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Switzerland Point Middle School
Raider Rap April 1, 2024
Upcoming Dates:
- April 1: 8th Grade Writing
- April 2: 7th Grade Writing
- April 4: 6th Grade Writing
- April 5: Raider Store
- April 10: Book Store Starts
- April 17: Wear Purple Day to Support Military Children
- April 18: Character Chats! (Remember: Different Bell Schedule), Night of the Arts at 6:00 PM
- April 19: No School
Teacher of the Month Contest
95.1 WAPE’s Teacher of the Month will honor the area's BEST TEACHERS! Nominations are open now! Each month on the WAPE morning show, Dex & Barbie T will name of Teacher of the Month who will receive some amazing gifts, along with a plaque to display for all!
Nominations can be made here: https://www.wape.com/fp/951-wape-honors-jacksonvilles-best-teachers-with-teacher-month-award/
Spring Testing
State testing dates have been announced (see below). Students will be told of their testing room by their 1st period teacher. Testing begins promptly at 7:30. Please encourage your child to do their best, bring testing materials (pencil, calculator, wired earbuds for students with oral presentation accommodation), and eat a healthy breakfast. Be sure to save the date!
Testing Update: BEST Writing Assessment
This week, the first week of April, students will be taking the state BEST Writing Assessment.
8th grade will test on April 1st.
7th grade will test on April 2nd.
6th grade will test on April 4th.
Please see the testing bell schedule attached. Also, please review the parent letter about the BEST Writing Assessment.
We will start promptly at 7:30. Please encourage your child to do their best, bring a pencil, and eat a healthy breakfast.
Students will be reminded of their testing locations from their 1st period teacher.
You can access the results by visiting the Family Portal. Click here for more information on how to access student test results: https://www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us/access-state-score-report/
Algebra and Geometry EOC Bootcamp
Keep an eye out for communication from your child’s Algebra or Geometry teacher about after-school EOC preparation sessions in April!
End-of-the-Year Reward Trips
- At the end of the year, students can attend a field trip as a reward for their behavior.
- Students who earn ISS or OSS during 2nd semester, or students who commit a Level 4 offense during the entire school year, will NOT BE ELIGIBLE to participate in the grade-level reward trip. Students cannot earn more than 5 demerits or 7 tardies to remain eligible for the trip. See the progressive discipline plan below. Please see Section 5, Levels of Discipline, on page 31 in our Student Code of Conduct for examples of Level 4 offenses.
- Students with 15 or more unexcused absences during the school year will NOT BE ELIGIBLE for the trip.
- For 8th-grade students, these behavior requirements also apply to the 8th-grade formal dance.
- Once a reward trip has been paid for, we will be unable to give refunds or transfer the reservation to another student’s name.
Please see our demerit progressive discipline plan:
- 3rd demerit: Lunch detention
- 4th demerit: Lunch detention (2 days)
- 5th demerit: ½ day ISS or Wed after school detention
- 6th demerit: ISS (1 day in-school suspension and loss of field trip)
- 7th demerit: ISS (2 days in-school suspension)
- 8th demerit or more: OSS
Please see our tardy progressive discipline plan:
- 5th TARDY: Lunch Detention
- 6th TARDY: Lunch Detention (2 Days)
- 7th TARDY: After School Detention or 1/2 day ISS
- 8th TARDY: ISS (1 day in-school suspension and loss of field trip)
- 9th TARDY: ISS (2 days in-school suspension)
- 10th TARDY: Delayed transitions/escort
ILC Newsletter
Character Counts! Winners for March
Congratulations to the Character Counts! winners for the pillar of Trustworthiness.
6th Grade:
Ilyas Annab
Makynlie Baci
Gustavo Espejo
Emily Greenberg
Isaac Johnson
Zachary Kelly
Brody Kirk
Jackson Luebbers
Christian Olsen
Margaret Parmenter
Audrey Stephenson
7th Grade:
Ashlyn McCollum
Gabriella Stoyanoff
8th Grade:
Hailey Ault
Eliza Benton
Aiden Chase
Terrell Crews
Devin Greenberg
Mackenzie Humphries
Eamonn Keveney
Vishruth Mereddy
Carson Sink
Vince Zorrilla
April Character Counts! Pillar of the Month
SPMS is celebrating all pillars of Character Counts! this month.
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
RESPECT
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit, or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
RESPONSIBILITY
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others
FAIRNESS
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly
CARING
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need • Be charitable and altruistic
CITIZENSHIP
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer
Energy Drinks
Recently, we have seen an increase in students bringing energy drinks to school. This has caused spillage and other issues in the hallways. Please remember that students need to have a sealable bottle for drinks at school.
If you are interested in ways to improve your child's energy and sleep, these articles may be of help:
Len Mattiace Foundation Stop the Bullying Contest
Len Mattiace is a former graduate from Nease High School and is currently a golfer on the PGA Tour. The Len Mattiace foundation helps youth in NE Florida with raising awareness about bullying and creating a safe environment for them.
This fall we had 4 winners from our school! Congratulations to the following students:
- Cooper Beauman who won top prize two years in a row and was awarded $1000
- Aubrey Carn tied for third and was awarded $500
- Liv Pablo was awarded $100
- Sawyer Straight was awarded $100
A new contest is starting soon! Please see the flier and link below for more details. The contest begins January 16 and ends April 5 at 5:00 PM.
https://www.lenmattiace.com/st-johns-stop-the-bullying-campaign
A Day Without Violence Calendar Art and Poetry Contest
We have attached information about our 2025 “A Day Without Violence” calendar art and poetry project. Poems and artwork should reflect life in a world without violence. Judges will look for art and poems that make a positive statement about a world without violence. Images of diverse kinds of people, places, and things that portray a harmonious way of life, a respectful living and working environment, as well as children interacting with not only each other, but also animals will be considered. Even students' favorite cartoon character or images of peaceful and fun activities that can be done alone or in groups are also encouraged. Any drawings or poems depicting firearms, knives, or any other violent images will NOT be eligible; violent images with a ban sign through them will not be eligible.
The purpose of these activities is to interrupt what otherwise may become a generational cycle of domestic violence.
Entry Rules:
- 8 ½ by 11-size horizontal
- NO computer graphic images
- All art must be original hand drawn/painted 2D media
- No crafts
- Drawings on poetry entries will not be eligible, only the poems
- Only one entry per student - either poetry or art will be accepted
- No forms of violence to be depicted in poetry or art
Each student MUST have an entry form attached to the back of his or her work with clear tape. Please help ensure that the names and information are written clearly and correctly.
All entries should be dropped off by the April 30, 2024, deadline at either
Betty Griffin Center Thrift Shoppe locations:
445 SR 13 N.
Fruit Cove, FL 32259
OR
1961 A1A South
St. Augustine, FL 32080
OR, any of the 6 St. Johns County Libraries will be collecting entries (see addresses attached.)
A 2024 "A Day Without Violence" Calendar will be provided to each teacher for use in the classroom, pending funding. These calendars also contain suggested activities, which can be used to create a more peaceful atmosphere.
We appreciate your assistance in informing the students, parents, and faculty of this domestic violence awareness project.
If you have any questions, please call Carole Sullivan at Betty Griffin Center, 904-808-8544 x 201.
Solar Eclipse April 8
A total solar eclipse—an event that occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun—will occur on April 8th. Here in Northeast Florida, the eclipse will begin at approximately 1:48 PM, and will reach its maximum at 3:05 PM. Due to our geographic location, the sun will only be about 70% eclipsed at its maximum, which means the sun may only appear slightly dimmer than usual.
It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for this event. Here are some safety tips for viewing the Total Solar Eclipse:
- Only look at the sun through certified eclipse glasses (which can be purchased online) or a handheld solar viewer at any point during the eclipse. The following website provides information on selecting and using eclipse glasses: https://preventblindness.org/solar-eclipse-glasses/.
- If you are planning to go outside during the event, you may be outside for an extended period. To prevent skin damage, sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing are recommended.
Suggested Resources:
- 2024 Total Solar Eclipse (NASA): https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/
- NASA’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast (NASA): https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14520
- "What is a solar eclipse?" (NASA lesson): https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/mini-lessonactivity/what-solar-eclipse
Sancora Ocean Forum Event at Whitney Lab
Richard Vevers from the Netflix documentary "Chasing Coral" is coming to the Whitney Lab Auditoriums April 4th at 7 PM to talk about ocean conservation. He is also known for bringing Google maps street view underwater, so it's a great opportunity for filmmakers, as well as for aspiring scientists. This is most well-suited to middle and high schoolers but is appropriate for elementary school students, too! We encourage anyone who loves the ocean to come and bring all their friends! The event is completely free. There is a QR code to sign up on the poster, but I'll also include an event link here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sanacora-ocean-forum-registration-814185820707?aff=oddtdtcreator
Winterterguard Updates
-
o Your winterguard team finished in 4th place at the State Championships on 3/29! With the highest score of the season of 76.05! Great job team!!
o Interested in joining the award winning team next season?? Tryouts are coming up!
o Want to know more about winterguard or see your team perform their 2024 show? Maybe learn to "spin" some equipment used in the show? Come on out and join us on the floor at the SPMS Night of the Arts Event on 4/18!
Special Message on the Marquee
SPMS National Junior Honor Society is sponsoring an opportunity to send a special birthday or congratulations message to your student via the marquee in the front of the school. Cost is $25. Complete the form here to submit your request . Requests are due the Friday prior to the event and will display the following week (Tuesday through Monday). Example: If you turn in the request on Friday, September 17th, then your message will be displayed on Tuesday, September 21st.
Athletics
SPMS athletics consists of both boys' and girls' volleyball and basketball, in addition to Winterguard.
All other middle school sports are operated by SJMSAA.
The St. 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 that 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.
Students need to register through the SJMSAA website prior to tryouts. Once a student makes a team, he/she will be provided with more information on paying and filling out the required forms
o Please come and visit the PTSO volunteers at Night of the Arts April 18th! Join as a 2024-2025 member and you won't have to worry about it for next year! Spirit wear will be available as well! See you there!
Raiders!
Extra hands are needed for the Raider Store!!
In order to get as many kids as we can to shop, at least 8 volunteers are needed!
Unfortunately, dates will have be canceled as even half that number just isn’t enough!
It is a lot of fun! Come join the fun!
- Your PTSO is bringing Crumbl Cookie's to sell at all 3 lunches on April 12th!
Raider Families! All orders have been submitted to the vendor, so please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery! We will then inventory everything left and put it on the website. There are still stickers, magnets, shoe charms, and bracelets available!
Looking for ways to appreciate your SPMS Staff?
The Sunshine Cart is the PTSO mobile version of staff appreciation! We take the goodies to them so they don’t have to find some time to get to the staff lounge!
This is a great way to help the PTSO show appreciation for all that the SPMS staff does for your student(s)!
Browse the staff appreciation wishlist, pick your favorite goodie and make sure to put your student's name in the notes! They will receive 10 Raider Bucks for donating!!
Thank you for your continued support, Raider Families!! SPMS PTSO Sunshine Cart Wishlist
The PTSO would love your help stocking the Raider Store!
The Raider Store is where students can spend their hard-earned Raider Bucks. Your student earns Raider Bucks from their teachers and staff for showing good character in the classroom and the hallways. They can then spend them in the PTSO-sponsored Raider Store.
We are always looking for new and fun things to stock the store with to keep the students coming back.
Please put your student's name on the gift, and they will be credited 10 Raider Bucks for your donation.
Thank you for your support! SPMS PTSO Raider Store Wishlist Raider Store Volunteer Sign Up
SPMS PTSO
http://www.swisspointptso.com/
The SPMS PTSO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the learning and work experience of the students and staff at SPMS.
Our membership includes teachers, administrators, parents, and students.
What do we do?
Student Initiatives:
- Neon Bash-Fall Dance for students
- Raider Store-Rewards for students who earn Raider Bucks for academic and behavioral performance
- Grade Level Support
- Character Counts! Rewards
Staff Initiatives:
- Classroom grants-teacher members are eligible for up to $100 in a classroom grant to purchase items to enhance their classroom
- Staff luncheons and breakfast
- Staff Appreciation
- Annual Donation to the school for technology and other needs
How do we pay for these initiatives?
- MEMBERSHIP-this is our biggest fundraiser. By simply joining PTSO, families help us reach our goals
- Spirit Wear-PTSO sells spirit wear each fall
- Fall/Spring Fundraisers-examples include Nothing Bundt Cakes and Poppin' Box
- Business Partners-our area businesses help SPMS through our Partners in Education program
- Corporate Donation Matches, Amazon Smile, Box Tops and private donations
How do you join?
- A family membership is $25 for the school year. The membership includes parents and any siblings at SPMS.
- Membership form can be found at https://switzerland-point-middle-school-ptso.square.site/
We are excited about a wonderful and busy 2023-2024 school year and making a difference at Swiss!
If you are interested in finding out how you can help contact Dawn Evans at dawnevanswebpto@gmail.com
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT PTSO
There will be various fundraisers throughout the school year to participate in to help fund the PTSO 2023-2024 initiatives.
Box Tops – Download the Box Tops app and scan your receipts for SMPS PTSO to get Box Top credits.
Keep an eye on the PTSO website, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on what is coming up throughout the year!
Questions/concerns?? spmsptso@hotmail.com
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/