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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Report cards were distributed this past Friday. If your child is struggling in a course, please encourage him/her to seek help. Most teachers offer before and after school help sessions. Honor roll certificates will be distributed in homeroom on Wednesday, January 14th.
We are having issues at dismissal with students socializing, texting, and taking pictures with their phones instead of getting on the bus. The students have been repeatedly warned that cell phones are to remain off until they step off the school bus. They have also been warned about standing around socializing instead of getting on the bus. If our buses are late departing, we cause delays in the elementary and high school routes. Starting Monday, students who have their cell phones out duirng dismissal or are standing around socializing will receive a demerit. Please talk to your child about exiting the building and quickly getting onto their bus. Thank you in advance for your support, so we can get 1,000+ students on the buses quickly and safely.
8th grade parents: Don't forget the Academy Nights this week. If your child is interested in applying for a career academy or for IB, families should really visit the school and learn more about the program. Transportation is only provided to your zoned high school.
Monday - 5:30pm St. Johns Technical HS & 6pm St Augustine HS
Tuesday - 6pm Bartram Trail HS
Wednesday - 6pm Nease HS
Thursdayd - 6pm Ponte Vedra HS & Pedro Menendez HS
Remember that the deadline to apply online for an academy is 11:59pm on January 22nd.
The 7th grade Civics field trip to Tallahassee is this Tuesday, Jan 13th for Miller's classes. Students attending the field trip need to be dropped off at 5am in the back teacher parking lot (2nd gate behind school.) Buses will depart at 5:30am and will return around 6:30pm. Students may want to bring a small pillow and blanket, food that isn't messy, and bottled water. When we use the back parking lot for field trip drop off, parents must take an immediate right when they pull into the parking lot. Go to almost the end of the parking lot and you will see a paved area to turn left and cross to the other side. Drive towards the school stopping at the small gate to the bus loop for your child to quickly exit the vehicle. What we are trying to do is create a large loop to help speed up the drop-off process. We ask that parents do NOT park and get out of their vehicle unless they are attending the trip as a chaperone. When picking up at 6:30pm, please do NOT pull into the bus loop. If parents are in the bus loop there is not enough room for the charter buses. Please be patient dropping off and picking up your child as traffic is always bad. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Swiss Point MS is currently participating in a Teens for Jeans Competition to help clothe young people experiencing homelessness. Students are asked to donate gently used jeans - no shorts. The top school will win $10,000. Please have your students continue to bring in jeans. In one week before the winter break went from 486 pairs to over 1,300! Amazing!
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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!!!
Swiss Point Family Night!
Thursday, January 22nd at PDQ on SR 13.
Details in next week's Raider Rap
PTSO MEETING
Our next PTSO meeting will be on January 22nd at 10:30 am at Swiss Point. For those of you who can't make daytime meetings, join us at our Family Night that same evening at PDQ and we'll have PTSO updates for everyone who attends.
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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There are no volunteer opportunities at this time. Please be aware that proctoring in the spring for standardized testing is a great way to help the school at the most needed time.
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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
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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
Click here to view the minutes of the SAC meeting held on December 17, 2014
SAC NEWS
The next SAC meeting is Wednesday, February 18th 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
Changes in Personal Information
Parents, your help is needed. I spend many hours each week calling parents when students are sick, injured, etc. However, I find when I call home numbers I often get a message that says "this number is disconnected." I call work numbers and they say "they have not worked here in 5 years." Then your student says " my parents got new cell numbers but I don't know what they are." Please notify our computer operator, Norma Miller, at 547-8626 for changes in your contact numbers. You can also e-mail her at Norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us We will also change it on your paper copy emergency card.
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Raider Band News
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Raider Band News
From the SPMS Band Booster Association
Look for exciting news from the Raider Bands in next weeks Raider Rap!
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Monday, January 12th- Silver Day
Student Council Meeting, , 2-3:00 pm, Room 430
Basketball Game AT Patriot Oaks starting at 5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 13th- Black Day
7th Grade Field Trip to Tallahassee, Mrs. Miller's classes
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Wednesday, January 14th- Special Schedule
Expectation Assemblies and Required Drills
Film Club, 1-3pm, Mr. Moseley's Lab
Basketball Game AT Landrum, 5:30pm
Thursday- January 15th- Silver Day
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Garden Club, 2-2:50 pm, Portable 5
SWAT Club, 2-3:00 pm, PE Classroom
Friday, January 16th- Black Day
Character Counts Luncheon, cafeteria during lunches
Math Counts Practice, 2:15-3:15 pm, Room 575
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Debate Club, 2-3:00 pm, Mrs. Pantano's Room
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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
Parent Drop Off
Parent drop-off in the mornings does not start until 7:10am. Please do not drop your child off before this time. Students must stay outside or in the library until students are released from the buses at 7:30am. Students need to exit their vehicle as quickly as possible to keep the line moving. Parents we ask that you do not text or talk on the phone going through the line to help keep all of our students and parents safe.
After School
If a student is staying after school, he/she must remain with a teacher. If a parent is not here within 30minutes of the designated pick-up time, the child will be sent to Beyond the Bell and the parent will be charged. Remember that we sell a Beyond the Bell punch card with 20 visits. Students can stay after and be supervised until 6pm.
Deliveries
If your child has forgotten a book, project, gym clothes, etc., we will call into their homeroom for the child to pick-up their items, if you can bring the forgotten items to us BEFORE 7:50am. When homeroom ends at 7:50am, we will only interrupt a classroom for a lunch, lunch money, or glasses. Please help your child with their organizational skills by making a checklist and/or setting out items for school the night before.
Dress Code
Any skirt, dress or top shorter than 4" above the knee worn with leggings or tights is not acceptable attire for school. Yoga pants are not appropriate attire for school. More information regarding dress code can be found on pages 12-14 of the St Johns County Student Code of Conduct.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are allowed on campus and school buses, but must remain off and kept in locker, backpack or purse. Students may not carry a cell phone in their pocket. Students should not turn cell phones on until they are in their vehicle from parent pick-up or off the school bus. Failure to comply may result in the device being confiscated. Repetaed failure to comply will be considered defiance of school rules. Any disruptive, harassing or other inappropriate use of a cell phone in violation of this policy or school rules, shall be cause for disciplinary action, including confiscation of the device as contraband and, in the event of repeated or serious misuse, loss of the privelege to possess such device on school property. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to: 1) texting, phoning or web browsing while on campus or on bus; 2) taping conversations, music or other audio at any time; 3) photography or ideography of any kind at any time; 4) "sexting," and 5) any activitity that could in any manner infringe upon the rights of other individuals, including but not limited to students, teachers, and other staff members.
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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 Road Raiders
The Road Raiders season starts Tuesday, January 20th. Meet Mrs. Mayer in room 310 after school and parents must be here for pick up by 3:30 pm.
SJMSAA Tennis
Check the SJMSAA website for information regarding the opening of registration for the 2015 Tennis Team. Tryouts will be February 4 and 5.
SJMSAA Baseball
The Spring tryouts for the SJMSAA open at www.sjmsaa.com. Tryouts will take place at the end of January or the first week in February. Actual dates and times will be announced after winter break.
SJMSAA Softball
The SJMSAA Girls Softball registration is now open on the website, www.sjmsaa.com. Registration will end the last day in December.
Julington Creek Baseball
Click here to view a flyer on baseball registration with the Julington Creek Baseball association.
SJMSAA Soccer
The boys start the playoffs today and the girls' begin tomorrow. Good luck to the Raiders!
SPMS Basketball
The first game of the Raiders and Lady Raider's basketball teams was Wednesday, January 7th at home versus Liberty Pines. The girls won and the boys fell short. The next is Monday, January 12 at Patriot Oaks.
Field of Dreams Baseball
Click here to view the flyer with information on the Field of Dreams Baseball
Creeks Rec League (February-April) K-8 Boys & Girls
Our core focus, at all age levels, are the fundamentals (passing, catching, shooting, cradling, scooping, etc) of individual play and incorporation of team skills. Each season, we have many newcomers, at all age levels that join us for their first season of lacrosse. So, if your son or daughter has never played before, he or she will not be alone in trying lacrosse for the first time. While we always intend to field competitive teams and play well, we pride ourselves on developing players for longevity in the game of lacrosse by teaching the core fundamentals of the game and instilling in our players a love for the game. The transition from "newbie" at the beginning of the season to what could be called a "lacrosse player" at the end of a season is impressive. Hopefully, we will be able to count your son or daughter in for that transition! For questions about Spring Lax, send an email to creekslacrosse@gmail.com
Junior Grizzlies (February-April)
This spring, starting in February, Swiss Point MS 6th-8th grader girls interested in playing lacrosse will be able to join our after school "Junior Grizzlies" lacrosse program that will practice twice a week 2:00pm-3:30pm. Beginners, intermediate and advanced players all can join! Our Junior Grizzlies MS players will be able to work with Bartram Trail girl's lacrosse coaches and players. More information coming soon! Contact Coach Jackowiak for any questions: Meghan.fanning@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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
LB3 Wave Girls Lacrosse Summer Travel Club Tryouts
LB3 Wave in Jacksonville, FL will be holding new player tryouts for summer club teams on Sunday, January 11th. LB3 is unlike any other lacrosse experience. As the premier instructional lacrosse program in the Southeast, LB3 Lacrosse Club makes player development its #1 priority in positive, challenging and fun environments. To achieve this end, we practice more, and invest more in great coaching, than any other lacrosse program. We preach up tempo lacrosse with a focus on great stick work and sound decision making on the field. We are confident that the skills we develop in our players are crucial at any level of lacrosse. All new players who are interested in playing on an LB3 Wave summer club team are required to tryout in order to be placed on a team.
Tryout Details:
When: Sunday, Jan. 11th 12:00pm-1:30pm
Where: Aberdeen Park (300 Leese Dr. St. Johns FL 32259)
Ages: 2016-2022 Grad Years (current 5th-11th graders)
Cost: FREE!!!
Creeks Boys and Girls Lacrosse Regstration is Now Open
Don't miss out on being a part of the fastest growing sport in the country? Registration for the Spring 2015 season of Creeks Youth Lacrosse (boys and girls in grades K - 8) will close on Sunday, January 25th! Don't miss your chance to learn the "Creator's Game" and play one of the most exhausting, exhilarating and exciting sports around!
Please email us for information if applying for financial hardship assistance or multiple-player discounts
Click here to register
Spring 2015 FAQ
What is the date of our first Spring Practices?
Practices begin the week of Feb. 2nd (Boys & Girls); Academy format for all age divisions.
What are practice days and times?
Team practice days and times are set by individual coaches based upon their schedule/availability and that of their assistant coaches. This is typically finalized in the first week or two of the season.
Where will practices be held?
Boys will practice at Durbin Crossing Park, with some practices located at Julington Creek Plantation Park once flag-football season is over. Girls will practice Aberdeen Park.
When will the season end?
The Boys season will conclude on May 2nd and the Girls season will conclude on April 25th. A parent meeting will be held prior to the start of the season. An announcement on a date and time will be forthcoming.
2015 Creeks Premier Team Offerings
Creeks Youth Lacrosse will be fielding competitive teams at the U11, U13, and U15 levels for both boys and girls this season. Our vision is the coordinate competitive games with other local/regional teams during the Spring and then segue to summer tournaments/travel in May, June and possibly July.
Creeks Boys Lacrosse is also pursuing a high-level coach to assist with the training and development of Creeks programs and players. During the Spring season, we will hold tryouts for each age group and develop WARRIOR and SWERVE team rosters. Stay tuned for more information!
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Student Corner
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Annual SPMS Variety Show
It is time to start thinking about auditioning for the SPMS Variety Show!!! The talent show benefits Dreams Come True to sponsor a dream for a child with a life-threatening illness. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, February
3rd. The show dates are February 26th and 27th. We are looking for a variety of acts including singing, dancing, musical instruments, rock bands, gymnastics, skits, and more! Even if you haven't had any specific training, you can audition! We never seem to have enough group acts, so gather a few friends and create an original act! You must register for auditions, so pick up your registration form in the front office. This form needs to be returned to the front office by Jan. 29th. Auditions will be scheduled in the order in which the registration form is received.
Interested in Law EnForcement?- Become a Police Explorer
Any students who are interested in learning about law enforcement please see the attached Police Explorer flier. The Police Explorer Post 911 is a great opportunity for students age 12-21 who are interested in possibly pursuinig a career in law enforcement or just just want to see what law enforcement officers do. The attached flyer explains the Explorer Program in detail and what to expect. If you have any questions you can contact Deputy Kowieski in the Dean's Office.
Click here to view the informational flyer
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Academy Nights
Each high school will host an Academy Night. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to visit the high schools. Remember that transportation is only provided to your zoned high school.
Mon, January 12th - 5:30pm St. Johns Technical High School and 6pm for St. Augustine HS
Tue, January 13th - 6pm - Bartram Trail HS
Wed, January 14th - 6pm - Nease HS
Thu, January 15th - 6pm - Ponte Vedra & Pedro Menendez High Schools
Thursday, January 22nd
At 11:59pm the online application program will close!
Monday, February 2nd
Auditions for School of the Arts
Friday, February 6th
Each high school will mail a letter home to students who were accepted into an academy.
Friday, February 18th
Deadline to accept an invitation to an academy. Students who receive a letter from a high school MUST go online and accept the academy.
Application submission deadline for students currently enrolled in a St. Johns County public school: Midnight, January 22, 2015
Timeline
November 17 Current Career Academy students must re-apply through the Intent to Return link below
December 11 Online Application OPENS for newly applying 8th and 9th grade students
Jan. 6- 15 Academy Nights (see schedule below)
February 2 St. Johns County Center for the Arts AUDITIONS at SAHS - You must bring your printed application form.
January 22 Registration Deadline - Online - Registration will be closed at midnight.
February 6 Invitation Letters Mailed to Each Student (Each high school mails out invitations to all applicants to join.)
February 6 Acceptance Link Opens (applicants must accept the invitation online - ONLY ACCEPT ONE school's invitation)
February 18 Deadline to Accept the Invitation is midnight February 18, 2015.
July 1 Last day to appeal
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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
Bookmark Contest
There will be a bookmark contest going on at SwissPoint during Celebrate Literacy Week. Students can come in anytime to the Media Center and get a template for a bookmark. Students are asked to create a Reading/Literacy themed bookmark. The bookmarks will be judged and the winning student's bookmark will be copied and made available for all students to have to use while they are reading. The deadline for the contest is January 27th. Any student can enter.
Many students forgot to bring their book back this week after break. Remind your student that they need to return books so they don't have fines.
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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 January 12th
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- Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza, Fajita Chicken Salad, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Carrot & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Apple Slices, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Hamburger, 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- 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- 12/19/2014
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
Approved District Calendar for 15-16
Click here to view the approved 2015-2015 District Master 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.
Camp Composition
Click here to view a flyer regarding a writing camp at UNF held in January and February.
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