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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser has been extended until Monday, October 12th. PLEASE encourage your child to participate in this fundraiser. All funds earned will be used to enhance technology.
Picture packets were delivered this afternoon and will be distributed to students in homeroom on Monday. Picture retakes are scheduled for Friday, October 16th during all 3 lunches. Order forms are available in the front office.
The Take Stock in Children Program began 20 years ago to help at-risk students reach their full potential through mentorships and scholarships. Please read more about this program in the "Guidance Section" below.
Currently, in our Reading Plus program used by 6th & 7th graders, students have until Sunday at midnight to complete assignments for the week. Starting 2nd quarter the week will end on Saturdays at midnight. On Sundays students will be able to work ahead on the next week's assignments. We are making this change, so students learn to plan for their week and work ahead instead of procrastinating and finishing the assignments at the last minute.
The 2014 - 2015 FSA student results are now available by state percentile rank for English/Language Arts (3-10), Math (3-8) and Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry EOCs. This data will not be used in any way for a student's grade. The student percentile rank has been placed in HAC. The state will provide individual student reports to schools by October 21st. For clarification, the state percentile will show how the student ranked among others in the state on a specific assessment at a particular grade level. Example: on the 6th grade Math assessment, if a student placed at the 58th percentile, that means the student performed better than 58% of all the other students in the state who took the 6th grade Math assessment. It is important to note that percentile rank is not the percent of questions that the student answered correctly.
Would you like to know more about the FL Standards Assessment (FSA)? If so, please plan on attending one of the district's informational meetings. Dates and locations are listed below. All meetings start at 6:30pm.
Elementary: K-5 Information
Thursday, October 15th, Osceola Elementary School
Tuesday, October 20th, Ocean Palms Elementary School
Thursday, October 22nd, South Woods Elementary School
Tuesday, October 27th, Mill Creek Elementary School
Thursday, October 29th, Timberlin Creek Elementary School
K-8 Academy: K-8 Information
Thursday, November 5th, Patriot Oaks Academy
Secondary: Grades 6-12 Information
Tuesday, October 13th, Pacetti Bay Middle School
Tuesday, October 20th, St. Augustine High School
Tuesday, October 27th, Sebastian Middle School
Each year we participate in National Unity Day (Unite Against Bullying), by wearing orange. This year Unity day is Wednesday, October 21st. Please encourage your child to participate to stand up and say no to bullying.
Red Ribbon Week is October 26th through the 30th
Every year at Swiss we celebrate Red Ribbon week and students being drug free. We have dress up days and competitions and encourage all students to participate.
Monday - Miss Matched Monday
"Never too crazy to say no to drugs."
Tuesday - Tacky Tourist day
"Travel with me to be Drug Free."
Wednesday - Superhero Day
"Be a Hero not a Zero, say no to drugs."
Thursday - Team Spirit
"Raiders Team up against drugs."
Friday - Red Out
"We are REDy to be drug free."
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
Mrs. Huber, 6th grade World History teacher, w
ill be moving to Bartram Trail HS on October 20th. Lisa Boyer, current Reading teacher, will take her position. We advertised and interviewed for a Reading teacher, but have re-advertised.
The next Raider Hour will not be until Tuesday, October 27th.
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.
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.
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PTSO Information
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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 your school!
Character Counts Committee
We are currently seeking someone to help with our Character Counts Committee! For more details please email us at spmsptso@hotmail.com
Spirit Wear Fridays!
Please remember to wear your Spirit Wear for "Spirit Fridays!" If you're lucky you just might get some ice cream during lunch for wearing it! Go Raiders!
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.
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.
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Cafeteria Information
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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 October 12th
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
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Daily Rotation
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For the Week of October 5th
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Extended Selling through Monday, October 12th
Food Drive Continues through October 16
No Raider Hour this week due to testing
Monday, October 12- Black Day
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-5:00 pm, Auditorium
Grades Updated in HAC by 3 pm
Tuesday, October 13- Silver Day
**Exams- LA & Science**
Intramural Basketball, 2-3:00 pm, meet on patio
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
Girls Fall Lacrosse, 2:15-3:45 pm, with Coach Jackowiak
Boys Volleyball Practice, 4-5pm, Gym
Special Olympics Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, Gym
Road Raiders, 5:30-6:30pm, cafeteria patio
Wednesday, October 14- Black Day- Early Release
**Exams- LA & Science**
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams, during lunches, cafeteria
Winterguard Practice, 1-5:30pm, Gym
FCA General Meeting, 1-2:30 pm, Patio
Volleyball Playoff Game HOME, Girls start at 5:30. Boys directly following.
Supervised testing for students taking virtual course, TBA, Lab 650
Thurday, October 15- Silver Day
**Exams- Math & Social Studies**
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams, during lunches, cafeteria
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
Girls Fall Lacrosse, 2:15-3:45 pm, with Coach Jackowiak
Varsity Football Study Hall, 2-4:00 pm, Cafeteria
Intramural Basketball, 2-3:00 pm, meet on patio
Boys Volleyball Practice, 4-5:30pm, Gym
Special Olympics Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, GymRoad Raiders, 5:30-6:30pm, cafeteria patio
Friday, October 16- Black Day
**Exams- Math & Social Studies**
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams, during lunches, cafeteria
**Last Day of 1st Quarter
Picture Retakes during lunches
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
ITS Club Meeting, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
Boys Volleyball Practice, 4-5:30 pm, Gym
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Volunteer Information
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There are no volunteer opportunities at this time.
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Guidance News
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Guidance Counselors
Shelley Helfinstine-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
Welcome Shelley Helfinstine!
Guidance Counselor for all of 6th grade and
7th grade A-L!
Take Stock in Children
The Take Stock in Children Program began 20 years ago to help at-risk students reach their full potential through mentorships and scholarships. To be considered for participation in the INK - Take Stock in Children Program in St. Johns County a student must:
1.) Be an active 7th or 8th grader in a St. Johns School District Public School
2.) Be eligible for free/reduced lunch (even if he/she does not receive the service)
3.) Be able to maintain a "C" in all classes (academic & electives)
4.) Agree to meet with a background cleared, trained mentor at school once a week
5.) Agree to remain alcohol, drug, crime and gang free throughout participation in the program
6.) Have one existing risk factor (there are about 30 different circumstances that qualify)
If a selected student completes the program, upon graduation he/she will receive 60 credit hours of tuition to a State College. (It can be used at a university, but it costs more so 1 ½ to 2 hours of credit have to be cashed in at a time to cover the higher tuition). If interested, please have your child pick up an application in the Guidance Office. Applications must be returned to Guidance no later than 3pm October 30th. Late applications will not be accepted.
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
Moseley's Food for Thought
For some middle school students, being organized comes easily. For others, not so much! Some students need more 'guidance' - they actually need to be taught how to get organized and stay organized. Some suggestions to think about are: encourage them to break their homework into smaller chunks, help them organize their folders and binders and purchase new ones or dividers if necessary, label everything clearly, get a locker rack to have Silver day items on top and Black day items on the bottom, look at their planner and how they are using it, have a quiet homework 'spot' at home and a designated routine for homework completion each afternoon/evening. Being disorganized can cause a lot of stress for everyone, so taking a little time to step back, evaluate, and teach your child some important life skills is well worth the time in the long run!
Unity Day
Next Wednesday (Oct. 21st) we will be celebrating "Unity Day". Unity Day is recognized throughout the district as a day to "unite against bullying". Students, faculty and staff are being asked to show their support by wearing orange on Wednesday! We will be giving each student wearing orange a Raider Buck!
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SAC News
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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
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Media Center News
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Judy Gill, Media Specialist
Chris Southworth, Media Paraprofessional
Congratulations to Devon Weber and Justin Evans for reading ALL 15 Sunshine State Books!
Reading Raiders met during Raider Hour Thursday and discussed the Eighth Day. For our next book you can pick between The Westing Game or Seraphina. We will have two group discussions, so pick one of these MYSTERY books and join us for the next Reading Raiders day on October 27th during Raider Hour.
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Band News
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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.
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The Middle Years
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The Middle Years, Working Together for School Success is a publication for students and parents which addresses issues specifically for middle school students. 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.
Click the publication date below to view: This article gives great suggestions on creating smart passwords, cyber safety, protecting image and so much more. Articles include: Homework Problems Solved, Fit in Fitness and Dealing with Cyberbullying
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From the Nurse
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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.
Jacksonville Food Allergy Symposium
The Jacksonville Food Allergy Symposium will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 9:00-11:30 am at the FSCJ Wilson Center. Click here for more information.
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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.
Are You Ready for Some Basketball!?
Basketball Intramurals will begin on Tuesday, October 13. please get a permission form from a PE Coach, the front office or click here to download the form. This is for boys and girls in 6-8 grade. Remember everyone makes the team. Basketball will be on tuesday and Thursdays from 2-3:00 pm.
SJMSAA Raider Football
Congratulations to the Varsity football team as they defeated Liberty Pines Academy 25-16. The next Varsity game is Thursday, October 15 at Murray Middles School.
SJMSAA Raider Baseball
Congratulations to the boys Varsity Baseball team as they defeated Fruit Cove Middle school 11-3! Way to go Raiders!
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
Congratulations to the Girls Volleyball team as they beat valley Ridge to move to 7 and 1. The Boys Volleyball team fell short to Valley Ridge and are now 4 and 3 but will look to get back on track versus Fruit Cove Middle school on Monday.
SJMSAA Raider Soccer
The girls and boys soccer teams have been practicing to prepare for their first game in November.
Flagler Tennis
Click here to view informational flyer regarding the Flager College Tennis Program.
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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.
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.
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Student's Corner
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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.
Found Glasses There are still several pairs of prescription glasses and one case in the front office.
FCA General Meeting Scheduled FCA will be meeting on the patio from 1-2:30 pm on Wednesday, October 14th. A representative from Christ's Church will be attending. We will be playing the Pirate icebreaker game as well as a choice between soccer or basketball. All are welcome to attend.
Winterguard Selling Boo Grams Winterguard will be selling BooGrams from October 14-October 29th during all lunches. Send a boogram and make someon's day special! Winterguard is grateful for the support.
Red Ribbon Week Events Planned Red Ribbon week is Monday, October 26-Friday, October 39th. The Leadership class has planned dress up days as follows:
- Monday: Miss Matched Monday "Never too crazy to say no to drugs "
- Tuesday: Tacky Tourist "Travel with me to be Drug Free"
- Wednesday: Superhero Day "Be a Hero not a Zero, say no to drugs"
- Thursday: Team spirit "Raiders Team up against drugs"
- Friday: Red Out "We are REDy to be drug free"
There is also a door decorating contest, students pledging out against drugs and prizes.
School-wide Fundraiser with Charleston Wrap!! DUE DATE EXTENDED UNTIL MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 This year's school wide fundraiser is a catalog sale through Charleston Wrap. There is an extensive rewards program to motivate students to sell.
Jacksonville Chess Club Hosts Tournament Series The Jacksonville Chess Club is hosting a chess tournament series on October 3, November 7 and December 12. Students in grades k-12 will be sorted by grade level and ability. Click here to view informational flyer.
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8th Graders Only Corner
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8th Grade T-Shirt!!
Click here to view and print out the form to purchase the 8th grade t-shirt. It is required in order to attend the fieldtrip to GradVenture at the end of the school year. T-shirts cost $10 and all students names are on the back. Turn in money and form to the student's homeroom teacher by thursday, October 16th.
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Beyond the Bell
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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.
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From the District
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Superintendent's Report
District Calendar for 15-16
Click here to view the approved 2015-2015 District Master Calendar.
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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.
20th Annual Ancient City Kid Day
Attention Parents! Looking for something fun to do with your kids that doesn't cost a lot of money? Then the 20th Annual Ancient City Kids Day is for you! Ancient City Kids Day will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 11am-3pm at Francis Field on Castillo Drive. This event, coordinated by local agencies, is a day of fun-filled activities for children and families. The event is free for the public, and will include over 40 youth service agencies offering carnival style games and activities, arts and crafts, contests for the kids and free entertainment all day. No child will leave empty-handed as t-shirts, prizes or goodies are given out all day. Educational information on resources in our community is available for parents. The only cost to the public will be for food or drinks. Ancient City Kids Day has grown to be one of St. Augustine's biggest youth activities, and is a popular event for the whole family. Last year's event brought approximately 2,300 people out for the fun. For more information, please feel free to contact EPIC Behavioral Healthcare at 829-2273.
Florida Agricultural Museum
The Florida Agricultural Museum announces family-friendly wagon ride on Friday, October 9 from 5-8:00 pm at 7900 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast, Florida. Click here to view informational flyer.
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
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