SerraDIPITY

Volume 21 � Issue 01 � September 3, 2015

 

 "Ask Jesus What He Wants From You And Be Brave - Amor A Dios" 

~Pope Francis/Blessed Junipero Serra

 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter  
 
In This Issue
A Message from our President
Principals' Message
Letter from PTO President
20th Anniversary Golf Classic
Harvest Festival 2015
Choir Rehearsals
School Pictures
"Walker" Authorization Form
In N Out®
Essential Learning Systems (ELS) Program
Boys Town California Common Sense Parenting Classes
Student Accident Insurance
Scrip News
Season's Tuition Assistance Luncheon Meeting
Family Portrait Fundraiser
Spirit Squad
Send Weekly SerraDIPITY to Additional Addresses
Community Programs of Interest
Living Our Faith

 

 Prayer Partners &

Prayer Requests

 

Please CLICK HERE for more information about Outreach Ministries.

Parish Connections Update
CLICK HERE to view this month's Parish events.
  
  
Weekly Rosary
Please join us for  our weekly, Friday morning Rosary. CLICK HERE for more information.
  
  
Volunteer
    Opportunities      
PTO logo 2013
Please CLICK HERE to view the many volunteer opportunities that are available here at Serra Catholic
  

Community Programs
of Interest

 

Click each title below for more information
on programs available
in the community.
The inclusion of any flyer does not constitute approval
or endorsement of the program. Flyers are provided as a service.
       

JSerra Guest Speaker Series

 

\
 

A Message From Our President

Striving to be happy every day is just a part of life. Happiness truly has a simple formula - being thankful to God daily through prayer, words and actions for all that we have, for the blessings God has given us are abundant and continue to grow as we recognize each blessing as a gift from God.  


 
Welcome Back! We are so excited that the 2015-16 school year has arrived.  Over the next couple of weeks we will have our back-to-school-nights where I will review our school theme, canonization of our Patron Junipero Serra, the yearly virtue of gratitude, and communication tools. Our principals will speak about new and exciting education opportunities and the teachers will share their motivating and outstanding curricular plans. You will most definitely experience that we are SerraStrong - a community united in God's Love.
 
Please take a moment to read the yearly Welcome Letter from our Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orange, Mr. Greg Dhuvetter. You can do so by CLICKING HERE.
 
This being our first SerraDIPITY of the year we acknowledge the fact it is a long one! On the bright side, we do have a three day weekend allowing you extra time to read it.
 
A big thank you to all who attended our 20th Anniversary party  
We are so grateful to the many, many families who were able to spend some time with us last Friday night at our anniversary event. It was so much fun because of the smiles and laughter of each child that attended.
 
Mark your calendars for two very important Liturgies
I am happy to announce the first two Masses of this school year will be extra special. Mark your calendars so that you can join us:
            
* Mass to celebrate the Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra.
   Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

* Mass to end the 20th Anniversary celebration with Bishop Kevin Vann
   Tuesday, October 6, 2015 9:30 a.m.

Look to this SerraDIPITY for more information over the next few weeks about the celebration of the canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra and our plans for a liturgy with Bishop Kevin Vann.
 
Communication is Key to your Partnership with Serra
Serra Catholic School is committed to keeping our parents connected to our school through consistent, open, honest, and helpful communication tools. We have listened to our parents who have shared new thoughts about streamlining our communication to help everyone stay connected and yet not be overwhelmed. Although I will review this a bit more at Back-to-School nights, I am happy to announce this updated communication plan.
 
SerraDIPITY- Schoolwide Newsletter Generated from the President's Office (You can have this sent to multiple e-mail addresses)
 
The SerraDIPITY newsletter is sent out every Thursday afternoon by 6:00 p.m. and remains our most important schoolwide communication tool, covering all programs and events that relate to the entire school. All items covered in the SerraDIPITY are essential to your involvement at Serra. The items include but are not limited to Masses and other spiritual events, weekly reflection from the President, Christian service projects, fundraisers (e.g. Golf, Harvest, Anchor Ball, Scrip announcements), student services (such as lunch programs and after school sports), links to various schoolwide programs and parish/community events... New 2015-16, immediately following the President's message will be news from our two Principals, Mrs. Reiss, and Mrs. Tipton, PRINCIPALS' CORNER. In this section they will cover news, information, reflections on the academic programs, and student learning plans for your children. It is all now in one place.
 
New This Year...The Sunday Parent E-mail Has a New Look!
I'm thrilled to announce that you'll begin receiving a new and improved Sunday Parent E-mail beginning this Sunday, September 6th!

Our Lead Room Parent Coordinators, Mrs. Shannon O'Connor (Preschool-K), Mrs. Shannon Smaldino (Grades One-Four), and Mrs. Kim Gallaway (Grades Five-Eight) have been working hard over the summer to provide you with this new, simple format. 

The Sunday Parent E-mail will be sent out as a single e-mail that contains ALL grade level information pertaining to events and annoucements in your child(ren)'s grade for the coming week. All you have to do is click on the link to your child(ren)'s grade for that information. 

Please note that The Sunday Parent E-mail ONLY provides grade level information and does not contain any schoolwide information which can only be found in the weekly SerraDIPITY newsletter (e.g. President and Princials' announcements, sport tryout schedules, In N Out, Business Office reminders, PTO events, important administrative deadlines etc.)

If you have a second e-mail address that you would like to add to receive The Sunday Parent E-mail, please contact your Lead Room Parent Coordinator listed below:

Shannon O'Connor (Preschool-K) [email protected]
Shannon Smaldino (Grades One - Four) [email protected]
Kim Gallaway (Grades Five - Eight) [email protected]


President's Constant Contact E-Mails (as needed)
This special communication tool from the President is sent out on occasion throughout the year to support important events such as Grandparents Day and Serra Fundraisers. It is also used to announce something new, a major change, or when challenging areas need immediate attention. These are sent out only when needed; however, when they do come out they are essential to our communication process.

Social Media Notice
We here at Serra feel that social networking is a wonderful tool for us to share with you the events, news and accomplishments of our students.  At this time, Serra Catholic does not have any plans to communicate through any other forms of social media other than Facebook and Twitter. You'll be notified in advance if changes to these plans should occur.

Parents -  it's also important to know that under no circumstances should our Serra Catholic School name (whole or in part), school logo, photos of our buildings, use of our Charism, Mission or Vision statements, or any part of these statements be used in creating a personal social media account that will mislead others into believing this information is coming directly from Serra Catholic School. It is not only our policy, but also falls under the restrictions, rules, or content boundaries of all social media when creating a page. 

Posting Photos of Serra Students on Social Media
Please be cognizant and refrain from posting photos of ANY Serra student where their name is clearly visible to the viewers. This would include any photos where the student is wearing their student identification badge or sitting at a desk where their name is visible.

Please know that the safety of our students is always our number one priority when making decisions and putting policy and procedures into place.

New this Year...Facebook Events Pages!
If you haven't done so already, please visit our Facebook page to see all of the fun, daily posts, photos, and announcements on what's happening out-and-about and all around campus! In addition, this year we're excited to announce we've added event pages for our Golf Classic, Harvest Festival and coming soon...Anchor Ball 2016. These pages are a fun way to keep you up to date on the latest news leading up to these exciting events. 
 
Traffic Information and Reminders
A big thank you to everyone for your patience with traffic the first few days of school which are always very hectic! As we near the end of the first full week of school, we think everyone is settling into a routine for both the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. As we have mentioned in past years, we are a large school which means for the most part the traffic patterns for both drop-off and pick-up run about 30 minutes each barring anything out of our control such as accidents or inoperative traffic lights. If you just plan this amount of time into your day, it should be less stressful. If you would like to read again in detail the student drop-off and pick-up procedures which were included in the Back to School Information Constant Contact from Mrs. Trudell, please CLICK HERE.

If you would follow these few general but important traffic reminders, we would greatly appreciate it:
  • DO NOT access, under any circumstances, the parking lots of 1) Memorial Care Medical Plaza on Banderas, 2) the apartment/condo complex behind Memorial Care and 3) the apartment/condo complex on La Ventana right next to theschool. We have received numerous complaints from the staff, patients, and residences.
  • DO NOT block the intersection of Antonio Parkway and La Ventana as those residents also need to be able to exit their complex in a timely manner.
  • DO NOT park in the neighborhood across Banderas. They have Permit Parking and you will be ticketed. The Permit Parking is in effect from 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on ALL school days. Only when we have received special permission from the city are our parents allowed to park there. These dates are provided to our parents either via email or through the SerraDIPITY newsletter.
     
  • Illegal U-turns are very dangerous. For the safety of ALL families, DO NOT make illegal u-turns on any streets surrounding the school.
  • DO NOT use your cell phone while driving through the traffic pattern on campus
  • DO NOT park in any numbered parking spots as these are designated for staff only
  • Follow the direction of our staff members who are trying to keep EVERYONE safe!
  • Please bring your patience, respect and KINDNESS to and from school with you every day.
     
  • Parents who witness unsafe driving practices do notify us with their concerns. 
     
Thank you again for cooperating with us to make our traffic procedures run as smoothly as possible!

Get On the Bus!
We are still accepting applications for the Serra Catholic School Bus Transportation program.  Service begins Monday, September 14th.  To ensure you have a seat, please turn in your bus contract next week. We will be sending home Bus Passes to all registered riders in next week's Weekly Envelope.  If you have questions, please contact Pam Owens at ext.165.

Food for Friends
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25

"Food for Friends" food drive is back this year beginning Friday, September 11th. As in past years, we help the food banks associated with our four parishes. After soliciting feedback from each parish they have expressed interest in one rather than two drives per month in anticipation of receiving greater participation. Your contributions feed hungry men, women, and children in our communities. What seems like a small amount can truly help a family in need. Food drives also strengthen our community by giving us an opportunity to live the Gospel teachings of Jesus, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Not sure what to donate? Non-perishable canned goods or dry foods are welcome.
  • Canned meats, fish, soup, fruits, and vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Hot & Cold cereal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Beans
  • Rice
  • Peanut butter
*We are also looking into utilizing re-usable food bags. If you have any extra re-usable grocery bags that you could donate to this worthy cause, please include them with your food drive donations next Friday, September 11th. 

Thank you for your support!

Please contact Louise Valdez or Diana Wilkinson with any questions:
  
God is Good...All the Time,
  
Angeline Trudell
President    



 
 


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

Principals' Corner
Mrs. Carol Reiss, Preschool-2 & Mrs. Julie Tipton, Grades 3-8

Back-to-School Nights
All Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend our Back-to-School Nights scheduled as follows:
  • Grades Six - Eight - Tonight, Thursday, September 3rd
  • Grades Three, Four and Five - Tuesday, September 8th 
  • Grades One and TwoThursday, September 10th
  • Preschool, TK and K - Tuesday, September 15th
*All Back-to-School Nights begin at 6:30 p.m.*
Parking is available in the Memorial Health Care Parking lot after 6:10 p.m.
  
The purpose of these evenings is to:
1)  Lay the foundation with you for the partnership that we have in educating your child.
 
2)  Provide you with a comprehensive curricular overview for your child's academic year, including the grade level syllabus, information about your child's class schedule, and the extra-curricular highlights.
 
3)  Introduce the instructional team that will support your child's spiritual, academic, and social development at school.
 
4)  Provide you with a forum in which you can ask questions, volunteer for service opportunities, and meet fellow grade level parents.

If your child is enrolled in an Advanced Plus or Small Group Accommodated Class, please look for an email from your child's teacher. You will receive a personal email for a special 15 minute session of Back-to-School Night prior to the 6:30 p.m. start time.  
 
Attendance and participation at Back-to-School Night signifies your commitment to the partnership which will cater to the unique needs of your child. Thank you for your commitment and your time! We look forward to meeting all of you.

Renaissance STAR Reading and Mathematics Assessments
 
The Diocese of Orange has mandated that we use Renaissance STAR Reading and Mathematics Assessments in all of the Diocesan Elementary Schools rather than the IOWA Assessments which we have administered in past years. Since Serra Catholic School is a Diocesan school we must abide by this mandate. This Renaissance STAR test is NOT the same assessment formerly administered in the state of California public schools.
 
The Renaissance STAR Assessments measure students' mastery of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Reading and Mathematics. The Renaissance STAR Assessments are adaptive. Test questions are generated based on student responses. 

This year we will give the Renaissance STAR Reading and Mathematics Assessments to Grades 1-8 September 29th through October 9th. Students will take one Reading Assessment and one Mathematics Assessment. Each assessment will take no longer than 45 minutes to complete. We will give it again to Kindergarten - Eighth Grade in January and in May. Specific testing dates will be published on Thursday, September 24th. Serra Catholic students have taken the Renaissance STAR assessments for the past few years and are familiar with the testing platform.
 
You may hear that another school in our Diocese will give the IOWA tests this year.  This is because that school is undergoing a Western College Educational Association (WCEA) accreditation and they have been given special permission for this year only to give the test so that they can use the longitudinal data for the accreditation process.
  
Mrs. Leland, Mrs. Tipton and Mrs. Reiss will offer a "Standardized Assessments at Serra Catholic 101" informational meeting for all parents on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. This will be offered again on Thursday, September 24th at 9:15 a.mPlease view the letter from Mrs. Sally Todd, our Associate Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Orange regarding the change in standardized testing.

Dress Code Policy
In keeping with the school's mission and philosophy, the dress code at Serra Catholic School has been designed to promote Christian modesty and to help parents/guardians and students make informed decisions about appropriate dress. Serra Catholic School believes that a student's personal appearance has an impact on his/her attitude, self-respect, learning, and personal discipline. Serra Catholic would like to expand our continued efforts in communicating and collaborating with parents/guardians. Students will not be marked for Dress code demerits up until September 14th to allow enough time for families to correct the violation. Students who violate the uniform policy will be handed a uniform infraction (not to be noted on their merit card) with a description of the infraction to be signed by the parent/guardian as well as the student.
Letter from the PTO President

The President of our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Teacia Andrew, would like to share an important message with all of our Serra parents.  Please be sure to CLICK HERE in order to read our PTO President's Letter.  Visit the Serra Website for more information regarding the PTO Board, and PTO Events and Programs. 
Only Two Weeks Until the 20th Anniversary Serra Golf Classic
 
The countdown is on! This is our school's final 20th Anniversary event and you will not want to miss it!
 


Sold Out! 
Thank you to all of our golfers who will be joining us on Thursday, September 17th!
If you don't golf, please join us for a casual dinner and drinks on the terrace and a chance to bid on some amazing Silent Auction baskets. CLICK HERE to register for dinner.
 
Keep Calm and Buy Golf Balls
CLICK HERE for the opportunity to win Semi-Annual Tuition (TK-8th) for the 2015-2016 school year OR $4,500 CASH. Students who sell golf balls will be entered into weekly student incentive drawings with new prizes like a GoPro Camera, an American Girl Doll and a $100 gift card for Amazon. Who wouldn't want to win one of those!  Need additional forms CLICK HERE.
 
Thank you to our Sponsors
CLICK HERE to see who's supporting Serra. There is still time and we'd love for you to join them.
 
S.O.S. - Silent Auction Needs Your Participation
Please look at our SignUpGenius for items that we are still looking for.  Your participation is greatly appreciated!
 
Like us on Facebook
Be sure to like our event under the Serra Catholic School Golf Classic Facebook page. We'll be posting the latest news and information there. 
 
Thank you in advance for your support of the 20th Anniversary Serra Golf Classic. We look forward to seeing you on the course.  Hit 'em straight!
 
Questions? Contact Event Chairs Elizabeth Gould at [email protected] and Alex Simon at [email protected].
 
Harvest Festival 2015 "Shine" 

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

Sunday, October 25th              
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Stay and Play ALL day... Food, Games, Fun Zone, Sports Zone, Live Music and more! Got your Harvest Festival T-Shirt?

Students can wear Harvest Festival t-shirts with uniform bottoms on PE DAYS AND FRIDAYS (except formal uniform days) until Christmas break. ORDER YOUR HARVEST T-SHIRT ONLINE and it will be delivered in your Weekly Envelope.

Family Restaurant Fundraisers
Want to have a great meal and earn money for our school at the same time?  Meet us at Selma's Chicago Pizzeria on Wednesday, September 9th and the restaurant will donate 20% of your lunch or dinner check to the Serra Catholic Harvest Festival.  The offer is valid at both locations (RSM and Ladera Ranch) and applies to dine-in or take-out orders.  Please print the SELMA'S CHICAGO PIZZERIA flyer and take it with you to the restaurant.
 
Underwriting Opportunities
Each year, the Harvest Festival relies on the generosity of our underwriters.  Please consider supporting this year's event with a tax-deductible contribution.CLICK HERE to become a Harvest Festival supporter.

Like us on Facebook
Be sure to like our event under the Serra Catholic School Harvest Festival Facebook page. We'll be posting the latest news and information there. 
  
Questions? Contact Harvest Event Chairs Corey Lindsay at [email protected]and Georgia Prukop at [email protected].

Choir Rehearsals Start Next Week!
  
The Serra Singers will start morning rehearsals on Wednesday September 9th at 6:55 a.m. in the Middle School Music room.  The Serra Singers are open to Third and Fourth Grade students.  No audition necessary! The Serra Singers will meet regularly on Monday and Wednesday Mornings.  Students can be dropped off at the Extended Care gate and may walk to the Middle School Music room.

The Tiny Trebles will start on Thursday September 10th for Second Grade students.  First Grade Tiny Trebles will start on Monday September 14th.  The Tiny Trebles rehearse after school from 1:50 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Middle School Music room.  Mrs. Sifers will pick students up from their classrooms after school.  Students will be walked to the PEB lunch tables or Extended Care at 2:30 p.m. in time for the second traffic pattern.  

See Mrs. Sifers' website for more information! 


Junior Thespian Troupe
The Junior Thespian Troupe will have an informational meeting on Wednesday September 9th from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in the school library. This group is open to students in grades 6-8. Students in this troupe like acting, singing musical theatre songs, and learning about theatre! We will meet twice a month on Wednesdays after school.  See Mrs. Sifers' webpage for more information! 

Save the Date - School Pictures

School pictures will be held the week of September 15th. A detailed schedule will come out ahead of time so check your SerraDIPITY.
 
Would you like to help with school pictures?  Please e-mail Mr. Corey Overton, Assistant Principal Student Services at [email protected].

"Walker" Authorization Form

As in the past, students may not leave campus without having a written authorization form on file with the school. Per Diocesan policy, students may leave campus unaccompanied after school only under two scenarios: if a student lives within 1.5 miles of the school, or if a student is walking to the bus stop adjacent to the school on Antonio Parkway (a bus route number must be written on the form).  There are no other circumstances under which a student may leave campus unsupervised at dismissal. 
  
The authorization forms are available in the School Office and must be returned to the school for approval before a student may leave campus unsupervised at dismissal (approval may take up to 3 school days). Once approved, the form will be sent to the student's homeroom and they may then begin leaving campus unsupervised after school. All students must exit through the Extended Care gate and check out with the staff member on duty. The staff member will also give the student his/her walker pass the first time he/she leaves campus after school.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Mr. Corey Overton, Assistant Principal,Student Services at [email protected] 
Annual and October In N Out�  Hamburger
In-N-Out� for October Closes  Friday, September 25th!
 
In-N-Out� lunch will be served on Thursday, October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. Ordering for both October and Annual orders closes Friday, September 25th. There is NO In N Out� served on Thursday, October 1st so please plan accordingly!
 
 CLICK HERE to place your MONTHLY order. CLICK HERE to place your ANNUAL order.  
Essential Learning Systems (ELS) Program 

ELS has openings in both after-school sessions! If your child lacks confidence in his or her academic skills, has difficulty understanding and/or remembering information, takes a long time to complete schoolwork or homework, has limited independent learning skills, and/or benefits from additional academic support, ELS may help. ELS is a computerized, multi-sensory, interactive program that improves focus, strengthens information processing skills, and enhances a variety of academic skills (e.g., reading decoding, reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development, and spelling). ELS provides a fun environment where students strengthen their skills in a game-like format and earn points and prizes for their efforts. Two after-school classes are available:  1:50-2:35 p.m. (for students in grades K through two) and 2:50-3:40 p.m. (for students in Grades three through eight). Students attend ELS four days per week (Monday through Thursday) for a minimum of one academic year. Please email Dr. Lori Quigley  at[email protected] or Dr. Mariam Mott  at [email protected] for more information or to enroll your child.
Boys Town California Common Sense Parenting Classes

Serra is hosting Common Sense Parenting classes again this fall! This is a 6-week course for parents of children 13-18 years old, who want to build on their existing skills or learn new ways of dealing with their children's behaviors. Classes are FREE of charge, and are taught by a professional parent trainer from Boys Town California. Classes run from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Serra Catholic School, and the class dates for Fall 2015 are: 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, and 10/27.  If you are interested or would like more information, please Mrs. Kristina Bielkevicius by Tuesday 9/15 at [email protected].   
Student Accident Insurance
 
Enclosed in today's Weekly Envelope, you will find a flyer from our school accident insurance carrier- Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc. All students are covered by school time secondary accident insurance. The premium is included in your registration fee. The coverage extends to include travel to and from school one hour before and one hour after school (only if student is directly en route to and from school). The insurance would also cover school-sponsored events, directly supervised activities and school-sponsored sports activities.
 
Please review this information and take special note of the extra 24 hour Accident Plan, Dental Accident Plan, Student Health Care Plan and Pharmacy School SaveRX Prescription Drug Discount Plan.
 
If you wish to purchase the optional coverage, please complete the application, enclose the appropriate premium amount and mail directly to Myers, Stevens and Toohey & Co., Inc. as soon as possible in order to maximize your benefit from the plan. If you have any questions please contact Mary Hogan in the Health Room (949) 546-8705.
Scrip News - Welcome Back Scrip Packet and Ways to Purchase Scrip
 
Did you receive your 2015-2016 Scrip Packet?
Scrip Program information flyer, Backpack Waiver and order forms were sent home with your oldest child on the first day of school.  CLICK HERE for packet information.
 
Serra has 5 ways to help you earn rebates and attain or exceed your $275 Financial Participation Fee: (Grades TK-8)

   

1.  Scripsense online program  CLICK HERE

 

2. Shopwithscrip online program CLICK HERE

  
3. Electronic Programs (Ralph's) CLICK HERE

 

4. Daily Sales  CLICK HERE

 

5. Weekly Sales CLICK HERE

 

Escrip Vons/Pavilions eScrip Program discontinued as of July 31, 2015 
Please note as of July 31, 2015, Safeway/Vons/Pavilions will no longer be participating in the eScrip Program. Vons/Pavilions will continue to accept scrip gift cards which are available for purchase through Serra's Daily, Weekly and Shopwithscrip Programs.

Weekly Order Update: Town Center Car Wash scrip gift cards are no longer available due to new management.
 
Please contact Vera Nitinthorn, Scrip Coordinator with any questions at [email protected] or (949) 888-1990 ext. 121.






 
Seasons logo Season's Tuition Assistance Luncheon Interest Meeting Next Week

This year's Tuition Assistance Luncheon will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Want to learn more about how you can get involved?  We are inviting all who might consider serving on the planning committee, volunteering to be a table (co)hostess or server, or have a high school aged student who would like to volunteer at the event to a meeting next Wednesday,  September 9th at 9:30 a.m. in the Extended Care Room. 

Working on this event is so rewarding!  It is a fabulous way to get volunteer hours on a weekend while helping raise funds for students at Serra Catholic School and the three schools that comprise the Marian Alliance of Schools in Santa Ana, who rely on financial assistance to attend Catholic school.
 
CLICK HERE to see the photos from our previous lunchoens. If you have any questions or cannot make the meeting but are interested in participating, please contact Karin Hendrick, Event Chair, at [email protected] or
949-636-8446.   
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 a 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 December.  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.  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.
 
CLICK HERE to print the order form. 

Spirit Squad

The Fall Spirit Squad is open to 5th-8th grade students who want to show their spirit!  These individuals will cheer for Boys Football Games held on the Serra Campus. They will also be part of the first School Rally. Parent Coaches are needed to supervise at games and performances.  The game schedule will be available Sept.15th for games beginning that week.  For more information or to volunteer to be a parent coach contact Dana Maas via email at [email protected]CLICK HERE to visit the Spirit Squad web page.                                
Send the Weekly SerraDIPITY to Additional E-mail Addresses

If you would like to have the weekly SerraDIPITY sent electronically to additional e-mail addresses, please login to the Parents Only and Protected Forms area of the website, then click on "Add Additional E-mails to Receive SerraDIPITY". Enter additional e-mail addresses in the box provided then click on GO.
  
A confirmation notice will be sent to the new address, confirming the addition of the e-mail address.
  
Please note, this will not be a managed database list - if you no longer wish to receive the weekly SerraDIPITY newsletter through the additional e-mail address you provide, you must unsubscribe through the link provided at the bottom of the newsletter. 

When choosing to "unsubscribe" from receiving any Constant Contact e-mails means you will no longer receive any schoolwide communication from Serra Catholic School including: important announcements from the Office of the President, PTO Event announcements as well as the weekly SerraDIPITY newsletter, which is our primary source of schoolwide announcements and information. Please let us know immediately if this was done unintentionally as we are unable to manually add you back into the database without Constant Contact's involvement.
  
NOTE: this address does NOT replace your family's primary e-mail contact information or any other e-mail addresses which you have supplied to your Room Parent Coordinator. If you would like to change your primary e-mail address, please CLICK HERE to complete a CHANGE of Status Form.
  
Our SerraDIPITY newsletter is our main form of communicating all school news to our Serra families. If you are having difficulty receiving your SerraDIPITY newsletter on a regular basis, or know of another Serra parent that mentioned to you that they have not  been receiving the newsletter, please contact, or have them contact, Cindy Kennedy, Communications Director at [email protected].  
Community Programs of Interest

JSerra Guest Speaker Series
JSerra has lined up some sensational and nationally-renowned speakers this year.  They will dive in deep on subjects that may be of interest to you such as: dealing with today's teen culture, practical tips on parenting, and deepening your spiritual life.

For more information, please click on the link under Community Programs of Interest on the left side of this newsletter.