Volume 24 * Issue 22 * February 28, 2019
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
ACADEMIC DECATHLON

Front Row (from left): Jillyan C., Audrey S., Cole P., Emily L., Mrs. Alison Daley, Principal
Back Row: Diego D., Ray S., Jenna G., Abbey K., Olivia W., Ashley H.

Come join me in cheering on our Decathletes this   Saturday, March 2, 2019,  as they compete in the Diocese of Orange Academic Decathlon being held  at the Santa Margarita Catholic High School Moiso Pavilion! 

We are so proud of all of their dedication and hard work in preparing for this weekend! We wish them the BEST of LUCK and will keep them in our prayers. We wish to thank Mrs. Carrie Fiore and all of the staff and parent coaches for going above and beyond by dedicating your time and talent to these incredible student decathletes.
GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY - TOMORROW

We have had a terrific response for Grandparents & Special Friends Day once again this year and all we are looking forward to welcoming our 600+ guests tomorrow. Special adjustments have been made to the day's schedule so that all guests will have additional time to tour our new campus, including the SMARTLABS and the Chapel. If you have a last minute guest, we would love to have them join us. Please tell them to visit one of the two walk-in guest lines in the SAC.
 
Carpooling & Parking for Guests Attending...
Please remember, parking is extremely limited for this event. For guests who are driving themselves, please let them know that we will be parking guests on the inner road and on the field when the St. Serra lot is full. Additional parking in the neighborhood has also been granted for the day. There will be NO PARKING in the Memorial Care Medical Group lot!
 
If your guests requested special assistance/handicap parking, their placard was mailed directly to them with instructions. Of special note, all unclaimed handicap parking spaces will be released at 8:00 a.m. Please make sure that your guests are here prior to that time if they intend to park in a handicap parking space.

Why not continue the fun by taking your family and/or special friends for pizza lunch at Pizza Press, followed by a treat of ice cream at Handles Ice Cream, both located in the same RSM shopping complex. You will be supporting  St. Serra's Anchor Ball at the same time!   Click Here for the flyer. 
Special Schedule Reminder For Tomorrow
TOMORROW, Friday, March 1  is an ADJUSTED Minimum Day due to Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Dismissal for students who do not leave with their Grandparents or Special Friends, will begin at 11:15 a.m. Extended Care will be open their regular hours on this day both before and after school. Any students remaining at the conclusion of dismissal, will be checked into Extended Care. The School Office will close at 11:30 a.m. on this day. Please plan accordingly.
LENTEN THEME 2019
Each year St. Junipero Serra Catholic School has a focus for Lent that supports our forty-day spiritual journey. For Lent 2019, our theme is, "Sacrificing WITH Christ." Please view next week's video in my section reflecting on our Lenten Theme.

Lent invites us to turn our minds and hearts back to the God of mercy and love. As we begin this season, may we find new encouragement to open our hearts to respond to God's grace and to lead others to do the same. Each grade level will be selecting an image which best supports our theme this year.  Here are a couple of samples:



Please refer to the Lenten Fasting & Abstinence information at the side regarding our Lenten obligation or click the image to visit the  United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS
Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019 is the beginning of the Lenten season in our Catholic Church. Please join us for Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Activity Center, celebrated by Father Aristotle of San Francisco Solano Parish. We begin a 40-day journey of repentance through prayer, fasting, and alms-giving.  Ashes will be distributed at Mass for grades 1-8. Preschool, TK and Kindergarten students will receive ashes in the classroom following SerraVision that morning.
 
This is a formal uniform day for students in grades 1-8. Once again we will have 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.

In keeping with the traditions of fasting and abstinence at Lent, PTO will not hold their traditional after-Mass hospitality on this day.
 
For your convenience, we do have parking in the neighborhood on this Mass day, but NO PARKING 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 our Chapel. Everyone is welcome!
OPERATION RICE BOWL 
SJSC will be starting our Operation Rice Bowl Lenten service project on Wednesday, March 6 . Your child will receive a rice bowl to help them reflect on their Lenten sacrifice. Students can fill their rice bowl with as little or as much money as desired. Students can turn in their bowls to their teacher. Collections will be made throughout Lent. Thank you for your time and generosity! More information about this service Project can be found at crsricebowl.org

Join nearly 14,000 faith communities in 180 dioceses around the U.S. in prayer, fasting and almsgiving this Lent. Together, we will serve our brothers and sisters most in need around the world while forming families and faith communities in global solidarity. Take action to build the culture of encounter as missionary disciples with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) this Lent.
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020 
Due to planning purposes, we had to adjust a couple of dates. 

Please note there have been changes to the previously announced dates published in the February 14th edition of SerraDIPITY. One of the "No School" dates Monday, March 16 is NOW a regular school day and is NO longer a "No School" day.  Instead, we are extending the Easter Break by one day and returning on Tuesday, April 21, NOT Monday, April 20.  In the new calendar dates (listed on the click here attachment) we've now included the Preschool orientation, start and end dates, the end dates for TK and Kindergarten, and the graduation dates for Kinder and Eighth Grade.

CLICK HERE for very important calendar changes/additions to the 2019-2020 school year. 
FOOD FOR FRIENDS- "CONDIMENT DRIVE" FRIDAY MARCH 8
Thank you to all who support our monthly "Food for Friends". This year we have added a theme for each month. Next week, Friday, March 8  we will collect "Condiments" to support Santiago de Compostela parish. We hope to generate some friendly competition amongst the classrooms.

Food drives strengthen our community by giving us an opportunity to live the Gospel teachings of Jesus, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."  Not sure what to donate? It's pretty easy this month... all condiments are welcome ! Thank you to our scouts for assisting with our monthly Food Drives.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me."  Matthew 25

With JOY Jesus-Others-You living in your heart and soul we can be that fountain of life and love to others. Just like a fountain, JOY can continue to flow peacefully, with the sound and actions of JOY always present. 



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

Mrs. Angeline Trudell
President
PRINCIPALS' CORNER
Mrs. Carol Reiss, Principal Preschool - Grade 4
Mrs. Alison Daley, Principal Grades 5 - 8
CYBER SAFETY ADVISORY FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

Please read this advisory from Officer Clay Cranford, Cyber Safety Cop: 

The Momo Challenge - What Parents Need to Know
The 'Momo Challenge' is making the rounds across social media once more, after going viral in early 2016. We have received several phone calls and Facebook messages from parents extremely concerned after learning that their children have been watching Youtube videos of the "Momo Challenge." Please read this article to find out more.

This "game" is being embedded into children's YouTube clips such as PawPatrol, Peppa the Pig, Thomas the Train, etc. Your child may accidentally stumble across this, or even actively search for it because they are curious about it. The monsters in the videos say terrible and evil things to provoke dangerous behavior and actions. 

Both our St. Serra IT Department and the IT Department of the Diocese of Orange are aware of this safety issue and are monitoring the security of all devices used on our campus. 

To stay informed and keep your children safe on the internet, we highly recommend that you subscribe to Officer Clay Cranford's Cyber Safety Cop newsletter at   info@cybersafetycop.com   via   mailchimpapp.net
MESSAGE FROM THE HEALTH ROOM REGARDING ILLNESS
In the past few weeks we have noticed a rise in flu cases and other contagious illnesses at St. Serra and in our local community. The symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, headache and muscle aches. It can take from 5-7 days to recover.

In order to stop the spread of contagious illnesses, it is vital that you do not send your child to school sick. Children taking prescribed medication must take a full round of the medication before they return to school. Our school policy states that students must be fever free (99.6 and above is considered a fever) for 24 hours and no longer contagious before returning to school. If your child has the stomach flu, they must stay home for 24 hours after the vomiting has stopped. Please make sure your child feels well enough to attend school.

Please remind your children of the following flu prevention guidelines:
  • Hand washing is crucial in preventing germs from spreading. Wash hands regularly with warm water and soap. If soap and water are not accessible, use hand sanitizer
  • Children should be reminded to cover their cough/sneeze and use a tissue
  • Do not share food or drinks. Drink plenty of fluids
  • It is highly recommended that children take a daily multivitamin
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Flu shots are recommended
If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness e.g. flu, strep throat, pink eye, please notify the Health Room as soon as possible. Children who have been hospitalized must have a doctor's note before they return to school. 

If the Health Room calls to report that your child is sick or injured, our policy states that you must pick your child up within 45 minutes of being called. If you are unable to pick your child up within the specified time frame, you will need to contact someone on your emergency form to pick up your child.

We have this policy in place not only for the health and safety of your children, but also for the well-being of our teachers and staff. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
READ ACROSS AMERICA
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School will join schools all over the country in celebration of Dr. Suess' birthday on Monday, March 4 (and Tuesday, March 5 for our T/Th preschool students). This will be a non-uniform Comfy Cozy Day for our students. Please see non-uniform guidelines in the Parent Student Handbook.  Students may wear sweats or long pajamas with school shoes (no slippers).  Students should bring a favorite book - AR book or book they are reading at school. Our English Language Arts/Literacy teachers will have events planned for their classes to promote the love of reading in our students.
4th ANNUAL FAMILY STEAM NIGHT 2019 - SPONSORED BY CREATIVE LEARNING SYSTEMS
Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Thanks to the generosity of Creative Learning Systems, we are once again excited to present our 4th Annual Steam Night! Last year, SJSC partnered with Creative Learning Systems to furnish our new Creativity Labs. These engaging and hands-on learning labs will be on display at Family STEAM Night along with other STEAM related activities located throughout the campus.

This year our theme for STEAM Night is "Environment." Just a few examples of the STEAM activity stations created by St. Junipero Serra Teachers this year: erupting volcanoes, tornado in a bottle, wind turbine, quicksand, and more!

Last year's event brought over 700 participants! This year, we are expecting even more students and families to attend Family STEAM Night. Bring the family and tell your friends to stop by to experience all of the fun and engaging grade-level STEAM activities. Pizza and water will be provided to all who attend.
 
We hope you will join us on Tuesday, March 12 for an evening that is sure to involve, engage, and excite all in attendance!
stack_of_books.jpg CELEBRATION BOOK CLUB
The Library will be open during Grandparents & Special Friends Day tomorrow! Come in and dedicate a book to your grandchild or special friend and support our St. Serra Library! You may also  DONATE  on our website.
IN-N-OUT ORDERING IS NOW OPEN!
April orders are now available until Monday, March 25, 2019
 
ANCHOR BALL - THE GREATEST SHOW IS ALMOST HERE!
Have You Purchased Your Anchor Ball Tickets?

Don't let the FOMO (fear of missing out) become a reality!  PURCHASE tickets to Anchor Ball 2019 - "The Greatest Show" today!  Reservations extended until Tuesday, March 5 at 3:00 p.m. Just a reminder that the Greatest Show has moved to March, not May, like in years past.

No table? No problem! Just buy your ticket(s) and E-MAIL US information about your seat preference and we will make it happen.  

Your ticket cost includes the following:
  • Hosted Valet
  • Open Bar ALL EVENING with the one and only Cali Craft Cocktails
  • Incredible food from So Cal's Premier caterer, 24 Carrots
  • An opportunity to be part of St. Serra history with the first-ever, on-campus event
  • Bidding rights on live auction experiences, some of which are not available for purchase anywhere!
  • Most importantly, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of St. Serra School and our Serra Bears
VOLUNTEER                DONATE               GET YOUR TICKETS

"No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else." 
- P.T. Barnum (The Greatest Showman)

#ThisIsTheGreatestShow  #WeDoItForTheKids  #ItAllMakesADifference
ORDERING YEARBOOKS
Don't forget to purchase your Yearbook.  The price goes up on March 4!  
 
For more information contact Mrs. Cindy Kennedy, Marketing Creative Director at  ckennedy@serraschool.org

STEWARDSHIP IN ACTION
Nominate an Outstanding Parent Today!

All parents, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate parent volunteers who have blessed our community with dedication and hard work above and beyond the required volunteer commitment.  CLICK HERE to nominate someone you feel deserves our ST. JUNIPERO SERRA OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD.

For award guidelines and a list of prior recipients, please visit the  ST. JUNIPERO AWARDS  webpage. Nominations are due by Friday, March 29.

Recipients of this award and parents who have logged 100+ hours of service through the SERVICE HOURS PARENT PORTAL  will be recognized at our inaugural Volunteer Award Reception and Prayer Service on Thursday, June 6.
SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM

MARCH TO DO LIST:
  • St. Patrick's Day is Sunday, March 17. Earning rebates is like your pot of gold! O'Charley's, Arby's, McCormick & Schmicks, the World Market are just a few vendors who can help you earn rebates while you celebrate this day. CLICK HERE for more suggestions
     
  • March Madness begins on March 19. Earn like a champion! CLICK HERE for suggestions
For questions on any of the above, or to place a Scrip Order, contact Mrs. Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at tmaroutian@serraschool.org.
EDUCATIONAL COST ASSISTANCE 2019-2020 - REMINDER
Please  CLICK HERE  for more information and to access our Online Financial Aid Assistance Application. Deadline for submission of completed applications is Sunday, March 31, 2019.
 
It is part of our mission and vision to help 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. We want all current families to be able to remain at SJSC should financial issues present themselves. Educational Cost Applications are processed through FACTS and reviewed through our blind, third-party process.
   
Due to limited funds, we encourage you to submit your application and upload all of your documents early. Please note that only applications completed by the deadline will be considered.  
 
Please contact Mrs. Marjorie Kollen in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at  mkollen@serraschool.org  should you have any questions.
NEW AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES 

COOKING CLASS
We are happy to offer a brand-new class to our After-school Program beginning Wednesday, April 10. Students will learn how to make easy, healthy, and delicious foods with Lift Enrichment Cooking Classes.
Day of the Week: Wednesdays Dates: 4/10, 4/17, (no 4/24), 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
Price: $110 per student 
Grades: K-2
CLICK HERE   for more information.

BIONERDS CLASS
Bionerds offers fun and hands-on biology workshops for kids. The curriculum includes vast topics of biology such as insects, plants, human, genetics, microorganisms, and more. Students will experience up close and personal living organisms, perform biology activities and experiments, dissections, and handle laboratory equipment and tools, such as microscopes. CLICK HERE for more information or visit our website.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
    San Francisco Solano Church - Movie Night
    TOMORROW, Friday, March 1, 2019, 6:30 p.m. 

San Francisco Solano Fish Fry
This year San Francisco Solano is hosting a Fish Fry every Friday-- just down the street!  From March 8 - April 12, 2019 join us in the Parish Hall for a delicious fish fry meal from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Dinner is  $10 (adult) $6 (ages 12 and under).  After dinner, we will join together to pray and meditate on the Stations of the Cross, hosted by one of our very own ministries each week. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and family to have a meal and pray with one another. Everyone is  welcome .

information@sfsolano.org  / 949.589.7767 / 22082 Antonio Parkway, RSM 92688
San Francisco Solano Altar Server Training
Altar Server Training for new servers, or those who are ready to advance to the next level at San Francisco Solano, will be held on  Monday, March 11 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (dismissal might be earlier, depending on the number of kids and their questions).  Meet in the church at 5:15 p.m. to complete paperwork. Altar Servers should be at least 10-years-old and have received their first Holy Communion.
 
Please RSVP to Karin Hendrick at  khendrick.sfsservers@outlook.com or call 949-636-8446.
St. Kilian Catholic Church Fish Fry
Fish Fry is coming!  S t. Kilian will host their weekly Lenten Fish Fry dinner every Friday beginning March 8 - April 12, 2019 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  

This Fish Fry would not be successful without the help of volunteers. If your family would like to volunteer, please CLICK HERE for Volunteer Registration. 

Please contact fishfryhelpers@gmail.com if you have any questions or have trouble volunteering. 
Mater Dei High School Admissions
FINAL opportunity to take the Entrance Exam Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 4:00 p.m. Register TODAY at www.materdei.org/entranceexam 
*All 9th-grade applicants must take the Entrance Exam.

Applications for 2019-2020 School Year available now. 
Catholic Night at the Honda Center
Friday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks vs San Jose Sharks

This year join our Catholic Trinitiy League schools as they compete in an on-ice skills competition immediately following the Ducks game. Your ticket will include access to this exhibition as well as the Ducks vs. Sharks game. 

Tickets must be purchased HERE. The first 1000 tickets purchased will include a limited edition Anaheim Ducks Catholic Night hat.