November 18, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!  There is no school next week, November 21 - 25 due to the Thanksgiving break.   We hope you have an enjoyable and restful week with family and friends.  School will resume on Monday, November 28^th.

TAKE ACTION AND SAVE TITLE 1 FUNDING AT YOUR SCHOOL!  Schools receive Title I funding based on the percentage of students who receive free or reduced lunch.  In the past, schools were eligible to receive this funding if 40% of students qualified for free or reduced lunch.   Currently, some members on the Board of Education want to raise the threshold from 40% to 75%.  A shift of threshold means we would lose thousands of dollars of federal funding which will hurt programs at many schools!  If you feel strongly about this issue, please contact your local and state representatives or send a letter to the editor.  Go to: http://www.voiceforourkids.com/GenPage.aspx?PageName=Opinion  for contact information.

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE: 

• Counseling is in need of donations: spiral notebooks, composition books and notebook paper for students who do not have such supplies.  Thank you!
• The California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC)  application period closes November 30th. Don't wait until the last minute.  Make sure your student gets his/her college applications in now!

• SAVE THE DATE!  Financial Aid Night is Tuesday, December 6th at 6:00 pm in the Serra High Media Center.

• Naviance (www.connection.naviance.com/serra) 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.

           Scholarship Highlights which can be found on the Naviance website:

           1.  Abbott and Fenner Scholarship of $1,000

           2.  Jackie Robinson Family YMCA Scholarship of $2,000

           3.  Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship of $1,000

• The new College Center in Room 401 is open!  Students are encouraged to stop by on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during Advisory and lunch. Through January, a counselor is in the room during Advisory and lunch to talk about college applications, help with FAFSA, common app and other relevant college application questions. Beginning in January, after seniors finish their applications, the focus will be on SAT and AP prep for seniors, juniors and sophomores.  Questions?  Contact your student’s counselor.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

Reminder:  It is important to clear absences within five (5) days.  You may call us with the information (858-496-8342 xt. 205, 206 & 209) or send a note with your student.  Please include the following information: 

• Student name-(first & please spell the last name)
• Grade
• Reason for absence
• Your name/relationship
• A phone number for verification

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  The 2011 Serra High Winter Concert is just around the corner. 

Come out and enjoy a family-friendly evening of musical entertainment, prizes, and fun!                                                                       

     WHAT:   The annual Serra High School Winter Concert.

     WHEN:    Thursday December 8 beginning @ 6:30, concluding around 8:30 pm

     WHERE:  Serra High School Auditorium      

Concert tickets are only $5 for adults, $3 for everyone else!   Refreshments on sale at the concert.  

Dinner tickets (Pasta style)  will be available for purchase for $5 through Dec. 5th. Please contact Mr. Boughner’s class for reservations.  Food service begins @ 5:30 pm. Dinners will be sold on a 1st come/1st served basis for $6 on the evening of the concert.  

Opportunity baskets with Holiday goodies may be available the evening of the concert! 

Sponsored by the Serra Symphonic and Choral Music Boosters.  Questions? Contact Mr. Boughner at rboughner@sandi.net

SPORTS NEWS

FROM LORENE DABNEY (PE TEACHER, GIRLS/BOYS TENNIS COACH): Our tennis courts are getting a "face lift" this week!  With the joint efforts of Open Space and the school district, they should be complete by the time we come back from Thanksgiving break!  It has been a very, very long time since they were re-surfaced and there were spots that had worn down so much that players were slipping, tripping over cracks, and getting injured.  The new surface will be decked in our Serra colors, too!!  If anyone has a chance, come out and see our award winning teams play and check out our beautiful courts!

Many thanks to Jan Eby, President of Open Space, Monica & Pat Weishan for spear-heading the process, Jon Pisapia, Athletic Director and Mike Jimenez, Principal for supporting our efforts in completing this project.  Our tennis program is grateful for everyone involved and we look forward to hosting visiting schools as we represent Serra with pride!

CIF PLAYOFFS UPDATE

This has been an EXCITING TIME for Serra Athletic Teams with everyone making the playoffs!  


Serra Field Hockey- Division II Champions!!


Serra Boys Water Polo- Division II Champions!!


Varsity Football defeats Kearny!  Next up Olympian High School, date and time TBA.

Tennis this week had outstanding matches during their run in the CIF Playoffs.

EVENTS

Sunday, November 20

• NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, November 21 through Friday, November 25

• Thanksgiving Break- NO SCHOOL

Sunday, November 27

• NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Thursday, December 1

• 6:30pm -  Improv Show

Friday, December 2

• END OF GRADING PERIOD

• 8:00am - Biotechology Field Trip
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
• CHEER CAMP
• Club Elevated Coat Drive
• NJROTC Drill Meet @ Paloma Valley 
• 5:00pm -  Key Club Division Spirit Battle

Sunday, December 4

• Club Elevated Coat Drive
• NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Monday, November 21 through Friday, November 25

• Thanksgiving Break- No School

Saturday, November 26

• 8:00am - Cross Country State Meet

Tuesday, November 29

• 6:30pm - Football Parent Meeting

Friday, December 2

• 5:30pm - Powderpuff Game(tentative)

Saturday, December 3

• 8:00am - Tierrasanta Cougars Popwarner- Football Cheer Event

CALLOUT FOR VOLUNTEERS!

From the Serra Foundation President, Norm Ryan:  As you already know.....Serra High School is the site of the CIF San Diego Section Field Hockey Finals. Two games will be played at Serra with scheduled starts of 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

In our continuing effort to raise funds for both Foundation and Athletics, Foundation parents, Field Hockey and Football Parents in particular are requested to volunteer for snack bar duty beginning at 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 19. We will keep the snack bar open until past half time of the second game, likely 7 pm.  If you'd like to volunteer for this event, contact: Norm Ryan nryan@rmwfirm.com

 

P.S: you get in free! (it costs to attend CIF Championship events).

November 14, 2011

Serra High School's "Come to School With Your Student" day was a success!  We had close to 90 parents on campus Thursday, November 10th.  The event provided a perfect opportunity for parents to get a first-hand look at what's happening at Serra.  We’d like to thank all the parents who came to school to visit classrooms and attend the parent workshops.  Your involvement is recognized and appreciated!  Thanks also goes out to the Serra High PTO Hospitality crew, Tracy Morter and Tina LaRocco, for providing refreshments for Thursday's event.


CIF Update:
Tennis, Field Hockey, Boys Water Polo Football and Cross Country all have CIF playoffs this week.  Check the Serra Web Site or Facebook for the latest updates. 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Our first Principal's Chat for the 2011-12 school year will be held on Tuesday, November 15th at 6:00pm.  Get the latest scoop on campus life, academic triumphs and challenges, budget updates, and more.  And - it's a great way to get your questions answered and have your voice heard.  Our monthly PTO meeting will immediately follow at 6:30pm. Get involved and stay informed.  I'll see you at the Principal's Chat!  - Principal Mike Jimenez

Thank you to all the parents for returning their Federal Survey Cards in such a timely manner!  The school district receives over 8 million dollars each year based the information received.  During these tight budget times, securing every amount of funding is critical.  As of 2:00pm Monday we still have 53 cards to collect.  If your student is one of the 53, please come to the office and fill one out. 

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

Attention Senior Parents:  The University of California application filing period opened on November 1st!  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.

Naviance (www.connection.naviance.com/serra) 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.

The following scholarships can be found on Naviance:

   1. Delta Theta Chi Scholarship: up to $3,000 for the child or grandchild of a Delta Theta Chi member

   2. U S Bank $1,000 scholarships: 40 scholarships awarded in a random drawing.

   3. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship: $10,000 awarded to the winning drawing 

CORRECTED: Winter Sports Try Out Information.  Please note:  Students interested in a winter sport must be at try-outs everyday.  Visit the Serra website for starting dates and times.  Please note the following:

    * Athletic Packets are available online.  Check the Serra website.

    * Athletic Packets are Due by NOVEMBER 5 to Coach Pisapia or the front office.

    * Students must have a 2.0 (non-weighted) GPA in Academics and Citizenship.

    * Students must pick-up "My Ticket To Play" in the Physical Education Classroom.

          - Students can not try-out without a ticket.

          - Pick up tickets at lunch or after school Monday, November 7-Thursday November 10.

    * Students can not try-out with a ticket.

Support the Serra High School Band and Colorguard! Come out and show your support for our Golden Regiment Band and Guard as they perform at their last Field Competition on November 12th in Vista.  For more info go to: www.serrabandboosters.org

POWDERPUFF 2011 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!  Don’t miss out on the fun!  On December 2nd the Juniors ladies will take on the Senior ladies!




LOOKING AHEAD:  Thanksgiving Break is right around the corner.  School will be closed Monday, November 21st through Friday, November 25th.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

• Snack bar helpers.  Volunteers are needed to help in the snack bar at the December 2nd Powderpuff football game.  Please help support the football boosters by donating a couple of hours in the snack bar.

• 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.

• 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.

EVENTS

Tuesday, November 15

6:00pm - Principal's Chat, followed by the 6:30pm PTO Meeting

6:30pm - Football Parent Meeting

Wednesday, November 16

5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

6:00pm - Freshman Football Award Banquet

Thursday, November 17

6:00pm - Winter Sports Parent Night

Saturday, November 19

8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, November 20

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS - Check The Serra Web Site For The Latest CIF Information (Tennis, Water Polo, Football, Field Hockey and Cross Country)

November 4, 2011

"Come to School with Your Student" Day will be held next week on November 10^th! Parents, some of your students may be telling you that you do not need to come to school that day.  Not true!  This is the perfect opportunity to observe your student's classrooms and get a first-hand look at what's happening at school.   Go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/ for information and to sign up today.


The following parent workshops will be held during the morning for those who are interested in visiting the campus on November 10^th but may not want to observe all of their student’s classrooms:

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

7:10am – Check-in, Room 231-Family Resource Ctr.
and pick up your student’s schedule

7:30am - 2:20pm – Classroom visits

MORNING WORKSHOPS

7:45-8:15am – Using Naviance to track student progress, find scholarships, and more

8:45-10:00am – A-G requirements for High School Students

10:20-11:00am – Information and Resources for Military Families

Parent Connect sign-ups – ALL DAY

You will take away so much valuable information about your student when you come to school on November 10!  Follow this link to sign up for the event http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/.  Reserve your space today!  Refreshments will be provided by the Serra High PTO.  Questions? Contact Marie Byrd mbyrd@sandi.net or 858-496-8342 x231.  See you on November 10^th!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

SAVE THE DATE!  Our first Principal's Chat for the 2011-12 school year will be held on Tuesday, November 15th at 6:00pm.  Get the latest scoop on campus life, academic triumphs and challenges, budget updates, and more.  And - it's a great way to get your questions answered and have your voice heard.  Our monthly PTO meeting will immediately follow at 6:30pm. Get involved and stay informed.  I'll see you at the Principal's Chat!  - Principal Mike Jimenez

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

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 .

RESOURCES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

Our first Military Parent meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 8^th at 9:30am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  All are invited to this meeting.   The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways the school and parents can work together to best support our military students and families.  The meeting room has a kids’ play area and parents are welcome to bring their younger children.  For more information: mbyrd@sandi.net or 858-496-8342 x231.

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 Fleet & Family Support Center Holiday workshops, San Diego Thanksgiving, 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.

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

Support the Serra High School Band and Colorguard! Come out and show your support for our Golden Regiment Band and Guard at their upcoming Field Competitions:

Nov. 5 – Mira Mesa

Nov. 12 - Vista

For more info go to: www.serrabandboosters.org

POWDERPUFF 2011 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!  Don’t miss out on the fun!  On December 2^nd the Juniors ladies will take on the Senior ladies!

Congratulations to the Girls Tennis team!  They went into CIF this past Tuesday as the #4 seed in Division II.  We’re proud of their achievements!  

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

Parents, please support our efforts in making sure all students come to school on time everyday, ready to learn.  Tardies are highly disruptive to the learning process.  Excused tardies include medical, dental, and court appointments. A doctor/dental or a court document must be presented to the attendance office in order to clear the tardy. You may also fax the excused note to: 858-571-3457.  Unexcused tardies include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic, power outage, etc.

If your student is transferring from Serra High School you must notify the school at least 1 week before the last day of attendance.  At that time we will give you information as to what your student will need for that last day.  Following this simple procedure will allow for a smoother transition for you and your student.  Thank you.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

• Snack bar helpers.  Volunteers are needed to help in the snack bar at the December 2^nd Powderpuff football game.  Please help support the football boosters by donating a couple of hours in the snack bar. 

• 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.

• 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.

EVENTS

Saturday, November 5

• 7:00am - AP Super Saturday
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
• 11:00am - Band & Flags Field Competition
• 2:30pm - Field Trip-BAND

Sunday, November 6

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, November 7

• 3:00pm - SSC Meeting

Wednesday, November 9

• 5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

Thursday, November 10

• All day - Come to School with your Student Day

Friday, November 11

• All day - NJROTC @ Veterans Parade
• All day - Veterans Day- No School
• 9:00am - NJROTC Field Trip

Saturday, November 12

• 10:00am - Band & Flags Field Competition
• 1:30pm - Field Trip-BAND

Sunday, November 13

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

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

Monday, November 7

• 3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey @ Patrick Henry
• 4:15pm - JV Field Hockey vs. Patrick Henry
• 6:00pm - Girls Bball Open Gym

Tuesday, November 8

• 2:45pm - Cross Country League Finals
• 5:00pm - Football Night Practice
• 6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Wednesday, November 9

• 2:30pm - JV Football vs Pt Loma
• 2:30pm - Freshmen Football @ Pt. Loma
• 3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey @ Scripps Ranch
• 4:15pm - JV Field Hockey @ Scripps Ranch

Thursday, November 10

• 2:30pm - Varsity Football @ PLHS
• 6:00pm - Boys Bball Open Gym

Friday, November 11

• Veterans Day- No School