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Message from Mrs. Kunze
Congratulations Mansi!
Congratulations to 8th grade student, Mansi Gopu, who was recognized at SJCSD's Annual Character Counts! Breakfast at First Coast Technical College last week. Mansi spoke of the importance of demonstrating good character at school and in life, and expressed gratitude for the many SPMS teachers and staff who nominated her as this year's 8th grade student representative for Swiss Point.
We had a great Red Ribbon Week with many students participating in the dress up days and signing pledge cards to be drug free. We hope that you continue to have conversations at home about the importance of being drug free and especially what your child should say to peers when they are feeling pressured to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
Congratulations to the following homerooms for winning the Red Ribbon Door Decorating Contest! Selecting a winner was a difficult task for the judges, because there were so many creative designs and messages.
ESE
1st place - Mr. Mack
2nd place- Ms. Joyner
3rd place - Ms. Pollinger
6th Grade
1st place - Mrs. Zentz
2nd place- Mrs. Toblin (Mrs. Torres - substitute)
3rd place - Ms. Williams
7th Grade
1st place - Ms. O'Connor
2nd place - Mr. Laino
3rd place Ms. C. Dowling
8th Grade
1st place - Mrs. Wilkie
2nd place - Mrs. Rizzuto
3rd place- Mrs. Young
Thank you to everyone who attended last night's performance of Death at The Shadow Inn performed by our 8th grade Advanced Drama students. The students worked hard and did a wonderful job! Also, a big thank you to Mr. Segal for his continued dedication to Swiss Point and our students.
We are very excited to announce that Swiss Point received $22,500 this week from Voya Financial in Jacksonville to purchase 30 computers. We have two Swiss Point dads, Mr. Machols and Mr. Steigelman, who work for Voya that informed us about the grant and encouraged us to apply. Thank you to these 2 dads for thinking about Swiss Point!!
Swiss Point MS was selected by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to receive 4 underwater robot kits to participate in the 2016 National SeaPerch Competition. Ms. Stanke attended the teacher training last Saturday and will have an application for students who would like to participate. The students will have to build and test our robots for the competition this spring. She is looking for a parent volunteer that can assist her in teaching the students how to solder.
If you can help, please contact Ms. Stanke at Melissa.Stanke@stjohns.k12.fl.us
If you would like to learn more about the SeaPerch Competition, click here
The parent pick-up line is going much faster, since we purchased visor tags so we can call your child's name. There are a few people that are still not using the visor tag and we are requesting that you do. If you need a visor tag, please tell Mrs. Kunze or Mrs. Terry as you go through the line.
A teacher told me yesterday that several of her students were talking about "Ding Dong Ditching" in neighborhoods. If you are not aware, this is when students ring the doorbell and then run. Many of the students were talking about angry residents catching them and yelling. Please talk to your child about the dangers of Ding Dong Ditching. We want all of our students to remain safe and at this age they don't always understand the dangers and possible consequences.
Voting for Half-cent Sales Tax Referendum is this Tuesday, November 3rd. We encourage all parents to vote and to encourage their neighbors to vote as well.
Our next Raider Hour will be Thursday, November 5th. The clubs listed below will meet this week during Raider Hour. Please remind your child that if a teacher signed their planner for extra help or if they have a make-up exam to take that they must take care of academic concerns before attending a club meeting. Academics are always the 1st priority! If students stay in homeroom, the time is to be used as a study hall to get homework completed.
Make-up testing in cafeteria
Science Olympiad meeting in 510 w/Stanke
Debate Club in 335 w/Worth
Garden Club (pink pass) in portable 4 w/White
6th grade Art club in 755 w/Montesano
Student Council mtg in auditorium w/O'Connor
7th & 8th gr Art/Craft Club in 315 w/Pollinger
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.
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, November 16th at 10 am in the Multi-Purpose Room at SPMS. ALL are welcome to attend and learn more about what your PTSO does for your school!
Thank you to Hero's Eatery for committing to providing their services for our Character Counts luncheon's for the REST of the SCHOOL YEAR!! THANK YOU!
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
Click here to print the PTSO Membership form. Family membership is just $20!
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 November 2nd
Monday- Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Sticks, Chicken Nuggets, Baby Carrot Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Green Beans, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Assorted Fruit, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, White Wheat Roll, Variety of Milk
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 November 2nd
Monday, November 2- Black Day
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Baseball Studyhall, 2-3:00 pm, Cafeteria
Varsity Baseball vs Landrum MS, 3:30pm, Ponte Vedra
Beginning Band Concert, 6-6:45 pm, Gym
Concert & Symphonic Band Concerts, 7:30-8:15 pm, Gym
Tuesday, November 3rd- Silver Day
Intramural Basketball, 2-3:00 pm, meet on patio
Baseball Studyhall, 2-3:00 pm, cafeteria
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Special Olympics Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, Gym
Wednesday, November 4th- Black Day
Winterguard Practice, 1-5:30pm, Gym
Supervised testing for students taking virtual classes,1-3:00 pm, lab 650
FCA General Meeting, 1-2:30 pm, Patio
Thursday, November 5th- Silver Day-Wednesday Bell Schedule- Raider Hour
Intramural Basketball, 2-3:00 pm, meet on patio
Baseball Study hall, 2-2:30 pm, cafeteria
Fall Play Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Special Olympics Basketball, 5-6:00 pm, Gym
Friday, November 6th- Black Day
ITS Club Meeting, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
JV Baseball versus Fruit Cove MS, 3:30-5:30 pm, Kehoe
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Volunteer Information
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Holiday Shoppe Coordinator Needed.
The Holiday Shoppe will be opening around the first week in December and is in need of a coordinator. If you are interested in supervising setup, pricing, and "money" management, please contact Mrs. Casper at cynthia.casper@stjohns.k12.fl.us This is a fun and rewarding volunteer experience. A SignUp Genius will be send middle of next month requesting volunteers to "run the store"! Thanks in advance for all the help.
SPMS will be accepting donations for the Holiday Shoppe, which is basically like a big garage sale. Students use Raider Bucks to purchase gifts for their family members for the holidays. Our students love the store and enjoy being able to surprise family members with gifts. Items donated must be new or gently used. Gifts for Dads are especially needed. Donations can be left with Mrs. Casper in the Guidance office. Thank you!!!
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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
This week was Red Ribbon Week when we promote drug prevention. Students participated in decorating their homeroom doors, they saw several short informational videos on the dangers of tobacco, inhalants and alcohol use, and they had dress up days to promote staying drug free! Here are some statistics on teenagers and drug use.
Did you know...
- 25% of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. is consumed by those under the age of 21.
- Children of smokers are at a higher risk of becoming smokers themselves.
- 1 out of 3 people who use marijuana become addicted.
- Middle school students (ages 12-14) account for the age group that uses inhalants the most.
We had 91 students who received Character Counts Awards from teacher nominations last Friday! How awesome! A HUGE thank you to the PTSO for securing a pasta lunch for these students! The students were so excited about receiving an award from their teacher! Congratulations to these 91 students for their exemplary character! If your child received an award, please check it out to see what their teacher wrote!
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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
Congratulations to Eli Snider for reading all 15 Sunshine State Books. He is the 6th person in the school to read all of them! Way to go!
We are starting Battle of the Books Sign up on Monday. Any student who wants to participate in the school wide battle can sign up in the Media Center. If you have a team, sign up with your team, if you don't we will place you on one. Anyone can participate. The first battle will be held on December 1st after school until 3:15 pm and it will be on the following books:
Counting by 7's
The Eighth Day
Eye of the Storm
Jack Strong Takes a Stand
Jungle of Bones
The Night Gardener
Project Jackalope
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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: Articles include My actions, my responsibility, Create recycled art , Great discussions and more
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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.
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 Golf
Golf season is coming. Registration for tryouts opens Nov 2. To go www.smjsaa.com to register your child. Try outs will begin in December date to be determined, and will be held at the PGA Tour Academy in the World Golf Village. The season will start in mid January.
SJMSAA Raider Football
Congratulations to the Varsity Football team as they play in the Championship game versus Sebastian Middle on Saturday, November 7th at 3:00 pm at Nease High School. SPMS will be on the home side. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. It is a BLACKOUT! So wear Black!
SJMSAA Raider Baseball
Congratulations to the boys Varsity Baseball team with their win against Pacetti Bay 17-4 to remain undefeated!!!.
Swiss Point Volleyball
Congratulations to the Girls and Boys Volleyball teams on an excellent season! The Girls were defeated by Patriot Oaks on Monday in the semi-finals. The Boys showed a great team effort to battle and rally to come within one point away from reaching the championship game. The Boys were defeated by the undefeated Landrum team in the third set 17-15. Both the Girls and Boys teams should be proud on making it to the semi-finals and competing with class and integrity. Next year is our year! Way to go 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.
Creeks Baseball Club
Spring tryouts for the CBC will be on Saturday, November 7. Please register your player at the link below. Players will need to bring all equipment to the tryout. Concessions will be open. All players are welcome. If you have questions reach out to your age appropriate coach.
Since its inception in 2001 CBC has sent over 50 players to play at the collegiate level with several currently in the Major Leagues.
CBC is a Non-Profit run by dedicated volunteers and professionals, committed to your players development.
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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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Found Glasses
There are still 2 pairs of prescription glasses, 2 pairs of sunglasses and one case still in the front office.
Winterguard
The Winterguard would like to thank everyone who purchased Boo Grams. The fundraiser was a great success. Thank you for supporting the SPMS 2015-2016 Winterguard Team!
2015-2016 SPMS Spelling Bee
The Switzerland Point Middle School Spelling Bee will be held on December 18th in the SPMS Auditorium. Between November 9th and November 25th, each Language Arts class will conduct a Spelling Bee screener/classroom competition to determine one classroom winner (and an alternate) to move on to December's school-wide Spelling Bee which will feature contestants from all three grade levels. Language Arts teachers will communicate the expected classroom screener dates/details prior to the classroom events through class Edmodo pages. Our SPMS School Bee winner will move on to the district competition on January 13th at the School Board Auditorium.
FCA General Meeting
There is an FCA General meeting on Wednesday, November 4th from 1-2:30 pm. There will be a guest speaker from Fruit Cove Baptist, Rock, Paper Scissor's ice breaker game, kickball and snack. All are welcome to attend. Please have a ride ready for pickup at 2:30.
If you are interested in purchasing an FCA hoodie or tshirt, click here for order form.
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
Bartram Trail PTSO is selling Phone Cases
If your child is going to Bartram next year and you need a phone case, we have a great solution for you. We have the following phone cases for sale: Samsung S3 (1 case), Samsung S4 (1 case), Samsung S5 (1 case), Samsung S6 (2 cases) and 1 iPhone6 Case. These cases are $20 each. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact our BTHS PTSO Vice President, Débora McCarty at: rdmccarty10@comcast.net
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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)
State of the Schools
Mark your calendars for the upcoming annual State of the Schools presentation by Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner on Monday, November 2 at the School District Administrative Building at 40 Orange Street, St. Augustine, 32084. A meet and greet with the the Superintendent will take place at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m.
In addition, early voting for the half-cent referendum begins Saturday, October 24 and runs through Saturday, October 31. Six early voting locations will be open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be accessed at www.votesjc.com
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The Florida Agricultural Museum's 10th Annual Halloween Event: Florida's Haunted Trails
Florida's Haunted Trails will be held on October 29, 30th from 6-10:00 pm and October 31st from 6-11:00 pm at the museum. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under are free, Click here to view flyer.
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