SerraDIPITY

Volume 22 · Issue 16 · January 12, 2017

 

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In This Issue
A Message from Our President
Tuition Assistance Luncheon
Yearbook Dedication Ads
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

This beautiful verse is one to keep close by and to always remember that our God is a God of HOPE. With Him in our hearts, close to us, we will have joy, peace and strength in any situation.
Catholic Schools Week 2017

We are so proud to be a Catholic School! NCEA Catholic Schools Week each year allows us to not only show our love for St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, but to also celebrate our students' many achievements. As always, we have many exciting events planned starting with our Catholic Schools Week Rally Thursday, January 26, at 9:30 a.m. We will have the complete list of activities and themes scheduled for the week in next week's SerraDIPITY. Please know that the activities are designed so that classroom instruction is minimally affected. 
A few highlights:
  • Our annual Catholic Schools Week Mass led by Reverend Gerald M. Horan, OSM, Vicar of Faith Formation with the Diocese of Orange, and concelebrated with our Pastors, will be on Friday, January 27, 9:30 a.m. We welcome everyone to join us in celebration of our faith at this beautiful liturgical tradition. You're also invited to pray the Rosary with other parents prior to Mass at 8:45 a.m. in Extended Care.
  • Open House, Sunday, January 29 - 10:00 a.m. to noon here at our St. Serra campus. We ask you to please attend one of the Sunday Masses at your parishes with your students in St. Serra Uniform, as well as attending our Open House.  You can access your parish Sunday Mass Schedule through our website by CLICKING HERE. The emphasis of this day is to celebrate both at your parish with other St. Serra families, as well as here with our entire school community.

SEASONS  TUITION ASSISTANCE LUNCHEON
 

The Seasons Tuition Assistance Luncheon is not just a another fundraiser, it is a PASSION!  We are not raising money for "things" or "budgets", we are raising money which will directly impact the lives of our children... all of our our children, both here at SJSC and at the Marian Alliance Schools.  Financial Assistance allows many of our students to remain here at St. Serra, which often becomes their sanctuary during times of turmoil. My prayer is for each family to somehow find a way to support these children through this event.  

Travel Opportunity Raffle Back By Popular Demand!
The winner will have his/her choice of one exclusive travel destination. Choose between a Lake Tahoe Ski Getaway, A Sonoma Winemaker Experience, Punta Cana Paradise or Bruno Mars LIVE in NYC! Accommodations and airfare are included in all packages. For additional information, CLICK HERE.

Tickets are $75 each or you can purchase 3 tickets for a discounted price of $200. Tickets can be purchased by filling out the ticket order form found in today's Weekly Envelope and submitting it with your check to the School Office. Additional forms are located on the SJSC website. 100% of the proceeds of this raffle goes directly to the tuition assistance funds of St. Serra and the Marian Alliance. What a great way to support this PASSION whether or not you are able to attend the event.

Pre-event Travel Raffle Incentive
Each ticket sold enters the selling Serra Family into a raffle for a $50 gift card based on when the order is received. Winners will be announced on SerraVision and in the SerraDIPITY the following day.
  • Turn in your order by the close of business on January 18 for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Regal Cinema.
  • Turn in your order by the close of business on January 25 for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Nordstrom.
Registration
There are still tickets available. If you would like to attend the event, Reserve your seat while you still have a chance. If you don't know a hostess this year, grab a friend or group of friends and we will seat you together at your own table.

Volunteer Opportunities
Please visit our Volunteer Page and Sign up Genius for available volunteer opportunities. All SERVERS will get double hours both on Saturday the 28th for training and the day of the event. TEAR DOWN volunteers will also be offered double hours on Sunday Afternoon.

Questions? Please contact Pam Owens in the Advancement office at [email protected] or Event chair, Karin Hendrick at [email protected].

Food for Friends - TOMORROW
 
Friday January 13, 2017  will be our first " Food for Friends" food drive for this new year. Pope Francis reminded us as he shared his New Year resolutions to, "Take care of our brothers and sisters who are weaker...the elderly, the sick, the hungry, and the homeless, because we will be judged on this". We would like to extend a prayer of gratitude to our community for supporting this outreach program at St. Serra in conjunction with the food banks associated with our parishes.

Your contribution will continue to feed hungry men, women, and children in our communities. What seems like a small amount can truly help a family in need. Food drives also strengthen our community by giving us an opportunity to live the Gospel teachings of Jesus, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

Not sure what to donate? Non-perishable canned goods or dry foods are welcome.
  • Canned meats, fish, soup, fruits, and vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Hot & Cold cereal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Beans
  • Rice
  • Peanut butter
We thank you for your support! 

Please contact Louise Valdez [email protected] with any questions.
Save the Date!
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School presents the documentary film, SCREENAGERS on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. 



Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw that with her own kids and learned that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. She wondered about the impact of all this time and about the friction occurring in homes and schools around negotiating screen time-friction she knew all too well. 

In SCREENAGERS, as with her award-winning documentaries on mental health, Delaney takes a deeply personal approach as she probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids' development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.

God is Good... All the Time,

Angeline Trudell
President     



 
 


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

Calendar Reminder

As indicated on the School Calendar, Friday, January 27, is a minimum day. Please plan accordingly. Extended Care is available as usual. 
Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
On behalf of the PTO Board, PTO VP Book Fair, Stephanie Angelos, is pleased to announce the 2017 Book Fair Event Chairs: Megan Fimbres, Angie Miller and Ginaea Bauer.

The 2017 Book Fair, themed "Happy Camper - S'more fun with books",  encourages student reading while benefiting our St. Serra School Library.  The Fair will be open in the St. Serra Library between January 26 and February 2.  Students will have the opportunity to shop during their classroom's assigned time. See today's Weekly Envelope for the Book Fair Flyer, schedule and payment envelope. Parents, guests and Preschool families are welcome to shop during school hours and on Sunday, January 29 at St. Serra's Open House.

Volunteers Needed! Room Parents will be looking for your help with the class shopping trips.  Additional volunteer signups are available on our SIGN-UP GENIUS.

Questions?  Please email Megan, Angie or Ginaea at   [email protected] or visit us at the BOOK FAIR HOMEPAGE.
Father Daughter Dance
Reservations Now Open!
Calling St. Serra Dads and daughters!  Grab a group of friends and make your reservation to attend St. Junipero Serra Catholic School's Father Daughter Dance ~ An Enchanted Evening, Saturday, February 11, 2017, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  Dance to the sounds of a professional DJ while enjoying a photo booth, slideshow and special tribute to all SJSC 8th graders.  Invitations are in today's Weekly Envelope or download from the  FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE HOMEPAGE.

Questions or able to volunteer?   Contact FDD Event Chair, Johana Hardy-Garcia, at [email protected] if you are available to help.
22nd ANNUAL ANCHOR BALL

New!   Gift Gathering Social
Join us for our NEW Gift Gathering Social at Rancho Capistrano Winery, Sunday, January 22, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., in support of our 22nd Annual Anchor Ball Gift Gathering underwriting efforts.  Enjoy fine wines and delectable appetizers, along with good cheer and great conversation with fellow St. Serra parents.

There is no cost to attend - instead we ask that each family bring a donation valued at $150 or more.  Items such as gift cards and merchandise, or donations with cash, check or credit card are welcome.   Together we can help make our annual dinner dance gala a success.

Please RSVP by January 19 Event is limited to 75 guests and filling up fast!  Adults only. Casual Attire.   Questions?  Contact Anchor Ball Gift Gathering Chair Rima Tarazi - [email protected].
 
If you would like to make your donation to our 2017 Anchor Ball Gift Gathering underwriting efforts in advance, or cannot attend the social but would like to make an  ONLINE DONATION of $150 or more please CLICK HERE.  Thank you for your support.

Hotel Reservations
Make your HOTEL RESERVATIONS now at a discounted rate for Anchor Ball attendees. 

For more information, please see our  ANCHOR BALL HOMEPAGE  and be sure to join the ANCHOR BALL FACEBOOK PAGE to view the latest news and updates.
SAVE THE DATE
SJSC Mother Son Event to be held
Sunday, March 12, 2017

On behalf of the PTO Board, PTO VP Parent-Child Events,  Shelly Soenen is pleased to announce the 2017 Mother Son Event Chairs Allie Bertocchini and Lisa Reed for our new 2017 Mother Son Ultimate Day of Fun ~ Cosmic Bowling!  Wear your glow-in-the-dark attire and be ready to knock some pins down! Invitation to follow in February.

Questions or able to volunteer: Contact MS Event Chairs, Allie or Lisa, or PTO VP Parent-Child Events, Shelly Soenen, at [email protected].
Don't Miss Out! FINAL Dedication Ad Deadline is February 5, 2017

The FINAL deadline is approaching fast! Don't miss out on a chance to send your child a special message in this year's yearbook.   

CLICK HERE 
to design, preview and pay for your Dedication or Shout-Out ad online.
  • 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, or never designed an ad before? It's never been easier!
Dedication ads are digital with online templates and easy submission to help you design a lasting recognition for your family!

Shout-Out Ads for your special Serra Bear
Is your  child celebrating their first Holy Communion? Graduating from  Kin de rgarten? Want to send a special message to your child's teacher? Capture these memorable moments with a Shout-Out Ad and create a keepsake you will cherish for years to come.  
   
CLICK HERE for more information on St. Junipero Serra Catholic School's Yearbook Ad Guidelines and  Frequently Asked Questions.
 
Don't Forget to Order Your 2017 Yearbook!
CLICK HERE to order a 2017 Yearbook TODAY before the March price increase.  

Don't know if you ordered a Yearbook? CLICK HERE for a list of Yearbook orders as of January 9, 2017 in the Parent Protected area of our website, or check your email for an order confirmation from Jostens.  

For more information, please contact Cindy Kennedy, Communications Director at  [email protected].
2017 Volunteer Opportunities

It's a new year and new volunteer opportunities are ready for you to explore! Check out the VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY HOMEPAGE to  find contacts for upcoming St. Serra events and to learn why you should continue to input ALL your volunteer hours this year!
PTO Happenings
 
Welcome to 2017! Please check out the PTO PRESIDENT'S NEW YEAR'S LETTER and our updated PTO EVENTS & PROGRAMS page.  What an exciting and special first quarter we have planned for our SJSC families! Please get involved by volunteering. Visit the VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES PAGE to see what events are in need of help.
 
Thank you to all who attended the a ll parent meeting yesterday! CLICK HERE for the Meeting Agenda. We are always here for you...simply email us at [email protected] .

Blessings ~ Cristen Lebsack, PTO President
NEW After School Computer Science Class
Come and Learn the basics of computer programming using Scratch!


Next session choose between two themes:  Sports or Animation
Dates:   January 23 - February 16, 2017
Mondays & Thursdays,  2:45-4:00 p.m. in the PEB tech lab.

CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Thomas at  [email protected]
Scrip News
 
Ralph's Rebate Reporting:
  Ralph's rebates for Quarter ending November 30, 2016 are now due. All rebate information for quarter ending November 30, 2016 must be obtained in email format from Ralph's and forwarded via email to the Scrip Coordinator at [email protected] by January 31, 2017.

The email to obtain your rebate information is  [email protected]
NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR LATE REPORTS DUE TO RESTRICTIONS FROM RALPH'S.

Vendor Update:
 
Amazon - Please note rebate change from 3% to 2.5%.
 
Tutto Fresco - Our stock will be replenished beginning tomorrow, Friday, January 13.
 
Cinnamon Productions - Please note the following update to their locations:
Rancho Santa Margarita        OPEN
San Clemente                       OPEN - NEW 647 Camino de los Mares D-130
Ladera Ranch                      CLOSED
Foothill Ranch                     CLOSED
 
Help!  Missing Supporter Information
If the name below is one of your family's supporters, please contact the Scrip Office.
  • Leticia Molina
For questions, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at tmaroutian@ serraschool.org.
Don't Forget Next Drawing Date Is February 23, 2017!
Read more.....
Community Programs of Interest

Santa Margarita Catholic High School 
Winter Open House
TONIGHT, January 12, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE  for more information
 

JSerra Lion Lowdown
Events happening in January at JSerra High School including:
  • January 12, Best-selling author Chad Williams speaks
  • January 19, Open House
  • January 20, Early Application Deadline
      • January 28, High School Placement Test
CLICK HERE  for information on these and other upcoming events.

Interested in Being a Lion for a Day?
The best way to discover what life is like at JSerra is to become a "Lion for the Day." During this time, your student will have the opportunity to tour their campus , attend classes, gain insight into available programs, and enjoy a lunch from the Lion Bistro on them!

Mater Dei High School - Dates to Remember for Future Monarchs
      • January 12, Information Night
      • January 13, Early Qualification Deadline
      • January 21, Entrance Exam
      • January 30, Athletic Information Night
CLICK HERE  for more information on these and other events. 

St. Kilian RE Office presents... MOVIE NIGHT
Friday, January 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.     
Hughes Hall
For Kids in Kindergarten through Grade 6
( Younger kids can stay if parent stays)
FEATURING: Finding Dory

CLICK HERE for more information.