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Message from Mrs. Kunze
It is hard to believe that next Tuesday is March 1st. It doesn't seem possible that we only have 3 more months of school. Monday is a modified WHITE day and Tuesday is the FSA Writing exam for all students.
6th & 7th grade FSA Writing is paper/pencil
8th grade FSA Writing is computer-based
Grades were updated this week in HAC. Please continue to monitor your child's progress and encourage your child to seek help if needed.
My apologizes for an error last week regarding the Science Olympiad Team. I listed Katie Kelly as a participant and it should have been Katie Kelsey.
Congratulations again to the Science Olympiad Team for placing 5th in the Regional Competition and we wish them good luck at States on March 19th.
The Swiss Point Jazz Bands will perform Monday night at 7pm in our auditorium along with the UNF Jazz Ensemble 3 Band. If you have not had the opportunity to hear our jazz bands, please try to attend. You will be amazed by our young musicians.
Thank you to the 88 of you who have completed, but we need more parents to respond! Please take a few minutes to complete the SAC Parent Needs Assessment Survey. We value your feedback, so please take a few minutes to complete. Thank you!!
NJHS is sponsoring a CPR and First Aid Class at Swiss Point on Saturday, March 5th from 8:30am to 3pm. All students are welcome to participate. Interested students must pick up a form in the library and submit completed form and a check for $65 payable to St. John's Fire and Rescue to Ms. White in portable 4 no later than Friday, Feb 26th.
Raider Hour activities this Thursday, March 3rd.
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
Student Council meeting in MPR w/O'Connor
Garden Club in portable 4 w/White
Reading Raiders in Media Center w/Gill
6th gr Art Club in 755 w/Montesano
Robotics Club in 510 w/Stanke
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.
Old Cell Phone Drive to Support Ronald McDonald House
NJHS is sponsoring an old cell phone drive for the Ronald McDonald House. Students may turn in old cell phones to their homeroom teacher. The Ronald McDonald House recycles the phones for a small profit to raise funds to support the families staying there. The phones do not have to be in working condition to be recycled. The last day to turn in phones is Thursday, March 17th.
Practical Parenting Magic
St Johns County Schools (SJCS) Welcomes
Author and Behavior Specialist, Melisa Genaux
Topic: Reducing Conflict and Creating a Peaceful Relationship with Your Child
Date/Time: 3/8/16 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Pacetti Bay Middle School - 245 Meadowlark Lane, St. Augustine, FL 32092
Cost: 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.
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PTSO Information
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SPMS PTSO is on Instagram!
Thanks to this month's Character Counts sponsor Hero's Eatery for providing lunch for our students!
Next Meeting
SPMS PTSO's next meeting is Monday, March 14th 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?
There are so many reasons to become involved with your school's PTSO that we can't list them all, so join us at the next meeting to find out!
Please consider lending your skills to the PTSO! We have several committee openings for the 2016-2017 school year!! Join us now for our meetings to learn what they are and to shadow the folks that are involved now to make an easy and fluid transition!! We are a low-key group of parents helping the school be the best it can be!! We need YOU!
Some FUN activities are coming up this Spring!! Come to a meeting to find out what they are!!
We just received a check for over $1000 and did a second mailing for the Boxtops has already gone out! The last mailing for the year will be in June. Turn them in today!! Campbell Soup labels will be mailed out in the next few weeks, so you still have time to turn those in as well! Thank you for supporting the label programs!!
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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 29
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 February 29, 2016
Monday, February 29- White Day
Musical Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Battle of the Books Rehearsal, 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Jazz Night at UNF JE3 at Swiss Point, Concert starts at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium
Girls Basketball team plays in the CHAMPIONSHIP game at Landrum at 5:30pm. Go RAIDERS!!!
Tuesday, March 1- Special Schedule fr FSA Writing
Musical Rehearsal , 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Wednesday, March 2- Silver Day- 1pm dismissal
Winterguard Practice, 1-5:30 pm, Gym
Thursday, March 3- Black Day with Raider Hour
Musical Rehearsal , 2-4:00 pm, Auditorium
Friday, March 4- Silver Day
ITS Club Meeting, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
Saturday, March 5
Winterguard Competition, Fleming Island HS
Musical Rehearsal , 8:30-3 pm, Auditorium
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Volunteer Information
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Proctors Needed!
A SignUp Genius was sent out last week requesting volunteers for the FSA Writing Testing on March 1st. A second request went out today to ask for more help. Thanks to all those who have responded.
Please go towww.signupgenius.com, find a Sign Up and enter email address cynthia.casper@stjohns.k12.fl.us. There is a need for over 30 proctors for that day. Please consider helping SPMS!
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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
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
In the month of March we are having a Lucky Charm Hunt. Use the Lucky Charm jingle to help you find a book in the library that will have a hidden coin in it. For example the "horseshoe", could it be in a book about a horse? Or maybe a book that has a horse as a character? There will not be just one book, there will be numerous books throughout the month.
Come in and check out our new book display. We have brought in a bunch of new books for the end of the year. Be the first to check them out!
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Creative Outlets
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Taylor Joseph created this name design on folder with sharpies and colored pencils. Very nice!
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Band News
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Spirit Night at MaMa Fu's on Tuesday, March 8 from 5-9:00 pm
Upcoming Concert Dates:
2/29/16 UNF Jazz Night
3/10/16 Beginning Band & Symphonic Band MPA
4/8/16 Jazz Band performs for Night of the Arts
4/19/16 Jazz Night at BTHS
Good Luck to our band students as they perform for their Music Performance Assessments (MPA's)!!!
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
Parents, I know you may think it is too early to be thinking about you 6th grader's Tdap for 7th grade but it is not! So far only 80 students have received it. That leaves 308 that still need the shot for 7th grade. Spring break would be a great time to take care of this requirement. The Tdap shot must be documented on a Florida 680 form. This can be obtained from your doctor's office, a walk in clinic or the St. Johns County Health Department. Please call me at 547-8628 if you have any questions. You can also email me at the above email address.
Thank you, Nurse Beccard
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.
Road Raiders
Running Club: EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
Running For FUN Every THURSDAY AT 5:15-6:30 PM
Beginners and advanced come out for some training, exercise and fun. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to get sweaty in! Bring a water bottle too!
SPMS Winterguard
Saturday, March 5- Fleming Island HS
Saturday, March 12- Freedom HS (Orlando, FL)
Saturday, March 19- Fletcher HS (Neptune Beach, FL)
Friday, April 1, 2016 FFCC Championships at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center
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
The girls continue to practice and a schedule will be posted in a future 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.
SPMS Basketball
Congratulations to our Girls Basketball Team for defeating Fruit Cove Middle school in the semi-finals! Thanks to all who have supported the team! Come cheer for your Lady Raiders in the Championship Game on Monday, February 29 at 5:30 pm at Landrum MS. Go for it all Ladies!
SJMSAA Golf
Those who want to play middle school golf, registration is now open to pay and play. The website to register is www.sjmsaa.com . Please register and pay by the 1st of March so that we can order our polo shirts and get them back in time for our first match on March 16. Don't forget to put your child's shirt size. The cost is $235 which includes pga professional instruction, Nike polo shirt with team logo, golf course time and range balls during the season. For any questions email zeusgizmo1@msn.com
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.
CAA 2016 Spring Break Football Camp Interest Survery
CAA has a unique opportunity to host a football camp with one of the best Ever to play for the Jaguars. We just need to know if there is strong interest to do this. Please see below
2016 Spring Break Football Camp Interest Survey - for Friday March 25th
Would you like Donovin Darius to host a Spring Break football camp this year? Please reply to link below.
Hello Parents, it's about that time when you start to schedule your plans for the upcoming St. John County Spring Break. Over the past 4 years I have hosted a football camp for athletes ages 7-15 in your specific area. However, I understand that school break time is a time when families travel and or get that much needed rest.
Please take 30 seconds to respond to this email if you are interested in my organization hosting a camp on:
Date: Friday, March 25th
Place: Plantation Park, Fruit Cove, Fl
Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: $35
Ages: 7-15
Confirm your interest of Yes or No :
Best Regards,
DONOVIN L. DARIUS
https://dariusnextlevel.wufoo.com/forms/m14t2aiw1e27sl8/
Nease 2016 Track & Field Event
Click here to view the flyer advising the Nease 2016 track & Field Event on Saturday March 12 from 8:00 am-3:00 pm.
VBA Juniors Camp 2016 Kick-Off
Click here to view informational flyer regarding the Volleywood Beach Academy Junior Camp to be held on March 5th and 6th.
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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.
Gold Grams!
The Leadership Class is teaming up with Student Council for a St. Patrick's Day treat! Starting on March 7th, your child will be able to purchase Gold Grams for their friends. The cost will be $1, and will be sold during all lunches on March 7th, 9th, 11th, and 15th. These Gold Grams will be filled with a variety of candy including chocolate gold coins! Make sure your child knows the first and last name of the person they will be giving the Gold Gram to, and their homeroom teacher. All proceeds will be split equally between the American Cancer Society, and the memorial that will be built for Hunter Letson, the ESE student who passed away. They will be delivered to the students in their homeroom on March 17th
Old Cell Phone Drive for Benefit Ronald McDonald House
Have an old cell phone? Turn it in to your homeroom teacher. NJHS is sponsoring an old cell phone drive for the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House recycles the phones to earn money. The homeroom that turns in the most phones will receive Krispy Kreme Donuts. The last day to turn in old cell phones is Thursday, March 17th.
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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CHS 2016-2017 Cheer Tryout Clinics
Click hereto view the informational flyer regarding Creekside High School 2016-2017 Cheer Tryout clinics and Parent/Athlete Informational meeting.
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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.
Chocolate & Beyond- A Sweet Way to Support Volunteers
Chocolate and Beyond, a celebration of chocolate, desserts, and other culinary sensations, will be held on Saturday, February 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. at First Coast Technical College Building C in St. Augustine. Guests will enjoy tasty samples from some of the area's finest restaurants and specialty shops.
Hosted by The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of St. Johns County, proceeds from Chocolate and Beyond are used to recruit, train, and recognize senior volunteers in the St. Johns County School District and other county locations. Tickets are $10 in person, $12 on-line and can be purchased on the RSVP website at www.rsvpstjohns.com, or at Whetstone Chocolates (King Street and Anastasia Blvd locations), Cold Cow Ice Cream, and TD Bank in St. Augustine. Call RSVP at (904) 547-3945 for more information.
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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.
YMCA Day Camp
YMCA Day Camp provides a safe, fun-filled, creative experience for your child when school is out. Each day is a new "Out of this World" adventure as campers go through astronaut training, explore outer space, create rocket ships, and much more! Spring Break Camp will be offered March 18th, 21st-25th, and the 28th from 6:30am-6:00pm at three locations in St. Johns County. Visit your local YMCA or go to www.firstcoastymca.org
to register today!
Locations:
Ponte Vedra YMCA - 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Faith Community Church - 3450 CR 210 W St. Johns, FL 32259
Galimore Center - 399 Riberia St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
*Dates vary by location
Rates:
$30 for members per day
$35 for non-members per day
$130 for members per week (M-F, March 21-25)
$140 for non-members per week (M-F, March 21-25)
St. Augustine Youth Services: Pinwheel Parade
Click here to view the St. Augustine Youth Services 3rd Annual Pinwheel Parade on Saturday, April 2nd from 10-11:30 am.
Relay for Life of Bartram Trail There will be a fundraiser at PDQ on 2/25/16, 3/31/16 and 4/19/16. Please come out and support this worthy cause
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