September 30, 2011

Senior College Night is 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.

Serra High Alumni are in the News!  No app for gratitude? iPads will have to do. 

San Diego app game developers Ian and David Marsh, 2001 Serra High School graduates, decided to merge technology with old-fashioned human contact in their first effort to give back to the community and thank teachers for contributing to their newfound success. The twins bought and donated a trunk-load of iPads and other equipment to Joyner Elementary School in City Heights. They hope to inspire students with technology the way Joyner principal Joe Austin inspired them — back when he was their business and technology teacher at Serra.  Click here to read more:

http://sdusd-newsfeed.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-news-no-app-for-gratitude-ipads-will.html

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.

FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE:

October 6th is the deadline to bring proof of your student’s Tdap immunization. Beginning on October 7th, those students who have not turned in proof will not be admitted to school and their parents will be notified by the school to pick them up.  To avoid this, please make sure to bring in proof of immunization if you have not already done so.  If immunizations are against your personal beliefs, please come to the school and sign the exemption statement.  The exemption forms are in the Nurse’s office and must be signed by a parent or guardian.

GOT LUNCH?  Remember to turn in your free/reduced 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. 

Make Up Picture Day.  If your student missed getting his/her picture taken, our next Make Up Picture day is scheduled for October 11th, 2011.

Hungry?  You have to eat, so why not help Serra High at the same time?   We have several fundraisers coming up where all you have to do is download a flyer, go to the restaurant, order and eat.  It's easy!  Visit: http://serra.sandi.net/fundraisers/   for dates and more information.

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.

Have you heard about the Family Resource Center? Thanks to a Department of Defense Educational Activity grant called “Operation Student Success,” the Family Resource Center was established in November 2010.  The grant also provides math and technology support in the classrooms.  The Resource Center is located on the Serra High campus in Room 231 and is a place for parents and families to meet, network, gather resources, and acquire skills and training to best support their student’s academic success and well-being.  It also serves as a place where students can utilize resources and attend peer and support groups. 

The Center is designed to accommodate all families and has much to offer:

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. 

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.

EVENTS

Saturday, October 1

• All day - NJROTC @ Miramar Air Show 
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, October 2

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, October 3

• All day - Pink Progress Report Day
• All day - CELDT TESTING

Tuesday, October 4

• All day - CAHSEE- ELA

Wednesday, October 5

• All day - CAHSEE- Math
• 5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal
• 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting

Thursday, October 6

• All day - CELDT TESTING
• 9:00am - Biotechnology Field Trip

Friday, October 7

• All day - CELDT TESTING

Saturday, October 8

• NJROTC @ Octoberfest

Sunday, October 9

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, September 30

• 6:30pm - Varsity Football vs St.Francis (followed by Football Team Dinner @9:30pm)

 Saturday, October 1

• 10:00am - Freshman Football vs. Saints
• 3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: Lady Cavers Tourney

Tuesday, October 4

• 2:30pm - Women's Tennis vs Mission Bay
• 2:45pm - Cross Country vs. Cathedral
• 3:00pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs. Scripps Ranch
• 3:00pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs OLP
• 4:15pm - JV Field Hockey vs Scripps Ranch
• 5:00pm - Football Night Practice
• 5:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs. University City
• 5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball vs. OLP

Thursday, October 6

• 2:30pm - Women's Tennis @ Patrick Henry
• 3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs Patrick Henry
• 3:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs. Cathedral
• 3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. Mission Bay
• 4:30pm - JV Field Hockey vs. Cathedral
• 5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball vs Mission Bay

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

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

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:

• 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. 

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.  Click here for TB Clinic information.  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 or room 231. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231) for more information.

September 23, 2011

Serra’s Back to School Night was a success!  The Serra Foundation, PTO and some of our community partners - Cal Coast Credit Union, Fleet & Family Services, FOCUS, and Navy Federal Credit Union were out greeting our families and showing their support for Serra.  The Band provided the evening's musical entertainment.  Delicious food was being served by many of our student clubs.  It was a fun night for all involved! We’d like to thank the parents who came out on Wednesday evening to meet the teachers, counselors, and administrators who are partnering with you in your child’s education.  It's a team effort and we’re looking forward to a great year with your student!

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

Tardies are highly disruptive to the learning process. Please make sure your student has allowed plenty of time to get to school on time. Excused tardies would include medical, dental and court appointments, etc. A doctor/dental or a court document must be presented to the attendance office in order to clear the tardy. You may fax the excused note to 858-571-3457.  Unexcused tardies would include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic, power outage, etc.  Thank you for understanding the importance of getting your kids to school on time.

FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE:

Reminder that if you have not turned in proof of your child's Tdap vaccination, this is the last week that you may do so before the deadline.  If your child has not received the Tdap as to date, there will be a FREE clinic, sponsored by the county, for any student to receive the Tdap on Tuesday September 27th from 2:30-6:00 pm here at Serra in the staff lounge in the main building. Student's must be accompanied by a parent and remember to bring your child's immunization record so that the vaccine can be recorded on it.

Free Tdap Booster Clinic for all district students in grades 7-12 at these locations:

    * Wednesday September 21, 2011 12:30-5:30pm @ Bell Middle School Auditorium

    * Tuesday September 27, 2011 2:30-6:00pm @ Serra High School Faculty Lounge

    * Thursday September 29, 2011 2:00-6:00pm @ Henry High School Library

Parent or guardian must accompany student. First come, first serve basis. Sponsored by County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency Immunization Program.

Student Drop Off, Pick Up & Parking.  For safety reasons, the roundabout in front of the 100/Admin building is closed from 7:00-7:35am and 2:00-2:30pm.   Please arrange another location to drop off and pick up students.  When the cones are up the entrance is closed, even if only one or two cones are up and there is room to pull your car through.  When the entrance is closed do not drive in the exit driveway (the one on the left).  This is very dangerous.  In the last week alone, one of our counselors has almost been run over twice!   All the parking spaces are reserved and a Serra Permit is required.  Visit http://serra.sandi.net/policies/parking.html for more info.

California High School Exit Exam.  Passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is a requirement to receive a diploma in California. Students in the state of California cannot earn a high school diploma unless they have passed both parts of the California High School Exit Exam. If your Senior has not yet taken or passed the exams, they will have an opportunity to take the English exam on Tuesday, October 4th and the Math exam on Wednesday, October 5th. 

If your student is from out of district and has already passed one or both of the exams, please make sure we have verification of passing (on the transcript or copy of the results letter) on file in the counseling office.  For a list of all the CAHSEE dates for 10th, 11th and 12th graders visit: http://www.serra.sandi.net/testing/

Make Up Picture Day.  Our September 20th Make Up Picture Day was a huge success.  Reyman's  photographed almost 350 students. We still have students who have missed both photo opportunities so our next Make Up Picture day is scheduled for October 11th, 2011.

Hungry?  You have to eat, so why not help Serra High at the same time?   We have several fundraisers coming up where all you have to do is download a flyer, go to the restaurant, order and eat.  It's easy!  Visit: http://serra.sandi.net/fundraisers/   for dates and more information.

Emergency Procedures For Parents.  Do you know what to do if a school emergency or natural disaster happens while your child is in school? Where do you go?  Where can you park?  How can you be reunited with your child?  If you unable to come to the school, who is allowed to pick up your student? 

We have now posted an Emergency Procedures for Parents page on our website to answer these questions: http://serra.sandi.net/policies/emergency.html.  Please take a few moments to read it so you are ready if an emergency happens.

Off-Campus Food.  Please remember that no off-campus food is allowed on campus unless it's been pre-approved by Administration. 

The State of California prohibits skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, skooters or other such devices on school campus.  This is because of insurance liability.  Your student may not ride it to school and store it with a teacher.  Please help us maintain the safety of your children and others by keeping them at home.

Do you know about the Family Resource Center? Thanks to a generous Department of Defense Educational Activity grant called “Operation Student Success,” the Family Resource Center was established in November 2010.  The grant also provides math and technology support in the classrooms.  The Resource Center is located on the Serra High School campus in Room 231 and is a place for parents and families to meet, network, gather resources, and acquire skills and training to best support their student’s academic success and well-being.  It also serves as a place where students can utilize resources and attend peer and support groups.

The Center is designed to accommodate all families and has much to offer.  The room can be used for various parent and student group meetings, workshops, and guest speakers.  Computers in the room allow families access to online resources and the ability to email and “Skype” with family members who are away from home.  There is a kid’s playroom which allows parents to bring younger siblings when they attend meetings or volunteer on campus. The Center also provides valuable resource materials to families, including academic, military, and community-based information.

The Resource Center helps connect families with the school and community, and promotes active parental involvement at school.  We are fortunate to have such a place on campus for our families.  Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 3:00pm.  Stop by anytime to check it out!  Questions?  Contact Marie Byrd, Parent Support Liaison: mbyrd@sandi.net or 858-496-8342 x231.

Internship Opportunity - Military Child and Youth Programs

A partnership between the Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Defense has provided the funding for a national, military childcare/youth development internship program. Through this initiative, students and recent graduates  have the opportunity to develop professional skills in childcare and youth development through practical work experience with military children, youth, and families.

Interns are placed on military installations across the United States with limited opportunities for international placement and receive an hourly wage or stipend and assistance with travel expenses for their efforts. Current students may obtain academic credit for this experience if desired.

The Military Extension Internship Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2012 Semester through September 30. Students will be notified of their application's status around November 1.

More information and application materials can be found at www.ydae.purdue.edu/military <http://www.ydae.purdue.edu/military>.  Specific questions regarding the internships may be referred to: Amy Schott, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Internship Coordinator, at aeschott@purdue.edu mailto:aeschott@purdue.edu

EVENTS

Friday, September 23

• All day - CELDT TESTING
• 6:10pm - Serra Stadium Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Saturday, September 24

• All day - NJROTC Boot Camp Challenge @ MCRD

Sunday, September 25

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, September 26

• All day - CELDT TESTING

Tuesday, September 27

• All day - CELDT TESTING
• 2:30pm - FREE TDAP Clinic

Wednesday, September 28

• All day - CELDT TESTING
• 5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

Thursday, September 29

• All day - CELDT TESTING

Friday, September 30

• All day - CELDT TESTING
• 8:30am - Blue Angels Presentation

Saturday, October 1

• All day - NJROTC @ Miramar Air Show
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, October 2

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, September 23

• 3:00pm - JV Football vs UCHS
• 6:10pm - Serra Stadium Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• 6:30pm - Varsity Football vs UCHS

Saturday, September 24

• All day - Varsity Field Hockey Tournament

Tuesday, September 27

• 2:30pm - Women's Tennis@ Morse
• 3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs Ramona
• 3:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs. Rancho Buena Vista
• 3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. Morse
• 4:30pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball vs Morse
• 4:30pm - JV Field Hockey vs. Rancho Buena VIsta
• 5:00pm - Football Night Practice

Wednesday, September 28

• 3:00pm - Women's Tennis vs Vista

Thursday, September 29

• 2:30pm - Women's Tennis vs Mira Mesa
• 3:30pm - Boys Water Polo @ Westview
• 3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Patrick Henry
• 5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball @ Patrick Henry

Friday, September 30

• 6:30pm - Varsity Football vs St.Francis

Saturday, October 1

• 3:30pm - Girls Volleyball: Lady Cavers Tourney

VOLUNTEERING AT SERRA HIGH SCHOOL  – STAY CONNECTED, GET INVOLVED!  

Serra High loves volunteers!  There are many ways to offer your time and talent as a volunteer.  We encourage our parents and community members to get involved and volunteer at school.  Below are a couple of opportunities we currently have at Serra:

• 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, please contact: mbyrd@sandi.net or 858-496-8342 x231

• 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.  If you are interested in being a part of this group, please contact: mbyrd@sandi.net or 858-496-8342 x231.

Please remember that 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.  Click here for TB Clinic Services and Information.   It is important for the safety of our students that the proper paperwork is on file for every volunteer. Thank you for understanding the importance of this issue.

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 about volunteering.

SPECIAL Monday Q-Connection 9/19

Normally the Q-Connection is posted on Friday, but we've have several late breaking items with important information that parents need to know ASAP.





NEWS: PSAT will be offered at Serra

We reported at the beginning of summer that we could no longer afford to offer the PSAT to our students, however, the GEAR UP grant has stepped up to help us out.


We are pleased to announce that the PSAT WILL NOW be given at Serra on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 8:00am. GEAR UP is picking up the cost for any 9th or 10th grader who wants to take the test. Again, there is no cost for 9th and 10th grade students. 11th graders will have to pay the $14 College Board fee. Transportation will be available.


Any student who wants to take the PSAT (even if they don't have to pay) MUST sign up in the Finance Office starting on Tuesday. The deadline for signing up is this Thursday, September 22nd. The Finance Office is open before school, lunch and after school. It will also be open during Wednesday's Open House.


For more information about the PSAT, please visit The College Board website.

Free Tdap Booster Clinic 9/27 @ Serra

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!! MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO GO TO SCHOOL!!!!!!

Parents, guardians and employees are reminded that a new California law requires that students entering 7th through 12th grades in the 2011-12 school year must be immunized with a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster called Tdap.
Although the California Legislature recently granted school districts a 30-day extension to verify immunizations, all 7th to 12th graders will ber equired to receive the Tdap booster. San Diego Unified students will be allowed to attend school for up to 30 calendar days after the first day of school, Sept. 6, 2011, regardless of proof of immunization or signed Tdap Personal Belief statement. These documents need to be provided to Serral no later than Oct. 6, 2011.


Free Tdap Booster Clinic for all district students in grades 7-12 at these locations: 
Wednesday September 21, 2011 12:30-5:30pm
Bell Middle School Auditorium
620 Briarwood Rd. 92139


Tuesday September 27, 2011 2:30-6:00pm
Serra High School Faculty Lounge
5156 Santo Road 92124

Thursday September 29, 2011 2:00-6:00pm
Henry High School Library
6702 Wandermere Dr. 92120



Parent or guardian must accompany student. First come, first serve basis.
Sponsored by County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency Immunization Program.


Detection Canine Presentation @ Open House


Dear Serra High School Parents,

Serra High School is committed to providing a safe and drug free learning environment for each and every one of our students and staff. To that end, Serra High School Administration is renewing their contract with Interquest Detection Canines Inc., to provide trained detection canines to conduct random, unannounced inspections on campus.

These canines are trained to detect the presence of illicit drugs, alcohol, and gunpowder-based items. During the random, unannounced visits, campus buildings, parking lots, and grounds will be randomly inspected for prohibited items. If detected and found, the school will initiate the appropriate disciplinary action.

These canines are non-aggressive retrieving breeds such as Golden and Labrador Retrievers. They are trained to discriminate specific “scents” of contraband items and indicate the area where the scent is detected. Interquest provides service to over 1,200 public school districts across the nation.

To provide you with clear and accurate information about this service, we are hosting a Parent Info meeting before the opening of Fall Open House on Wednesday, September 21 st, 2011. This meeting will take place from 5:30pm-6pm in the Theater. The Canine Detective Unit will be present to provide an actual detection demonstration, and answer questions. Please plan to join us on Wednesday to become acquainted with this new service. We hope to see you at Open House.


Respectfully,

Michael Jimenez

Principal


Make Up Picture Day 9/20/11

Students who did not get their picture taken at orientation will have an opportunity to be photographed on Make- Up picture day, September 20, 2011. Passes will be given out during 1st period.




And Finally....

Serra had our first dance of the year on Saturday: The Blacklight Space Jam Dance.  It was a big success.  Congratulations to ASB for another outstanding dance. 

September 16, 2011

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome back everyone!  What an extraordinary opening of a school year we had for the 2011-2012 school year.  The first week of school included unexpected power outages and safety drills, and the week ended one day short due to last Thursday's power outage.  We have worked hard to readjust our schedules with as minimal disruption to our teacher’s schedule of curriculum delivery and our student learning.  Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.


We're looking forward to another progressive academic school year for your students and the school, as well as another positive experience for your kids here at SHS.  Go Conquistadors!




To read more of the Principal's Message, please go to: http://serra.sandi.net/admin/principalmessage.html




Rules Enforcement Began on Wednesday, September 14th.  All students have attended a School Rules Assembly and as of Wednesday, all school rules will be enforced.  Please review Serra’s rules/policies online:  http://serra.sandi.net/policies/

Serra's Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st.  Activities begin at 5pm.  Classroom visits start at 6:40pm.  Don't miss out on this fun and informative event!  Food and snacks will be available for purchase by some of our student clubs.  Buses are available.  Have your student come to the office to pick up a bus schedule.    Check the website for the Classroom Visit Schedule.  Make sure you ask your student for their schedule, so you know where to go.

Say Cheese!  Picture Make-up Day is September 20th.  If your student missed getting his/her picture taken during Orientation, there will be a picture make-up day on September 20th.  Make sure your student comes to school looking their best that day!  

Changes to Student Connection For The New School Year.  Effective Friday, September 2, 2011, a change was made to StudentConnection.  Students will only be able to access StudentConnection using their Active Directory (AD) username and password.  This is the username and password they use to log into the Netbooks in their Math and English classes.

Check out the new Serra High School News section on the school’s homepage: http://serra.sandi.net.  There you will find all the latest school updates, news, and information.  If it’s happening at Serra, you’ll find it at: http://serra.sandi.net!

From the Attendance Office – Concerning Blue Slips, Illnesses, and Tardies


Requests for Early Release (Blue Slips) must be submitted before 8:00 a.m. on the day of release. (Parents may phone in PRIOR to 8:00 a.m. or send a note with your student and he/she must bring it to the Attendance Office PRIOR to 8:00 a.m.)  Students must pick up their Blue Slips in the Attendance Office.  We do not have the resources to deliver the Blue Slips to each student’s class. 

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

Tardies are highly disruptive to the learning process. Please make sure your student has allowed plenty of time to get to school on time. Excused tardies include medical, dental, and court appointments, etc.  A doctor/dental note or court document must be presented to the attendance office when your student returns to school in order to clear the tardy. You may also fax the excused note: 858-571-3457. Please note: unexcused tardies include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic, etc.

From the Nurse’s Office

Proof of Tdap required. Thank you for bringing your student’s vaccination records to the office. If you have not done so, please bring a copy to the school nurse as soon as possible. Per the new state law, all incoming 7th-12th graders must provide proof of Tdap (Whooping Cough) booster immunization before entering the 2011-12 school year. Remember, No Tdap, No School!

Medications at school. If your student needs to take medication while at school (including inhalers), they must have a doctor’s order on file in the Nurse’s office. Forms are located on the Serra website under the Health Office section, or stop by the Nurse’s office to complete the form.

Check out Serra’s latest fundraisers in the new Fundraising section of the website:  http://serra.sandi.net/fundraisers/


Got Lunch?  Remember to turn in your free/reduced lunch application.  The National School Lunch and Breakfast Program is a federally subsidized program and your child(ren) may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.  To apply for the program, please complete the online application: https://www.applyforlunch.com/Application.  Forms are also available in the main office. 

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. A few positions are still open. 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!

First Dance Of The Year is this Saturday, September 17th.  Don't miss out on the first dance of the year - SPACE JAM Black Light Dance!  September 17, 2011 - 7:00PM to 10:00PM in the Serra Gym.   Parents please remember: All students must be picked up or have left the premises no later than 10:30 PM. 

 
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY  ~ MILITARY CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS


A partnership between the Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Defense has provided the funding for a national, military childcare/youth development internship program. Through this initiative,
students and recent graduates  have the opportunity to develop professional skills in childcare and youth development through practical work experience with military children, youth, and families.


Interns are placed on military installations across the United States with limited opportunities for international placement and receive an hourly wage or stipend and assistance with travel expenses for their efforts. Current students may obtain academic credit for this experience if desired.


The Military Extension Internship Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2012 Semester through September 30. Students will be notified of their application's status around November 1.


More information and application materials can be found at www.ydae.purdue.edu/military <http://www.ydae.purdue.edu/military>.  Specific questions regarding the internships may be referred to: Amy
Schott, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Internship Coordinator, at aeschott@purdue.edu <mailto:aeschott@purdue.edu>

EVENTS

Saturday, September 17

All day - CELDT TESTING

All day - NJROTC Drill Meet @ PHHS

7:00am - Rummage Sale/BAND

8:00am - APIP Student Leader Training

8:00am - Saturday School

7:00pm - Welcome Back Dance

Sunday, September 18

All day - CELDT TESTING

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, September 19

All day - CELDT TESTING

All day - Pink Progress Report Day

7:00pm - Senior Parent Meeting

Tuesday, September 20

All day - CELDT TESTING

All day - Make-Up Picture Day

6:30pm - PTO Meeting

Wednesday, September 21

All day - CELDT TESTING

5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

5:00-8:00pm – Open House

5:00pm - Parent Connect Sign Ups

5:00pm - Sex Education and HIV Preventions Program Materials Preview

5:15pm - ELAC Meeting

5:30pm - SSC Parent Elections

5:30pm - Title I Parent Meeting

6:00pm - Military Parents Meeting

6:20pm - Principal's Welcome

6:40pm - Classroom Visits

Thursday, September 22

All day - CELDT TESTING

Friday, September 23

All day - CELDT TESTING

Saturday, September 24

All day - CELDT TESTING

All day - NJROTC Boot Camp Challenge @ MCRD

Sunday, September 25

All day - CELDT TESTING

All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Saturday, September 17

All day - JV Boys Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS

All day - JV Field Hockey Tourny

3:30pm - JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball Tourney @ Monte Vista

Monday, September 19

3:00pm - Girls Tennis Picture Day

Tuesday, September 20

2:30pm - Girls Tennis vs PLHS

3:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs. Mission Bay

3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball @ Mira Mesa

5:00pm - Football Night Practice

5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball @ Mira Mesa

6:00pm - JV Field Hockey @ Scripps

7:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey @ Scripps

Wednesday, September 21

2:30pm - Girls Tennis @ MBHS

Thursday, September 22

3:00pm - Frosh & JV Football vs UCHS

3:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey @ San Pasqual

3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball vs Coronado

4:30pm - JV Field Hockey @ San Pasqual

5:00pm - JV & Frosh Girls Volleyball vs Coronado

Friday, September 23

6:30pm - Varsity Football vs UCHS

Saturday, September 24

All day - Varsity Field Hockey Tournament

VOLUNTEERING AT SERRA HIGH SCHOOL  – STAY CONNECTED, GET INVOLVED!  

Serra High loves volunteers!  There are many ways to offer your time and talent as a volunteer: working with the PTO, Serra Foundation, sports/music/club boosters, etc. Help will be needed throughout the school year at various events. We encourage our parents and community members to get involved and volunteer at school. 

Please remember that 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.  Click here for TB Clinic Services and Information.   It is important for the safety of our students that the proper paperwork is on file for every volunteer. Thank you for understanding the importance of this issue.

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 about volunteering.

The mission of Serra High School is to provide rigorous, relevant, standards-based curriculum that will prepare our students to be responsible citizens and productive members of the 21st century workforce.

September 9, 2011

NEWS

 Serra High School Closed Due to Power Outage.  As most are already aware, Serra High School was closed today (Friday 9/9) due to the power outage which occurred on Thursday afternoon.  It is anticipated that school will re-open on Monday, September 12th. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.  Please check the Serra website or other media outlets for further updates.

All athletic events scheduled for today, September 9th, will continue as scheduled.  We ask that your student athletes please contact their respective coaches in order to confirm scheduled times for the various athletic competitions.  You can also check the Serra News section on the school website for updates to today's athletic events: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/

Rules Enforcement Begins on Monday.  All school rules will be enforced beginning Monday, September 12^th.  Please review Serra’s rules/policies online:  http://serra.sandi.net/policies/

Changes to Student Connection For The New School Year.  Effective Friday, September 2, 2011, a change was made to StudentConnection.  Students will only be able to access StudentConnection using their Active Directory (AD) username and password.  This is the username and password they use to log into the Netbooks in their Math and English classes.

Did You Know?  Every student receives a complimentary Serra High School Student Planner at the beginning of each year.  These planners are filled with important school information and are also an excellent way for your student to keep organized and on track throughout the school year.  Please take a look at your student’s planner and encourage her/him to use it!

Check out the new Serra High School News section on the school’s homepage: http://serra.sandi.net.  There you will find all the latest school updates, news, and information.  If it’s happening at Serra, you’ll find it at: http://serra.sandi.net!

Open House at Serra - Save the Date!  Our annual Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st.  More details to follow.  Check the Serra website soon for information.

From the Attendance Office – Concerning Blue Slips, Illnesses, and Tardies

Requests for Early Release (Blue Slips) must be submitted before 8:00 a.m. on the day of release. (Parents may phone in PRIOR to 8:00 a.m. or send a note with your student and he/she must bring it to the Attendance Office PRIOR to 8:00 a.m.)  Students must pick up their Blue Slips in the Attendance Office.  We do not have the resources to deliver the Blue Slips to each student’s class. 

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

Tardies are highly disruptive to the learning process. Please make sure your student has allowed plenty of time to get to school on time. Excused tardies include medical, dental, and court appointments, etc.  A doctor/dental note or court document must be presented to the attendance office when your student returns to school in order to clear the tardy. You may also fax the excused note: 858-571-3457. Please note: unexcused tardies include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic, etc.

From the Nurse’s Office

Proof of Tdap required. Thank you for bringing your student’s vaccination records to the office. If you have not done so, please bring a copy to the school nurse as soon as possible. Per the new state law, all incoming 7th-12th graders must provide proof of Tdap (Whooping Cough) booster immunization before entering the 2011-12 school year. Remember, No Tdap, No School!

Medications at school. If your student needs to take medication while at school (including inhalers), they must have a doctor’s order on file in the Nurse’s office. Forms are located on the Serra website under the Health Office section, or stop by the Nurse’s office to complete the form.

Check out Serra’s latest fundraisers in the new Fundraising section of the website:  http://serra.sandi.net/fundraisers/

Got Lunch?  Remember to turn in your free/reduced lunch application.  The National School Lunch and Breakfast Program is a federally subsidized program and your child(ren) may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.  To apply for the program, please complete the online application: https://www.applyforlunch.com/Application.  Forms are also available in the main office. 

Say Cheese!  Picture Make-up Day is September 20th.  If your student missed getting his/her picture taken during Orientation, there will be a picture make-up day on September 20th.  Make sure your student comes to school looking their best that day!  

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. A few positions are still open. 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!

What’s Cookin’, Serra High School?!

For the first time ever, our fabulous marching band and color guard, The Golden Regiment, is creating an awesome cookbook to raise badly-needed funds for band activities and coaches.  The 200 recipes will come from Serra staff and band parents, so your help is needed!  Our goal is to have at least one recipe from each Golden Regiment family in the cookbook. Please select one or more of your favorite recipes and submit them on the attached form by Wednesday, September 14th.  The form may be submitted electronically to cookbook@serrabandboosters.org, or on a paper copy and turned into the Serra front office or to one of the Band Moms in the Band Room.  The cookbooks will be printed and distributed by December 7th for the low cost of $10 each – just in time for holiday giving!  Questions? Contact cookbook@serrabandboosters.org.  Please help keep the Serra Band marching!  Thank you for your participation!  -From the Serra Band Boosters

EVENTS

Saturday, September 10

• CELDT Testing

Sunday, September 11

• CELDT Testing
• NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, September 12

• CELDT Testing
• RULES ENFORCEMENT BEGINS

Tuesday, September 13

• CELDT Testing

Wednesday, September 14

• CELDT Testing

Thursday, September 15

• CELDT Testing

Friday, September 16

• CELDT Testing

Saturday, September 17

• CELDT Testing
• NJROTC Drill Meet @ PHHS
• 7:00am - Rummage Sale/BAND
• 8:00am - APIP Student Leader Training
• 8:00am - Saturday School
• 7:00pm - Welcome Back Dance

Sunday, September 18

• CELDT Testing

SPORTS

Friday, September 9

• Please check the Serra News section on the school website for updates to today's athletic events: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/

Saturday, September 10

• All day -  Varsity Boys Water Polo Invite @ Miramar/TIME TBA
• 3:30pm - Varsity Girls Volleyball Tourney @ Monte Vista

Tuesday, September 13

• 2:30pm - Girls Tennis vs PHHS
• 3:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs Hilltop
• 4:30pm - JV Field Hockey vs Hilltop
• 5:00pm - Football Night Practice
• 5:30pm - JV Girls Volleyball vs Sweetwater
• 7:00pm - Boys Water Polo vs La Costa Canyon @Encinitas YMCA

Wednesday, September 14

• 3:30pm - Girls Tennis @ Valhalla
• 5:00pm - Band & Flags Rehearsal

Thursday, September 15

• 3:00pm - Girls Tennis @ SDHS
• 3:15pm - Varsity Field Hockey vs LCC
• 4:00pm - JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball vs Sweetwater
• 4:30pm - JV Field Hockey vs LCC
• 5:15pm - Frosh Football @ El Capitan

Friday, September 16

• All day - JV Boys Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS
• 3:30pm - JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball Tourney @ Monte Vista
• 4:00pm - JV Football @ El Capitan
• 7:00pm - Varsity Football @ El Capitan

Saturday, September 17

• All day - JV Boys Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS
• All day - JV Field Hockey Tourny
• 3:30pm - JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball Tourney @ Monte Vista 

Volunteering at Serra High School – GET INVOLVED!  

Serra High loves volunteers!  There are many ways to offer your time and talent as a volunteer: working with the PTO, Serra Foundation, sports/music/club boosters, etc. Help will be needed throughout the school year at various events. We encourage our parents and community members to get involved and volunteer at school. 

Please remember that all 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. Thank you for understanding the importance of this issue.

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 about volunteering.