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Switzerland Point Middle School
Friday, August 19, 2016

 777 Greenbriar Road

St. Johns, FL  32259
547-8650
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Message from Mrs. Kunze 



We will have Open House this week for all students.
Tuesday, August 23rd - 7th & 8th graders
Thursday, August 25th - 6th graders

Both nights start at 6pm in your child's homeroom.  You will follow your child's schedule and spend 10mins listening to each teacher the course and their expectations.  Your child can attend, if you want.  Traffic will be bad, so please be patient.  You will be able to park in Swiss' parking lot, Hickory's parking lot, Hickory Creek's bus loop, and on Switzerland Lane.  We ask that you do not park on Greenbriar Road.  The book fair, located in the media center, will be open at 5:30pm for those who want to avoid the rush.  We hope to see you!


 Attention 8th grade parents:  PLEASE read the 8th grade section below to learn more about the Washington DC trip and for the links for the required forms. There will be an informational meeting AFTER Open House on Tuesday in the auditorium.

Deliveries:  We do accept deliveries, but only call into rooms for lunches, lunch money, and eye glasses.  For all other deliveries we place the child's name on our message board in the main hallway and they have to stop in the office.  Today we had so many deliveries before noon that Ms. Roberts could do nothing else.  Please work with your child to create a checklist or something that would help them be organized, so they can bring everything they need to school.  I found with my own son that a checklist and getting everything ready at night helped tremendously.

Every teacher should have at least one grade entered into HAC by next Friday.  Please check HAC to monitor your child's progress.  Each student received their own HAC account information this week.  Parent HAC accounts are setup with an email address as the username and a temporary password that you must change the first time you log in.  If you need assistance with HAC, you can call Holly Cioffi in the guidance office at 547-8627.


Mark your calendar with important dates! 

Monday, September 5th - Holiday!
Friday, September 9th - PTSO Neon Bash (2-5pm)  Tickets will be sold during lunches the week of the event.
Thursday & Friday, September 15th & 16th - Fall pictures

You can view the Swiss Point calendar with ALL events at our website.   http://www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us/
PTSO Information
Visit the PTSO website at www.SwissPointPTSO.com or email at SPMSPTSO@hotmail.com !
Please check out and "LIKE" our Facebook page! 
https://www.facebook.com/SwissPointPTSO
SPMS PTSO is on Instagram!

PTSO Magazine Fundraiser: 
It's time for our PTSO Magazine fundraiser!  This is one of the main fundraisers for the PTSO and we receive 40% of every dollar back to our school.  The money raised is used to benefit our students.  Our success depends on the teamwork of our school community. 
 
  The first turn in date was Friday, August 19th for orders.   If Students did not turn in their orders, they can drop off in the front office on Monday.  Any online orders placed over the weekend will still count towards prizes this week.  If students turn in 10 orders, they will win the limo ride pizza lunch!  

Check out the new collegiate tumblers- just in time for Football 
 
Shop Online at www.gaschoolstore.com
 
 ONLINE SCHOOL ID:    2529543
 
If you have any questions, please do not call the school, please email Mary Panariello at Mary.panariello@hrblock.com.

Keep an eye on the PTSO website, Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on what is coming up throughout the school year!  Spirit Wear WILL be available until September 15, 2016!  Get yours before its GONE!!
 
Book Fair starts Friday, August 19th!  If you would like to volunteer, click this link:
We could use some early risers!
Thank you to those that have already signed up!  You are AMAZING!
 
Volunteers Welcome: The PTSO could use your talents!!  We still have a couple of spots that could use some extra help and some spots that will need filling next year!  Come and join us to see what it is all about, do something you enjoy and learn and help the school!
 
Join us for our next meeting on September 19, 2016 @ 10:15 a.m. 
 
Please continue to send in your Box Tops!!
 
Did you know??  We have an AmazonSmile account!!  Click this link to find out more!
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-3741022  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!
 
For up to date happenings LIKE us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/SwissPointPTSO/
 
SPMS PTSO is on INSTAGRAM!  Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/spmsptso/
 
Check the PTSO website for all the latest news! http://www.swisspointptso.com/

Cafeteria Information
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 August 22nd

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
Daily Rotation & Calendar
For the Week August 22, 2016

Monday, August 22 - Black Day
Book Fair
2-3 p.m.: Meeting for Fall Play in Auditorium

Tuesday, August 23 -  Silver Day with Raider Hour
Book Fair
2-5pm - Cheer Practice in gym
6-8 p.m.- 7th & 8th Grade Open House
8-9 p.m.- Washington DC Informational Meeting, Auditorium

Wednesday, August 24- Black  Day- 1pm dismissal
Book Fair
1-5:30pm - Winterguard Practice in gym

Thursday, August 25-  Silver Day
Book Fair
2-5:30pm - Winterguard Practice in gym
6-8 p.m.- 6th Grade Open House

Friday, August 26-   Black Day
Book Fair Last Day! 

Volunteer Information

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.

Guidance News
Guidance Counselors
Caryn Patterson-6th grade and 7th graders with last names beginning with M-Z. 
Shelley Helfinstine- 7th graders, last name ending in A-L and the entire 8th grade.   
Cynthia Dean- Testing Coordinator
Holly Cioffi- Guidance Secretary

Duke TIP - 7th Grade Talent Search
Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) is conducting a 7th grade talent search.  The program is designed to help families determine how advanced their students' academic abilities are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate.  As part of the talent search enrollment, students will take the SAT or ACT as an above-level test.  This allows students to have greater insight into their abilities and gives them a chance to preview a college entrance exam.  Duke TIP also provides enrichment resources designed specifically for academically talented youth.
Eligibility:                                                                                     
The student must be in the 7th grade.
The student must meet one of the following test score requirements:
 
2015 FSA 5th Grade: ELA ≥ 95th percentile, Math ≥ 95th percentile
2015 FCAT 2.0 5th Grade: Science ≥ 235
2016 FSA 6th Grade: ELA ≥ 361, Math ≥ 361
Score a minimum of 125 on an approved IQ test within the past two years.
To enroll online visit www.tip.duke.edu/enroll or submit a paper application.  Paper applications are available in Cynthia Dean's office.  


Change of Address: 
If you have moved over the summer, please submit three forms of proof of residency (including a mortgage/lease and 2 utility bills) to norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us  For more information on residency requirements: http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/student/residency/

SAC News

Media Center News
Judy Gill, Media Specialist judy.gill@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Catherine Black, Media Paraprofessional

ATTENTION PARENTS!!  The Scholastic Book Fair will be held August 19-26th including the Open House times on August 23rd and 25th.  The Book Fair will be held in the Media Center.  All Language Arts classes will be scheduled to come to the book fair during the school day and students can buy at that time, or during lunch or before/after school.  This is a great way to make money for the Media Center to update book collections and for your students to get some new books to read.  

Creative Outlets
8th grade Art students will need the following paint colors for second quarter. We will discuss these at open house.   
 
One tube of each color:
Primary Red
Primary Blue
Primary Yellow
Mars Black
Titanium White
Preferred brand: Liquitex BASICS  Acrylic Paint (4 oz tube)
 

Band News
 


Don't forget to check Mrs. Zentz's webpage for updates, news and FAIR SHARE payments!   http://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/

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


The Middle Years
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
From the Nurse
Joan Beccard
Licensed Practical Nurse 
547-8628 

Medications
Parents, all medications must be brought to the clinic by an adult. This includes over the counter and prescription drugs. This is for your student's safety as well as the safety of others. 

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 emergency situation, it is difficult to contact parents when the information provided is not correct. Please contact Norma Miller at norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us with changes.

Immunization Records
Parents, I wanted you to know that anytime this school year, 2016/2017, that you get your 11 year old student their Tdap shot, you can bring it to the school, fax it or scan it. You don't have to wait till they are just about to enter 7th grade to get this immunization to us.  In fact, many 6th graders who are 11 already have it. This is a 7th grade requirement but to avoid delays, waiting in lines turning them in on Back To School Day, get it to us early!!  We would really appreciate it. Our fax number is 547-8635. You can also email it to norma.miller@stjohns.k12.fl.us.  The shot record must be on a Florida 680 form. 

Florida Immunization Requirements: FAQs
Click here to view valuable information regarding requirements for school age students and their immunizations.

Athletics
SJMSAA Football
Are You Ready for Some Football!
 
Please come out to support our Raiders Football Teams
 
Varsity vs. Sebastion Thursday, August, 25
Game time: 5:00pm @ Joe Pomar 
 
* Please visit our website for field information
 
JV vs. Fruit Cove Wednesday, August, 24
Game time: 5:00pm @ Plantation Park
 
Admission into Game: $5 for Adults, $3 for Students.

SPMS Volleyball
Volleyball try-outs for boys and girls will be the week of August 29th.  More information soon.

SJMSAA Baseball Tryouts
Fall baseball tryouts for grades 6-8th will be Tuesday Sep. 6th and Thursday Sep. 8th.  These will be Varsity and JV tryouts.  The tryouts will start with study hall in the cafeteria from 2-3:00.  Tryouts will be from 3-5:00.  Parents will need to pick up athletes from Kehoe Park at 5:00.  The boys bring their gear to school and store in shed on bus loop.  Any questions see Coach Mack in room 610.

NOTICE:
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. 
Policy Reminders
Access to the building
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
8th Grade Corner
The 8th grade Washington DC Trip will be January 8th through the 13th this year.  The cost is $890 for students and $990 for adults.
 
There will be an informational meeting at the conclusion of Open House on Tuesday, August 23rd in the auditorium.
 
A $250 deposit and required forms are required to reserve a seat.  We will start accepting deposits or full payments along with required forms on Tuesday, August 23rd.
Payment Installment Dates:
Sep 15th - $220 for students/$250 for adults
Oct 17th - $210 for students/$250 for adults
Nov 15th - $210 for students/$250 for adults

BOTH of the forms below are REQUIRED and must be completed and submitted with the $250 deposit to reserve a seat.
 
 The seats are reserved on a first come first serve basis.  We need 48 students to fill bus 1 and have the trip.  We need 50 additional students to take a 2nd bus, 50 more for a 3rd bus, etc. 

Partial scholarships are available. If you could use financial assistance for student trip only, parents MUST email Mrs. Kunze at Lisa.Kunze@stjohns.k12.fl.us by Friday, September 2nd.  Partial scholarships will not be given to students whose parents are attending the trip.

Student Corner
Lost and Found
Parents, our lost and found is almost full with just 9 days of school. We have 5 lunchboxes(no name), a water bottle(no name), a ring, ear buds, a necklace, 4 hoodies, and a leather jacket from last year( after reading the Outsiders probably) Please have your student come to the front office to claim these lost and found items. Please put your student's first and last name on all lunchboxes and PE clothes. (no initials please)

Yearbook
Yearbook PRE-Sale price: $35 sale ends 9/11/16
Yearbook Sale Price: $40 sale ends 12/31/16 (THIS IS THE VERY LAST DAY TO PURCHASE A YEARBOOK FOR THE YEAR)
 
Please following the directions below to purchase a yearbook for your student.
 

1.       Go to the following link https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/359 .

2.       Select BUY A YEARBOOK, YEARBOOK PACKAGES.

3.        Select the quantity and options you would like to purchase. Select BUY THESE ITEMS.

4.       Select ADD NEW STUDENT NAME. (Please include first and last name and choose correct grade)

5.       Select ADD STUDENT NAME.

6.       Enter your student's FIRST AND LAST NAME in the personalization box. Please include first and last name and not nicknames.

7.       Select SAVE PERSONALIZATION.

8.       Select NEXT.

9.       Go to the cart at the top right corner of the screen.

10.   Double-check items and personalization are correct.

11.   Select CHECKOUT.

12.   Enter billing information.

13.   Select REVIEW ORDER.

****After submitting your order, a confirmation page will appear. Please record/save the confirmation code for your records as proof of purchase****

National Junior Honor Society
Attention 7th and 8th grade parents: If your child is interested in applying for the National Junior Honor Society, applications will be available after the end of first quarter. Eighth grade students will need to submit a copy of their 6th and 7th grade report cards and their 8th grade first quarter report card with their application . Seventh grade students will need to submit a copy of their 6th grade report cards and their 7th grade first quarter report card with their application. Please contact Deborah Robbins or Sharon Rizzuto if you have any further questions.
 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) - Student Leaders Needed! 
FCA will start up meetings soon! If you would like to be a leader in FCA this year (whether or not you signed up last year) please see Mrs. Amatangelo in room 585. We will have a planning meeting during Raider Hour before our first FCA meeting.
 
Beyond the Bell



 
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.

Any questions regarding Beyond the Bell, please contact the Manager: catherine.black@stjohns.k12.fl.us
From the District
Visit their website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
 
Superintendent's Report
The  SR 8-11-16 Volume 6, Issue 1 of the Superintendent's Report is now posted www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/report/. The newsletter can also be found on the home page of the St. Johns County School District website: www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/
   
Approved District Calendar for 2016-2017
Click here to view the approved 2016-2017 District Master Calendar. 
Community News
Active Shooter Incident Seminar
On Thursday, August 25th
from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM the St. Johns County Sheriff's office is holding a seminar entitled " Active Shooter Incident Seminar." This will be hosted by  Fruit Cove Baptist Church. This event is open to the public and you do not need to register to attend. A few months ago Sheriff Shoar launched an initiative to educate the public on what to do if they are ever caught in an active shooter situation, highlighting the "Run, Hide, Fight" process.