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Message from Mrs. Kunze
It is time to complete the Swiss Point SAC Parent Needs Assessment Survey. Please take a few minutes to provide us with your feedback.
The FSA Writing will be administered to ALL students on March 1st. Please click on the link below to read the parent letter.
Attention 6th grade parents: The registration assembly to explain course selections for next year will be THIS Tuesday, Feb. 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium.
Attention 8th grade parents: The online academy application closes on Monday, Feb. 8th.
PLEASE mark your calendars with these important dates!
Tue, Feb. 9th - current 6th grade informational meeting for course registration at 6:30pm in auditorium
Fri, Feb. 12th - applications due for non-core courses from current 7th graders
Thu, Feb. 18th - current 5th grade informational meeting for course registration at 6:30pm in auditorium
Fri, Feb. 19th - current 7th graders will be told if they were accepted into a non-core course that required application
Wed, Feb. 24th - counselors available for current 5th grade parents to drop in for questions from 1:30-3:30pm in Swiss Point's guidance office.
Fri, Feb. 26th - Course selection forms from ALL students are due to Guidance.
Raider Hour activities this Tuesday, Feb. 9th.
Students who need to make-up a test or see a teacher for remediation takes precedence over attending a meeting. Academics are always top priority!!
Make-up testing in cafeteria
Chess Club in room 580 w/Rizzuto
Video game Club in room 355 w/Toblin
Debate Club in room 335 w/Worth
NJHS meeting in auditorium w/White & Puett
7th & 8th gr Art Club in room 755 w/Montesano
Science Olympiad in room 510 w/Stanke
Student Council meeting in MPR w/O'Connor
Band Groups (French Horn Friends, Tuba Tutors, Baritone Buddies, and Bassoon Buddies) if needed
The district's next Gifted Parent Advisory Council meeting will be held Thursday, March 3rd from 4:30-5:30pm at Gamble Rogers MS. The council meets 4 times a year and meetings are open to all parents throughout the district K-12. The final meeting for this year will be held at Mill Creek Elementary on Thursday, April 21st from 5:30-6:30pm.
Below is the FSA & EOC schedule, PLEASE mark your calendars and try not to schedule anything when your child will be testing. The tests are all back to back so squeezing in make-up exams is very difficult. If you are discussing schedules with a mom from a different middle school, our schedule is slightly different. The state selects schools every year to help calibrate each exam and Swiss was chosen for 6th grade math, so we must administer 6th grade math during the first week of testing.
Tuesday, March 1st - FSA Writing (120mins)
6th & 7th grades are paper/pencil
8th grade is computer-based
April 11th - 14th: 6th grade FSA Math
April 15th & 18th: 6th grade FSA Reading
April 19th - 22nd: 7th grade FSA Math
April 25th & 26th: 8th grade FSA Reading
April 27th & 28th: 7th grade FSA Reading
April 28th: 8th grade Statewide Science Assessment
(old FCAT Science)
May 2nd & 3rd: 8th grade FSA Math
May 4th - 6th: Civics EOC
May 9th & 10th: Algebra EOC
May 11th & 12th: Geometry EOC
The window for district final exams is May 13th through May 25th.
Character Counts B6 Club!
Open to all current 6th and 7th graders!
Club Meeting Tuesday, February 16th from 2:00-3:00 pm
Club Leader: Mrs. Worth
Rm 335
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.
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PTSO Information
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SPMS PTSO is on Instagram!
Next Meeting
SPMS PTSO's next meeting is Monday, February 22nd 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!
Why be a part of the PTSO?
1. To CONNECT with other parents
2. Be the FIRST to hear about important news and upcoming events at school
3. Have a VOICE in the activities and programs the PTSO supports
4. LEARN how the students and teachers of SPMS benefit from the work of the PTSO
5. Volunteer your TIME, at school or at home, to make a difference in our school community
The PTSO needs parents like YOU to help us, help the students and the school be the best it can be! We invite you to join us at any meeting to see what it is all about!
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!
Our Magazine Fundraiser was a success with Great American. Congratulations to the 51 students who earned $63,000 in College Tuition Reward Points Thank you for participating in the fundraiser and we will do it again next school year!
If you would like to order any magazines you can still do so, 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.
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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.
For the Week of February 8
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 February 8, 2016
Monday, February 8- Black Day
Academy online application closes for 8th graders
Musical Rehearsals, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
Girls and Boys Basketball Games starting at 5:30 pm home versus Valley Ridge.
Tuesday, February 9- Silver Day
Wednesday Schedule with Raider Hour from 1-2pm
Musical Rehearsals, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
Basketball Practice, 2-5:30 pm, Gym
Math Counts, 2:15-3:00 pm, Room 565
Informational Meeting for current 6th graders, 6:30 pm, Auditorium
Wednesday, February 10- Black Day- 1pm dismissal
Winterguard Practice, 1-5:30 pm, Gym
Supervised Testing for Students taking Virtual, 1-3:00 pm, lab 650
FCA General Meeting, 1:00-2:30 pm, Patio
Girls and Boys Basketball Games starting at 5:30 pm versus FCMS AT Fruit Cove.
Thursday, February 11- Silver Day
Math Counts, 2:15-3:00 pm, Room 565
Basketball Practice, 2-4:00 pm, Gym
Musical Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Rising 9th grade Night at BTHS, 6:00 PM
Friday, February 12- Black Day
Applications for Non-Core Courses are due to Guidance
Grades Updated in HAC by 3:00 pm
Basketball Practice, 2-5:30 pm, Gym
ITS Club Meeting, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
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Volunteer Information
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Fill in the blank for the next volunteer opportunity:
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
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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
Cynthia Casper- Guidance Secretary
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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, January 20th
Wednesday, February 17th
As always, this is a public meeting, and all are welcome to attend.
Proposed Agenda
- Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
- Good News
- Vote: Approval Of January Minutes
- Finance Report: Ashley Blum
- Vote: funds for Mr. Moseley sub for conference
- Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
- New Business/Questions and Answers
- Adjourn
Next Meeting will be April 20th at 3:30pm
No Meeting in March, 2015
Wednesday, April 20th
Wednesday, May 18st
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Media Center News
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Chris Southworth, Media Paraprofessional
Congratulations to the following students who have made the County Battle of the Books team: Camille Aguilar, Bridget Clift, Connor Searcy, Reyana Torres, and Colin Whatley. Justin Evans and Abby Wilson are the alternates. When you see these students, congratulate them on this major accomplishment.
Just another reminder that when books are late we charge 5 cents a day. Make sure you are bringing your books back on time or renewing them when they are due.
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Creative Outlets
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Cara Robinson, 8th grader, Notan design. The artwork is cut paper showing positive and negative space. Nice Job!
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Band News
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THANK YOU to all who supported the Firehouse Subs Spirit Night! We greatly appreciate your support!
THANK YOU to all who supported the Dunkin Donuts Coffee Fundraiser! We look forward to delivering to the teachers!! Pictures will be posted on FB!
Bozard Ford at the St. Augustine Outlet Mall on I-95 is giving a voucher for a free oil change, car wash, and vacuum for a $20 donation to our band program! To get a form, click here we will send the voucher home immediately with your student. It's a great deal and a great dealership!!! Thank you for supporting our band!
*****UPDATE- we are now offering these at
HALF PRICE $10!*****
Get a SPMS Band decal to personalize your instrument case or car window! $5 each! Click this link to get the order form!
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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: Motivated From the Inside, Follow the Clues, Working with Teachers
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
Current 6th grade parents: It is never too early to schedule a doctor's appointment for the REQUIRED Tdap vaccination that your child MUST have for 7th grade. Every year we have students who can not attend classes, because they have not received the vaccination. PLEASE plan ahead! We will take the Florida 680 Form (blue) at any time now through August.
New Prescription Medication Form
There is a revised prescription medication form on our website under Parents. Click on Clinic/Health information and you will find the new form there. Any questions, call please feel free to call Joan Beccard,
Florida Immunization Requirements: FAQs
Click here to view valuable information regarding requirements for school age students and their immunizations.
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Athletics
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The Saint Johns Middle School Athletic Association ("SJMSAA") middle school sports program is not operated or sponsored by the St. Johns County School District. SJMSAA is an independent, private non-profit corporation, which uses District middle school names and facilities under a license agreement with the District, and which is solely responsible for the operation of the SJMSAA middle school sports program and its individual teams.
SPMS Winterguard
Saturday, February 27- Cypress Creek HS (Orlando, FL)
Saturday, March 5- Fleming Island HS
Saturday, March 12- Freedom HS (Orlando, FL)
Saturday, March 19- Fletcher HS (Neptune Beach, FL)
Spring SJMSAA Baseball
Click on the links above to view the SPMS baseball schedules. Good Luck Raiders! Please contact Curtis Mack with any questions at Curtis.Mack@stjohns.k12.fl.us
SJMSAA Softball
Tryouts were held this week for softball. The roster will be posted in a later Raider Rap.
SJMSAA Tennis
Clinics will start the week of Feb 15. Matches start March 3.
Matches will be March 3,10,17,31 April 7,14,21,28 May 5. Play offs May 12. Please check the SJMSAA website for information. Congratulations to the 2016 SPMS Tennis Team
Kamalika Kummathi
Meghana Mukkoti
Dolaine Qian
James Getz
Nevin Southammavong
Jackson Carnaghi
Emma Robertson
Grace Parker
Paige Stanford
Manas Adepu
Vidhisha Gautam
Sanya Bansal
Shaeda Sabri
Grace Kurtz
SPMS Basketball
Click here to view the SPMS 2015-2016 Boys and Girls Basketball Schedule.Congratulations to the basketball teams. The Girls are 6-1 and the Boys are 3-4! The teams play Monday and Wednesday. Check the Daily Rotation section for teams, location and times. Go Raiders!
SJMSAA Golf
Tryouts were already held and the roster will be posted in a future Raider Rap. Please check the St. Johns Middle School Athletic Association website for more information.
Field of Dreams Baseball Registration Open
Registration is now open for Field of Dreams: Special Needs Baseball for youth in our area. FOD baseball has grown from 4 teams in 2011 to 10 teams and over 140 children with special needs. We anticipate more growth in 2016! Opening Day is Saturday February 6!
Creeks Track & Field
2016 Spring Season Information:
Registration now open.
Season Dates: March 14th - May 22
(The week of May 23rd may be used in case of rain make-up dates)
Choose from a flexible practice schedule. Creeks Track offers either a 1-day or 2-day practice schedule.
Cost: 1-day Practice week $80.00
2-day Practice week $130.00
Practice Days will be Monday and Thursday from 6:00 - 7:30 at Bartram Trail High School. There is a Family Discount of $5.00 per child if you register more than one child. After March 12th, a $25.00 late registration fee will be added.
Please see our website at www.caatrackandfield.com
to register. Under the CREEKS TRACK & FIELD tab, please see the 2016 Spring Track and Field Season for all registration information.
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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.
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Student's Corner
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Volunteer Opportunities for Students
The Cunningham Creek Elementary PTO is looking for student volunteers to help with their Spring Fling. The event is Friday, March 11th from 4-7 pm. There is a need for approximately 40 volunteers at 3 different shifts. Please sign up by emailing the following cceptomail@gmail.com
There will be a volunteer hour sheet to sign in on and you will be provided a coupon to receive a free slice of pizza upon completion of the shift. Any questions please contact Mary Davidson at the above email.
Summer Marine Science Program
Applications for the summer Marine Science Program will be passed out by science teachers at all schools during the week of February 16th. Applications will be due back to science teachers by March 4th. Applications can also be downloaded at any time from the website prior to April 15 at
http://www-grms.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ and click on the Marine Science link. The link also will have a complete day by day curriculum for each grade level, parent information, and a video from last year's program.
This summer program is available to all students currently in grades five through seven and has been sponsored by the school district since 1982. Three eight day sessions are held at Gamble Rogers Middle School with bus transportation provided. The dates for the three sessions this summer will be May 31st through June 9th, June 13th through June 23rd, and June 27th through July 8th. Small classes of 12-14 students are separated by grade level. All instructors in the program are St. Johns County School District teachers.
The Marine Science Program is a carefully designed experience for responsible students who are interested in learning about our local marine environments. Learning is "hands on" in the field with students kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, SUP, (stand up paddleboarding), etc. Specific grade level activities and curriculum are attached to the applications and are also available from the website.
More information about the program can be had by emailing John Gordon at john.gordon@stjohns.k12.fl.us
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8th Grade Corner
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Information on High School Academies 2015-2016
Timeline
February 8 Registration Deadline - Online - Registration will be closed at midnight.
All academies need to be applied for through student's HAC accounts
Welcome to the Bear Nation- BTHS Parent/Student Night
Notice from Trevor Abbs, Assistant Principal
On Thursday, February 11 @6:30pm, Bartram Trail High School will be hosting our annual "Welcome to Bear Nation!" 8th grade parent/student night.
In an effort to make the occasion more engaging, relevant, and fun to our rising 9th grade students and parents, we have reformatted our traditional event.
The event will now occur in three phases:
1. Academic Presentation (in auditorium)
- o Last Names A-K @6:30pm
- o Last Names L-Z @6:55pm
2. Extracurricular Presentation (in gymnasium)
- o Last Names L-Z @6:30pm
- o Last Names A-K: @6:55pm
3. Open house (in 9th grade center)
- o All 8th grade parents/students
In order to making this event a success, we are asking for your help! To help promote the event, I have attached a flier to this email. In addition, to better cater the event to our 8th grade parents/students, we would like to know what questions they have prior to the night. Questions should be emailed directly to me or tweeted to @BartramTrail.
Most importantly, I want to stress that this night is for PARENTS and STUDENTS. We hope that the revamped format will make for a great experience and want to invite you to the event as well!
Trevor Abbs
Assistant Principal
Bartram Trail High School
7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway
St. Johns, FL 32259
(904) 547-8351
Missed the HS 101 Night-----No Problem
If you were unable to attend the High School 101 meeting Thursday night at SPMS, the PowerPoint and links to information can be found under the 'Parent' tab of the school's webpage www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us
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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
Approved District Calendar for 2016-2017
Click here to view the approved 2015-2016 District Master Calendar.
Gifted Parent Advisory Council Meeting
The next Gifted Parent Advisory Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 3 at Gamble Rogers Middle School from 4:30-5:30 pm. This meeting is held four times a year and is open to all parents from throughout the district K-12. The final meeting of the year will be held at Mill Creek Elementary on Thursday, April 21, 5:30-6:30.
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Mary Poppins Press Release:
Floating in air is Mary Poppins style. This magical well -loved nanny will float onto the Bartram stage creating her whimsical aurora. You don't want to miss this captivating experience when the Bartram Trail High School Theatre Department proudly presents Mary Poppins. Through special arrangements with Music Theatre International, you'll be singing and dancing in your seat to the music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
Mary Poppins
Performance Dates: March 10, 11, and 12, 2016@ 7pm
March 12 and 13, 2016 @2pm
**Special Event: March 13, 2016@4:30pm
Mary Poppins Tea Party-photo shoot with Mary and her friends, tea, cookies, and cupcakes
Bartram Trail High School Auditorium
7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway
St. Johns, FL
Ticket Prices: $10.00 for all ages and all performances.
Mary Poppins Tea Party Tickets: $10.00/child/student
Parents are welcome at no cost.
For advance ticket sales, call the Bartram Trail High School theatre department @904-547-8340, email ava.fixel@stjohns.k12.fl.us or go online to the Bartram Trail High School website home page to purchase tickets. To purchase tea party tickets, please email bthsmarypoppins@gmail.com
Remaining tickets will be sold at the auditorium box office one hour prior to each performance.
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