Serra Robotics Team Back in New Pereira Center for Robotics and Engineering |
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It is an exciting week for Serra High School's Robotics Team! The team had its first on-campus meeting on Tuesday and will meet twice weekly on campus, as the club is in the midst of competition season.
Robotics team members are in for a treat, as the Pereira Center for Robotics and Engineering is finally finished. The new, state-of-the-art robotics and engineering lab was completed in October 2020, following a five-month renovation. New features include roll-up industrial glass doors, wireless technology, movable tables that make construction of anything possible, new power tool equipment, marker boards for brainstorming, overhead electrical outlets and dual work spaces that allow for simultaneous design and application as well as construction and testing. Serra also plans to invest in new software and computers to accommodate the needs of the robotics team’s computer engineering and design components.
What was once a storage area is now a full-functioning robotics and engineering center, something the school has had on its priority list for some time, according to President Barry Thornton, Ed.D.
“We’ve been excited about the development of robotics for years and as student engagement increased, we realized we needed to provide a space for students now and moving forward.”
The Pereira Center for Robotics and Engineering is named after Manuel Rodrigues Pereira, father of Lucas Pereira '91, Patrick Pereira '96, Michael Pereira '01 and Tammy Kiely, a current Serra Board of Regents member. He is also the beloved grandfather of Noah Kiely '22.
Manuel Pereira worked tirelessly to put himself through college following two years in the ARMY. It was Pereira's dream to become an engineer and once it was achieved he spent much of his life fostering a passion and appreciation for education and technology in his children and grandchildren.
One of more than 40 clubs and organizations on campus, students are welcome to learn more about robotics.
“The Robotics Club experience provides students with collaboration, problem solving, professionalism, competition and creates a high level response to all of it,” Thornton said.
Students interested in robotics are encouraged to contact the Robotics Club.
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Student Leadership Opportunities for Big Brothers and Encounter
Applications for Big Brothers and Encounter Leaders are due in one week!
Big Brother opportunities are open to current sophomores and Encounter Leader opportunities are open to current juniors.
If your son is looking to develop his leadership skills, get involved at Serra, give back to our community, and deepen his faith, then encourage him to apply to be a Big Brother or an Encounter leader for the 2021-2022 school year.
Links to both applications can be found in the Padre Week Ahead, and are due ASAP. Contact Mr. Billy Byrnes in Campus Ministry for more information.
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Outstanding Student Award Applications Due Friday at 3 p.m.
It is time for our Serra Padres to apply for the Outstanding Student Award. We are so proud of our students who excel at such a high level and are honored with the Outstanding Student Award. Last year, we had nearly 50 students who achieved this distinction.
In order to be eligible for this award, students must have a cumulative 3.5 GPA (unweighted) or 3.7 GPA (weighted), have participated in one or more extracurricular activities and have a good disciplinary record. When students apply, they need to mark each activity that they have participated in this school year. All applications will be shared with Mrs. Lee and Mr. Baldonado for academic and disciplinary clearance. In order to be considered, students must complete this application by 3 p.m. on Friday.
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Pandemic Prom On May 22 - Save the Date
Senior Prom will be held on Saturday, May 22 at the Courtyard of the San Mateo Events Center. Seniors will spend an “Evening in the French Quarter.”
Although this will not be a traditional prom, it will be an evening for the seniors and the guest of their choice to celebrate the class of 2021!
Please look for more information in next week’s Spotlight, it will include the parent prom permission as well as the date and time for the senior student meeting regarding prom. We are currently planning and working on the health and safety protocols for this event. Thank you for your patience as we plan an event that is safe and fun for our graduating seniors!
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Zoph Library Blog Takes on Media and News Literacy
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Junior Spring College Night Webinar
The webinar link for Junior Spring College Night was shared in Monday's Counseling Newsletter for Juniors.
Attendance is highly encouraged for parents and juniors on March 29 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sara Sawrie from Purdue University will be the guest speaker.
Join Serra counselors and learn more about admission updates, reminders and the financial aid process.
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Appalachia Virtual Immersion
Trip During Easter Break
Padres interested in a retreat over Easter Break are encouraged to sign up to attend the Appalachia Virtual Immersion trip in partnership with Nazareth Farm and students from Presentation High School.
Focused on simplicity, community, prayer and service, this collaborative retreat experience will include elements of each to ensure an authentic immersive experience! For more information, visit Nazareth Farm or contact Madame Mary Dowden.
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Serra Tuition Agreements thru TADS Need to Be Signed
We are asking all returning families to please complete the 2021-2022 TADS tuition agreement for next year. There will be a registration fee of $750 for freshmen through juniors and $850 for seniors due at the signing of the agreement. You can log in to TADS to complete the agreement and set up your payment plan.
For further information, please contact Arthur Rios at (650) 645-6404.
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Class of 2022 Students Rising Above: Rising Stars Program Applications |
Applications for the Class of 2022 Students Rising Above: Rising Stars Program are due on March 4. The Rising Stars Program recognizes students with potential and understands the obstacles they must overcome. Investing in first-generation students in the nine county San Francisco Bay Area, Students Rising Above provides a unique level of support that’s comprehensive, student-centric, and highly personal. Students Rising Above Rising Star Program is looking for high school juniors graduating in Spring 2022, who have demonstrated strength of character in the face of challenging odds, and dream of a college education. Selected students come from low-income households and are rising above tremendous difficulties and succeeding in school and in life despite their circumstances at home. These difficulties may include poverty, neglect, violence, addiction, and homelessness. For more information, visit Rising Stars Program.
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Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program Offer Scholarships |
The Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program is a new needs-based scholarship program, providing up to $20,000/year, designed for eligible college-bound Black and African American students in the United States. Scholars will receive mentorship from Visa employees and have opportunities to grow their key technical, professional and leadership skills. Scholarship recipients who have met expectations will be invited to join Visa full-time after graduation.
The program is open to Black and African American high school seniors who are applying or intend to enroll in a full-time four-year undergraduate degree at any accredited college or university in the U.S. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have an intention to pursue studies in Technology or Business for the 2021 academic year with an expected graduation date between December 2024 and May 2025.
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During the month of December, we showcased Padre family-owned businesses. We had an overwhelming response to this effort and have decided to continue to showcase these businesses.
We hope this year, you'll shop local and patronize these Padre businesses!
Thank you for your community support and remember to shop small, shop local, shop Padre!
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Common Ground Tackles Learning Differences and Distance Learning
Join Common Ground for a panel discussion with CHC Experts Chris Harris, MEd and Kendra Fraka, MSW, moderated by author Deborah Reber.
Supporting Learning Differences While Distance Learning will take place on April 29 at 7 p.m.
Children’s Health Council experts share best practices for parents who are supporting students with learning challenges at home, with a significant emphasis on mental health, promoting executive function skills, social emotional learning and academics.
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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 fantastic week!
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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