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Message from Mrs. Kunze
It is time to complete the annual SAC Parent Needs Assessment Survey. Please click on the link below to take the survey. Print the confirmation page for your child to take to their homeroom teacher to receive 2 Raider Bucks. Thank you in advance for completing the survey.
Parent Needs Assessment Survey
Changes in Faculty
Today was the last day for 6th grade science teacher, Tina Willis. Mrs. Willis loves Swiss Point and her students, but decided to take a new and challenging opportunity at another middle school in our county. She will be missed by everyone. A candidate was sumbitted to Human Resources today for hire. We are hopeful that the new teacher can be processed and ready to start on Tuesday, Febuary 3rd. The two weeks in the interim will be covered by 2 wonderful substitutes: Luke Shimer the first week and Mrs. Bradbury the second week. Lesson plans have been prepared and students will continue to learn.
Ms. Froess, Reading teacher, left us at the winter break and part-time teacher, Ms. Salo, from 6th grade computers moved into her position on January 6th. The new part-time computer teacher, Tammy Drinkuth, will start next Tuesday, January 20th. When she receives her computer by the end of the week, she will send an email to parents introducing herself.
We are adding an ESE teacher to assist with support facilitation and to work with small groups of students in the blocked math courses. Ms. Barnett should start Monday, January 26th. She is coming to us from Duval with experience as a Math and ESE teacher.
Teens for Jeans
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. Currently we are in 2nd place behind Elk Gove MS in California. We need your help! Please ask neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family to donate their jeans by Feb. 15th.
Swiss Point PTSO Night at PDQ
Please join us for supper at PDQ (SR 13) on Thursday, Jan. 22nd. Thank you in advance for your support!
NJHS 8th Graders!!!
The field trip packet for the Disney Trip for 8th graders is in the library. All money and forms must be submitted to Ms. White no later than Wednesday, January 28th. No forms or money will be collected after 1:15 PM on Wednesday, January 28th.
8th grade Parent Dance Committee
We are in need of a few 8th grade parents who would like to plan, organize, and decorate for the 8th grade dance in May. If you would like to be on the committee, please email Sharon Rizzuto at Sharon.Rizzuto@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
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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.
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
Seaton's Corner
RAIDER LEADER: We are so proud to recognize strong leadership among our students here at Switzerland Point. Students show exemplary leadership through our many clubs and sports. I take great pleasure in highlighting this student, as nominated by a club/sport sponsor, to receive this recognition. The winner is given a certificate, some Raider Bucks, and highlighted in the Raider Rap. I congratulate Sabrina Solomons on being named a Raider Leader! Sabrina spreads contagious enthusiasm in the 4-H Club. She always comes up with fun ice-breaker activities for the club. She is also very sensitive to others' feelings and is a great role model for her peers. Congratulations, Sabrina!
Mason's Minutes
In December, we completed our first semester of (DDA) District Determined Assessments. A big THANK YOU to our parent volunteers who assisted as proctors for these assessments.
Coming up in March, we will again need proctors for the DDA's as well as the State assessments. We will be posting information about specific test dates and times through Sign-Up Genius. If you have any questions about proctoring, please do not hesitate to contact me at lisa.mason@stjohns.k12.fl.us or 547-8637.
Moseley's Food for Thought
We had 56 students who received Character Counts Awards from teacher nominations today! How awesome! A HUGE thank you to the PTSO for securing lunches from Publix for each of these students! What a treat! The students were so excited, not just for the awards they received from their teacher but for a really good lunch as well! The other students in the cafeteria were quite envious! Congratulations to these 56 students for their exemplary character! If your child received an award, please check it out to see what their teacher wrote about them! Thank you again PTSO!
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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
Look for exciting news from the Raider Bands in next week's Raider Rap!
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Monday, January 19th- No School- Student/Teacher Holiday
Tuesday, January 20th- Silver Day
SJCS MS Honor Band auditions, rehearsal, dinner, 3-8:00 pm, throughout the school
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Wednesday, January 21th- Black Day
Winterguard, 1-5:00 pm, Gym
Film Club, 1-3pm, Mr. Moseley's Lab
Virtual Testing 1-3:00 pm, Lab 650
FCA General Meeting, 1-2:30 pm, Patio
Basketball Game HOME vs Murray, 5:30pm
Thursday- January 22th- Silver Day
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Book Club Meeting, 2-3:00 pm, Media Center
Garden Club, 2-2:50 pm, Portable 5
Friday, January 23th- Black Day
Math Counts Practice, 2:10-3:10 pm, Room 575
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Debate Club, 2-3:00 pm, Mrs. Pantano's Room
SJCS MS Honor Band Rehearsal and Dinner, 4-8:30pm
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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.
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 Tryouts
Tryouts will be next Tuesday, Jan 20th and Thursday, Jan 22nd, starting at 2:20 pm. The girls will need to change after school and meet outside the cafeteria on the patio at 2:20. Coach Todd Sandiford will meet them and they will start with conditioning and then head over to the ball field behind Hickory Creek at 3pm. Parents can pick girls up at the field behind Hickory Creek Elementary at 4:15-4:30 pm.
If you did not register online at the SJMSAA site, your daughter may still attend tryouts. The coach will announce their team members and team roster will be turned in to SJMSAA by January 30, 2015. Practices will be set up by the coach and announced later. The season will start in March & finish in May. Games will be on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Start times will be at 4:00. Schedules will come out mid February. If you have any questions, email Coach Sandiford at:Tsandi2801@aol.com
St. Augustine Volleyball Association
Click here to view information regarding the St. Augustine Volleyball Association rec league.
Nease 2015 Track & Field Flyer
Click here to view a flyer with information on the Nease 2015 Track & Field Event on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 9:30 -3:00 pm at Nease High School.
Creeks Track & Field
Registration is open for the 2015 Spring Season of Creeks Track & Field. Please register online at www.caatrackandfield.com
The cost of the program is $145 per participant ages 6 (as of August1) and up. The season will begin March 23, 2015. Additional program details may be found on the website under the Creeks Track & Field tab and click on "2015 Spring Track & Field Season". Registration will continue through March 29th, but please note a late fee will be charged after March 15th.
Julington Creek Baseball
Click here to view a flyer on baseball registration with the Julington Creek Baseball association.
SJMSAA Soccer
Congratulations to the Girls and Boys soccer teams! The Girls finished a great season, earning second place in the SJMSSA Tournament of Champions! The Boys took 4th place! Way to go Soccer Raiders!
SJMSAA Golf
All who is interested in playing golf in the Spring registration is now open. Go to www.sjmsaa.com to register your child. Tryouts will be February 4th, Wednesday at 3:30 pm at South Hampton Golf Club. There will be preseason practices on Mondays and Wednesdays at South Hampton starting January 21st on Wednesday at 3:30 pm.
SPMS Basketball
The Girls and Boys teams both won again Patriot Oaks on Monday but fell short to Landrum on Wednesday. They both play on Wednesday, January 21st HOME against Murray. The first game starts at 5:30 pm.
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-3:30 pm. 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
Creeks Boys and Girls Lacrosse Registration 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!
Pipleline210 Girls Spring Lacrosse K-8 League (February-April) At Pipeline210 the number one priority is teaching GIRLS lacrosse! Founded by NCAA/US Lacrosse certified coaches and experienced collegiate players, Pipleline210 produces better lacrosse players with superior skills! With expert-level coaching, Pipleline210 teaches a fast-track curriculum in a fun, character building environment! The league will run February-April. Practices will be Monday and Wednesday evenings. Games will be on Saturdays or Sundays. For more information and to register visit PipeLine210lacrosse.com For any questions, contact us at info@Pipeline210lacrosse.com
or at 904-230-3540.
**FREE PIPELINE210 CLINIC ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH 12:00-2:30PM FOR K-8 GIRLS AT SOUTH HAMPTON MULTI-PUROPE FIELD!!
Location:
South Hampton Multi-purpose Field
140 South Hampton Club Way
St. Augustine, FL 32092
What to bring:
Girls will need to wear athletic clothing and cleats. Girls will also need to bring a girl's lacrosse stick, goggles, mouth guard and a water bottle. We will have a limited number of sticks and goggles available for girls to borrow. Each girl MUST bring their own mouth guard. Learn more about girl's lacrosse equipment HERE.
Register Here for Clinic: https://ezyregistration.com/pipeline210/jan24clinic.htm
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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
Testing for Virtual Classes
There will be supervised testing for students taking virtual courses on the dates below (Wednesdays). Testing will be in Lab 650 from 1-3 pm. Please plan accordingly.
January 21
February 18
March 11
April 1
April 15
April 29
May 6
May 20
June 3
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Academy Information
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
8th Grade Ramp Up at Creekside High School
Creekside High School is presenting an evening of information for all incoming 9th graders. The night will include information about athletics, extracurricular activities, performances, food and more. The event is Thursday, February 12, 2015 beginning in the CHS auditorium at 6:00 pm.
8th Grade Parent Night at Bartram Trail High School
BTHS is hosting an informational meeting to learn all about Bartram Trail on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:00pm in the Bartram Trail Auditorium for all current 8th graders zoned for BTHS.
Lost & Found from Washington DC
Several items were left on the buses from the return trip to Washington DC. Items found are bed pillow, jackets, clothes, chargers, ipod, hats, gloves and scarves. They can be collected in the front office.
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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 19th
Monday- No School
Tuesday- Cheese or Pepperoni Calzonettes, Crunchy Beef Tacos, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Corn, Assorted Fruit, White Wheat Roll, Lettuce Tomato, Cheese Cup, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Fajita Chicken Salad. Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Baked Beans, Fresh Apple Slices, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Pasta & Meatballs, Fajita Chicken Wrap, Hamburger, Chicken Nuggets, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Assorted Fruit, Garlic Breadstick, Taco Sauce, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Friday- BBQ Chicken, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Steamed Carrots, Green Beans, 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- 1/9/2014
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
Character Counts! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk
The Character Counts! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk will be held on satureday, February 7 at 2:00 pm begiining and ending at Palencia Elementary School. For more information and registration go to www.racesmith.com.
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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