SerraDIPITY

Volume 21 � Issue 17 � January 14, 2016

 

 "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
Principals' Corner
21st Annual Anchor Ball
Season Tuition Assistance Luncheon
Scrip News
2016 Scholastic Book Fair
Spring Sports Tryouts
Health Room Reminder
Father Daughter Dance
Annual Fund
Yearbook Dedication Ad Deadline
Young Rembrandts
ILaugh Class
After School Computer Science Class
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.
       

 

JSerra Catholic High School
Open House & Campus Tour

 


 

A Message From Our President

I know that when we face some challenges we look to God. Mother Teresa's quote reminds us that not only should we trust God, we need to trust ourselves because he trusts us. Doesn't that ring so true and mean so much. Let's pray that we all remember we can do this with God by our side -- trust Him as he trusts us.




JUBLIEE YEAR OF MERCY 
What a beautiful time in our church to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis.  Here at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, each month we will focus on a special part of this year of Mercy, a specific virtue and a special activity or two.  Please look to the SerraDIPITY early each month for the Jubliee plan for that month.

January 2016: Our focus this month here at Serra and I hope at home as well, is to better understand what the Jubilee Year of Mercy is all about.  We will focus on the virtue of Mercy and the Corporal Acts of Mercy. This month all students will be making MERCY BEADS, 10 beads on a rope with a cross at the end.  We are encouraging students both here and at home to do 10 acts of Mercy each day. The Mercy Beads are there as a reminder and also can be pulled from top to bottom to help as a reminder when all 10 acts of Mercy are done.  We hope you will join us and encourage your children and yourselves to find 10 Acts of Mercy/Kindness/Forgiveness you can do each day. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Want to learn more about the Mercy Beads (also known as sacrifice beads), visit www.thelittleways.com

  CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2016
We are so proud to be a Catholic School! NCEA Catholic Schools Week each year allows us to not only show our love for St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, but to celebrate our students' many achievements. As always, we have many events planned starting with our Catholic Schools Week Rally Thursday, January 28th at 9:30 a.m. Our activities are exciting, CLICK HERE for an overview of all the events and how you and your children can participate.  We know this is a week-long celebration, please know that the activities are designed so that classroom instruction is minimally affected. If you have any questions you may e-mail Mr. Corey Overton, Assistant Principal for Student Services at [email protected].

A few highlights:
  • Our annual Catholic Schools Week Mass concelebrated by all four of our Pastors is Friday, January 29th, 9:30 a.m.  Our parents will be praying the Rosary at 8:45 before Mass.  Everyone is welcome to this beautiful, liturgical tradition.
  • Sunday, January 31st - Open House 10:00 a.m. to noon here at our Serra campus. We are asking you to attend one of the Sunday Masses at your parishes with your students in Serra Uniform as well as attending our open house.  Please go to our website and click through to each of the parishes to see the schedule for Sunday Masses. Part of this day is to celebrate at your parish with other Serra families and then here with our entire community.
  • Still time left to attend the Season Tuition Assistance luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on January 31st.  CLICK HERE to Register.
 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
We have very exciting news about our Chapel, Gardens, STEAM wing and Administration wing breaking ground in 2016.  Would you like to see the renderings and plans, hear about the project and be a part of its success...join us for a special presentation in the  the Muzzy Family Student Activity Center,  Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Although this is not a mandatory meeting, it is an important meeting for transparent communication about our final phase that will bring our Chapel and a new, creative learning environment for our students.  Join us on February 3rd, during Catholic Schools Week, it will be so worth your time. We are SERRASTRONG!



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

Revised Schedule - Renaissance STAR Reading Assessment
The second administration of the Renaissance STAR Reading and Mathematics Assessments to Grades 1-8 will be January 11th through January 22nd.  Kindergarten will take the Renaissance STAR Early Literacy and Mathematics tests for the first time during this administration.  All students will take one Reading Assessment and one Mathematics Assessment. Each assessment will take no longer than 45 minutes to complete. We will administer the tests again to Kindergarten - Eighth Grade in May.  
 
Please CLICK HERE for the revised reading testing schedule.
21st Annual Anchor Ball 
Roaring 21 Years, Serra Strong
 
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
900 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA
 

Gift Gathering has begun!
The success of Anchor Ball, our largest annual fundraiser, depends on the generosity of our Serra families.  There are many opportunities to support the event, including participation in our upcoming Gift Gathering.  Gifts will be graciously accepted starting on Wednesday, January 20th, in the School Lobby from 7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Giving gifts for Anchor Ball has never been easier!
 
Our goal is for every family to contribute a gift of $50 or greater.  There are different opportunities to give:  1) Contribute to our Gift Gathering drive using the Wish List for items such as gift cards, merchandise, wine/spirits, etc.;  2) Sign up for a specific item for one of our Grade Themed Baskets; 3) Make a donation to Anchor Ball with cash, check or online.
 
Plus, all families who participate in Gift Gathering by February 3rd with a donation of $50 or greater will be entered into our Gift Gathering drawings for a chance to win some exciting prizes and receive a Non-Uniform Dress Pass for all students in the family. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Gift Gathering incentives.
 
Underwriting & Sponsorship Opportunities:
There are many underwriting and sponsorship opportunities available. Underwriting opportunities start at $50.  Many levels include event tickets and program recognition. Sponsorship, Family Tribute (new this year!), and Advertisement opportunities in the Evening Printed Program start at $175.  Consider thanking a teacher for the faith they instill in our children by sending them to Anchor Ball through our Angel Fund.
 
CLICK HERE to view Underwriting levels and recognition opportunities.
CLICK HERE to fill out our Sponsorship Agreement for recognition in the evening program.
CLICK HERE to sponsor a teacher through the Angel Fund to attend our event.
 
Volunteer Your Time!
Interested in being a part of the Anchor Ball Team? Please contact Dana Maas, PTO VP Anchor Ball, at [email protected].
 
Connect on Facebook
To stay connected and up to date about Anchor Ball 2016, please CLICK HERE to like our Facebook event page.
 
Hotel Information
Make your reservations now at a discounted rate for Anchor Ball attendees. CLICK HERE to view Hotel Information for Anchor Ball 2016.
 
Questions?
CLICK HERE to visit our Anchor Ball webpage for more event details or contact one of our Event Chairs:
 
PTO VP Anchor Ball Dana Mass at [email protected]
Event Chair Meredith Giraudi at [email protected]
Event Chair Aimee Stevenson at [email protected]
Event Chair Lorena Emerson at [email protected]
Volunteers Wanted!

There are some great volunteer opportunities available for this event! These are weekend volunteer hours which don't come around very often.  If you are interested in signing up for a volunteer time slot for our Tuition Assistance Luncheon, please visit our sign up genius posting for available shifts.    
 
We also are in need of Serra Alumni Students to work the event on January 31st. If you know of our alum who are currently high school students, they too can earn service hours for volunteering at this spectacular event that does SO much for those who need our help the most. Their opportunity to sign up is here.
 
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY RAFFLE - WIN THE VACATION YOU'VE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT
ANY ONE can buy a Travel Raffle ticket. Winners need NOT be present to win.

YOU could win one of four amazing trips: Lake Tahoe Ski Getaway, Culinary Workshop at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa, Canada, a Spa Getaway for two anywhere in the contiguous United States, or an Ultimate Pro Sports Getaway to the event of your choice!  
 
The Travel Opportunity Raffle is the way to make that happen. With only 200 tickets being sold, don't wait to buy your ticket! They may be gone by the day of the luncheon. Buy your ticket today!

It's Not Too Late...Event Tickets Still Available!

There are still a few seats available for the event. Get yours now before we sell out.  Purchase your individual tickets here. 

Scrip News

Attention Ralph's Shoppers!
Ralph's rebates for Quarter ending 11-30-15 are now available. All rebate information for quarter ending 11-30-15 must be e-mailed to Vera Nitinthorn, ScripCoordinator at [email protected] by Friday, January 22, 2016.

CLICK HERE for Serra procedures to obtain your family's Ralph's rebate information.
 
See's Candies Price Change
Please note, the cost of See's Candies "One Pound" gift certificate is increasing from $18.50-1 lb. to $19.00-1 lb. The contribution will remain the same at 20%.

Zappos (8%) scrip cards available for purchase - (online shoe and clothing shop, zappos.com) - We have two $100 scrip cards available for purchase through our Daily Box sales.
 
Need Service Hours? 
The Scrip Office is in need of a Weekly Local Scrip Pickup Volunteer: 
Are you available on Tuesday mornings around 10:30 a.m. to help pick up our pre-ordered gift cards from local vendors in RSM and Ladera Ranch?  It only takes approximately one hour to pick up and return the gift cards back to Serra. 
Please note that this position requires volunteer requirement clearance.  

Online Programs:
Remember to take advantage of our two convenient and year-round online Scrip Programs:    
CLICK HERE for Shopwithscrip program information. 
 
    



CLICK HERE for scripsense program information. 




For questions, please contact Vera Nitinthorn, Scrip Coordinator at 888-1990, ext. 121 or email at [email protected].
The 2016 Scholastic Book Fair is Coming to Serra!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend Serra's annual Scholastic Book Fair scheduled January 28th through February 5th.  It will also be open during Serra's Open House on Sunday, January 31st from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Library.

As a reminder, shopping envelopes for participating students and orders for Teacher Gift Certificates are due to Homeroom Teachers next week on Friday, January 22nd.

Parent Volunteers Still Needed! 
Please email [email protected] TODAY if you are available to volunteer at this wonderful school event.  We are still in need of coverage for a few more shifts!

New Scholastic App and Online Book Fair!
Want to help make a wish list of books for your student? Each student has the Scholastic APP in the catalog on their school iPads. Download the app and create a wish list or scan books to see their AR points - it's a fun new tool available to use.

If you are not able to attend the fair in person or would like to encourage family and friends to participate, Serra will have an ONLINE Book Fair option again this year. All books purchased online at the Scholastic Serra School webpage between January 28th - February 5th will further support our fundraising efforts.

CLICK HERE for additional details about the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair!

Questions?
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Book Fair, please contact the 2016 Event Chairs--Laura MacCartie, Shannon O'Connor and Megan Fimbres at [email protected].

Spring Sports Tryouts

Boys Volleyball - Gym  
Tryout Dates: February 8th * One Day tryout
  7th/8th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
  5th/6th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.

Coed Soccer- Field  
Tryout Date: February 1st  
   5th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
   6th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.
 
   Tryout Date: February 2nd
   5th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
   6th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.
 
   Tryout Date: February 3rd
   7th Grade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
   8th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.
      
  Tryout Date: February 4th
   7thGrade: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
   8th Grade: 3:45-5:00 p.m.
 
Softball- Field 
Tryout Dates: February 9th * One Day tryout
 5th-8th Grade: 2:45-4:30            

Track & Field
No Cuts, just go to the page and fill out the form turn in the money and they made the team! 
We only know one date so far, and don't practice times yet as we are still securing coaches. We will provide more information in the very near future. Thank you so much.

MEETS:
1. St. Mary's Invitational Meet
When: Saturday April 23, 2016 Where: San Clemente High School 
 
2. PAL Track Meet
When: Saturday (1st -4th Grade) May 14th, 2016 and Sunday (5th-8th Grade) May 15, 2016 @ TBA
 
February 9th - Spring Parent Meeting (gym) @ 4:00-5:00

A Reminder from the Health Room
 
For the health and safety of all of our Serra students, it is very important that any students needing to take medication during the school day come into the Health Room to do so. As per our Parent/Student Handbook, Section 1214 - Medication at School, students are not allowed to carry any prescription or over the counter medication on them at any time. This includes carrying it in their backpacks and lockers. The only exception is for life-saving medications: Epi-pens and rescue inhalers. In this case, the student must have a Medication Administration Authorization form on file in the Health Room authorized by a doctor allowing the student to carry this medication on them. Any unauthorized medication will be taken away from the student and disposed of immediately. The Medication Administration Authorization Form can be found by CLICKING HERE.

The consequences would be similar to other prohibited items as stated in the Parent Handbook - Section 852. 

If your child needs to take medication during the school day or has a life - saving medication you would like them to carry, please contact the Health Room at (949) 546-8705-direct line.
Father Daughter Dance

Save the Date! Our annual Father Daughter Dance will be held on Saturday, February 20th from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. in the Student Activity Center.  Mark your calendars now! Registration will begin on Thursday, January 28th.
 If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Amber Van Sluis at [email protected], or Stephanie Rue, VP of Parent/Child Activities, at [email protected].

Annual Fund Update

If you haven't given to the 2015-2016 Annual Fund yet, please find a second appeal letter and Annual Fund donation envelope in your Weekly Envelope today.  We look forward to having you join the others who have already given to date this year including 93% of our staff.  We really NEED YOU in order to reach our goal of 100% participation in this year's appeal! 
 
Need further clarification about our Annual Fund?  CLICK HERE to view the Annual Fund FAQ sheet.   
FINAL Yearbook Dedication Ad Deadline
Is SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016

This will be the final deadline to submit your dedication ad for your student(s) for Yearbook 2016. Hurry and act now as the FINAL submission deadline is only 4 weeks away!

Yearbook ads are a great way for parents, families, and friends to commemorate student achievements and important milestones. The final deadline is quickly approaching. Please submit your dedication ad on or before Sun., February 7th! 
    
Don't Forget Your "Shout Out" Ads, Too!
Is your child celebrating their first Holy Communion? Graduating from Kindergarten? Want to send a special message to your child's teacher, or celebrate your Serra Bear athlete? The possibilities are endless!

Let everyone know how proud you are of your student with a Shout-Out Ad -- a unique way to show the special Serra Bear in your family how amazing they are...straight from your heart and into the yearbook. 
 
For more information on how you can design, preview and pay for your Dedication or Shout-Outs ad online, please CLICK HERE
  
CLICK HERE for more information on Serra Catholic School's Yearbook Ad Guidelines

CLICK HERE for Frequently Asked Questions
 
For more information, please contact Cindy Kennedy, Communications Director, at [email protected].
Young Rembrandts is back on Mondays
 
Young Rembrandts will be providing after-school drawing classes for students in Grades K - 2.   Students will have a new and exciting lesson every class. They will learn fundamental drawing skills incorporating two artist concepts in drawing and color technique each lesson. Classes will be held on Mondays from 1:55 p.m.- 2:40 p.m. for Grades K - 2 in the PEB TK Room 140.  
 
CLICK HERE for the registration flyer for additional details and information. Students are to go to the Young Rembrandt's classroom immediately following dismissal. After class, a Young Rembrandt's employee will take students to the appropriate dismissal location. This employee will stay with the students until all students are picked up.
Serra Catholic Presents:  ILAUGH Class
 
ILAUGH : (I: Initiate, L: Listening With Eyes, Body, Brain, A: Abstract & Infer, 
U: Understanding Perspective Taking, G: Getting the Big Picture,  H: Humor Relationships)
  • Does your child struggle with listening and speaking in conversations with peers?
  • Does your child have difficulty with inferences within narratives relative to the common core standards?
  • Does your child have trouble getting the whole picture?
  • Is your child challenged with understanding thoughtful stories or situations involving thinking about others (empathy?)
ILAUGH is a fun and innovative class created & provided by speech therapist from OC Speech Therapy, Lauren Ramirez, M.A., CCC-SLP and occupational therapist from Jump Forward Occupational Therapy, Tricia Collins, M.A., OTR/L  to promote communication skills, faith-based social behavior, and critical thinking.
 
At the height of this digital age, our students are developing social skills that are essential for establishing and keeping meaningful relationships with others. ILAUGH is an interactive, dynamic class that involves an evidence-based concept called "social thinking," with a curriculum of role-play and mind bending activities to build awareness to everyday social settings. It is designed to help children visualize and talk about different people's perspectives in literature, history, and social situations. Many parents might wonder why their otherwise bright child is demonstrating some difficulties such as poor self-confidence, unassertiveness, excessive shyness, or difficulty following the rules and expectations at school. If these thoughts sound familiar to you, sign up today!!!
 
 
Classes begin February 2016!
 
The class is offered once per week for 40 minutes, limited to three to four students.
 
The fee is $50 per class. The class is offered during school hours.
 
Accepting Preschool - Grade 4 and grouped per grade level!
 
 
Contact: Tricia Collins, M.A., OTR/L  @  (949) 394-1553 to register or for more information.
After School Computer Science Class

Come and learn the basics of computer programming
using Scratch!  Miss Thomas will introduce students
to this fun program.  
 
Next Theme: SOCIAL MEDIA
 
Dates: January 19th through February 11th 
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-4:00 in the PEB tech lab.
 
Students will learn computer science skills while they build cool, functional
projects they can show off to their friends and even add to on their own.  
While Computer Science Class members build, create, and play, they learn important
skills that will help open future educational and career opportunities.
 
No previous computer science is necessary.  
Ask friends to join, too - the After School Computer Science Class is social and fun!
 
CLICK HERE to view the flyer for the class.  Space is limited so sign up soon!  If you have any questions, please contact Miss Thomas at [email protected].   
 
Create. Code. Share.
Community Programs of Interest

Please Support our Parish, Holy Trinity
Please join our parish, Holy Trinity, next Wednesday, January 20th at Selma's Chicago Pizza in Ladera Ranch, RSM and San Clemente. Bring in this flyer and 20% of your check goes to benefit our parish. Thank you!

JSerra Catholic High School Open House and Campus Tour
For prospective students and their parents.

TONIGHT, Thursday, January 14, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.
(Coaches Available at 5:45 p.m.)
JSerra Pavilion-Athletic Side of Campus 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School Winter Open House
Prepare to be entertained at the Santa Margarita Catholic High School Winter Open House! SMCHS students will put on a show making this Open House like no other you would have seen before!  Come and learn about SMCHS in a very entertaining way and after the show, Coaches, Department Chairs, and Administrators will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
 
TONIGHT, Thursday, January 14th
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Moiso Pavilion (School Gymnasium)
 
RSVP's are not necessary and all are welcome! For more questions, please contact the Admissions Department at 949-766-6076.


For more information about this event, please click on the link in the Community Programs of Interest section on the left side of this newsletter.