Volume 23 * Issue 25 * March 15,  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
SJSC FAMILIES SHARING WITH FAMILIES UPDATE 

Don't forget to RSVP for this special all-parent meeting next Tuesday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. I would personally like to thank The Faso Family, Piccalino's and a special benefactor for graciously underwriting the cost of our Italian Dinner. This evening is a perfect opportunity for you to share a meal and some fellowship, connect with others in our community, share your input into the future of SJSC, and learn about our new tuition and educational cost schedule.

Each family was recently sent an invitation via Paperless Post. RSVP's are due TOMORROW, March 16 by 3:00 p.m. When RSVPing, please indicate if one or both parents will attend. Extended Care is being provided at no charge for any current Preschool-8th grade SJSC students beginning at 6:15 p.m. for the duration of the meeting, allowing both parents to attend should they wish. You will have the opportunity to "register" your child(ren) who will need Extended Care when you RSVP on your invitation. A light pasta meal for your child(ren) will be provided at no cost while they are in Extended Care that evening.

It is essential that you RSVP for adequate meal planning purposes. Only a minimal number of walk-in parents can be accommodated that evening, on a first come, first served basis. Due to supervision requirements, we CANNOT accommodate any walk-in students into Extended Care.

Parking will be available in our main lot, on the inner road, in the surrounding neighborhood, and in the Memorial Health Care parking lot AFTER 6:10 p.m.

The evening will be a beautiful reflection on the past, present and future of the school. I look forward to having dinner with you on Tuesday.    

SERRASERVES 2018
OneMeal Event - Saturday, March 24

Be a part of our inaugural SerraServes 2018 - OneMeal Event. Help us by making a DONATION today. With your donation you will receive special access to the Volunteer Signup Genius to sign up for the meal packaging event. Space is limited, so please DONATE NOW! 

One meal costs only 27 cents to make. A donation of $20 will make 74 meals. By donating $54 you will be able to provide a box of meals (equates to 200 meals!) to feed hungry children in South Africa and/or Swaziland. Any amount is very much appreciated! Please join us during this special Lenten time of mercy. 

If you have questions, or have made a donation and not received an email with the Sign Up Genius link, please email Lindsay Hakimi at getmercedesbenz@yahoo.com.

LENTEN MASS - FRIDAY, MARCH 23
Christ's Love Knows No Limits  

Please join us for Mass at  9:30 a.m. in the Student Activity Center celebrated by Father Tuan Pham of St. Kilian Catholic Church and hosted by grades 3 & 5 as we continue our 40-day journey of repentance through; Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. 
 
This is a formal uniform day for TK - Grade 8 students. Once again we will be having a collection at the entrance to Mass for the Missionary Childhood Association, so please encourage your children to do an extra chore around the house so they are able to bring in some change to donate to those in need and to fulfill their Lenten Almsgiving.
 
Plan to arrive earlier and join other parents as they pray the Rosary before Mass beginning at   8:45 a.m. in Blessed Mother Courtyard. Everyone is welcome!
 
For your convenience, teh inner road will be open for parking. We do NOT have permit parking in the neighborhood for this Mass, but as per the guidlines, we are able to park between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There is NO PARKING allowed in the Memorial Health Care parking lot.

WITH GRATITUDE.....

For over 16 years Mrs. Jackie White has gifted our students of St. Serra with her love, dedication and commitment as a Catholic School Educator in both first grade and kindergarten. She has always energized her students with her joyful classroom atmosphere. Mrs. White will be moving to Tennessee within the next few weeks and Friday, March 23 will be her last day of teaching here at St. Serra. The parents of her kindergarten class received a letter from Mrs. Reiss yesterday. Thank you Mrs. White and we wish you the best on your new endeavors in Tennessee! We will miss you!

I truly believe this is what our Lenten journey here at St. Serra is all about -- walking in the abundant love of Christ so that every step we take has the trust and power of God with us. 


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

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY HOLOCAUST CONTEST FINALISTS AND WINNER!
On March 9, two St. Junipero Serra Catholic students were recognized at the 19th Annual Chapman University Holocaust Art and Writing Contest awards ceremony for their outstanding writing.

Each year, SJSC submits one piece of student art and two student essays to the contest. This year, a photograph taken by Olivia O. was chosen as the SJSC art submission. Alexandra H.'s essay, titled  Justice in the Hands of Humanity, and Davin M.'s essay, titled  Blueprint for a Better Society, were selected as our school's entries in the writing competition. Alexandra and Davin's essays were chosen as two of the five finalists in the middle school prose category, and Alexandra's essay went on to be named the winner!  

More than 250 middle and high schools--and some 7,000 students--from more than 30 states and 9 countries participated in this year's contest. This is not the first time the work of SJSC students has been recognized. Each year, two student essays are forwarded to Chapman University for the final round of judging. This is the fourth year in a row that both essays submitted were selected as finalists and that one of those essays went on to place first or second!

To have the writing of two current SJSC students recognized in a competition of this scope and caliber is exciting. It speaks not only to the quality of the students' work but also to the quality of the writing program we offer. Our program gives students a strong foundation that serves them well here at SJSC and beyond. ELA teacher  Mrs. Pantano is to be commended for having her St. Junipero Serra Catholic students place as finalists and winners over multiple years. Her dedication to excellence and love for her students beautifully reflect the ministry of Catholic education. 

Most importantly, though, the impressive work of these students speaks to the empathy and justice that the entire SJSC community--parents, faculty, and staff--strives to model every day. 
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SJSC MOCK TRIAL TEAM!
On Thursday, March 8 our aspiring attorneys (7th and 8th-grade students), traveled to JSerra High School to compete in a Mock Trial competition and took 3rd PLACE! Thank you to our coaches, SJSC teacher Mrs. Marissa Benudiz and parent coaches Mr. Diaz, Mrs. Champion, and our wonderful parent volunteers.    

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING STEAM NIGHT TEAM!
Thank you to coordinators, Miss Thomas and Mrs. Zeimer, and all of our teachers for organizing and providing a terrific evening. Thank you to Mr. Lopez, the facilities team, and parent volunteers. Without you the evening would not have been possible. We'd also like to thank Santa Margarita Catholic High School for providing the water for the night. 

THIRD TRIMERSTER SLA's 
Third Trimester SLA's for students in grades K-8 are posted for parents in Sycamore. Please digitally sign your students report card.

EXTENDED CARE NEWS
 
There will be NO  afternoon Extended Care on Holy  Thursday, March 29. This is a minimum day and the last day before Easter break. Please plan accordingly. Extended Care will be open their normal hours the morning of  Thursday, March 29.   

APRIL IN-N-OUT ® - ORDERING OPENS TODAY

Ordering for In-N-Out for the month of April is now open. 
In-N-Out® lunch will be served on Thursday, April 19 and Thursday, April 26. Ordering for April closes Friday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m. 

CLICK HERE  to visit our In-N-Out® page and to place your order for March.
TUITION ASSISTANCE 2018-2019

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 for the sacrifices our many families make to send their children to our Catholic School. We are also very appreciative of 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.
 
Once again this year, we will be working with FACTS, our online administrator for managing our  tuition  assistance application process.  Please  CLICK HERE   for more information and to access our Online Tuition Assistance Application. 
 
Deadline for submission is TOMORROW Friday, March 16, 2018.
 
Please contact Shannon Smith in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at   ssmith@serraschool.org should you have any questions.
HEARTRUN 2018
'Love Your Heart - Share Your Roar'
  • It's time to kick off our Annual HeartRun! PTO would like to welcome back our returning Event Chairs, Gina Christiansen and Michele Polana, along with PTO VP Teacia Andrew, for another fun-filled day supporting a wonderful cause!
  • Be a part of the school-wide "Red Out" by wearing the *NEW* American Heart Association (AHA) T-Shirt!
  • Raise or donate $15 per student and receive a Non-Uniform Dress Pass, "Rory the Lion" keychain AND the latest AHA Red T-Shirt!
  • The *NEW* AHA shirt can be worn by students at the HeartRun on Friday, April 13, on Fridays leading up to the HeartRun and on PE days with uniform bottoms until the end of the school year, excluding Formal Uniform Days.
CLICK HERE to read all of the details and donate today!
23rd ANNUAL ANCHOR BALL
Sponsorship, Couples Tickets and Underwriting
Anchor Ball is Saturday, May 19, 2018

Experience a Night in Old Havana and be a VIP at Anchor Ball 2018! Purchase the 
"HAVANA NIGHTS" COUPLES TICKET , or pick other UNDERWRITING  opportunities. Donations are still needed - don't know what to donate? Pick your favorite bottle of wine and donate for our wine wall.

Monday, March 19 is the Art Contest Incentive Non-Uniform Dress Day.  CLICK HERE for a list of Qualified Students. Some students created submissions in Art Class, so please check the list to see if your student is eligible.
SCRIP NEWS

IMPORTANT:   We were notified today that Toys R Us/Babies R Us will be closing all of their stores.   Any and all gift cards should be used immediately.
 
Scrip Schedule before Easter Break:
Monday, March 19, 8:30 a.m. - LAST WEEKLY ORDER BEFORE EASTER BREAK
Monday, March 26 - NO WEEKLY ORDER
Tuesday, March 27 - LAST DAILY ORDER BEFORE EASTER BREAK
AM sales will continue through March 29, 2018.

Monday, April 2 - NO WEEKLY ORDER - EASTER BREAK
Weekly orders will resume on Monday, April 9, 2018, due by 8:30 a.m.

Did you know? Visa Cards are available to order on our weekly form.  Why order through Scrip? THERE ARE NO ACTIVATION FEES.  You can also place orders directly from  shopwithscrip.com YOU WILL NEED TO ESTABLISH A PRESTOPAY ACCOUNT FIRST. Please contact the Scrip Office for more details.
 
Support Anchor Ball and earn rebates!  Thank you to the many families who have purchased scrip in support of Anchor Ball. CLICK HERE to access the special Anchor Ball Order Form, which is also available at the Scrip Office. You may choose from this wish list or select any item on the scrip daily or weekly forms. For more information, or to place an order, please contact tmaroutian@serraschool.org.

For questions on any of the above or to place a Scrip Order, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at  tmaroutian@serraschool.org.  
DON'T FORGET TO RECORD YOUR SERVICE HOURS!

Did you volunteer for the Mother/Son Event or Father/Daughter Dance?
Don't delay! Log All of Your Completed Regular Service Hours

All regular service hours must be completed and logged by April 30, 2018.
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 digit numerical family ID
 
For questions, contact Francine Stotko at  fstotko@serraschool.org  or ext. 194

SUPPORT THE CHAPEL WITH SCRIPSENSE

Support the Chapel Fund   while shopping for your St. Patrick's Day needs. Use scripsense  to purchase eGiftCards for your favorite stores and raise money for the Chapel   at the same time without ANY cost to you! Every purchase gives back!

Don't forget our Local Merchant program when  dining at Hanna's. With  your   scripsense   local merchant icon, 10% of anything you spend  on food or drink at Hanna's supports the Chapel  Fund. No hard card necessary.  All you need to do is present your mobile device with the   scripsense Local Merchant   icon to your server to scan upon paying your bill. It's that easy to support the Chapel!
MOTHER SON ULTIMATE FUN COSMIC BOWLING

Our St. Serra moms and boys joined us this past Sunday to strike up some fun at our Cosmic Bowling Event. We loved seeing all the neon and glow accessories, and so many smiling faces. CLICK HERE to view pictures from the day. If you took a "mother son photo" at our photo station, you will receive your printed copy in the April Monthly Envelope.

In addition to our Event Chairs Diana Gabriel and Monique Martinho and PTO VP - Parent/Child Events Shannon Johnson, the PTO would like to offer a big thanks to Jill Orrantia, Cristina Gama-Rothering, Liz Walton, Manny Martinho, Lou Gabriel, and Jeff Johnson for all their time and dedication to help make this such a fun event.

PTO HAPPENINGS

Who Are YOU Nominating this Year?
 
We want to know who YOU think deserves to be honored with our annual ST. JUNIPERO SERRA OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD ! As witnesses, participants and even event organizers, who stands out in your mind as having made a real difference over the years or even just this year -- in the classroom, on the sports field, in the library? This award is given to those who have built a consistent, long-term track record through multiple years. 
 
We are blessed to have so many incredibly giving people who help to "make it all happen"! Let's make sure they know how much they are appreciated!
 
Before March 28, please take a few minutes to NOMINATE at least one parent who has blessed our community with their dedication and hard work. SJSC appreciates all of our parent volunteers, and this is a wonderful opportunity to recognize those who have gone above and beyond!
 
CLICK HERE  to review the award guidelines and a list of prior recipients.
OPERATION RICE BOWL
Operation Rice Bowl is currently taking place during the season of Lent.  Students can fill up their Rice Bowl with cash or coin and bring them in to help those in need.  Check out  crsricebowl.org  for videos, recipes, and prayers to keep your family motivated throughout Lent.  The last day for collections will be  March 26 Thank you for your time and generosity!
HEALTH SCREENINGS - MARCH 20-22

Our annual vision and hearing screenings will be held on Tuesday, March 20,  Wednesday, March 21 and Thursday, March 22. The health screening is conducted by Southern California Sensory Screening. The grades being tested are Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 7th. If your child wears glasses, please remind them to bring them to the screening. If your child is absent on the day of his/her screening, the makeup day will be on  Thursday, March 22

Scoliosis Screening for 7th and 8th Grade Students:
All 7th-grade girls and 8th-grade boys will be screened for Scoliosis on  Thursday March 22. The Scoliosis screening is also conducted by Southern California Sensory Screening. 
 
All screening results will be sent home in the Monthly Envelope within a couple of weeks of the screening. Please call the Health Room if you have any questions (949) 546-8705.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Upcoming Parish-wide Events

Middle School Retreat:  All 6-8th graders are invited to attend Holy Trinity's annual Jr. High Retreat, June 18 & 19 at the Santiago Retreat Center. There will be faith-filled talks, worship, games, fun, and more! CLICK HERE for more information. 

Women's Retreat: The Women's Ministry of Holy Trinity Catholic Church invites you to a day of faith, friendship, food and our special guest, Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator and writer Becky Eldredge, presenting "Making Room for God in the Busyness".  CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
 
Family Mission Trip: This summer Holy Trinity will be going on a week-long Family Mission Trip to Ensenada, Mexico from June 23 - 29, 2018 . They will be partnering with  Praying Pelican Missions  to offer families the opportunity to serve together in relational ministry. This trip is open to all parishioners 6th grade and up with an accompanying adult. A deposit of $100 by Sunday, March 4, 2018 is needed to secure your place. Space will be limited. First come, first served! CLICK HERE for more information.

Lenten Dinner and Concert: Please join Holy Trinity Church on March 21, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. for their Annual Lenten Dinner & Concert. Singer, songwriter and recording artist Josh Blakesley will perform a concert after the dinner. All parishioners are invited to attend! This is a Lenten evening for the whole family (childcare will be provided). For more information or CLICK HERE.

SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO PARISH

Vacation Bible School - Registration is now OPEN! 
Pre-K through 8th Grade. Spots are limited! 

Movie Night - San Francisco Solano Presents Disney Pixar's Coco
CLICK HERE   for more information.

Youth Faith Formation Programs: San Francisco Solano parish offers faith formation opportunities for children and teens from kindergarten through high school.  CLICK HERE  for more information.  

Solano Saints: Ages 3-5, every Sunday during 8:30 & 10:15 a.m. Masses. Children will learn songs, hear Bible stories, and create a gospel-based craft each week. CLICK HERE for more information.