Volume 24 * Issue 27 * April 4, 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
A Letter From Bishop Vann Regarding the Movie Unplanned
Upon the request of our bishop, the Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, please read the attached letter with a message from him regarding the recent screening of the movie Unplanned at Christ Cathedral. CLICK HERE for the letter. 
Thank you Serra Host Families!  
A big thank you to the Andrew (hosted twice!), Bacily, Enyeart, Igien, Kalinski, Laster, Peters (hosted twice!), Riordan and Schuster families, who volunteered to host our NET evangelists for our 6th-grade and 8th-grade spiritual retreats this year. Both classes strengthened their faith in God as they witnessed the NET teams proclaim the Gospel of Christ through their personal walks of faith. Your love, generosity, time and meals in supporting these teams did not go unnoticed! 
Food For Friends - Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive
Friday, April 12

Thank you to all who support our monthly "Food for Friends". Next  Friday, April 12  we will collect Peanut Butter and Jelly to support St. Kilian parish. Thank you to our Scouts for once again helping with our collection. Not sure what to donate? It's pretty easy this month...both peanut butter and jelly are welcome! 

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."  

"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
SerraServes ~ One Meal Event
Saturday, April 13
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center

SerraServes Event
SerraServes - One Meal Event

Join us on a mission to empower our students to feed the hungry. SerraServes 2019 - One Meal Event will be held on Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. By DONATING NOW  you will be sent a link (via the thank you/confirmation page) to access our Volunteer Signup Genius to help make meals at our packaging event. With each meal we are able to fund and donate, we are saving lives. Some of these children will not live past their next birthday without your help. Every donation COUNTS! Let's come together as a community during this Lenten Season to make a difference in the life of a child! Will you help us? 

Questions? Please contact our SerraServes Event Chair Mrs. Lindsay Hakimi at [email protected] .
HeartRun 2019  is Tomorrow - Rain or Shine!  
"Happy Hearts are Worth the Effort"
                             
  • St. Serra Bears...HeartRun is here! Wear your HeartRun or any RED t-shirt with your PE shorts tomorrow for a school-wide RED OUT and run with us in support of the American Heart Association!
  • Did you forget to donate? It's not too late - DONATIONS will be accepted until NOON tomorrow, Friday, April 5; however, the incentive deadline has passed, so the t-shirt and key chains will not be available for last-minute donations. Just $10 from each family would make such a difference!
     
  • Arrangements are in place to hold the Heart Run in the Student Activity Center, if tomorrow brings inclement weather.
Anchor Ball 2019
Anchor Ball 2019 was a success because of the tremendous support from our families, donors and sponsors. It is because of all of you that we are pleased to announce that together we raised over $202,000 for the children of St. Serra. We sincerely appreciate the spirit of generosity you have shown to St. Junipero Serra Catholic School .
2020 WCEA/WASC Accreditation Parent Survey
Looking forward to your input!

Yesterday you should have received a Constant Contact with a link to a Parent Survey for our 2020 WCEA/WASC Accredidation. The SJSC  Staff and students have completed their surveys and we are now asking for our parents to complete a survey as well. YOUR INPUT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Surveys should be completed by Thursday, April 18. If at least 75% of the parent surveys are returned, all students will receive a week of non-uniform dress starting June 3-7.  The survey link is below, in case you missed the Constant Contact. We sincerely thank you for your valuable input.

It is spring and we want to experience the JOY in our lives. When you look at a flower it is just so pretty that it brings a smile.The earth, created by God, is happy because of the blooming of beautiful flowers; the JOY of life is true happiness. The tree in this picture is right next to our chapel with blossoms of hearts. Jesus' love for us...such JOY right here at home. God is smiling and the earth is happy.



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!


SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM -  REDUCE YOUR EDUCATIONAL COSTS!
 
VENDOR UPDATE
Some of your favorite brands will offer low denomination cards for a limited time between April 6 and May 24 while supplies last.
 
$5     Barnes & Noble, Cold Stone, Panera, Starbucks, Taco Bell
$10   Amazon, Applebee's, CVS, Olive Garden, The Home Depot,  IHOP, Outback, 
        Red Lobster, Regal, Safeway, Target, Walmart
 
These are great for Easter Baskets, Teacher Appreciation gifts (week of May 6), Graduation and just simple little ways to say "thank you". We will NOT be carrying them in our daily inventory. Please submit a weekly order form and write them in, or order directly on shopwithscrip.com. To set up your account, please email your Rebate Program Coordinator.

WEEKLY ORDERS BEFORE EASTER BREAK
Monday, April 8, 8:30 am.
Monday, April 15, 8:30 am.
Monday, April 22 - NO WEEKLY ORDER - EASTER BREAK
Weekly orders will resume on Monday, April 29, 2019, due by 8:30 am.
 
For questions on any of the above, or to place a Scrip Order, contact Mrs. Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at [email protected] .
Click the image for more
MOTHER SON PIRATE ADVENTURE
Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

"Ahoy there maties!" We can't wait to see our pre-registered St. Serra moms and boys this Sunday at our Mother Son Pirates Dinner event! Be sure to dress in your favorite pirate accessories and get ready for lots of laughs and entertainment with all your friends.
 
Event Timeline:
9:45-10:00 a.m.                Lineup for check-in begins
10:00-10:30 a.m.              Check-In/Pick-up registration packets
10:30-11:30 a.m.              Opportunity Raffle, souvenir photos, & face painting
11:30-11:45 a.m.              The Preshow
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.         Main Show & Lunch
1:15-1:45 p.m.                  Opportunity Winners & Redemption
2:00 p.m.                          Event Ends
 
Look for your Opportunity Raffle "Sneak Peek" flyer in today's Monthly Envelope. Your boys won't want to miss trying to win some of the cool raffle prizes this year like a wireless gaming chair, Nintendo Switch, Fortnite swag, a Laser Quest birthday party, and so much more. Raffle tickets and souvenir photos may still be purchased the day of the event. Credit cards and cash will be accepted; $10 for 12 raffle tickets.
 
"All hands hoay!" The success of this event depends on many amazing volunteers and we appreciate your help! Please click this  SignUp Genius link  to see the fun volunteer opportunities. You will receive one additional service hour if you work the day of the event for your drivetime.
 
Questions regarding the event or your registration? Contact Event Chairs Mrs. Diana Gabriel and Mrs. Monique Martinho at [email protected]
YEARBOOK 2019 COUNTDOWN IS ON!
HURRY! Order your yearbooks today!

The excitement of the yearbook distribution day is only a couple of months away! Online ordering will close around mid-May after the yearbooks are shipped. All pre-order online sales guarantee a yearbook to be delivered to your Serra Bears on distribution day. A limited number of yearbooks will be available for sale after all pre-orders are distributed and those will be sold first come, first served. So, don't wait until it's too late! 

Not sure if you ordered your yearbooks yet? First, check your e-mail for your confirmation from Jostens. All orders received from Jostens can also be found by student name in the  Parents Only  section. You will need the passkey, given to you on the first day of school in the white envelope, to enter this secured section. Any questions, please contact Cindy Kennedy at  [email protected] .
2019 GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY PHOTOS
If your child had their picture taken with their grandparent and/or special friend, your complimentary photos will be enclosed in today's Monthly Envelope. We are pleased to continue the tradition of providing our guests a photo opportunity with their St. Serra grandchild and/or special friend. We hope you will treasure this picture! If you are interested in obtaining more prints, or have any questions, please email Mrs. Cindy Carpino in the Advancement Office at [email protected] for the JPEG of your picture. 
PTO HAPPENINGS
What We Offer

We are so grateful to our St. Serra families who have supported our recent PTO sponsored events. We look forward to several more coming up, including our HeartRun tomorrow.   Visit our  PTO EVENTS AND PROGRAMS HOMEPAGE   for more details about PTO and our upcoming events. Questions?  Contact us at  [email protected] .
 
April 2019
  • 4th: Parent Rosary and Mass
  • 5th, 12th: Parent Rosary in the Chapel
  • 5th: HeartRun
  • 7th: Mother Son Event ~ Pirates Adventure
  • 9th, 16th, 30th: Moment in Time for Moms Book Study (Chapel)
  • 10th: PTO Meeting (Parent Hub) - All Parents Welcome!
  • 11th: Parent Lenten Retreat
  • 13th: SerraServes Outreach Event
  • 13th: Serra Social Club (Co-Ed Cornhole Tournament)
We welcome your feedback! Did you support, attend, or volunteer at Anchor Ball 2019?  Your comments and suggestions will help us plan future Anchor Ball events. CLICK HERE to take the 2019 Anchor Ball Event Survey (available until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8).
ANNUAL FUND
In today's Monthly Envelope you will find a flyer showing some important information regarding the 2018-19 Annual Fund, including how you can participate, along with the dates for the Wine & Cheese Reception and the Founder's Circle Dinner. If you have not already donated, you will also find a second appeal letter along with the flyer. 

Please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal of 100% participation. Your donation not only helps support our SMARTLABS, but could also help your child's grade-level win the ice cream social with Mrs. Trudell!
As of March 31 the results are:

2nd Grade is in the lead with 39%
3-year-old Preschool & 5th Grade are close behind with 38%...
Which grade will be the winner?
 
Thank you in advance for your support!
IN-N-OUT LUNCH ORDERS WHEN STUDENTS ARE OFF CAMPUS
Attention: 6th & 7th Grade Parents & Students 

As a reminder, when In-N-Out lunches are purchased for a student who is off campus during lunch hours, the missed meals are donated to the program and cannot be transferred to other students or staff. In-N-Out meal tickets for 6th & 7th Grade will not be available next Thursday, April 11, 2019 due to the students being off campus on field trips.  Thank you for your support of our St. Serra In-N-Out fundraiser.
UNIFORMS & SPIRIT STORE

 

Stop by the Spirit Store Monday-Friday 7:30-8:30 a.m., Tuesday 2:00-3:00 p.m. or shop ONLINE HERE!
  • SerraStrong shirts
  • PE Uniforms
  • NEW Serra Spirit Packs!
  • ADULT Spirit Wear
  • Used Uniforms
  • Serra Bears
  • Hats, Water bottles, Stadium Chairs, and more!
All PE Uniform Pre-Orders placed by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, will be processed, with the expected delivery being the week of our return from Easter Break.

 

Volunteers needed! We have lots of opportunities to help with our Spirit Store. E-mail Mrs. Tirado if you are interested.


 

Questions?   Please e-mail 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.) hosted at a St. Serra family's home in Coto de Caza.
     
  • 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!
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!
A MOMENT IN TIME FOR MOMS 
BE A... WITNESS
  • It's not too late to join our St. Serra Mom's Book Study!  Please join us on the following Tuesday mornings for fellowship beginning April 9, 16, and 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., in our beautiful Chapel.  Our book for this session is Witness by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, theology professor and director of Notre Dame Vision, who will inspire us to walk closer with God and to trust our undeniable faith.
  • Registration fee is $25 (includes book). CLICK HERE to register or visit our St. Serra App (Parents> Event Links> Moment in Time for Moms). Visit our OUTREACH MINISTRIES webpage for more details. 
FINDING GRACE ~ St. Serra Lenten Retreat 2019
Thursday, April 11, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the SAC
  • Our Lenten journey is a time of spiritual renewal, sacrifice and undeniable faith. Please join us as our SJSC teachers Mrs. Maureen Tilton and Mr. David Bohmfalk, SJSC President Mrs. Angeline Trudell, along with Principal of Santa Margarita Catholic High School ~ Mr. Raymond Dunne, share their testimonies of God's grace within their own lives. Each guest will also create a Lenten project - A Wood Painted Faith Sign - a beautiful reminder of our spiritual journey (sample picture at right).
  • REGISTER NOW!Ticket price is $40 per person. Light brunch will be included.
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 Fish Fry
San   Francisco   Solano  is hosting a fish fry every Friday during Lent! Join us for our last two of Lent on April 5 and 12 for a delicious fish fry dinner from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner is $10 (adult) and $6 (ages 12 and under). 

Stations of the Cross are led by a new ministry every week and begin at 7:00 pm. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a night of food and prayer with the community.  
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.