Volume 23 * Issue 21 * February 15,  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
PRAYERS FOR MR. DAVE BOHMFALK AND HIS FAMILY
We, as a St. Serra community, join in prayer to support each other. I am humbly requesting your prayers at this time for Mr. Dave Bohmfalk (8th-grade teacher) and his family. On Monday evening Mr. Bohmfalk's son, Chris (St. Serra class of 2009) was in a very serious car accident. Chris is currently in ICU in a medically induced coma to aid in his recovery. Mr. Bohmfalk and his family are in need of our prayers. Mr. Bohmfalk is an inspiration to our students, a true role model of our Catholic faith and living a prayerful life. He is always there for each of us when we are in need of prayer and he now needs us to offer prayers for his family, and especially for Chris' recovery. I would like to share that Mr. Bohmfalk has a very strong devotion to our Blessed Mother, so a decade of the rosary would be heartwarming. Right now with the family at the hospital they are not ready for meals or other at-home support. However, when they are ready, through our PTO Outreach we will set up a meal train or help in whatever way possible.  We will let you know. Thank you for caring and for your dedicated prayers.
MR. ALAN TRUDELL SENDS HIS GRATITUDE
My husband has been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and prayers during his recent illness. He and I both agree that the prayers of our community gave him the strength to fight through this illness. He personally sends his deepest gratitude and is touched beyond words he can express.

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS
Yesterday, we began our 40-day Lenten journey together with our Ash Wednesday Mass, celebrated by our School Chaplain Father Jim Dunning. Thank you to the talented Serranade Choir lead by Mrs. Sifers, whose beautiful voices added to the reverence and solemnity of the Mass, and to the Prayer Partners in 1st and 7th Grade, who did a beautiful job of working together to respectfully host our Mass. We hope you will enjoy this short video of the Mass. 

Ash Wednesday Mass

TUITION ASSISTANCE 2018-2019
It is a part of our mission and vision to 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. St. Serra is so grateful for the sacrifices our many families make to send their children to our Catholic School. We are also very appreciative of the significant number of benefactors who contribute to our  Tuition  Assistance  program on a regular basis. We want all current families to be able to remain at SJSC should financial issues present themselves, therefore we will once again offer  tuition   assistance  to those who qualify through our blind, third-party process. 

Please note that it is important to your application process that you remain an active parishioner at your parish.
 
Once again this year, we will be working with FACTS, our online administrator for managing our  tuition  assistance application process.  Please  CLICK HERE  for more information and to access our Online  Tuition   Assistance  Appl ication.
 
Deadline for submission is Friday, March 16, 2018.
 
Please contact Shannon Smith in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at  [email protected] should you have any questions.
CALENDAR REMINDER
Friday, March 2  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. Please plan accordingly.
It is Lent 2018 and we remember Christ's love for us knows no limits. God our Father shows us Christ's love as if we are the only one he is watching over. It is my prayer for each of you this Lenten season that you will find PEACE through God's everlasting LOVE. 


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
REMINDER: GUEST SPEAKER EVENT TOMORROW!
"Character Does Matter"

Tomorrow February 16,  students in Grades 3-8 will attend a guest speaker presentation "Character Does Matter" by the Travis Manion Foundation. Everyone is welcome!  CLICK HERE  for more details. 

3RD ANNUAL FAMILY STEAM NIGHT 2018
Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

It all started with a single question. How do we inform parents and students about STEAM in an educational setting? After brainstorming and collecting ideas, we realized it's not so much about informing, but about involving parents and students in STEAM activities together!

Hence SJSC's annual Family STEAM Night began. Our goal for the evening was to involve, engage, and excite anyone in attendance in STEAM activities.

Last year's event brought over 600 participants! This year, we are expecting even more students and families to attend Family STEAM Night because of Grade Level STEAM Integrated Curriculum Tables and the awesome and amazing STEAM Activities created by teachers centered on the theme of "Sports."

You might ask, what exactly is a STEAM activity? Great question, and the answer to that question is very open-ended and takes many forms. Simply: "A STEAM activity engages participants in a hands-on activity, which can be simulated into the real world, and intertwines disciplines... and that everyone, can do!"

Originally, we thought we would have a few STEAM station tables set up with activities, challenges, & presentations; no theme, open to any and all. That could work, but the question came up, " How do you keep students, families, faculty, and staff wanting to participate and come back year after year?" 
Answer: With there being many different STEAM/STREAM careers,  we have decided to choose a THEME or FOCUS for each year! (Ex: Space & Flight, Health & Wellness, Sports & Physics...)

Theme for 2018 "SPORTS"
We are very excited for the STEAM Sports activities... a little taste of the hands-on activities are Catapult, Archery, Marshmallow Sling Shot, Tennis Tower, Ping Pong Physics, Hot Wheels Acceleration...with 20 more STEAM activity stations created by St. Junipero Serra Teachers.  

We are looking forward to a night full of energy and excitement! A night where our St. Junipero Serra Catholic community engages in hands-on activities and experiences how the STEAM disciplines apply to different aspects of Sports. #FutureReady #STEAM #Sports

Please join us on Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in our Student Activity Center.

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE
Registration closes Tomorrow Friday, February 16, 3:00 p.m.
  • Last chance to order your Flower Crowns and fresh rose Boutonnieres, orders are due by tomorrow, Friday, February 16, 3:00 p.m. Mrs. Trudell enjoyed wearing hers last week with a couple of our St. Serra Bears.
  • Last chance to also earn your daughter's Non-uniform Dress Pass for pre-purchasing 24 raffle tickets for $20. Your daughter won't want to miss the chance to win tickets to the Taylor Swift Concert or a day at the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark, and many other fun prizes!
  • We are still looking for lots of volunteer help, whether it's before the dance, or assisting at the dance. CLICK HERE to sign up. Help with baked goods donations is also needed. Sign up to be a SWEET TREATS VOLUNTEER.
  • REGISTER by Friday, February 16, at 3:00 p.m. for the $50 couple registration fee. Walk-up registrations will be accepted the night of the dance for $75 per couple.
  • Questions? Contact Kim Covas, Corey Lindsay, and Megan Walters at [email protected].
23rd ANNUAL ANCHOR BALL
Grounded in Tradition

Thank you to the many generous St. Serra families who contributed during our Gift Gathering Events. Each family who participated by February 14 with a donation(s) valued at $50 or greater will receive a Non-Uniform Dress Pass valid for each student in your family on Thursday, February 22. The list of eligible families will be posted to the PARENTS ONLY section of the St. Serra website on Tuesday, February 20.
 
Winners of our Gift Gathering Raffle Drawing will receive:
1st Place - $50 Amazon Card
2nd Place - $25 ITunes Card
3rd Place - $10 Starbucks Card
 
Would you like to still contribute?  Donations are continuously welcomed. You may d eliver donations to the School Office (gift cards can also be delivered through your child's homeroom) or use the special Anchor Ball Scrip Order Form. Please remember to include the PTO Donation Form with your items.  VIEW   our Underwriting page to make a donation. Visit the  ANCHOR BALL   webpage for details. Thank you for your support!

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY RSVP'S DUE TOMORROW!
 
Please remind your guest(s) to RSVP for Grandparents and Special Friends Day. If they have not already RSVP'd, they can do so by  CLICKING HERE.   We look forward to seeing everyone on March 2.  Should you have any questions, please contact Cindy Carpino at 949-888-1990 ext. 239.
CHAPEL PROMENADE PAVER OPPORTUNITY DEADLINE EXTENDED
Due to the influx of Promenade Paver donations being made this month, we were able to work with the signage company to get an extension to the deadline for this special opportunity. Paver inscriptions are still available for those who would like to leave their lasting footprint on our final phase of the campus. All details of this special Chapel appeal can be found HERE with the order form being at the bottom of that page. A sample paver is now available in the school lobby for you to view. Thank you in advance for your support of this exciting project!  
MARCH IN-N-OUT ® ORDERING OPENS TODAY

In-N-Out® lunch will be served on the following Thursdays in March: March 8, March 15 and March 22. Ordering for March closes Friday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m. 

In-N-Out® will not be served on  Thursday, March 29,  as that is Holy Thursday with a minimum day dismissal.   CLICK HERE   to visit our In-N-Out® page and to place your order for March.
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  March 26 .  Thank you for your time and generosity!
YEARBOOK DEDICATION AD DEADLINE IS TOMORROW! 
FINAL DEADLINE - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

As stated in last week's SerraDIPITY, we were granted an extension to the final deadline for dedication ads. This FINAL deadline is tomorrow, Friday, February 16. This will be the absolute final deadline - so get those ads in today! CLICK HERE to place your ad.

Have you bought your yearbooks yet? Take advantage of the lower regular price, before it goes up to $68 on March 2. That's only two weeks away! CLICK HERE to order a yearbook. Not sure if you ordered a yearbook yet? A list of students who have purchased a yearbook can be found in the Parent's Only>Yearbook Orders section of our website.
CLIPPING DEADLINE TOMORROW - FEBRUARY 16!
Turn in the pink and blue labels on grocery store products!
 
Help us earn extra cash for our school programs! Plus, earn a chance to win a $25 gift card in our next Opportunity Drawing! To be eligible, Box Tops must be turned in by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, February 16. For every 5 Box Tops a student turns in, that student's name will be entered in this drawing.  Send the coupons in a zipper bag or sealed envelope (label with your child's full name and homeroom). Questions? Visit the BOX TOPS WEBPAGE or contact Box Tops Chair Kelly Smith Parker at [email protected] or your Homeroom Box Tops Coordinator.

LENTEN RETREAT 2018
"Forgiveness with the Grace of Mary"

Please join us next Thursday, February 22, 9:15 a.m.-12 p.m., for a morning of praise and worship with radio host Alexis Walkenstein as she helps us through the journey of forgiveness with Mary's help. Alexis will help restore peace in our life. REGISTER NOW  or through our St. Serra App (Parents> PTO Event Links> Lenten Retreat Registration). Questions? Visit our OUTREACH MINISTRIES webpage for details. You won't want to miss this special day!
SCRIPSENSE
Support the Chapel Fund by using the Local Merchant App via Scripsense.

Waiting for the next restaurant fundraising dinner night? EVERY DAY is a fundraising dinner night at Hanna's!
 
Due to the generous partnership between St. Serra, Scripsense and Hanna's Prime Steakhouse, 10% of everything you spend at Hanna's can go directly to the Chapel Fund in your family's name. There are no fees, no flyers, no hard cards necessary and there is NO cost to you. Just GO, DINE, SCAN and EARN. It's as  EASY AS 1...2...3 .
 
Not dining out? Log into Scripsense and shop online for merchandise or eGift cards and you can earn 1-20% in rebates to your family's Chapel Fund account.   If you need assistance or an invitation to open a scripsense account please email [email protected] .
MOTHER SON ULTIMATE FUN COSMIC BOWLING
Exciting Opportunity Drawing Prizes For Your Boys!
  • Your boys will have fun glow bowling with their friends, as well as trying to win some of the great prizes like $300 in Disney Gift Cards, a 55" VIZIO TV, or a day at Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark for 4.
  • Grab your friends and make your reservation for the Mother Son Cosmic Bowling Event on Sunday, March 11. CLICK HERE to download the invitation. Reservations and fees are due to the SJSC School Office by Thursday, March 1, at 3:00 p.m. Don't delay! The event can sell out. Session availability is filled first come, first served.
  • Questions? Contact Event Chairs Diana Gabriel and Monique Martinho at [email protected]. A Volunteer SignUp Genius schedule will be available soon.
AFTER-SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE CLASS

Learn the basics of computer programming!   

Tuesdays  and Thursdays: 2:45-3:55 p.m.
Plus Wednesday, March 28

First Day: Tuesday, February 27
Last Day: Wednesday, March 28   
 
Choose one of two themes:
  1. ANIMATION: Create.Code.Animate 
  2. FASHION & DESIGN: Fashion.Design.Coding.
No previous computer science experience is necessary.  CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up for the class.  Sign up soon! If you have any questions, please contact Miss Thomas at [email protected] .      
VOLUNTEER SERVICE HOURS

Don't delay!  CLICK HERE to record all of your completed regular service hours on the 2017-18 Service Hour Portal.
 
As a reminder your credentials for the Service Hour Portal are:
Username:  Your family's preferred email address
Password:  Your family's 3 or 4-digit numerical family ID
 
For questions, contact Francine Stotko at  [email protected]  or ext. 194

SCRIP NEWS

SJSC Credit Card Program:
We are happy to see our parent support of this program and are implementing suggestions. Effective immediately, Vons, Albertsons and Sprouts are available to order with your credit/debit card. There are no additional charges, but please note the adjusted rebate percentages. CLICK HERE to place an order.
 
Ralph's Rebate Reporting Quarter Ending November 20, 2017 will close on Friday, February 16, 2018.
 
Support Anchor Ball and earn rebates!  Thank you to the many families who have purchased scrip in support of Anchor Ball. CLICK HERE to access the special Anchor Ball Order Form, which is also available at the Scrip Office. You may choose from this wish list or select any item on the scrip daily or weekly forms. For more information, or to place an order, please contact [email protected].

For questions on any of the above or to place a Scrip Order, contact Tina Maroutian, Scrip Coordinator at  [email protected].  
A MOMENT IN TIME FOR MOMS BOOK STUDY
Don't Forget to Listen, Love, Repeat!

Calling all Moms! After our Lenten Retreat and forgiveness ....then what?? We need to continue on the path of forgiveness and spread kindness throughout our community, to our family and friends. Join us for this 6-week session - Tuesday mornings starting February 27 - April 10 (no meeting on April 3), 9:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Kilian Church. Let's be the mom God needs us to be! Questions? Visit our OUTREACH MINISTRIES webpage. Registration fee is $25 (book will be provided). REGISTER HERE or through our St. Serra App (Parents> PTO Event Links> Moment in Time Book Sessions).
PTO NEWS
Nominations Open All Year for St. Junipero Serra Award
 
Would you like to recognize a "stand out" volunteer? Maybe you encountered a gracious hostess at the Tuition Assistance Luncheon or want to applaud your child's Sport Coach for all his/her positive encouragement, or recognize a caring Lunch Duty volunteer!
 
Everyone is invited to submit nominations for parent volunteers to be considered for the ST. JUNIPERO SERRA OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD. Potential recipients are nominated by SJSC parents, faculty and staff.  Winners will be presented with the award at our annual Anchor Ball event in the Spring.

CLICK HERE to nominate an outstanding volunteer. For Award Guidelines and a list of Prior Recipients, please visit the  ST. JUNIPERO AWARDS  web page. Questions? Contact PTO Past President Cristen Lebsack at  [email protected] .
STUDENT STORE UPDATES

Dennis Uniforms
  • Dennis Uniform PE Shorts - is the SJSC logo peeling off? 
  • Dennis Uniform Polo Shirts - is the SJSC round logo lifting off on the corners?
  • Our Dennis Uniform representative is addressing these concerns for us. If you should have any garments that this is happening to, please e-mail Catherine Tirado at [email protected], so we can gather your name and e-mail address. Please DO NOT send any garments to school.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO PARISH
Youth Faith Formation Programs: San Francisco Solano parish offers faith formation opportunities for children and teens from kindergarten through high school.  CLICK HERE  for more information.  

Solano Saints: Ages 3-5, every Sunday during 8:30 & 10:15 a.m. Masses. Children will learn songs, hear Bible stories, and create a gospel-based craft each week. CLICK HERE for more information. 

The Journey: A Lenten Reflection. February 27, 2018 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information. 

SANTA MARGARITA HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS
 
Football Passing Academy
6th, 7th and 8th grade students welcome!
  • February 17, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
  • March 10 & 17, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
  • April 14 & 28, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

CLICK HERE for more information.

 

Dance Team Workshop and Auditions

Open to anyone in grades 6-11.  Workshop is Wednesday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more information. 

 
MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
CLICK HERE for information on entrance exams and admissions to Mater Dei High School.

CHRIST CATHEDRAL DRAMA SERIES PRESENTS THE PASSION
Join us for this Lenten Christ Cathedral drama series production, March 16 - 18, 2018. In the Passion According to Luke, the inspiring Easter story is brought to life in a beautiful, deeply moving and dramatic portrayal of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This production draws audiences into a deep understanding of the immensity of God's love for His children. The Passion opens with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and carries us through the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, onto the Cross, and the glorious Resurrection.

Tickets are available  online  or by calling 714-282-3045.