Reminder: Click "read entire message" or "read more" to view the full newsletter.
August 29, 2021
Dear St. Serra Catholic Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our parents, teachers, and staff in our successful opening of the 2021-22 school year. As I have said many times before, our students continue to ‘rise and shine’ in spite of all that is going on. 

Routine, Routine, Routine! It is important that our families establish and maintain a daily routine starting from when the day begins. From getting up in the morning and out of the house on time, making sure the children have everything they need for school that day, to following the protocols of our student pick-up, ensuring that our students leave school in a timely and efficient manner. Routines help children learn responsibility and time management, both very important skills that they need in life.

Our goal remains the same and that is to stay open every single day so your child can come to school and learn. Regressing into a learning environment that is more restrictive than what we are currently doing, will only occur if we become lenient in our expectations.

We look forward to making this school year a great experience for you and your child(ren)!


Always Striving,

Tim Tolzda
Sr. Principal
MONDAY,
AUGUST 30

First Day of
Preschool (for M-F & M/W/F)

TUESDAY,
AUGUST 31

First Day of
Preschool (for T/TH)


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Minimum Day Dismissal (Preschool-Grade 2 at 11:30 a.m. & Grades 3-8 at 12:10 p.m.)

THURSDAY,
SEPTEMBER 2

Back to School Night (Grades 5-8)
FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 3
Back to School Nights
St. Serra's Back to School Night for Grades 5-8 is scheduled for September 2 and will be held virtually this school year. Additional information will be forthcoming. Back to School Night for Grades 2-4 on September 8 and Preschool-Grade 1 on September 14 is yet to be determined whether in-person or virtual.
Important Forms to Start the School Year
The following forms must be completed and submitted on the first day of school for every child:
Important Traffic Reminders for Smooth Drop-off and Pick-up
Please read these very important traffic reminders which will help traffic run smoothly for all our families.
Hot Lunch Program Provided by Choice Lunch, Starts August 30
Athletics is Back: Tryouts & Dates Set!
We are excited to announce that sports are back for our 5th through 8th graders. Below you will find the dates and times for tryouts. Additionally, we are still in search for some coaches for football and volleyball.
TK- Grade 8 Extended Care Closed at this Time
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any more TK-8 Extended Care registrations due to the overwhelming demand for this program. (This does NOT apply to Preschool Extended Care Registration). Also, no drop-in students will be accepted until further notice. If you have already completed registration for the TK-8 Extended Care Program, your students may continue to attend.
Extended Care Reminders
Join us in welcoming our new Extended Care Coordinator, Ms. Amy Baggs! In order to safely secure our campus, the Chapel gate will be closed after the 2:40 p.m. dismissal. When you arrive to pick up your child(ren), please text Ms. Baggs at (949) 609-9720. She or a staff member will open the gate for you.
Student Council Elections 2021-22

Attention St. Serra 7th & 8th grade students: Do you have natural leadership qualities? Are your friends looking to you for information/advice? Do you have passion, vision, and are motivated to make changes for our students? Run for Student Council!
2021-22 SerraVision Crew Application
New 7th or 8th graders interested in joining the SerraVision (Broadcast) Crew must complete an application and submit a video audition by September 7. Mandatory meeting will be held in the Creativity Lab on Tuesday, August 31 from 2:40-3:40 p.m.
Accessing Canvas for Parents
Parents should not create their own Canvas account, but refer to the how-to guide below. Additional resources: Canvas Community Guides and specifically How Do I Set My Canvas Notification Preferences.
Bootcamp for Grades 3-8 Only
New 3rd-8th graders will complete the Canvas training section since it is geared towards older children. TK- Grade 2 students also use Canvas, but their teachers will guide them on how to use it. The link below is for all parents and students. 
Rebate News
Physical gift card orders can be submitted through Shop with Scrip by 7:30 a.m. each Monday we are in school to ensure their availability by Thursday of the same week.
Volunteers Header
Record Your Parent Service Hours (TK-8 Parents Only)
Please follow the steps below to log any completed hours from April 1, 2021 to present.
Family Car Visor Placards
Extra placards are available for purchase at $5 each. Please email Diana Myers, our School Receptionist, at dmyers@serraschool.org. Please let her know which placard you will need, how many, and your child’s homeroom teacher.
Homework Club Registration
Concert on the Green Tickets Now on Sale!
Join us for music, food trucks and family fun on Sunday, September 26 from 4-7 p.m. (no school on Monday, September 27). Tickets are on sale now, purchase your ticket to the event here!
Siempre Adelante Banner Sponsorships are Live!
Interested in sharing your business with other Serra families? The Siempre Adelante program allows you to have a banner in the carpool line from October through June, promoting your product or service. Purchase sponsorships here. Space is limited. Contact Caroline at pto-donations@serraschool.org. 
PTO Tip of the Week for New Families
The annual St. Serra Golf Classic is the perfect way to jump into the school year with getting involved and enjoying our community.  Your options to join in the fun include the following.
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School - www.serraschool.org