Volume 24 * Issue 26 * March 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

Click the images below to learn more:

PTO Events and Programs

Parish Connections


Volunteer Opportunities




SerraDIPITY Archives






A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT TRUDELL
Lenten Mass
Thursday, April 4 at 9:30 in the Student Activity Center  

We are halfway through our Lenten Season and have witnessed your children  "Sacrificing WITH Christ"  as they Pray daily, Fast from worldly distractions, and Give Alms through their Rice Bowl collection. The season of  Lent invites us to turn our minds and hearts back to the God of mercy and love.  During Lent our focus is on the Kingdom coming, not on the Kingdom having already come. We are on a spiritual journey toward the Second Coming and our eternal life in Heaven. In order to remind us of that journey, during Lent, the Church removes the Alleluia from the Mass. Instead, we  acknowledge our sins and practice Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving so that one day we may again have the privilege of worshiping God alongside the angels. 

As we continue on our 40-day journey, we hope you will join us on Thursday, April 4 for Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Activity Center, celebrated by our School Chaplin Father Jim Dunning.  Plan to arrive earlier and join other parents as they pray the Rosary in our Chapel before Mass beginning at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome!
 
This is a formal uniform day for students in grades 1-8. This month we will have a collection at the entrance to Mass for Catholic Relief Services, so thank you for encouraging your children to fulfill their Lenten almsgiving by filling up their "Rice Bowl".

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 on the inner road of campus. There is NO PARKING in the Memorial Health Care parking lot. Parking in the neighborhood is available after 9:00 a.m. Please remember to be courteous and respectful of our neighbors when parking in the neighborhood.    
Click the image for more
Mother Son Pirate Adventure
Registration closes this TOMORROW, Friday, March 29, 3:00 p.m.!
  • Last chance to REGISTER by Friday, March 29, 3:00 p.m. for the first-ever Mother Son Pirates Dinner Adventure! No walk-up or late registrations can be accepted due to the venue's requirements for an advance headcount.
  • Arrrr...get in the spirit and wear your favorite pirate accessories. Last chance to earn your son's Non-Uniform Dress Pass for pre-purchasing 24 raffle tickets for $20. Your son won't want to miss the chance to win Disney passes, a Razor Dirt Rocket Electric Bike, the latest Bluetooth Hoverboard, a wireless gaming chair, a Nintendo Switch, 32" Smart TV with Alexa, and many other cool prizes!
  • Even if you've turned in your reservation, it's not too late to purchase your souvenir photo, face painting, or raffle tickets! Tickets and photos will also be sold at the event.
  • We are still looking for lots of volunteer help assisting at the event. We depend on all of you to help make this a fun and memorable day for all our St. Serra boys and their Moms. You will receive one additional service hour if you work the day of the event for your drive time. CLICK HERE to sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities available.
Questions? Contact Event Chairs Mrs. Diana Gabriel and Mrs. Monique Martinho at [email protected] .
Jerseys for Jesus - Campus Ministry Fundraiser - TOMORROW!
Campus Ministry is sponsoring a Jerseys for Jesus day this Friday, March 29.  We are asking students and staff to wear their favorite sports team jersey/shirt for a minimum donation of $1. Students should give their donation to their homeroom teacher. The money collected will serve the parish of St. Joseph Burgaw in North Carolina. The parish and its members were devastated by Hurricane Florence earlier this year. There are still many families who have not been able to return home. This a great opportunity this Lenten season to help our brothers and sisters in need.
Educational Costs for the 2019-2020 School Year
There has been a slight delay in finalizing the Educational Costs and Registration forms for the 2019-2020 school year. Registration and Educational Costs will be announced at the same time. Please watch for this very important Constant Contact.
To have JOY in our lives is to look at all that is beautiful which God has given us - faith,family, friends. Take a moment to smile, laugh and make memories for a lifetime. PURE JOY!



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

ST. SERRA SUMMER SCHOOL 


Classes are Filling Up!   Register Here
 
Examples of Classes Offered:
Engineering ·  Coding ·  Broadcasting ·  Robotics ·  Theater arts ·  Cooking · 
Academic enrichment ·  Art...and more! 

Preschool Program and Extended Care also available.
NEW SERRADIPITY FEATURE!
Please note many of our articles in this week's SerraDIPITY include clipart or logos that are clickable and will take you to the website for more information. You're welcome! ;)
SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM -  REDUCE YOUR EDUCATIONAL COSTS!
 
Double Days Promotion April 1-June 18, 2019
Families will keep 100% of all rebates earned on purchases made at the Rebate Office on Wednesdays. Normally these are split 50/50 with SJSC.

Ralphs Rebates for quarter ending February 29, 2019  are now available. CLICK HERE for instructions to submit your report by April 30, 2019. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE FOR LATE REPORTS.
 
The Rebate office is looking for long term volunteers. If you like a steady schedule and working with great people in a fun environment, please contact the Rebate Office.
 
For questions on any of the above, or to place a Scrip Order, contact Mrs. Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at [email protected] .
ANNUAL FUND
Class Competition is Full Speed Ahead!  

WHO WILL WIN THE ICE CREAM SOCIAL WITH 
MRS. TRUDELL?  
   
Botley would like to thank the families who have generously given to
this year's Annual Fund. We encourage those who have not made their gift yet, to do so today. Help your child win the ice cream social with Mrs. Trudell!
 
As you know, this year's Annual Fund is specifically earmarked to support the cost of the SMARTLABS - this means buying BOTLEY and more of his friends who are helping your students learn to CODE!
 
The first class to hit 75% or the class with the highest percentage of participation will be the winner!
 
Here are the participation percentages as of today...
 
8th grade with 34%
7th grade with 30%
6th grade with 26%
5th grade with 38%
4th grade with 27%
3rd grade with 27%
2nd grade with 39%  
1st grade with 34%
Kindergarten with 34%
TK with 30%
4YR Preschool with 19%
3YR Preschool with 38%
 
Increase your grade level participation!
 
IN-N-OUT ORDERING IS NOW OPEN!
Ordering for May is now available until Monday, April 15 by 3:00 p.m. 
Please note that the ordering window is shortened due to Easter break.
 
SERRASERVES ~ ONE MEAL EVENT
Saturday, April 13
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center

During this Lenten Season, let us come together and practice our works of mercy by donating to this great cause . Please join us, or donate, as we partner with Kids Around the World for this community-building event.
  • DONATE NOW to be a part of our SerraServes ~ One Meal Event. Once you have made your donation, the Signup Genius link for volunteering will be sent to you via the confirmation/thank you page
  • Questions? Contact Event Chair, Mrs. Lindsay Hakimi at [email protected]
  • Visit the SERRASERVES webpage
HEARTRUN 2019 - "HAPPY HEARTS ARE WORTH THE EFFORT"
Friday, April 5, 2019                                   
  • One more week to raise funds for the American Heart Association! Have you sent e-mails to family and friends asking for their support?
     
  • How's your social media presence? Post a request to your Facebook Page and see if your friends can join you in making this our best year yet in sponsoring the AHA  (CLICK FOR SAMPLE POST)
     
  • CLICK HERE and donate to qualify for our amazing student incentives! You don't want to miss your chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime, on-court NBA experience!
ANCHOR BALL - THE GREATEST SHOW PHOTOS
Step right up and see the amazing and wondrous photos from The Greatest Show!  CLICK HERE  to get a peek at the marvelous decorations, the "Big Top" ballroom, and of course, the fabulous and creative circus-style fashions of our "greatest guests"! 
UNIFORMS & SPIRIT STORE
  • SerraStrong shirts available - Has your child outgrown or lost their SerraStrong shirt? We've got you covered! We have inventory of various colors and sizes available ONLINE, on the APP, or stop by our storefront Monday-Friday 7:30-8:30 a.m., and Tuesday 2:00-3:00 p.m.
     
  • PE uniforms available - Check our remaining inventory for your PE clothing needs. If the size that you require is out of stock, please proceed to the Pre-Order section and place your order there. (please note the "Show More" button, to display more choices)
     
  • NEW Serra Spirit Packs, available in store, only! Now offering 6 new Spirit Packs combining all of your favorites from the Serra Spirit Store. Each Spirit Pack is custom wrapped with a bow and makes a great gift! Stop by the store today to buy yours!
     
  • ADULT Spirit Wear - show your school pride with one of our new adult options! Available for special order ONLINE and on the App
     
  • Volunteers needed! We have lots of opportunities to help with our student store. Email Mrs. Tirado if you are interested
     
  • Questions? Please email Mrs. Catherine Tirado, SJSC Merchandise Coordinator at [email protected]
SERRA SOCIAL CLUB
Co-Ed Cornhole Tournament on April 13!
  • Have you purchased your TICKETS? Come join us for a fun day of cornhole, tacos, libations and a DJ on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. (tournament begins at 3:00 p.m.)
     
  • Cost is $75 per person. Couples, friends, solo's - Come one, come all!
     
  • Visit the SERRA SOCIAL CLUB web page for more details. Note: This is an adults-only event. See you on the cornhole court!
EDUCATIONAL COST ASSISTANCE APPLICATION - DEADLINE APPROACHING!

2019-2020 Application and Documentation Due Sunday, March 31, 2019.
 
What is it? Financial Assistance toward educational costs
How is it funded? Primarily by SJSC current and alumni families.
What do you need? Completed application, 2018 W2's and 2018 Tax Returns
Deadline? March 31st, 2019 (only completed applications will be considered)
How do I apply?  CLICK HERE
 
What's next? All completed applications are initially scored, based on need, by a 3rd party vendor and then reviewed in a blind process by the SJSC Educational Cost Assistance Committee for the final decision and funds distribution.
 
Please contact Mrs. Marjorie Kollen in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at  [email protected]  should you have any questions.
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 April 12.  Thank you for your time and generosity!
ST. JUNIPERO SERRA AWARD TO HONOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Last Call for Nominations!
  • All parents, faculty and staff are encouraged to NOMINATE a parent volunteer for the ST. JUNIPERO SERRA OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD
     
  • Nominations are open until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019. St. Serra appreciates our parent volunteers, and this is a wonderful opportunity to recognize those who have done an outstanding job!
     
  • Visit the ST. JUNIPERO AWARDS web page for more details
     
  • Questions? Contact PTO Parliamentarian, Mrs. Dana Maas at [email protected]
A MOMENT IN TIME FOR MOMS 
WITNESS ~ Starts Next Tuesday!
  • A new session of A Moment in Time for Moms starts next week! Beginning April 2 and continuing through April 30 (no meeting on April 23), 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., in our beautiful Chapel
     
  • We will be studying Witness by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, theology professor and director of Notre Dame Vision, who will help us reveal the stories of grace within our own life so we can share God's gifts with others
     
  • Questions? Visit our OUTREACH MINISTRIES webpage
     
  • Registration fee is $25 (includes book). CLICK HERE to register
FINDING GRACE ~ St. Serra Lenten Retreat 2019
Thursday, April 11, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the SAC
  • Please join us at this year's Lenten Retreat ~ Finding Grace! SJSC teachers Mrs. Maureen Tilton and Mr. David Bohmfalk; SJSC President Mrs. Angeline Trudell; and Mr. Raymond Dunne, principal of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, will share their testimonies of God's grace within their lives. Guests will also have the opportunity to create a Lenten Retreat project for each guest to take home. (Sample at right)  
AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES
It's not too late to register your child for our after-school classes. We offer a wide variety of enrichment programs designed to enhance your child's curriculum by providing high-quality instruction in a variety of recreational activities held immediately after the 1:50 p.m. dismissal. There is something for  everyone - arts, sports, and other fun-filled classes are available, with new sessions beginning this spring. 

NEW SESSION  - Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes - Starting Monday, April 1
NEW AT SERRA - Cooking Classes - Starting Wednesday, April 10

CLICK HERE to find out more about our program offerings and register for our  NEW spring session.  
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
San Francisco Solano Vacation Bible School
Life is Wild - God is Good

San Francisco Solano Church is once again offering VBS to children in TK - 8th grade, June 24-28. Registration opens on April 1.   CLICK HERE for the flyer. 
Orange Canyons Chapter of Legatus Invitation
Business Owners, Presidents, CEOs, Managing Directors/Partners
 
If you are (or were) a business owner, CEO, President, Managing Director or Managing Partner of a company, we invite you to learn about our Legatus Orange Canyons Chapter. 

Legatus is an international organization of Catholic leaders who seek to exercise faithful leadership in the business world by being ambassadors of Christian ethics, values, and worldview. 
Legatus members are formed to be Christian ambassadors through a monthly celebration of a meal and Sacraments (Confession and Eucharist), through relationships deepened in small group forums,  and by social events throughout the year. Spouses also participate fully and actively. 

Legatus membership encourages much more depth than a professional organization or networking group.  It's about living a Catholic life as a business leader in the world.
 
For more information, please visit  www.legatus.org  or better yet, feel free to contact Chad Olberding (310-210-3561) or Dan Domier (949-887-8814) to hear first-hand about being a member of Legatus.
 
There will also be an informal initial meet and greet on April 5, 2019 at Fr. Reynold's house.  Please call Chad or Dan about an exact time and address.