Volume 24 * Issue 30 * May 9, 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
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week Thank You! 
On behalf of myself, our faculty, staff, and the PTO, we would like to thank our Teacher Appreciation Week Event Chair, Mrs. Lisa Cavanaugh, our amazing Room Parent Teams and the many parents who contributed their time, food, flowers, and talent to make this week so special. Their hard work and planning took us on a delicious journey with a travel-themed Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. Their gracious service and attention to detail for each day's events made everyone on campus feel very special. 

Thank You also for ALL PTO Seasonal Teacher/Staff Treat Days
We would also like to take this opportunity to offer our sincerest gratitude to our PTO and the many parents who contributed to the Staff Treat Days provided for us throughout the year. We thoroughly enjoy the delicious lunches, goodies and creative decor provided for us at each event. These treat days give us a wonderful opportunity to sit and visit with our peers, while enjoying the festive atmosphere and great food!
Marian Mass Save the Date - Friday, May 24
On Friday, May 24, we will be holding our beautiful Marian Mass, where we celebrate the annual May Crowning of our Blessed Virgin Mary and welcome our second-grade First Holy Communion recipients. Please look for details in next Thursday's    SerraDIPITY.
Food For Friends - TOMORROW!
Schools (Almost) Out - Hunger's Not!

Tomorrow, Friday, May 10, we will conclude our monthly  Food For Friends collections for this year by assisting South County Outreach Food-bank and the parish of Santiago de Compostela.  Let's pull together for this last drive and help these children by  "Building-A-Breakfast", "Longing-For-Lunch" or " Snagging -A-Snack."  Please see the recommended list of items

Thank you to our Scouts for again assisting with the collection. 
Reminder: Love for Laura's House Toy Drive
Celebrating Mothers and Their Children  -  Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 17  

St. Serra will host a new toy drive to support Laura's House, a women's shelter which promotes life and offers support to those affected by domestic violence.  Each St. Serra homeroom class will have a designated box to drop off new toys. A listing of suggested donations can be found by CLICKING HERE
Let's look for JOY daily, no matter what faces us as Jesus is with us each day. The JOY of His love shines daily through us to those we meet.



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
Parents of Incoming Three-year-old through Eighth-grade Students
The St. Junipero Serra Catholic School team is about to begin our homeroom class placement and curriculum review process. We would like to once again partner with you so that we can provide the best learning environment for your child in the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. 

Please complete a  separate survey for each student enrolled at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. Please use the links provided below.  ALL SURVEYS ARE DUE BY Friday, May 17 at 3:00 p.m. Surveys submitted after May 17 will not be considered. Homeroom lists will be posted a  on our website on  Friday, August 16.
Renaissance STAR Testing
The third Renaissance STAR testing window for the 2018-2019 school year is May 13-May 24.  

CLICK HERE for the May Renaissance STAR Testing Schedule. 
 
HELPFUL TEST TAKING NOTES:
  • Make sure your children have eaten well on test days. Studies suggest that good nutrition is related to improved attention and concentration.
  • Help your children by encouraging a good night's rest.
  • Ensure that your children make it to school on-time so that they do not miss any instructions and are allowed ample time to settle in and relax before the test begins. 
  • Please do not schedule dental or doctor appointments on testing days.
  • Although it is important to let students know the tests should be taken seriously, it is also important not to increase their test-taking anxiety.
Academic Placement for the 2019-2020 School Year
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School is preparing for academic placement for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math for the 2019-2020 school year. The educational team is continuously shaping the learning environment to consistently promote high achievement of all students. Please see the  Academic Placement Procedure and Policies.
 
Upcoming dates to note:
  • May 24, 2019 - Last day for STAR Testing
  • May 31, 2019 - 3rd trimester average on this date will be used in the rubric
  • June 21, 2019 -  Small Group ELA and Math Recommendation Letters emailed (grades 2-8)
  • August 16, 2019 - ELA and Math Placement Letters mailed (grades 2-8)
St. Serra Summer School
Don't let your child's math skills slide this summer!  

Do you want help getting your child to complete that Summer Solutions Math book? Enroll in "Problem Solved - Math Review and Enrichment" class this summer. Each day, part of the class time will be devoted to the Summer Solutions book with extra practice building confidence in math fundamentals. This course will also review the previous year's math concepts using hands-on and enrichment activities designed to help students strengthen their math skills before entering the next grade. 

Early Bird Discount Ends May 24!
2019-2020 LAPTOP BOOT CAMP SIGN-UPS - NOW OPEN

This summer our exciting Laptop Boot Camps will return for students entering Third Grade, and all  NEW students to St. Serra entering Grades Three to Eight in 2019-2020.

Boot Camps will be held on August 6th, 7th, and 8th. Sign-ups are now open. CLICK HERE to register. Please note, families must create (or already have) a Jumbula account to sign-up for Boot Camp.

Registration in Boot Camp sessions will be first-come, first-serve, with a limit of 15 students per session. All Boot Camps will be held on the St. Serra campus.

If your family will  not be able to attend any of the dates listed above, please email  tech@serraschool.org  immediately so that we can work with you to schedule your family on another date.

Important information regarding Boot Camps:
  • Students must attend the Boot Camp in order to check-out their laptop
  • One parent must accompany students at the Boot Camp
  • Each Boot Camp session will last between 1-1/2 and 2 hours
  • Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions will be offered
  • Registration is required for Boot Camp; walk-ins will not be accepted
  • Laptops are required when school begins
SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM -  REDUCE YOUR EDUCATIONAL COSTS!
 
Vendor Update
Whole Foods has decided to discontinue participation in gift card fundraising programs. Physical gift cards, reloads, and eGift cards will no longer be available after May 18. Whole Foods will continue to honor gift cards - any gift cards purchased by May 18 can be used in store with no expiration date. Stock up and earn 3% while you still can.
 
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.

Scheduling Note: The Scrip Office will be closed tomorrow, Friday, May 10. 

For questions on any of the above, or to place a Scrip Order, contact Mrs. Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at tmaroutian@serraschool.org .
SJSC CHOIRS SPRING CONCERT
Wedensday, May 15, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center

Please join us for an evening of beautiful music at our Annual Spring Concert. All of our choirs--Tiny Trebles, Serra Singers, Serranade and Bellissima Handbells--will lift their beautiful voices in song to entertain all in attendance. Everyone is welcome and its FREE!   
ANNUAL FUND

There is still time...YOU can donate to the 2018-19 Annual Fund!             

Thank you to those who have already helped support STEAM Education. For those who have not...THERE IS STILL TIME! Please consider making YOUR donation TODAY... CLICK HERE!

If you would like to attend this year's Founder Circle Dinner...it's not too late! We extended the deadline to June 7. You WON'T want to miss this amazing Hanna's dinner!
SERRAVISION CREW 2019-2020
Current 6 th  & 7 th- Grade Students

Save the date: Wednesday, May 15 at LUNCH in the Creativity Lab

There will be a mandatory lunch meeting, May 15 , for current 6 th and 7 th- grade students interested in being a part of the 2019-2020 SerraVision Crew. Details and information will be shared with students at the meeting.

Applications are to be completed and returned to Mrs. Ziemer and Miss Thomas by May 22.
FINAL BOX TOPS COLLECTION DEADLINE COMING UP
  • Remember to keep clipping your Box Top coupons to help us earn extra cash for our school programs. Our school earns 10 cents for every coupon!
     
  • Our final Box Top Collection deadline for the year is Friday, May 17. Visit the BOX TOPS HOMEPAGE to learn about our Student Incentive Drawings. 
     
  • Let's celebrate our team efforts! The individual homeroom that collects the most Box Tops by May 17 will win earn a pizza and cookie party. See who's in the lead by viewing the attached Homeroom Collection Totals to date.
YEARBOOK 2019 - ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT TO ORDER!
HURRY! Order your yearbooks HERE!

Online ordering closes on May 22. Students who pre-ordered will receive their yearbooks on distribution day, which will be announced in the next few weeks. Once online ordering closes, the yearbook price will increase to $70 and can only be purchased after all pre-orders are distributed. There are a limited number of yearbooks available for sale after distribution and will be sold first come, first served. Don't wait until it's too late! 

Make sure that you've ordered your yearbook by checking 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 of our website. Q uestions, please contact Mrs. Cindy Kennedy at  ckennedy@serraschool.org .
stack_of_books.jpg
IMPORTANT LIBRARY DATES
  • The library will be closed for summer as of Monday, May 20, only returns will be allowed
  • Library Inventory will begin as of Monday, May 27, only returns will be allowed
  • The last day to return books will be Friday, May 31. All books not returned by that date, will be charged a non-refundable replacement cost of the book
GOT SERVICE HOURS? ENTER THEM ASAP!
  • Please take a moment to record ALL of your completed hours this week! 
  • *NEW* this year. A special tradition is coming to SJCS on the evening of June 6 and we want YOU to be there! Those who record 100+ service hours will enjoy a prayer service, dessert reception and the celebration of the St. Junipero Serra Awardees on campus. Don't miss out on this chance for us to thank YOU!
  • Questions? Contact PTO - VP Volunteers Mrs. Cristen Lebsack at volunteers@serraschool.org.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
If your child is interested in running for Student Leadership please click the link for pertinent information!  Student Leadership 2019/2020
ESSENTIAL LEARNING SYSTEM (ELS)
Parent Information Meeting for 2019-2020. 
 
A parent information meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the ELS lab, PEB room, 230. 

ELS is a computerized, multi-sensory, interactive program that improves focus, strengthens information processing skills, and enhances a variety of academic skills (e.g., reading decoding, reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development, and spelling). If your child is struggling with reading skills, lacks confidence in academics skills, has difficulty understanding or remembering information, takes a long time to complete schoolwork or homework, has limited independent learning skills, and/or benefits from additional academic support, ELS may help. ELS provides a fun environment where students strengthen their skills in a game-like format and earn points and prizes for their efforts. There are two after-school sessions available: 1:50-2:35 p.m. (for students in grades K-2) and 2:50-3:40 p.m. (for students in grades 3-8). Students attend ELS 4 days per week (Monday - Thursday) for a minimum of one academic year. Please e-mail Dr. Lori Quigley lquigley@serraschool.org if you would like more information or to attend this informational meeting.
UNIFORMS & SPIRIT STORE

PLAN AHEAD for the 2019/20 school year!
  • Pre-Order next year's PE Uniforms. Order Online HERE or on SJSC APP.
  • SKETCH BOOKS and ROSARIES are in stock! Order yours TODAY!
Wanted!! USED UNIFORMS! We would love to take your gently used uniforms and pass them on to someone else!

Remember:

    • We accept clean, Dennis Uniform labeled clothing in good condition.
    • Credit is given to the St. Serra family toward other used clothing.
    • If you don't have credit, no worries, each item can be purchased for $5.00 each.
    • Our volunteers are available to assist you in the Serra Spirit Store, located in the School Office every morning, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Tuesday afternoon, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Questions? Please email Mrs. Catherine Tirado, SJSC Merchandise Coordinator at   studentstore@serraschool.org .
BOYS AND GIRLS - JOIN SCOUTING TODAY!
Information Meeting Tonight
  • American Heritage Girls Troop 818 and Cub Scout Pack 818 are hosting a Scouting Information Night - TONIGHT - Thursday, May 9, at 6:00 p.m. in the SJSC Student Activity Center.
  • If your son or daughter is interested in joining scouting in the fall or if you would like to learn more about the programs, please join us tonight! This evening is geared toward parents; however, interested scouts are welcome. Pizza will be served. CLICK HERE for a flyer with more information.
  • If you are unable to attend today, registering your new scout online is easy!
    1. For American Heritage Girls (for girls going into grades K-12 in the fall), CLICK HERE or contact Ms. Stephanie Smith at smithfamilylf@gmail.com.
       
    2. For Cub Scouts (for boys going into grades K-5 in the Fall), CLICK HERE. In the search screen, enter zip code 92688 and select Pack 0818. Or, e-mail Mr. Jonathan Broomfield at broomfieldfamily4@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
Santa Margarita High School Summer Youth Camps

Santa Margarita Catholic High School invites your children to participate in the Eagle experience this summer through a variety of youth camps! CLICK HERE for more information. 
Lion Engage 2019!
Registration is now open for Lion Engage 2019! The marquee camp is scheduled from July 8-12.  Lion Engage offers prospective students the opportunity to explore their passions and prepare for high school life at JSerra through hands-on courses and engaging activities. Students will learn from passionate instructors, build relationships with high school student mentors, and develop their academic interests!

Classes include Business, Engineering, Law, Marine Biology, TV Broadcasting, Graphic Design, Rock Band, Studio Art, Photography, Choir, Orchestra, and Theatre. For more information or to sign up please visit JSerra's website. With just one week of camp offered this year space is limited so don't wait!
Mater Dei Admissions
CLICK HERE for a flyer with information and dates from Mater Dei Admissions.