SerraDIPITY

Volume 22 · Issue 11 · November 10, 2016

 

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In This Issue
A Message from Our President
Principals' Corner
Scout Yearbook Photos
PTO Happenings
Santa's Secret Christmas Shop
Father Daughter Dance
Young Rembrandt Art Class
Extended Care News
In-N-Out® News
Semi Annual Tuition and iPad Program Program Direct Debit (EFT) Reminder
Scrip News
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 President

The light of Christ shines within each of us and Christ asks us to share his  light with others. In these last few weeks of the year of Mercy, we can light someone's candle with kindness, love and mercy. We will loose not a single bit of light but will help brighten another. Isn't that what Jesus wants us to do when we show mercy and love to others?






Advent Retreat at SJSC with  Immaculée Ilibagiza 
December 9 & 10
Would you like a little spiritual "pick me up" this Advent?  St. Junipero Serra Catholic School will be hosting a very special retreat this Advent Season. Our guest speaker will be world renowned Immaculee Ilibagiza, the Rwandan genocide survivor who will speak on Forgiveness & Hope. This retreat will be held in the Student Activity Center beginning the evening of  Dec.9 at 5 p.m.  and will then continue the morning of  Dec.10  with mass at  8:30 a.m.  and ongoing testimony from Immaculee concluding at  12:30 pm . Ilibagiza's entire family, except for one brother, was killed during the genocide in the 1990's when members of the Hutu militia slaughtered about one million Tutsis - Ilibagiza's tribe. llibagiza survived for 91 days with seven other women in a 4-by-3-foot bathroom in the home of a local pastor. She chronicled the experience in her first book "Left to Tell," which sold more than a million copies. She tells a very compelling story of love for our Blessed Mother. We hope you will join us for this amazing experience.   CLICK HERE  to register and for more information. 
The Adopt-A-Family Advent Program is Here! 
Gifts and Gift Cards Due by Friday, December 9
 
The SJSC PTO is thrilled to announce that Mrs. Carol Lawson will again coordinate St. Junipero Serra's 2016 ADOPT-A-FAMILY ADVENT PROGRAM !
 
Over the years, our St. Serra community has generously supported the Adopt-A-Family Program through Catholic Charities of Orange County.  This holiday season, with your help, our school will be able to provide a better Christmas for 41 families.  The requests this year are very simple, and any amount is appreciated.
 
Please be on the lookout for a special Adopt-A-Family email with information about your child's Homeroom and Family Assignment.
 
Questions? Contact Carol Lawson, Adopt-A-Family Advent Program Chair, at mandc_lawson@me.com . Thank you!
REMINDER - SJSC 2016-17 Parent/Student Handbook TK - 8 Acknowledgement Cards Due Monday, November 14.
 
The handbook can be found on our homepage either under Quicklinks or in the Parent section . The handbook is not a parent protected document. When opening the handbook you will see items highlighted in yellow. These items are areas that have been amended for the 2016-17 school year.  All families are asked to find the Acknowledgement on page 79 of the handbook, print, sign and return to the School Office by Monday, November 14.
Fall Reconciliation Service Monday, November 14 
Grades 3-8
 
As we prepare our hearts for the upcoming Advent season we turn to God through repentance. Our Catholic Church recommends we  receive the sacrament of Reconciliation during this upcoming holy season. Advent, in the liturgical year, is known as a penitential season of waiting. Confession is a natural step to cleanse ourselves from sin and start anew with a renewed focus on Christ as we await the celebration of His birth. Monday, November 14, we are honored to have 14 priests share this sacrament with your children. This will be a formal uniform day for Grades 3-8.
 




TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON  
Tuition Assistance Luncheon

Sunday, January 29, 2017
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School
Muzzy Family Student Activity Center  
 
Tickets are selling fast. We are already 50% sold out after just 1 week. Please make sure to take advantage of our early bird pricing to ensure you will be able to attend!  This event sells out well before the deadline every year. Tickets are $80 (before December 9) and $95 thereafter. 
 
Own a business? Know of someone who would like to expose their business to 300 ladies? Or perhaps you can't attend. There are underwriting opportunities available. 
 
Underwriting minimizes event expenses and allows 100% of purchases and donations at the event to go directly towards the children's educational needs. 
 
CLICK HERE  to reserve your seat or provide underwriting support for this event today!
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, Principal, Preschool - Grade 2 &  Mrs. Julie Tipton, Principal, Grades 3-8

Student Learning Assessments and Conferences
The last day of the  1st Trimester  is this  Friday, November 11 .
 
Student Learning Assessments - SLAs/Report Cards will be posted on Sycamore (under Documents) on  Monday evening, November 14.

Conferences will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16 - Friday, Nov. 18.
 
Conference Reminder: As we continue to partner in your child's education, we encourage open and ongoing communication throughout the school year. Parent, teacher, and student communication should be envisioned as a process, rather than as an event. All St. Junipero Serra Catholic teachers participate in on-going communication with parents. Communication takes place via Sycamore, e-mail, telephone, and scheduling conferences as needed. It is our hope that all concerns are being addressed as they arise and are not being held until the set conference days. 

STUDENT LEARNING ASSESSMENTS (Kindergarten - Grade 8 ONLY)
The SLAs will be posted in Sycamore by Monday evening. If you have lost or misplaced you password, please email your family name, student name, and grade to  sycamore@serraschool.org  to request a Sycamore user name and password.

To access the report card, please log into  https://app.sycamoreeducation.com .
  • Click on My Family
  • Click on My Students
  • Click on the Student Code
  • Click on the Documents and select 2016-2017 Grade Card S1 and open.
  • Please sign digitally and SAVE
C ONFERENCES for PRESCHOOL - GRADE 4
 
...have already been scheduled with homeroom teachers. The scheduled time came home in a previous Weekly Envelope. 
 
Specialty Teachers:   All specialty teachers, including Small Group and Advanced Plus teachers, will be available for 15 minute drop-in conferencing as desired. PE, Music, Spanish, and Art teachers for TK-Grade 4 will be available in the Student Activity Center for festival conferences since they do not have an assigned classroom. Our TK-Grade 4 Technology teacher, Advanced Plus and Small Group teachers will be in their classrooms available for festival conferences as well. 
 
Festival Conference Times:
Wednesday, November 16, 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 2:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

*Festival conferencing means that you will not make an appointment with these teachers. While they will be available during the published conference times, you may need to wait for the next available 15 minute time slot if you see that they are already conferencing with other parents.

CONFERENCES for GRADES 5-8
  1.  If your child has ABOVE a 70% at the end of Trimester 1 (November 11, 2016), it is not required to attend a conference. If you would like the opportunity to meet with a specific teacher, please come during the Festival Conference Times for a first come, first serve opportunity. This format allows parents and students to meet with a desired teacher versus an assigned teacher. The conferences will be held to 15 minutes and your student MUST be present.
Festival Conference Times:
Wednesday, November 16, 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 2:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
 
*Festival conferencing means that you will not make an appointment with these teachers. While they will be available during the published conference times, you may need to wait for the next available 15 minute time slot if you see that they are already conferencing with other parents.

**All teachers that do not have an assigned classroom will be available in the Student Activity Center for festival conferences as well.
 

2. If your child has a 70% or BELOW at the end of Trimester 1 (November 11, 2016) , it is required to attend a conference. You will receive an email on Friday, November 11 with a link to sign-up. The conferences will be held to 15 minutes and your student MUST be present.

 
Mandatory Conference Sign-up Times:
Wednesday, November 16, 2:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. 
Thursday, November 17, 5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.    
Boy Scouts and American Heritage Girl Yearbook Photos - Tuesday, November 15
 
If your child is a Boy Scout, Webelo, Cub Scout, Cub Scout Wolf, Tiger Scout, American Heritage Girl Explorer, Pioneer, Tender Heart and Pathfinder, their group photos will be taken for the yearbook next  
Tuesday, November 15.

Fourth and Fifth-Grade Webelos and Sixth through  Eighth-Grade Boy Scouts will have their photos taken in the St. Serra Courtyard during 8th period (1:50 p.m.). Fourth through Eighth-grade  American Heritage Girl Explorer and Pioneer photos will also have their photos taken in the St. Serra Courtyard at 1:50 p.m. They will be called to come down at that time. All other Scout photos (Grades K-3) will be taken between 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. at the PEB steps.

Please either have your student come to school wearing their Boy Scout or AHG uniform, or have your students bring their Boy Scout or AHG uniform to change into prior to their scheduled photo. Students may wear their Boy Scout or AHG uniform the remainder of the school day if they choose to do so. 

If you are interested in volunteering to help out with the morning photo shoot, please contact Cindy Kennedy at ckennedy@serraschool.org.
November Volunteer Opportunities:
Show Your Gratitude by Volunteering at SJSC!
 
November is the time to give thanks and help others. Please visit our VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY PAGE to find ways you can give your time and talent to St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. Bookmark this page to check regularly for updates.

Santa's Secret Christmas Shop: Experience The Joy Of Giving!
 
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.  Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ~ Matthew 2:11

Money Envelopes Are Due TOMORROW:   SANTA'S SECRET CHRISTMAS SHOP will be open Monday, November 28 through Thursday, December 8. We are featuring many new and exciting gift options, including both traditional and Catholic items. Please note that completed Santa's Secret Christmas Shop Money Envelopes, with payment enclosed, are due to your child's homeroom teacher by TOMORROW, Friday, November 11.
 
Santa's Helpers Needed! If you are interested in volunteering in the Christmas Shop, please e-mail sscsvolunteers@serraschool.org.
 
Shopping Schedule: The class shopping schedule is located in the PARENTS ONLY PASSWORD-PROTECTED AREA of the St. Junipero Serra Catholic School website.  You must have your username and password to access the schedule. The schedule is located within the PTO Forms and Documents tab.
 
Questions? Please contact Carrie Mulvee, Santa's Secret Christmas Shop Event Chair, at carrieandpat@cox.net.
Save the Date: Father Daughter Dance
Saturday, February 11, 2017!
 
The St. Junipero Serra Catholic School PTO is pleased to announce Johana Hardy-Garcia as the Chair of the SJSC 2017 Father Daughter Dance ~ An Enchanted Evening. Johana, and her talented committee, are excited to plan this wonderful evening celebrating our SJSC dads and their daughters.
 
If you'd like to volunteer in the planning of this year's event, please contact Johana or Shelly Soenen, PTO VP Parent-Child Events, at father-daughter@serraschool.org .
Young Rembrandt Art Class

Inspire your child's love of art with Young Rembrandts. Our students will learn how to create colorful animal drawings of monkeys and reindeer. Drawing a chilly Eskimo will provide a fun lesson on texture and portraits. There's no better time to sign up for a Young Rembrandts drawing class.  CLICK HERE  to sign up. A new session starts November 14!
Extended Care News 

There is NO AFTERNOON Preschool or TK - Grade 8 Extended Care on 
Friday, December 16 . This is a minimum day and the last day of school before Christmas Break. Extended Care will be open the morning of  December 16 . Please plan accordingly!
Hamburger
In-N-Out® News

There will be NO In-N-Out lunches during the month of December. Please plan accordingly.
2016-2017 Semi-Annual Tuition and iPad Program Direct Debit (EFT) Reminder

Tuition Semi-Annual Direct Debit (EFT) Deduction Schedule: December 1 or December 7
 
Semi-Annual Tuition Direct Debit (EFT) deductions are scheduled as stated above or as designated on your 2016-2017 Direct Debit (EFT) authorization. 
 
iPad Program Semi-Annual Direct Debit (EFT) Deduction Schedule: December 20
 
Semi-Annual 1:1 iPad Program Direct Debit (EFT) deductions are scheduled for December 20 or as designated on your 2016-2017 Direct Debit (EFT) authorization.
 
EFT Banking Information Record Changes
Please note that ALL EFT record changes require a minimum five (5) business days' notice to the Business Office.  CLICK HERE  for Preschool - Grade 8 EFT Record Change Authorization Form for banking information changes.  
 
CLICK HERE  for Grades TK-8 rates 

CLICK HERE  for Preschool rates 
 
For questions, please contact Dana Hardenburgh, Senior Accountant at dhardenburgh@serraschool.org or extension 181. 
  Scrip News





Thanksgiving/Christmas Sales Schedule:
 
There are only 2 Weekly Orders remaining before the Christmas Break.  Please plan accordingly.
 
 
Scrip Sales Schedule before Thanksgiving
 
Scrip Sales Schedule before Christmas
 
 
 
 
 
WEEKLY
 
 
Monday, November 14, 8:30 a.m.
(Last weekly order before Thanksgiving Break)
 
 
 
 
PRESTOPAY PHYSICAL CARD Orders placed on shopwithscrip.com after 7:30 a.m. on Monday, November 7 will be processed on November 28 and available for pick up  on Thursday, December 1.
 
 
Monday, November 28, 8:30 a.m.
 
Monday, December 5, 8:30 a.m.
(FINAL order before Christmas Break. Regular weekly o rders  will resume on Monday, January 9)
 
PRESTOPAY PHYSICAL CARD Orders placed on shopwithscrip.com after 7:30 a.m. on Monday,  December 5 will be processed on Monday, January 9
and available for pick up on Thursday, January 12.
 
 
 
DAILY
 
 
Monday,  November 14 (Last Daily Order before  Thanksgiving Break)
 
 
Wednesday, December 14
(Last Daily Order before Christmas Break)
 
 
DAILY SALES
7:40-8:30 am
Limited to
inventory on hand
 
 
Will continue through Thursday, November 17
 
Will continue through Friday, December 16
 
shopwithscrip.com Prestopay Virtual and Reloadable cards will continue as usual through the Thanksgiving and Christmas Breaks.
 
Weekly/Daily Sales Update:  
 
Special Denominations (Starbucks $5, Regal $10, Amazon $10)
 
These special denominations are back for the holidays with an added twist:
  • Available through December 5 via the Daily Sales while supplies last and also through Weekly Order sales using a special Thanksgiving/Christmas Weekly Order form (see instructions below)
  • New! Gift Card Wrappers
    Pack of 10 assorted card wrappers, $2/pack (10% rebate).  Only available through weekly sales through the special Thanksgiving/Christmas Weekly Order form (see instructions below).

 


 

 
Weekly and Special Thanksgiving/Christmas Order Forms
Both the regular and the special Thanksgiving/Christmas order forms can be downloaded from the SJSC website at  http://www.serraschool.org/parents/scrip-programs .   The forms are located at the bottom of the page, under Forms to Download TK-8. These order forms are also available for pick-up in the Scrip Office.
 
Please make sure you are using the most current (10/25/16) order form, as there have been several changes over the past few weeks.  Not using the correct form can result in your order not being filled or being delayed. 
 
For questions, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at tmaroutian@ serraschool.org.
Community Programs of Interest

San Francisco Solano Church - Life in the Spirit Seminar
This Saturday, November 12, 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Come and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit!   Deacon Steve Greco will lead this amazing seminar full of praise music and inspiring talks. Tickets are $20 (includes lunch). Register in the office or CLICK HERE to register online and for more information. 


SMCHS Athletic Information Night
Santa Margarita Catholic High School would like to invite all interested families to attend our Athletic Information Night on Tuesday, November 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information.