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Messages from Mrs. Kunze
This past week we have had many parents call to request a message be given to their child regarding afternoon plans. Please communicate with you child before school or the prior evening. We do not have personnel to deliver these messages to classrooms and calling into the room using the intercom system is very distruptive for the entire class.
When the 6th graders set up their Edmodo accounts through their computer class, students were told to make their password and username the same. The teachers did this because so many students forget their password and then we can't help them log into Edmodo. Unfortunately, we have had a few students hack into another students Edomodo account and type inappropriate comments. PLEASE have your child change their Edmodo password to something unique that another student would have difficulty figuring out. The password will need to be written somewhere as students will forget and won't be able to access Edmodo.
We have a large number of parents who drive their child(ren) to school in the mornings. We try to keep the loop flowing and have a few requests for parents. First, pull all the way up to the front of the drop-off line if you are in the front. If not, stop close to the car in front of you not leaving a huge space, so we can fit as many vehicles in the loop as possible. Second, please have your child ready to get out quickly when you stop. Students are expected to exit anywhere in the loop. They do not have to wait until you get closer to the front. When you enter the loop through the gate, students should start putting on backpacks or picking up books. The third and most important request is for parents to not use their cell phone. Many parents are texting or talking on the phone and are not paying attention to other vehicles or students. For everyone's safety, please put the cell phone down. Thank you!
Washington DC Update
We are definitely taking 4 buses and there are still 15 seats available. If your child would like to attend, please send in the $250 deposit ASAP. The next $250 payment is due Friday, October 17th. All students attending the trip received paperwork in homeroom last Wednesday, Oct. 1st. If the requied district field trip forms were not submitted last Friday, they need to be given to Mrs. Kunze Monday or Tuesday.
PTSO will host their annual fall bash on Friday, October 10th from 2-4:30pm. This year's theme is Keep Calm and Go NEON! We will have an 80s dress up day on the 10th during the school day. Your child will not want to miss the bash! Tickets will be on sale the week of October 6th during all 3 lunches and are $5 for PTSO members and $7 for non-members. Please see the PTSO section of the Raider Rap for more details.
Returning NJHS Members
Returning NJHS members can pick up their letter of intent in the library. It must be completed and returned to Ms. White in Portable 4 by Firday, October 10th.
Mark your calendars!
District quarter exams are October 16th through October 22nd. It is very important that your child is present for these exams, which are common assessements that are given throughout the county in all Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and HS Spanish classes.
Red Ribbon Week - Oct 27th through October 31st
We celebrate Red Ribbon week every year with dress up days. We encourage all students to participate by showing school spirit and Saying No to Drugs!
Monday, 10/27 - PJ Day
Tuesday, 10/28 - Hat Day
Wednesday, 10/29 - Neon Day
Thursday, 10/30 - Spirit Day
Friday, 10/31 - All-Red Day
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PTSO Information
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Visit the PTSO website at www.SwissPointPTSO.com to find out all about the PTSO and what it has to offer!!!
PTSO MEETING
We generally hold our PTSO meeting in the daytime, but know that many families can't attend those. Would you attend a nighttime meeting? Email us at spmsptso@hotmail.com to let us know and we'll schedule one before the end of the year. We value all of our parents and want to give everyone the chance to be involved!
MEMBERSHIP
The PTSO membership drive continues even though Spiritwear has ended. You can still join as a family for $20 and try to push your child's homeroom to the top of the membership drive so they can win a fun doughnut breakfast! Just fill out the top only membership portion of the Membership/Spiritwear order form. (Opt Out is no longer available)
UPCOMING EVENT- Keep Calm and GO NEON Fall Bash
The Keep Calm and GO NEON Fall Bash is coming to SPMS on Friday, October 10th from 2pm-4:30pm in the SPMS gymnasium. The NEON bash will include a DJ with a huge lightshow, NEON giveaways, games and a professional photo booth with immediate take-home photos! Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.Tickets will be on sale during all lunch hours the week of October 6-10 for $5 (PTSO members) and $7 (non-PTSO members). There is still time to become a PTSO member. Students are encouraged to glow in the dark in their bright NEON outfits on Friday, October 10th. Get ready to Keep Calm and GO NEON! Students will need to be picked up in the back of the school using the bus loop. (Like pick-up for 6th grade camp.)
MAGAZINE FUNDRAISER
The magazine sale is over for the students to win prizes, but not over to order online. Visit www.gaschoolstore.com and enter Online Store ID# 2529543 to order magazines, gifts and photo books. There are so many great gifts to purchase while supporting SPMS.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mary Panariello at mary.panariello@hrblock.com
SPIRITWEAR
We have placed our final Spiritwear order and will be delivering to your student's homeroom as soon as they arrive and are sorted. We expect this to be about mid-October. Thanks for everyone's support and patience!
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Volunteer Information
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Volunteers For the PTSO Bash
A SignUp Genius was sent out yesterday morning and within an hour the slots were nearly full!!! Way to go Raider Volunteers! If you have any questions or concerns regarding helping with the NEON Bash contact Shelly Kolaitis at Shellypto@gmail.com
Voluteers needed to record exams
We are looking for a parent or parents that can come in this week to read and record district quarter assessments. We use recordings for students with an IEP or 504 that have the testing accommodation of oral presentation. If you are available, please contact Mrs. Casper in the guidance office.
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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-L.
Tanya Moseley- 7th graders, last name ending in M-Z and the entire 8th grade.
Lisa Mason- Testing Coordinator/School Counselor
Take Stock in Children
Dream of going to college? The St. Johns County Education Foundation can help. You may apply for a tuition only Florida prepaid scholarship paying up to 60 credit hours at a Florida public post secondary institution of higher learning. You must be a current and active 7th or 8th grade student in St. Johns County Public Schools, be eligible for the free and reduced lunch program, even if you don't take part in the program, complete the application, and submit completed application and required documentation to Mrs. Moseley in guidance no later than Friday, October 31, 2014. Students accepted into the program will have to maintain a 2.5 GPA with all grades of C or better. Failure to maintain a 2.5 will result in a review by the TSIC committee. Any questions or concerns contact Mrs. Moseley at tanya.moseley@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council
Switzerland Point Middle School
Sarah Ehlert, SAC Chair, Sarah.Ehlert@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Click here to view the minutes of the SAC meeting held on September 17, 2014
SAC NEWS
The next SAC meeting is Wednesday October 15th at 3:30pm in room 640.
SAC team 2014-2015
Staff:
Sarah Ehlert Keith Tilford
Marylou Epps Al Pantano
Sophie Lendino Lisa Kunze
Parents:
Skip Little Angela Andrews
Tara Guckenberger Jenn King
Karen Merrifield Jennifer Comfort
Tracey Williams-Payne
Julie Pfeifer Sara Solomons
Claudine Owen Steve Perez
Holly Fagan Robert Block
Business Partners:
Elizabeth Loeser
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
6th Grade Health Screening
The 6th grade Health Screening will be taking place soon. All opt out forms were due to the nurse by September 2nd. Please call me if you have any questions.
When and How to Wash Your Hands
When should you wash your hands?
*Before, during and after preparing foods
*Before eating food
*Before and after caring for someone who is sick
*Before and after treating a cut or wound
*After using the toilet
*After changing diapers or cleaning up after someone who has used the toilet
*After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
*After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
*After handling pet food or pet treats
*After touching garbage
How should you wash your hands?
- Wet your hands with clean running water(warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them
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Raider Band News
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The year is off to a great start in the band room! Uniforms are being distributed and lots of new music is going out. The beginners are settling into their new routines and learning their first notes! All band students need to be signed up for their band class on Edmodo.
Next up on the calendar is the 8th grade nights for the local high school bands. Bartram Trial High School 8th grade band night is October 3, and Creekside High School 8th grade band night is October 10th. Nease High School 8th grade band night is October 17th. Mrs. Zentz will be sending home information about those events via email.
Coming soon is our Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Sale! More info is on the way!
Parents, please visit the band website at http://www-raider2.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentzl/ to see the latest band news, including important band dates.
Go Raider Bands!
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Week of October 6, 2014
Channel 12 Buddy Bear Drive through October 15
Monday, October 6th- Silver Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Water Tower Challenge Team Meeting, 2-4 pm, Room 555
Volleyball Game vs Pacetti Bay home, starts at 5:30 pm
Tuesday, October 7th- Black Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Volleyball Practice, Gym, 2pm-5pm
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
SWAT Club, 2:15 pm, PE Classroom #835
Intramural Flag Football, 2-3 pm
Wednesday- October 8th- Silver Day- Early Dismissal
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Cheerleading Practice, 1:00-3:00 pm, Dance Room
Winterguard - 1pm-5:30pm, gym
Volleyball Game vs Sebastian, home, starting at 5:30 pm
Thursday- October 9th- Black Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Volleyball Practice, Gym, 2pm-5pm
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Intramural Flag Football, 2-3 pm
Friday- October 10th- Silver Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Debate Club in room 520, 2-3 pm
Keep Calm and Go Neon Bash, Gym, 2-4:30 pm
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Policy Reminders
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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 Saint Johns Middle School Athletic Association ("SJMSAA") middle school sports program is not operated or sponsored by the St. Johns County School District. SJMSAA is an independent, private non-profit corporation, which uses District middle school names and facilities under a license agreement with the District, and which is solely responsible for the operation of the SJMSAA middle school sports program and its individual teams.
SJMSAA Golf
Evaluations for the Fall Golf Development program will be wrapping up next week. Anyone that was unable to make the scheduled evaluation for their school can attend the October 9th evaluation from 3:30-5pm. Middle School golf will be out at the Slammer and Squire golf course putting green as part of a Golf Festival happening at the World Golf Village on Saturday October 4th from 10am to 6pm. Be sure to come check it out it should be fun for the whole family. Anyone with specific questions can email me Rick Burke at eliteputtersclub@gmail.com
SPMS Volleyball
Congratulations to the girls vlleyball team on their victory over Murray Middle School. The team was led with outstanding hitting by Taylor Smith and Alex Murphy, and serving from Kayla Ahren and Linsley Horn. Their next match is home agaist Pacetti bay on Monday, October 6 at 5:30. Boys game follows.
SJMSAA Football
The Varsity won against Gamble Rogers this past week, winning 27-0 and have a record of 4 and 2.
The JV had their final game this week winning against the Landrum Lions with a 19-0 victory! This makes their 3rd consecutive win over this team since the Spring. way to go JV for your win last night and for a great season and congratulations to those players selected to move up to Varsity.
Next Week's Games The Varisity's next game is on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 versus Fruit Cove at Plantation Park (grass) SJMSAA Soccer The rosters for the girls and boys soccer teams will be listed in a future Raider Rap. SJMSAA Fall Baseball Practices are being held in preparation for their first game. Check future Raider Raps for dates and time. Girls Lacrosse Any 6th-8th grade girls lacrosse player interested in playing for the LB3 Wave Lacrosse Club this fall please coach Coach Jackowiak at wavelacrosseclub@gmail.com There are limited openings on the LB3 Wave 2018-2019 (current 8th & 9th graders) and 2020/2021/2022 teams (current 5th-7th graders). Practices will be held Thursday evenings at Aberdeen Park , September 25 to November 13. For more information on LB3 Wave Lacrosse, visit: http://www.lb3girlslacrosse.com/page/show/1114201-lb3-wave-jacksonville
SPMS Intramurals After school flag football will be starting on Tuesday, September 23 from 2:00-3:00 pm outside on the fields. Permission forms will be coming out next week. See Coach Singleton, any PE coach or the front office for the permission form. Boys and girls in 6th-8th grade are welcome to attend. Don't miss out on the fun and start forming teams!! |
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Student Corner
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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.
Buddy Bear Drive
The Leadership class has teamed up with Channel 12 News and Jeanie Blaylock for a Buddy Bear Drive. Bears will be collected for cancer patients. The drive runs from October 1-October 15. For more information contact Amy Huber at Amy.Huber@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Just Dance Competition
We will hold our first Just Dance competition on B days during lunches Oct 27th, 29, 31 with the finals on Nov. 4th. Sign-ups will be during lunch the week before and will use Raider Bucks to pay to participate. Start preparing to get groovy to the latest hits and compete to win an iTunes gift card.
Red Ribbon Week - October 27th - 31st
Monday - PJ Day
Tuesday - Hat Day
Wednesday - Neon Day
Thursday - Spirit Day
Friday - All-Red Day
Night of One Acts - Oct 23rd
Come one, come all, and witness the stars of Swiss Point in action. The cost of admission is a non-perishable food item.
Attention All Civic Students and Their Parents
Click here to view information regarding the filed study trip to Tallahassee on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Click here to print the necessary medical information form.
SWAT Club
The SWAT Club- Students Working Against Tobacco will be having a meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 2:15 pm in the PE classroom #835 in the PE hallway. Anyone interested see Dep. Kowieski to pick up an information packet.
Virtual School Testing Dates
Students taking a course through virtual school MUST have their final exam proctored. Computer lab 650 will be monitored from 2-4pm on the dates listed below for students to stay after to take their final exam.
September 30th
October 14th
October 28th
November 4th
November 18th
December 2nd
December 16th
Dates for the second semester will be posted later.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Washington DC Trip
January 4th through 9th - cost $890.
$250 deposit due by 9/19
$250 due by 10/3
$250 due by 10/17
$140 due by 10/31
All students were given paperwork in homeroom on Oct. 1st. The required district field trip forms are due to Mrs. Kunze.
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Media Center News
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Media Specialist, Judy Gill
Media Paraprofessional, Christine Southworth
It is with great pleasure I get to announce the first 15 book Sunshine State Reader...................drum roll please..............Skylar Kyle!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to Skylar for being the first Sunshine State 15 book Reader. We have many students working on achieving this goal and are having fun getting little rewards along the way. Any student who has read 3 or more can start collecting charms.
Reading Raiders Book Club started this week. We had 12 students attend our very first BookClub. We have decided we are going to read Maze Runner! We have a list of books to choose from for the next book club which is October 16th. Book club is on going and you can join any time. You just need a signed permission slip to stay after school. Hope to see you at the next one!
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Beyond the Bell
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Beyond the Bell Reminders:
Students must sign in before leaving the media center to attend clubs, sports or classrooms.
Payments
The October payment is due no later than 6:00pm September 30th.
Need a great place for your child to stay after school to study and do homework????.............
Look to The Beyond the Bell program!! Many students are benefiting from this after school care program. Christine Southworth is the Media Center Paraprofessional who is available for questions at Christine.Southworth@stjohns.k12.fl.us or by phone at 547-8629. The Beyond the Bell program runs from 2:00-6:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 1:00-6:00 pm on Wednesdays.
The monthly fee is $200 and there is a 20 visit "drop-in" punch card that can be purchased for $300. There is a $75 registration fee for everyone.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of October 6th
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, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Green Beans, Applesauce, Sliced Apples, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Tuesday- Mini corn Dogs, Mini Cheese Ravioli, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Corn, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Strawberries, Garlic Breadstick, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Fajita Chicken Salad, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Apple Slices, Garlic Breadstick, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Crispy Baked Potato Cuts, Baked Beans, Pears, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Friday- Hot Dog, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Cherry Tomato & Clery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Potato Puffs, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Variety of Milk
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From the District
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Superintendent's Weekly Review- 10/2/2014
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
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St. Johns County Day at Everbank Field with the Jaguars!
Click here to view the flyer regarding St. Johns Day at Everbank Field for the October 19th football game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns.
CAA Flag Football Registration is Now Open for 2014
Please visit the www.caaflagfootball.com for information.
BTHS Cheerleading Kiddie Camp
Click here to view a flyer for the Bartram Trail Cheerleading Kiddie camp being held on October 18th from 9-1 in the gym at BTHS.
Horse Sense & Sensitivity's 2nd Annual Round Up!
Click here to view the flyer for this exciting event being held on Saturday, November 15 at Bailey's Farm in St. Johns.
Community Asthma Workshop Schedule
Click here to view the schedule for local asthma workshops.
Ancient City Kids Day
Attention Parents! Looking for something fun to do with your kids that doesn't cost a lot of money? Then the 19th Annual Ancient City Kids Day is for you! Ancient City Kids Day will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Francis Field on Castillo drive. This event, coordinated by local agencies, is a day of fun=filled activities for children and families. the event is free for the public and will include over 40 youth service agencies offering carnival style games and activities, arts and crafts, contest for the kids and free entertainment all day plus smokey the Bear. No child will leave empty-handed as t-shirts, prizes or goodies are given out all day. Educational information on resources in our community is available for parents. the only cost to the public will be for food or drinks. Ancient City Kids Day has grown to be one of St. Augustine's biggest youth activities, and is a popular event for the whole family. Last year's event brought approximately 3000 people out for the fun! For more information, please feel free to contact EPIC Behavioral Healthcare at 829-2273
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