Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
Today was another Wellness Wednesday, where we welcomed students to campus to enjoy House Challenges, a special speaker and churros in a relaxed environment where our Padres were able to recharge.
Students listened to Chris Herron, a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA and several leagues overseas. He became addicted to painkillers while playing with the Celtics and ultimately became addicted to heroine. Chris' story is compelling for students because he overcame his addiction and now speaks to groups in a motivational fashion to help them understand the effects of drug addiction and how to overcome the odds.
Our students also got outside and enjoyed some fresh air. Wellness Wednesdays are just one way we hope to help our students balance the rigors of high school. We appreciate the participation by our students and the facilitation by our faculty and staff.
Sincerely,
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Charlie McGrath
Principal
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Virus Geeks Testing
Remains on Campus
Tuesday and Fridays
Please remember that Virus Geeks on on site Tuesdays and Fridays for COVID testing.
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Government Sponsored Free COVID Testing Kits Available
The government sponsored free COVID testing website went live earlier today. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in seven to 12 days.
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In the coming weeks, we will be announcing more details about our annual Fund a Dream Scholarship Benefit on March 12, 2022. This year’s theme, Faith in the Future, will feature some of Serra’s most influential spiritual leaders to speak about the critical need of tuition assistance at Serra’s largest fundraising event of the year.
This annual event brings together members of our community in a show of support to our school through an amazing evening highlighted with dinner, entertainment and so much more.
Now in its 18th year, the Fund A Dream event has raised nearly $6 million dollars -- every cent of which has gone directly to tuition assistance scholarships, shared amongst all qualified applicants who dream of becoming a Serra Padre, but cannot afford tuition. This event ensures that all potential Padres have the opportunity to attend our school.
More details will be provided as the date nears, but please mark your calendars for a night to remember on March 12, 2022. Learn more about Fund a Dream!
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Immersion Trips Are Back! |
Service Immersion trips are coming back! Grow in Faith, Community, Wisdom, Service and Leadership! Immersion trips are a great way to experience the Serra brotherhood by connecting with communities in need, either locally or nationally over Easter Break (San Francisco) or in the Summer (Arizona, West Virginia) Trips are open to sophomores, juniors and current seniors before they graduate.
Find out more at the virtual Service Immersion Information by viewing trips online through the Immersion Website or contacting Immersion Coordinator Mary Dowden or by phone at 345-8207 x 507.
Application deadline is February 15.
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Testing and Service Day is March 23 - Sophomores for PSAT, Junior SAT |
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On March 23 Serra will be administering the PSAT to all sophomores on campus. Juniors will also have the opportunity to take the SAT on campus on the same day. Juniors will have to sign up beforehand in order to register to take the SAT. Parents will receive an email next week with more information.
Sophomores will automatically be signed up, so no confirmation is required for them.
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Attention Senior Parents: Yearbook Recognition Ads On Sale Now! |
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It's that time of year when family members can purchase a yearbook recognition ad!
This a wonderful opportunity for parents to recognize your son for for his successes and milestones. These personal ads are a lovely way to honor your son in the yearbook.
All recognition ads must be submitted no later than February 1, 2022. Go to www.jostensadservice.com to create your full color ad today.
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Social Health: Combating Loneliness Through Connection and Community |
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Social Health: Combating Loneliness Through Connection and Community, is the next Common Ground lecture featuring Kasley Killam, MPH. The lecture will take place on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Isolation and loneliness have become commonplace during the pandemic. Public health expert Kasley Killam, founder of Social Health Labs, will explore the research showing how loneliness affects long-term health and share advice for building supportive relationships and staying connected.
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Reserve Your Spot on the Close Up Trip |
Experience history as it happens! During our six-day Election Week program beginning on November 6-11, students will meet new friends from across the country and experience the suspense of a presidential election in Washington, DC! As the upcoming election promises to shape politics and policy for the next several years, students will take part in activities, seminars, and visits to Washington’s most historic sites to help them understand what roles they, as citizens, can play in our democracy. Close Up’s
Election Week program provides students with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their
Congressional delegation on Capitol Hill and with Washington insiders who play a key role in the
American political system.
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Today is the Final Day to Participate in WCEA Parent Survey |
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Serra is beginning the first stage of its accreditation process, conducted through the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). This includes surveying the parent community about many aspects of the total school program.
Please check your email for a message from Mr. Strange with a link to the online survey, which will be open through tonight. We hope that as many parents participate as possible!
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Parent Scheduling Information Night To Be Held on January 31 |
This optional evening event will be held on Monday January 31, 2022. Attendees will see presentations by the counselors, Mrs. Lee and Mr. Strange, that will help them understand how students are scheduled into classes for the 2022-2023 school year. We will also review the options that students will have for required and elective course offerings, review the scheduling information page of the PCR Parent Portal where we will be posting various resources and take questions from attendees. This event will take place over Zoom, starting at 7 p.m. Freshmen, sophomore and junior parents will all have separate Zoom meetings which will be focused on the issues most relevant to those student groups. This is an event for parents; students will receive a separate presentation at school that week. Although it is not a required event, parents are responsible for understanding how to submit scheduling requests through PCR, understanding the course prerequisites, and meeting all deadlines. Further information, including Zoom links, will be sent out to parents on the day of the event by email. Portions of the sessions will be recorded and shared with parents afterward. |
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More Retreats for Juniors and Seniors |
Junior Retreat and Kairos - There is one more Junior Retreat this year coming up February 23-25 and there are spots available.
The final senior Kairos retreat is March 15-18 and there are a few spots available. If you are interested, email Mr. Solujoc at solujic@serrahs.com.
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Sophomore Mother-Son Mass Scheduled for February 10 at 7:45 a.m. |
Sophomore moms, be sure to mark your calendars for our annual Sophomore Mother-Son Mass, scheduled for February 10, 2022 at 7:45 a.m.
This special morning is a chance to pause and acknowledge God's role in the relationship between a mother and son and to acknowledge the love they have for each other.
Please look for an email invitation in the coming weeks with more details.
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Shop Padre Family Businesses! |
If you would like to add your Padre-family business to our list, email us here.
Thank you for your community support and remember to shop small, shop local and shop Padre!
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Download our free Serra App TODAY!
Select your mobile app store below and download directly to your device. Or, search for the app on your phone. Once you download the app, you can log in with your last name and email address.
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Wishing you all a healthy and fantastic week!
Aimee Lewis Strain
Director of Marketing and Communications
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Junipero Serra High School | 451 West 20th Avenue | San Mateo, CA 94403 | serrahs.com
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