Volume 24 * Issue 24 * March 14, 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
SILENT AUCTION - OPEN TO ALL! 
Everyone Has an Opportunity to Make History with Us

It is with great 
J O
that I share with all our St. Serra Parents an opportunity to join us in making history this Saturday. For the first time ever at St. Serra, we are opening up our Anchor Ball Silent Auction to ALL St. Serra Families to promote the inclusiveness and sense of community that our school so passionately believes in. We truly are One SerraStrong Community all working to make a difference in the lives of our Serra Bears.
 
Participating in the silent auction is not only an opportunity for any parent within our community to walk away with some amazing items, but also to make a difference in keeping the educational costs down for all that attend our school.
 
If you are a guest of Anchor Ball, you received an e-mail earlier today from  mail@aesauctions.org  with directions on how to pre-check in and view the Silent Auction.Please check your spam in case you do not see it. 

For our St. Serra community that is not joining us at the event; please consider going online to  REGISTER to view/participate in the Silent Auction. Once you complete registration, you will receive your "giver number" and will be able to participate. Although it will say that you are receiving your bidder number, we at St. Serra consider this your "giver number"; every time that "giver number" is used it's an opportunity to give back to our St. Serra Community. 
 
We are One SerraStrong community and every member of our community has an opportunity to make a difference. CLICK HERE for Auction Rules.
SERRASERVES
One Meal Mission

During this Lenten Season we are called to do acts of almsgiving and mercy. The Corporal Works of Mercy take care of the needs of others. This special service project joins us as a community to practice feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, and clothing the naked -- three of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy.

PTO is pleased to announce that Mrs. Lindsay Hakimi will lead our second SerraServes ~ OneMeal service event once again, as our Event Chair, working alongside PTO VP Outreach, Kathy Bonin. We are very excited about this event, which will be held on Saturday, April 13 on our St. Serra campus.   All St. Serra families are invited to participate, as we work together to pack meals, assembly line style, in a unifying, fun, and high-energy event. Please j oin us as we set out to serve others - One Meal at a time! St. Serra will collaborate with Kids Around the World in our mission to help feed children in need all around the world.  CLICK HERE  for more information about this wonderful organization. The packaged food will be shipped and distributed to trusted partners to ensure the food reaches hungry children in great need of our help. 
  • Those who have donated will be able to sign up first to volunteer for the meal packaging event. Space is limited. The Donation Page will be open starting THIS Sunday, March 17. Watch for the link in this Sunday's Parent email. 
  • Questions? Contact SerraServes Chair Mrs. Lindsay Hakimi at serraserves@serraschool.org.
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK BY WEARING GREEN!
Even though St. Patrick's Day is on Sunday, March 17, we at St. Serra will celebrate on Monday, March 18. Students may wear a green accessories, including shirts, sweatshirts, headbands, etc., with their uniform bottoms. 
CALENDAR REMINDER
As previously announced, Friday March 22 will be a minimum day dismissal. Please plan accordingly. Morning and afternoon Extended Care will be offered as usual that day. 
PARISH CONNECTIONS
Don't miss what's happening at your parish this month. CLICK HERE
The sun is shining and spring is almost upon us--today let JOY, JESUS,OTHERS,YOU shine through, BURST LIKE HAPPINESS to each person we are blessed to simply say good morning to.  Being JOYFUL is beautiful, like new spring flowers.




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
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT THE CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY HOLOCAUST CONTEST!

On March 8, three St. Junipero Serra Catholic students were recognized at the 20th Annual Chapman University Holocaust Art and Writing Contest awards ceremony for their outstanding art and writing. Michael C. was recognized as a finalist in the Middle School Prose Category.

This year, SJSC submitted one piece of student art, one poem and and one student essay to the contest. A painting by Jillyan C. was chosen as the SJSC art submission. Alizee G. poem entitiled Where Were We? and Michael's essay, entitled The Individuality of Numbers were submitted in the Middle School Prose category.  Michael's essay was one of only five finalists in the Middle School's Prose Category!

More than 250 middle and high schools--and some 8,000 students--from more than 30 states and 12 countries participated in this year's contest. This is not the first time the work of SJSC students have been recognized. Each year, two pieces of student writing are forwarded to Chapman University for the final round of judging. This is the fifth year in a row that a piece was selected as a finalist. 

To have the writing of one of our SJSC students recognized in a competition of this scope and caliber is exciting. It speaks not only to the quality of the students' work but also to the quality of the writing program we offer. Our program gives students a strong foundation that serves them well at SJSC and beyond. ELA teacher Mrs. Pantano is to be commended for having her St. Junipero Serra Catholic students place as finalists and winners over multiple years. Her dedication to excellence and love for her students beautifully reflect the ministry of Catholic education. 

Most importantly, though, the impressive work of these students speaks to the empathy and justice that the entire SJSC community--parents, faculty, and staff--strives to model every day. 
ST. SERRA SUMMER SCHOOL 2019 - LEAP INTO SUMMER!
As previously announced, we will be offering two Summer School sessions to St. Serra students and the local community this summer.  Please visit the Summer School page on our website for more information on schedules and pricing. For a list of classes offered and description CLICK HERE

Registration Opens Thursday, March 21

Session I (13 days)
Monday, June 24 - Friday, July 12 (campus closed July 4 & 5)

Session II (13 days)
Monday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 31
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING STEAM NIGHT TEAM!
Twenty-six wonderful activity stations were provided by our teachers and enjoyed by almost 700 students and family members at STEAM Night on Tuesday night. Thank you to coordinators, Miss Thomas, Mrs. Zeimer,  Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Lozinski, and all of our teachers for organizing and providing a terrific evening. Thank you to Mr. Lopez, and the Facilities Team, and our Marketing Team. Without you the evening would not have been such a great success. We'd also like to send a big thank you to Creative Learning Systems for underwriting the event. We are so proud to partner with them as proponents of STEAM education. It's full STEAM ahead at SJSC!
SECOND TRIMERSTER SLA's 
Friday, March 15 is the last day of the 2nd Trimester. Second Trimester SLA's for students in grades K-8 will be posted for parents in Sycamore on Friday, March 23.
ANCHOR BALL 2019
Thank You to the "Greatest Supporters"
  • Thank You! We are very grateful for this year's UNDERWRITERS AND SPONSORS who have so generously supported our 24th Annual Anchor Ball.  We are also thankful for our outstanding ANCHOR BALL COMMITTEE and volunteers for their vision of transforming our first on-campus Anchor Ball into 'the Greatest Show.'  The success of Anchor Ball, which benefits all of our St. Serra students, depends on the participation of our entire St. Serra community - we couldn't do it without you! 
     
  • Non-Uniform Dress Day!  All students from St. Serra families who purchased Student Grab Bags prior to Anchor Ball or the evening of the event qualify for the Non-Uniform Dress Day on Tuesday, March 19
     
  • Looking forward to seeing all of our guests on Saturday. Please watch your email for a "Guest Information" email that will be sent prior to the event
SCRIP REBATE PROGRAM

Curbside Service courtesy of the Rebate Program is here! We realize you may be in a rush in the morning so we will come to you. Beginning on Thursday, March 21, we will offer curbside service in the front of the SAC by the benches from 8 to 8:30 a.m. every Thursday unless it is raining. Just have your order and cash/check ready and roll up to the curb. We will get you on your way quickly.
 
Ralphs Rebates for quarter ending 2-28-19  are now available. CLICK HERE for instructions to submit your report by April 30, 2019. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE FOR LATE REPORTS.

For questions on any of the above, or to place a Scrip Order, contact Mrs. Tina Maroutian, Rebate Program Coordinator at tmaroutian@serraschool.org .
MOTHER SON PIRATES DINNER ADVENTURE
Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Make your reservations today for the exciting new Mother Son Event (MSE) at Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. If you didn't receive your invitation in last week's monthly envelope, you can pick one up at the School Office or print one from the MOTHER SON EVENT webpage .
  • Enjoy a feast fit for a Pirate King or Queen (see ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION for details)
     
  • Reservations and fees are due to the SJSC school office by Friday, March 29, 3:00 p.m.; NO walk-up reservations for this epic entertainment event, so don't miss out!
     
  • Pre-purchase your Opportunity Raffle Tickets by March 29 and earn your son(s) a Non-Uniform Dress Pass if you buy 24 tickets for $20, as well as a chance to win some super cool prizes like a gaming chair, Hover Board, or Nintendo Switch
     
  • Use your invitation to pre-purchase the souvenir photos and face painting passes (CLICK HERE for details)
     
  • See the event timeline in more detail on the MOTHER SON EVENT webpage.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Event Chairs Mrs. Diana Gabriel and Mrs. Monique Martinho at mother-son@serraschool.org.
HEARTRUN - "HAPPY HEARTS ARE WORTH THE EFFORT"
Friday, April 5, 2019
                                  
Want a chance to earn an unforgettable on-court NBA experience? 
For every $50 raised or donated per student for our 2019 HeartRun, you will receive:
  • Non-Uniform Dress Pass
  • Echo the Ninja Unicorn keychain to attach to your backpack
  • The latest AHA Red T-Shirt
  • A raffle entry into a drawing for one of eight spots to stand alongside the Los Angeles Clippers players at a game in the Fall of 2019!  Want a guaranteed win? Be one of the top two fundraising students overall and win this experience automatically!
     
  • CLICK HERE to check out all our incentive options and make your donation today!
HEALTH SCREENINGS - MARCH 26-28
Our annual vision and hearing screenings will be held on Tuesday, March 26, Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28. The health screening is conducted by Southern California Sensory Screening. The grades being tested are Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 7th. If your child wears glasses, please remind them to bring their glasses to the screening. If your child is absent on the day of his/her screening, the makeup day will be on  Thursday, March 28.

Scoliosis Screening for 7th and 8th Grade Students:
All 7th-grade girls and 8th-grade boys will be screened for Scoliosis on Thursday March 28. The Scoliosis screening is also conducted by Southern California Sensory Screening.  
 
All screening results will be sent home in the Monthly Envelope within a couple of weeks of the screening. Please call the Health Room if you have any questions (949) 888-1990 ext. 105.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
...Where You Will Find The True Heart Of Our School

Parent Rosary Prayer Group

Friday Mornings, 7:50 a.m. in our new Chapel

Please join us during this holy season of Lent as we pray for the intentions of our community, our leaders, and our students. Please contact Veronica Thompson at rvklthompson@cox.net with any questions or to be added to the Parent Rosary e-mail list.

 

Partners in Prayer
Together in Prayer...

Help us join together in prayer and lift our St. Serra families up to the Lord. Please contact Mrs. Anastacia Escoboza-Henry at partnersinprayer@serraschool.org with a prayer request or to be added to the Partners in Prayer e-mail list.

FINDING GRACE - LENTEN RETREAT 2019
  • Please join us for our annual Lenten Renewal Retreat held on Thursday, April 11 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. We will have guest speakers who will be speaking about God's grace within their lives. Retreat guests will also be making a Lenten Retreat Project ~ A Painted Wooden Faith Sign to take home (Sample coming soon)

  • REGISTER NOW! Ticket price is $40 per person. Brunch buffet will be included
     
  • For more information on our retreat, please visit our webpage - Lenten Retreat 2019
     
  • Questions? Please contact Mrs. Kathy Bonin at pto-outreach@serraschool.org
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!
NATIONAL EVANGELIZATION TEAM (NET) "COUNTDOWN TO HEROIC 40"
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED!

In 2 weeks NET will join us at St. Serra! We are excited to welcome back NET Ministries to St. Serra this month as they host the 6th-grade's annual grade-level retreat, "Heroic 40" on  Thursday , March 27.
 
NET is a ministry of young Catholics who love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. Every August, 175 young Catholics ages 18-28 leave behind their jobs, school, family, and friends to devote nine months to serving with the National Evangelization Teams (NET). This month we are honored to host 12 team members. 
 
We are currently looking for host families who will house these young adults for a two-night stay (Wednesday 3/27 & Thursday 3/28, overnight housing and meals). Last year this team led our 6th-grade retreat and stayed with multiple St. Serra families and faculty. We are hopeful you will consider hosting two members of the NET team as they prepare an awesome retreat day for your children. We thank you in advance for considering this opportunity. If you wish to host, please contact Mrs. Debbie McGee at ext 190 or dmcgee@serraschool.org.
 
We know your children will be stronger in their faith as they witness this team proclaim the Gospel of Christ through a personal witness of faith.
A MOMENT IN TIME FOR MOMS BOOK STUDY
Coming to the Chapel Beginning April 2
  • REGISTRATION is now open for our next session of A Moment in Time for Moms. Our new book this session is Witness ~ Learning to Tell the Stories of Grace by Leonard Delorenz
  • Enjoy some special time with other moms as we lean in closer to God and listen to His words from within our own Chapel. This 4-week session will be on Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16 and 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration fee is $25 (book will be provided). For more information or to register, visit our OUTREACH MINISTRIES webpage
EDUCATIONAL COST ASSISTANCE 2019-2020 - REMINDER
Please  CLICK HERE  for more information and to access our Online Financial Aid Assistance Application. Deadline for submission of completed applications is Sunday, March 31, 2019.
 
It is part of our mission and vision to help 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. We want all current families to be able to remain at SJSC should financial issues present themselves. Educational Cost Applications are processed through FACTS and reviewed through our blind, third-party process.
   
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.  
 
Please contact Mrs. Marjorie Kollen in the Advancement Office at ext.139 or via email at  mkollen@serraschool.org  should you have any questions.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
San Francisco Solano Fish Fry
This year San Francisco Solano is hosting a Fish Fry every Friday-- just down the street!  Now through April 12, 2019 join us in the Parish Hall for a delicious fish fry meal from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Dinner is  $10 (adult) $6 (ages 12 and under).  After dinner, we will join together to pray and meditate on the Stations of the Cross, hosted by one of our very own ministries each week. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and family to have a meal and pray with one another. Everyone is  welcome .

information@sfsolano.org  / 949.589.7767 / 22082 Antonio Parkway, RSM 92688
St. Kilian Catholic Church Fish Fry
Fish Fry is coming!  S t. Kilian will host their weekly Lenten Fish Fry dinner every Friday from now through 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
FINAL opportunity to take the Entrance Exam Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 4:00 p.m. Register TODAY at www.materdei.org/entranceexam 
*All 9th-grade applicants must take the Entrance Exam.

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.