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