Dear Parents and Guardians,
On Sunday, we invited more than 700 prospective eighth graders and their families attended Serra High School's Open House, an event that gave prospective students an opportunity to see all of the academic and extracurricular activities that Serra High School offers.
Students and parents were invited to take a tour of our beautiful campus, learn about the application process, financial aid information, counseling options and Serra's academic opportunities. They were also able to meet with staff, faculty, coaches and current Padres.
We are so grateful to our many parent ambassadors, club moderators, welcome volunteers and students, who came out in droves to support our admissions team in their recruitment efforts. It takes an entire community and we are so blessed to have so many dedicated parents, students, faculty and staff that make up Serra.
Please note that we will send out our Spotlight newsletter on Tuesday of next week to respect the beginning of Thanksgiving break.
Sincerely,
|
Charlie McGrath
Principal
|
|
|
Volunteers Desperately Needed For CCS Playoff Game This Saturday |
We are looking for volunteers to help out with the first CCS playoff varsity football game on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help both in the snack bar and at the gates. Volunteers do not need a ticket but must be an adult.
Please click on the link below and sign up if you are available!
We are so grateful for all the parents and students who have signed up to help us this season!
|
|
|
Serra Global Speaker November 17: Library Without Borders
|
|
|
Many people wouldn't guess that libraries can be radically innovative places to generate new possibilities for their communities. In this talk, you'll learn how Libraries Without Borders US brings a mission of improving lives through learning to communities subject to systemic discrimination. From parks in Baltimore to laundromats in Oakland, LWB US designs innovative tools and programs that meet people where they are, providing the resources they need most.
Azure Grimes is the Senior Program Manager at Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US). She is a west-Baltimore native who joined the team in January 2019. Prior to working with LWB US, Azure served on a variety of AmeriCorps national service programs and was honored to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award for completing over 4,000 community service hours. A dynamic young speaker, Azure will make you think in new ways about libraries and their possibilities for all of us!
Please join us at 7 p.m. on November 17. Register for the free Zoom event - here. |
|
Mark Your Calendars for Serra ThanksGIVEday on November 18 |
|
|
Our fourth annual ThanksGIVEday is on Thursday, November 18. This annual 24-hour day of giving unites the Serra community in the spirit of philanthropy. Contributions to ThanksGIVEday are directed to the Padre Fund which makes a difference where it is needed most. Class year challenges and class decades competitions make this a fun and memorable one-day event to support Serra and the Padre Fund. |
|
 |
Students Will Be In Distance Learning Thanksgiving Week |
The week of Thanksgiving we will be conducting Distance Learning through Zoom on Monday and Tuesday. Students will not be allowed on campus during class time, but certain extracurriculars will take place on campus after school.
Students will login to their classes using the teachers’ Zoom links that can be found in Google Classroom as well as on the Faculty Info and Links section of PCR. Classes will be held at their normal times and students are accountable for their prompt attendance.
Since many students may not have used Zoom recently, they should make sure that their devices are updated to the most current version of Zoom. For directions on how to update Zoom - click HERE. |
|
|
|
On-Campus COVID Testing on Tuesdays and Fridays |
Testing for unvaccinated students is required on a weekly basis and highly encouraged for vaccinated students as well. Testing is being offered on campus as a courtesy to Serra families.
Virus Geeks will be testing every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All results from testing done on Serra’s campus will be available to Serra before school begins the following Monday.
Drive thru testing is also available at Mercy High School in Burlingame every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. If your son tests at Mercy, he will need to let the testing facility know that the results are for Serra.
|
|
|
|
|
Searching For Robotics Mentors |
We are looking for mentors for our robotics program in our new Pereira Center for Robotics and Engineering!
If you are an engineer, or know someone in engineering who would like to volunteer, please email Jennifer Wiseman. |
|
|
|
Padres, Save-the-Date For Serra Semi-Formal on December 17 |
Attention all Serra Padres!
Save the date for our semi-formal on Friday, December 17.
More details on this exciting events will sent out soon!
|
|
|
|
Tickets Are On Sale for The Alibis - November 18-20
Get ready for a hilarious whodunnit where everyone is a suspect and no one is what they seem!
When eccentric billionaire J. Leslie Arlington is murdered, a clueless detective finds the suspects are all reluctant to admit their alibis . . . because they were all committing other crimes!
You never know what’s coming next when your suspects include disgruntled chefs and teen detectives, shady lawyers and vengeful divas, nosy professors and suspiciously tall butlers, but one thing’s for certain: The only thing more absurd than the suspects…are their alibis!
|
|
|
|
Fall Art Show on November 18 |
Join us for the Fall Art Show on November 18 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Art Room. There is no charge for admission.
This show will be a celebration of the artwork from Art 1, Art 2, AP Studio Art and Ceramics students.
Family and friends are invited to see what the art students have created so far. The event benefits the Memory Project, a non-profit that supports disadvantaged children from around the world.
|
|
|
|
Calling All Serra Mom Golfers! |
Interested in playing golf while meeting fellow Serra moms?
Whether you are a beginner, an avid golfer or played golf many moons ago and want to dust off your clubs again, now is your opportunity!
Michele Harkov is launching a Serra Ladies Golf Club with all kinds of fun events planned.
Reach out to Michele for more information. |
|
|
|
R.S.V.P. for Madres Holiday Boutique on November 14 |
All Serra ladies are invited to the Holiday Madre Boutique on November 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ladies, we will close this event at noon on Friday, so be sure to secure your spot before then!
Get your Christmas shopping started, grab a hostess gift for Thanksgiving dinner, or shop for yourself. You deserve it!
There will be more than 30 vendors – holiday wreaths, Beautycounter, jewelry, clothes, gifts, home décor and much more.
Grab a lady friend or two and join us! $10 entry fee includes wine, champagne, food and a Serra gift bag. Vendors will be giving a portion of the proceeds back to Serra.
Sign up at the link below. Space is limited, so sign up today!
|
|
|
|
Padre Jazz Band Has First Live Performance In Nearly Two Years
The Padre Jazz Band had their first live performance in almost two years on Sunday where they played for potential future Padres at our Open House. The band pulled off more than 30 minutes of music, complete with soloists, string players and a featured singer.
The jazz band’s next big gig will be on Monday, December 6 at the Christmas Concert. Mark your calendars for this event, where they’ll join all the other musical groups at Serra in a packed night of music making and fun.
|
|
Time to Begin Financial Aid Applications for January Deadline |
It is that time of year again to start your 2022-2023 financial aid applications, as the TADS portal is now open. The deadline for submission is January 15, 2022. Please submit your applications before the deadline as late applications could hold up or reduce your financial aid award, depending on funds available.
Serra has provided supplemental aid the past two years to support those impacted by the effects of the COVID pandemic. These funds were meant as a bridge to assist families in the short-term, and were not meant to be an ongoing source of financial aid. For the 2022-2023 school year, COVID related financial aid will be reduced, and will be made available in limited circumstances. If you believe that this applies in your case, please complete the supplemental COVID aid application.
|
|
|
Holiday Travel and Covid Protocols |
As we get closer to the holidays, we wanted to remind you of the guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the San Mateo County Health Department. While traveling or visiting with family and friends, please remember to wear masks, and when possible, have small outdoor gatherings. Remember to self monitor after big events and travel. We would also encourage families to consider testing again on November 28 or November 29 to ensure the safety and health of your family and our Padre community. |
|
|
Read the Second Edition of Serra's Service Newsletter, Adelante |
|
|
|
Calling For Donations in Serra's Annual Adopt-a-Family Effort |
Every year during Advent, the Serra community participates in Adopt-A-Family, which supports the Redwood City Catholic Worker House. Catholic Worker House helps a variety of people including troubled teens, families that cannot afford housing, those who are food insecure, experiencing homelessness, and are day laborers.
How you can contribute:
- If your son is in a club, class, or team that is adopting a family, thank you for your specific contributions to support the family’s wishlist.
- Donate gift cards or cash for the Redwood City Catholic Worker to brighten the Christmas of even more clients. There will be collections in each homeroom until the end of the semester.
- Donate canned goods and non-perishable foods, which can be dropped off in the bins outside Campus Ministry. All food will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
Thank you in advance for your contributions! The Serra community is incredibly generous and we appreciate anything you are able to contribute to making another family’s Christmas special.
|
|
|
|
Sign Up For Upcoming Sophomore, Junior and Senior Retreats in the New Year |
It is time to sign up for retreats!
Seniors have the opportunity to attend Kairos, a four day retreat held at Vallombrosa in Menlo Park. Kairos 29 will take place from January 25 to January 28, 2022. Kairos 30 will be from March 15 to March 18, 2022.
Juniors have the chance to sign up for a new two-night retreat experience at Redwood Glen Camp in Loma Mar. The two options for the junior retreat are January 12 to 14, 2022 and February 23 to 25, 2022.
Sophomores will be able to attend the Sophomore Overnight Retreat at Mission Springs in Scotts Valley on either February 8 to February 9, 2022 or March 29 to March 30, 2022.
All retreats are completely free, and permission forms can be picked up in the Campus Ministry Office. Any questions should be directed to Steven Olujic.
|
|
|
|
Read the Zoph Library Blog on Storytelling |
|
|
Advertise Your Business On Serra's Beautiful Campus! |
|
|
|
Advertise your business with a creative sponsorship opportunity!
Add your company logo and information on a custom-fitted barricade cover that will be placed around Brady Family Stadium and Freitas Field for the entire 2021-2022 athletic season! This includes football, soccer, lacrosse and track & field seasons.
These covers are created with double-sided print and stretchy mesh fabric on perimeter barriers.
|
|
Padres Sporting Line Up
Varsity Football
The Serra Padres will take on the Valley Christian Warriors at home at 1 p.m. Saturday in the first of the CCS Playoffs. Gates open at noon.
GO PADRES!
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Enjoy a wonderful weekend! Go Padres!
Aimee Lewis Strain
Director of Marketing and Communications
|
|
Junipero Serra High School | 451 West 20th Avenue | San Mateo, CA 94403 | serrahs.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
