Volume 24 * Issue 08 * October 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
HARVEST FESTIVAL 2018 IS HERE!
Come Celebrate With Us

Many hands make a difference! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in planning this traditional family fun event. Please read the article below for exciting information which will help you enjoy the day to its fullest. I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday!
MEMORIAL MASS AND ORNAMENT
Please join us next Thursday, November 1 at 9:30 a.m. as we celebrate our special Memorial Mass on All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation. One of our many wonderful traditions here at our school is this beautiful Mass, where we pray for and remember all of our loved ones who have gone home to our Lord in Heaven. 
 
We have adopted the symbol of the butterfly to remind us all of the beauty of life that continues on in the eternal life with God in Heaven. Our Tree of Remembrance, adorned with the Memorial Ornaments, graces our lobby as a reminder of the many loved ones who are now angels watching over us. As in previous years, Memorial Ornaments will be displayed on the Tree of Remembrance from October 26 until November 30.    
 
Procedures for Ornament Hanging: 
  • Newly Purchased Ornaments: If you purchased a 2018 Memorial Ornament it will be hung on the Tree of Remembrance by the Advancement Office staff. The ornaments will be blessed by Father Jim Dunning, our celebrant, at the beginning of our Memorial Mass and returned to you in the Monthly Envelope on Thursday, December 6 in order for you to hang it on your Christmas Tree at home.      
  • Previous Year's Ornaments: NOTE:  If you have ornaments from previous years and wish to have them included on the Tree of Remembrance and blessed by Father before the Memorial Mass, you may hang them on the tree as a family, any day prior to the mass or also on the morning of the Mass, prior to 9:00 a.m. We ask that you personally REMOVE those ornaments no later than November 30.
Mass Intention Cards
If you haven't already done so, please return your Mass Intention card for the Memorial Mass by tomorrow Friday, October 26. Help us honor your loved ones by including a card as part of our Mass remembrance. Should you have any questions regarding the Mass, please contact Pam Owens at ext. 165. Questions regarding the ornaments, please contact Cindy Carpino at ext. 239.

Missionary Childhood Association - MCA 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 to our collection baskets. These monies do not go unnoticed as we serve the poor children around the world. Thank you for remembering to support this ministry at our Memorial Mass. 

As a reminder, students in Grades 1-8 are to wear Formal Uniform. For your convenience, the inner road will be open for parking, plus we do have parking in the neighborhood for this Mass. There is NO PARKING allowed in the Memorial Health Care parking lot.

Plan to arrive earlier and join other parents as they pray the Rosary before Mass beginning at 8:45 a.m. in front of our Blessed Virgin Mary statue in our newly dedicated  Chapel Rosary Garden. Everyone is welcome! Please join us after Mass for the St. Serra Community Parent Fellowship and Coffee Social in the St. Junipero Serra Courtyard.  More information can be found in the PTO section below. 

TRAFFIC REMINDERS
Keeping Students Safe During Morning and Afternoon Traffic

The safety of our students, parents, faculty and staff is of utmost importance to us. We think it might be a good time for a refresher on our traffic procedures. After careful observation by myself and other staff members, below are some  Key Points to remember:
  • For the safety of our students, dropping off or picking up students in the neighborhood is never allowed
  • To keep our traffic line moving swiftly, your child must be ready to exit your vehicle when it is time to unload. Shoes on, backpacks ready and breakfast hopefully eaten at home. We know some mornings are tougher than others and our traffic officers are here to help students exit safely and tear-free! 
  • Please drive at a safe speed in our traffic pattern. Our students and traffic officer's safety depend on it. 
  • The back gate closes at 7:40 promptly. If you arrive later than 7:40 you will be directed to drive to our main parking lot to make sure your children are dropped off safely. Children are not to be dropped off in front of the PEB
  • Please do not remove cones from any parking spot. They were put there for a reason. 
Please  CLICK HERE to review St. Serra's traffic procedures that were also sent out in my constant contact email on August 22.

Let's continue to each do our part in helping to keep everyone safe!

DAILY BUS PASS PILOT PROGRAM 

We are happy to respond to our St. Serra Families' request for a Daily Bus Pass Program by launching a pilot program. This program will allow our students from Grades 3 to 8 to ride the bus whenever they choose. At this time you will be able to purchase 5 passes per child (AM, PM, or AM/PM per child). This program has limited availability and is on a first come, first serve basis. The sign-up window to participate in this program is short and the opportunity to sign-up will only be available from October 25 - November 1, 2018. The program will begin on November 5, 2018. Please CLICK HERE for additional program details and instructions on how you can participate.

Please note that this is a pilot program with a limited sign-up window opportunity. We plan on re-launching it again in January 2019, depending on availability.

May your heart leap with the truest meaning of JOY...leap for the love of Jesus, leap for the service to others and leap for the blessing that is YOU! 


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

Mrs. Angeline Trudell
President
2018 HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Harvest Festival is only 3 days away!
 
Thank you to our wonderful UNDERWRITERS who made this family fun day possible!
 
Plan your day! Take a peek at our HARVEST FESTIVAL PROGRAM and MENU .
 
We are pleased to once again offer Shuttle Service!  Please view the PARKING MAP  and SHUTTLE MAP . The St. Serra bus will run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday between the school and the Applied Medical parking lot at 22931 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita.   Please be aware there is NO PARKING allowed on Antonio Parkway for Harvest Festival!
  • Main Ticket Booth - Purchase Game Tickets and Fun Zone Wristbands or pick up your pre-ordered tickets/wristbands.
  • Class Projects - Purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win one of our amazing Class Projects!  View this sneak peek photo of the CLASS PROJECTS.
  • Opportunity Drawing Raffle - Purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win one of our amazing gift baskets!
  • Grand Prize Raffle - Purchase $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win the Grand Prize: a trip for 2 to Maui or $3,000 cash or Second Prize: VIP Reserved Parking spot for a year!
  • Get your Halloween pumpkins at this year's Harvest Festival for only $5!
  • Volunteer Check-in - Please check in for your volunteer shift!
Remember to wear your Harvest Festival T-shirt to show your support! 
 
TEAM HARVEST FESTIVAL  - A huge THANK YOU to the many wonderful volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to help make this event a fabulous day for our families!
 
If you are not able to join us on Sunday, consider making a DONATION to Harvest Festival!  This PTO-sponsored event benefits all students of St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. Reminder...all purchases and donations are non-refundable.
THE 2018-2019 ANNUAL FUND IS FULL STEAM AHEAD!
We are pleased to announce that the SJSC staff has already reached 70% participation in the short time since we launched! Come on parents...Let's keep up. If you haven't had the opportunity to see how St. Serra fulfills the dreams of our children, watch the video now!

Help us to continue to make the dreams of our students a reality. Donate to Annual Fund today and take advantage of the exciting incentives that are being offered when you donate before Thanksgiving! In addition, your student's grade level could be the one to win an ice cream sundae party with Mrs. Trudell.    
NOVEMBER PTO MEETING NEW DATE
Our November PTO meeting has been changed to  MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in  the  Parent Hub.  All parents are welcome to join!
 
SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM
   
DID YOU KNOW?
Purchase scrip BY APPOINTMENT if you cannot drop in during morning sales. Just call the Rebate Program office during regular school hours to make sure we are here to assist you!
 
Our WEEKLY ORDER FORM  is a compilation of best seller physical cards and parent favorites. However, there are many, many more merchants to choose from by visiting shopwithscrip.com. You do not need an account to search for merchants. Any physical card item not listed on the form can be added to page 2 of the weekly order form in the last section left blank for this purpose.
 
THANKSGIVING SCRIP SALES SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE for important order deadlines.
 
For questions or to place a Scrip Order, contact Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at [email protected].
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ANNIE JR

Do you need to fulfill volunteer hours for SJSC? Would you like to help the cast of Annie Jr. with their hair, makeup, and costumes? We need volunteers backstage November 6-10 after school. Please visit  Sign-up Genius for specific times and if you are interested in helping. Thank you!

Don't forget...tickets are on sale now for the show at  serraschool.seatyourself.biz  
If you have a member of your party who is in need of a floor or handicap seat please contact Mrs. Giraudi at [email protected].  Tickets should be purchased through the website first then Mrs. Giraudi will work on accommodating seating requests.  

See you at opening night!!!
SEASONS TUITION ASSISTANCE LUNCHEON

It is time to start planning the 6th Annual "Seasons" Luncheon, one of our most important events within the St. Serra community that supports our students in need. This year's luncheon will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019!

Volunteers - All skills are needed!  "Many hands make light work", plus most of the volunteer positions can be done from home on your own schedule. So grab a friend and share the JOY.

Committee members and table hostesses are also needed. Our need for hostesses is especially GREAT due to the need to grow this event to support Educational Assistance for so many!

New to the SJSC family?  This event  might be just what you are looking for. You can use your talents to support this amazing cause. Please consider joining the "Seasons" team. It will be an experience you will never forget!

Have questions? Contact Pam Owens at [email protected], 888-1990 ext. 165 or 949-933-2521 (cell) or Event Chair, Elizabeth Yanni at [email protected].

Your support will bring JOY to many!
 IN-N-OUT Ordering is Now Open!
  • Annual (December-June) and December only orders are now available until Monday, November 12 by 3:00 p.m.
     
  • ORDER YOUR IN-N-OUT NOW!
SERRA SPIRIT STORE
  • The Serra Spirit Store is now OPEN. CLICK HERE to purchase limited number of PE uniforms, sketch diaries and SerraStrong Shirts.
  • We have instituted a new Pre-order Program. If the item you would like is sold out today in our store, please scroll down in the store item menu and look for the item photos with the word "Pre-order" across them. As a general rule for our Pre-order Program, Pre-orders will be placed on the 15th of every month, to our supplier and garments will be delivered on the 15th of the following month.  We will have this program set up all school year long.
     
  • Currently, due to high demand, we will place an order with our supplier on Tuesday, October 30 for all Pre-Orders received by Monday, October 29 at 3:00 p.m. to help expedite our parents' current needs.
     
  • Dennis Uniform Back Order - Girls youth small and youth large shorts are currently back ordered. They will arrive to St. Serra on October 31. 

  • Questions? Contact Catherine Tirado, Serra Spirit Merchandise Coordinator at [email protected].
MEMORIAL MASS - PARENT FELLOWSHIP & COFFEE SOCIAL
11:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the SJSC Courtyard

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Please join us, immediately following the release of the butterflies after our Memorial Mass on Thursday, November 1. Our 6th-Grade Room Parent Team will be providing light hospitality, coffee and water.
CELEBRATION BOOK CLUB

The Celebration Book Club is the library's main funding for new books. Celebrate your student's birthday, special accomplishment, First Communion, favorite holiday, or dedicate  a book in honor of your child's teacher. If you would like to participate in the CBC simply fill out the form online. Students may choose their new book from the selection.  CLICK HERE for the order form. 
ETIQUETTE FACTORY - AFTER SCHOOL CLASS STARTING IN JANUARY

Does your child need help with self confidence or appropriate social skills? The Etiquette Factory is coming to St. Serra beginning in January. Please CLICK HERE for more information and how to register. 
PARENT SEMINAR ON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION
TONIGHT - Thursday, October 25 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center 

All you want to know about Catholic high schools, the admissions process, and more.
Hosted by Ron Blanc, Admissions Director at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. 
Halloween Pumpkin
REMINDER: SJSC HALLOWEEN ACCESSORY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS IN PRESCHOOL - GRADE EIGHT FOR OCTOBER 31, 2018

For information on SJSC's Halloween Accessory Policy and the Catholic Faith's doctrine on Halloween, please  CLICK HERE.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
San Francisco Solano Church - Movie Night!
Friday, November 9

Join San Francisco Solano Church for a night of "Incredible" fun at Family Movie Night Incredibles 2 will be presented on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. CLICK HERE for the flyer. 
St. Kilian All Saints' Day Vigil Mass & Trunks or Treats
Halloween, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

St. Kilian Catholic Church will be celebrating a special All Saint's Day Vigil Mass on Halloween, Wednesday, October 31. Children and adults are invited to come in costume of your favorite Saint or non-violent character (no monsters, devils, masks, or weapons of any kind) and join us for Mass and the fun afterward.  Following Mass, children and families are invited to go "trick or treating" from the parishioner's trunks!

4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Mass
4:45 - 5:30 p.m. Hot Dogs, Popcorn and Trunk or Treat
 
CLICK HERE  to read more.  
Rosary Academy High School Open House
Rosary Academy will host Open House on Monday, November 5, 5:30-8:00 p.m. for girls in grades 5th-8th. Guests will learn why families choose Rosary and hear from Christina Hernandez '10, Assistant Director of Admissions at Chapman University. Ms. Hernandez will share insights to the college application process and discuss how Rosary Academy provides an all-girl advantage that prepares students for success in college and beyond. CLICK HERE  for a flyer with more information. Families may register at  www.rosaryacademy.org/openhouse .