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Messages from Mrs. Kunze
Report cards were sent home with your child today. Attached to the report card for those who earned All As or All As & Bs is a certificate and an Honor Card. The Honor Card can be used at local businesses to receive discounts. Below is a letter from Dr. Joyner and a list of businesses for the Honor Card.
Dr. Joyner Letter
Honor Card Businesses
If your child's grades could be improved, please encourage him/her to participate in class, complete homework nightly, and to seek help when needed.
We continue to have large numbers of students in learning lunch. I have monitored C lunch the last 2 days, so every student has had to explain to me why the homework was not completed at home. The majority of students tell me they forgot. The second biggest response is that they just didn't do it. Please help us by asking your child to use his planner to stay organized. Students also need a routine at home, so there is a designated time and space to get homework completed. We appreciate your support.
This is the last weekend for our Yankee Candle fundraiser. Please encourage your child to sell. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to enhance classroom technology.
Update on teacher for Mrs. Edell's classes
Our new math teacher has been approved. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Christie Newman. Mrs. Newman has a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics. She has experience teaching high school math. Mrs. Newman received access to the gradebook today and she is set up with district email. You may contact her at Christie.Newman@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Mrs. Newman had started at Swiss Point a few weeks ago as our Learning Lunch paraprofessional. Since she is now teaching math, we have another vacancy.
Does your child ever stay after school?
If so, please read below so you are aware of our new policy starting Monday, October 20th
Students that are staying after school for any reason, make-up work, review session, club meeting or sports, are under the sponsoring teacher's supervision until the parent arrives. Students are NOT allowed to sit outside or in the main office unsupervised waiting for their ride. Arrangements MUST to be made in advance if your child plans on staying after school or they should not stay. If a child is not picked up within 30 minutes of the designated pick-up time, the student will be sent to Beyond the Bell in the library. The parent will then be charged $1 a minute until the student is picked up. After 3pm, teachers are giving their personal time and it is frustrating when they have to sit with a student for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or sometimes longer waiting on a student to be picked up. We have to make changes to our policy or teachers will stop offering after school activities and we do not want that to happen.
Beyond the Bell is open until 6pm and does offer a punch card option that can be used if your child needs to stay after school and be supervised until you can pick-up. PLEASE see the Beyond The Bell section below.
7th grade Civics field trip to Tallahassee
All seats are full!
Washington DC Update
The final payment was due today. If you forgot, please send check on Monday.
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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
Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 13th at 10:15. Our numbers are growing each month and we hope to see you in November.
Magazine Sales
Students who participated in the Limo/Pizza lunch had a great time. Top 6th & 7th grade homerooms enjoyed donuts. The BMX show will be Friday, November 21, students will receive their tickets the day of the show.
It's not too late to order magazines or Holiday gifts. Please visit www.gaschoolstore.com and enter school ID 2529543.
If you have any questions, please contact Mary Panariello at Mary.Panariello@hrblock.com.
THANKS & KUDOS!
We've had a terrific start to the school year, but that wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our parents.
To everyone who joined PTSO & supported our fundraising: thank you! We're already starting to use our funds to support teachers in the classroom, our media center, front office and clinic.
To our amazing PTSO Board: thanks for all the extra time you put in behind the scenes to make everything run so smoothly! From Orientation to the Neon Bash, it's been a blast and you make it look easy.
Special thanks to:
Spiritwear: Patti Machols and Tina Perez - y'all nailed it this year! The students loved all their choices and couldn't wait to get their hands on their t-shirts and hoodies. Thanks for helping increase school pride and spirit!
Magazine Sales: Mary Panariello - you are a force of nature! Mary single-handedly runs the magazine sales for Swiss and has for years. She doesn't miss a beat and keeps us moving forward, and she can wrangle 40 something middle schoolers into limos for their pizza lunch day. For that alone she deserves and award!
Neon Dance: Natalie Smith, Shelly Kolaitis and Missy Kahn - the Neon Bash was even better than last year! Thanks for all the extra time you put into making the bash fun for every student. They're still talking about it so I'm thinking it was a hit!
Book Fair: Heather Granby - you kicked off the year with great volunteers, a fun atmosphere and plenty of time for all our students and teachers to find their favorite book. Thanks for all the early mornings and a few late nights you put into making the Book Fair such a success!
Teacher Appreciation: Lillie Nay - our teachers know they're valued at Swiss Point and that's because of all the treats you provide each month. From our beginning of the year breakfast to a nacho bar at lunchtime, you go out of your way to make our teacher's day and that makes a giant difference in our school. Thanks also to Jennifer Whitehead for joining as your co-chair and jumping right in. We're so glad to have you both on our team!
PTSO Board: Ali Lindenfeld, Terri Jeffries, Shantel Jackson - thanks for the part each of you plays in supporting Swiss. It's not always glamorous to take the minutes, balance the checkbook, or track the membership, but it's what keeps us moving forward and we couldn't do it without you!
As you can tell, we have a lot of fun and support each other. If you haven't come to a PTSO meeting yet, give us a chance. Some people worry PTSO meetings will be too cliquey. Well, cliques aren't cool for middle schoolers, and we're sure not going to have them with parents. We think you'll find a welcoming group of parents all working together to support the teachers and students of Swiss Point while having a great time!
Box Tops
Calling for all Box Tops! If you have any at home, please send them in this week. We have to submit them by the end of this month. Your student will receive 1 Raider Buck for every 50 Box Tops turned in. Thanks in advance!
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Volunteer Information
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Every year we have a Holiday Store for students to purchase gifts for family members for the holidays using Raider Bucks. The store is open during lunch in December. Some of the items are new, but most are gently used items that have been donated. The students really enjoy the Holiday Store and like the excitement of being able to purchase a gift for a parent or sibling without anyone knowing, so it is a complete surprise.
If you wish to donate items, we will take Christmas mugs, Christmas plates, nice dishes, ornaments, jewelry, candles, hand soap/lotion, ties, purses, books, team paraphernalia, toys, etc - basically, anything that you don't want. We are always in need of gifts for dads. As you are cleaning closets or getting ready for the holidays, please donate your items to us. You can bring items in at any time and give them to Cynthia Casper in guidance.
Volunteers Needed
The Holiday Gift Shop will be opening soon and volunteers will be needed to help with "setting up the store"! A SignUp Genius will be going out in November to ask for help with set up, running and cleaning up of the store.
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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
Moseley's Food for Thought
As we conclude Red Ribbon Week, I want to pass along some of the facts and information shared with students:
-Alcohol kills 6.5 more teens than all other illicit drugs combined.
-30% of the alcohol consumed in the US is abused by teens
-Smoking causes heart disease, strokes, cancers and is very addictive
-the harmful effects of marijuana and how it alters your brain
-teens often inhale household chemicals to get a cheap and deadly high
-inhalants are extremely dangerous chemicals once in your body
Seaton's Corner
Here at Switzerland Point, we try our best to support our students in dealing with many of the challenges they may face in middle school. Recently I presented a program about bullying to all 6th grade students (through their computer classes). Hopefully, now they have a better understanding of bullying and how to handle it. We had fun with role playing, sharing stories, and reviewing strategies that will help them (including telling an adult). Below are some of the written incidences they shared after the presentation of people who have helped them out here at SPMS:
"Mrs. VanWinkle stopped a student from bothering me in class when I was trying to work", "Ms. Burney helped me out when someone was trying to skip in line in front of me in the cafeteria", "My bus driver, Ms. Kim, talked to all the bus riders about moving over and sharing their seat", "Mrs. Sweatt took up for someone who was laughed at because he had a hard time working a math problem", "When I had trouble opening my PE locker, my coach came over and helped me", and "Ms. Bennett saw someone pull my hair and she took care of it right away".
We are very fortunate that most of our students are truly thoughtful of others' feelings. We hope that our students will continue to support each other in standing up against bullying and being sensitive to others.
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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
Click here to view the minutes of the SAC meeting held on October 25, 2014
SAC NEWS
The next SAC meeting is Wednesday, November 19th at 3:30pm in room 640. All are welcome to attend.
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
FYI- There is information regarding Ebola on the SPMS website. Please visit www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us if interested.
6th Grade Health Screening Update
The 6th grade Health Screening will take place on Monday, November 3rd(black day) and Tuesday, November 4th(silver day) in the auditorium. This screening will take place during all PE classes except for a small number of students who will be pulled during their non-core classes. Students please bring or wear any corrective eye wear. The students who have an opt out form filled out already will attend the screening but not participate. Any questions please call Joan Beccard, school nurse @ 547-8628.
Thank you in advance for the volunteers who are coming to help on Monday and Tuesday. Your help is greatly appreciated!
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Raider Band News
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Raider Band News
From the SPMS Band Booster Association
Band News!
Our Fall Band Concerts are coming soon!
Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 pm - both Jazz Ensembles and Wind Symphony
Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 pm - Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band
Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 pm - Beginning Band
Thank you to everyone who supported our Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Sale! Coffee will be delivered in early November!
We will be sending 150 pounds of coffee overseas to our troops! Thank you!
Also, a Firehouse Subs Fun Night has been scheduled for Monday, November 24th at the SR13 and CR210 locations. Firehouse graciously donates 20% of proceeds to our Band. Please bring the attached flyer so your purchase is included. http://www-raider2.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentzl/1765CE1B-0118C716.49/firehouse%20oct%2014.jpg
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Week of November 3, 2014
Yankee Candle Fundraiser until November 3
Food Drive for JCP Cares until November 7
Monday, November 3rd- Black Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Girls' Volleyball Championship game at Landrum at 5:30pm
6th Grade Health Screening through PE in auditorium
Just Dance Tournament during all 3 lunches
Tuesday, November 4th- Silver Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Play Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Auditorium
Testing for Students Taking a Virtual Class, 2-4:00 pm, Lab 650
Special Olympic Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, Gym
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
4H Club, 2:10-3:10 pm, Room 415
6th Grade Health Screening through PE in auditorium
Wednesday- November 5th- Black Day- Early Dismissal
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Winterguard, 1-5:30 pm, Gym
Film Club, 1-3:00 pm
Cheerleading Practice, 1:00-3:00 pm, Dance Room
Just Dance Tournament during all 3 lunches
Thursday- November 6th - Silver Day
Football Study Hall in Cafeteria, 2-4 pm
Play Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Auditorium
Road Raiders, 2-3:30 pm
Wind Symphony & Jazz Band concerts at 7pm in gym
Friday- November 7th - Black Day
Volleyball Practice, Gym, 2pm-5pm
Debate Club, 2-3:00 pm, Mrs. Pantano's Room
Math Counts Practice, 2:10-3:10 pm, Room 575
Grades Updated in HAC by 3:00 pm
Just Dance Tournament during all 3 lunches
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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
Drop Off Time
Please do not drop your child off at school before 7:10 am. Staff is not available to supervisor students before that time. We appreciate your cooperation.
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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.
SPMS Volleyball
Congratulations to the girls volleyball team on their victory over Liberty Pines. The team was led with outstanding hitting by Taylor Smith and Alex Murphy and serving from Kayla Ahren and Linsley Horn. The championship game is Monday, November 3rd against Landrum at Landrum at 5:30 pm. Good luck Lady Raiders.
SJMSAA Football
The Varsity Raiders Football Team will compete in their first playoff game this Saturday, November 1st. The game is at 1:00 pm at Pacetti Bay Middle School. They will be playing Sebastian. The winner of this game goes to the Championship game next Saturday. Come on out and show your support. G-O R-A-I-D-E-R-S !!
SJMSAA Soccer
The first game for the Lady Raiders will be Thursday, November 6th at Landrum. The Boys Varsity team will be playing Pacetti Bay Varsity at PBMS. The Boys varsity Development team will be playing PBMS at Aberdeen Field 1. Go Raiders!
SJMSAA Fall Baseball
The JV baseball team won on Wednesday versus Landrum this past week. The Varsity team won versus Fruit Cove on Monday and lost against Fruit Cove on Thursday. Good luck Raider baseball players at your next games.
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
Basketball Intramurals will start on Tuesday, November 4th in the gym.
SPMS Basketball
Tryouts will begin in December for the girls and boys basketball teams. December 1-4th girls from 4:30-6:00 and boys 2:00-4:00. Click here for the Parental Approval Form or see one of the PE coaches.
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Student Corner
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Master Calendar for 2014-2015
Click here to print.
*Please note that semester exams will be given the week before winter break. PLEASE do not schedule vacation during exam time. Make-ups for semester exams will occur in January AFTER the winter break.
Lost and Found
All lost and found in the front office will be donated to charity on October 31st. This includes lunch boxes, hoodies and jackets. They have been in the front office for several weeks.
Dreams Come True Fundraiser- October 27th-Nov 10th
- The book only costs $20 and contains over $1,000 in savings!!!
- WOW! Get your money back immediately with the $20 in Winn Dixie Coupons!
- Coupon Book can be purchased from any Dreams Come True Club Member or teacher sponsor- Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Bower, Ms. Buning, Mr. Laino, Ms. Sweatt, Mrs. VanWinkle, or Mrs. Black
National Junior Honor Society Now Taking Applications
Would you like to join the National Junior Honors Society? 7th and 8thgrade students who would like to join can pick up their forms in the library. All forms must be returned to the teacher at the bottom of the form before November 7th. Absolutely NO late forms will be accepted.
Attention All Civic Students and Their Parents
All seats are full!
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.
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
Final payment of $140 was due 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
Judy.Gill@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Christine.Southworth@stjohns.k12.fl.us
We still have 13 "Just Jake" books to purchase in the Media Center. They are $13 each and they have the author's signature in them which makes them priceless!
Battle of the Books sign up is ongoing in the Media Center. We will take as many students who want to participate. The Battle will be held December 2nd after school.
Reading Raiders Book Club is still meeting every other Thursday after school in the Media Center. The next book we are reading and discussing is "Cinder" by: Marissa Meyer If you would like to join us, come in for a permission slip and meet us in the media Center November 13th.
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Beyond the Bell
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There has been some confusion with the Beyond the Bell program. I would like to clarify. Beyond the Bell is not a "drop in" program. Students cannot wait in the library for parents, work on projects, or "hang out" if they are not paying members of Beyond the Bell. If you would like to participate in the program "every now and then", please pre-purchase a $300 punch card with 20 visits (good for the entire school year). You can visit the SPMS website and search "Beyond the Bell registration form". There is a non-refundable $75 registration fee. Please download this form and prepay all fees before attending Beyond the Bell.
If you have any questions, contact at Christine.Southworth@stjohns.k12.fl.us 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.
If you are a Beyond the Bell member, and you do NOT want to use your punch card for a day your student is staying late, YOUR STUDENT SHOULD NOT SIGN IN AT BEYOND THE BELL. The student should stay with the teacher they are working with and you should make arrangements with that teacher. IF your child signs in, your card will be punched.
Prepayment for NOVEMBER was 10/15/14. If you have not already done so, payment is now overdue.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of November 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, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Green Beans, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Tuesday- Mini Corn Dogs, Mini Cheese Raviolis, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Assorted Fruit, 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 and Cuceumber 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, Assorted Fruit, White Wheat Roll, Lettuce, Tomato & Pickle, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Friday- Hot Dog, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Potato Puffs, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
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From the District
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Superintendent's Weekly Review- 10/28/2014
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
Proposed District Calendar for 15-16
Below is a link to the District website to the proposed school calendar for 15-16. PLEASE take a few minutes to view the calendar and give input. Thank you.
Link to District Website for proposed calendar
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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.
World Renowned AXIS Dance Company to Perform
Creekside High School Nov. 7, @ 7:00
Leave your misconceptions at the door, come in with an open heart and mind, and be blown away by the strength and beauty that is the world renowned AXIS Dance Company, www.axisdance.org
AXIS' mission is to create, perform, educate, and support "physically integrated dance" a contemporary dance form that evolves from the collaboration between people with and without disabilities They will change the way you think about movement and disability FOREVER!
General admission tickets available at the door or preferred seating can be purchased at www.Kickstarter.com search AXIS Dance.
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