NEWS AND EVENTS
Reminders for Hybrid Learning on Campus
Dear Parents and Guardians,

It has been wonderful having our freshmen and sophomores on campus this week! We are looking forward to welcoming our gold cohort tomorrow. So far, the experience has been great and we thank our entire Serra community for taking the safety precautions necessary to make this happen.

On-Campus Reminders:
  • All students coming to campus to be sure to complete the Ruvna health survey before leaving for school.
  • Students on campus should also print or screen shot a copy of their class schedule to help them identify where their classrooms are located.
  • Freshmen and transfer students will receive their Serra ID's and school pictures during their lunch period tomorrow. 

Serra Zoom Accounts:
In order to manage the Serra Organization Zoom account more efficiently, while providing a higher level of security, Serra will be consolidating student Zoom accounts on Friday, December 11. Student Serra Zoom accounts are tied to their Serra email address, and thus, should only be used for school purposes. Students have the option of creating personal Zoom accounts.
Students will receive two emails on Friday. One email will be from Serra with the directions and screenshots of how to consolidate their Serra Zoom account. One email will be from Zoom with a consolidation link. Please have students look out for those emails on Friday afternoon. 
Please note, only authenticated Zoom accounts will be allowed to join Serra classes. Students must consolidate using their Serra email account.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,
Charlie McGrath
Principal
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.
First-Ever Advent Season Prayer Service on December 15

Are you looking for a moment of prayer this Advent Season? All families are invited to join Campus Ministry for an evening Advent Prayer Service on Tuesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. 
Students, parents, grandparents, alumni and pets who are looking for a reminder of the real reason for the season can join this Zoom next Tuesday evening.
It will be a night of light, hope, and joy. We hope you are able to join Campus Ministry for this first-ever event as we prayerfully await Christ born anew in our world.
Lifetouch Picture Orders; Freshmen/ Sophomore Pick Up

There have been many questions regarding Lifetouch picture orders. Unfortunately, Lifetouch is currently working with a skeleton crew and there has been an issue with the picture codes and school IDs. Serra has been working with them on getting information for pictures and will send out more information as soon as we receive an update. Our hope is to have this issue resolved as soon as possible so that families can order pictures.
In the meantime, if you have questions, you can call 866-955-8342
Pictures will be distributed to the freshmen and sophomores on campus this week. Juniors will be able to pick up picture envelopes in the new year when students return to campus.
Frosh/Soph Distance Learning Picture Pick Up:
We will be holding a short drive thru pick up on Wednesday, December 16 from 10:30am-12pm on the blacktop to pick up picture packets. Families should drive thru the gates on 20th and they will continue back through the campus where pictures will be handed out to you on the blacktop behind the cafeteria. Families will not need to exit their vehicles.
Serra Ornaments For Sale Now Through December 16
It's time to deck the halls! This Christmas purchase a Serra pennant ornament and show your Padre pride! Ornaments are $20 each, with a small shipping fee. For more information, visit our website.
During the month of December, we will be highlighting Padre family-owned businesses. We hope this holiday season you'll shop local and patronize these Padre businesses! Check out our impressive list of Padre Family businesses!
Know of any other Padre family business not on our list? Let us know!
Shop small, shop local, shop Padre!
Common Ground Speaker Series has announced its Winter/ Spring 2021 calendar with many thought-provoking topics such as financial literacy, COVID stress and the future of distance learning.
A new topic will be discussed with experts each month.
Serra BSN Sideline Store Offering Holiday Discounts
'Tis the Season! It's December and it's time to take advantage of all that our Serra Padre sideline store has to offer -- at a 20 percent discount!

This month, get your customized, branded, print-on-demand Serra Padre fan apparel and accessories at a discount. These items are brought to you through our partnership with BSN Sports. 

For more information, visit the store on our website.
Serra's Adopt-A-Family Gift Card and Food Drive in Final Days

The final days are here for our annual drive for Adopt-A-Family. Bring canned and non-perishable food items to Serra by Monday, December 14. There is also a gift card collection to stores like Safeway, Target, CVS, and Costco and your son can earn points for his House by donating. Gift cards can be dropped off on campus or mailed to Serra with your son's name and marked for Adopt-A-Family. Various teams, classes, and departments have adopted 18 families in need this winter and we want to assist as many people as possible in coordination with the Redwood City Catholic Worker. Thanks to all of you who have donated so far. We know this year has been extremely difficult for so many in our world and local community. Any donation you are able to offer will definitely help make Christmas special for someone. If you have any questions, please contact Billy Byrnes in Campus Ministry.
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.
Attention Seniors: Deadline Extended for Jostens Graduation Announcements Until December 18

Jostens has extended its deadline for 2021 graduation announcements. Be sure to order your keepsake memory by December 18. This year's announcement features an etched drawing of the Serra campus and the silhouette of Father Junipero Serra. Order online through the Jostens website.
This Week's Zoph Library Blog Highlights Serra's Virtual Tour

This week the Zoph Library blog borrows from Serra's new 360° VirtualEyes Media tour to welcome our sophomore and freshman Padres back to campus, plus we add some bonus recommendations for reading over the upcoming Christmas vacation.  
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! (COVID restrictions could prevent travel). Applications are due no later than January 29, 2021.
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