Switzerland Point Middle School

Dear SPMS Families,

It's hard to believe we are a little over 4 weeks away from the beginning of the school year. I am certain many of you are eagerly trying to relax and take in the last few moments of summertime before the school year begins.

I wanted to take a moment with this newsletter and try to address any questions which may be lingering prior to the beginning of the school year. In this newsletter, you'll find information about 6th-grade camp sign-ups, an overview of the Student Code of Conduct, links to summer reading, a calendar of events, and a few other important tidbits of information.

I am very excited to meet each one of your children. Thank you for trusting me and the teachers of Swiss Point Middle School with the most precious person in your world. We all see this as an AWE-some responsibility and we will work diligently to enrich your child's life with the knowledge, compassion, and joy that we would want for our own children.

I look forward to coming to know each of you over the next several months and thank you in advance for the warm welcome into the Swiss Point Community and family!

Respectfully,

Sandra Brunet

...

July 31st

Grade Level: 8th 8AM-10AM

7th 10:30 AM- 12:30AM

6th 1:00 PM-2:30 PM (For those who did not attend 6th grade camp)

July 29-30th!

During camp, students will meet teachers, receive their schedules, learn about SPMS, and have fun getting to know fellow students. Camp fee ($65+processing) includes both days at camp, the locker fee, and lunch each day. Deadline to register is July 19th, 2019. Maximum capacity: 300 campers.

This is your last chance to sign up for the 6th grade Camp. The final spaces are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis!

Sign up HERE:

https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/SPMS-6th-Grade-Summer-Camp-2019/Sz0j9A

Students entering the 7th grade will need to provide the school Guidance Department with proof of their child’s Tdap vaccine before they can receive their schedule for the 2018-19 school year. It is not too early to take care of this requirement. You may go to your private physician, the St. Johns County Health Department 904-825-5055 or a walk-in clinic. If you choose a walk-in clinic a receipt will NOT be accepted as proof of the Tdap vaccine. The vaccine must be documented on a Florida shot record. It would be advisable to bring a copy of your child’s past shot record if you choose a walk in clinic. If you have any questions please call the School Nurse at 904-547-8628.

If your child needs an after-school extended day program, then Beyond the Bell is for what you are looking for. We offer a positive environment that affords students a safe place to be after school. Beyond the Bell operates every day until 6 p.m. and has a caring staff that works with your child each day. There is a dedicated homework completion time, in which computers are available, and snacks are also provided. If interested, please refer to the Extended Day tab on the SPMS website for details and registration forms. All forms and fees must be paid prior to your child attending Beyond the Bell.

Please direct any other questions to the Beyond the Bell Manager: Stacey.McEnerney@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Reminders from SPMS

(Please note the the full Code of Conduct from St. Johns County School District and the SPMS Student Handbook can be found using the links below)

Arrival

School begins each day at 7:30 am and ends at 1:50 pm. Every Wednesday, students are dismissed at 12:50 pm. Students can relax and get ready to start their day in the Gym and Cafeteria from 7:10 am to 7:30 am. If you get to school after 7:30 am, you’ll need to go straight to the front office to sign in.

Cell Phones

Students are allowed to bring cell phones to school, however, all phones must be turned off and stored in your backpack or locker during school hours. Students CANNOT make phone calls, text, email, take/share photographs, or communicate from a cell phone on campus during school hours.

The first violation will result in the phone being confiscated until the end of the school day. The second violation will result in the phone being confiscated and your parent will need to come to school to pick it up. The third violation, and every time after that, will be considered defiance and will result in immediate placement in In-School Suspension (ISS) and the phone will only be released to your parent. When there is reasonable suspicion that a student has used a cell phone in violation of the Code of Conduct or other school rules, school administration may review the phone’s call log, voice messages, text messages, emails, Facebook, Instagram, photographs, and any other applications related to the investigation of the suspected violation.

Discipline

Every faculty and staff member is equally dedicated to making Switzerland Point a safe, respectful, and responsible campus. We encourage all students to make good choices!

Switzerland Point employs a progressive disciplinary system outlined below:

1st demerit—Warning (teacher contacts parent)
2nd demerit—Reteach expectations (teacher contacts parent)
3rd demerit— 1 day Lunch detention (Dean contacts parent)
4th demerit—2 days Lunch detention (Dean contacts parent)
5th demerit—1 day ISS (Dean contacts parent)
6th demerit—1 day ISS (Dean contacts parent)
7th demerit or more—May result in ISS or OSS (Dean contacts parent)

Demerits will be wiped clean at the end of each quarter.

Students earning 2 or more days in any combination of ISS or OSS resulting from more than one incident, or any student committing a Level 3 or 4 offense in the semester of the trip will not be eligible to participate in grade level field trips. Please be mindful of your actions to be sure you don’t lose any privileges.

Gum

Gum is not allowed at Switzerland Point. Students who chew gum will be issued a demerit.

Dress Code

Students should be proud of the way they dress. Switzerland Point enforces the Dress Code outlined in the SJCSD Code of Conduct.

In addition to the guidelines in the Code of Conduct, please remember that:

• Shorts/skirts can’t be shorter than 4” above the knee

• Yoga pants must be worn with a shirt is the same length in the front and back and that covers bathing suit area

• No holes in jeans that show skin 4” above the knee

• No shirts that reveal midriffs

• No tank tops or sleeveless shirts

• No lace or shear shirts with tanks underneath

• No shirts off the shoulder that show straps (girls

  can wear “cold shoulder” shirts with openings in the shoulder sleeves except for “spaghetti straps”)

• Sandals are allowed, but no backless shoes

CONSEQUENCES

• Parent contact

• Appropriate clothing will be provided and must

  be returned at the end of the day to the dean’s

  office

• A demerit will be issued for each violation after the first offense

8/19 – 7th and 8th grade tryouts (First Cut) – Tryouts 3:45-5:45 with parent/player meeting at 5:30

8/20 – 6th grade tryouts (First cut) – Tryouts 3:45 – 5:45 with parent/player meeting at 5:30

8/22 – 6th – 7th – 8th tryouts (Final cut) 3:45-5:45

8/23 – Team will be announced. Physicals will be due for first practice on 8/26.

All Girl’s tryouts and practices will be held from 3:45-5:45.

Tryout permission slips and physical forms can be found in the front office.

GIRLS’ COACH: Mindy Gilleland mindy.gilleland@stjohns.k12.fl.us

JULY

7-31 Orientation (see details below)

AUGUST

8-12 First Day of School

8-14 School Photos, behavior assemblies etc

Email: sandra.brunet@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Website: https://www-raider.stjohns.k12.fl.us/
Location: Switzerland Point Middle School, Greenbriar Road, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Phone: (904) 547-7500