SerraDIPITY

Volume 22 · Issue 20 · February 9, 2017

 

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In This Issue
A Message from Our President
Principal's Corner
Father Daughter Dance
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Scrip News
Spring Sports Tryouts
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 St. Junipero Serra Catholic School
  
A Message From Our President
The gospel reading last Sunday reflects on us being the salt of the earth, the light of Christ, the city on the hill for all we serve.  With each word we speak, each action we take, let us shine a light so others will see Christ in us...and know God loves them.
Mass on Thursday February 16, "God is Love"
Please join us on  Thursday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the Muzzy Family Student Activity Center, as we joyfully gather for Mass, celebrated by Father Ted Olsen of San Francisco Solano and hosted by our 4th grade students . At this beautiful Mass we will remember the great sacrifice Our Lord made for us and how he continues to remind us of His endless LOVE for us.

ALL students in TK - Grade Eight are to wear Formal Uniform that day.

Plan to arrive earlier and join other parents as they pray the Rosary before Mass beginning at 8:45 a.m. in Extended Care. For your convenience, we do have parking in the neighborhood on this Mass day, but NO PARKING in the Memorial Health Care parking lot.

 Missionary Childhood Association   MCA  Collection at Mass
At each of our school wide Masses the students of
St. Junipero Serra support Missionary Childhood Association by making a small donation into our  collection  baskets. These monies do not go unnoticed as we serve the poorest children around the world. Thank you for remembering to support this ministry at mass on  Thursday, February 16  as we celebrate "GOD IS LOVE".

Food for Friends - TOMORROW
Friday February 10, 2017  is the "Food for Friends" food drive. We would like to extend a prayer of gratitude to our community for supporting this important 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
CLICK HERE to view a short video on how you can support our "Food for Friends" food drive. We thank you for your support! 

Please contact Louise Valdez  [email protected]  with any questions.
Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us
 
Recently we included in our SerraDIPITY the article below on flu and cold season. Since the end of January, we are close to a 20% increase in student absenteeism due to the flu. Anyone can contract a bad cold or the flu at any time including our staff, you our parents and your children. May I ask that you please reread the article below, not only for your child but for you as well, and join me in prayer for the continued health and strength of staff, students and parents during this tough flu season.

We have a large number of sick students at St. Serra. As a reminder, if the Health Room calls to report that your child is sick or injured; our policy states that you must pick your child up within 45 minutes of being called. If you are unable to pick your child up within the specified time frame, you will need to contact someone who is on your emergency form to pick your child up.

In order to stop the spread of contagious illnesses it is vital that you do not send your sick child to school. Children taking prescribed medication must take a full round of the medication before they return to school. Children must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

We have this policy in place not only for the health and safety of your children but also for the well-being of our staff.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Traffic Reminder
If during morning arrival your child is dropped off in front of the PEB and you are then directed to exit onto Banderas, please remember to look for approaching traffic either on Banderas or from the neighborhood before proceeding into the 'round-about'.  There is a YIELD sign at each of the entrances to the 'round-about' and you must yield to a car already in the 'round-about'. If two vehicles approach at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.  Although we are trying to keep the flow of traffic moving as quickly as possible, safety always comes first!  Please follow the law when exiting our lanes in front of the PEB by yielding and if necessary, stopping for other cars before proceeding onto Banderas. Thank you!
God is Good... All the Time,

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

Staff Update
With Miss Jade Sammy, who was previously the Instructional Assistant in the 2A classroom, moving into the KA teacher position, Mrs. Johana Hardy-Garcia has accepted the permanent 2A Instructional Assistant position beginning  Monday, February 13.  While Mrs. Mary Ann Bortman is out on medical leave, Mrs. Helen Carrigan has accepted the long-term substitute 2B Instructional Assistant position effective immediately.
Dance the Night Away at SJSC's Father Daughter Dance
THIS Saturday, February 11
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.


Don't worry if you missed registration for the FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE . Walk up guests are welcome to attend for $75 per father/daughter couple and $20 per additional daughter. This is sure to be an amazing evening full of memories for dads, daughters and friends alike.
 
Don't forget to take part in this year's Father Daughter Dance Opportunity Drawing! Prizes include a $500 Great Wolf Lodge gift card, Beats Headphones, GoPro Hero4, the 2016 and 2017 American Girl Dolls of the Year, and more! Opportunity Drawing Tickets may be purchased at the dance for $10 for 12 tickets.
 
Questions? Contact Father Daughter Dance Event Chair Johana Hardy-Garcia, at [email protected] .
22nd ANNUAL ANCHOR BALL
Rooted in Faith

Saturday, May 20, 2017
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
900 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Saint Teresa of Calcutta

All Families are Invited to Contribute to Gift Gathering:
  • Gift Gathering Drive is currently underway: Do you have special talents, services or gifts to contribute? If you need gift ideas, visit the GIFT GATHERING webpage. Donations of cash, checks payable to St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, or credit card, made ONLINE, are also gladly accepted.
  • When to bring your gifts: Tuesday, February 14,  in the School Lobby, at both 7:15-8:15 a.m. and 1:45-3:00 p.m. (Please look for the "RESERVED" 10-minute parking spaces for Gift Gathering drop off). You may also drop off your gift to the School Office during school hours or send in through the Weekly Envelope. Please remember to include the PTO Donation Form with your items (see today's Weekly Envelope).
  • Gift Gathering Incentives: Donation(s) valued at $50 or more, all students in their family will receive a Non-Uniform Dress Pass valid for Tuesday, February 21, and each family will be entered into a Gift Gathering Drawing to win some great prizes. To be eligible, donations must be turned in by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 14.
Thank you in advance for your support and thank you to the many generous St. Serra families who have contributed so far!
 
Questions? Check out the Anchor Ball HOMEPAGE or  FACEBOOK PAGE to view the latest news and updates.
PARENT Fellowship & Coffee Social 
Thursday, February 16, 2017
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. in the SJSC Courtyard

Please join us Thursday, February 16, immediately following Mass, for a PTO hosted parent coffee social in the SJSC Courtyard. Light hospitality, coffee and water will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!

February Volunteer Opportunities
Still have service hours to complete? PTO Events are a great way to both fulfill your commitment and get involved with our school community. For information on the St. Serra programs and events currently in need of volunteers, please visit the VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES PAGE .

Grandparents & Special Friends Day is Approaching Quickly!

Grandparents & Special Friends Day is Friday, March 3.  Many guests have already RSVP'd.  Please tell your special guests that if they have not already replied, to do so by using the RSVP card they received with their invitation or by  CLICKING HERE.
 
Should you have any questions, please contact Cindy Carpino in the Advancement Office at ext. 239.

We look forward to seeing your special guests in March! 
Mother & Son Ultimate Fun
COSMIC BOWLING
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Forest Lanes Bowling 


  • Grab your best glow-in-the-dark attire and make your reservation today for the SJSC MOTHER SON ULTIMATE FUN COSMIC BOWLING EVENT. Invitations went home in today's Weekly Envelope and can also be DOWNLOADED HERE. Tickets are $50 for mom and one (1) son, and $20 for each additional son. Plus, don't forget to purchase your Mother Son Opportunity Drawing Raffle tickets! Twelve (12) tickets are $10.
  • Reservations and Scheduling:  There are two (2) bowling sessions available this year. Scheduling is first come, first served, so register early!  Want to bowl with specific friends? Turn in your registration forms together with payment to reserve your spot.  Reservations are due to the SJSC School Office by Friday, March 3rd at 3:00 p.m.  
Interested in volunteering or have questions:  Contact Mother & Son Event Chairs Allie Bertocchini & Lisa Reed at [email protected] .
THANK YOU for Supporting the  Scholastic Book Fair! 

The St. Serra PTO Board would like to thank our 2017 Scholastic Book Fair Event Chairs, Ginaea Bauer, Megan Fimbres and Angie Miller for their time and commitment to making our annual Scholastic Book Fair such a success! In addition, we want to thank PTO VP, Book Fair, Stephanie Angelos, for her leadership and support, as well as Cristina Rother, Candace Stuart, and the numerous SJSC parent volunteers and staff who served at the Book Fair and/or assisted students with their class shopping trips. And last but not least, thank you to everyone who shopped at the 2017 Book Fair. We are truly grateful for ALL the support we received for this very special event that promotes student reading while raising funds for both our Operating Budget and the St. Serra Library. 
Scrip News 
Family Scrip Rebate Statements are included in TODAY's yellow Weekly Envelope
  • If for some reason we did not have your Weekly Envelope today, your statement was delivered to your oldest child to take home. If your oldest child was absent today the statement will be returned to the Scrip Office. We will make another attempt to deliver your statement on Thursday, February 16, or you may pick up your statement from the Scrip Office
  • Please review your scrip statement carefully and report any discrepancies to the Scrip Office.
  • PLEASE NOTE:  This is the last statement we will send out before the end of the scrip year which is on April 30. 
Vendor Update:  See's Candy (weekly) - Please note price change from $19.30 to $19.90.
 
For questions, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at
Yellow Weekly Envelopes
The yellow Weekly Envelope that is sent home every Thursday with your oldest child, has a dual purpose.  Some weeks the envelope will contain hard copies of items referred to in the SerraDIPITY, but it is also used as a way for our parents to return things back to the school such as forms, payments, etc., and that is why it is sent home every week. We ask that the envelope be returned the next day so that we can prepare it for the following week. If you have lost/misplaced your Weekly Envelope, please email Mrs. Jennifer Lynch at [email protected] by tomorrow, February 10 and a new one will be sent home the following Thursday after receiving your email. There will be no cost for the replacement envelope for any requests received by the date of February 10. There will be a $5.00 replacement fee assessed for any requests after that date. 
Spring Sports Tryouts

Boys Volleyball - SAC
Tryout Dates, Thursday, February 16 * One Day Tryout
5th/6th/7th/8th Grade: 3:15 - 4:45 p.m.

Coed Soccer - Field
Tryout Date: Monday, February 13
7 th Grade: 2:45-3:45 
8 th Grade: 3:45-5:00 

Tryout Date: Tuesday, February 14
7 th Grade: 2:45-3:45
8 th Grade: 3:45-5:00 

Tryout Date: Wednesday, February 15 (OPTIONAL workout session before the season. NO CUTS for 5th & 6th Grade)
5th & 6th Grade: 2:45 - 4:00

Tryout Date: Thursday, February 16 (OPTIONAL workout session before the season. NO CUTS for 5th & 6th Grade)
5th & 6th Grade: 2:45 - 4:00

Track & Field
Grades 1 - 8. No Cuts! Sign Up meeting on February 9, anytime from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in front of the P.E. office.  CLICK HERE for more information on practice times and track meet dates. 
SJSC 2nd Annual Family STEAM Night 
THEME: "5 Senses of the Human Body"

SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, April 4th
5:45 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Students and parents are invited to SJSC's second annual Family STEAM Night! Discover the fun of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) through hands-on activities for the whole family!
  • Explore! Discover! Engage! Create!  
  • Have fun with your family
  • FREE admission
  • Raffles, prizes, & refreshments 
Registration and a list of all activities will be coming soon.
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
E-mail Beth Thomas at [email protected] to get involved in Family STEAM Night. We have many ways for you to get involved:
  • Help with Check-In on the day of the event
  • Help at the various stations. Everything will be set up and ready to go. 
  • Help with snacks and refreshments
  • If you work or have worked in any field related to the 5 senses [taste, sight, touch, smell, sound] we would love to have you involved. 
  • Recruit a friend for one of the activities at Family STEAM Night!
Community Programs of Interest  

San Francisco Solano Movie Night!
This Friday, February 10, 2017, 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. 
This event is open to all ages and is FREE! 
CLICK HERE for more information.

Santa Margarita High School News
The HSPT Make-up Exam will be held on Saturday, February 18,   7:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Students must have an application on file with Santa Margarita Catholic High School in order to take the test. 

Early Eagle Football Weight Training Program for 7th & 8th Grade boys.  CLICK HERE  for more information or see the   Santa Margarita High School website to register. 
JSerra High School

JSerra High School - Lion Lowdown
Considering becoming a future JSerra Lion?
CLICK HERE for information on upcoming events and important dates.
CLICK HERE to view next year's full Key Dates Calendar. Please note that dates are subject to change. 

PRIDE Receptions:Join JSerra for a PRIDE Reception at a current St. Junipero Serra Catholic School family's home. Interact directly with parents, students, teachers and administrators in an informal, family-like atmosphere. No question is off limits! By the end of the reception, you will come away with a true feeling of what our JSerra family is all about.
 
Guinane Family, TODAY,  February 9, 2017,  7:00 p.m.
RSVP online, www.jserra.org/pride
 
Hendrick and Manning FamilyFebruary 16, 2017,  7:00 p.m.
RSVP online, www.jserra.org/pride

JSerra Speaker Series:
On Thursday, February 16, 2017, Dr. Leonard Sax will be speaking to parents as a part of our annual Speaker Series.  This presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the JSerra Center Room and is open to all.  CLICK HERE to find out more about this event and RSVP. 
Here's a great clip of Dr. Sax  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjr6LCbn_wQ


Mater Dei High School - Dates to Remember for Future Monarchs
 
February 11, 7:45 a.m. Entrance Exam. 
CLICK HERE to Register Online!  
Admissions Applications are available now.   CLICK HERE to apply and for more information on these and other events.

Athletic CampsCLICK HERE to sign up for Youth and High School Camps