SerraDIPITY

Volume 22 · Issue 21 · February 16, 2017

 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter  
 
In This Issue
A Message from Our President
Save the Date
Principals' Corner
Health Room Reminder
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
In N Out News
Mother Son Bowling
Box Tops
Anchor Ball
Scrip News
ELS Information
Chapel Fund
Order Your Yearbook
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

St. Teresa of Calcutta is the model of Christ's love for us and for others. Her thoughts often reflect the virtue of love. It is the love with which we do things that is more important than the amount we do.
Tuition Assistance 2017-2018
 
It is a part of our  mission and vision to provide a Catholic Education within the boundaries of our four parishes for all those who desire to be a part of St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. St. Serra is so grateful of the sacrifices our many families make to send their children to our Catholic School. We are also very appreciative for the significant number of benefactors who contribute to our Tuition Assistance  program  on a regular basis. We want all current families to be able to remain at SJSC should financial issues present themselves, therefore we will once  again offer tuition assistance to those who qualify through our blind, third party process. 
 
Please note that it is important to your application process that you remain an active parishioner at your parish.
 
We are pleased to announce that we will be working with FACTS, our new online administrator for managing our  tuition assistance application  process .  Most of you who have applied for high school tuition assistance will be familiar with this process.  Please  CLICK HERE  for more information and  to see how to access our new Online Tuition Assistance Application.
 
Deadline for submission is  Monday, March 27, 2017.
 
Please contact Shannon Smith in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at  [email protected]  for application guidance. 
Important PRESCHOOL, TK and Kindergarten Calendar Dates for the Upcoming School Year 2017-2018

For your planning purposes, as promised here are some additional key dates that pertain to your particular age/grade levels that we would like to provide you for 2017-2018.

  • August 30 and August 31 - Preschool Orientation (by Appointment Only)
     
  • September 5 - First Day of School for Preschool: 3-year-old Tues/Thurs program, 3-year-old Mon-Fri program and 4 year old Mon-Fri program
  • September 6 - First Day of School for Preschool: 3-year-old Mon/Wed/Fri program
     
  • June 6 - Last Day of School for Kindergarten students 
     
  • June 7 - Last Day of School for Preschool: 3-year-old Tues/Thurs program and for TK students 
  • June 8 - Last Day of School for Preschool: 3-year-old Mon/Wed/Fri program, 3-year-old Mon-Fri program and 4-year-old Mon-Fri program
Preschool parents, please note that the calendar dates for 2017-2018 that were previously published in the February 2 SerraDIPITY, other than the first and last days of school, are all applicable for your age level.

TK and Kindergarten parents, please note that the calendar dates for 2017-2018 that were previously published in the February 2 SerraDIPITY, other than the last day of school, are all applicable for your grade level.  
Calendar Reminder
Friday, March 3 is an ADJUSTED Minimum Day due to Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Dismissal for students who do not leave with their Grandparents or Special Friends, will begin at 11:15 a.m. Extended Care will be open their regular hours on this day both before and after school. Any students remaining at the conclusion of dismissal, will be checked into Extended Care. Please plan accordingly.
SAVE THE DATE: Mandatory Parent Meeting 
State of the School /2017-2018 School Year Presen tation

Exciting Announcements! 
Tuesday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m.
OR 
Wednesday, March 22 at 9:30 a.m.
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

Take Advantage of this GREAT Opportunity!

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School presents the documentary film, SCREENAGERS on Tuesday,  February 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. 

SJSC will be hosting a second showing on Wednesday, February 22 at 9:30 a.m. Parents who attend will earn a NON-UNIFORM DRESS PASS for their student(s) for Thursday, February 23. 

Please mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for the viewing of this informative and insightful film. 

CLICK HERE for more information about the film   
CLICK HERE to read a Parents Guide from the filmmaker, Delaney Ruston.

Important Reminder from the Health Room Regarding Peanuts and Peanut Allergies
Due to the high number and severity of peanut allergies many St. Serra students have, Preschool through Grade One are peanut free. This means that no student may bring peanuts or peanut products to school.

Students in Grades 2-8 may not share any peanuts or peanut products with other students. This includes special treats such as holiday and party treats.  Please take special care to make sure that your child does not share peanuts or peanut products with other students in order to protect all of our students who have peanut allergies. Students who have allergies are encouraged to bring special safe treats for party days. 

Grandparents & Special Friend's Day RSVP's are due tomorrow!

Please remind your guest to RSVP to Grandparents and Special Friends Day.  If they have not already RSVP'd, they can do so by clicking here.  We look forward to seeing everyone on March 3.  Should you have any questions, please contact Cindy Carpino at 949-888-1990 ext. 239.
March In N Out® Ordering Opens Today!

In-N-Out® lunch will be served on  Thursday, March 9March 16March 23 and March 30. Ordering for March closes  Monday, February 27 at 3:00 p.m. In-N-Out will not be served on  Thursday, March 2,  so please plan accordingly! 

CLICK HERE  to visit our In-N-Out page and to place your order for March.
Thank You for Making Father Daughter Dance a Success!
Last Saturday's Father Daughter Dance  was a resounding success! Nearly 550 dads and daughters danced the night away, caught up with friends and enjoyed photo booth fun, all while devouring scrumptious Dazzling Donuts and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
 
On behalf of the entire St. Serra community, the SJSC PTO would like to thank Johana Hardy-Garcia, FDD Event Chair, along with Shelly Soenen, PTO VP Child Services, for working so hard to create last weekend's "Enchanted Evening". Thank you also to each volunteer who worked on Father Daughter Dance, especially the following parents who were instrumental to its success: Kristy Messer, Liz Farris, Kate Allado, Ann Barisic, Shannon Johnson, Vickie Cassidy, Joyce Stinson, Cristen Lebsack and Dana Maas.
 
Special thanks to the Barisic Family, Kim Covas, and Nick Percival whose generous underwriting donations added to the success of the evening.
Mother & Son Ultimate Fun
COSMIC BOWLING
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Forest Lanes Bowling 

Make your  RESERVATION  today! $50 for mom and one (1) son, additional sons are $20 each. 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 3 at 3:00 p.m.  Session availability is first come first serve so don't delay!

Opportunity Drawing!   Amazing prizes available as part of this year's Mother & Son Ultimate Fun Opportunity Drawing:  Razor Go-Kart, Beats Headphones, Skateboards, Surfboard, a TV, and much more! You may purchase Opportunity Drawing Tickets now, via the reservation form, or at the event. 12 tickets are $10. 

Questions?  View the Mother Son HOMEPAGE or contact the Event Chairs, Allie Bertocchini & Lisa Reed, at [email protected]
Box Tops, Box Tops, We Need Box Tops! 
Bring your Box Tops in TOMORROW for a chance to win a $25 gift card!

Our SECOND Box Tops Collection due date is tomorrow, Friday, February 17. Please be sure to turn in all outstanding Box Top coupons to your homeroom teacher first thing in the morning. The more you turn in, the more chances you have to WIN a $25 Visa Gift Card!  

Questions? View the Box Tops HOMEPAGE  or Contact Kelly Smith Parker, Box Tops Chair, at [email protected]. Thank you for Clipping Box Tops for Serra Strong!
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

Thank you to the many generous St. Serra families who contributed during our Gift Gathering Drive.  In appreciation to families who gave a donation(s) valued at $50 or more by February 14, each student in their family has earned a Non-Uniform Dress Pass valid for Tuesday, February 21.  Please see the PARENTS ONLY section of the St. Serra website for the list of eligible families.
 
Congratulations to the winners of our first Gift Gathering Raffle Drawing:
1st Place - J & R Vallone ($50 Amazon Gift Card)
2nd Place - M & J Carey ($25 iTunes Gift Card)
3rd Place - L & J Hakimi ($10 Starbucks)
The final drawing will take place on Tuesday, February 21.
 
Would you like to still contribute?  Donations are welcomed through Friday, March 10.  You may drop off your gift to the School Office during school hours or send it in through the Weekly Envelope.  Please remember to include the PTO Donation Form with your items.  Visit the GIFT GATHERING webpage for more information.
 
Student Art Contest submissions due to the School Office by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23.  All TK - 8th Grade students are invited to participate.  All entrants with qualifying artwork will receive a Non-Uniform Dress Pass!  For more information, including guidelines and rules, please visit the ART CONTEST webpage.
 
Questions? Check out the Anchor Ball HOMEPAGE or  FACEBOOK PAGE
to view the latest news and updates.
Annual Fund Update
If you have not already given to the 2016-2017 Annual Fund yet, please find a second appeal letter in your Weekly Envelope today.  We look forward to having you join the others who have already given. 
We really NEED YOU in order to reach our goal of 100% participation in this year's appeal! 
 
To make your donation online please CLICK HERE .   Thank you for your support
Scrip News 



Financial Participation Fee Invoices (Non-Participation as of December 31, 2016)
As stated in the 2016-2017 Family Contract, TK-8 families who elected to participate in the Scrip Program but did not generate any scrip rebates as of December 31, 2016 were mailed a $275.00 invoice for their 2016-17 Financial Participation Fee commitment. Payment is due by Monday, February 27, 2016.
 
Family Scrip Rebate Statements were sent home in yellow Weekly Envelopes on February 9.
 
Online Programs:
It is never too late to sign up to participate in our online program to boost earning rebates.  To set up an account on scripsense.com and/or shopwithscrip.com, please contact the Scrip Office.

For questions, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at
Essential Learning Systems ( ELS ) Program 

ELS has openings in both after-school sessions! 

Younger students who are struggling with letter recognition, letter sound association, decoding skills, reading fluency, reading comprehension, attention and memory may benefit from this program. Older students struggling with these skills or who lack confidence in their academic skills, have difficulty understanding and/or remembering information, take a long time to complete schoolwork and homework, have limited independent learning skills, and/or could use additional academic support can also benefit. 

ELS is a computerized, multi-sensory, interactive program that improves focus, strengthens information processing skills, and enhances a variety of academic skills (e.g., reading decoding, reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development, and spelling).  ELS provides a fun environment where students strengthen their skills in a game-like format and earn points and prizes for their efforts. Two after-school classes are available:   1:50-2:35 p.m. (for students in Grades K through Two) and  2:50-3:40 p.m. (for students in Grades Three through Eight). Students attend  ELS four days per week ( Monday through  Thursday) for a minimum of one academic year. 

Please e-mail Dr. Lori Quigley at  [email protected] fo r more information or to enroll your child.
Support the Chapel Fund by Using the Local Merchant App via Scripsense

Waiting for the next restaurant fundraising dinner night?  EVERY DAY is a fundraising dinner night at Hanna's! 
 
Due to the generous partnership between St. Serra, scripsense and Hanna's Prime Steakhouse, 10% of everything you spend at Hanna's can go directly to the Chapel Fund in your family's name.  There are no fees, no flyers, no hard cards necessary and there is NO cost to you. Just GO, DINE, SCAN and EARN.  It's as  EASY AS 1...2...3 .
 
Not dining out?  Log into scripsense and shop online for merchandise or eGift cards and you can earn 1-20% in rebates to your family's Chapel Fund account.   If you need assistance or an invitation to open a scripsense account please email [email protected]
Don't Forget to Order Your 2017 Yearbook!

CLICK HERE
 to order a 2017 Yearbook TODAY before the March 2 price increase.  

Don't know if you ordered a Yearbook?  CLICK HERE   for a list of Yearbook orders as of February 15, 2017 in the Parent Protected area of our website, or check your email for an order confirmation from Jostens.  

Don't wait until it's TOO LATE! For more information, please contact Cindy Kennedy, Communications Director at  [email protected].

Community Programs of Interest  

Santa Margarita High School News
The HSPT Make-up Exam will be held THIS 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.
 
Hendrick and Manning Family, TODAY  February 16, 2017,  7:00 p.m.
RSVP online, www.jserra.org/pride

JSerra Speaker Series:
TONIGHT, Thursday, February 16, 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. 

Mater Dei High School - Dates to Remember for Future Monarchs
 

ENTRANCE EXAM
Monday March 13, 4:00-7:45 p.m. (Mater Dei Applicants Only. Registration required)
Saturday, March 18, 7:45-11:30 a.m.

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. More camps will be added in the Spring.