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Message from Mrs. Kunze
It is hard to believe that we have 9 days of school remaining. Students are taking district final exams now. Teachers updated grades today, so please check your child's progress. Remember that the district finals for middle school count 5% and the district finals for high school credit courses count 10%.
Students taking Algebra enjoyed a fun visit from the creators of Algebra Nation this week. Swiss Point was selected due to our high usage rate of the program. The students got to meet the teachers from the videos and ask them questions, but the best part was getting autographs and taking selfies. You would have thought that we had rock stars on stage instead of Algebra teachers!
We hosted our last Character Counts luncheon today recognizing 75 students for demonstrating great character. A huge thank you to Hero's Eatery on San Jose for great sandwiches!
Testing continues and we are still in need of proctors.
If you can spare a few hours, please volunteer.
Click on "Find a Signup"
Enter the random text
Click "Search"
Click on SPMS Proctor SignUp
All volunteers must be cleared and the website to apply is
Swiss Point has a Shoparoo account.
Shoparoo is an extremely easy way to fundraiser 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!
A special thank you to The Araman Family Trust for their donation to sponsor the SPMS PTSO 8th Grade Awards Ceremony. It is donations like these that allow PTSO to sponsor programs and events for our amazing kids. If you would like to donate personally and/or have a company willing to match that donation, SPMS PTSO is a tax deductible charity and we would really appreciate the support. Please contact Ali Lindenfeld at SPMSPTSO@hotmail.com for more information.
Here is the NEW 2016-2017 Board:
President - Dawn Evans
1st VP/Fundraising - Mary Panariello
2nd VP/Membership - Missy Kahn
Treasurer - Kelly Rose
Secretary - Tina Tayag
These committees can always use extra help!! Please consider lending your talents/skills to one or more of these fun committees!
Magazine Sales/Fall Fundraiser - Mary Panariello (need shadow)
Neon Bash - Vicky Perkins/Elizabeth Wenzel
Character Counts - OPEN (Please consider lending your skills to this committee!)
Partners In Education - Ali Lindenfeld
Book Fair - Michelle Walling/Heather Granby/Elizabeth Newland
Color Run/Spring Fundraiser -Elizabeth Newland
Swiss Point Cares - Holly Antal
Box Tops - Christine Camps
Spirit Wear - Patti Machols
Communications - Dawn Evans
Teacher Appreciation - Jodi Mullaney/Kelly Martini
Concessions - Missy Kahn/Michelle Walling
Back to School Supplies - Mary Panariello (need shadow)
A HUGE THANK YOU to ALL of the volunteers who make the PTSO great and for those that support PTSO!!!
Did you know?? We have an AmazonSmile account!! Click this link to find out more!
Now while you do your regular shopping on Amazon thru AmazonSmile, .5% of your purchase will be donated to SPMS PTSO! It is that EASY! Thank you for your support!
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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 May 16th
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 May 16, 2016
Monday, May 16 - Black Day
6th grade Final Exams- PE & World History
7th grade Final Exams- PE & Science
8th grade Final Exams- PE & Introduction to Informational Technology
Tuesday, May 17 - Silver Day
6th grade Final Exams- PE & World History
7th grade Final Exams- PE & Science
8th grade Final Exams- PE & Introduction to Informational Technology
Wednesday, May 18- Black Day- 1pm dismissal
6th grade Final Exams- Sicence 1 & Critical Thinking
7th grade Final Exams- ICT 2 & Yearbook
7th grade Science in Auditorium
8th grade Final Exams- Band (all levels)
SAC Meeting, 3:15-4:30 pm, Room 640
Thursday, May 19- Silver Day
6th grade Final Exams- Sicence 1 & Critical Thinking
7th grade Final Exams- ICT 2 & Yearbook
7th grade Science in Auditorium
8th grade Final Exams- Band (all levels) & Physical Science Honors
ITS Club Meeting, 2-4:00 pm, Drama Room
Friday, May 20- Black Day
6th grade Final Exams- Band 1 or 2 & Beginning Spanish
7th grade Final Exams- Art, Acting & Beginning/Intermediate Spanish
7th grade ELA in Auditorium
8th grade Final Exams- News Crew & Spanish
Algebra Placement Test in Math 1 Advanced
8th grade Dance, Switzerland Community Church, 7:00 pm
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Volunteer Information
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Proctors Needed
There are slots available for proctoring. Please go to www.signupgenius.com, click on Find a Signup and enter cynthia.casper@stjohns.k12.fl.us. Thanks in advance for all the help SPMS will receive.
Volunteer Requirements
Before you can volunteer in any St. Johns County School, you must complete a School Access Form (see the Policy Reminder Section below) Please verify with Mrs. Roberts at 547-1822 that you are approved.
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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
Our last Character Counts luncheon for the year was held Friday! We had a total of 75 students who received Character Counts Awards from teacher nominations today! How awesome is that! A HUGE shout out to the PTSO for supporting Character Counts at SPMS and providing the lunches for students throughout the school year! The students were so excited for the awards they received from their teacher and for a delicious free lunch! Congratulations to these 72 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*
As always, this is a public meeting,
and all are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, September 16th-
Wednesday, November 18th
Wednesday, January 20th
Wednesday, February 17th
No Meeting in March, 2015
Wednesday, April 20 th
Wednesday, May 18
Proposed agenda for the Wednesday, May 18 Meeting
Welcome: Call to Order: 3:30
Vote: Approval of April minutes
Finance Report: Ashley Blum
Analyzing Results from Parent Needs Assessment Surveys
Vote: Request for SAC Monies: Library
Vote: Disbursement of remainder of SAC funds
Vote: 2016-2017 School Improvement Plan Goals
Vote: 2016-2017 SAC Chair/Co-Chair Positions
Completion of 2016-2017 Membership Intention Forms
Principal Update: Mrs. Kunze
Adjourn
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Media Center News
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Chris Southworth, Media Paraprofessional
ALL BOOKS ARE DUE IN THE MEDIA CENTER NOW! You should have received an email about the books OR fines OR both that your student owes the media center. Please have your student return their books and pay their fines to the Media Center as soon as possible. If the book has been lost, there is a replacement fee due. All fees and lost books will follow the student throughout their school career in St. Johns County and cause them not to be able to check out books at their media centers. Thank you for helping us get our books back.
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Band News
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On May 6th SPMS received a surprise visit from the FL Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Stewart, and representatives from Macy's to announce that Mrs. Laurie Zentz is one of the top 5 finalists for the State Teacher of the Year Award!! Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Zentz and wishing her good luck in the state competition!!
Thank you for supporting the Firehouse Subs Spirit Night and the Dunkin Donuts Coffee Fundraiser! We will let you know how much we sent to the troops as soon as it is packed and ready to go!! And ALL of your support throughout the 2015-2016 school year!
Congratulations to the WINNERS of the drawings for the Wild Adventure's tickets and TPC tickets! More will be drawn on Thurs. May 12, 2016, announcement to follow!
Wild Adventure Tickets:Tea' Miller's mom, Ann Silverness
TPC Tickets: Ariana Sherman's dad, Richard Sherman
Thank you to the 2015-2016 SMPS Band Parents Association Board for volunteering your time to help make the band what it is!!
President: Alycee Keith
Vice President: Jill Williams
Treasurer: Clair Jordan
Secretary: Netta Merwin
PR/Social Media: Dawn Evans
Here is your SPMS Band Parents Association Board for the 2016-2017 school year:
President: Wesley White
Vice President: Jill Williams
Secretary: Carol Higley & Bridget Jeffers
Treasurer: Aloka Wijayawardhana
Co-Treasurer: Becky Bolton
Fundraising: Michelle Bedell
Public Relations: Dawn Evans
Thank you for giving your time to the Band!!!
We now have an AmazonSmile account!! Please consider choosing the Band Parents Association as your charity of choice when you shop on Amazon.com! Follow this link to learn more! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/04-3706348
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 Tuned Into Learning, Summer Socializing, Caring Counts and more
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
Parents, there are still 270 current 6th grade students that we do not have a record of their Tdap for entrance into 7th grade. Only 18 of you have provided those shot records to us since the last Raider Rap. If your child had their Tdap shot and you are unsure if we have received it, please do not hesitate to contact Norma Miller at norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us or Cynthia Casper at cynthia.casper@stjohns.k12.fl.us. The school does have access to the state wide Florida Shots system to review your child's immunization record and print it. Before you know it school will be starting and your student will not be able to start on the first day or get their schedule. There will be no exceptions! The Tdap shot must be documented on a Florida 680 form. No receipts will be accepted. If you have any questions please email me at joan.beccard@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call 547-8628.
Information Changes
It is imperative that parents call into school to change home phone numbers, cell numbers, work numbers and email addresses as soon as they are changed. In an emergent situation, it is difficult to get contact parents when the information provided is not correct. Please contact Norma Miller at norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us with changes.
Florida Immunization Requirements: FAQs
Click here to view valuable information regarding requirements for school age students and their immunizations.
EATING FOR EXAMS!!!
Exam Tip #1
Keep calm and Breakfast on! Its true breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it gets the brain going. Protein and carb coupling is a good way to go. A protein example is: eggs, meat & cheese, A carb example is vegetables, breads and cereals. The carb makes us full and happy and the protein sustains us. Did you know eggs contain a nutrient called choline, it is thought to help cognitive performance and improve memory as we age.
Exam Tip #2
Stay Hydrated. Water allows many of the chemical reactions in our bodies to take place and therefore, the speed at which our brains can work and process information will be affected if we become dehydrated. Mayo Clinic recommends:
3L of water/day for BOYS, that's 100 oz , or 6 water bottles/day.
2.2L of water/day for GIRLS, that's 80 oz, or 5 bottles of water/day.
Exam Tip #3
Dude, chewable Vit C is not a meal! Supplements are good but real food is better. An orange contains Vitamine C, fiber, beta carotene and other minerals. So, pack whole food items like apples, bananas, clementine's, carrot sticks and dried apricots.
Exam Tip #4
Going bananas with all this testing? GOOD! Fruit ranks high among the best foods you can eat for your brain. Blueberries get a lot of attention because they contain powerful antioxidants and other nutrients. Natural sugars in fruit offer clean energy so you don't experience the crash that follows consumption of refined sugar, like candy.
Exam Tip #5
It's a no brainer, the better food your brain gets the better you will be able to perform on your tests! Iron and B vitamins are especially important to maintaining the physical and mental energy necessary to study well. Iron -containing foods include red meats, cereals and spinach. Foods that contain B vitamins include whole grains, eggs and nuts. Fish and soy are other foods that are known to boost your brain by providing the nutrients it needs.
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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 Baskeball Camp
Switzerland Point Middle School will be hosting its Annual Summer Basketball Camp for boys & girls ages 6 - 14. The camp will have three one - week sessions June 6 - July 1, 2016. This is a fun filled camp where "Teaching Never Stops". Don't be left out of this year's camp because the camp fills up fast. Please check your child's school for a brochure or the website at Switzerland Point Middle School.Click here also! Questions/concerns, please call or email Coach Singleton
terrance.singleton@stjohns.k12.fl.us at 287-2626 or 547-8650.
Also, we are seeking donations or prizes for the students. (Example: gift certificate, T-shirt, coupons, or candy). If any area business can contribute it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
SJMSAA Football
Are You Ready
For Some Football?
SPRING
FOOTBALL JAMBOREE
Saturday, May 14th
$5 Adults/ $3 Children/
Free for children under age 2
Location: Bartram Trail HS
9am: Swiss Varsity vs Liberty Pines
12pm: Swiss JV vs Patriot Oaks Varsity
Spring SJMSAA Baseball
Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Baseball Team for winning the County Championship! Way to go Raiders!
Shamrock Soccer Camps
Click here to view a flyer advertising the Shamrock Soccer Camps being held this summer at Flagler College in St. Augustine.
Summer Camps at Bartram Trail High School
Creekside Athletic Association
*Creekside High School Annual Running of the Knights on Friday May 13
*Creeks Baseball Club Summer Camp
*Red and Black Wrestling Takedown and Turn Camp
*Girls Volleyball Camp
*Knights Basketball Factory Camp
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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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Children's International Summer Village (CISV) - Switzerland Point Middle School seventh grader Satvik Kuravi has been selected to represent the United States at a CISV Interchange held in Lyon, France this summer. Their US delegation (4 girls and 4 boys and 2 adult leaders from Jacksonville) will be traveling to France for 2 weeks. In this 2-weeks, the delegates will participate in a mix of activities exploring an educational theme and designed to develop intercultural awareness, self-awareness, leadership skills and cooperative skills. CISV, founded after World War II, is an independent, worldwide volunteer organization that educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world through youth educational programs. The Jacksonville Chapter of CISV www.cisvjax.org has offered international and local programs for Jacksonville youth for 40 years.
Labels for Education
Labels for Education will not be collected anymore but please continue to collect Box Tops.
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8th Grade Corner
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BT's Academy Bash
If you were accepted to an Academy at Bartram Trail High School, we would like to invite you to...
BT's Academy Bash
Tuesday, May 17th
6:00 - 8:00pm
BT Courtyard
Come meet some Academy teachers, parents and students already in our Academies. It is a great time to meet current BT Academy students and ask them questions about the Academy that you are going into or you can meet other incoming Academy students from LPA, PBMS, POA and FCMS. During the Academy Bash you will be able to buy this year's swag at a discounted price, vote on next year's T-Shirt Design and pre-order it at the sale price, see projects from some of our students in: Drafting, Fashion, Interior, IT and learn about VyStar Credit Union and DECA!!! Our BT JAM Club will be playing some music for us and we will have dessert and water. We hope you can come, we would love to meet you and help you connect with other students. You can pick up a flyer with all this information at the front office. We can't wait to see you at...Bear Nation!!!
Informational flyers are available in the front office of Swiss Point as well as order form for merchandise. Or click here to view.
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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.
Redirecting Children's Behavior Course
Click here to view informational flyer regarding the St. Johns County School District FREE "Redirecting Children's Behavior" Course. It is a 5 week course being held on April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 28. See flyer for details and contact information.
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Summer Employment Opportunity
Click here to view flyer regarding summer employment opportunities at the First Coast YMCA.
Free Smile Analysis
Click here to view the offer from Ossi Orthodontics for a Free Smile Analysis.
Alpine Groves Park 2nd Annual Community Yard Sale
The second annual community Yard Sale at Alpine Groves Park will be held on Saturday, May 14th from 9am till 1pm at the park located on State Rd. 13 in Switzerland. For those with items to sell, registration and a participation fee of $15 is required prior to the event; proceeds go directly to the Friends of Alpine Park and their efforts to restore the historic Bennett Farm House on site. For those who prefer to shop, bring a friend and plan on staying awhile as you won't find a nicer location in which to hunt for that one of a kind item. Contact friendsofalpinepark@gmail.com for more information or to register for this event. Switzerland Point helped with this park in its beginnings with students going out there with the Legacy Program and helping collect artifacts and clearing of the land.
Florida Agricultural Museum: Fun on the Farm Summer Camp
Click here to view the informational flyer on how to become a junior farmer at the Florida Agricultural Museum this summer!
Summer Volunteer Opportunity
to view flyer about volunteer opportunity at Westminister Woods for the summer. Apply before May 23rd.
State Farm Public Affairs Community Outreach
Click here to view the State Farm Public Affairs Community Outreach flyer. It includes articles regarding the Youth Advisory Board, Teen driver Safety, the Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant Program and more.
Reading Skills and Speed Reading Programs
The University of North Florida Division of Continuing Education is offering a Reading Skills and Speed Reading Program. Click here to view flyer that includes the list of programs offered and information on how to register.
K-9s United
The following links include information regarding a newly formed non-profit organization that supports K-9 officers and their handlers.
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