SerraDIPITY

Volume 22 · Issue 05 · September 29, 2016

 

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In This Issue
A Message from our President
Principals' Corner
Golf Classic
Harvest Festival 2015
After-School Computer Science Class
Lunch/Recess Duty Scheduling Reminder
Support the Chapel Fund
Seasons Tuition Assistance Luncheon
Scrip News
2017 Yearbook Sales
Community Programs of Interest
Living Our Faith

 

 Prayer Partners &

Prayer Requests

 

Please CLICK HERE for more information about Outreach Ministries.

Parish Connections Update
CLICK HERE to view this month's Parish events.
  
  
Weekly Rosary
Please join us for  our weekly, Friday morning Rosary. CLICK HERE for more information.
  
  
Volunteer
    Opportunities    

Please CLICK HERE to view the many volunteer opportunities that are available here at Serra Catholic
  
A Message From Our School President
This is such a beautiful definition of HOPE, but I also think it is a reflection of having FAITH. I believe in my heart that with hope all is possible. Whatever is going on in our lives right now, never lose HOPE.


Summit/Founders Day - Oct. 6, 2016 
Our St. Junipero Serra Catholic School Annual Founders Day Summit will be held on Thursday, October 6th at 6:30 p.m. in the Muzzy Family Student Activity Center.

Our Summit is a time when SJSC Parent Advisory Board leadership and their committees gather to receive the Annual Report, review school-wide goals and based on those goals, set individual committee goals. Mr. Doug Hayden is our Advisory Board Chair working closely with myself and the following committees: Advancement, Construction/Facilities, Curriculum, Finance, Marketing, PTO, Parish/Community Outreach, Legal/Administration, and Technology. Each committee consists of administrators and parent volunteers working together to continually move our school forward...SIEMPRE ADELANTE.
  The evening will include:
  • Presentation of the Annual Report 2015-16 and School-wide goals
    for 2016-17
  • Overview of the Phase IV Chapel/STEAM construction project and how it will support our students
  • Introduction of our new website and marketing plans
  • Guest Speaker: Mr. Andy Sulick, President SMCHS speaking about how our students succeed at SMCHS
  • Setting of Advisory Board goals
  • Committee work on goals for 2016-2017
You are invited to join us as an observer of this wonderful event. Hospitality and seats in the bleachers will be available for all observers. As an observer, I know you will learn a great deal and will be proud of the parent leadership that represents you in all areas. You may be so intrigued you will want to volunteer for one of the committees in the future.
   
Update to Arrival Time and Traffic Procedures  
May I first thank you all who have been so patient, kind and smiling through the challenges of the morning traffic. As many of you have noticed, I have been at morning traffic quite a bit, especially in the middle of the new roundabout to observe and guide our traffic. It is apparent that we need to re-adjust a bit to help relieve the stress that is upsetting to some families. Please note that this adjustment will still allow us to meet our original goal for this change, adding additional curriculum minutes to the schedule. The morning arrival is as follows:
  • 7:10 Traffic opens - students arriving up to 7:30 sit at their classroom benches
  • 7:30 First bell rings - students are picked up from the benches. This is a warning bell.
  • 7:40 Second bell rings - official start of school.
  • 7:43 A NEW third bell rings - SerraVision begins. It is at the 7:43 bell that students will be sent to the office for late slips and are considered officially tardy.
  • 7:42-7:43 The gates will close depending on traffic on the streets.  Once the gates close, students will need to be dropped off in front of the school. If the 7:43 bell has rung, they will be given a late slip to go to class, after the SerraVision prayer time is completed.
SerraVision can be seen by all on our website and lasts no longer than 10 minutes.
In addition, we are diligently working with the city on the synchronization of lights. This may take a few days.  It is my prayer that those that are so angry can understand we are all doing our best and as we are St. Serra, we always adjust to meet the challenges that face us.  Adjustments are not always immediate.  Safety of students, staff doing traffic and our drivers is most important.

Ride the MORNING Bus to School
As stated in Serra DIPITY, effective September 19, the  7:40 a.m. start time will be fully enforced. One way we can help your child to arrive to school on time is to get them on the St. Serra buses. We have five convenient pick-up locations (Lake Forest Sports Park, PetSmart/Staples parking lot (Ave de Las Flores/Mattina), Coto Sports Park, Holy Trinity Parish, and the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. It's only $40/month per student to ride the morning bus. You will never have to sit in morning traffic and best of all, your child will never have to worry about being late. A bus rider will never be marked tardy. 

If you are interested in riding the morning bus, please send an e-mail to  Transportation@serraschool.org  and we will get you all the information and documentation you need.

SJSC New Website Launch
As I mentioned in last week's issue, we are very excited about our new site that will launch early next week. This site will not only tell our story but will give you, our parents, easy access to the information you need the most. We hope you will enjoy navigating through the site and familiarizing yourself with all it has to offer.

As we settle in over the next few months, we hope to introduce new features that will better serve you. I will announce these features here in the Serra DIPITY as they become available to you.

Here are a few things you will need to know to make the transition easy:

  • Quicklinks - can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the website, next to the search icon. Here you will find links to our Daily Calendar, Sycamore, PTO Events and Programs and Recording Service Hours to name a few.
  • Parent Section Tab - will contain the Parents Only Login, where you will be able to view our daily SerraVision broadcasts and SerraVision Archives, In-N-Out Lunch orders, Yearbook purchase orders and anything containing private student information. The Parent's tab will also contain the Daily Schedule & Dismissal Times, Change of Status Form, Lunch and Recess Information, Parent/Student Handbook, PTO information and SerraDIPITY Archives among other important parent information. 
Please note that the site launch is expected to occur Monday afternoon on October 3rd, but could take as long as Tuesday morning to fully propagate. If you have any trouble seeing our new site after the switch, please e-mail communications@serraschool.org. 

"Pennies from Heaven" - Every Life is Worth Living - Oct. 3-19, 2016
Next Monday,  we will kick off the annual Respect Life Month or "Pennies from Heaven" program developed within the Diocese of Orange. All students and staff will receive a new baby bottle to take home, fill up with donations and return it back to school before  Wednesday, October 19 . These funds support local Respect Life shelters, clinics and centers which assist women and families in crisis. This collection is one substantial way for you to promote a culture of LIFE in our community. If you are writing a check, please make it payable to SJSC and indicate "PFH" on the memo line. Thank you for your support!

God is Good...All the Time.
  
Christ's Blessings,

Angeline Trudell
President     



 
 


"Be brave, take heart, all who put their HOPE in the Lord." - Psalm 31:24

Principals' Corner
Mrs. Carol Reiss, Preschool-2 & Mrs. Julie Tipton, Grades 3-5

SYCAMORE ONLINE MERIT CARD PARENT  COMMUNICATION - GRADES 3-8
Parents may now view their student's Discipline log that includes commendations, violations and detentions. To access this Discipline log in Sycamore, click on your student's profile then the Discipline button (on the right of the screen). Each commendation  or   violation  will have a description. CLICK HERE to view a step-by-step PDF tutorial for your use. 

Thank you for your patience as we worked with Sycamore to get this important feature activated for you.

Homework Club
Homework Club Starts on  Monday, October 3, from  3:00-4:00 p.m.
All students in grades one-eight have Homework Club at the same time.
All students whose paperwork was received before today,  9/29/16, have been enrolled in HW Club.

Fourth-Grade Homework Club is now full. You may add your name to the Fourth-grade Homework Club list. Please note that is a first-come, first-served wait list.
All other grades have openings and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Please CLICK HERE to:
  • see more information about Homework Club
  • see the list of teachers
  • print the HW Club forms

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors , golfers and dinner guests. We are so grateful for your support and thank you all for continuing to make the   Golf Classic  not only an incredibly fun event, but also an incredibly successful fundraiser benefiting St. Serra School!
  
Ball Drop Reminder: Thank you to ALL who participated in the 2016 Ball Drop Raffle ! The helicopter will be flying over SJSC field tomorrow, Friday, September 30 between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

Non-Uniform Dress Pass: Each student who sold $50 or more in golf balls automatically receives a non-uniform dress pass for the whole family for tomorrow September 30, 2016. Qualifying student names are listed in the Parents Only section  of the website. Read more...
Make your reservations! 

Next Wednesday, October 5 is our last restaurant fundraising event at  Selma's Pizzeria .  Don't miss out, the first one was a blast! 
 
Save the date! Our final family fundraising event at   Big Air Trampoline Park will be held  on Wednesday, October 19.
 
Got Talent?  Serra's Got Talent is back this year, so get your ACT together! Check out the Harvest Webpage for more details and, while you're there, take a look at all the amazing things Harvest has to offer this year! Read more...

After-School Computer Science Class

Come and learn the basics of computer programming  using Scratch!  
 

Next Theme: GAME DESIGN
 
Dates: October 3 - October 27  
Mondays and Thursdays
2:45-4:00 p.m. in the PEB tech lab.
 
Students will learn computer science skills while they create their own video games! Students will design and program their own video games using code and computer science and learn important gaming concepts while building racing games, mazes, and other fun games. While Computer Science Class members, code, play, and game, they learn important skills that will help open future educational and career opportunities.  
 
No previous computer science is necessary.
  
Ask friends to join, too - the After-School Computer Science Class is social and fun!
 
CLICK HERE  for more information. Sign up soon! If you have any questions, please contact Miss Thomas at   bthomas@serraschool.org .      
 
Code. Play. Game.
Lunch/Recess Duty Scheduling Reminder - 
Due Date  October 31, 2016
                                                                  
Please contact Rosie Chavez, Yard Supervisor at rchavez@serraschool.org or extension 140, to schedule your required hours before Monday, October 31. Please remember that you only need to schedule, not perform by this date. Families will have the opportunity to perform their required hours up until Friday, April 28, 2017.
 
As a reminder, families who have not scheduled or bought-out of the required lunch/recess duties by Monday, October 31, 2016, will be invoiced at the rate of $15 per hour "times" the number of unscheduled hours. The fine for each Lunch/Recess "No-Show" will be invoiced at $30 per hour. Rescheduling will be limited to one (1) reschedule per duty date and will require 24-hour advance notification to the Yard Supervisor.            
Support the Chapel Fund by Shopping with Scripsense
 
Laura recently raised $55 for SJSC simply by making regular purchases of clothing and PetSmart pet products. She can also  stock up on snacks or groceries she needs for this weekend's football games at Pavilions, earning 3% on their eGift cards.

 
Another GREAT idea is Hanna's for dinner!  Treat yourself and use the Local Merchant Program* featuring Hanna's Prime Steakhouse.   St. Serra Scripsense Program participants can now earn 10% of everything they spend at Hanna's which goes directly to the Chapel Fund in your family's name.  There are no fees, no flyers and no cost to you. It's as  EASY AS 1...2...3 .  
SerraStrong in Prayer

Partners in Prayer: Join the Partners in Prayer ministry and pray for our fellow St. Serra families!  Once a week members receive an email with prayer requests from families in our community.  We ask that they then pray for the needs and praise reports.  If you would like to receive the emails or be a part of this ministry, please email Anastacia Escoboza at partnersinprayer@serraschool.org .
 
Prayer Requests  If you would like the Partners in Prayer members and the weekly Rosary group to pray for you, your family or special intentions, please email your name, the prayer request, how long you would like to remain on the list (if longer than three weeks), and if you will need meal assistance to Anastacia Escoboza at partnersinprayer@serraschool.org. Prayer requests will remain anonymous unless otherwise specified.  Prayer request forms  may also be left in the box in the School Office. Read more...
Seasons Tuition Assistance Luncheon
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
 
Weekend and At-Home Service Hours Available!
There are several ways that you can get involved with the Tuition Assistance Luncheon even if you need to work from your home. We need help with registration, database management, crafting or even calling potential opportunity treasure donors to secure our gift basket items.
   
If you are considering being a table hostess to decorate a table for the Luncheon, the deadline to volunteer for this role is Friday, October 7.  There are moms who would like to partner or mentor new hostesses. Not only is this a great opportunity to get involved with other moms, but this event is for an amazing cause; it supports our Tuition Assistance program for St. Serra students and the students of the Marian Alliance schools in Santa Ana.

Make a difference in the life of a Catholic school child right here in our community by using your God-Given gifts!  Contact event chairman, Karin Hendrick, at karinhendrick@outlook.com for more information or to volunteer.    
October In-N-Out® Ordering Closes 
TomorrowSeptember 30!

In-N-Out® lunch will be served on  Thursday, October 13 , 20 and 27. Ordering for both October and Annual orders closes tomorrow Friday, September 30 There will be NO In-N-Out served on  Thursday, October 6,  so please plan accordingly!  

CLICK HERE to visit our In-N-Out page. 
Scrip News





St. Serra has 5 ways to help you earn rebates and attain or exceed your $275  Financial Participation Fee: (Grades TK-8)

1.

Online program CLICK HERE

2.

 
Online program CLICK HERE 

 
3. Electronic Programs (Ralph's)  CLICK HERE

4. Daily Sales CLICK HERE

5. Weekly Sales CLICK HERE


Daily/Weekly Sales Update:

Tutto Fresco - Is  NOW OPEN at their new location in the Kohl's shopping center!  PLEASE NOTE: gift cards will not be available for another 6-8 weeks. Please check SerraDIPITY for availability updates.
 
Bed, Bath & Beyond - We have eight $25 gift cards (7% rebate) available through the Daily Sales. These are on a first-come, first-serve basis as they are normally not available through the Daily Sales.    

Ralph's Renewal and Rebate Reporting:
Reporting for Quarter ending 5-31-16 is now closed. Thank you to all the families who forwarded their rebates.  Please check future issues of SerraDIPITY for news regarding quarter ending 8-31-16. 

For questions, please contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at 888-1990,
ext. 121.
Yearbook 2017 Online Sale  Begins TODAY, Sept. 29, 2016

Yes, it's that time of year again to take advantage of the  EARLY BIRD yearbook price of $48.   This great price won't last long -- sale is only good for a short time.

Please act NOW as the price will go up to $58 beginning Friday, October 14, 2016

Yearbooks can only be purchased online. Here is how you place your order(s):
  • Go to www.jostensyearbooks.com or CLICK HERE
  • Click on "BUY YOUR YEARBOOK"
  • Enter "St. Junipero Serra Catholic School - RSM" from the drop-down menu
  • Click on "Yearbook"
  • Add Recipient's Name (Student's Name) Student's Last Name, Grade, Homeroom,  Recipient's E-mail (would be your own and not the student's e-mail address). If you have a TK student, please select Kindergarten as the grade and indicate TK as the homeroom.
Note: to place multiple yearbook orders, you will have to click on the "Continue Shopping" button to add additional forms to complete for each student's yearbook order you would like to place.
  
Have You Created and Purchased Your 2017 Dedication Ad Yet?
Dedication Ads went on Sale July 1, 2016
  
Yearbook ads are a great way for parents, families, and friends to commemorate student achievements and important milestones.
    
Have lots of photos and unsure of how to organize them in an ad?

Never designed an ad before and not sure where to start?
  
Dedication ads are digital with online templates and easy submission to help you design a lasting recognition for your family!


Shout -Out Ads are Back Again!   
Is your  child celebrating their first Holy Communion? Graduating from 
Kin de rgarten? Want to send a special message to your child's teacher? The possibilities are endless!
  
Let everyone know how proud you are of your student with a Shout-Out Ad -- a unique way to show the special Serra Bear in your family how amazing they are...straight from your heart and into the yearbook. 

For more information on how you can design, preview and pay for your Dedication or Shout-Out ad online, please  CLICK HERE. This flyer also provides you with three submission deadlines, ad sizes and cost.
 

Take advantage of the EARLY BIRD deadline by  submitting your ad by Sunday, November 27, 2016 and receive the EARLY BIRD discount! Please mark your calendar as this date will soon be here!
 
CLICK HERE for more information on St. Junipero Serra Catholic School's Yearbook Ad Guidelines
 
CLICK HERE for Frequently Asked Questions
 
For more information, please contact Cindy Kennedy, Communications Director at ckennedy@serraschool.org.
Showtime Dance is back  on Thursday for 2016-2017
 
Showtime Dance Company will be providing an after-school enrichment dance program for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd-grade students. This class is a combination dance class that will include instruction and introduction to a variety of dance styles, including: Tap, Jazz/Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Musical Theater/Song & Dance.  

CLICK HERE for more details and information. 
CLICK HERE  for online registration.
Community Programs of Interest

St. Kilian Oktoberfest
S ince 1997, St. Kilian's Oktoberfest has been a gathering of family, friends and our wider community. Come for a meal - Stay for music, dancing, games and fun!

* Live Music 
* International Food Court
* Opportunity Drawings

*New this year* Water Wars, Pinewood Derby and so much more!

Sat. October 8 - 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 9  - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pancake Breakfast - Sun. October 9 - 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

CLICK HERE for more information.

Festival Santiago - Santiago de Compostela Parish
October 14, 15 & 16
This festival is one of the largest fundraisers for Santiago parish.

* Fri. Oct. 14 - 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Dinner/Dancing and Silent Auction
* Sat. Oct. 15 - 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Games, Food, Entertainment and Auction
* Sun.Oct. 16 - 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Games, Food, Entertainment and Auction

Come out and enjoy all of the entertainment! If you would like to help by volunteering, making a donating or f or more information, contact Tim Holmes at itholmes@att.net

Holy Trinity - Journey Together Women's Book Study 
Come one, come all on the road again as we become " Unleashed " in our faith!

Introductory and Information Meetings
Evening Study Group - Tues. Oct. 4 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Morning Study Group - Wed. Oct. 5 from 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. 
 
Book: Unleashed - How to Receive Everything the Holy Spirit Wants to Give You
by Sonja Corbitt

Please RSVP to wm@holytrinityladera.org or by contacting
Loretta Rieger at dabl4@cox.net

St. Kilian's All Saints' Day Vigil Mass  for Children and Families &
Trunk or Treat for Kids
Monday, October 31, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
 
Come celebrate with them as they offer a special ALL SAINTS' DAY VIGIL MASS with children and families and then go
"trunk or treating" from our Parishioner's Trunks!
 
WHO: All Children and their Parents or Guardians  (NO DROP OFFS)
WHEN: Monday, October 31
WHERE: St. Kilian Church, Courtyard and Parking Lot
TIME: 4:00-4:45 p.m. Mass
4:45-5:30 p.m. Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Crafts and Treats from Trunks  

Sacred Heart Kids' Club
at Sacred Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana 
Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 
The Sacred Heart Kids' Club provides a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for students in the 3rd 
through   8th Grade. Club meetings include games, crafts, lessons, snacks, and prayer times.
 
Registration for  Sacred Heart  Kid's Club is on  October 6 at 3:30 p.m., the first club meetin g is Thursday, October 13

Please CLICK HERE for more information.