Volume 23 * Issue 30 * May 3,  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
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEW PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Since early April, I have been working closely with advisors and the Diocese of Orange Department of Catholic Schools, along with Human Resources, to secure a principal for grades 5-8 moving forward.  I am happy to say that our work, conversation and due diligence has resulted in the identification of a Principal for the upcoming school year and beyond!

As this is a transfer within the Diocese, there is collaboration and cooperation between both school communities and our Diocese, honoring the wishes of our Bishop. For this reason the announcement of our new Middle School Principal for the 2018-19 school year will not take place until the week of May 7.

AT-A-GLANCE CALENDAR FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR 2018-2019

CLICK HERE to view the At-A-Glance Calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. 

SPRING MUSICAL - SEUSSICAL JR. 
Our wonderful and talented students from grades one through eight took the stage last weekend for three performances of Seussical Jr. Family, friends and SJSC staff enjoyed watching students work together to dance, sing, and act out the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss! The show was a huge hit, due in large part to the hard work and guidance of Music Teacher/Director  Mrs. Janess Sifers, along with staff members, parent volunteers, and of course our very talented SJSC students. The colorful and energetic performances at times had everyone in attendance up on their feet and clapping along! I think it is safe to say that we all left with the feeling of "Oh the things you can think!"

Seussical Jr
Seussical Jr Highlight Video
2018 Spring Musical 

You can also view this video and photos from the performance on our website at CampusLife>TheaterArts
FINAL FOOD  FOR  FRIENDS-  FRIDAY, MAY 11
Thank you to all of our St. Junipero Serra families for supporting the  food  banks associated with our parishes. Your monthly contributions have made a difference in the lives of many, but it doesn't stop here.  School's Almost Out......Hunger's Not!

Next Friday will be our final monthly  food drive to support Santiago de Compostela Parish and the South County Outreach. Summer break can mean fun in the sun, but it also means no school breakfast or lunch for many elementary school students within Orange County.  Please help us; "Build-A- Breakfast", "Line-Up-Lunch", or "Snag-A-Snack" by reviewing the flyer in today's Monthly Envelope for ideas. Snack size servings are greatly welcomed. Thank you for feeding our community next week.

Please contact Louise Valdez  lvaldez@serraschool.org  with any questions

FULL  S T E A M AHEAD
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week Kicks Off Monday
  • Our PTO is thrilled to announce that St. Serra's Annual Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week will take place the week of May 7-11. This year's Event Chairs, Mrs. Joyce Stinson, Mrs. Lisa Cavanaugh and Mrs. Kara Elkins have an exciting week planned in celebration of our amazing teachers and staff. 
  • This is our opportunity to show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate all they do for our families and children throughout the year.  For more details, please check out the week's SCHEDULE OF EVENTS. See how your student can participate in a variety of activities to make this an awesome week for their teachers!  Full STEAM Ahead!
  • In your Monthly Envelope today you will find hearts to decorate and return to the school.  These hearts will be used to create a Butterfly ART wall.
Questions?  Contact PTO VP Outreach Ministries Kathy Bonin at 

Christ's resurrection, his teachings, his sacrifice made it clear for us that our life although sometimes difficult can truly be as simple as, knowing that LOVING GOD and LOVING OTHERS, is the most important part of our life.  With LOVE, we can accomplish anything...it truly can be that simple.


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

STUDENT LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS
And the winners are... All of them! We are so proud of all of our students who ran for Student Leadership office for the 2018-2019 school year. The support and enthusiasm they showed each other, truly exemplified leadership. Because of this, we have asked them ALL to be a part of our Student Leadership team next year. 

Students who will hold the officer positions next year are:

President: Sarah B.
Vice President: Ethan D. 
Secretary: Jayden M
Treasurer: Delaney G.
Library: Maggie T.
Spirit: Josette C.
Sports: Grace J. 
Technology: Olivia W. 
Communications: Matthew M. 
Campus Ministry: Erin S.

Congratulations to all!
PARENTS OF INCOMING FOUR-YEAR-OLD THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS
The St. Junipero Serra Catholic School team is about to begin our homeroom class placement and curriculum review process. We would like to once again partner with you so that we can provide the best learning environment for your child in the upcoming 2018-2019 school year. 

Please complete a separate survey for each student enrolled at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.  Please use links provided below. ALL SURVEYS ARE DUE BY May 17 AT 3:00 p.m. Surveys submitted after May 17 will not be considered. Homeroom lists will be posted at  www.serraschool.org on Friday, August 17.

This survey is not required for incoming 3-year-old's or incoming young 4-year-old's, as they will receive more information from Mrs. Reiss in August. 

PARENT MEETING FOR INCOMING 3RD AND 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS 
Save the date:  Wednesday, May 9

Learn more about what to expect next year!
  • Incoming 3rd graders for 2018-2019 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Incoming 5th graders for 2018-2019 at 7:15 p.m.
Both meetings will be held in the Student Activity Center.
RENAISSANCE STAR TESTING 
The third Renaissance STAR testing window for the 2017-2018 school year is  May 7-May 18.  

CLICK HERE for the May Renaissance STAR Testing Schedule. 
 
HELPFUL TEST TAKING NOTES:
  • Make sure your children have eaten well on test days. Studies suggest that good nutrition is related to improved attention and concentration.
  • Help your children by encouraging a good night's rest.
  • Ensure that your children make it to school on-time so that they do not miss any instructions and are allowed ample time to settle in and relax before the test begins. 
  • Please do not schedule dental or doctor appointments on testing days.
  • Although it is important to let students know the tests should be taken seriously, it is also important not to increase their test-taking anxiety.
SJSC CHOIRS SPRING CONCERT
Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center

Please join us for an evening of beautiful music at our Annual Spring Concert. All of our choirs--Tiny Trebles, Serra Singers, Serranade and Bellissima Handbells--will lift their beautiful voices in song to entertain all in attendance. Everyone is welcome and its FREE! 
23rd ANNUAL ANCHOR BALL 
May 19 - Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Dana Point
  • Grab your friends and your Tropical wear and head on over to Havana. We have plenty of fun, sugar and lime, it's been declared, Party Time. Reserve your seats by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11! 
     
  • Do you want a one-of-a-kind experience? Pre-purchase tickets for a chance to win one of our exciting drawings. Help support Anchor Ball, even if you are not attending - you don't have to be present to win!
  • Volunteer Opportunities! Are you signed up to volunteer at Anchor Ball on Saturday, May 19? If not, SIGN UP NOW! Volunteer Meeting is Tuesday, May 15.
Questions?  Visit our   ANCHOR BALL   webpage.
FINAL BOX TOPS COLLECTION DEADLINE COMING UP
  • Remember to keep clipping your Box Top coupons to help us earn extra cash for our school programs. Our school earns 10 cents for every coupon!
  • Our final Box Top Collection deadline for the year is 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 18. Visit the BOX TOPS WEBPAGE to learn about our Student Incentive Drawings. Plus, let's celebrate our team efforts... the individual homeroom that collects the most Box Tops through May 18 will win a Pizzookie Party (Pizza and Cookies)!
  • Please VIEW the attached Homeroom Collection Totals to date
YEARBOOKS ARE SELLING QUICKLY -  DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE!
 
Online orders will be closing mid-May. A very limited number of yearbooks will be sold after distribution and will be on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. To ensure that your student receives a yearbook with their class on distribution day, order your yearbook NOW by CLICKING HERE.

Not sure if you ordered a yearbook? Yearbook orders by student first and last names can be found here  Parent's Only>Yearbook Orders . You will need the Passkey to get into this webpage.

Questions? Please contact Cindy Kennedy at ckennedy@serraschool.org
PTO HAPPENINGS
All parents are invited to join your PTO at the Wednesday, May 9th PTO Meeting in the Student Activity Center. Come learn about our fundraising goals for next year and hear about plans for the fall Golf Classic and Harvest Festival. Have you made your reservations for the party of the year, Anchor Ball 2018? Enjoy an amazing evening of silent and live auctions, dancing, great food, and so much more, all in support of St. Serra. Visit our PTO EVENTS AND PROGRAMS HOMEPAGE for more details on upcoming activities. 
Questions?   Contact us at serrapto@serraschool.org.

May 2018
  • 9th: PTO Meeting (9:30 am in the Student Activity Center) - All parents welcome!
  • 4th, 11th, 18th: Parent Rosary at the Blessed Mary Statue (7:50 am)
  • 25th: Parent Rosary (8:30 am), Marian Mass (9:30 am), and PTO Parent Fellowship & Coffee Social (10:30 am)
  • 19th: 23rd Annual Anchor Ball (5:30 pm)
BOYS AND GIRLS - JOIN SCOUTING TODAY!
We are currently registering Cub Scouts (grades K-5) and American Heritage Girl Scouts for the Fall. If you are interested in joining or learning more, please mark your calendars for our Scouting Information Night 
TONIGHT Thursday, May 3 at Holy Trinity Church in Ladera Ranch at 6:00 p.m.

Pizza will be served and we will have scouting volunteers available to help with registration and to answer your questions.  CLICK HERE for a flyer with more information.

If you are unable to attend the sign-up night, online registration is easy!
  • For Cub Scouts CLICK HERE. In the search screen, enter zip code 92688 and select Pack 0818.
  • For American Heritage Girls CLICK HERE.
GOT SPORTS VIDEOS?
The Marketing & Communications Department is looking for short video clips of our SJSC student-athletes in action to use for future marketing purposes. If you've taken any short videos this year of our sports teams and would like to share it, please send them via email to Stephanie Callahan at   scallahan@serraschool.org.  Cell phone video is totally fine. 

For larger files, please try using  WeTransfer.com or Dropbox to share the files, or drop off a USB drive to the School Office and we will be sure to return it back to you. We sincerely thank you for sharing with us.  GO BEARS!
SCRIP NEWS

2018-2019 Rebate Program
The Scrip year 2017-18 is now closed. The Scrip Office launched the new SJSC Rebate program on May 1, 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year! Fifty cents of every dollar you earn in rebates will be credited to your educational costs through FACTS on a monthly basis. The first credit of 2018-19 will be issued in August 2018, due to the summer schedule, and monthly thereafter. Physical card purchases of $50 or more made in person or via daily envelopes May 1-4 will qualify for a raffle. The winner will earn double rebates for all purchases made May 1-4, 2018.
 
Sip and Scrip
Come and find out all about Scrip and how you can reduce your educational costs while earning 1 volunteer hour! The Scrip Office will hold an information session on the second Tuesday of every month from 10-11:00 a.m. Bring your favorite drink. Light snacks will be provided. This takes place in the Scrip Office. 
 
Refer-a-Family who has not participated in the Scrip program in the last 2 years. When the referred family purchases their first $100, the referring family will earn $25 towards their educational costs 2018-2019.
 
For questions on any of the above or to place a Scrip Order, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at  tmaroutian@serraschool.org.  
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
Santiago De Compostela Job Posting
Santiago De Compostela Church has a job opening for an Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. This is a full-time position. Please CLICK HERE for more information.
Holy Trinity Church
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. 

SUMMER PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY

Santiago De Compostela Parish VBS, August 6-10
Register for Vacation Bible School after all Masses at the VBS table on the following dates:
  • May 5 & 6
  • May 19 & 20
  • May 26 & 27
San Francisco Solano Parish VBS
Vacation Bible School  - Registration is now OPEN! 
WHEN: June 25, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pre-K through 8th Grade. Spots are limited!

St. Kilian Church VBS
Vacation Bible School  is coming! Save the Date: July 30 - August 3, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration begins April 29.  CLICK HERE  for more information. 

JSerra Catholic HS Lion Engage Summer Program
Designed for students entering grades 6-8, Lion Engage is an engaging program that gives students the opportunity to dive into experiential learning. Students will learn from passionate JSerra instructors, interact with high school student mentors, and have a blast! The flexible programming allows students to come for mornings or afternoons, or both, and to come for one week or both weeks. Check out JSerra's website for class information and to sign up!  https://www.jserra.org/academics/lion-engage
 
JSerra Catholic HS Summer Youth Sport Camps
Do you have a student athlete? Check out JSerra Catholic High School's summer youth sports camps! Students will practice skills and make new friends. See the JSerra website for more information:  https://www.jserra.org/athletics/sports-camps

Santa Margarita HS Summer Sports Camps
SMCHS Summer Youth Camps are designed for young athletes in elementary school through middle school. Youth camps are open to all young people in the local community.

CLICK HERE for more information or to register. If you have any questions about any of our youth summer camps, please email us at sportscamps@smhs.org or (949) 766-1065