Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
It is incredible to think that is has been almost two years to the date that our school and schools across the country were closed due to the pandemic in March 2020. We have come so far as a community and have worked so hard to get back to something we recognize as "normal." What an unpredictable yet productive two years we have had!
On Monday, the governor's office released information that stated that after March 11, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended in schools. We are aware of the new guidance on masks released from San Mateo County as well. We will continue to work with the various county health and education agencies and the Archdiocese to update Serra's policies and protocols. Please looks for updated correspondence tomorrow.
Remember that tomorrow and Friday are asynchronous learning days. If you're in town, be sure to come and see the Tri-School Productions Spring Musical, If Only, A Musical Revue, which opens March 3-5. Look for the ticket link below. Congratulations to our talented Tri-School performers!
Sincerely,
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Charlie McGrath
Principal
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Virus Geeks Testing
Remains on Campus
Tuesday and Fridays
Please remember that Virus Geeks on on site Tuesdays and Fridays for COVID testing.
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Asynchronous Learning Days on March 3 and March 4
Be sure to mark your calendars for March 3 and March 4 as asynchronous learning days. These two days have been posted on the school calendar since the start of the school year. The term “asynchronous” should be interpreted as “at no specific time.” Classes will not meet in person or over Zoom. Instead, students are responsible for logging into Google Classroom on their own time (that day), complete studies and assignments, and submit them to the teacher by the due dates set by the teacher. Attendance is not taken, so parents do not need to call the Attendance Office if their student is sick. Students may use the day to work on their Christian Service Hours, as long as they also give themselves time to complete their coursework.
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There is still time to purchase tickets and tables for this year's Fund a Dream on Saturday, March 12!
Since its inception, Serra's Fund a Dream event has raised more than $6 million to ensure that all qualified applicants who dream of becoming a Serra Padre are afforded that opportunity. This wonderful event would not be possible without participation from our supportive Padre community!
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Serra Community Attends Mass on Ash Wednesday |
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Students were able to celebrate Mass on Ash Wednesday as an in-person community this morning. Today is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar, as it opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is observed by Catholics and many Christians. |
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From the Desk of the Chaplain ... Lent: A Season to Grow Closer to God |
What’s the point of Lent? It’s a question that teachers are beginning to hear and it’s a question you may hear from students. Like many questions that students ask, it’s a really good one. It is important that each of the tasks that the Church asks of the faithful during this season is a practice of self-denial.
Why do we fast? Because through denying ourselves a basic need, we grow in appreciation that we rely on God for everything good in our lives. Why do we abstain from meat? Because through denying ourselves meat, we are reminded that we do not need everything that we may desire, and therefore grow closer to Christ who we ought to desire the most. Why do we tithe? Because through the giving of our wealth, we disassociate ourselves from something that gets between us and God all too often, money, and the power and distraction it so easily provides.
The common thread through all of these practices is self-denial. We deny ourselves, not because God wishes for us to suffer arbitrarily, nor to produce unhealthy guilt, rather, God wishes to show us how distant we can be and how easy it is to forget about working on our relationship with Christ.
But it doesn’t end there. The point of self-denial is not to empty ourselves. The point is to see ourselves as we truly are: completely dependent upon God and then, with that awareness, to grow closer to Christ. But we cannot do that if we run through Lent to get to Easter. The Easter celebration will come; it does every year. However, it is precisely now, during Lent, that we realize how much we truly need God, and it is now, amidst our self-denial, that we are invited to grow closer to Christ.
Have a blessed season of Lent and may God bless,
Your Chaplain,
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Tuition Agreements For Next School Year Due By March 25, 2022 |
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The 2022-2023 tuition agreements were recently sent out last week to each family to sign and choose a specific payment plan. To ensure your son's spot in the new year, the deadline to electronically sign the agreement is March 25, 2022. For any questions or concerns, please contact Arthur (Artie) Rios at or (650) 645-6404. |
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Life asks us to make choices. But after every choice is another opportunity to discover the best in ourselves. When everything feels uncertain and choices become more complicated and life-changing, taking a moment to ask yourself 'If only..." can lead to regret or contentment, loss or love. An 'and' can often become an 'or,' forcing the inevitable question,"If only..."
As life moves forward, hard choices and challenges may await - but so does joy, friendship, beautiful music and a vision of a brighter future. Featuring music from Hairspray, 42nd St, Anastasia, Newsies, Mary Poppins, School of Rock, Dear Evan Hansen, Rent, and many more Broadway musicals. Join us for a show about life, love, joy, relationships and learning to live with life.
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Serra Sports and Recreation Camp Seeks Summer Camp Counselors |
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Are you looking for a paying job this summer where you can work outside and organize activities for children?
If so, please consider working for the Serra Sports and Recreation Camp! Work with other Serra, Mercy, and Notre Dame students for five weeks (with the week of July Fourth off). We are hiring both paid and service-hour positions. Please contact Mr. Hoyt for an application. More information can be found here. |
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Freshman Madres Bowling Event on March 20 - Evite Below
Freshman Madres -- The Serra Freshman Madre Committee cordially invites you to join them on Sunday, March 20 for a fun night of bowling, tasty bites and beer! Here is the link to the Evite: We look forward to seeing you there!
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Outstanding Student and Leadership Award Applications Due March 30 |
If your son is an outstanding student involved in various activities, he should apply before March 30 for the Outstanding Student Award. In order to be eligible for this award, your student must have a cumulative 3.5 GPA (unweighted) or 3.7 GPA (weighted), have participated in two or more extracurricular activities (in at least 2 different areas) and have a good disciplinary record.
If your son is involved in any form of leadership at Serra, he should apply for the Leadership Award before March 30. This is an award where leadership points accumulate over his four years. We encourage all students to complete the form even if they do not have enough points to receive the award this year. In order to be eligible for this award, your student must have a good disciplinary record.
Links to apply for these awards are available in the Padre Week Ahead -- All applications must be submitted by the student before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 to be considered. No late admissions will be considered.
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Student Internships Available for Kevin Mullin '88 for Congress Campaign |
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Serra High School Class of 1988 Alumni Kevin Mullin is running for Congress and has some internship opportunities available for interested Serra Padres. If you are interested in finding out more about this amazing opportunity, go to the Mullin for Congress internship page.
Mullin was first elected to the state Assembly in 2012 and has served as Assembly Speaker pro Tem since 2014. He has made election reform and strengthening our democracy top legislative priorities.
Mullin is running for Congress in California’s new 15th District, which covers parts of San Mateo and San Francisco counties. The district includes the cities in Mullin’s Assembly District 22 along with Daly City and a portion of San Francisco. In late November, Mullin declared candidacy for the primary scheduled on June 7, 2022.
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Reserve Your Spot on the Close Up Trip |
Experience history as it happens! During our six-day Election Week program beginning on November 6-11, students will meet new friends from across the country and experience the suspense of a presidential election in Washington, DC! As the upcoming election promises to shape politics and policy for the next several years, students will take part in activities, seminars, and visits to Washington’s most historic sites to help them understand what roles they, as citizens, can play in our democracy. Close Up’s
Election Week program provides students with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their
Congressional delegation on Capitol Hill and with Washington insiders who play a key role in the
American political system.
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Junior Mother-Son Mass Scheduled for March 8, 2022 |
The Junior Mother-Son Mass will take place on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:45 a.m. in the auditorium. All junior moms and their sons are invited to join us for a special Mass and breakfast to follow. An email invitation will be sent directly from Father Nick to junior mothers. Please. be sure to RSVP so we can get an accurate headcount. We look forward to this special morning of reflection and bonding. |
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Common Ground Speaker To Discuss Screen Time on March 9
Common Ground presents The New Tech Normal: Creating Balance and Boundaries Around Screen time on March 9 at 7:15 p.m.
As technology increasingly dominates the lives of children, there is little agreement about best practices for parents. Anya Kamenetz, author of The Art of Screentime, assembles scientific research and expert advice to help parents navigate our complex relationship with screens.
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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!
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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!
Aimee Lewis Strain
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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