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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Please mark your calendars to attend the informational meetings to help answer all of your questions about courses for next year. All meetings are at 7pm in our auditorium.
Rising 8th grade (current 7th) - Tuesday, Feb. 17th
Rising 7th grade (current 6th) - Thursday, Feb. 19th
Rising 6th grade (current 5th) - Monday, Feb. 23rd
We did extend the deadline for current 7th graders to turn in applications for certain non-core courses to Tuesday, Feb. 17th.
Winners of History Fair Competition!
Recently, 6th and 7th grade students in advanced Social Studies created fantastic projects for the National History Day competition www.nhd.org They will be competing in the district History Fair on February 24 at Valley Ridge Academy, and the district winners will compete in the state competition in May in Tallahassee. Please congratulate these students: Aidan Mather, Josh Zalkan, Griffin Slack, Brandon Aristimuno, Andy Reda, Johnny McGraw, Ruqayyah Basrai, Shainna Rosenbaum, Austin Wright, Satvik Kuravi, Hayden Wardell, Mikayla Hansen, Max Petlick, Maddy Thomspn, Delaney Cantrell, Jasmine Shaw, Karley Chisholm, Trevor Schultz, Lauren Donalson, Wade Miller, Sonya Bansal, Camille Aguilar, Mia Gomez, Skylar Kyle, Keegain Bedell, Garrett Owen, Angela Ramsey, Mansi Gopu. Thank you to students and parents for supporting this endeavor!
Town Hall Meeting
School Board Chair Bev Slough will host a Town Hall meeting on February 24, 7:00 PM, at Creekside High School. Mrs. Slough, Superintendent Joe Joyner, and school district staff will discuss the topic Growth, Funding, and What You Can Do to Help. Questions will be accepted from the audience. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
Hardship Waivers for 15-16
On Thursday, every child was given a letter from the district regarding hardship waivers for 15-16. The online application is now available.
Click here to be directed to the District Website
8th grade FT to GradVenture
The 8th graders will take their last field trip in middle school on Friday, May 8th to GradVenture (Island of Adventures & Universal Studios.) The students received the field trip forms today in homeroom. ALL forms and money are due to the homeroom teacher by Friday, Feb. 20th. The deadline will not be extended. We have to give a count to Universal Studios. If your child receives ISD or OSS the entire 2nd semester even the day before the trip, he/she is NOT eligible to attend. Once we have sent Universal the money for our tickets, a refund is not possible. If you would like for your child to attend the trip, please talk to him/her about the importance of good behavior at school this semester.
8th gr GradVenture field trip forms
Teens for Jeans
WOW!! Swiss Point Raiders ROCK!! As of Monday we had 3,926 pairs of jeans. As of today we have 6,000 pair!! We were told today that the deadline has been extended to the 22nd. PLEASE continue to collect jeans from neighbors, friends, and family. We definitely want to win this competition!!
8th grade Formal Dance
The 8th grade formal dance will be Friday, May 29th from 7-10pm at San Juan Del Rio. Students will vote on a theme in homeroom next week.
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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!!!
Color Us Crazy Run
Our 2nd Annual Color Us Crazy Run will be on Friday, May 1, 2015. Our committee will hold it's first meeting Thursday, January 29th at noon at Don Juan's Restaurant on San Jose Boulevard. Please email us at SPMSPTSO@hotmail.com
if you plan on attending - we'd love to have your help! (Color Us Crazy is a fun run and family night where we toss packets of colored cornstarch on the students as they run by. It is so much fun - the kids love it and I think, the parents love it even more!)
Magazine Sales
You can order magazines all year long! Please visit www.gaschoolstore.com and enter school ID 2529543.
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 25 Box Tops turned in. Thanks in advance!
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Volunteer Information
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The SignUp Genius will be sent out next week!!!
Starting in early March, testing will begin for the FSA in Writing and District Determined Assessments. A SignUp Genius request will go out mid February asking for many proctors. There will from 4-10 people needed per day for MANY days. This will give everyone an opportunity to help with this very necessary volunteer experience.
Any questions regarding proctoring please contact Lisa Mason, test Coordinator at 547-8637 or lisa.mason@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Thanks if advance for all who will 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
8th grade parents: I hope you were able to attend the informational parent night either at Bartram Trail High School or Creekside High School this past week! Please refer to the high school's website for important information, announcements, dates, forms, etc. concerning high school next school year. It'll be here before you know it!
Seaton's Corner
As you know, we collect (anonymously) questions/problems from students during the year pertaining to middle school life in a similar fashion as "Dear Abby" articles. We call ours "Dear Raider Aide". Many times we will have a student give the advice. So that makes it even more fun and a unique learning experience for all! Here's our anonymous question/problem for this article:
"Dear Raider Aide, my mom has too many rules about me using the computer. How can I stop her from being so mean?"
(Response written by Nick Snedeker, a 6th grader): "I know that it's not fun, but it's actually helping you. Your parent is just making sure that you are getting good information. Your parents are being like that because they care about you and want you to be safe".
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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
Requirements for 7th Grade
VERY IMPORTANT! Rising 7th graders can NOT attend classes or recieve their schedule in August without proof of Tdap vaccine! This shot must be documented on a DH 680 (Florida Shot Record). Please do not wait until the last minute to get this. If you have any questions, please contact Joan Beccard in the clinic at 547/8628. Check with your physician to see if your student has already had the shot and have them document the Tdap alomg with your student's other immunizations on the DH 680. If you choose to go to a walk in clinic you must ask the clnic to print a hard copy ot the DH 680 with shows the Tdap your child received. A receipt from the clinic will not be accepted. If you choose to go to the St. Johns County Health Department , phone number 825-5055, please call ahead to see if you qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program.
Asthma Workshops
Click here to view the upcoming community asthmas workshop schedule from January 6-June 13.
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Raider Band News
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As usual Mrs. Zentz, Mr. Justice and all of our bands are very busy. Right now over 100 students are practicing for Solo & Ensembles that will be held at Creekside on February 6th and 7th. Students volunteer to prepare a piece of music and perform it before a judge. This takes dedication and courage. Students then wait to be scored by those judges and receive feedback from them. They are performing along with high school students and in the past they have represented our school with great marks. We expect no less from them this year.
Directly after that students will be putting the finishing touches on the music they will be performing at MPA. Students will be bussed to Mandarin Middle School on March 6th and 7th. This performance will also be critiqued and graded by a panel of excellent judges. This will count toward our students final exams.
Fundraisers
To fund our excellent band program we are always excited to offer carefully chosen fund raisers.
Currently we have our Dunkin Donuts Coffee Fundraiser beginning. You can order a bag of coffee for $9.00 by Feb 12th/13th and we will deliver to students around the 4th week of February. Order forms can be picked up from Mrs Zentz or printed here. We have a fundraiser with Bozard Ford that continues on from last year. Purchase an oil change certificate for $20: a $35 value. These certificates are good until June 1, 2105 and ALL of the funds raised stay with our band program. Thank you Bozard Ford. Forms again are available with Mrs.Zentz or contact Michelle Bedell, michellebedell@gmail.com.
Another continuing fundraiser is our car magnets for $5. They are in Mrs Zentz's office and are available the day you send in your money. Wear your school and band pride on your car!
We will also have two more Firehouse Sub nights this year. Put February 11th and March 20th on your calendars now and treat yourself to a night of no cooking! Show the SPMS Band flyer when you order and we receive a percentage of your order. This can be done at the Firehouse on 210 or on 13, whichever is more convenient for you. Firehouse Sub Flyer
Our last fundraising opportunity right now is Chip In for Youth Tickets for The Players on May 5 - 10, 2015. These tickets are available for $45, cheaper than purchasing them elsewhere, AND we keep $25 of that for our band. Another perk is that they can be used any day of the tournament. You can order them directly by going to www.chipinforyouth.com and entering our code, which is SPMSRAIDERBAND. The deadline to order these tickets is April 24th, 2015.
Thank you for supporting our fantastic Raider Bands!!!
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Monday, February 16th- No School- President's Day
Tuesday, February 17th- Silver Day
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Road Raiders, 2-3:00 pm
Musical Rehearsals for scenes 11-12, 2-5 pm, Auditorium
Rising 8th Grade Informational Meeting on Scheduling, 7pm Auditorium
Wednesday, February 18th- Black Day
Film Club, 1-3pm, Mr. Moseley's Lab
Winterguard, 1-5:00 pm, Gym
Virtual Testing, 1-3:00 pm, Lab 650
FCA Meeting, 1-2:30 pm, Patio
SAC Meeting, 3:30pm, Room 640
Thursday- February 19th- Silver Day
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Musical Rehearsals for scenes 1-7, 2-5 pm, Auditorium
Garden Club, 2-2:50 pm, Portable 5
Road Raiders, 2-3:00 pm
Book Club, 2-3:00 pm, Media Center
SWAT Club, 2:15-3:00 pm, PE Classroom
Jr Grizzlie Lacross Practice, 2:00-3:15
Rising 7th Grade Informational Meeting on Scheduling, 7pm in auditorium
Friday, February 20th- Black Day
Florida Vocal Association Solo & Ensemble Festival, Douglas Anderson High School
Character Counts Luncheon, during A, B, C lunches
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Debate Club, 2-3:00 pm, Mrs. Pantano's Room
Grades Updated in HAC by 3:00 pm
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Policy Reminders
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We have been informed by the district that ALL parents that plan on entering the building during the day before or after school ,even if students are not in the building, need to be cleared. We are asking that EVERY parent or guardian that might be on campus for a conference, IEP meeting, 504 meeting or for anything else, PLEASE click on the link below to register for access.
Click here to go to the School Access Form
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Athletics
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The Saint Johns Middle School Athletic Association ("SJMSAA") middle school sports program is not operated or sponsored by the St. Johns County School District. SJMSAA is an independent, private non-profit corporation, which uses District middle school names and facilities under a license agreement with the District, and which is solely responsible for the operation of the SJMSAA middle school sports program and its individual teams.
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.
If you are participating in the districts character counts 6K please check Edmodo for the link. Also, remember to log your miles on the calendar or track them in a journal for the month of Feb. You are competing to meet the goal of 50 miles total for the month of February. Good Luck to all.
Winterguard-
GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND!
SPMS Winterguard first performance of the 2015 season this Saturday, Jan 24th in Longwood, Florida.
Jan 24, 2015 Premier East Lyman HS Orlando, FL-
Great Job Winterguard Team!
Feb 7, 2015
Way to Go Winterguard Raiders!!
Feb 14, 2015 Fleming Island Fleming Island, FL
Feb 21, 2015 Lyman High School Longwood, FL
Mar 21, 2015 Fletcher High School Neptune Beach, FL
SJMSAA Tennis
The tennis teams will be practicing and it will be announced when they compete. Check future emails for games and times.
SJMSAA Baseball
The Boys Baseball team will be practicing for a couple of weeks. Check future Raider Raps for games and times.
SJMSAA Softball
The softball team will be practicing and it will be announced when they play. Check future emails for games and times.
St. Augustine Volleyball Association
Click here to view information regarding the St. Augustine Volleyball Association rec league. Starting February 4th and running until March 11th.
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.
Junior Golf Tour
Click here to view information on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour.
SJMSAA Golf
Look to future Raider Raps for team selection.
SPMS Basketball
The Girls ending their season with a 6 and 3 record. The Boys ended their season with a 4 and 5 record. Playoff will start on Wednesday February 18 here starting at 5:30 pm.
Field of Dreams Baseball
Click here to view the flyer with information on the Field of Dreams Baseball. Opening Day is Saturday, February 14th starting at 10:00 am.
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
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Student Corner
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2015 SPMS Variety Show
You are invited to the 2015 SPMS Variety Show!
When: Febuary 26th at 2:30- Must have a pre-purchased ticket to attend
February 27th at 7:00 pm- Tickets can be pre-purchased or purchased at the door
Where: SPMS Auditorium
Cost: $5- Tickets will be on sale during lunch beginning February 24th
Benefits: Dreams come True to sponsor a "Dream" for a child with a life-threatening illness
Featuring: Singing, dancing and lots of great entertainment!
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.
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
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.
Timeline
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
DATE CHANGE DATE CHANGE DATE CHANGE
School wide Battle of the Books will be held on MONDAY, MARCH 2ND! DUE TO SCHOOL SCHEDULING CONFLICT.
Anyone is welcome to come and be on a team. The second battle will include the books: Far, Far Away, Apothecary, The Ghosts of Graylock, Dead City, Half Upon a Time, Endangered, The Boy at the End of the World and Variant. The Battle will be over by 3:30 and all members should have a ride home at that time.
If you would like to be on the County Team you will need to come to the Media Center and speak with Mrs. Gill and get a quiz on ALL 15 books. This quiz needs to be done at school and can be taken during lunch or before/after school. The percentage on this quiz will determine who makes the team. The date of the county battle is still to be determined.
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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 February 16th
Monday- No School- President's Day
Tuesday- Cheese or Pepperoni Calzonettes, 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
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- 2/11/2014
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
February 2015 School Happenings Calendar
Click here to view the February 2015 School Happenings Calendar for the St Johns County School District.
Chocolate and Beyond
Click here to view a flyer regarding the Chocolate and Beyond event on Saturday, February 82, 2015 from 2-4 pm at the First Coast Technical College on 2980 collins Avenue in Saint Augustine. For more information call 914 547-3945
SJCSD Early Registration
Click here to view the Media Release from the district regarding dates for early registration for the 2015-2016 school year.
SJCSD "Redirecting Children's Behavior" Course
Click here to view the flyer from the district about a great course to help parents eliminate arguing, scolding and threatening, fell positive about your parenting skills, create more time for yourself, and develop and promote agreements instead of fighting. Many SPMS parents have attended in the past and have said that it is beneficial. The course is help from April 30th through May 28th.
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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Unite to Fight Congenital Heart Disease
Click here to view flyer regarding an event to help raise money for Congenital Heart Disease. the walk is on Saturday, March 28 at UNF with registration starting at 8 am. It is a family friendly 2 mile walk. Join #TeamBlake in support of Mrs. Hunter's son.
Mini-Golf & Fun day Food Drive
Click here to view a flyer to support the St. Francis House, the only full-time emergency shelter between Jacksonville and Daytona. The event will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Bring your non-perishable food donation of 6-8 items and receive a discount ticket to play a game of mini-golf at Fiesta Falls.
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