Sunday, October 30, 2011

October 28, 2011

Federal Survey Cards will be sent home on Monday. Federal Survey cards will be sent home with every student on Monday, October 31st. Be sure to complete, sign, and return the card as soon as possible. Returning this card is critical for school funding as the district receives over 8 million dollars each year based the information received. Please know this information is kept confidential and is used for filing the claim for federal funding only. During these tight budget times, securing this funding is critical. Thank you in advance taking the time to complete the cards and return them to school as soon as possible.

Halloween is on Monday and students and teachers are encouraged to get in the spirit by dressing for the day! To make this day a success students must follow certain guidelines.

All costumes must be “G” rated.
The School dress code policy must be followed.
Costumes may only be worn on Monday October 31st.
Costumes may not be a disruption to instruction in any way.
Costumes may not be derogatory or offensive to any groups or individuals.
Costumes may not include any weaponry or representations of weapons, or indicate the use of drugs or alcohol.
Masks or any face decoration that makes it difficult to identify the student is not permitted.

The bottom line is, costumes may not be a disruption to instruction in any way. Even if all the above rules are followed, a teacher or administrator may still deem the costume a disruption.

This is meant to be fun day and enjoyed by all students. If a costume fails to comply with any of the above expectations the student will be detained and disciplinary action may result. Remember, students will be held accountable for your personal conduct as well. Our expectation of student behavior is as high as it is on any other day.

Students received their first progress report on Friday, October 28th during their 4th period class. Make sure to ask your student for it!

Join us at the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at 6:00pm in room 231. Agenda items to be discussed: Writing of the Bylaws and reviewing Student Questioners. Parents, your attendance, comments, and suggestions are highly appreciated as we work together to improve the academic achievement of our English Learners at Serra High School.

Serra High is offering a free basic skills Computer Class for parents on November 3rd. Two sessions will be held: 9:30-10:30am and 6:00-7:00pm in the Serra High School Media Center. This is a basic skills class for parents and will cover topics such as: setting up an email account, navigating the web, and using Parent Connect. To sign up, please contact Martha Vidana-Cross, x203 or Marie Byrd, x231.

Save the Date! "Come to School with Your Student" Day will be held on November 10th. This is a great way to observe some of your student's classrooms and get a first-hand look at what's happening at school. Parent workshops will also be scheduled during the morning for those who may not want to observe the classrooms but are interested in coming to the campus. Refreshments will be provided by the Serra High PTO.

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

Attention Senior Parents: The University of California application filing period opens November 1! UC and CSU filing period closes November 30. Don't procrastinate. Apply now! If your student has questions regarding the application process, she or he may schedule an appointment with her/his counselor.

Scholarship information is available on Naviance - Family Connection.

(www.connection.naviance.com/serra). Naviance is a web-based service designed especially for students and parents. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in making decisions about colleges, careers and courses, meanwhile tracking academic progress as you aspire to post secondary education options. It is especially useful in searching for Scholarships! To log in students simply use their Student Connect log in number and password. Parents will be able to get their code from Ms. Turnberg by emailing their request to mturnberg@sandi.net .

Helpful tip for parents - Sign up for Parent Connect! Stay informed of your child’s progress at school. Parent Connect is an on-line program that provides parents with important information about their student/s.

Parent Connect FAQs:

What type of information is available from Parent Connect?

* Daily Class Schedule

* Detailed Attendance Information by Date and Period

* Homework Assignments and Links to Teacher E-mail Addresses

* Progress Reports and Semester Grades

How Do I Sign-Up for Parent Connect?

Please stop by the front office or come to the Parent Center (Room 231) with a picture ID and request a PIN and password.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

Reminder to all parents: Students who become ill during the school day MUST visit the Health Office for assessment. If is determined that a student needs to go home, parents will be contacted and the Health Office staff will issue the Blue Slip.

Serra High School needs to have your current information on file. Please make sure we have current telephone numbers. If you have moved please bring a new proof of residence to the attendance office as soon as possible so that you don’t miss any information. Proof of residence must be one of the following: gas & electric bill, cable or water bill, housing orders or rental agreement. Thank you for your cooperation.

RESOURCES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

The holidays are fast approaching and there are many events being planned and services offered in the San Diego community for our military families. To find out about holiday events and resources for military families such as the FFSC Holiday workshops, USO SD Thanksgiving, USO Santa Store, Toys for Tots, and much more, Click here to go to the Military Families web page on the San Diego Unified School District website. You can also find this information in the Family Resource Center, located in Room 231 on the Serra High Campus. Questions? Contact Marie Byrd mbyrd@sandi.net.

Does your student need help with homework? Or a place to complete homework after school? The Opportunities After School Program will be offering tutoring in the Media Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 - 3:30. Teachers will be available to assist students with homework. Bus passes will ONLY be provided for students who participate. A light snack will also be provided. For more information, please contact Adrian Vazquez x142.

Support the Serra High School Band and Colorguard! Come out and cheer on our Golden Regiment Band and Guard at their upcoming Field Competitions:

Oct. 29 - Mt. Carmel HS

Nov. 5 – Mira Mesa

Nov. 12 - Vista

For more info go to: www.serrabandboosters.org

The Serra High PTO is in need of a President! How about you?? The duties of the President include: presiding over the meetings; coordinating various activities throughout the school year; appointing committee chairs/coordinators when necessary; signing checks when necessary; approving PTO-related materials for school distribution; reviewing all contracts to be signed by the Executive Board.

No experience as a PTO President, you say? No problem! There will be plenty of help from the other board members to ensure your time as President is successful. Please consider contributing in this very important way! For more information regarding the PTO, contact: SerraHighPTO@gmail.com

EVENTS

Friday, October 28

* PROGRESS REPORTS DISTRIBUTED

Saturday, October 29

* 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

* 1:00pm - Field Trip - BAND

Sunday, October 30

* All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, October 31

* Pink Progress Report Day

Tuesday, November 1

* All day - CAHSEE- ELA

* 6:00pm - ELAC Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 2

* All day - CAHSEE- Math

* 5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

* 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting

Thursday, November 3

* 9:30am and 6:00pm - Parent Computer Training (Parent Connect, Email, Internet)

Friday, November 4

* 6:30pm - Improv Show

Saturday, November 5

* 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

* 11:00am - Band & Flags Field Competition

* 2:30pm - Field Trip-BAND

Sunday, November 6

* All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, October 28

* 6:30pm - Varsity Football vs Madison

Saturday, October 29

* 7:00am - NJROTC Battalion Sports Day

* 7:30am - Taekwondo Tournament

Monday, October 31

* 3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs. UC

* 4:15pm - JV Field Hockey vs UC

* 6:00pm - Girls Bball Open Gym

Tuesday, November 1

* 2:45pm - Cross Country vs Saints/OLP

* 3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs Pt. Loma

* 3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Mission Bay

* 5:00pm - Football Night Practice

* 5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball @ Mission Bay

* 6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Wednesday, November 2

* 3:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey @ Cathedral

* 4:30pm - JV Field Hockey @ Cathedral

Thursday, November 3

* 3:00pm - Frosh Football @ LJHS

* 3:00pm - JV Football vs LJHS

* 6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Friday, November 4

* 3:00pm - Boys Water Polo @ La Jolla

* 3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs Mira Mesa

* 4:15pm - JV Field Hockey vs. Mira Mesa

* 6:30pm - Varsity Football @ LJHS

Saturday, November 5

* 5:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs. Scripps Ranch

Saturday, October 22, 2011

October 21, 2011

Today marks the end of the first 6 week grading period for the 2011-2012 school. Students will receive their first progress report next Friday, October 28^th during their 4^th period class. Make sure to ask your student for it!

Helpful tip for parents: Stay informed of your child’s progress at school. Make sure you're signed up for Parent Connect! Parent Connect is an on-line program that provides parents with important information about their student/s.

Parent Connect FAQs:

What type of information is available from Parent Connect?

* Daily Class Schedule

* Detailed Attendance Information by Date and Period

* Homework Assignments and Links to Teacher E-mail Addresses

* Progress Reports and Semester Grades

How Do I Sign-Up for Parent Connect?

Please stop by the front office or come to the Parent Center (Room 231) with a picture ID and request a PIN and password.

LUNCH APPLICATIONS ARE DUE! If your student received free/reduced lunch last year, his or her “prior-year free/reduced” status has expired. Students will not be eligible for free/reduced lunch until we receive a new lunch application. The easiest way to apply for the school lunch program is by completing the online application: https://www.applyforlunch.com/Application. Forms are also available in the main office. Please return completed lunch applications to the front office by Wednesday, October 26th.

Federal Survey Cards will be coming home soon. Federal Survey cards will be sent home with every student on Monday, October 31st. Be sure to complete, sign, and return the cards as soon as possible.

INFORMATION FOR SENIOR PARENTS:

It's time to apply for the California State Universities. Don't procrastinate! The application period runs October 1 to November 30. If your student has questions regarding the application process, she or he may schedule an appointment with her/his counselor.

There will be a representative on campus to speak to seniors from San Diego State University on Wednesday, October 26th at 10:15 in the Media Center. The representative will address CSU admissions, financial aid, NCAA athletics requirements, campus life, scholarships etc. If your student is interested in speaking with the representative, he/she must pick up an SDSU ticket from the Counseling Office to hear this informational meeting. The SDSU slip will be their ticket to get in and students must have their Period 4 teacher's signature prior to the SDSU event.

Save the Date! "Come to School with Your Student" Day will be held on November 10. This is a great way to observe some of your student's classrooms and get a first-hand look at what's happening at school. Parent workshops will also be scheduled during the morning for those who may not want to observe the classrooms but are interested in coming to the campus. Refreshments will be provided by the Serra High PTO.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE

Parents: Student contracts are available if your student will be absent five school days or more. Please be sure to notify the attendance office a minimum of one week in advance of the absence and request the contracts. This will ensure the teachers have plenty of time to prepare the school work your student will need while he or she is out. Thank you for your cooperation.

No experience as a PTO President, you say? No problem! There will be plenty of help from the other board members to ensure your time as President is successful. Please consider helping out in this very important way!

PTO is the Way to Go! It's not too late to join the PTO. Memberships are gladly accepted throughout the school year. The primary purpose of the SHS PTO is to foster relations among parents, teachers, students and administrators, and to raise funds for programs and activities that will benefit Serra High School students. Membership is open to parents, teachers and staff of Serra High School, and to anyone who would like to support Serra High School PTO's endeavors.

The Serra PTO plans teacher and staff appreciation events, supports events such as "Come to School With Your Student Day," is instrumental in the packaging and delivery of STAR testing snacks for ~1600 students/day over 8 test days, provides scholarships for graduating Seniors, participates in campus beautification, etc. For more information regarding the PTO, contact: SerraHighPTO@gmail.com

Student Pictures are here! Picture package orders from pre orientation day can be picked up from Financial Window before, after school and during lunch.

The Serra Yearbook now has a new website!

Go to: http://www.serra.sandi.net/yearbook/index.html. Check it out for more information about ordering Personal Pages/Ads. Don't put it off! The deadline in December 15th and space is limited.

Support the Serra High School Band and Colorguard! Come out and cheer on our Golden Regiment Band and Guard at their upcoming Field Competitions:

Oct. 29 - Mt. Carmel HS

Nov. 5 – Mira Mesa

Nov. 12 - Vista

For more info go to: www.serrabandboosters.org

EVENTS

Friday, October 21

All day - End of Grading Period

Saturday, October 22

All day - NJROTC Drill Meet @ UCLA
7:30pm - Homecoming Dance

Sunday, October 23

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Wednesday, October 26

10:15am - SDSU Presentation for Seniors
5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

Thursday, October 27

All day - NJROTC Cadet Photos
All day - Senior Class Photo

Friday, October 28

All day - Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, October 29

SATURDAY SCHOOL
1:00pm - Band Field Trip

Sunday, October 30

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, October 21
All day - JV Field Hockey Tournament
1:30pm - Cross Country Jaguar Invite @ Kit Carson Park
3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: So. Cal Tourney
6:30pm - HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME: Varsity vs Hoover

Saturday, October 22

All day - JV Field Hockey Tournament
3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: So. Cal Tourney

Sunday, October 23

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, October 24

3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs. Clairemont
6:00pm - Girls Bball Open Gym

Tuesday, October 25

11:56am - Winter Sports Meeting (Students)
2:30pm - Women's Tennis @ Mira Mesa
3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs Patrick Herny
3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs. La Jolla
3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs Patrick Henry (Senior Night)
4:15pm - JV Field Hockey vs. La Jolla
5:00pm - Football Night Practice
5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball vs Patrick Henry
6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Thursday, October 27

3:00pm - Frosh Football @ Madison
3:00pm - JV Football @ Madison
3:00pm -Varsity Field Hockey @ Morse
3:00pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ OLP
5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball @ OLP
6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Friday, October 28

6:30pm - Varsity Football vs Madison

Saturday, October 29

7:00am - NJROTC Battalion Sports Day
7:30am - Taekwondo Tournament

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

There are many ways to offer your time and talent as a school volunteer. Here are a few of the opportunities we currently have at Serra:

• Help prepare Federal Survey Cards. Help is needed labeling and sorting cards for distribution to the students.

• Spanish speakers needed! Make phone calls to spanish speaking households to inform them of school events during the year.

• Assistance needed in the Media Center (Library). The librarian is looking for a creative volunteer who can help him decorate the Media Center, working with different themes, during the school year.

• Help is needed in the Nurse’s Office. Assist the Nurse with filing, checking-in students, and other tasks as needed.

• Military Parent Group starting soon at Serra. We are looking for a group of military parents who would be interested in meeting once a month or every other month to discuss ways on how we can work together, the school and parents, to best support our military students.

• The Parent Center needs help with a few basic office tasks. Help is needed 1 or 2 hours per week, or just stop by when you have some time to lend a hand. The room is open Monday through Friday 9:00-3:00pm.

All new AND returning volunteers must have a current volunteer application and proof of a negative TB test on file with the school. Volunteer applications must be renewed every year. TB tests are valid for 4 years. It is important for the safety of our students that the proper paperwork is on file for every volunteer. Forms are available online at: http://serra.sandi.net/volunteer/ or at the school in the main office. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231) for more information.

Friday, October 14, 2011

October 14, 2011

The PSAT is being held tomorrow, Saturday, October 15^th, here on the Serra campus. Students who have signed up must be at the school by 7:45am. Parents, please make sure your student brings their Student ID or their SSN, two pencils and fee (if they have not paid in advance - Juniors only).

The Serra High PTO Meeting is on Monday, October 17th at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place in the Family Resource Center (Room 231). Attending these meetings is a great way to stay informed!

Senior College Night will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center. Senior parents will receive information regarding graduation requirements, transcript information, college application requirements, and scholarship information.

School Pictures are Here! Students may pick up their picture package orders from Pre-Orientation Day from the Financial Clerk’s Window before, after school and during lunch.

The Serra Yearbook now has a new website!

Go to: http://www.serra.sandi.net/yearbook/index.html. Check it out for more information about ordering Personal Pages/Ads. Don't put it off! The deadline in December 15th and space is limited.

Mark Your Calendar! "Come to School with Your Student" Day will be held on November 10. This is a great way to observe some of your student's classrooms and get a first-hand look at what's happening at school. Parent workshops will also be scheduled during the morning for those who may not want to observe the classrooms but are interested in coming to the campus. Refreshments will be provided by the Serra High PTO.

Many thanks to the Gear Up program for donating resource books to the Family Resource Center. The books cover a range of parenting and teen issues, with titles such as "Odd Girls Speaks Out," "The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook, and Social Media," "Teenology," "The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander," and "What Adults Need to Know About Kids and Substance Abuse." Parents are welcome to stop by the Family Resource Center (Room 231) and check out any of these resources.

Have any resource books at home that you would like to donate to the Family Resource Center? If they are books concerning parenting and teen issues, we'll gladly accept them! Please bring them to Room 231.

The Homecoming Dance is just around the corner! This year's Homecoming Dance will be held on October 22nd from 7:30-11:00pm in the Serra High Gym. Get a copy of the dance agreement on the Serra website.

Be part of the California ShakeOut 10:20 on 10/20! California is hosting its ShakeOut, the annual earthquake preparedness drill happening on the 3rd Thursday of October. This planned Earthquake drill will take place at 10:20am on 10/20. The ShakeOut has been created to help people and organizations get better prepared for major earthquakes, and practice how to be protected when they begin. For more information regarding this event, visit http://www.shakeout.org/schools/.

Got Lunch? If your student received free/reduced lunch last year, his or her “prior-year free/reduced” status ends on October 14th. After that date, if we do not receive a new application, the student will not be eligible for free/reduced lunch until we receive a new lunch application. The easiest way to apply for the school lunch program is by completing the online application: https://www.applyforlunch.com/Application. Forms are also available in the main office.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

To all parents - If your student is transferring from Serra High School, please notify the school at least one week before the last day of attendance. At that time we will provide you with information as to what you will need for that last day. This will ensure a smoother transition for your student. Thank you.

SPORTS STATS

Our tennis team is doing super this year! As of last week they were 9-3!

Boys Water Polo Team: 1st Place Finish at the El Capitan Invitational this past weekend. Way to Go!

Congratulations to the following Players for being selected to the All Tournament Team:

DAVID ARROYO, Tourney MVP; COLLIN STANLEY, 1st Team; ANGEL SANCHEZ, 2nd Team

Our Girls' Varsity Volleyball Team won the Monte Vista Tournament this weekend with a record of 5-0! Nice job, ladies!

Girls Field Hockey finished in 2nd place at this past weekends tournament to Fallbrook High School. Keep up the good work!

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Reaching for the Top" Back-to-School Conference Coming Up

The annual "Reaching for the Top" Back-to-School Conference is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22, at the Christ United Presbyterian Church, 3025 Fir St.

The purpose of the Conference is to MOTIVATE, INSPIRE, and assist students in developing skills to improve their academic achievement. This year, special focus will be placed on MATH and WRITING skills, with workshops conducted by current and retired teachers, and volunteers from business and community.

The Conference is FREE and open to students in grades 6-12, with a Parent Session from noon to 2 p.m. Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided.

For more information: http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=225&PageID=2515&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=34404

Get a Free Sticky Note and Support Your School

Their newest is the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” sweepstakes that launches on October 3, 2011.

Twenty-thousand people who register for the sweepstakes will randomly be selected to win a free pack of Avery® See-Through Sticky Notes. Five of those winners will be randomly selected to receive 100,000 Box Tops coupons (valued at $10,000) that will be applied to a school of their choice. The selected schools of the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” promotion will be presented with credit for the 100,000 Box Tops for Education®.

It’s easy! All anyone has to do is:

• Go to the Avery Facebook Page (facebook.com/avery)

• Register to win a free pack of Sticky Notes

• Choose the school they’d like the money to go to should they win.

Pretty simple, it’s a great cause, and it could be you guys!

EVENTS

Friday, October 14

All day - CELDT TESTING

Saturday, October 15

All day - NJROTC Cadet Picnic
8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
8:00am - PSAT testing

Sunday, October 16

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, October 17

PINK PROGRESS REPORT CARD DAY
All day - CELDT TESTING
6:30pm - PTO Meeting

Tuesday, October 18

All day - CELDT TESTING
6:00pm - Senior College Night

Wednesday, October 19

5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

Thursday, October 20

10:20am - Great California Shakeout

Friday, October 21

END OF GRADING PERIOD

Saturday, October 22

All day - NJROTC Drill Meet @ UCLA
7:30pm - Homecoming Dance

Sunday, October 23

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, October 14

3:00pm - Varsity Football @ MBHS

Saturday, October 15

10:00am - Q-Basketball Open Gym

Monday, October 17

6:00pm - Girls Bball Open Gym

Tuesday, October 18

2:45pm - Cross Country vs UCHS
3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Coronado
5:00pm - Football Night Practice
5:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs. Scripps Ranch
5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball @ Coronado
6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym
7:30pm - Football Parent Meeting

Thursday, October 20

2:30pm - Women's Tennis vs Morse
3:00pm - Frosh Football vs Hoover
3:00pm - JV Football @ Hoover
3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs University City
3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Morse
5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball @ Morse
6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Friday, October 21

All day - JV Field Hockey Tournament
1:30pm - Cross Country Jaguar Invite @ Kit Carson Park
3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: So. Cal Tourney
6:30pm - HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME: Varsity vs Hoover

Saturday, October 22

All day - JV Field Hockey Tournament
3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: So. Cal Tourney

VOLUNTEERING AT SERRA HIGH

Volunteering at school sends a positive message to your kid/s that you’re interested in their education and that you consider school a priority! Here are a few of the opportunities we currently have at Serra:

• Spanish speakers needed! Help make phone calls to spanish speaking households to inform them of school events during the year.

• Assistance needed in the Media Center. The librarian is looking for a creative volunteer who can help him decorate the Media Center, working with different themes, during the school year.

• The librarian is also looking for someone who can help him repair a few library carts. This involves adding new wheels to the carts.

• Help is needed in the Nurse’s Office. If you would like to assist the Nurse with filing, checking-in students, and other tasks as needed.

Friday, October 7, 2011

October 7, 2011

MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL JIMENEZ

Parents,

As many of you know we have been experiencing extraordinary times with economic issues and crisis throughout the state and country. I want to thank all the parents for their patience and support of our students, staff and school community. In addition I want to acknowledge all the students and thank them for arriving to school daily with wonderful attitudes and spirits as they pass through these difficult economic times. Read the rest of Principal Jimenez' message by clicking here: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2011/10/message-to-parents-from-principal.html

Senior College Night will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center. Senior parents will receive information regarding graduation requirements, transcript information, college application requirements, and scholarship information.

Mark Your Calendar! "Come to School with Your Student" Day will be held on November 10. This is a great way to observe some of your student's classrooms and get a first-hand look at what's happening at school.

Homecoming Dance is just around the corner! This year's Homecoming Dance will be held on October 22nd from 7:30-11:00pm in the Serra High Gym. Get a copy of the dance agreement on the Serra website.

FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE

Many thanks to all the parents who helped us meet the new state law requiring proof of the Tdap immunization for all students in grades 7-12. The good news is we have received proof of immunizations for all but 5 students at Serra. Good job, Conquistadors!

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE

Are you picking your student up early for a doctor, dental or other excused reason? To ensure things run smoothly, please keep the following in mind: Requests for early release (Blue Slips) must be submitted BEFORE 7:00a.m.on the day of release (parents may phone in PRIOR to 08:00 a.m. or send a note with your student and he/she must bring it to the Attendance Office PRIOR to 7:30 a.m.) Requests for early release received after 8:00 a.m. on the day of release cannot be honored. We do not have office monitors. Please remind your student to pick up his/her Blue Slip in the Attendance Office.

Students who become ill during the school day MUST visit the Health Office for assessment. If is determined that a student needs to go home, parents will be contacted and the Health Office staff will issue the Blue Slip.

Remember to turn in your student’s lunch application! If your student received free/reduced lunch last year, his or her “prior-year free/reduced” status is effective until October 14th. After that date, if we do not receive a new application, the student will not be eligible for free/reduced lunch until we receive a new lunch application. The easiest way to apply for the school lunch program is by completing the online application: https://www.applyforlunch.com/Application. Forms are also available in the main office.

Have you been to Serra’s Family Resource Center? The Center is located in Room 231. It’s a place for parents to meet on campus and has much to offer:

A large meeting Space for parent and student groups, workshops and guest speakers;

Computer access for finding online resources, emailing and “Skyping” with family members who are away from home;

A kid’s playroom for younger siblings when parents attend meetings or volunteer on campus;

Many academic, military, and community-based resources.

Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Stop by anytime to check it out! Questions? Contact Marie Byrd, Parent Support Liaison: mbyrd@sandi.net or 858-496-8342 x231.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Parents, here’s an article worth reading. It is a reminder of the importance of exercising our right to vote, especially when it comes to educational issues. The article can be found on the Educate Our State website. “The Power of One – Your Vote is Your Voice. Be Heard.”

“Voting, in my opinion, is our most valuable tool to bring about change as everyday citizens. If every parent in the State of California voted, I know in my heart that education issues would not be so low on Sacramento's totem pole, especially in terms of funding. As it stands now education is always one of the first things on the State funding cutting board.”

… “As a parent, you are your child's greatest advocate. The ability to be your child's voice in Sacramento lies within the ballot box. If parents voted as a collective unit there would be no lobby that could stand against us. We have all the power we need to fix our broken education system in this State and restore it to what it once was. We are just not using it.”

To read the rest of the article, click here: http://educateourstate.posterous.com/the-power-of-one

Reaching for the Top" Back-to-School Conference Coming Up

The annual "Reaching for the Top" Back-to-School Conference is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 22, at the Christ United Presbyterian Church, 3025 Fir St. Download flyer (PDF)

The Conference is FREE and open to students in grades 6-12, with a Parent Session from noon to 2 p.m. Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided.

For more information: http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=225&PageID=2515&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=34404

Get a Free Sticky Note and Support Your School

In a time when school budgets are tight, many businesses are recognizing the need for extra funding and are stepping up to help. Avery is no stranger to this concept and is passionate about helping schools through various programs.

Their newest is the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” sweepstakes that launches on October 3, 2011.

Twenty-thousand people who register for the sweepstakes will randomly be selected to win a free pack of Avery® See-Through Sticky Notes. Five of those winners will be randomly selected to receive 100,000 Box Tops coupons (valued at $10,000) that will be applied to a school of their choice. The selected schools of the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” promotion will be presented with credit for the 100,000 Box Tops for Education®.

It’s easy! All anyone has to do is:

Go to the Avery Facebook Page (facebook.com/avery)
Register to win a free pack of Sticky Notes
Choose the school they’d like the money to go to should they win.

Pretty simple, it’s a great cause, and it could be you guys!

EVENTS

Friday, October 7

All day - CELDT TESTING

Saturday, October 8

All day - NJROTC @ Octoberfest

Sunday, October 9

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, October 10

All day - CELDT TESTING
3:00pm - SSC Meeting

Tuesday, October 11

All day - Make-Up Picture Day
All day - CELDT TESTING
6:00pm - ELAC Meet and Greet

Wednesday, October 12

All day - CELDT TESTING
All day - PSAT testing (NOT at Serra)
5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

Thursday, October 13

All day - CELDT TESTING
9:00am - 11th Grade Field Trip/Freedoms Foundation

Friday, October 14

All day - CELDT TESTING

Saturday, October 15

All day - NJROTC Cadet Picnic
8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
8:00am - PSAT testing
1:00pm - ASB Serra Mania/Homecoming Decorating

Sunday, October 16

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, October 7

3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: Monte Vista Tourney

Saturday, October 8

All day - Varsity Field Hockey Tournament
8:00am - Pre-Season Wrestling Tournament

Monday, October 10

6:00pm - Girls Bball Open Gym

Tuesday, October 11

2:45pm - Cross Country vs. La Jolla
3:00pm - Women's Tennis vs. San Diego
3:30pm - Boys Water Polo @ La Jolla Country Day
5:00pm - Football Night Practice
6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Thursday, October 13

2:30pm - Women's Tennis @ Pt. Loma
3:00pm - JV Football vs MBHS
3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs. Pt. Loma
3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey @ Mira Mesa
3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. Mira Mesa
4:15pm - JV Field Hockey @ Mira Mesa
5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball vs. Mira Mesa
6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Friday, October 14

3:00pm - Varsity Football @ MBHS

Saturday, October 15

10:00am - Q-Basketball Open Gym

BECOME A SERRA HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER – STAY CONNECTED, GET INVOLVED!

Need some good reasons to become a school volunteer?

Research proves that being involved in your kid’s school results in:

► Higher grades and test scores

►Improved attendance

►Increased chances of your child going on to college

►Less discipline problems at school

Assistance needed in the Media Center. The librarian is looking for a creative volunteer who can help him decorate the Media Center, working with different themes, during the school year.

The librarian is also looking for someone who can help him repair a few library carts. This involves adding new wheels to the carts.

Help is needed in the Nurse’s Office. If you would like to assist the Nurse with filing, checking-in students, and other tasks as needed.

Military Parent Group starting soon at Serra. We are looking for a group of military parents who would be interested in meeting once a month or every other month to discuss ways on how we can work together, the school and parents, to best support our military students.

The Parent Center needs help with a few basic office tasks. Help is needed 1 or 2 hours per week, or just stop by when you have some time to lend a hand. The room is open Monday through Friday 9:00-3:00pm.