SerraDIPITY

Volume 21 � Issue 08 � October 22, 2015

 

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

~Pope Francis/Saint Junipero Serra

 

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In This Issue
A Message from our President
Principals' Corner
Harvest Festival 2015
Winter Sports' Tryouts
In N Out®
SchooMessenger Text Messaging
Season Tuition Assistance Luncheon
Box Tops and Labels for Education
Scrip News
True Grits Customer Appreciation Sale
Estate Planning
Volunteers Needed in Technology
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


Record Service Hours

CLICK HERE  to record your service hours
  

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.
       

 

 

St. Kilian
Trunk or Treat for Kids

 

 

Holy Trinity EFFF
Thomas House Dinner



JSerra Guest Speaker Series


Give Thanks
Bondi Ministries
6th Annual Benefit Concert

 

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A Message from our President

We all seek happiness. Practicing these virtues helps us live as God wants us to live. With these little changes to our daily life...happy is the result!

I pray for your happiness each and every day.





Let's Ride the Bus!

We are thrilled to share two very important and exciting announcements regarding our Bus Transportation Program. The first announcement is we have implemented the second (North) bus route (see details below) to our already existing South Bus Route.  Secondly, and even more exciting is our offer for your child(ren) to try the bus for free during the month of November!

Here are the (3) stops of the new North route (additional details, including a map and pick up/drop off times can be found on the Transportation webpage):
  • Lake Forest Sports Park (Portola at Rancho Parkway)
  • Petsmart Parking Lot (Avenida de las Flores/Mattina/RSM)
  • Coto de Caza Sports and Recreation Park (Coto de Caza Drive/North Gate)
Morning Departure will begin at 7:00 a.m. with an arrival time to Serra no later than 7:35 a.m.  Afternoon departure from school is 2:45 p.m., arriving 10 to 30 minutes later depending on the stop. You have the options of using the bus for both AM/PM, AM only or PM only.


Free Trial for November:
Beginning November 2nd and ending November 19th, your child(ren) may try the bus for free. To sign up for this free trial, you must fill out the attached waiver form CLICK HERE.  A separate form is required for each child, and the form must be returned to the school office by Wednesday, October 28th by 3:00 p.m.  You will receive a confirmation email of your request prior to November 2nd.  If you do not receive a confirmation email by October 30th and have signed up, please email us at [email protected]

I want to stress how important increasing ridership is to our future of this blessed community. We have an entire team dedicated to supporting the arrival and departure of our buses, ensuring students' safety at all times.  Our buses take priority at arrival and departure. There are so many reasons to take the bus, and I think the testimonial from a parent whose child uses the South Bus Route sums up most of the benefits:

"I love the bus! He goes straight from his cool classroom to the cool bus.  No more waiting in the heat!  No more waiting at all!  He is the first to leave the school and he actually does his homework on the bus....I am no longer hot and irritable from walking in or sitting in traffic...I have a whole extra hour in each day...I have also saved a lot in gas with less driving and idling!  Needless to say, the bus has been a huge blessing to our family!  The cost is beyond reasonable and the fact that we are both happier and less stressed is priceless!  Thank you so much for offering this wonderful service!"

If you are interested in using either the North or South bus between now and November 2nd (prior to the free trial), please go to the Transportation page on our website or email us at [email protected] for additional information and directions on how to signup.  

Finally, I would sincerely like to say a special THANK YOU to our current Serra families who are already using our bus and for trusting us with their children to get them back and forth safely. They have experienced the benefits of riding the bus first hand, and I hope you will have the same experience when you RIDE THE BUS!  


Red Ribbon/Spirit Week begins NEXT Monday, October 26th
 
In conjunction with Red Ribbon Week, we will have Spirit Week the week of October 26th.  CLICK HERE for a full description of the activities and spirit attire for each day. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, students may wear Halloween accessories on Friday, October 30th. Please follow the guidelines listed in the October 8th SerraDIPITY. For all Spirit Days, students must abide by our dress code and the spirit attire explanation. Questions regarding Red Ribbon Week/Spirit Week should be addressed to Mr. Corey Overton at [email protected].


2015-2016 1:1 iPad Program Credit Adjustments
 
As addressed in the September 17th SerraDIPITY article, families will be receiving a refund credit OR elimination of one month's 2015-2016 1:1 iPad fees as indicated below: 
 
Annual:
Annual term families will be receiving a refund credit for one month of their 2015-2016 1:1 iPad fees.  Families who paid their annual iPad Program fees via EFT (Direct Debit) will have a refund credit issued back to their originating bank account effective October 22, 2015.  Families who paid their annual iPad Program fees via check will receive a refund check via mail during the week of October 26th.
 
Semi-Annual:
Semi-Annual term families will have their December 2015 EFT installment reduced by one month's 1:1 iPad fees.  Dec 2015 revised Semi-Annual rates:  1child @ $166.50, 2 children @ $333.00, 3 children @ $481.50, 4 children @ $607.50, 5 children @ $706.50 and 6 children @ $789.75.
 
Monthly:
Families on the regular Monthly EFT (Direct Debit) schedule (July 2015 to May 2016), will have their final May 2016 eliminated.  
 
Special Terms:
Families with special terms will have their 1:1 iPad Program fees adjusted accordingly for one month's iPad Program credit.
 
For questions, please contact Dana Hardenburgh in the Business Office at [email protected] or ext. 194.


SerraVision Broadcast Now Available through School Website

The morning SerraVision broadcast is now available for "live" viewing each morning at 7:45 a.m. through the Parents Only/Protected Forms section on our school website.

To view the broadcast,
  • Go to Parents>Parents Only/Protected Forms section of the website
  • Enter your username and password (this information was previously distributed to families on the first day of school)
  • Scroll down through the blue navigation bar on the right to SerraVision Broadcast
  • Click on the "play" arrow 
  
God is Good...All the Time,
  
Angeline Trudell
President    



 
 


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

Principals' Corner
Mrs. Carol Reiss, Preschool-2 & Mrs. Julie Tipton, Grades 3-8
 
Why We Celebrate Red Ribbon Week at Serra Catholic?
Red Ribbon Week is a national observance in memory of Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, a DEA agent and former Marine, who gave his life fighting the battle against illegal drugs. Red Ribbon Week has become a major force for raising awareness to combat alcohol, drug and tobacco abuse. Red Ribbon Week presents a critical opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to fight the constant battle against drugs by talking with children about the real issues around drug use and abuse. Red Ribbon Week offers a great opportunity for parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness of the problem. 


Uniform Reminder for our Young Ladies: Skirts, Skorts and Shorts
  • Must be appropriately altered and may not be rolled at the waist.
  • Skirt length may not be shorter than 4" (four) from the top of the knee when a student is in a kneeling position.
  • Short length may not be shorter than 6" (six) from the top of the knee when a student is in a kneeling position.
  • Students who abuse this privilege, (three or more offenses due to skirt, skort or shorts length), will lose the privilege of wearing shorts, skorts and skirts to school for the remainder of the current trimester.
  • All girls are required to wear modest shorts underneath their skirts and jumpers in order to maintain modesty and permit regular play and movement.
Harvest Festival 2015 "Shine" 
Sunday, October 25th              
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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


Harvest 2015 is Only 3 Days Away!

BOUNTIFUL BOUTIQUE, GREAT FOOD, LIVE MUSIC, GAMES, FUNZONE, SPORTS ZONE and MORE!
 
Thank you to our wonderful Harvest Festival Underwriters and Donors who make this family fun day possible for our community. CLICK HERE to view a list of our supporters.
 
CLICK HERE to view our Harvest Festival 21st Anniversary Program.  Take a peek at our program timeline so you can plan your day in advance!
 
CLICK HERE to view and print our event site plan. Things have moved to make room for more amazing activities so be sure to check our beautiful site map to plan your day.
 
CLICK HERE to view and print your parking options.
 
NEW to Harvest 2015 - Bountiful Boutique! Come shop for amazing, unique products while supporting Serra and our faith community. CLICK HERE to view a list of our vendors.
 
CLICK HERE to purchase your FOOD/GAME booth tickets, and "SPORTS ZONE" and "FUN ZONE" wristbands.  The deadline for online purchases is Friday, October 23rd at 12:00 noon. After this time, purchases can be made at the Harvest ticket booth starting at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
 
Pre-event pricing is available for the ALL DAY UNLIMITED "FUN ZONE" wristband at $25! A "Fun Zone" wristband includes ALL DAY UNLIMITED use of the "Fun Zone" activities...Bubble Bumper Suits, Pony Rides, Tubs of Fun, Giant Slide, and Bubble Rollers - bigger and better this year! Pre-event ALL DAY UNLIMITED "SPORTS ZONE" wristbands are $15 and include ALL DAY UNLIMITED use of "Sports Zone" activities which include Baseball Heavy Hitter, Extreme Slap Shot Hockey, Shooting Stars Basketball, Swift Kick Soccer and Quarterback Challenge.
On Sunday, October 25th, "Fun Zone" wristbands will be sold for $30, and "Sports Zone" Wristbands will be sold for $20. Food/Game Booth Tickets remain $1.00 each.
  
Opportunity Drawing Tickets
Take a $5 chance to win a Christmas Cookie Decorating Party with Mrs. Trudell, a Swagway, Disney Park Hopper Tickets, A Trip for 2 to Catalina, USC Fan Package, and MORE!  CLICK HERE to view the full list and buy your tickets.  Completed order forms and checks must be turned into the School Office by NOON on Friday, October 23rd. After this time, purchases can be made at the Raffles Booth starting at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 25th.
 
VIP Parking Raffle Tickets
Take a $10 chance to win a designated VIP Parking space in the Serra Catholic School parking lot for one (1) year (non-transferable). CLICK HERE to complete your order form!  Completed order forms and checks must be turned into the School Office by NOON on Friday, October 23rd. After this time, purchases can be made at the Raffles Booth starting at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 25th.
 
Class Project Raffle
CLICK HERE to view the video of inspiring Class Projects (video is located in Parents only section). At the event, the projects will be located at the PEB lunch tables. Class Project Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each at the event.
 
Committee Members
CLICK HERE for our committee roster. If you see these wonderful parents around campus, please say "Thank you" in person. Their planning and care make this event a fabulous day for our families!
 
Grand Prize Raffle Tickets
Tickets will be available at Harvest Festival.  Take a $5 chance to win a Pleasant Holidays Vacation for 2 to Maui!
 
Harvest Festival T-Shirts
You can still buy Harvest t-shirts, which students can wear every P.E. day and Friday (except formal uniform days) until Christmas.  T-shirts will be available at Harvest Festival.
 
Questions? Contact Event Chairs Corey Lindsay at [email protected]
and Georgia Prukop at [email protected].
 
This is a PTO sponsored event to benefit all students of Serra Catholic School. All purchases are non-refundable.
 
Winter Sports' Tryouts

Tryout for the Basketball or Lacrosse Team! 
(Girls' and Boys' Grades 5-8 for both) 
*Students must print and complete a Tryout Form and fill it out BEFORE the day of tryouts. 
 
Tryout Dates/Times:
 
Boys' Basketball Tryouts (Gym):
November 2nd and 3rd *Must be there both days
5th/6th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
7th/8th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.
 
Girls' Basketball Tryouts (Gym):
November 4th and 5th *Must be there both days
5th/6th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
7th/8th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.
 
Girls' Lacrosse Tryouts (Field):
November 11th *One Day Tryout
5th-8th Grade: 2:45-4:30 p.m.
 
Boys' Lacrosse Tryouts (Field):
November 9th and 10th *Must be there both days
5th/6th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
7th/8th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.

November and Yearly In N Out� Ordering opens  HamburgerTODAY, Thursday, October 22nd!
 
In-N-Out� lunch will be served on Thursday, November 12th ONLY. Ordering for November closes next Friday, October 30th. There is NO In N Out served on Thursday, November 5th so please plan accordingly! All other Thursdays in November are either minimum days or no school days. This will be your FINAL opportunity to purchase your annual In N Out for 2015-2016. CLICK HERE to visit our In N Out page and to place your order for November and Annual orders.
Text Messaging to be Added to School Notification System

As a part of our emergency preparedness program, Serra now utilizes the SchoolMessenger notification system. In the event of an emergency or for notification of any important school news, we will utilize the SchoolMessenger system to send out a phone call, email, text message, or all three.

If you have a cell phone number on file with the school, in order for you to receive any text messages, you must opt-in for this service.

On November 6th, families for whom we have a cell phone number on file, will receive a text message from the user 68453 (SchoolMessenger) which states:
"Serra Catholic School text messages. Reply Y for aprx 3 msgs/mo. Text HELP 4info. Msg&data rates may apply. See schoolmessenger.com/tm"

If you would like to receive text notifications from Serra, please reply Y or Yes to this message. If you do not reply Y or Yes, then you will not receive any text messages from the school.

After you text one of the key words (Y or Yes) to 68453, the SchoolMessenger system will respond with the following message: "You're now registered with the SchoolMessenger notification service. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply.3msgs/mo. schoolmessenger.com/tm"

If you have any questions regarding this service, please contact Kathy Tonokawa at [email protected]. 
Seasons logoTO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON
TUITION ASSISTANCE LUNCHEON
 
Sunday, January 31, 2016
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Serra Catholic School
Muzzy Family Student Activity Center
 

We are pleased to announce the Third Annual Tuition Assistance Luncheon, to be held on January 31, 2016.
 
This women's luncheon is dedicated to Catholic Education for those in need. For the third year in a row, this event will help support families within our Serra community, as well as the Marian Alliance of Schools in Santa Ana: The School of Our Lady, St. Anne Parish School and St. Joseph School.
 
Your participation and support of this event help make a very real difference in the lives of students who do not have access to the same educational environment we can offer our Serra students, but who work hard to excel in school with the hope of having a better future for themselves and their families.
 
We are called to help those in need as part of our Catholic tradition (Mt 25:35-40). There is no greater investment, nor greater return than to provide children with the tools to build a better world.
 
Volunteers Needed!
The success of this event depends on the work of a strong and caring volunteer team. We can use your help - and you can use this to fulfill your hours doing fun weekend work for both moms and dads! Interested? Contact Karin Hendrick, event chair, at [email protected].
 
Early bird registration
Registration is now open! This event sells out well before the deadline every year. Tickets are $80 before December 1, 2015, and $95 thereafter. CLICK HERE to reserve your seat!
 
Box Tops and Labels for Education Program 
 
Box Tops/Labels for Education Coupons due TOMORROW,
Friday, October 23rd!
 
Would you like your student to win a $25.00 Visa Gift Card?  Moreover, have their name announced on SerraVision next Friday, October 30th?  Would you like to help Serra's Operating Budget just by looking into your kitchen pantry?  If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, then start clipping and submit your Box Tops/Labels for Education coupons before the collection period ends this Friday, October 23rd! The $25.00 Visa Gift Card winner will be announced on the October 30th SerraVision.
 
CLICK HERE for additional information on the Box Tops/Labels for Education Program.

CLICK HEREfor the $25.00 Visa Gift Card Drawing Rules.


Scrip News  
 
Ralph's rebates for Quarter ending 8-31-15 are now due.
All rebate information for quarter ending 8-31-15 must be e-mailed to the Scrip Coordinator by 10-30-15. CLICK HERE for Serra procedures to obtain your family's Ralphs' rebate information.

Shopwithscrip update:  (Albertsons and Supervalu)
Albertsons and Supervalu brands will now be available under two different companies.  If you currently have a reloadable Albertsons/Supervalu card from Shopwithscrip, please place a PrestoPay order for a new Albertsons card to avoid any future problems with reloading.
 
Learn more about our two online programs that allows you to earn rebates at your convenience!  
          
CLICK HERE for more information about these convenient online Programs.                 
Please contact Vera Nitinthorn, Scrip Coordinator with any questions at [email protected] or (949) 888-1990 ext.121.

True Grits Customer Appreciation Sale
TODAY through Saturday, October 24th!
20% off
your entire purchase of
In-store and online purchases

CLICK HERE for more information

Provide and Protect - Presented by the Orange Catholic Foundation
Our local Catholic estate planning attorneys will be on hand to provide information for planning a young family's future. They will answer important questions regarding the protection of your family.
  • Make an Estate Plan for Your Minor Children
  • Make an Estate Plan for Medical Emergencies
  • Make an Estate Plan to Provide for Financial Emergencies
  • Steps to Create a Good Estate Plan
CLICK HERE for additional information on dates, times and locations.
Volunteers Needed in Technology!
The Serra Technology team is in need of your assistance. We are looking for additional help to replace the older screen protectors on some of our iPads. Please Sign up for a great and simple way to get volunteer hours. Questions?  Please contact Jana Chantarapan - Administrative Asst. for Technology and Parent Services at (949) 546-8773 or jchantarapan@serraschool.org
Community Programs of Interest

All Saints' Day Vigil Mass for Children and Families
Plus.... Trunk or Treat for Kids
St. Kilian Church
Saturday October 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
 
Come celebrate with us as we offer a special ALL SAINTS' DAY VIGIL MASS with our children and families and then go "trunk or treating" from our Parishioner's Trunks!
 
WHO: All Children and their Parents or Guardians (NO DROP OFFS)
WHEN: Saturday October 31
WHERE: St. Kilian Church, Courtyard and Parking Lot
TIME: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mass
5:30-6:30 p.m. Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Crafts and Treats from Trunks
 
Children and Adults are invited to come in Costume of your favorite Saint
or NON-VIOLENT Character (NO MONSTERS, DEVILS, MASKS or WEAPONS of any kind)
 
Join the Fun and Decorate your trunk: Prize for BEST Halloween and
BEST Saint Theme.

Contact the RE for more information  [email protected] or (949) 586-4550


Holy Trinity/Serra Catholic Families
For nearly two years now, Holy Trinity's Elementary Faith Formation Families have been going one Thursday a month to Thomas House Temporary Housing Shelter in Garden Grove to host dinner and games for the kids. It has been such an awesome experience for everyone who has been able to attend! They are in need of families to join them for their next date to "serve supper,"  which is 
Thursday, November 12th.

Are you interested? Here's a link to the Thomas House website - feel free to check it out - http://thomashouseshelter.org. Please contact Lauren McCaul at [email protected]. for more information.


JSerra Guest Speaker Series
 JSerra offers ongoing education and formation of moms and dads in the area. They have lined up some sensational and nationally-renowned speakers this year. They will dive in deep on subjects that they think will be of interest to you and your community: dealing with today's teen culture, practical tips on parenting, and deepening your spiritual life.

Wednesday, October 28th, Patrick Madrid from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m in the
Center Room

For additional information about Mr. Madrid, please click on the link under Community Programs of Interest


Give Thanks
Bondi Ministries Presents their 6th Annual Benefit Concert
Featuring Renee Bondi with Special Guest, Jesse Manibusan

Friday, November 13, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. 
Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

Please CLICK HERE for locations and ticket pricing. For more information about Bondi Ministries, please visit www.reneebondi.com


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