June 13, 2011

Welcome to the final Q Connection of the 2010-11 school year. 
 
As we say goodbye to the class of 2011, here are a few items that you need to keep in mind as you plan for the 2011-12 school year.
 

1. All 7th through 12th graders need a whooping cough (pertussis) shot before starting the new school year.  Putting it off will stall the registration process for your student.   Avoid the rush and get it taken care of now.  Visit http://shotsforschool.org for more information.
2. Serra High will no longer be able to track Community Service Hours for students.   While we still encourage students to give back to their community, we simply do not have the resources to track students’ hours.  Remember that Community Service is not a requirement of the school. 
3. Work Permits: If your child wants a summer job they will need to have a work permit. Since the school is closed for the summer, they will need to get their work permit signed at the Work Permit Office at the Revere Center.  The address is 6735 Gifford Way, Room 3, San Diego, CA 92111.  Call (858) 627-7355 for more information.   Also:  ALL work permits expire in September.  If your student wishes to continue to work after the summer, they get a new work permit in the fall.
4. PSAT:  At this point in time, Serra will not be able to offer the PSAT in October.   We do not have the funding to pay for proctors and we cannot charge extra to pay for proctors.    We do not know which, if any, schools will be giving the test.  If we learn of any testing sites  or if are able to find a new funding source, we will publish the information in the Q-Connection next Fall.   http://www.collegeboard.org/

 
Have a great summer and be sure to check the Serra Web Site in late August for the latest news about our STAR scores!

June 5, 2011

NEWS
    
Important Information for Seniors

Graduation Practice will take place on Thursday, June 9th from 1:00- 3:00pm (or until finished). Seniors, please meet In the Gym. The Senior BBQ will follow Graduation Practice and is free to All Seniors. Caps & Gowns will be distributed at the Senior BBQ. (Seniors please note the Library will be closed after Grad Practice so clear your indebtedness before!)

Graduation is on Friday, June 10 at 2:00 PM at Golden Hall, downtown. Student Report Time: 12:30pm.

Diplomas will be distributed on Monday, June 13th from 8:00-11:00am. Only the Graduate may pick up their diploma. Graduates must show a photo ID.

Graduation Day Update. Please visit the Serra website: http://serra.sandi.net/graduation for the latest updates regarding Graduation, including pictures, maps, and videos providing detailed information about Golden Hall, parking, and trolley information.

Serra High School is hosting a FREE Summer Academy 2011 Student Leadership Conference featuring the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” Training. Students will have 29 sessions to choose from including opportunities to work on their summer readings or assignments from their AP or other courses to prepare them for the 2011-2012 school year. Other sessions include: What Color is Your Parachute?, A+ Computer Training, Basics of Digital Photography, AP English Language and Composition, Key Club Planning, AP Calculus Preparation, Art: Using the Camera Creatively, Essential Elements of College Writing, Introduction to AP Psychology, History: Basic Skills, Electricity: Circuits and Statics, and many more!  The sessions are filling up quickly so sign up today!  For more information and registration forms, go to the Serra High website http://serra.sandi.net or contact Steve Baker- AP Incentive Grant Coordinator:  (858) 496-8342 x198, sbaker1@sandi.net.

Community Service Certificates are ready for pick up. If your student turned in community service hours to Ms. Timmins or Ms. Leboffe during the school year, they can pick up their certificates in Room 201B next week during lunch or after school
.
The Serra High Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Wants You! The PTO is looking for a few good men and women to serve on their 2011-2012 Executive Board. Several positions are still open, including President. The Board meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Family Resource Center (Room 231). Being an active Board Member is a great way to stay informed and be involved in your child’s school! If you are interested in being a part of the PTO, contact SerraHighPTO@gmail.com. PTO IS THE WAY TO GO!

Important registration and enrollment information will be mailed out to all families this summer. We need your current information on file. If you have moved please bring to the attendance office a current proof of residence (electric bill, cable bill or rental agreement) in order to update your file. Thank you from the Attendance office.

CONGRATULATIONS Serra Surf Team for finishing the season in first place for Men's Longboard in Division 4. Way to Go!
2011 Summer Lunch Programs

FREE Summer Lunches for Kids. NO enrollment, NO paperwork, NO income qualifications. All children 18 year and younger are welcome. Kids can enjoy a free lunch Monday through Friday (except July 4th) throughout the summer.
Click here for information on the 2011 Summer Lunch Program: http://www.sandi.net/20451072011452577/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=55961

EVENTS   
    
Monday, June 6
6:00pm - Swim Banquet (Bali Hai Restaurant)

Tuesday, June 7
5:30pm - Track and Field Banquet (Serra Media Center)

Thursday, June 9
7:00am - Senior Cap & Gown Pick-Up
1:00pm – Senior Graduation Practice (Gym)
3:00pm – Senior BBQ (immediately following Graduation Practice). Free to all Seniors

Friday, June 10
2:00pm – Senior Graduation (Golden Hall, Downtown) Student Report Time: 12:30pm

Monday, June 13
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - END OF SEMESTER GRADING PERIOD
8:00-11:00am - Diploma Distribution. Only the Graduate may pick up their diploma. Graduates must show a photo ID.

SCHOLARSHIPS
    
ICBC SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: June 15, 2011
Amount: $1,000
¬    for SENIORS or college students
¬    must be between the ages of 17-21
¬    United States or Canada resident
¬    demonstrate that he/she has been successfully accepted and registered at the school of his/her choice
¬    ESSAY: Must answer the following questions:
1) [1000 words or less] Choose three activities that you have participated in that have helped you to grow in to the person you are today. Focus your essay on the activity and what it has taught you.
2) [<1500 words] Explain why Property Rights are so important in a Free and Open Society?
¬    online application only. Register at www.icbclawyers.ca/scholarships/131/scholarships.php
BIGSUN SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: June 23, 2011
Amount: $500
¬    for SENIORS currently involved in any sport at school or in the community
¬    Essay: word limit not specified
Write a short essay answering the following questions: “What are your most important extracurricular or community activities? What have you done to contribute to them?”
¬    for more information visit www.bigsunathletics.com
DMD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline: July16, 2011
Amount: $1,000
¬    for SENIORS
¬    be between the ages of 16-20 on July 16, 2011
¬    be attending a College or University in the Fall of 2011
¬    be a resident of the United States or Canada
¬    ESSAY: < 2,000 words
"Why is it important to YOU to get a College or University Education?"
¬    online application only. Register at www.dentalmarketingplans.com/scholarships.php
"I WAS BORN IN 1994" SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: July 31, 2011
Amount: Not Stated
¬    for U.S. students born in 1994
¬    ESSAY: 250 words
Respond to the following question: "What is unique about students born in 1994? Explain."
¬    Online application only. Register at www.scholarshipexperts.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    
The Senior Boosters Group need a few more chaperones, donations of water and licorice buckets for the bus ride up to Disneyland, and volunteers to help set up and clean up for the Senior BBQ on June 9th. If you can help with any of the above, please email jd3hopps@aol.com or gmcparlane@att.net.

The Vista Grande Country Fair, scheduled for Saturday, June 4th, is in need of student volunteers to help run game booths. Shifts are 9:00am-1:00pm or 12:30-4:30pm. Volunteers who serve a minimum of 4 hours will receive a free meal. The Fair will be held at Vista Grande Elementary School. For more information please contact Stephanie Bryant, 858-602-7702 or stephbryant@san.rr.com.

Volunteer forms are available at the school.  Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x203), for more information about volunteering.