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January 24, 2021
Educational Cost Assistance 2021-2022
At St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, it is our desire that our students continue to have the opportunity to receive a well-rounded Catholic education. Should financial challenges arise, we offer educational cost assistance. Read more about the process and how to apply.
2021-2022 School Year Automatic Re-enrollment for Current Families
In an effort to ensure priority enrollment for our current families, all currently enrolled TK-7 St. Serra students will be automatically re-enrolled for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Current families who are interested in enrolling siblings in either TK-8 or Preschool for next school year can apply now with priority for admission. A non-refundable deposit will be automatically deducted through FACTS in two installments: $600 on February 19 and $600 on March 19 for currently-enrolled families with TK-7 students. Please reach out to admissions@serraschool.org if you have any questions.
Congratulations OC Health Care Agency Mask Contest Winners!
We would like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding designs of face masks that were entered into the OC Health Care Agency's Mask Contest:
  • Quinn B. - 3rd Place Winner which resulted in a $5,000.00 Technology Grant for the school!
  • Lukas B. - Honorable Mention 
  • Mike M. - Honorable Mention
  • Celine S. - Honorable Mention
  • Natalia R. - Honorable Mention
  • Emma R. - Honorable Mention
  • Bradley G. - Honorable Mention 

Thank you to our art teachers, Ms. Sheela Rao and Ms. Jessica Kim-Saad for promoting the contest. Please go to ochealthinfo.com/maskcontest to view the masks our winners designed.
Updated COVID-19 Protocol & Student Symptom Decision Tree
The CDC and the Orange County Health Care Agency continually review and adjust their suggested practices and protocols based on emerging information about COVID-19. This memo is to announce some important changes regarding St. Serra’s COVID-19 protocols based on CDC and OCHCA guidance. Effective January 1, 2021, St. Serra has updated the return-to-school policy when a student
is exposed to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Reminders
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise nationally, we must remain diligent with our COVID health and safety protocols which include wearing masks while on school grounds.(Anytime that a face shield is worn, it must be with a face mask under the shield for all staff and students in all grades). It is important that we practice social distancing throughout our school and maintain good hygiene by washing hands on a consistent basis. Finally, if your child is feeling ill and displaying any COVID-19 related symptoms, please keep them home and contact your family medical professional regarding the situation. We appreciate your continued support which will help St. Serra stay open for in-person learning.
STAR Testing - January 13-29
Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade will take Renaissance STAR testing in reading and math which continues through January 29. These standardized tests are administered at different times during the school year and provide teachers with data that helps them make sound instructional choices for St. Serra students. 
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Valentine's Day Cards, Treats & Trinkets
There will be NO exchange of Valentine’s Day cards, treats and/or trinkets this year due to COVID-19. Instead, students will be making special valentines for their family. Thank you for your understanding.
Important Traffic Reminders
A friendly reminder to all parents that the main entrance off Antonio is closed at 7:10 a.m. sharp during morning drop-off. For afternoon pick-up, the main entrance off Antonio is closed at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon and 12:00 p.m. on minimum days.

Students MUST wait in their vehicle for a temperature check before exiting. A staff member will approach your car and conduct a temperature check. Once cleared, you may quickly exit to maintain the steady flow of traffic. Thank you for your cooperation!
Yearbook Dedication Sales
Yearbook dedication ads and shout-outs are available for purchase! Dedication ads are the perfect way to commemorate your 8th Grader's journey to graduation with photos, messages and quotes.

Shout-outs are great for congratulating your St. Serra student on an outstanding achievement or milestone, such as making their First Communion.

Easy to Create: Design, preview and pay for your ad online, all through Jostens easy-to-use website! Standard pricing is in effect until January 31, 2021. Ad pricing will increase after this date. Don't delay - visit the Jostens website today and get started!
Catholic Schools Week Starts January 31
Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year, Catholic Schools Week will take place from January 31 through February 6. See flyer for St. Serra's Catholic Schools Week Festivities!
The 2021 Book Fair Opens TOMORROW, Monday, January 25!
Our PTO is excited to bring our all-virtual online Book Fair to our St. Serra community, starting Monday, January 25! This will allow our students to shop safely and securely online, and all orders will be shipped directly to your home.

PREVIEW how the Virtual Book Fair works, with this video that demonstrates the students' interactive shopping experience.

Extended family and friends can help contribute to your child's Book Fair spending budget when you set up an eWallet. It's quick and easy - WATCH a short video about this cool feature, and set-up your own eWallet HERE.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
St. Serra "Mask-A-Rade" Event
Saturday, February 20, 2021
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Gather your family and join our St. Serra community at this year’s ALL NEW Mask-A-Rade, all from the safety and comfort of your own home! Invitations went home this past Thursday. You can download a copy HERE or REGISTER ONLINE.

Registered St. Serra families will watch and vote on “The St. Serra Masked Singer” performances by some of our well-known St. Serra teachers, including the exciting “unmasking” of the contestants! The show includes music and dancing with the popular OC band, Rocky Road! Registered families will also receive a take-home event box including fun masquerade-themed decorations, props and yummy treats. We've got dinner covered to, with optional take-out meals provided by popular restaurants, Hanna’s and Piccolino (see MENUS).

The fun doesn't stop there - Opportunity Baskets with amazing prizes are back by popular demand! Families can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one (or more?) of these amazing prize packages. Winners will be drawn live during the event. You won't want to miss out!

If you have questions or are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact the Event Chair, Jamie Gorrell or our PTO VP of Parent Child Events, Heather Ward at father-daughter@serraschool.org.
Family FUNraisers to Kick Off the New Year!
Join us Friday, January 29 at Baskin Robbins in Ladera Ranch for our next Family FUNraiser! Feel free to share with friends and family outside of St. Serra. CLICK HERE for the flyer.



Mark your calendar, on February 5th for a Family FUNraiser at Round Table Pizza in Rancho Santa Margarita. Feel free to share with friends and family outside of St. Serra. CLICK HERE for the flyer.
Attention Web Designers and Content Editors!
St. Serra needs your help!  We are looking for parents to help with the new school website.  If you are interested, please contact Lea Martone at lea.martone@gmail.com for more information and to get involved.
How can we pray for you?
St. Serra Partners in Prayer