Volume 23 * Issue 15 * December 14,  2017
In This Issue





Stronger together... we lift each other up. We are SERRASTRONG! 
And let us consider how to lift up one another, to love and good works
- Hebrews 10:24




A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT TRUDELL

Praying that this Christmas will bring you the gifts of grace and joy found in Christ.  
May the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Advent be with you and your family this Christmas and in the new year. 

Merry Christmas and blessings to you throughout 2018. 

Our Gift to You
It is my prayer that you enjoyed the special gifts from our TK through Eighth-Grade students by attending the beautiful Christmas presentations. 
 
CLICK HERE to view highlight videos from the performances of Grades TK through 8. I am looking forward to our Preschool Christmas Concert tomorrow morning. Details about the Preschool Concert can be found in the Principal's section below. Please look for a highlight video of our Preschool Christmas performance in the Thursday, January 11 SerraDIPITY after the Christmas break. 
 
I would  like to publicly thank Mrs. Janess Sifers and Ms. Peggy Armenta for their dedication and hard work with our Preschool through Eighth-Grade students, which was evident in the amazing performances they gave over the past two weeks. The reverence and love for the birth of our Lord Jesus, portrayed through the beautiful Nativities, was enacted by Eighth-Grade students coordinated by Mrs. Maureen Tilton and our Fourth-Grade students coordinated by Ms. Armenta. Also, a thank you to Mrs. Shirley Merchant, Mrs. Christina Tsichlis, and Ms. Caitlin Cherry for their behind-the-scenes help with the nativity presentations. 
 
It takes a lot of commitment, time, and devotion, which was exemplified by these staff members and our students, to present these concerts for your enjoyment. I am sure you will agree with me that they all succeeded in making these remarkable performances ones to remember in our hearts throughout this blessed Christmas Season and the coming new year!

  Adopt-A-Family Program Thanks...You!


I, along with our PTO, would like to THANK our amazing St. Serra FAMILIES for their unselfish giving from the heart. Through the Adopt-A-Family program and our many different Outreach events, our STUDENTS have touched and blessed the lives of many less fortunate families enrolled through Catholic Charities, during this Christmas season.

Thank you to the following individuals for their beary special efforts:
  • Our Campus Ministry students who graciously helped deliver the gifts to the families in need.
  • Kathy Bonin - PTO VP Outreach Ministries, for her gracious and loving heart.
  • Matt and Carol Lawson - Christmas Angels and Program Event Chairs, for their countless hours of leadership, dedication, LOVE of this program, commitment, and beautiful video!
  • Our Lead RPCs - Megan Hayden, Kay Relvas, and Allie Bertocchini - for their support, communications and patience.
  • Alexandra Simon for her gift of hospitality.
  • Janice Tarwater - our AMAZING Gift Inventory Counter.
  • Our Adopt-a-Family drivers who brought a smile to the faces of 40 families.
  • Our Room Parents, Teachers and Staff for the many reminders, encouragement, organizing and support.
THANK YOU, St. Serra community, from the bottom of our hearts! This IS SerraStrong!

Promenade Paver Opportunity
Have you been watching our Chapel take shape? Why not leave your footprint on the cornerstone of our campus by taking advantage of this year-end giving opportunity!
 
Join us in this one-time occasion to leave a permanent tribute on the walkway to our new Student Creation Center and Chapel.  We welcome you to commemorate your entire family, your individual students, a beloved faculty or clergy member, or your business with this unique opportunity to inscribe your tribute on the pavers along this walkway. 

CLICK HERE
  to learn more about this opportunity and to reserve your inscription on one of our promenade pavers.

There are a limited quantity of pavers available and this opportunity will end either when all the pavers are gone or on January 31, 2018, whichever comes first. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting campaign.  All donations are 100% tax deductible to the fullest extent of the current tax laws and support the Chapel Fund directly. 
 

God is Good All the Time...All the Time God is Good.


Mrs. Angeline Trudell
President
PRINCIPALS' CORNER
Mrs. Carol Reiss, Principal Preschool - Grade 2
Mrs. Julie Tipton, Principal Grades 3 - 8
*************************************************************
PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Tomorrow, Friday December 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Muzzy Family Student Activity Center -  Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for families to be seated.

All students should wear their Christmas best!   
  • Nice dresses, skirts, or dress pants for girls
  • Nice pants and dress shirts for boys
  • Christmas accessories should be kept to a minimum
  • No shorts, jeans, or open-toe shoes

Parking for Preschool Performance  
In addition to the Preschool parking spaces in the Antonio parking lot, other parking options include:
 
Inner Road:  Enter the main parking lot from Banderas via the road near Kindergarten. There will be no access off of Antonio. The Banderas entrance will be marked with a cone/flashing light and a staff member in a reflective vest. Please watch for them and follow their direction. 
 
Neighborhood: We DO NOT have an exemption to the Permit Parking Program on this day, but you are free to park in the neighborhood beginning at 9:00 a.m.
 
Memorial Care Parking Lot: NO PARKING in the Memorial Care lot as they will be open for business and need the spaces for their staff and patients. 

Arrival of Students and Parents
All Preschool students who attend preschool on M/W/F or M-F should come to school at the regular drop off time.  Preschool Extended Care will be available as usual in the morning at 6:30 a.m.

All students who attend Preschool on T/Th should arrive with their parents by 9:45 a.m. to the Muzzy Family Student Activity Center to meet Mrs. Reiss and Mrs. Botterill before the performance. T/Th Preschool students do not need to be signed in at the School Office on this day.  They may come directly into the SAC. They should not be brought to the Preschool classrooms prior to the concert, nor should they be signed into the classrooms that morning.
 
Dismissal of Students:
In order to safely dismiss students at the conclusion of the concert, the M/W/F and M-F Preschool students will return to their home rooms with their teachers following the performance. Parents, please remain seated until students have exited the SAC.  Students who attend Preschool on T/Th will remain in the SAC with Mrs. Reiss and Mrs. Botterill. Mrs. Reiss will then invite M/W/F and M-F parents to join their children in the classrooms and sign them out for the day.  After those students and parents have exited, she will then invite the T/Th parents to come to her and Mrs. Botterill, where they will release the children to them in the SAC so they can walk with their families over to the classrooms for refreshments.
 
Refreshments:
Families are invited to join us for refreshments in the classrooms, provided by our PTO, after the concert.
 
TK - Gr. 8 Siblings Attending the Program
Siblings in TK - Gr. 8 may attend the concert.  Parents must go to the School Office and request for the siblings to be called out from class.  Parents must let the receptionist know if the sibling will return to class after the concert or if they will be going home with their parents following the concert.
ADMISSIONS REMINDER
All families should complete their Intent to Return by TOMORROW,   Friday,  December 15. A reminder email was sent from Admissions yesterday, December 13, to families who had not yet completed the Intent to Return according to our records.  CLICK HERE for the Intent to Return form. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Merchant in Admissions at  smerchant@serraschool.org 
MONTHLY ENVELOPE DATE CHANGE FOR JANUARY ONLY
Please note that the January Monthly Envelope will be sent home on the second Thursday of January (01/11) instead of the usual first Thursday of the month to allow more time to prepare everything that needs to be included in the envelope.
NEW PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT ABSENCES
Your child's safety and well being is our highest priority here at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. Each school day SJSC needs to know when and why a child is absent and parents/caregivers need to be assured that their child has been accounted for each day. This is done for a multitude of reasons including in the event of a school lock down or disaster. Improvements in technology and its widespread use have made notifications readily accessible for parents faster than ever. 

Last Monday, December 11, 2017, SJSC began using a new automated calling system. The following now occurs:
  • When your child is absent from school and the absence has not been verified by staff as of 9:00 a.m., you will be called on your family's preferred phone number
  • The system will begin calling at 9:10 a.m.
  • If the system is unable to contact you at 9:10 a.m., it will repeat the call until it is able to either contact an individual or leave a message to ensure that you are notified
  • If you receive one of these notifications, please contact the SJSC attendance voicemail line at (949) 546-8899 during regular school hours, to ensure they have correct information regarding your child's absence.
YEAR-END GIVING OPPORTUNITIES 
 
As we move into 2018 with a new tax bill on the horizon, charitable giving and the tax benefits associated with it are NOT guaranteed at their current levels.  
 
In order to take advantage of the current charitable giving tax benefits, we humbly ask you to pray about a year-end gift to support St. Junipero Serra Catholic School or consider including the school in your planned giving decisions.
 
Thinking about how to direct your gifts?  Here are a few ideas. 
  • Make a donation to the Chapel Fund as part of the promenade paver appeal
  • Support the 17-18 Annual Fund gift, which directly impacts the educational experience of every Serra student by helping fund STEM related resources to fill our new Student Creativity Center, opening in September.    
  • The Tuition Assistance Fund helps provide a Catholic education here at SJSC for those who rely on financial assistance to either begin or continue their St. Serra Catholic education.  
We are so grateful for the generosity of this community and thank you in advance for your year-end donations.  
 
As a reminder, the School will be closed for Christmas vacation beginning Friday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m. and will reopen on Wednesday, January 3. Please forward all pledge payments and contributions during the break via mail or our  on-line donation  form via the website. 
 
To take advantage of the 2017 tax year, contributions MUST be dropped off by Friday, December 15 or postmarked by December 31, 2017. Contributions received or postmarked after December 31 will be acknowledged as a 2018 contribution.
 
For questions, please contact Shannon Smith in the Advancement Office at ext. 139.  
TUITION ASSISTANCE LUNCHEON
Sunday, January 28, 2018
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School
Muzzy Family Student Activity Center
 
Kick off Catholic Schools week by joining us in support of Catholic Education for our own St. Serra community, St. Polycarp in Stanton, as well as the Marian Alliance Schools in Santa Ana: The School of Our Lady, St. Anne Parish School and St. Joseph School.
 
Underwriting Opportunities
There are many ways to help this event be even more successful. Consider an  underwriting opportunity  or let your donation grow exponentially by contributing an item from our  Opportunity Treasures Wish List .  Donations made by December 31 will be credited to the 2017 tax year.  
 
Registration
Registration is ongoing. Tickets are $85 each.  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 volunteer opportunities that are still available. All SERVERS will get double hours both on Saturday, 1/27 for training and the day of the event.
 
For additional questions, please contact Pam Owens in the Advancement Office at powens@serraschool.org or Event chair, Karin Hendrick at seasons@serraschool.org .  

SCRIPSENSE

Celebrating a "Lifestyle of Giving" this Holiday!
This Holiday Season, be sure to embrace our "shop to give" fundraising program powered by scripsense, where all our supporters will receive Holiday Specials and Bonuses throughout the Season!

You are invited to earn rebates instantly for our Chapel simply by shopping on our private digital site with over 500 merchants! Everyday purchases will earn money back as a donation from you, while not another penny out of your pocket is needed!
 
Plastic gift cards are now available via the Gift of Choice ecard! 
Purchase Gift of Choice ecards then select from hundreds of plastic cards to be delivered straight to your home or office mailbox.  Great gifts!
 
Welcome to a new Lifestyle of Giving & Happy Holidays!


    
                       
CLICK HERE to Shop and Earn Now!
PTO HAPPENINGS

Volunteer Opportunities
The season of giving is upon us. The greatest gift you can give to SJSC is your valuable time and amazing talent. Plan how you can help in 2018 by visiting our PTO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES .

St. Junipero Serra Award Nominations Open
Help our St. Serra Community recognize our amazing volunteers!  All are invited to submit nominations for parent volunteers to be considered for the ST. JUNIPERO SERRA OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD.  Maybe you met someone during Santa's Secret Christmas Shop, in the classroom, or around campus who you saw make a difference. Winners will be presented with the award at our annual Anchor Ball event in the Spring.

CLICK HERE  to nominate an outstanding volunteer.  For Award Guidelines and a list of Prior Recipients, please visit the   ST. JUNIPERO AWARDS   webpage .   Questions?   Contact PTO Parliamentarian, Cristen Lebsack at   lebsackfamily@gmail.com .
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR COMING SOON!
"Paws for Books - Come. Stay. Read A Great Tale."
  • On behalf of the PTO Board, PTO VP Book Fair, Courtnay Flick, is pleased to announce the 2018 Book Fair Event Chairs: Ginaea Bauer, Deeanne Ferletic and Angie Miller.
  • This year's Book Fair, themed "Paws for Books - Come. Stay. Read A Great Tale", encourages student reading while benefiting our St. Serra School Library.  The Fair will be open in the St. Serra Library January 25 - February 2.  Students will have the opportunity to shop during their classroom's assigned time. Parents, guests, and Preschool families are welcome to shop during school hours and on Sunday, January 28, at St. Serra's Catholic Schools Week Open House.
  • Be sure to check your Monthly Envelope on January 11 for the Book Fair Flyer, Class Shopping Schedule and Payment Envelope.
  • Volunteers Needed!   Room Parents will be looking for your help with the class shopping trips.  Additional volunteer signup opportunities will be available soon.
  • Questions?  Please e-mail the Book Fair Chairs at BookFair@serraschool.org or visit the  BOOK FAIR webpage
SAVE THE DATE: FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE
Saturday, February 24, 2018
6:00-9:30 p.m.

The PTO is excited to announce the Event Chairs for the 2018 Father Daughter Dance (FDD) - Kim Covas, Corey Lindsay and Megan Walters, along with PTO VP Parent Child Events, Shannon Johnson!  Kim, Corey, Megan, and their talented team are excited to introduce you to some of the new surprises for this evening.  It will surely be an "Enchanted Evening" and a memorable event for all of our Dads and SJSC daughters.  Look for more details and the invitation in the Monthly Envelope on Thursday, January 11 .

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact our Event Chairs at father-daughter@serraschool.org .
SCRIP NEWS

Daily Sales,   7:40-8:30 a.m.   will continue through tomorrow Friday, December 15, but  limited to quantity (stock) on hand .
 
Virtual and Reloadable cards   will continue through the break.
 
Weekly Orders:
Regular Weekly Orders will resume on Monday, January 8, 2018.
 
Daily Orders:
Daily sales will resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

For questions on any of the above or to place a Scrip Order, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at  tmaroutian@serraschool.org.  
ST. SERRA INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM IS HERE!

Starting  January 11, 2018

St. Serra will be offering an instrumental music program. Paul Effman Music serves several schools throughout the area and is pleased to bring this program to St. Serra. Students in grades 3-8 (for band) and grades 1-8 (for Violin) are eligible to enroll. 

Classes will be on Thursdays: 
  • Grades 1 & 2 from 1:50 - 2:50 p.m. 
  • Grades 3 - 8 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
Pricing for the instrumental music program is as follows:
  • Full Year tuition is 9 installments of $59. Due to the January start there will only be 6 installments.
  • Registration Fee is $35
  • Instrument rental Fees: 
    • Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Snare Drum Kit and Bells are $109 for the school year and will be prorated to $79 for January through the end of the school year. 
    • Saxophones are $154 for the school year and will be $119 for January through the end of the school year.
    • Violins are $159 for the school year and will be $129 for January through the end of the school year.
Please Click Here to register Registration ends TOMORROW, December 15. 
YEARBOOK DEDICATION ADS
Next Deadline is January 7, 2018

Don't wait until it's too late! Submit your ad by Sunday,   January 7, 2018 to take advantage of the lower pricing. The FINAL deadline to submit an ad is Sunday, February 4.  CLICK HERE  for pricing, deadlines and information on creating your ad, or visit our Yearbook Page on our website.
 
Please contact Cindy Kennedy, Communications Director if you have any questions at  ckennedy@serraschool.org.

Don't forget to order your 2018 Yearbook! CLICK HERE to order. 
ROBOTICS AT ST. SERRA
As we continue our commitment to STEAM education and look forward to our new facility, we encourage our students to  participate in AFTER SCHOOL STEAM Classes.
 
LEGO MINDSTORM ROBOTICS (Beginning Class)
4th - 8th grade students are invited to be a part of St. Serra's BEGINNING LEGO Robotics After School Class.   

Powered by the LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3 Base Set and software, students will explore the exciting world of robotics and engineering. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system and intuitive drag-and-drop programming software, this adventure will have students working in teams, making friends, and creating robots from day one. CLICK HERE for more information. 
 
LEGO MINDSTORM ROBOTICS (Intermediate Class)
4th - 8th grade students with Robotics experience are invited to be a part of St. Serra's LEGO Robotics Intermediate After School Class.   

Students will learn intermediate and advanced features to help them complete more complex challenges with the EV3 Base Set and LEGO Building system. CLICK HERE for more information. 
EXTENDED CARE NEWS
There is NO AFTERNOON Preschool or TK - Grade 8 Extended Care TOMORROW,   Friday, December 15 . This is a minimum day and the last day of school before Christmas Break. Extended Care will be open the morning of    December 15 . Please plan accordingly!
IN-N-OUT NEWS

REMINDER:
There are 
NO In-N-Out lunches during the month of December Please plan accordingly. 

CLICK HERE to place your January order. 
CLICK HERE to place your Yearly Order. 
Both January and Annual In-N-Out ordering will close TOMORROW, Friday, December 15 at 3:00 p.m.