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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Since we only have 2 days next week, this edition of the Raider Rap is for the week of Nov. 24th & Dec. 1st. We hope that everyone has a relaxing Thanksgiving break and has the opportunity to create wonderful memories with family and friends. For those of you traveling, we wish you a safe trip.
In an effort to improve communication after last Monday's dismissal, a Remind101 has been created for Switzerland Point Middle School. Remind101 is a quick and easy way to send text messages limited to 140 characters to whoever registers their cell phone. This is a one-way form of communication that many schools and teachers are using now. A group has been created for parents. On your cell phone, create a message to 81010 and in the message line type @swissp.
Click here for screenshots explaining the steps.
Now that it is cold, many students have asked about ordering a SPMS hoodie. We will be placing an order this Tuesday, Nov. 25th to ensure delivery before the winter break. Hoodies are black with white lettering - Switzerland Point on the front and Raiders on the back.
Click here to print order form
Cost is $20 (sizes YM - AXL) and $25 (sizes AXXL and AXXXL) Please make checks payable to SPMS.
Congratulations to the following students for winning the first Reading Plus drawing for the Month of November.
6th Grade: Joselyn Flores and Ian Bean
7th Grade: Christina Flores and Ayden Stuart
8thGrade: Helen Tesfa and Ryan Lemmon.
Each student received a $15 gift card for ITunes or Fandango. The gift cards were provided by our awesome PTSO. Please encourage your students to work on Reading Plus. For every score of 80% or above students can enter into their grade level drawing. Students need to write down their name (first and last) and score on a slip of paper and turn it in. The next drawing will be held right before winter break.
Over 200 students attended the BMX Bike show this afternoon as a reward for selling magazines or Yankee candles. Thank goodness we had beautiful weather! The students enjoyed the amazing stunts along with missing class. :) Thank you to Mary Panariello for organizing the magazines sales and this event. Also, a thank you to Cynthia Casper, Margaret Bell, and Valerie Canepa for organizing the Yankee Candle fundraiser.
Starting this school year as required by FS 1008.22 part of SB 736, your child will take an exam in every course. In middle school there are 4 types of exams that meet this requirement.
1. Students will take the new Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) in April in Reading and Math. The FSA Reading exam will count as the exam for Language Arts 1 (Standard or Advanced), Language Arts 2 (Standard or Advanced), Language Arts 3 (Standard or Advanced), Intensive Reading, and Advanced Reading. The FSA Math exam will count as the exam for Math 1 (Standard or Advanced), Math 2 (Standard or Advanced), Pre-Algebra, and Intensive Math. (Remember that the FSA is replacing the FCAT Reading and FCAT Math.)
2. Students taking Science 3 (Standard or Advanced) will take the FCAT Science exam in April.
3. For Civics, Algebra, and Geometry the State End-of-Course Exams (EOC) meets the requirement. These EOCs are administered in late April and May and will count as 30% of the overall course grade. The Algebra EOC MUST be passed to receive the required credit for graduation.
4. To meet the requirement for all other courses, our school district had to create an exam. These exams are called District Determined Assessments (DDAs). DDAs will be administered in the following courses:
6th grade - Science 1 (Standard or Advanced), World History (Standard or Advanced), Critical Thinking, Band, Beginning Spanish, Chorus, and PE.
7th grade - Science 2 (Standard or Advanced), Art, Drama, Computer Applications 1, Computer Applications 2, Band, Jazz Band, Yearbook, Beginning Spanish, Chorus, and PE.
8th grade - US History (Standard or Advanced), Art, Drama, Classroom Aide, Leadership, Adventures in Reading, Band, Jazz Band, Beginning Spanish, Intermediate Spanish, High School Spanish 1, Yearbook, News Crew, Introduction to Informational Technology, Chorus, and PE.
Semester courses that start in August and end in December will take their DDA in December. Below is the schedule.
Wed, December 3rd - Black Day
7th graders will take the DDA for Computer Applications 1 during their computer class.
Thu, December 4th - Silver Day
7th graders will take the DDA for Computer Applications 1 during their computer class.
Fri, December 5th - Black Day
7th graders taking Art or Drama will take the DDA during their computer class with Ms. Hurst.
8th graders taking Engaged Citizenship (Student Aide), Adventures in Reading, and/or Leadership will take their DDA during class in a computer lab.
Mon, December 8th - Silver Day
7th graders taking Art or Drama will take the DDA during their computer class with Ms. Hurst.
8th graders taking Engaged Citizenship (Student Aide), Yearbook, and News Crew will take their DDA during class in a computer lab.
Tue, December 9th - Black Day
6th graders taking PE will take the DDA during their computer class with Mrs. Campbell.
7th graders taking PE will take the DDA during their computer class with Ms. Hurst
8th graders taking PE will take the DDA during their PE class time in a computer lab.
Wed, December 10th - Silver Day
6th graders taking PE will take the DDA during their computer class with Mrs. Salo.
7th graders taking PE will take the DDA during their computer class with Ms. Hurst.
8th graders taking PE will take the DDA during their PE class time in a computer lab.
Thu & Fri, December 11th & 12th - Make-up Exams
The DDAs are administered on the computer and consist of 30 multiple choice questions. Students will have 45 minutes to take the exam, which will count as a summative grade for the 2nd quarter.
Year-long courses with a DDA will have the assessment administered in March.
FS1012.34 states that 50% of a teacher's evaluation must come from student data. Please encourage your child to take every exam seriously, since it will somehow count for him and will count towards the teacher.
4th Quarter District Assessments will be administered on the following days:
Tue, December 16th - Silver 2 & Silver 3
Wed, December 17th - Black 2 & Silver 4
Thu, December 18th - Black 4 & Black 3
Fri, December 19th - Skinny & make-ups
We will have a special bell schedule on each of these days. Students will ONLY attend the classes being tested. Quarterly District Assessments count as one summative grade. Students that are absent and do not make-up exams on Friday, Dec. 19th will have to take exams when school resumes on Tuesday, January 6th.
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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 PTSO meeting will be in January. Look for the date in next week's Raider Rap.
Family Night
December is hectic for all of us so we won't be having a regular meeting, but are working on a family night where you'll be able to grab dinner and socialize with friends for a bit. Details will be out next week.
BMX Show
The BMX show was a hit with the students! Fun was had by all! Thanks to all the staff who helped in making the show run smoothly.
Magazine Sales
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.
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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Volunteer Opportunities
A Sign Up Genius was created for volunteers to recruit for the Holiday Gift Shop and proctors for the District Determined Assessments. The SignUp had to be adjusted slightly since its original posting so please check to see if there are days you can help. There are many slots available. Any questions or concerns, please contact Cynthia Casper at 547-8627 or Cynthia.casper@stjohns.k12.fl.us Thank you in advance for the help.
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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
Parents, please remember if you are planning a trip that will take your child out of school, you must complete and turn in a Pre-Approved Absence Request form at least one week prior to the absence. This form is located on the school's webpage under "Parents". This form should be turned in to the Computer Operator in the Guidance Office. Also, if your child is absent from school, he/she must turn in a written excuse note which includes: the date of the absence, the reason for the absence, and a parent's signature within two days of their return. The excuse notes should also be turned in to the Computer Operator in the Guidance Office. Emails are not acceptable for an excuse note. If your child exceeds 15 total absences, you must provide a doctor's verification for all subsequent absences due to illness. If a parent writes a note after 15 total days of absences it will be recorded as "unexcused with note". This is in compliance with Florida State Law (F.S.232.17).
Seaton's Corner
As you know, the Interim grades were available for view on HAC (Home Access Center) on Wednesday, November 19
th. We are now in the second half of our second quarter! After our Thanksgiving week coming up, we will only have 3 more weeks left of our first semester, and that includes all of the upcoming exams. For students that are struggling, we see that the most common theme with them is lack of organization. All students should write in their planner their homework or upcoming required projects/tests. That way, it will serve as a reminder of what they need to bring home when they check over their planner at the end of the day. It will also help the parents keep up with the everyday class events. Between the planner and checking in Edmodo, there should be no "surprises" and last minute panics. Also, parents may want to occasionally check their child's binders to make sure they are in good order and handouts/study sheets are in the right place. That way, they are easily accessible by the student in preparing for our upcoming tests.
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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
Click here to view the minutes of the SAC meeting held on November 19, 2014
SAC NEWS
The next SAC meeting is Wednesday, December 17th at 3:30 pm 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.
Changes in Personal Information
Parents, if there has been a change of cell phone, work phone, etc please contact Norma Miller, computer Operator at Norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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Raider Band News
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Raider Band News
From the SPMS Band Booster Association
Our 3 Fall Concerts were all a great success! We are so proud of the progress these students have made! Next up for our bands is the St Augustine Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6.
Thank you to everyone who supported our Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Sale. We will be repeating the sale two more times this year, so be sure to buy your coffee from your favorite band student!
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 24, 2014
Monday, November 24th- Black Day
Student Council Meeting, 2-3:00 pm Room 430
Tuesday, November 25th- Silver Day
Play Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Auditorium
No School Wed., November 26-Fri., November 28
for Thanksgiving Break
Week of December 1st
Monday, December 1st- Black Day
Academy Presentations for 8th grade through LA in Auditorium
Basketball Tryouts, 2-4 pm Boys, 4:30-6pm Girls, Gym
Tuesday, December 2nd- Silver Day
Academy Presentations for 8th grade through LA in Auditorium
Basketball Tryouts, 2-4 pm Boys, 4:30-6pm Girls, Gym
Play Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Auditorium
Testing for virtual students, 2-3:30 pm, Lab 650
Wednesday, December 3rd- Black Day
Basketball Tryouts, 2-4 pm Boys, 4:30-6pm Girls, Gym
Cheer Practice, 1-3pm, Dance Room
Film Club, 1-3pm, Mr. Moseley's Lab
Winterguard, 1-5pm, Gym
Thursday- December 4th- Silver Day
Basketball Tryouts, 2-4 pm Boys, 4:30-6pm Girls, Gym
Play Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Auditorium
Reading Raiders, 2-3 pm, Media Center
Garden Club, 2-2:50 pm, Portable 5
HS 101 Night-Academy Info, 6:30-7:30 pm, Auditorium
Washington DC meeting in auditorium after Academy presentation.
Friday, December 5th- Black Day
Grades Updated in HAC by 3pm
International Thespian Society Meeting, 2-4 pm, Drama Rm
Debate Club, 2-3 pm, Mrs. Pantano's Room
Math Counts Practice, 2:15-3 pm, Room 575
Winterguard in Raider Roost from 4:30-9pm
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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.
SJMSAA Golf
Nov. 10 - WGV Clinic 4-5:30pm
Nov. 17 - Practice at South Hampton Golf Club 4-5:30pm
Nov. 24 - WGV Clinic 4-5:30pm
Dec. 1 - Practice at South Hampton Golf Club 4-5:30pm*
Dec. 8 - Practice at South Hampton Golf Club 4-5:30pm*
*As it gets darker earlier we may have to move our practices to Wednesdays early out from 3-4:30pm.
SJMSAA Soccer
Updates for the girls and boys soccer teams was not available at press time. Next week's Raider Rap will contain the scores for both teams.
SJMSAA Fall Baseball
The scores for the JV baseball team will be updated next week.
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.
CAA Wrestling Registration
Welcome to Creeks Wrestling! Children ages 5 years old - 8th grade. Season will run December 1 thru February 28. Practice Monday and Thursday 6:30-8:30
This year practice will be split into two sessions (Jr session 6:30-7:30 and Sr session 7:30-8:30)
The children will be evaluated during the first two weeks and divided according to age/weight/experience level
Open wrestling/practice Saturdays 9am-11am
Cost per wrestler $85 and Must have membership to AAU Wrestling ($16 membership recommended) prior to first practice. www.aauwrestling.net
To Register: Print off 2014-2015 Registration form (click here) and Mail form and check (make payable to: CAA Wrestling) to:
Eric Anderson
attn: Creeks Wrestling
609 Lavender Lane
Saint Johns, FL 32259
There will be a parents meeting on Monday, December 1 at 6:30 - practice following, registrations will be accepted at the meeting as well.
Email questions to: caawrestling@gmail.com
Or call Eric Anderson at 904.657.6116
***We are in need of a volunteer to help out with a website. Please email or call if you may be interested. Thank YOU!
Julington Creek Baseball Registration Now Open
5U-12U
- Evaluation First week in January
- Season starts mid January
- First games late February/early March
- 4-5 weeks of pre season practice 2 days per week
- 1-2 games weekly at Durbin Park, Mills field, or Kehoe
- 12 game schedules
13U-18U
- Season starts late January/early February
- First games in March
- Games against JCB and area Babe Ruth Coalition teams (pending participation)
- Minimum 12 game schedules
- 1-2 games weekly
Spring Registration Fee is 150.00 for 5U-12U and 160.00 for 13U-18U. To register and for more information: www.julingtoncreekbaseball.org
Julington Creek Baseball Travel Ball Tryouts
Spring Tryout Schedule
8u
Dec 6, 7, 13, 14 - 1pm
Mills 7
10u
Dec 13, 20 - 3pm
Dec 14, 21 - 1pm
Durbin 2
11u
Dec 6, 13 - 10am
Dec 7, 14 - 1:30pm
Durbin 4
12u
Dec 13, 14, 20, 21 - 1:30pm
Durbin 1
13u
Dec 13, 14, 20, 21 - 10am
Mills 8
14u
Dec 13, 14, 20, 21 - 3pm
Mills 8
Spron15u
Dec 13, 14, 20, 21 - 12:30pm
Mills 8
For more information: www.julingtoncreekbaseball.org
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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.
Yankee Candle Prizes Distributed
The Yankee candle fundraiser prizes have been distributed to the students this past week. Prizes were as followed:
*Sold $20 in retail- student's received a homework pass that could be exchanged for the learning lunch pass only at the discretion of the teacher
*Sold $50 or more in retail- students received 10 Raider Bucks and a 2nd homework pass that can be exchanged for the learning lunch pass at the discretion of the teacher
*Sold $75 or more retail- student's enjoyed the BMX show
*Sold $100 or more retail- received an invitation to a social event being held on December 19
*Sold $250 or more retail- student's will receive an iTunes gift card shortly and will be distributed to the students when they arrive.
Prized are cumulative.
Road Raiders
Road Raiders spring season will be open for registration starting in December. Paperwork will be located in the front office or stop by room 310. Registration and current years physical must be completed and turned into Mrs. Mayer no later than 2pm on December 18 th. There are only 25 spots available with an extra 10 who will be wait listed if runners are not able to maintain the time requirements. Slots fill up fast so please make sure to have all information in correctly as soon as possible. For this season runners must be able to complete a 10 minute (or less) mile while training for the Gate River Run. Any questions please email: Odessa.Mayer@stjohns.k12.fl.usYearbook Sales
Yearbooks can be purchased online for $45 until December 12th. Yearbooks MUST be ordered online this year. We will not have extra yearbooks in May to sell. To order please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 359.
Lost and Found
Jackets, hoodies and lunchboxes are piling up again in the front office. Please have your student look there, in the individual classrooms and in the PE lost and found in the locker room where the washer and dryers are.
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.
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
We are in the process of finalizing room lists, so we can place students on a bus.
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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
Battle of the Books is TUESDAY December 2nd after school in the Media Center.
Pizza lunch December 4th for all students who have read 10 Sunshine State Books. See Mrs. Gill for an invitation. Come during your lunch time to the Media Center.
Online Databases is something we have been using here at Switzerland Point to help the children find reliable online resources for research. Worldbookonline.com is an online database that is provided by St. Johns School District. To get access there is a username (spms) and a password (raiders). Your child can use this valuable resource at home to help research their projects or do their homework.
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Beyond the Bell
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Beyond the Bell
Beyond the Bell has openings! Not happy with your student's report card? Would you like for him/her to have extra help from a SPMS teacher? Join BTB! We provide structured adult supervision and homework help from dismissal until 6pm. Snack is provided.
Fees:
Registration Fee (annual) $75
Monthly Extended Day Care $200
We also offer a "drop-in" service. For $300 + the registration fee, you can purchase a 20 visit BTB Punchcard. If you can't pick your child up from clubs, sports, or tutoring, they can stay with BTB and finish school work. The 20 visits can be used until the end of the school year.
If you have any further questions please email Christine.Southworth@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Please download the registration form from the address below.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of November 24th
Did you know that the SPMS Cafeteria offers Breakfast?!
Go to the website above to view daily options
Monday- Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Snax, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, Taco Sauce, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Tuesday- Cheese or Pepperoni Calzonette, Crunchy Beef Tacos, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Corn, Assorted Fruit, White Wheat Roll, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese Cup, Taco Sauce, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
No School Wed., Nov 26-Fri., Nov. 28- Thanksgiving Break
Week of December 1st
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 Ravioli, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Assorted Fruit, Garlic Breadstick, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, 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- Hamburger, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, 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- Chicken Nuggets, Hot Dog, 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- 11/13/2014
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
Honor Roll Businesses
Click here to view businesses that accept the Honor Card given to students who received all As or all As or Bs.
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North Florida Expanding Your Horizons: Motivating Young Women in Science & Math
Click here to view flyer regarding an opportunity for girls grades 5th-8th. The workshop will be held on January 24, 2015 at the UNF University Center from 9am-3pm. Registration is now open.
Community Asthma Workshop Schedule
Click here to view the schedule for local asthma workshops.
3rd Annual Santa Suits on the Loose 5K and Santa's Gift Gallery
Click here to view the flyer for the December 13 starting at the St. Augustine Pier Park at 8:00 am.
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