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Switzerland Point Middle School

 777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL  32259
547-8650
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Message from Mrs. Kunze 

We are very excited to announce Swiss Point's 15-16 Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year.  

Mrs. Laurie Zentz will represent Swiss Point as our Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Zentz is our band director, who does a fabulous job teaching our students to play an instrument and to have a passion for music.  We are the only middle school in the district that has over 400 students enrolled in band, has 2 jazz bands, and has 1.5 band teachers.  Mrs. Zentz has built a very successful program at Swiss and is very deserving to be our Teacher of the Year.  

Melissa Stanke, 8th grade Science Teacher, will represent Swiss Point as our Rookie Teacher of the Year.  This is 
Ms. Stanke's 2nd year of teaching and you would never know.  She creates outstanding lesson plans that keep the students engaged and makes learning science so much fun! We wish both of these amazing teachers good luck in the district competition!

Please make sure that you are checking your child's progress on HAC.  Grades were updated today.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the teacher first.

Are you a registered voter?  The last day to register to vote for this year is Monday, October 5th.

The 2nd DC payment is due this Friday, October 2nd to Mrs. Robbins.  The student payment is $210 and the adult payment is $250.  We have 4 seats remaining for the DC trip.  If your child would like to attend or you have changed your mind and would like to chaperone, please contact Mrs. Robbins at Deborah.Robbins@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Swiss Point has a Shoparoo account.  Shoparoo is an extremely easy way to fundraise for Swiss Point.  All you have to do is download the app on your phone and take pictures of your shopping receipts.  We earn points for each receipt, which turn into dollars for Swiss!  How easy!  Patroit Oaks just received $1,000.  Please download the app today and enter Swiss Point's code - swub3488.

Personnel changes
6th grade Counselor - Shelley Helfinstine has moved from Ohio and should be cleared to start sometime this week. 
Pre-Algebra & Math 2 Advanced teacher (replacing Mrs. Collier) - We interviewed this week and recommended Karen Smith to HR.  Mrs. Smith is moving here from New York.  Until Mrs. Smith is approved to start, Mrs. Stackhouse, Assistant Principal, is teaching the skinny class and Mrs. Dean, Testing Coordinator, is teaching all other sections.  Both of these ladies are former math teachers in our district and are very qualified.

Road Raiders are back!!  We could not find a teacher willing to sponsor Road Raiders, so we searched outside of school.  We have a former Swiss Point & Bartram Trail student, Kaitlin King, who is sponsoring the club.  Kaitlin is a junior at UNF majoring in Sports Management.  She played basketball at Swiss & Bartram and is very excited to be working with our students.  Due to Ms. King's class schedule, Road Raiders is moving to the evening.  Students who would like to participate will run on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.  We will start this Tuesday, September 29th.  Students need to be dropped off in the back of the school at the back patio.  Pick-up will be in the back as well. 

During Raider Hour on Tuesday, September 29th, we will have the following activities:  NJHS meeting in auditorium (White), Debate club (Worth), 7&8th gr Art club meeting (Montesano), and Winterguard meeting in MPR (Dowling).   If a student has to make-up a test or see a teacher for remediation that trumps going to a club meeting.  Taking care of academic concerns is always the #1 priority for Raider Hour.  

On Monday your child will bring home a catalog for a Swiss Point fundraiser through Charleston Wrap.  The fundraiser will run through October 9th and we are encouraging all students to participate.  The funds generated through this fundraiser will go towards enhancing technology at SPMS.

In December students will take mid-term exams in year long courses and final exams in semester courses.  The December testing schedule is below.  PLEASE review the schedule before making appointments or travel plans.  It is extremely important that students are present for these exams.


Helping Your Child Succeed on Florida Standard Assessments and State EOCs
There are many informational meetings for families of middle and high school studnets to help your child succeed.  Click here to view flyer.

Important Dates to remember as you are making holiday plans.
Wednesday, November 25th IS a school day this year.
Friday, December 18th is our last day before Winter Break.  Students will have a 1pm dismissal on the 18th.

PTSO Information
Visit the PTSO website at www.SwissPointPTSO.com or email at SPMSPTSO@hotmail.com !
Please check out and "LIKE" our Facebook page! 
https://www.facebook.com/SwissPointPTSO

Next Meeting
SPMS PTSO's next meeting is Monday, October 26th at 10am in the Multi-Purpose Room at SPMS.  ALL are welcome to attend and learn more about what your PTSO does for Switzerland Point Middle School students!  There are lots of ways for you to get as involved as you want!
 
We are also looking for someone to be a part of our Character Counts Committee!  This is a fabulous program that rewards those students who are recognized for exhibiting excellent character in class, the hallways, and towards others!  This consists of a lunch provided by the PTSO from Zaxby's!!

Magazine Sales 
Students who earned the Limo Ride/Pizza lunch, it will be on Wednesday, October 21st and the Extreme Party will be on Friday, October 23rd.  

Please visit and shop at
 www.gaschoolstore.com  School ID: 2529543.  

If you have any questions, Please contact Mary Panariello at mary.panariello@hrblock.com
 
We are currently seeking businesses that are interested in sponsoring events and becoming Partners in Education at SPMS.  No donation is too small and we will work to find a way to support each other.  Please contact Monina Mulleague at monina468@msn.com for more information and thank you for the consideration!
 
Please continue to turn in your Box Tops and Campbell soup labels.  The money we raise from these items help support all sorts of things around the school including your teacher and student's needs.
 
Cafeteria Information
The St Johns County School District has release information regarding a parent guide to help answer and questions regarding the Food Service Department.

Lunch Menu for the Week of September 28th

Monday-  Homestyle Mac & Cheese, BBQ Chicken Max Snax, Chicken Nuggets, Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Green Beans, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Assorted Fruit, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, White Wheat Roll, Variety of Milk
 
Tuesday-  Mini Corn Dogs, Mini Cheese Ravioli, Max Cheese Sticks, Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Celery Stick & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn,  Marinara Dipping Sauce, Assorted Fruit, Garlic Breadstick, Ketchup, Mustard, Dipping Sauce, Variety of Milk
 
Wednesday-    Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Nuggets, Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Celery Stick & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Fresh Apple Slices, Assorted Fruit, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
 
Thursday-  Cheeseburger, Spicy Chicken, Chicken Nuggets, Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Celery Stick & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Crispy Baked Potato Cuts, Assorted Fruit, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, Variety of Milk

Friday-  Hot Dog, Chicken Nuggets, Max Cheese Sticks, Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Celery Stick & Cucumber Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Baked Beans, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Choice of 100% Juice, Assorted Fruit, Ketchup, Mustard,  Variety of Milk
 
Daily Rotation
For the Week of September 28st

Food Drive Continues Through October 16

Monday, September 28-  Black Day
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Volleyball games at Pacetti Bay, girls start at 5:30 and boys start directly after.

Tuesday, September 29 Silver Day
**Raider Hour- Wednesday Bell Schedule**
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
Intramural Football, 2-3:00 pm, Meet in Gym
Fall Lacrosse, 2:15-3:45 pm, with Coach Jackowiak
Boys Volleyball Practice, 4-5:30pm, Gym

Wednesday, September 30- Black Day- Early Release
Winterguard Practice, 1-5:30pm, Gym
Volleyball Game at Sebastian, Girls start at 5:30. Boys directly following.
JV Football Study Hall, 2-4:00 pm, cafeteria

Thurday, October 1- Silver Day
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Intramural Football, 2-3:00 pm
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
Fall Lacrosse, 2:15-3:45 pm, with Coach Jackowiak
Boys Volleyball Practice, 4-5:30pm, Gym

Friday, October 2- Black Day
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
Boys Volleyball Practice, 4-5:30 pm, Gym
ITS Club Meeting, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
Volunteer Information


 

There are no volunteer opportunities at this time.

 


Guidance News
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.   
Cynthia Dean- Testing Coordinator

Character Counts Luncheon - a huge success!
We had a total of 73 students who received Character Counts Awards from teacher nominations today!  How awesome!  A HUGE shout out to the PTSO for securing Zaxby's finger lunches for each of these students!  Very nice!  The students were so excited for the awards they received from their teacher and for a delicious free lunch!  The other students in the cafeteria were quite envious!  Congratulations to these 73 students for their exemplary character!  If your child received an award, please check it out to see what their teacher wrote!  

Friday, October 23rd the St. Johns County Children's Behavioral Health Summit. This conference is open to interested educators and parents in St. Johns County. The conference will address the mental health issues that children in our county are experiencing and discuss what can be done as a community to better meet their needs. For more information, please click here for more detailed information

SAC News
Sarah Lewis, SAC Chair 

School Advisory Council Meeting
Switzerland Point Middle School
Meeting Dates, 2015-2016 School Year
 *Meetings Start Promptly at 3:30pm*
Wednesday, September 16th- 
Wednesday, October 21th
 Wednesday, November 18th
Wednesday, December 16th
No Meeting in January, 2015
Wednesday, February 17th
 No Meeting in March, 2015
 Wednesday, April 20th
Wednesday, May 18st
Media Center News
Judy Gill, Media Specialist
Chris Southworth, Media Paraprofessional

Congratulations to Robby Snider who has read all 15 Sunshine State Books!

There are lots of activities going on in the Media Center with library lunch, MakerSpace, Reading Raiders Book Club, and 31 Days of Thrillers (for the month of October)  Stop by and see the "Thrilling Books" we suggest for this month.

Please make sure your student is returning their books on time.  There is a date slip at the front of their book when it is due.  Every day that the book is overdue, the student has a .05 fee.  There are many late fees that have accumulated already this year.  Please remind your student to return their books. A student can renew their book one time if they are not finished with the book.  (Unless the book is on hold for another student OR it's a Sunshine State Book) 

We have a TON of new titles that have started to come in.  Your students are enjoying the new books.  There are a small section of books that are designated 8th grade only due to content.  These books are to be checked out by 8th graders only.  If at any time your 6th or 7th grade student wants to check out one of these books, a parent permission slip will be sent home for a signature.
 

Band News
  
Check out the band website for our new "Band Pride Decals" for your car window!  We also have Bozard Ford Oil Changes for $20.  Thank you for supporting our fabulous band program!  

Band Parents, be sure to check out the band website for the current band calendar, the band handbook, and the latest news. 


The Middle Years
Welcome to the newest section of the Raider Rap: The Middle Years, Working Together for School Success!  Each week a new article will be posted with helpful information regarding your middle schooler!  Sections of the publication include Short Stops, Questions/Answers, and Parent to Parent.  These articles come out once a month with supplemental articles published frequently.  Hope you enjoy this worthwhile information.
Click the publication date below to view:
This article gives great suggestions on creating smart passwords, cyber safety, protecting image and so much more.
From the Nurse
Joan Beccard
Licensed Practical Nurse 
547-8628 

It is not too early to start thinking about getting your student's Tdap for 7th grade. There were about 130 students that 2 weeks before school started had not brought proof of the Tdap to us or received it. Please don't be that person! Once your student is 11 years old they can receive their Tdap which is required for entrance into the 7th grade. You will need to bring us proof of that shot on a Florida 680 shot record. No receipts will be accepted. If you have any questions call 547-8628 or email me at the email above.
Athletics
NOTICE:
The Saint Johns Middle School Athletic Association ("SJMSAA") middle school sports program is not operated or sponsored by the St. Johns County School District. SJMSAA is an independent, private non-profit corporation, which uses District middle school names and facilities under a license agreement with the District, and which is solely responsible for the operation of the SJMSAA middle school sports program and its individual teams.

SJMSAA Raider Football
Congratularions to the Varisity football team as they defeated Landrum Middle School in the homecoming game. Great job!
The JV football team lost to Fruit Cove Middle School.
Good luch to both teams in their next game!

SJMSAA Raider Baseball
Congratulations to the SPMS SJMSAA Raider 
Varsity Baseball team 
Evan Loeser
Nick Comfort
Ryan Turner
Michael French
Kyle Beckmeyer
Tyson Fitzgerald
Caleb Rolison (IR)
Jacob toenjes
Luke Ussery
Blake Falor
Jack Smith
Solomon Stokes
Jacob Topping
Tyler Metz
Sean Lynch
Christopher Harris
Noah Curlin (IR)
Nick Scarpiello (IR)

Congratulations to the SPMS SJMSAA Raider 
Junior Varsity Baseball team 
Max Miller
Alex Loudise
Cole Piekarczyk
Bryce Kemper
Braden Neely
Bryce Wohl
Ehtan Golema
Ben Rolison 
Daniel Turner
Hayden Henry
Thaxton Johnson
Matt Focht
Jacob Dixon
Mr. Mack would like to express his pride and appreciation to all the players who came to try out.  All students worked very hard.  

Swiss Point Volleyball
Games Schedule.  Girls start at 5:30 and boys start at 6:30.

Date            Opponent      Place        Time
Mon, 9/14    LPA               Away        5:30/6:30 pm
Wed. 9/16    POA              Home       5:30/6:30 pm
Mon. 9/21     Landrum       Home       5:30/6:30 pm
Wed. 9/23    Murray          Away        5:30/6:30 pm
Mon. 9/28    Pacetti Bay   Away        5:30/6:30 pm
Wed. 9/30   Sebastian      Away        5:30/6:30 pm
Mon. 10/5    Gamble         Home       5:30/6:30 pm
Wed. 10/7   Valley Ridge  Home       5:30/6:30 pm
Mon. 10/12  Fruit Cove     Away        5:30/6:30 pm
Wed. 10/14  Playoffs        
Mon. 10/28  Championship Game

Congratulation to the boys and girls volleybal teams as they defeated Murray Middle School!  The next game will be on Monday versus Pacetti Bay.  Go raiders!

Swiss Point Girls Lacrosse Fall Academy
Swiss Point Middle School is excited to announce its first ever girls lacrosse "Fall Ball Academy" for 6th -8th grade girls interested in playing lacrosse.  Beginner, intermediate and advanced players are all welcome to join!  Come be a part of the fastest growing sport in the U.S.!  We will be working on the fundamental skills of lacrosse in a positive and fun environment.  Girls will participate in basic drills, games and scrimmages.  There will be possible weekend clinic opportunities, including a clinic with local Bartram Trail high school players. Information for the fall academy is below.  
Click here for contact information and details.

SJMSAA Raider Soccer
The girls tryouts concluded yesterday and the boys tryouts are today and Monday.  Results will be posted next week.

Flagler Tennis
Click here to view informational flyer regarding the Flager College Tennis Program.

Policy Reminders

Access to the building

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.

NOTE:  Access files are good for 3 years.  Please do not apply again but call the school that you wish to have access to and they will help get the file updated. Call the school also to add SPMS to your list of schools you wish to have access to.

 

Go to www.stjohns.k12.fl.us, scroll down to Families and click on School Access Form

 

Attendance/Absent

In the event of an absence, a note signed by a parent/guardian is required within 48 hours of return, stating the date of absence, the specific reason for the absence and a parent/guardian signature.  Please write clearly advising the student's name as well.  the excuse note must be brought to the attendance office before or during homeroom. There is a red folder on the attendance office door where notes can be left at any other time of the day. The communication system will call home advising of the absence.  It is NOT necessary to call the school.  

 

Student's Corner
Food Drive
Switzerland Point Middle School is hosting a canned food drive. We are doing this to support local residents in need. Statistics show that 17 million children in the United States go hungry every day. 33% of the world population is considered hungry. More than 342,000 people in north Florida are considered to be food insecure. There are ways that you can help our leadership class solve this problem. This food drive will take place from September 14 through October 16. To help the families in need, please bring donations to 777 Greenbriar Road between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Another option is Christ's Cupboard Food Pantry located at 810 Robert's Road. We are trying to collect 5,000 cans. Items in high demand include, pasta, peanut butter, soup, canned vegetables spam, tuna. Help Switzerland Point Middle feed hungry family today. 

Lost Items
The lost and found in the front office will be donated to charity on Friday, October 2nd. Please have your student look for their lost items. There are lunch boxes, water bottles, hoodies, sweaters, pants, shirts, umbrellas, pencil cases and more.
Beyond the Bell



 
We currently have openings in Beyond the Bell.  If you are interested, please refer to the Extended Day Tab on the SPMS website for directions to register. All forms and fees must be paid prior to your child attending Beyond the Bell.

Any questions regarding Beyond the Bell, please contact the Manager: Christine.Southworth@stjohns.k12.fl.us  

From the District
Visit their website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
   
Superintendent's Report
The new issue of the Superintendent's Report is now posted at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/report/  The newsletter can also be found on the home page of the St. Johns County School District website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/
   
District Calendar for 15-16
Click here to view the approved 2015-2015 District Master Calendar. 

Community News vents
The Old Settlers Reunion
Mark your calendars! The Old Settlers Reunion returns to Alpine Groves Park on Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. This free annual event is designed to give participants a glimpse of life in the 1800's and features the historical homestead and the citrus business that once thrived there. Bring your chairs or picnic blankets and come out for a day of live music, demonstrations, historical presentations, children's games and activities and good old fashioned family fun. Vendors will be on hand selling lunch items, apple cider and fresh local vegetables and honey. Bring your cameras and take some early holiday photos in front of the seasonally decorated Bennett farmhouse! Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the park as you learn about the historical significance of this very special part of NW St. Johns County. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Alpine Park and the St.Johns County Parks and Recreation Department. Follow the Friends on Facebook at "Friends of Alpine Park." Or email friendsofalpinepark@gmail.comfor more information.
 


Dracula performing at BTHS
Are you afraid of the mysterious forces that lurk in the night? Beware the dark side is all around us: day and night.
Now the scene is set and you are beckoned to attend a theatrical performance of Bram Stoker's Dracula adapted by John Mattera, Dramatic Publishing on October 22-24(Thursday-Saturday), 2015 at Bartram Trail High School. 
The Haunted Dracula Corridor will open its doors at 6pm.  Dracula will begin at 7pm. Count Dracula demands punctuality, so don't be late. Beware this performance is PG.
Please feel free to dress in Dracula theme.
Tickets are $10/person and are on sale now.
To purchase tickets:
Email  
Call              904-547-8340, ext.2257(theatre dept.)
Ask a cast or crew member for a ticket.                     
 
Remaining tickets will be sold at the door one hour prior to each performance.

Free Junior Golf Clinic
Wolfon Children's Hospital is hosting a Free Junior Golf Clinic on Sunday, September 27 at 4:00 pm at TPC Sawgrass Driving Range.  
 
Father Daughter Dance Sponsored by girlsinc.
Click here to view flyer about the Father Daughter Dance sponsored by girlsinc on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 5:30-9:30 pm at the Renaissance Resort at The World Golf Village