Volume 23 * Issue 18 * January 25  2018
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
Rosary
IN OUR PRAYERS...
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we share the news that a St. Serra alum, Vincent J Gilbert ('14), tragically passed away this past Saturday evening. Please join us in a decade of the rosary for Vincent to be at peace, and for his parents as they cope with the loss of their only child. 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.

As is tradition, our St. Serra's CSW celebration was kicked off this morni ng with an enthusiastic Student Pep Rally. It was a great way to begin the week of festivities. The atmosphere in the SAC was electric and our students and staff alike, had a lot of fun! Thank you to our Student Leadership for leading our student body in this wonderful event.


CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK MASS

Please join us for our Catholic Schools Week Mass tomorrow, Friday, January 26 at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Activity Center. Our m ain presider will be Fr. Jerry Horan, concelebrated with Fr. Jim, Fr. Ted, Fr. Reynold, Fr. Tuan and Fr. Thomas. Everyone is welcome. 

Plan to arrive earlier and join other parents as they pray the Rosary before Mass beginning at 8:30 at the Blessed Virgin Mary statue in the courtyard between the 5th-grade wing and the library. For your convenience, we do have parking in the neighborhood on this Mass day, but NO PARKING in the Memorial Health Care parking lot. 

As a reminder, this is a Formal Uniform day for all students Grades TK - 8.

MISSIONARY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION 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 as we live "A Catholic Faith Filled & Missionary Spirit" through service to homeless in our community.


ST. JUNIPERO SERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 
Sunday, January 28 
St. Junipero Serra campus 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*BRING A FRIEND* - Introduce them to what St. Serra is all about! 

Our families are encouraged to attend Sunday Mass at their parish. Students are to wear formal uniform to Mass to represent their parish school, St. Junipero Serra, and also to Open House. Teachers will keep a "non-uniform bottoms pass" list in the homeroom of students who are dressed in formal uniform and check in with them. These students will be allowed to wear non-uniform bottoms on Blue & Gold Day, Tuesday, January 30.

During Open House hours guests are invited to:
  • Visit the classrooms; tour the campus
  • Visit our Scholastic Book Fair located in the Library
  • Visit the Giving Garden in the PEB or the SAC (More information below)
  • Enjoy refreshments provided by our wonderful PTO

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OTHERS

GOT LIP BALM & GUM?
Catholic Schools Week celebrates the Nation. Please help support Student Leadership in a service project for deployed troops by bringing in lip balm and chewing gum. Students can bring in these items on  Wednesday,  January 31  and drop them off in their homeroom. 

COOKIES AND DUCKIES ARE BACK!
Our Campus Ministers will be selling baked goods and ducks to support victims of the devastating fires and mudslides in Ventura County. Celebrate Catholic Schools Week with some yummy treats and adorable ducks on Tuesday, January 30 through Thursday, February 1 during recess and lunch, while helping us support our neighbors in Ventura County. 
ATTENDANCE LINE

Parents please note that our Attendance Line (949) 546-8899 will now be reaching out to families who have not verified an absence effective  Monday, January 29 . In the past, the number shown calling was the school's main number. Please note the number shown above is the only number to call to verify your student's absences. We hope dialing this number directly will be the most efficient for both the parent and school. 

TK- 8 WINTER DRESS CODE

As we endure these winter months we understand the need to bundle; however, please ensure your child is wearing school approved sweatpants. Athletic leggings in any color are not an approved uniform garment. 

A peaceful life and heart start with our faith, prayer and service. Each of these elements in our life helps us to follow Christ and in turn, find peace among the chaos. St. Mother Teresa lived a life not in wealth of material things but true poverty, yet she was able to find peace through her faith and service to others. 

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

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON SUNDAY! 

We strongly encourage you to stop by with your student(s) during our Open House  this Sunday . The students and teachers have been working diligently to prepare for your arrival and would love to share their enthusiasm for St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. All students have work on display and you will have the opportunity to celebrate your student, visit with their teachers, and honor Catholic Schools Week.
RENAISSANCE STAR TESTING SCORES

*All of the St. Junipero Serra Catholic School Math and ELA STAR scores will not be posted until the closing of our Diocese of Orange Test window at  midnight  on  Friday, January 26  once all students have completed the test.

Renaissance STAR score reports are posted electronically for our parents. To access your child's most recent scores, please go to  https://hosted321.renlearn.com/274505 (do not use the Home Connect link)
  • Click on I'm a Parent
  • Enter your User Name: Your Sycamore Family ID 
  • Password: 1scs (This is a default. You will need to create your own.)
If your password does not work, please email  passwords@serraschool.org.
LOOKING FOR A FEW GREAT VOLUNTEERS!

Our sports-themed Family STEAM Night 2018 will be March 13, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on the St. Junipero Serra Catholic School Campus. We need parent volunteers to help with set up, serving, check in, and clean up. Please SIGN UP to help and earn service hours. Thank you!

TUITION ASSISTANCE LUNCHEON

Registration is now closed. We look forward to welcoming our guests on Sunday afternoon. 
 
There are still ways to support this event...
 
Visit the Giving Garden at Open House
The Giving Garden can be found in the Student Activity Center and will be available to all families and Open House guests beginning at 10 a.m. this Sunday.  The Giving Garden allows for each donor to support our schools in a personal and specific way at levels that begin at $10.00.  While in the SAC, you may briefly view our beautifully decorated tables for the Luncheon from afar. There will also be two Giving Garden "stations" in the PEB for those families who are unable to make it over to the SAC.    

St. Serra Sweets
As in years past, your students have the opportunity to support their fellow
students on Sunday during Open House. For a $5.00 donation to support the Tuition Assistance funds for St. Serra, St. Polycarp and the Marian Alliance, the students will receive a special "Upon this Rock" candy sweet (St. Serra Bear, shown in the photo, is not included). 
 
Last Chance to Buy Your Travel Opportunity Raffle Ticket!             
The winner of this raffle will have his/her choice of one of our fabulous travel destinations.  Choose between a Disney's Frozen on Broadway, Napa Wine Country VIP Insiders Tour, Punta Cana Paradise or a Tuscany Culinary Escape!  For additional information,  CLICK HERE .
 
Tickets are $75 each or you can purchase three (3) tickets for a discounted price of $200.  Pre-Event Tickets can be purchased by filling out the  ticket order form   found on the website and returning it to the School Office with your check no later than TOMORROW, Friday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m. You can also purchase them on campus during Open House or at the Luncheon if you are attending. One hundred percent of the proceeds of this raffle goes directly to the Tuition Assistance funds of St. Serra, St. Polycarp and the Marian Alliance schools.
 
Congratulations to Alecia Hedge, the winner of this week's pre-event travel incentive drawing! She will receive a $50.00 gift card to Nordstrom. 
 
Volunteer Opportunities
Please visit our  Volunteer Page and Sign up Genius   for any of our available volunteer opportunities. 
 
Questions?  Please contact Pam Owens in the Advancement Office at powens@serraschool.org or Event chair, Karin Hendrick at seasons@serraschool.org.
 
CALENDAR REMINDER FOR TOMORROW
As indicated on the School Calendar tomorrow,  Friday, January 26 , is a minimum day . Please plan accordingly. Extended Care is available as usual until 6:00 p.m. 
IN-N-OUT ORDERING CLOSING SOON
Last Chance to Order!

Ordering for February In-N-Out closes tomorrow, Friday, January 26. In-n-Out will be served on February 8, 15 & 22.   CLICK HERE to visit our In-n-Out page and order. 



WINTER SESSION FOR AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES STARTING 
JANUARY 29!

A new session for most of the After-School Programs starts  Monday, January 29 . Please visit our  After-School Classes page  for more information on the following classes:

HAVE YOU LOGGED ALL OF YOUR FAMILY'S COMPLETED REGULAR SERVICE HOURS?
 
CLICK HERE to record all of your regular service hours on the 2017-18 Service Hour Portal.
 
As a reminder your credentials for the Service Hour Portal are:
Username: Your family's preferred email address
Password: Your family's 3 or 4 numerical family ID
 
For questions, contact Francine Stotko at  fstotko@serraschool.org or ext. 194
 
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS HERE!
"Paws for Books - Come. Stay. Read A Great Tale."
  • The Book Fair is now open in the St. Serra Library January 25 - February 2.  Students (TK- Grade 8) 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 Open House, 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
  • Volunteers Needed! View the SIGN UP GENIUS to volunteer at the event.
  • Questions? Please e-mail the Book Fair Chairs at BookFair@serraschool.org or visit the BOOK FAIR webpage.
SUESSICAL JR. AUDITIONS ARE COMING SOON!
Students in Grades One Through Eight Are Invited to Audition

Students need to complete and submit an audition application to the School Office by  February 8, 2018. Audition applications and musical info can be found on the SJSC musical website (Campus Life>Theatre Arts) and you can e-mail Janess Sifers at  jsifers@serraschool.org for additional info.  

Auditions: 
February 12 (grades 1-4) in 2C classroom
February 13 (grades 5-8) in the SAC

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE
Saturday, February 24, 2018
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

  • Have you made your reservations for the Father Daughter Dance? 
  • NEW! Have you ordered your light up Flower Crowns and fresh rose Boutonnieres? 
  • Opportunity Raffle prizes include Great Wolf Lodge with 4 waterpark passes!  More to come!
  • Registration forms are due by Friday, February 16 at 3:00 p.m.
  • View the INVITATION and what is NEW this year.
  • Questions? or interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Kim Covas, Corey Lindsay, and Megan Walters at father-daughter@serraschool.org.

YEARBOOK DEDICATION ADS

Time's running out! 10 DAYS until the FINAL Deadline! 
Sunday, February 4, 2018

Don't wait until it's too late! Submit your ad before midnight Sunday, February 4! This is a unique way to show your Serra Bear how special they are.   CLICK HERE  to begin designing your ad,  or visit our Yearbook Page on our website.

Shout-Out Ads for your special Serra Bear
Is your child celebrating their first Holy Communion? Graduating  
from Kindergarten? 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 can be found at the bottom of the page.

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. 
23rd ANNUAL ANCHOR BALL
Saturday , May 19, 2018

  • Experience a Night in Old Havana filled with Tropical Cuban Flair!
  • Hotel reservations available now, Marriott Laguna Cliffs Hotel & Spa.
  • Watch our fun Anchor Ball VIDEO with our St. Serra students.
  • Questions?  Contact PTO VP, Jena Schuster and Anchor Ball Event Chairs, Meredith Giruadi, Stacey Kane and Carrie Mulvee at anchorball@serraschool.org.
Visit the  ANCHOR BALL  page for all the details
A MOMENT IN TIME FOR MOMS IS BACK!
Second Session Beginning on February 27

New Book!  New Author!!  Please join us as we Listen, Love and Repeat.  This 6-week session will be on Tuesdays, February 27 through April 10 (No meeting on April 3).  Let's continue on the path of forgiveness from our Lenten Retreat.....as we listen to God's words and lift each other up as moms.  We will meet from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at St. Kilian Church in Room 1.  For more information, visit our OUTREACH MINISTRIES webpage.  Registration fee is $25 (book will be provided). REGISTER NOW and join us!

OUTREACH MINISTRIES - UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Fellowship After Mass  -  Join Us!  Let us break bread together immediately following our Catholic Schools Week Mass.  Coffee and light hospitality will be provided by the First-grade Room Parent Team. Please join us tomorrow, Friday, January 26 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the St. Serra Courtyard.
  • Lenten Retreat - Register Now! Please join us for our annual Lenten Renewal Retreat held on Thursday, February 22 from 9:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the SAC. Alexis Walkenstein, radio host of "Mary's Touch" (life stories of Mary's love) will be speaking on "Forgiveness with the Grace of Mary".  REGISTER NOW. Ticket price is $20 per person. For more information on Alexis and our retreat, please visit our webpage - LENTEN RETREATQuestions? Please contact Kathy Bonin at pto-outreach@serraschool.org.
ONLINE STUDENT STORE
What We Offer
  • Coming Soon New SJSC LOGO Adult Nike Spirit Wear - Special Order Clothing via our ONLINE STUDENT STORE. Check back on the school web-site in February.
  • SJSC LOGO items, including license plate frames, stadium chairs, teddy bears, travel blankets and more, are available in our ONLINE STUDENT STORE
  • SPIRIT PACKS available for limited time -  Save 20-25%
Used Uniforms on Sale
USED UNIFORMS are now available for sale on Tuesday and Wednesday
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

SCRIP NEWS

Ralph's Rebate Reporting Quarter Ending 11-30-17
For quarter ending 11-30-17 only , please email all inquiries directly to silvia.brown@stores.food4less.com , as the community contributions department is currently critically understaffed.  We are extending the deadline to submit your emails to Friday, February 16, 2018 to make up for the delay.  
 
Vendor Update:
You made our pilot program a success!  The $500+ CREDIT CARD PROGRAM is now available year round CLICK HERE to order and for a list of available vendors, ordering instructions and delivery schedule. New vendors will be added over the next few weeks.  Be sure to check back often. 

For questions on any of the above or to place a Scrip Order, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at  tmaroutian@serraschool.org.  
Celebration Book Club
CELEBRATION BOOK CLUB

Celebrate your student's birthday, special accomplishment, First Communion, favorite holiday, or  dedicate a book in honor of your child's teacher.  The Celebration Book Club is the library's main funding for new books.  If you would like to participate in the CBC simply fill out the form either online or in the library and include a $20 donation towards your child's book of choice. Your child may choose their new book from the selection cart or get ideas from the library's wish list.  CLICK HERE for more information. 
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO
Friday, Feb. 2 at 6:00 p.m.,  featuring "Despicable Me 3"
Pizza and drinks will be served! 











CATHOLIC NIGHT AT THE HONDA CENTER
The Diocese of Orange invites us on Friday, February 9 to watch the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Team play the Edmonton Oilers at the Honda Center. Order your tickets at  anaheimducks.com/catholicnight . Use Promo code "OCCATHOLIC". CLICK HERE for more information.