NEWS AND EVENTS
Serra Prepares for Lower Division Students to Return on December 7
Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our second week with upperclassmen in hybrid learning has been successful. We want to remind all parents and guardians that all of the pertinent in-person instruction information and Serra communication can be found on the Serra Reopening Webpage. We will send messages to freshmen and sophomore parents and students as the date of their in-person instruction nears.

Lower Division Webinar
Serra will host an information webinar for the parents of ninth- and 10th-grade students on November 30 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The administrative team will give an overview of plans for returning to school, including expectations, safety protocols and the details of hybrid teaching and learning. We will send a webinar link in the coming week.

COVID-19 Testing
For the safety of the entire community, Serra is requesting that students planning to attend on-campus instruction be tested for COVID-19 prior to coming to campus. Lower division students should have completed testing with confirmed results no later than Friday, December 4. Please note that testing turnaround times range from two to three days. San Mateo County is offering free testing for all school-age children Tuesday through Saturday.  

Padre Pledge: 
We are asking our Padres to do what it takes to keep themself, their friends, and their community safe and healthy, because being a Padre is about doing the right thing for the greater good. Please download and sign the Padre Pledge here.

Thank you for all of your patience and partnership as we prepare to welcome our lower division Padres to campus in a few short weeks!
Sincerely,
Charlie McGrath
Principal
ThanksGIVEday is Tomorrow

ThanksGIVEday is tomorrow and we'd love your help in spreading the word! We are targeting our fundraising to fund critical technology upgrades necessary for our teachers to engage the students at the highest level. 
Our focus at Serra High School continues to be providing a transformative experience that builds men of faith, virtue, leadership and philanthropy. Teaching our students the rewarding privilege of giving back is fundamental to their overall high school experience. As we have seen all too well in 2020, we need our future leaders to feel the responsibility to give to others in need. 
ThanksGIVEday is an opportunity for the entire Serra community -- our students and our alumni -- to unite and show its support.
Common Ground Speaker Series: Underslept and Idle:
The Transformative Effects of Sleep & Movement

Sleep scientist Dr. Matthew Walker and research psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal will come together to discuss the enormous benefits that restful sleep and joyful movement have on health and well-being. The lecture will take place on December 8 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Walker will discuss the impact of sleep on mind and body and will also detail practices that you and your children can start (and stop) doing to get some rest.

Dr. McGonigal will show how movement is intertwined with some of the most basic human joys, including self-expression, social connection, and mastery and why it is a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. For more information and to register, visit the Common Ground website.
Serra BSN Sideline Store Offering Holiday Discounts
We are excited to announce that we have just launched a new Serra Padre sideline store, which features customized, branded, print-on-demand Serra Padre fan apparel and accessories. These items are brought to you through our partnership with BSN Sports. We will announce exciting holiday discounts on our social media sites on November 22 and November 25. Be on the lookout!
Until then, be sure to take advantage of the 15 percent discount afforded to our Serra customers this November.
Zoph Library Blog This Week: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Zoph Library celebrates national Native American Heritage Month in this week's post. Check it out!

Each week, the Zoph Library Blog will discuss a new and different thought-provoking topic. Be sure to look for the blog in Spotlight each week.
Serra Parents, Tell Your Friends About Serra's Admissions Events

Serra's reputation speaks for itself, but it helps to get the word out when current families share their experiences with prospective families.
We encourage all our parents to tell your friends about the incredible virtual events Serra's Admissions Office is hosting.

Every Wednesday a webinar highlights a new dimension of Serra. From affordability to athletics, ARC to academics, there are endless opportunities for prospective parents and students to learn more about Serra.

Students can also enjoy a virtual Padre for A Day experience or a Teacher MeetUp. These events allow prospective students and families to view Serra through the viewpoints of students, teachers, parents, coaches, and staff. 

Families can register for these Serra events after creating a profile on the Ravenna Hub.
Financial Aid Deadline for Returning Students is December 15, 2020
Attention all returning students seeking Financial Aid: Financial aid applications are due by December 15, 2020 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Please submit your application through mytads.comClick here to schedule a call with Accounts Receivable and Financial Aid Manager Arthur Rios. View the Family Guide Brochure for more information.
Healthy Cities Tutoring Seeks Student Volunteers

Healthy Cities Tutoring is recruiting volunteers. Join our community and provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to students for 30-45 minutes once per week to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning, and self-esteem. Interested in learning more?
RSVP here.
For more information to become a Healthy Cities tutor, visit here, and click 'volunteer' to complete the online application or email.
Bank of America Student Leaders 2021: Applications Available

We are looking for the next generation of community leaders. If you are a current junior or senior in high school with a passion for improving your community, we want to help you turn that passion into action.  
As a Student Leader, you will participate in an eight‐week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization where you will learn first‐hand about the needs of your community and the critical role nonprofits play.  
In addition, you will learn valuable civic, social and business leadership skills. Each Student Leader will attend the Student Leader Summit held in Washington, D.C.* where you will explore how government, business and the nonprofit sector work to address critical community needs.  
If you would like to make a difference in your community, apply today!  Applications are due no later than January 29, 2021.
Deadline to Order Graduation Announcements is November 20
The last day for seniors to order graduation announcements is November 20. Graduation announcements ordered prior to the deadline will ensure the school's custom graduation announcements will be received. The easiest way to order it so use the Jostens website.
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.
If you have any questions or difficulties logging in, please contact Michelle Wilkinson.
Wishing you good health and happiness,

Director of Marketing and Communications