2015 Business Day
Tuesday, August 4th
New Families: 9:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Returning Families: 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m.  
Campus Closed 
July 1st-10th

Summer Office Hours
The School Office
is open Monday to Thursday, from 
8:00 a.m. to Noon
Closed Fridays
A Message From Our President:
During our 20th Anniversary year we have had so very much to be thankful for. Please join me in prayer and thanksgiving for all of the blessings we have experienced over the past year and for God's continued blessings throughout the 2015-16 school year. 

 

We are so honored to welcome back our Serra families and officially welcome to Serra Catholic School the many new families who are joining our faith-filled, energetic and vibrant community. It is truly a privilege for all of our staff, administrators, teachers and support staff to work with you in partnership to educate your child in a Catholic environment dedicated to the spiritual and academic success of each child.

 

The 2015-16 school year brings continued excellence and anticipated joy with the implementation of a new leadership team for education; the Preschool arriving on campus, our new busing program, and advancements in Common Core ELA and Math. All of this plus more is being implemented by a team of dedicated administrators, teachers, and support staff - I am truly blessed to work with each one of them. It is with the support and leadership of our parents that we are able to implement so many wonderful things and prepare for such amazing programs for your students. For this, we are so grateful.


 

"Ask Jesus What He Wants From You And Be Brave -
Amor A Dios" ~ Pope Francis/Blessed Junipero Serra

 

Above is our school theme for 2015-16. We are continuing our great celebration of 20 years of educational excellence. Our verse for this school year is taken from the words of our Pontiff, Pope Francis. These words will be the cornerstone of our programs, policies, and decisions for this school year. The virtues of patience, humility, trust, meekness, and witness to God's presence in our lives will set the stage for a celebration of the countless hours of love and dedication that it took to take our school from rocks and stones in 1995 to where it is today.

  

Contained in this e-mail you will find a wealth of information to prepare you not only for Business Day 2015 but for all the many upcoming events that will be taking place here at Serra Catholic School. Your PTO has worked so hard to prepare you for Business Day and we look forward to seeing you there.

 

On July 30th, a special Constant Contact from the Office of the President will be published highlighting the new staff we are welcoming to Serra Catholic School - the news is exciting! Also, there will be a couple of communications throughout the month of August after Business Day that will continue to keep you informed and ready to begin a new year. Those communications will come from both our principals and myself.

  

Our 20th Anniversary Family Celebration is coming!

 

Serra Families and Staff!

SAVE the DATE

Friday, August 28th, 2015

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Come celebrate our Serra community with Food Trucks, Games, Activities and more; all complimentary for our Serra families and staff, provided by Serra Catholic School and generous donors. Mark your calendars now! 

 

God is good...all the time,

 

Angeline Trudell

President


PTO logo 2013

PTO Spotlight

Business Day 2015


Save the Date: Tuesday, August 4th

New Families: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Returning Families: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.


 

CLICK HERE for Business Day details.

 

CLICK HERE to pre-purchase a Jersey Mike's mini boxed lunch for your convenience at Business Day.  Limited quantities are available as walk-up orders. Pre-Purchase Lunch Orders accepted until Tuesday, July 28th. Questions? Contact Robin Torriero, PTO Hospitality at [email protected]

 

CLICK HERE to sign up to VOLUNTEER at Business Day. It's a great way to get a head start on your 2015-2016 service hours.  Questions?  Contact Noelle Chiasson, PTO VP - Volunteers at [email protected].

 

CLICK HERE to view upcoming school wide PTO Events and Programs.  Questions? Contact Teacia Andrew, PTO President at [email protected]. This page can be accessed on a regular basis at Parents>PTO Events & Programs on our Serra website.

Important Student Store News:
 

1. CLICK HERE to view the Student Store Home Page.

*NEW* Purchasing Student Store items has never been easier at Business Day! Please plan on bringing your Debit and Credit Cards for use at the Student Store to purchase PE Uniforms, Sweatshirts/pants, School Supplies, Used Uniforms, Novelty items and Special Order clothing.(Cash and checks also accepted).
Note: Used Uniforms Information: Drop off used uniforms for credit/exchange and purchase used clothing at the Student Store.

 

2. CLICK HERE to view the True Grits Uniform Information on the Student Store web pages. True Grits will be on campus, for your convenience, to purchase New Uniforms!  Please look for them upstairs in the 7th grade classrooms, only. True Grits accepts all forms of payment.


3. 
CLICK HERE to view the latest Information on the 2015-16 School Supply Kits.

 

As a reminder, the Serra Student Store has purchased the mandatory prepackaged School Supply Kits for all students in Grades TK-8 for the 2015-16 school year. No separate payment was required as the cost was a part of the 2015-16 Registration Fee, previously collected.

 

For 2015-16, all students are responsible to purchase on their own, the following items not included in the Kit: ear buds, a stylus and a microfiber wipe cloth. Copies of the School Supply Kit LISTS will be available at Business Day and posted to the web at that time for informational purposes only.


 4. The Student Store is closed for the summer. We look forward to seeing you on Business Day, Tuesday, August 4th in the Student Activity Center.

 

Student Store Questions? Contact Catherine Tirado, Student Store Coordinator at [email protected].

Business Office - Prior Year Past Due Reminder

Prior Year Past Due Fees

As noted on your Family Contract, all past due accounts must be paid in full in order to finalize your family's 2015-2016 re-enrollment and to ensure the release of your children(s) homeroom assignment at Business Day. Please continue to forward payments via mail to the attention of the Business Office or stop by the Business Office station which will be located in the School Office on Business Day.

 

For questions, please contact Ms. Jenny Banegas in the Business Office at [email protected].

 

20th Anniversary Serra Golf Classic 

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Tijeras Creek Golf Course

Register Today to Play Golf!

 

 

 

Golfer registration is open ONLINE now! Don't delay as the 20th Anniversary Serra Golf Classic is likely to sell out again this year!

 

CLICK HERE to register for a wonderful day of golf with fellow Serra supporters.  Tournament events also include Awards Dinner, Silent Auction and much more!

 

Don't miss out on the Tuition Ball Drop Opportunity to win Semi-Annual Tuition (TK-8) for the 2015-2016 school year OR $4,500 Cash Grand Prize! Plus new exciting student incentives! CLICK HERE to purchase golf balls and your chance to win, good luck!

 

EARLY BIRD DRAWING: Purchase golf balls on Business Day, Tuesday, August 4th by 6:00 p.m. and you will be entered for a chance to win a reserved parking spot in the Serra lot for the first two days of school (August 26th and 27th).

 

Please CLICK HERE for the 2015 Golf Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities. Your continued support helps to ensure this event's tradition of success, whether you can attend or not!

 

We will be hosting a Gift Gathering Drop-Off at our golf table during Business Day.  Please CLICK HERE to see some of the donations on our Wish List.  With your help we can make our Silent Auction amazing!

 

Encourage your close family and friends to support Serra Catholic School by forwarding this e-mail to them so they can participate in all of our Golf opportunities as well.

 

For further information, please contact our 2015 Golf Event Chairs Elizabeth Gould at [email protected] or Alexandra Simon at [email protected].

Harvest Festival 2015

"Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."  Matthew 5:16

 

Sunday, October 25, 2015

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Harvest Festival Event Chairs, Corey Lindsay and Georgia Prukop and their committee, have been busy planning for a spectacular event for our annual family fun-filled day!  Harvest Festival committee members will be located in the Student Activity Center on Business Day. 

 

Check off these must have items at the Harvest Festival tables:

 

      T-Shirts (***NEW***Harvest Festival T-shirts for your students may be worn with uniform bottoms on PE Days AND Fridays (except formal uniform days) until Christmas break.)

CLICK HERE to view the T-Shirt.


 
●      VIP Parking Space Raffle for an entire year in the Serra lot... for just $10 each. 

CLICK HERE for more details.


 
●      Grand Prize Raffle for a chance on a trip for 2 to Maui... for just $5 each.  It only takes one to win!

CLICK HERE for information on Student Incentives!


 

CLICK HERE to view our Harvest Festival Home Page and all the details!

CLICK HERE to view our Underwriting Opportunities.

CLICK HERE to access our Volunteers Sign Up Genius!

CLICK HERE to view our Wish List.

CLICK HERE to view our Harvest Festival Team of parents who are bringing you this special day!

Important News from the Health Room

The law prohibits schools from unconditionally admitting students without the required immunizations. All new and current students must show documentation to the Health Room of all updated booster shots, including the Tdap vaccine (whooping cough). If this documentation is not received before Business Day, your child will not be assigned a teacher/homeroom teacher and he or she will not be able to begin school until all of the immunizations are complete.

 

If you have any questions, please call Mary Hogan at 546-8705.

Finderprinting Fingerprinting Services

The Diocese of Orange requires that all volunteers that have contact with students at a school site 1) must be fingerprinted and 2) must complete Safe Environment training (an online training course). This includes volunteers that participate in the following activities:

 

  • Lunch/Recess Volunteers
  • After School Sports Program
  • Student Store
  • Snack Bar
  • Health Room
  • ELS Lab
  • Room Parents
  • Classroom volunteers
  • PTO Organization & Events
  • Field Trip Drivers and/or Chaperones
  • Boy Scouts
  • American Heritage Girls

 

You only need to be fingerprinted once. You do not need to renew this each year. The fingerprinting fee is $47.00 and you must provide a driver's license and Livescan form. 

 

For your convenience, fingerprinting services will be offered on Business Day, August 4th, at Serra between the hours of 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. 

 

To speed up the process, please contact Anna Merrill, at [email protected] for more information and to obtain the necessary forms in advance. 

 

Thank you for your cooperation and participation!

Important iPad Information 

Summer iPads

The iPad Help Desk will be open on Business Day for students who are having problems with their iPad. New families who have completed all of the paperwork (registration and Apple ID for Students account)  will be contacted by e-mail if they may pick-up their iPad from the Help Desk on Business Day.

 

Downloading Apps from the App Store

Students are not to download apps from the App Store at any time. Doing so will send a notification to the school and will disable both the Safari and Chrome browsers, and will turn off the WiFi whenever the student is on campus.

 

In order for the School to remove any unapproved apps from the iPad, the student must bring their iPad to the Help Desk. Although it only takes a few minutes to bring a device back into compliance with only the school apps, we are aware that there are a very large number of iPads on which students have downloaded apps through the App Store since the end of the year.

If your student has downloaded any unapproved apps through the App Store, they may drop their iPad at the Help Desk on Business Day. The staff will work on bringing the iPads back into compliance in August and will return them to the students when school resumes.

 

If a student does not drop their iPad at Business Day, they will need to drop it at the Help Desk when school resumes, and they may not have their iPad for a few days while it is brought into compliance.

 

E-mail and Google Drive Changes

Effective August 10th, the school will be moving to GMail accounts for both staff and students. When this takes place, the new GMail profile will be pushed out to the student iPads when they check into our management system by logging onto the internet.

 

Once this change takes place, the students may access both their e-mail and Google Drive accounts using the credentials provided on their iPads during the end-of-year refresh.

 

If you have any questions regarding your student's credentials or the school's iPad program, please e-mail [email protected]

 

2015 Memorial Ornaments
Memorial Ornament order forms are due prior to Friday, September 11, 2015, but may be turned in at Business Day. As a reminder, order forms were sent home in your Weekly Envelope a few months ago and also are available online. Please remember that one form must be filled out for each ornament ordered.

 

New Families, each year Serra offers the Memorial Ornament program, where ornaments may be purchased in memory of your loved ones. The ornament is designed by a Serra student. All ornaments will be blessed and students will place the ornaments on the Tree of Remembrance for the November 2nd Memorial Mass. The ornaments will remain on the Tree of Remembrance for the entire month of November and then all ornaments will be sent home with your student prior to Christmas break. Ornaments from previous years may be sent back to school with your child for our Memorial Mass and Tree of Remembrance.

 

Stop by the Advancement table at Business Day to see the sample and turn in your order form. CLICK HERE to print your order form now.

   

Attention New Parents

Please make sure you stop by the Advancement table to pick up your New Parent Dinner Invitation as well as to schedule your Roundtable appointment with Mrs. Trudell.

 

Also, if you need at-home volunteer work or like data entry projects, sign-up sheets will be available at the Advancement table to assist you in getting your volunteer hours done for the upcoming school year.

  

We look forward to meeting you!

 

Seasons logo

Season Tuition Assistance Luncheon 

Stop by the Tuition Assistance Luncheon table to learn how you can get involved in this amazing event. Whether you would like to volunteer or attend the event with friends and/or family members, make sure to save the date for the Third Annual Tuition Assistance Luncheon, Sunday, January 31, 2016. Hostess and Server applications will also be available at the table during Business Day.

Scrip Program News

*Business Day is the perfect opportunity to purchase scrip and to also learn more about our online and electronic scrip programs!

 

A sample of available scrip is listed below: (As a reminder, all purchases require cash or check payment.)


 

Albertsons

Arco

Spikes

Chevron

Chipotle

Cinnamon Prod.

Island's

Kohls

Lowe's

Macy's

McDonald's

Mobil

Old Navy/Gap

Panera Bread

PetsMart

Regal

Shell

Sprouts

Staples

Starbucks

Stater Bros.

Target

Tutto Fresco

Vons/Pavilions


 

 

* Summer Scrip Orders: Pick up your scrip gift card order on Business Day, August 4th

Summer Orders placed by 12 noon on July 22nd will be available for pick-up on Business Day at the Scrip table in the School Office lobby. CLICK HERE to download an order form. See Files: "Summer Order Form".  

 

 

 

  

ORDERING SCRIP JUST GOT EASIER!

  • Convenience- Families can order scrip at their convenience over the internet at the ShopWithScrip.com website.
  • Full Selection- Over 250 nationwide retailers and denominations at a glance.
  • In-Depth Information- Access your own purchase and rebate history.
  • Easy Start-Up- Create your free ShopWithScrip account in just a few easy steps.
  • Online Payment- Through Presto Pay using the safe, reliable NACHA EFT System.

CLICK HERE to find out more information about this convenient way to purchase scrip!

 


 


 


 
 

Attain your Serra Catholic Financial Participation Rebate Goal Faster & Easier!

  • Register If you have not received your invitation to the scripsense private network, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or to Serra's Scrip Coordinator at [email protected]  
  • Shop & Spend Members can shop over 250 brands in the Online Shopping Mall and also purchase electronic gift cards at the eGift Card Gallery.
  • Enable Your Mobile Wallet Shop, earn and organize your eGift cards!
  • Complimentary Tools Build your team & earn even more!  You have the option to "Invite" family and friends to help you attain your goals faster! 

CLICK HERE to find out more information about this exciting new online program which allows you to order virtual scrip at your convenience!

 

We will have computer access to assist you with registering for both Shopwithscrip and scripsense.


 

*eScrip (Vons/Pavilions) Registration and Renewal

To Register or Renew from home go to www.escrip.comRegister your applicable cards (i.e. Pavilions ValuePlus, VonsClub or Safeway cards, ATM card, and Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners, and American ExpressCards).  Existing supporters will need to renew their Vons/Pavilions cards before October 31, 2015.  Serra's eScrip ID number is 136559531. (Eligible purchases that Serra receives notification prior to April 30, 2016 will be credited towards your 2015-2016 scrip rebates.)


 

We will have computer access to assist you with registering and/or renewing all necessary cards for eScrip. Please remember to bring your club cards and other pertinent information such as passwords with you.

 

*Ralph's Reward Card Renewal and Registration

No new registrations in August. All accounts must be re-registered every September.

To register after September 1st, please go to www.ralphs.com.

To Renew, click on "Sign In". For new Registrations click on "Create an Account".  After registering your card, Ralphs should send you an e-mail confirming your registration. After receiving this e-mail go to www.ralphs.com, then to Community which is located on the bottom of the home page, then to Community Contribution. Go to "Participant Enroll". Then sign in and you will be able to view your account and select Serra. Serra's non-profit organization number is 84466. CLICK HERE to access the Electronic Scrip Program page

 

Please note: currently registered supporter contributions will stop on August 31st and mandatory re-registration of all supporters will begin September 1st.

  

For any questions please contact Vera Nitinthorn, Scrip Coordinator at
888-1990 ext.121 or [email protected].

  

Extended Care Business Day (August 4) To Do List:

Extended Care staff will be available on Business Day to answer any questions about the program and usage options. CLICK HERE for more Extended Care information. You may also plan to turn in the following forms and payment on Business Day:

  • 2015-2016 Extended Care Fee Agreement 
  • Signed Extended Care Policy and Regulation Acknowledgement Receipt                    
  • Registration Fee ($50.00 per student) Hourly Rate and Flat Rate Usage.  Please make checks payable to: Serra Catholic School.

 

Flat Rate Usage Notice: An Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Form is required for all Flat Rate Usage payments.  Your completed EFT form is due no later than July 27th to allow processing for your first payment on August 1st. Please CLICK HERE to obtain a copy of the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form.

 

Please note: Families may not re-register for the Extended Care program until all past due fees have been paid in full. Any past due fees may be paid before or on Business Day at the Business Office station.

 

Questions? Please contact Peggy Armenta at [email protected] 

HamburgerIn-N-Out�

In N Out is here again with lunches beginning in October this year! There will be no In N Out in August and September. In N Out is served on Thursday of each month by parent volunteers (with the exception of the first Thursday of the month and minimum/non- school days). Please be sure to look at the dates of the In N Out lunches carefully and plan accordingly (all dates are listed on the In N Out page). The annual form and monthly forms will be available after Business Day. CLICK HERE to visit the In N Out page and to order lunches after August 4th. Links to order lunches will not be active until August 5th. 

Family Portrait Fundraiser

Mike Gillmore Photography, one of Orange County's top portrait photographers, will photograph your family, including any sub-groups, at Diver's Cove in Laguna Beach for a Sunset Portrait (or mutually agreed upon location).

 

This $315 value is a great bargain at $40. The photo sessions will take place during the months of June through September. Every photo session comes with 1 - 8x10 portrait from the pose of your choice. Extra photographs will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds given to Serra Catholic School. All appointments will be made by Gillmore Photography on a first-come, first-served basis once your coupon and payment are received and processed at Serra.

 

For additional information and the participation form, please CLICK HERE.  

After School Sports 2015-2016

Fall sports include Girls Volleyball (5th -8th grade), Boys Flag Football

(5th-8th grade), and Spirit Squad (5th-8th grade).

Interested in Coaching for Fall? Contact Miss Lewis: [email protected] or Mr.Gozbak [email protected]

 

Mark your calendar and fill out your TRYOUT FORM for Girls volleyball and Boys Flag Football. Tryouts dates are the following:

 

Girls Volleyball

Wednesday, August 26th  & Thursday, August 27th  

  • 5th/6th - 12:45-2:00 p.m.
  • 7th/8th - 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Boys Flag Football

Wednesday, August 26th  & Thursday, August 27th  

  • 5th/6th - 3:15-4:30 p.m.
  • 7th/8th - 4:30-5:30 p.m.

You must fill out a Tryout Form in order to tryout.

 

Fall Sports Meeting will be held on September 1st from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (If your child makes the team you will need to be at this meeting).

 

CLICK HERE to go to the After School Sports webpage and click on the sport you are interested in. Please fill out the tryout form located at the bottom of the page. 

Choice Lunch 

Serra Catholic will be using Choice Lunch again this year. CLICK HERE to visit the Choice Lunch webpage. To register, use the registration code: Serra

Library BooksLibrary News

Stop by the Library table in the SAC to learn more about library volunteer opportunities and Celebration Book Club.  CLICK HERE to visit the Celebration Book Club page.

Anchor Ball 2016

Save the Date for the 21st Annual Anchor Ball!  This year's event will take place April 30th, 2016 at the Newport Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.  Anchor Ball is an incredible night out for Serra parents and benefactors to enjoy.  Guests arrive with welcoming ocean views, entertainment, silent auction, dinner, live auction and of course dancing!  Join our amazing Serra community and be part of this 21st celebration!  Watch your SerraDIPITY for more details.