teachers want you to be successful. As a middle schooler, you need to start advocating for yourself if you are struggling. So just ask!
Moseley's Food for Thought
Next week students will continue taking their 3rd Quarter exams. Please encourage your child to study well, get a good night's rest and eat a good breakfast in the morning! Spring Break is near!
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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
Student's Health Issues
If your student is diagnosed with Conjunctivitis(pink eye) they may return 24 hours after the treatment has begun. If your health care provider decides not to treat your student, a note from the health care provider is needed.
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 10, 2014
Monday, March 10th- Silver Day
Exams- 6th & 7th Grade- LA & SS, 8th Grade- LA & Science
Tuesday, March 11th- Black Day
Exams- 6th & 7th Grade- Math & Science, 8th Grade- Math & SS
Spring Portraits through SS classes on stage
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Wednesday, March 12th- Silver Day - Early Release
Exams- 6th & 7th Grade- Math & Science, 8th Grade- Math & SS
Spring Portraits through SS classes on stage
FCA General Meeting, 1-2:30 pm, Patio
Thursday, March 13th- White Day
Make-up Exams
Behavior Expectation Assemblies
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
NJHS Field Trip- 8th Graders- Orlando
Friday, March 14th- No School Students
Teacher Planning Day
NJHS Field Trip- 8th Graders- Orlando
NOTE- Skinny classes exams
will be scheduled by the teacher
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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 the girls 2014 St. Johns County Volleyball Champions!! The girls won the title in 2013 and repeated as champions after defeated Landrum Middle School. The boys' volleyball team lost in the second round of the playoffs after defeating Murray Middle School in the first round. All the coaches are so proud of the player's effort this season. 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
Congratulations to the varsity and jv teams as they defeated Landrum Middle School this week. This was the first game of the year, both teams are 1 - 0.
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 |
The golf match this week was cancelled due to the weather.
SJMSAA Softball
Due to the rain the softball team did not practice this week. The team will practice this week.
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"
**Please remind students that Dodgeball will begin on March 11th from 2:00-3:00 pm.
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 4th Quarter Sessions Available
Click here to view the SPMS 4th 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
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 10th
Did you know that the SPMS Cafeteria offers Breakfast?!
Go to the website above to view daily options
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, Fresh Apple Slices, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Pasta & Meatballs, Fajita Chicken Wrap, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Peaches, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Friday- No School- Teacher Planning Day
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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- 3/6/2014
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.
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.
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.
Blood Shortage Appeal
Since the holidays we have been either short or critical on most blood types. On a national level, blood donations have been trending downward, but usage continues to stay at high levels. If we have a large need like we did last week when Mayo performed 3 O+ liver transplants in one day, we can easily become critically low on any given blood type. Please contact the Blood Alliance at www.igiveblood.com or call 824-1891.
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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