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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Thank you to everyone who attended the Rising 8th & Rising 7th grade informational meetings for scheduling this week. The Rising 6th grade meeting is this Monday, Feb. 23rd at 7pm. The back doors to the building will be open, so parents can park in the bus loop and back parking lot. The Option Verification Sheets for all students are due Friday, Feb. 27th.
Update on Jeans Drive
Last Friday, we had to submit our count AND we were informed that the deadline to collect had been extended until Feb. 22nd. We decided not to report our full count, since our competition would have another week to collect. We only reported 5,126. We were sent an updated ranking on Thursday and Swiss Point was #1!!! The 2nd place school was a surprise - South Anchorage HS with 4,248. Our competition all along, Harriet G. Eddy MS in CA moved to 3rd with 4,140. Mrs. Huber has to submit our final count of 6,338 this Sunday. WOW!! Keep your fingers crossed that we are the winners! Thank you to everyone who has cleaned closets, collected from neighbors and co-workers, and have even purchased used jeans for us!!
Dreams Come True Club
The DCT Club at Swiss Point hosts an Annual Variety Show as one of their fundraisers. The club has sponsored a $5,000 to $7,000 dream for a child with a life-threatening illness for the past 15 years. DCT Club members are asking for your support again this year by attending the annual event. Tickets are $5 each and ALL proceeds go directly to supporting a dream.
Show dates and times:
Thursday, Feb. 26th from 2:15 to 4:15pm. Tickets MUST be pre-purchased during lunch. Parent pick-up will be in the bus loop at 4:15pm. Please be on time.
Friday, Feb. 27th at 7pm.
We ask that unaccompanied students attend the show Thursday after school and not Friday night.
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.
Review of Different Tests
FSA (Florida Standards Assessment)
FSA Writing - all grades - 6th & 7th paper pencil, 8th on the computer. The exam is 90mins plus an extra 30mins if needed for this year.
FSA Reading - all grades - administered on the computer
2 sessions - 80 minutes each administered over 2 days
FSA Math - all grades (excluding Algebra & Geometry)
3 sessions - 60 minutes each administered with session 1 on day 1 and sessions 2 & 3 on day 2. All sessions are administered on the computer.
FCAT 2.0 Science - 8th grade only - administered paper/pencil. Both 90 min sessions are administered on one day.
EOC (End-of-Course) Exam
State exam administered in MS Civics, HS Algebra, and HS Geometery. The exam counts 30% of the student's overall course grade. The exams are administered on the computer.
DDA (District Determined Assessment)
District created exam for core courses not tested under the State testing system and all non-core courses. The exam will count as 1 summative grade for the student and will count for at least 40% of the teacher's final evaluation.
Testing Dates
PLEASE mark your calendar with the dates below that your child will be testing. Attendance is extremely important on these testing days.
FSA Writing - Administered through Language Arts classes
Monday, March 2nd - Black 3
Tuesday, March 3rd - Silver 2 & Silver 3
Wednesday, March 4th - Silver 4
Thursday, March 5th - Black 2 & Black 3
Click here to read parent letter for FSA Writing - 6th & 7th grades
Click here to read paret letter for FSA Writing 8th grade
DDA for 6th & 7th grade Science
Friday, March 6th & Monday, March 7th - paper/pencil test through their science class.
DDA for 6th & 8th grade Social Studies
Tuesday, March 10th & Wednesday, March 11th - administered on the computer. 6th grade will take through their computer class. 8th grade will take through their US History class in a computer lab.
DDAs for year-long non-core courses all grades
Wednesday, March 25th through Monday, March 30th - all will be administered on the computer. 6th & 7th graders will take there exams through their computer class.
FSA Reading 6th grade
Monday, April 13th & Tuesday, April 14th
FSA Reading 7th grade
Wednesday, April 15th & Thursday, April 16th
FSA Reading 8th grade
Friday, April 17th & Monday, April 20th
FSA Reading Make-up exams for all grade levels
Tuesday, April 21st & Wednesdday, April 22nd
FSA Math 6th grade
Thursday, April 23rd through Tuesday, April 28th
FSA Math 7th grade
Wednesday, April 29th through Monday, May 4th
FCAT 2.0 Science 8th grade
Thursday, April 30th
FSA Math 8th grade
Tuesday, May 5th through Friday, May 8th
Algebra EOC
Monday, May 11th & Tuesday, May 12th
Geometry EOC
Wednesday, May 13th & Thursday, May 14th
Civics EOC
Friday, May 15th & Monday, May 18th
DDAs for semester non-core courses
Tuesday, May 19th through Wednesday, May 27th
4th Quarter District Assessments
Friday, May 29th through Wednesday, June 3rd
4th Quarter District Assessments - make-ups
Last day of school, Thursday, June 4th
FSA Portal
To learn more information about the FSA Writing, Reading & Math exams, you can visit the FSA Portal on the FL Department of Education website.
Link to FSA Portal
Canned Food Drive
We are holding a spring canned food drive that gives us the chance to win a $1000 gift card from Publix, and feed the hungry! Please help us feed our community by donating at least one can! You can turn in your cans to your homeroom teacher, and if your homeroom has the most cans you win a DONUT PARTY! The drive runs from now until February 27th! Thank you for your support!
Creekside's Freshman Day
Registration for Creekside's Freshman Day this summer is now live on their website. Please sign up soon.
Click here to go to Creekside's website
The link to register can be found in the gray column on the right hand side.
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 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!!!
Next PTSO Meeting: Friday, Feb 27th at 10:30 am
Join us at school in the auditorium for our February PTSO meeting. We'll be discussing next year's fundraisers, future events, and hearing from our principal.
Following the meeting we'll be going to lunch for an update on the Swiss Point Cares program where we are helping families in our district who are struggling. It's a great and easy way to get involved, help our school and community.
Please RSVP to SPMSPTSO@hotmail.com See you there!
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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It is Done!
A SighUp was sent out earlier this week requesting proctors for the FSA Writing Test. If you wish to proctor, please go to www.signupgenius.com. Go to find a signup and enter email address cynthia.casper@stjohns.k12.fl.us Thanks in advance to all those who are willing to help!
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
Character Counts luncheon - a huge success! We had 76 students who received Character Counts Awards from teacher nominations today! How awesome, what a huge group! A HUGE shout out to Mrs. Colleen Wood, the PTSO president for securing PDQ lunches for each of these students! The students were quite excited, not just for the awards they received from their teacher but for a really good lunch! Congratulations to these 76 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 from the Feb. 18th meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the Sep. 17th meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the Oct. 25th meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the Nov. 19th meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the Dec. 17th meeting.
SAC NEWS
The next SAC meeting is Wednesday, April 15th 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
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 23rd- Silver Day
Jr. Grizzlies Lacrosse Practice, 2-3:15pm
Student Council Meeting, 2-3:00 pm, Room 430
Basketball Playoff Games
5:30pm Girls at Swiss vs Gamble Rogers
6:30pm Boys at Landrum
Rising 6th Grade Informational Meeting, 7-8:30 pm, Auditorium
Tuesday, February 24th- Black Day
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Road Raiders, 2-3:00 pm
4-H Club, 2:15-3:15 pm, Ms. Geiger's Room
DCT Variety Show Dress Rehearsal, 2-6pm in auditorium
Wednesday, February 25th- Silver Day
Film Club, 1-3:00 pm, Mr. Moseley's Lab
Winterguard, 1-5:00 pm, Gym
DCT Variety Show Dress Rehearsal, 2-6pm in auditorium
Basketball Playoff Game - TBA - depends upon results of Monday night
Thursday- February 26th- Black Day
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Garden Club, 2-2:50 pm, Portable 5
Road Raiders, 2-3:00 pm
Jr Grizzlie Lacross Practice, 2:00-3:15
Dreams Come True Variety Show, 2:15-4:15 pm, Auditorium, Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance
Friday, February 27th- Silver Day
Option Verification Forms Due
Basketball Practice, 2-6:00 pm, Gym
Debate Club, 2-3:00 pm, Mrs. Pantano's Room
Video Game Club Meeting, 2-3:00 pm, Room 355
Dreams Come True Variety Show, 7-9:00 pm, Auditorium, Tickets are $5
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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
Our SPMS team placed 3rd! Way to go Raiders!
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.
Creekside High School Elementary & Middle School Track and Field Championship
There will be a Elementary and Middle School Track and Field Championship at Creekside High School oon wednesday April 1st starting at 3:45 pm. Click here to view the flyer.
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 2nd basketball playoff game will be held on Monday, February 23rd. The Girls will be playing at home at 5:30 against Gamble Rogers. The Boys will be playing away at Landrum at 6:30. The third playoff game TBA.
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!
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.
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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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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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
REMINDER.........DATE CHANGE........IN ONE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!
School wide Battle of the Books will be held on MONDAY, MARCH 2ND!
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 23rd
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 or Pepperoni Pizza, Fajita Chicken Salad, Chicken Nuggets, Hamburger, Cucumber & Carrot 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- 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
Summer Marine Science Camp Program
Click here to view information regarding the Summer Marine Science Program for the summer of 2015. Applications are being passed out in schools this week and are due back to science teachers by February 27th.
ESE Parent Survey Open
The 2014-2015 ESE Parent Survey will be open from February 1 through May 31, 2015. We strongly encourage parents to go online and take the survey which can be accessed at: http://www.esesurvey.com. Parents who would like to participate but are unable to access the online survey or have requested a paper version may pick one up from Mrs. Casper, SPMS Guidance Secretary.
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 28, 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.
Creekside High School Musical Announcement
"Many moons ago in a far-off place, lived a handsome prince with a gloomy face for he did not have a bride". Poor Prince Dauntless the Drab is looking for the girl of his dreams when the Wacky Winifred arrives as the castle doors. Will she be the princess the kingdom's been waiting for? You can find out but coming to see Once Upon Mattress at Creekside High School on March 5th, 6th, or 7th at 7pm. Can't make one of the evening performances, come check out the understudy cast for a matinee performance at 2pm on March 8th. All shows will be held in the Creekside High School Auditorium located at 100 Knights Lane in St. Johns. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $10. Once Upon a Mattress is a fun musical rendition of "The Princess and the Pea" and is a great family friendly show that you don't want to miss! Will this kingdom find it's happily ever after? Or will the queen get her way yet again?
4-Day Spring Break Modeling Camps
Click here to view a flyer form Sessions Studio Inc and a spring break camp being offered to teens and up!
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