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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Friday marked the end of the 1st quarter. It is hard to believe that we have completed 1/4th of the school year. Report cards will be distributed on Monday, Oct. 19th.
Monday, Oct. 19th, is a teacher planning day. No school for students!
For the 2nd quarter, we flip the daily rotation to Black/Silver. Tuesday, Oct. 20th will be a BLACK day.
We will have a special schedule this Wednesday, Oct. 21st. Students will not be traveling to classes. Students will attend our quarterly behavior expectation assembly, take make-up exams from last week if needed, participate in a behavior reward activity (if they have not received ISD or OSS), and decorate homeroom door for Red Ribbon Week. While in homeroom, the 6th graders will be given some time to clean out their lockers and get re-organized.
8th grade parents: All of the High School Academy Nights and Showcase dates are listed below in the 8th grade Student section. Please check it out and mark your calendar!! These deadlines are extremely important if your child is wanting to join a career academy in high school.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Charleston Wrap Fundraiser. We made almost $4,000 to use towards technology!
TODAY, Sunday, Oct. 18th Reading Plus will start for the new week. The program will now run Sunday to Saturday. If you have a busy week with sports and club meetings, please talk to your child about working ahead on Sundays.
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. Remaining dates and locations are listed below. All meetings start at 6:30pm.
Elementary: K-5 Information
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 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.
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 Drive and PTSO Membership
Permission Slips were given to students for those who earned the Limo ride / Pizza lunch for magazine sales and for students who opted out at the highest level for PTSO membership. Please have your student turn in the permission slips by Tuesday 10/20, if they are not turned it, they will not be allowed to attend the Limo Ride/Pizza lunch on Wednesday 10/21.
The Extreme Party will be held on Friday, October 23rd during school hours. Passes will be given to students on Friday morning.
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 19th
Monday- No School Students- Teacher Planning
Tuesday- Cheese or Pepperoni Calzonettes, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Mini Corn Dogs, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Baked Beans, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Assorted Fruit, Ketchup, Mustard, Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Nuggets, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Corn, Fresh Apple Slices, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Pasta & Meatballs, Hot Dog, Chicken Nuggets, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Steamed Carrots, Assorted Fruit, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Variety of Milk
Friday- BBQ Chicken, Hamburger, Mini Corn Dog, Cherry Tomato & Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Crispy Baked Potato Cuts, Choice of 100% Juice, Assorted Fruit, Ketchup, Mustard, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, Variety of Milk
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Daily Rotation
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For the Week of October 19th
No Raider Hour This Week
Monday, October 19- No School Students- Teacher Planning
Tuesday, October 20- Black Day
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams
Intramural Basketball, 2-3:00 pm, meet on patio
Baseball Studyhall, 2-3:00 pm, cafeteria
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-3:00 pm, Gym
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Girls Fall Lacrosse, 2:15-3:45 pm, with Coach Jackowiak
Boys Volleyball Practice, 3-5pm, Gym
Special Olympics Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, Gym
Road Raiders, 5:30-6:30pm, cafeteria patio
Sonic Basketball, 6-9pm, gym
Wednesday, October 21- Special Schedule- Early Release
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams
Winterguard Practice, 1-5:30pm, Gym
Volleyball Playoff Game - 6pm - Girls hosting Valley Ridge at 6pm. Boys play at Sebastian MS at 6pm.
JV Baseball vs Pacetti Bay, 2:30pm, Kehoe Park
SAC Meeting, 3:30pm
Thursday, October 22- Silver Day
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams
Intramural Basketball, 2-3:00 pm, meet on patio
Baseball Study hall, 2-3:00 pm, cafeteria
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-3:00 pm, Gym
JV Football Study hall, 2-3:00 pm, cafeteria
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Girls Fall Lacrosse, 2:15-3:45 pm, with Coach Jackowiak
Varsity Baseball vs Pacetti Bay, 3:30pm, Kehoe Park
Boys Volleyball Practice, 3-5pm, Gym
Special Olympics Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, Gym
Road Raiders, 5:30-6:30pm, cafeteria patio
Sonic Basketball, 6-9pm, gym
Friday, October 23- Black Day
**Winterguard Selling Boo Grams
**Character Counts Luncheon
Girls Volleyball practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
JV Baseball at Landrum MS, 3:30pm
Boys Volleyball Practice, 3-5:30pm, 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
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
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, 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
Over 60 students have read 3 or more Sunshine State Books. These books are designated by the state of Florida to be the top 15 books for Middle Schoolers. When your student wants something new to read, have them stop by and pick one up to read. Here are the titles, there is something for everyone. Plus students get rewards for reading them!!!!!
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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.
Community Asthma Workshop
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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.
SJMSAA Raider Football
Congratulations to the Varsity football team as they defeated Murray Middle, 28-20. Varsity's next game is Wednesday at Plantation Park. The JV lost to Fruit Cove Middle, 19-0. Their final game is next week against Landrum JV.
SJMSAA Raider Baseball
Congratulations to the boys Varsity Baseball team with their overwhelming victory against Gamble Rogers. Congrats to the JV as they also won big against Gamble Rogers. Way to go Raiders!
Swiss Point Volleyball
It's the Playoffs! The girls will play Valley Ridge on Wednesday, October 21st at 6 pm at home. The boys will travel to Sebastian on Wednesday, October 21st. Game time 6 pm. These are single elimination rounds vying for the Championship!! Good Luck Raiders!
SJMSAA Raider Soccer
The girls and boys soccer teams will be 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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Sweet Frog Yogurt Fundraiser Supports SPMS Football
Here's a cool and sweet way to support the Raider Football Program:
All students and their families are invited to come on out to the Mandarin Sweet Frogs Yogurt located in the Walmart shopping center this weekend - Friday - Sunday from 2:00pm - 9:00pm Just tell the cashier that you support the Raiders and Sweet Frogs will donate 15% of your total purchase back to the team - Invite your friends, family and neighbors and they too can help make a sweet contribution to the football program.
Found Glasses
There are still 2 pairs of prescription glasses, 2 pairs of sunglasses and one case still in the front office.
Winterguard Selling Boo Grams
Winterguard will be selling BooGrams from October 14-October 29th. 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.
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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Information on High School Academies 2015-2016
Timeline
January 7-19 Middle School Blitz held at Each Middle School
January 21 High School Showcase at World Golf Village Convention Center - 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. only!!!
January 21 Online Application OPENS for newly applying 8th and 9th grade students
Jan. 25- Feb. 4 Proposed Academy Nights (see schedule below)
February 5 St. Johns County Center for the Arts AUDITIONS at SAHS - You must bring your printed application form.
February 8 Registration Deadline - Online - Registration will be closed at midnight.
July 1 Last day to appeal
High School Showcase - All parents and students are invited to attend the Annual High School Showcase on Thursday January 21, 2016 at the World Golf Village Convention Center from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. Learn about the high school academies and meet representatives from each high school.
Academy Nights - Each high school will host an
informational 2016 Academy Night. All parents interested in attending one of the academies should make plans to attend these events. Each Academy Night will begin at 6:00 p.m.
February 1 - St. Augustine (6:00 p.m.) ALL St. Johns County Center for the Arts requests must apply by February 4, 2016. (Auditions at SAHS will occur on February 5, 2016)
February 1 - St. Johns Technical (5:30 p.m.)
January 28 - Allen D. Nease
January 27 - Pedro Menendez
February 2 - Creekside
January 26 - Bartram Trail
January 25 - Ponte Vedra
Reppel Training
The US Navel Sea Cadet Corps , Saint Augustine Battalion is sponsoring a Rappel Training course. The course is available to male and female students ages 13-17 with a 2.0 or better GPA. There is no obligation to join the Sea Cadets program and there is no cost to particpaote in the 2 day training.
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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.
Proposed District Calendar
The Proposed District Calendar for the 2016-2017 school year is now posted on the school district website (see web address above)
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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.
Repel Training
See 8th grade student section for infoamtion regarding repel training from the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, St. Augustine Battalion.
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.
16th Annual Fall Festival at Westminster Woods
Westminster Woods of Julington Creek will be hosting its 16th annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24 from 12:00-4:00 pm. Activities include pumpkin decorating, games, petty zoo pony rides and more! Click here for more information.
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.
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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