Volume 24 * Issue 21 * February 21, 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
Continued Prayers Please
St. Serra is  #SeanStrong

Through the miracle of prayer and the grace of God, St. Serra Alumni, Sean O'Donoghue ('12), received a much-needed heart transplant last week on Valentine's Day (also National Donor Day). Sean is still very much in need of our prayers as his weakened body struggles to heal.

For those of you who are not familiar with Sean and the O'Donoghue family, Sean was born with eight heart defects and for the first few years of his very young life, Sean battled multiple setbacks. At the age of four Sean received a heart transplant. This changed Sean's young life and since then he has inspired his family (dad Finbar, mom Kim and sister Corinne), and everyone around him! He became an Ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Heart Association making guest speaking appearances on their behalf. Sean is the honoree of St. Serra's annual Heart Run. He graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School and continued his studies at Saddleback College, but his plans to transfer to a four-year college were put on hold when his health took a turn for the worse and it was determined he needed another heart transplant. Sean has been at the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center waiting for a new heart since last September, with family members always at his side.

Faith has always been at the center of the O'Donoghue family's life and that faith is what they credit in a heart becoming available for Sean. Their strong faith is also what helps them as Sean continues to be a warrior with his courageous spirit and fight to overcome this latest, huge hurdle in his young life! Click Here to view a short video we sent to Sean and his family yesterday illustrating the love and support we have for Sean here at St. Serra. 

Your continued prayers for Sean are greatly appreciated and in all of this, we cannot forget that there is another family out there that lost a loved one and in their grief, still realized they could help someone by donating their loved one's heart! Let's keep them in our prayers as well! If you wish to help Sean and his family financially with their mounting medical bills, please visit his GoFundMe page, by clicking here. Your St. Serra family loves you Sean!
Grandparents and Special Friends Mass, Thursday, February 28, 2019
Please encourage your guests to attend our special Grandparents and Special Friends Rosary and Mass the evening prior to GPSF Day! This will give them the perfect opportunity to worship in our new St. Serra Chapel, enjoy additional fellowship with Mrs. Trudell and other guests, along with hospitality immediately following. Last minute RSVP's for the Mass are still being accepted at powens@serraschool.org.  
 
Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Friday, March 1, 2019
We have had a terrific response for Grandparents & Special Friends Day once again this year and final preparations are being made in the coming week for our 600+ guests. 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.  

Afterward, why not take your family and/or special friends for pizza lunch at Pizza Press, followed by a treat of ice cream at Handles Ice Cream. You will be supporting  St. Serra's Anchor Ball at the same time! Click Here for the flyer. 

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.

We look forward to welcoming all of our guests next Friday!
Love St. Junipero Serra Catholic School?
We want to hear from you! 

Do you love sending your child to school here each day? Do you know of a St. Serra teacher or other staff member who is going above and beyond? Do you feel a sense of community and support here at SJSC? We'd love for you to share your experience with others by writing us a positive review on either  Google,  Private School Review,  Yelp or Facebook. 
March Minimum Days
  • March 1st - Grandparents and Special Friends Day is an adjusted minimum day with dismissal beginning at 11:15 a.m.
  • March 8th - Is a regular minimum day dismissal. Why not take the family for lunch that day at The Parkway American Grill and support St. Serra's Anchor Ball at the same time! Click Here for the flyer.
  • Friday, March 22nd - As a reminder, this day was previously changed to a regular minimum day. Extended Care is available both before and after school as usual.
Stop by and Say Hello
I will be speaking at Holy Trinity Church at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses this coming Sunday, February 24. Please make sure to stop by to say hello!
Living JOY, bringing JESUS to OTHERS through YOU, is a walk in spirituality and a walk in faith. This year our theme really challenges us to walk with Christ no matter what life sends our way. Let's join hands in JOY on this journey with Jesus.



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
UNIFORM REMINDERS
We have noticed that some students are not being diligent in dressing in the proper school uniform each day. In keeping with our mission and philosophy, the dress code at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School has been designed to promote Christian modesty and help parents/guardians and students make informed decisions about appropriate dress. St. Junipero Serra Catholic School believes that a student's personal appearance has an impact on his/her attitude, self-respect, learning, and personal discipline. 

Some areas of concern that are not in compliance with our school uniform policy are:
  • Nail polish (including gels)
  • Excessive jewelry 
  • Multi-colored socks 
  • Leggings worn as pants (they may be worn as tights under skirts)
  • Skirt length not being adhered to 
  • Non-uniform pants and outer garments (only preschoolers may wear non-uniform outer garments)
The guidelines for the TK - 8 Uniform Policies can be found in the  Parent Student Handbook Section 2100 on our website.  Preschool guidelines are included in the  Preschool Parent Handbook, also on our website.

Please review the uniform policies and help us enforce the guidelines to ensure our students look their best at school.  Thank you!
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!
FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE PHOTOS
Photos from the night of the event are now available. Please CLICK HERE to view and download. Select "View Event Photos" on menu bar; select "February 2019 Events".  There are three photo albums for SJSC. The password to view the pictures is ranchosantamargarita. You can purchase prints or right click to save the photos. 

For candid pictures from the evening CLICK HERE for the Flickr album. Thank you Mrs. Christine Trautmann for capturing the Father Daughter Fun!
SAVE THE DATE - MOTHER SON EVENT
Sunday, April 7, 2019
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ahoy St. Serra families! PTO is excited to announce the returning Event Chairs for the 2019 Mother Son Event (MSE) - Mrs. Diana Gabriel and Mrs. Monique Martinho, along with PTO VP Parent Child Events, Mrs. Shannon Johnson! We look forward to seeing all our St. Serra boys, Preschool through 8th Grade, on Sunday, April 7, for a Pirates Adventure show. Arrr, it's going to be a fun one at a new venue this year! Please look for more details and invitations next month.   If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact at mother-son@serraschool.org .
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
...Where You Will Find the True Heart of Our School

Partners in Prayer
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. - James 5:13 

Prayers will change our worries into trust and transform our fears into faith.  If you are in need of prayers, or would like to be added to the Partners in Prayer e-mail list, please contact Mrs. Anastacia Escoboza-Henry at partnersinprayer@serraschool.org .

ANCHOR BALL
Don't Let Your Serra Bears Miss Out - Get Your Grab Bag Today!
  • Have you purchased your tickets? Friday, March 1 is the final day for RESERVATIONS!
  • We hope you have plans to attend The Greatest Show - Anchor Ball 2019, however, you don't have to attend to purchase a Student Grab Bag for your Serra Bear.  
  • PURCHASE a Student Grab Bag, which includes a Non-Uniform Dress Pass for Tuesday, March 19, a coupon for a free scoop at Handel's Ice Cream, and much more! The Student Grab Bag option is listed at the bottom of the page for $25.
SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM
REDUCE YOUR EDUCATIONAL COSTS WITH THE SJSC REBATE PROGRAM!  
Purchasing scrip cards earns you real dollars AND provides your family a tax deduction. No hidden costs or fees - dollar for dollar buying power will reduce your Educational Costs while also supporting SJSC with a tax deductible donation. Rebates are split 50/50. Congratulations to parents who have generated almost $60,000 in rebates cumulatively since May 1, 2018! Rebates are processed on a monthly basis as a credit through FACTS.
 
For questions on any of the above, or to place a Scrip Order, contact Mrs. Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at tmaroutian@serraschool.org.
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS - DON'T DELAY, LOG YOUR HOURS TODAY!
To ensure your family receives credit for all completed service hours, CLICK HERE to record all completed regular service hours on the 2018-19 Service Hour Portal.
 
For questions, contact Mrs. Dana Hardenburgh at dhardenburgh@serraschool.org  or ext. 181
EDUCATIONAL COST ASSISTANCE 2019-2020
It is 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 Educational Cost 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 educational cost 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.
 
We use FACTS as our online administrator for managing our educational cost assistance application. Please  CLICK HERE for more information and to access our Online Financial Aid Assistance Application.
 
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.  Deadline for submission of completed applications is Sunday, March 31, 2019.

Please contact Mrs. Marjorie Kollen in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at  mkollen@serraschool.org should you have any questions.

BOX TOPS
Keep Those Box Tops Coming!

Congratulations to the winners of our second Box Tops Drawing: Brook B. in KC, and Mrs. Susan Kennelly, 3B teacher. Each received a $25 Target Gift Card. Thank you again for participating and helping us earn extra cash for our school! Keep clipping because our next incentive drawing will be in May. Visit the  BOX TOPS HOMEPAGE  for more details.
UNIFORMS AND SPIRIT STORE
  • SerraStrong shirts available - Does your student need a new Serra Strong shirt? We have inventory of various colors and sizes available ONLINE, on the APP, or our storefront Monday-Friday 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
  • Adult Serra Spirit Wear - Order ONLINE now!
  • Got Used Uniforms? The Serra Spirit Store is now collecting gently used Dennis Uniforms. Remember:
    • We accept clean, Dennis Uniform labeled clothing in good condition
    • Credit is given to the St. Serra family toward other used clothing. No cash is exchanged.
    • Our volunteers are available to assist you in the Serra Spirit Store, located in the School Office on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7:30-8:30 a.m. 
  • Volunteers needed! We have lots of opportunities to help with our student store. Email Mrs. Tirado if you are interested.
2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR PTO PLANNING
Are you ready to say "Yes" to Parent Leadership at St. Serra?

"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of Godʼs varied grace." I Peter 4:10-11

Come join us! We welcome you and your talents to join our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). We are beginning the planning process for the 2019-2020 school year and look forward to partnering with our many creative and talented parents. 

If you have a heart for planning community events, fundraisers, outreach, or parent child events, we want your leadership and help! Our PTO Board members serve our school community by leading teams of parent volunteers and work in collaboration with the teachers and administration at monthly board meetings. 

Please e-mail Mrs. Allie Bertocchini, PTO President-elect, at allie_bertocchini@hotmail.com, and let us know your interests and talents or if you are interested in chairing an event. Visit the PTO SECTION of the St. Serra Website to learn more.
AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES

New After-school Classes for spring starting soon:
  • Spring classes for Semi-Private and Private Piano and Keyboard Instruction begin the week of March 18. Explore your child's musical ability and potential through Piano as instructed by Mr. Gene Ho. Mr. Ho has over 20 years of experience as a private Piano Instructor in Orange and Los Angeles counties. CLICK HERE for more information or see our website. 
  • Does your child need help with self confidence or appropriate social skills? The Etiquette Factory will be offering spring classes at St. Serra this March. CLICK HERE for more information.
UPDATED FAMILY DIRECTORY
The Family Directory has been updated and is now available in the Parents Only section of our website, which is a password protected area. 

CLICK HERE to login to the Parents Only section and access the Family Directory.
 
Parents, please know that the Family Directory is provided as a service to our St. Serra families. The directory, as authorized by our families during the registration process, is only available during the academic year in which authorization was given. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you print out a copy of the directory for use after the academic year.
 
Please also know that all St. Serra families may not be included, as some families requested the omission of their information from this directory.
 
CONDITIONS OF USE:
By downloading the 2018-2019 St. Junipero Serra Catholic School Family Directory for viewing either electronically or by output, as a St. Serra parent, you agree to utilize the information for your own personal use; information contained in the directory may NOT be used for commercial use or mass distribution.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
Holy Trinity Youth Night
Youth Night - Tomorrow, Friday, February 22 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Holy Trinity Parish Hall.    All 6th - 8th grade students are welcome for an evening of games, snacks, and fellowship. It's a great opportunity to make new friends and also have some fun!    
    San Francisco Solano Church - Movie Night
     Friday, March 1, 2019, 6:30 p.m. 
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
Entrance Exams - one more opportunity to take the Mater Dei High School Placement Test this Saturday. CLICK HERE for more information. 

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.