Switzerland Point Middle School
Raider Rap -October 1, 2021
From Ms. Carnall
Good Afternoon,
Please excuse our dust!! Those of you who have been through the drop-off or pick-up line have noticed that we are in the process of getting a new roof. It is estimated that the front parking lot will be occupied with this construction equipment for at minimum of 30 days. You will notice that our drop-off and pick-up line has changed slightly to ensure the safety of our students. We ask that you continue to follow the directions of the Deputy and staff directing traffic. Please do not stop to let your student out until you have pulled all the way up in line. Most of the traffic in the morning will be directed around the loop for drop off. Remember to have your student exit on the passenger side into the grass, and walk towards the building where an adult will have them cross.
If you are attending a volleyball game, you will need to park in the back of the school and walk up the sidewalk to enter the building through the cafeteria. If you are dropping off a student to attend the volleyball game, we ask that you drop off and pick up in the back.
Thank you for your patience and assistance with this,
Ms. Carnall
Math Textbook Adoption – We Need YOU!
Help us select the best math textbooks as we work with the district on our textbook adoption for the next few years! SPMS needs to assemble a review team to consider all of the available options and give the district our recommendation. We want parents, teachers, and community members on our team. If you are interested, please email Miriam Amatangelo at Miriam.amatangelo@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Picture Retakes
YEARBOOK
Want to buy an SPMS yearbook? Order online at Yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code 359.
COVID Information
You should continue to use the Student Health Screening Entry form and monitor your student for symptoms. The answers to all symptoms/questions should be no for your student to attend school. Please see the attached documents for assistance.
The COVID info web page for SJCSD families is now live at
https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/covid-19/ Here you will find the most up to date COVID information. This site includes the COVID Dashboard, Quarantine Help Guides, directions to access online textbooks and Schoology, and Health & Safety resources.
As you know, masks are optional for all adults and students. We will continue to respect each other’s choices and personal space. We will continue with many of our protocols from last year to reduce congestion in the hallways and cafeteria. Hand sanitizer will be available in the offices, hallways and classrooms for student access. We will continue with our cleaning and disinfecting protocols from last year as directed by the SJCSD.
If your child is quarantined they should be checking Schoology daily. They should go to each teacher's updates tab for the daily/weekly assignments. All work to be completed will be available on Schoology and should be uploaded on the due date. If a student needs help or has questions they can message their teacher. Students can also access their online textbooks from home as well. Please see the attached documents that may assist if your student is in quarantine.
Graphic Novel Amazon Wishlist
The Swiss Point library received 44 new graphic novels to add to our collection! We would like to thank all of the families that donated books and made this growth possible. The students have been ecstatic to branch out and try new series in their favorite genre. If you would like to donate a book to support our growing collection, please check out our updated Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/SFBHXLSG0I3J?ref_=wl_share
Character Counts! Pillar of the Month is RESPONSIBILITY
To display responsibility we should do what we are supposed to do, and plan ahead. A responsible student always puts forth their best effort, exhibits self-control and self-discipline. Responsible students think before they act and always considers the consequences. They are accountable for their words, actions and attitudes while setting a good example for others. SPMS recognizes students monthly who are displaying the charter trait of the pillar of the month. Students get nominated for this recognition by their teachers. We hope your student gets “caught” displaying responsibility this month!
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
The National Junior Honor Society will be accepting applications for new members at the end of October. Applications will be available on October 19th and can be found in the Media Center. Applications will be due by October 29th. Seventh grade students will turn in their application to Mrs. Barnes and 8th grade students will turn in their applications to Mrs. Wilkie. NJHS is an organization for 7th and 8th grade students with a 3.25 GPA or above that exemplify Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Service and Character. This organization is designed to help students develop habits to be successful in high school, college and their career. Please see Mrs. Barnes or Mrs. Wilkie for questions.
10/19: Applications available on SPMS website and in the Media Center
10/29: Applications due
11/5: List of New members posted
11/18: Induction
SSYRA Information
The Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program is in full swing here at Swiss! Students are enjoying earning brag tags and a variety of prizes after reading them and taking a short quiz. SSYRA books can be checked out in the library, or online as audio or e books. Please see this year’s list attached.
PE Uniform Update
- All sizes/PE uniform items are back in stock for purchase.
- The PE Uniform purchase link is back open and will remain open until 12/31/21. You can find it under Important Links on the School website.
- If you purchase a uniform from this point on, please note the following:
- Uniforms will ONLY be issued on Wednesdays at the beginning of PE class.
- Students must present their receipt for their PE uniform purchase (printed receipt or an emailed copy/screen shot on their phone)
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 school. Cost is $25. Complete the form here to submit your request (there's a separate link in the form to pay via Schoolpay upon submitting 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 17 then your message will be displayed on Tuesday, September 21.
SPMS PTSO UPDATES
OCTOBER PTSO MEETING: October 11, 2021, 10AM
LOCATION: Shearwater Community Center
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: October 1st – October 15th
SPMS PTSO Annual Membership Drive will be held October 1st – October 15th. If you have not done so, please considering joining PTSO. There is no volunteer requirement and your donation will help the PTSO pay for Staff Appreciation, Classroom Grants and the Raider Store.
The top two Homerooms in each grade will win a DONUT party and their teachers will win an Amazon Gift Card. All current members will be counted by family in each student’s Homeroom.
Look for our Membership Flyer going home with your student next week or join at:
www.swisspointptso.com/online-store
SPIRIT WEAR STORE: Reopened October 1st – October 15th FINAL CHANCE!
Order your Swiss Point Spirit Wear now. This will be the last opportunity to order the 2021-2022 Raiders Spirit Wear. The PTSO will only being selling what remains in stock after this order is placed.
Don’t forget to purchase your Swiss Point Hoodie for those cooler mornings coming up this Fall and Winter.
SPMS students can wear spirit wear anytime including days our athletic teams play to show support. Fridays are Spirit wear day at Swiss. Students may receive special treats for showing their Raider spirit.
Orders placed during the month of September that were not already filled should arrive in the next two weeks.
Due to global impacts caused the pandemic, the supply line for our manufacture is taking longer than normal. We anticipate having those orders back by Nov. 1st.
Look for the order form going home with your student or place your order online at:
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES FUNDRAISER – Order Oct. 5th – 8th Delivered: Oct. 14th
For $ 5.00 your student will be able to order bundtlette cakes that will be delivered to their 7th period class on October 14th. This delicious fundraiser helps PTSO fund initiatives like the Raider Store, Field Studies and Class Room Grants.
Order forms will be given to Homeroom teachers and be available at the collection box.
The blue collection box will be in the Main Hall by the Library beginning October 5th. Online ordering is also available at: www.swisspointptso.com beginning October 1st.
RAIDER STORE - October 1st and October 15th
points that they earn for good behavior and academic achievement. Our students are recognized for being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe.
Volunteers are needed to help run the store. Please sign up at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44A4A72DA5F49-raider5
SUPPORT SPMS AS BUSINESS PARTNER
Do you own a business or work for a business with an interest in supporting education? Our Partners in Education Program is a great opportunity to support SPMS and spread the word about your company to the local community. Sponsorships help the PTSO fund many school initiatives.
For more information, please contact Carly McCollum at cm0929@gmail.com or check out our information online on the PTSO website.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PTSO
AmazonSmile - Shop through the PTSO link on AmazonSmile! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-3741022
While you do your regular shopping on Amazon thru AmazonSmile, .5% of your purchase will be donated to SPMS.
SPMS has earned $ 92.15 so far this year.
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/