Friday, December 16, 2011

December 16, 2011

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Winter Break is upon us!  School will be closed from Monday, December 19th through Monday, January 2nd 2012.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd 2012.  We hope you take this time to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.  On behalf of the teachers and staff at Serra High School, we wish you a safe and restful holiday season and a very happy, prosperous, and healthy New Year.

-Principal Mike Jimenez




MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!  In the spirit of this holiday season, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks, on behalf of Serra High School, to all of our volunteers for everything that you do for our students and school.  YOU make it possible for us to run the many programs, sports, clubs, and school events here at Serra.  Your hard work, tireless energy, and dedication to the students is truly appreciated.  Enjoy the Holiday Season and see you in January! 
– Warmest wishes, Marie Byrd, Parent Support Liaison.


PARENT RESOURCES - Free Workshops Offered to Parents

Passport to Success Workshop Series.  On January 12, 2012, Serra High School will conduct the first part of a 3-session workshop series to aid parents in helping their students succeed in school.  The first workshop is called Organize Your Time, and will be held at Hoover High School at 5:30pm.  Learn the importance of teaching your student organizational and study skills that will carry them through high school and on to college.  Address:  Hoover High School, Room 1103, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115.  Reserve your spot in the class by contacting Martha Vidana-Cross at (858) 496-8342, ext 203.


Serra Parents - Did you know that one-fourth of all 9th graders in the U.S. will NOT graduate from high school?  Help us address this issue!  Presented by Melissa Whipple, Resource Teacher, Parent Outreach and Engagement.

Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Location: Serra High School Media Center 
  • Learn the indicators of at-risk-students
  • Find out how parent involvement and engagement can help close the achievement gap
  • Discover resources available to students and families

Questions? Contact Martha Vidana-Cross 858-496-8342 x203 or mvidana-cross@sandi.net


Distinguished Lecture Series Information. 
The 2011/2012 Distinguished Lectures Series brings experts from all over the United States, in the field of gifted and talented education, to the San Diego Unified School district to share with parents and educators the latest in research and classroom practice for gifted students. These stimulating professional development opportunities meet the California GATE standards for GATE education. 
For more information: http://www.sandi.net/page/1066


Mark Your Calendar!  The next Military Parent Meeting is scheduled for January 17th at 9:30am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  We have some exciting news to share with our military families about a community forum being created in Tierrasanta to allow military families to share experiences, resources, and provide a voice for POSITIVE CHANGE in the community!  We hope you’ll join us on January 17th so we can share the news.  For more information: mbyrd@sandi.net


FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

The following scholarship opportunities are for 11th graders.  They can all be found on Naviance under the Scholarship tab:

  1. Distinguished Young Women Award
  2. Quest Bridge Award
  3. The Hamilton Award

•  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 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:

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 schoolwork your student will need while he or she is out.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

Please be sure we have your current phone number and address on file.  We have had a high volume of returned mail and want to make sure everyone is receiving important information sent out by the school. If your contact information has changed, please notify the front office as soon as possible.  Thank you.


SPORTS NEWS FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: JONN PISAPIA

I would like to announce and congratulate the following Student-Athletes for being awarded and placed on the ALL-CIF Team for Fall 2011.  This is not a divisional team list or an all league list.   These student-athletes are the BEST in all of San Diego out of all the divisions and leagues.  The ALL-CIF AWARDS PRESENTATION will take place on Wednesday, January 11 at 7pm at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. 

WATER POLO
(Second Team)
Colin Stanley

FIELD HOCKEY
(First Team)
Dominique Leyva
Kelsey Woldt
Elizabeth Young

(Second Team)
Kristin Rodgers


TENNIS
(Second Team Div 2)
Karen Villa


Serra High School Student2Student (S2S) Club Makes District Headline News!  Vista Grande Elementary School Student Council members wanted to ease the transition of students entering their school. With a mobile military student population of 35-40 percent, they were concerned about how difficult it sometimes is to be “the new kid.” Serra High School students came to their aid, traveling to Vista Grande recently to share some of the strategies used by Serra’s extraordinary Student2Student (S2S) Club.  Read more by clicking on this link: http://sdusd-newsfeed.blogspot.com/2011/12/serra-high-school-student2student-club.html


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SENIOR EXHIBITIONS!  JANUARY 25th AND 26th

Senior Exhibitions will be held on January 25 and 26, 2012 from 12:30-3:00pm.  We will need plenty of volunteers to ensure the success of this event.  Please consider giving a few hours of your time to support our students. 

Senior Exhibitions provide our Senior students an opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills, interests and experience at Serra High School and to show how their high school experience fits into their future goals. The Seniors present before a panel consisting of teachers, business or community members, parents, and their peers.

The requirements for volunteers serving on a Senior Exhibition panel are to listen to the presentations, actively participate in the Q&A period, and score each presentation.  Sign up to serve on a Senior Exhibition panel by clicking on the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&pli=1&formkey=dG1vYTZMc0d4Q0FDYzhDRndNUFprbWc6MQ#gid=0.  Questions?  Contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231). 


EVENTS

Saturday, December 17
  • 7:30am - Youth Synergy Summit- 21st Century Grant

Sunday, December 18
  • All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, December 19 through Monday, January 2, 2012
  • WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 3, 2012
  • First Day Back to School

Wednesday, January 4, 2012
  • 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting

Thursday, January 5, 2012
  • 6:00pm – Parent Workshop – Help Close the Achievement Gap

Saturday, January 7, 2012
  • 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
  • 10:00am - S2S 1st Annual Council Event


SPORTS

Friday, December 16
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Bball KiwanisTourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney

Saturday, December 17
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Soccer Tourney @ SDHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Bball KiwanisTourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 9:00am - Whole Sports- U18 Youth Field Hockey Training
  • 9:00am - Wrestling Varsity Duals @ Olympian
  • 2:15pm - Boys Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney

Monday, December 19
  • All day - Winter Break- No School
  • All day - Boys Frosh Bball Tourney @ WestHills/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Soccer Invite Tourney @ Westview/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Tourney @ Sweetwater/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Bball Tourney @ Mt.Miguel/TIME TBA

Tuesday, December 20
  • All day - Winter Break- No School
  • All day - Boys Frosh Bball Tourney @ WestHills/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Soccer Invite Tourney @ Westview/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Tourney @ Sweetwater/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Bball Tourney @ Mt.Miguel/TIME TBA

Wednesday, December 21
  • All day - Winter Break- No School
  • All day - Boys Frosh Bball Tourney @ WestHills/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Soccer Invite Tourney @ Westview/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Tourney @ Sweetwater/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Bball Tourney @ Mt.Miguel/TIME TBA

Thursday, December 22
  • All day - Winter Break- No School
  • All day - Boys Frosh Bball Tourney @ WestHills/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys JV Soccer Invite Tourney @ Westview/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Tourney @ Sweetwater/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Bball Tourney @ Mt.Miguel/TIME TBA

Friday, December 23
  • All day - Winter Break- No School
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA

Thursday, December 29
  • All day - Winter Break- No School
  • 9:00am - Wrestling JV Tourney @ MMHS

Tuesday, January 3, 2012
  • FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL
  • 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs MBHS
  • 5:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs MBHS

Wednesday, January 4, 2012
  • All day - Boys Frosh Bball vs HTHS/TIME TBA
  • 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Clairemont
  • 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs Clairemont
  • 4:00pm - Boys JV Bball @ Hilltop
  • 5:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ Hilltop

Friday, January 6, 2012
  • 4:00pm - Boys JV Soccer @ Castle Pk.
  • 4:00pm - Girls JV Soccer @ Mt. Carmel
  • 6:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ Castle Pk.
  • 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer @ Mt.Carmel

Saturday, January 7, 2012
  • All day - Q Varsity Rumble (Wrestling)
  • 8:00am - Varsity Wrestling Tournament
  • 8:00am - Wrestling Varsity Q-Rumble

Friday, December 9, 2011

December 9, 2011


Winter Break is right around the corner!  Parents, please make sure your student is in school every day, on time, and ready to learn so that we can all stay focused on learning the next couple of weeks! December 2nd marked the end of the 2nd 6-week grading period.  Progress reports will be distributed on December 9th in your student's 4th period class.  Make sure to ask for it!  If you have questions regarding your student's progress, please contact your student's teachers or counselor.  Parent Connect is also a great online tool for monitoring student progress.  Grades will be posted on Parent Connect December 9th. If you would like to sign up for Parent Connect, please stop by the Main Office or the Family Resource Center, Room 231, with a picture ID to request a PIN and password.


FREE 9th and 10th Grade Leadership Opportunity!
Youth Synergy Summit
Saturday, December 17th - 8:00-3:00 PM
Busing will be provided

Students who attend the leadership conference will be invited to attend a Paramount Studios Back lot Event get the opportunity to walk the red carpet and see various celebrity performances! Food and transportation is also provided. Paramount Pictures will host various activities including, talent shows, live performances, DJ’s, and dance floors. Only students who attend the leadership conference on Saturday, December 17th will be eligible to attend this exciting opportunity.

For more information or if your student is interested in attending please see Bridgette Brunetto in the front office. All RSVP’s must be confirmed by Tuesday, December 13th no later than 2nd Period. This is an incredible opportunity for your student!  Community service credit hours will be offered for all students in attendance. 

 
Serra HS Spirit Gear is on sale now!  Is your student looking for a letterman jacket?  You can buy them on campus!  There are a variety of styles to choose from and they’re all on sale for only $169.00.  There are also other items for sale: hats for $15, shirts for $5, hoodies for $40.  E-mail Joe Schmidt jschmidt1@sandi.net today to order yours Spirit Gear today!


Mark Your Calendar!  The next Military Parent Meeting is scheduled for January 17th at 9:30am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  We have some exciting news to share with our military families about a community forum being created in Tierrasanta to allow military families to share experiences, resources, and provide a voice for POSITIVE CHANGE in the community!  We hope you’ll join us on January 17th so we can share the news.


Did you Save the Date for the 2011 Winter Concert?  Now the Band, Orchestra, and Choir concerts have been combined!  Please come out and enjoy a family-friendly evening of musical entertainment and fun!  The combined efforts of the band, orchestra and choir intend to bring some holiday cheer into everyone’s heart on Thursday December 15 @ 6:30 in the Serra High School Auditorium. 

Come listen to the award winning Band, enjoy the uplifting holiday tones of the Orchestra and be carried away by the voices of the Choir. These groups now plan to come together on the 15th to entertain and enrich us all. Tickets are only $5 for adults, $3 for everyone else!   Refreshments will be on sale at the concert.  

Due to the date change, pre-sale dinner reservations (courtesy of Andiamo’s and Gaetano’s) will continue to sell for only $5 through Monday Dec. 12th. Please contact the Financial Aid window to purchase reservations.  Food service begins @ 5:30 pm. on campus. Dinners will be sold on a 1st come/1st served basis for $6 the evening of the event.   Sponsored by the Serra Band Boosters and the Serra Symphonic and Choral Music Boosters.  


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!

 • 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 for the week:

  1. Young Entrepreneurs Award, $1,000-$10,000
  2. Navy ROTC College Scholarship, $200,000 (11th graders may apply)
  3. Labor’s Training & Community Development Alliance College Scholarship, $2,500

•  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:
  • Please remember the front office is short-staffed and do not have office monitors to deliver messages to students.  That said, please know if there is ever any type of EMERGENCY (i.e. hospitalization, death in the family, deployment etc.) the attendance office staff will assist the parent as needed. 
  • No outside food may be delivered to the campus.
  • Students may not leave school at any time without a blue slip.


News from the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Serra's English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) will meet Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the Parent Resource Center, Room 231.  ELAC distributed a Student Survey to all EL students at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year.  At the meeting we will compile all responses and discuss recommendations to present to Serra's School Site Council (SSC).  In addition, the ELAC will be establishing its "Bylaws" that will govern the committee. Your participation and input is vital in ensuring the academic achievement of Serra's English Learners.  Join Us!

“Passport to Success” – Parent Workshop Series Being Offered to Serra Families
On January 12, 2012, Serra High School will conduct the first part of a 3-session workshop series to aid parents in helping their students succeed in school.  The first workshop is called Organize Your Time, and will be held at Hoover High School at 5:30pm.
  
Come and learn the importance of teaching your student organizational and study skills that will carry them through high school and on to college.  Reserve your spot in the class by contacting Martha Vidana-Cross at (858) 496-8342, ext 203.

Address:  Hoover High School, Room 1103, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115

Passport to Success Workshop Series:
  • Session One: Organize Your Time  January 12, 2012
  • Session Two: How to Take Notes   February 2, 2012
  • Session Three: Develop Strong Study Habits  February 23, 2012


SPORTS NEWS

The schedules for Winter Sports have now been posted.  Click on the following link for more information: http://serra.sandi.net/athletics/

Girls Tennis Season Recap
The girls tennis team at Serra went all out this season, fighting to make it to CIF.  Not only did they make it to the play-offs with an impressive 14-5 record, but they also made it to the semi-finals for the first time since Coach Lorene Dabney started coaching in 2005.  This was an amazing feat that took heart, perseverance, and courage.  The girls started off every match with their spirited hand-clap, getting them pumped up!  They also took turns creating a goal for themselves, individually, which helped keep them focused.
Go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/ to read more about Serra’s awesome girls tennis team!


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SENIOR EXHIBITIONS!  JANUARY 25th AND 26th

Senior Exhibitions will be held on January 25 and 26, 2012 from 12:30-3:00pm.  We will need plenty of volunteers to ensure the success of this event.  Please consider giving a few hours of your time to support our students. 

The Senior Exhibition Project is a graduation requirement for all students in the San Diego Unified School District.  In order to successfully complete this project, Seniors must reflect upon their accomplishments at Serra High School in front of a panel of teachers, parents, community members, and fellow students.  

For the Exhibition, each student has 8 to 10 minutes, in a job interview-type setting, to demonstrate to the panel that they have met each Q-5.  The students are also required to submit a skilled-based resume.  The presentations conclude with a question and answer period, allowing the panelists to dive deeper for more information.  All students are encouraged to use their creativity to make their Senior Exhibition Project as meaningful, enjoyable, and unique as possible. 

The requirements for volunteers serving on a Senior Exhibition panel are to listen to the presentations, actively participate in the Q&A period, and score each presentation.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the knowledge, skills, and accomplishments of our amazing students!  Many of our volunteers tell us that being a Senior Exhibition panelist is their favorite volunteer assignment!

If you are interested in helping out with Senior Exhibitions, please contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231). 


EVENTS

Friday, December 9
  • All day - Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, December 10
  • All day - CHEER CAMP-CHG
  • All day - Navy Jr. Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Drill Meet @ PHHS
  • 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, December 11
  • All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, December 12
  • 3:00pm - School Site Council (SSC) Meeting

Tuesday, December 13
  • 6:00pm - English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting

Thursday, December 15
  • 6:30pm - Band, Choir, Orchestra Winter Concert

Friday, December 16
  • 8:00am - NJROTC Annual Military Inspection

Sunday, December 18
  • All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser


SPORTS

Friday, December 9
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS/TIME TBA
  • 5:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ Steele Canyon

Saturday, December 10
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Soccer Tourney @ SDHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Ball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 9:00am - Wrestling Varsity Invite Tourney @ MMHS
  • 1:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball vs Hilltop

Sunday, December 11
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 9:30am - Serra High School Field Hockey Clinic

Monday, December 12
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs Valhalla
  • 5:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Valhalla

Tuesday, December 13
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs Bonita Vista
  • 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs MMHS @ Miramar
  • 5:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Bonita Vista

Wednesday, December 14
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney/TIME TBA
  • 3:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney
  • 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs PLHS
  • 3:30pm - Girls Var/JV/Nov. Water Polo @ Westview
  • 5:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs PLHS

Thursday, December 15
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney/TIME TBA
  • 3:30pm - Girls JV Soccer vs Steele Canyon
  • 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney
  • 5:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Steele Canyon

Friday, December 16
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Bball KiwanisTourney/LOC.& TIME TBA

Saturday, December 17
  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball Kiwanis Tourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Soccer Tourney @ SDHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Bball KiwanisTourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 9:00am - Whole Sports- U18 Youth Field Hockey Training
  • 9:00am - Wrestling Varsity Duals @ Olympian


Thursday, December 1, 2011

December 2, 2011


MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents,

Welcome back from the Thanksgiving Break.  We hope you enjoyed some time off to spend with family and friends.  We are just 2 weeks shy of the Winter Break! We understand that December is usually a busy time for everyone.  That said, we'd like to ask for your support in making sure your student is in school every day, on time, and ready to learn.  Let's all stay focused on learning the next couple of weeks! December 2nd marks the end of the 2nd 6-week grading period.  Progress reports will be distributed on December 9th in your student's 4th period class.  Make sure to ask for it!  If you have questions regarding your student's progress, please contact your student's teachers or counselor.  Parent Connect is also a great online tool for monitoring student progress.  Grades will be posted on Parent Connect December 9th. If you would like to sign up for Parent Connect, please stop by the Main Office or the Family Resource Center, Room 231, with a picture ID to request a PIN and password.  The end of the semester is only six weeks away (not including the two week holiday break in December).  It's important students remain focused for the remainder of the semester on school and academics.  Before they realize it, the semester will be over and semester grades will assigned. 

As always, thank you for your support of our students and the school.

-Principal Michael Jimenez


FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

•            Financial Aid Night is Tuesday, December 6th at 6:00 pm in the Serra High Media Center.  Parents of Seniors, please plan to attend this very informative meeting!  All Senior parents will receive a packet with information regarding the Free Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA).  Parents with underclassmen are also welcome to attend if you would like to find out what is in store for you and your student, however, please keep in mind that informational packets will only be available to the Senior parents.  See you on December 6th!

 •            Counseling is in need of donations: spiral notebooks, composition books and notebook paper for students who do not have such supplies.  Thank you!

•            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 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:

Parents, please remember the front office is short-staff and do not have office monitors to deliver messages to students.  Of course, please know if there is any type of EMERGENCY (i.e. hospitalization, death in the family, deployment etc.) the attendance office staff will assist the parent as needed. 

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.


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

The schedules for Winter Sports have now been posted.  Click on the following link for more information: http://serra.sandi.net/athletics/

FROM LORENE DABNEY (PE TEACHER, GIRLS/BOYS TENNIS COACH): Our tennis courts received a much needed "face lift" recently!  This was made possible by the joint efforts of Open Space and the school district.  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!

A "ribbon cutting ceremony" will be held on Monday after school and all are welcome to  to attend!


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Senior Exhibitions will be held on January 25 and 26, 2012 from 12:30-3:00pm each day.  We will need plenty of volunteers to ensure the success of this event.  Please consider giving a few hours of your time to support our students. 

The Senior Exhibition Project is a graduation requirement for all students in the San Diego Unified School District.  In order to successfully complete this project, Seniors must reflect upon their accomplishments at Serra High School in front of a panel of teachers, parents, community members, and fellow students.  

For the Exhibition, each student has 8 to 10 minutes, in a job interview-type setting, to demonstrate to the panel that they have met each Q-5.  The students are also required to submit a skilled-based resume.  The presentations conclude with a question and answer period, allowing the panelists to dive deeper for more information.  All students are encouraged to use their creativity to make their Senior Exhibition Project as meaningful, enjoyable, and unique as possible. 

The requirements for volunteers serving on a Senior Exhibition panel are to listen to the presentations, actively participate in the Q&A period, and score each presentation.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the knowledge, skills, and accomplishments of our amazing students!  Many of our volunteers tell us that being a Senior Exhibition panelist is their favorite volunteer assignment!

If you are interested in helping out with Senior Exhibitions, please contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231). 

 
EVENTS

Saturday, December 3


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


Sunday, December 4


  • All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser


Monday, December 5

  • All day - Pink Progress Report Day
  • All day - Beginning of 3rd Grading Period
  • All day - Club Elevated Coat Drive
  • 9:00am - College Fair Field Trip
  • 6:00pm - AP BIO Study Group

Tuesday, December 6

  • All day - Club Elevated Coat Drive
  • 6:00pm - College Financial Aid Night
  • 6:00pm - ELAC Committee Meeting

Wednesday, December 7

  • All day - Club Elevated Coat Drive
  • 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting

Thursday, December 8

  • All Day - Club Elevated Coat Drive
  • 8:00am - Biotechnology Field Trip
  • 6:30pm - Choir & Orchestra Winter Concert

Friday, December 9

  • All day - Club Elevated Coat Drive

Saturday, December 10

  • All day - CHEER CAMP-CHG
  • All day - NJROTC Drill Meet @ PHHS
  • 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, December 11

  • All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, December 2

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo Invite/TIME & LOC.TBA
  • 3:00pm - Boys JV Bball Tourney vs MHS @ Lincoln
  • 5:00pm - Girls JV Bball Tourney vs Sweetwater
  • 5:30pm - Powderpuff Game(tentative)
  • 5:30pm - Girls JV Soccer @ Helix
  • 7:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney vs Sweetwater

Saturday, December 3

  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney @ Lincoln/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Soccer Tourney @ SDHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo Invite/TIME & LOC.TBA
  • 8:00am - Tierrasanta Cougars Popwarner- Football Cheer Event
  • 9:00am - Wrestling JV Tourney @ Mater Dei
  • 12:00pm - Girls JV vs El Camino @ Hilltop
  • 5:00pm - Girls JV Bball Tourney vs Escondido
  • 7:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney vs Escondido

Sunday, December 4

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA

Monday, December 5

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball Tourney @ OLP
  • 3:15pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs MBHS
  • 5:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney @ OPL

Tuesday, December 6

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • 3:15pm - Girls Varsity Soccer @ Santana
  • 3:30pm - Girls JV Soccer @ Montgomery
  • 5:00pm - Girls JV Bball Tourney @ Bonita Vista
  • 7:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney @ Bonita Vista

Wednesday, December 7

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • 3:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ Lincoln
  • 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Bonita Vista
  • 3:15pm - Girls JV Soccer @ El Capitan
  • 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball @ Lincoln
  • 5:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs Bonita Vista
  • 5:30pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs Eastlake @ SW

Thursday, December 8

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs PLHS @ Bud Kearns
  • 3:15pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs El Camino

Friday, December 9

  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS/TIME TBA
  • 5:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ Steele Canyon

Saturday, December 10

  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Bball West HillsTourney/TIME TBA
  • All day - Boys Varsity Soccer Tourney @ SDHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV & Varsity SoccerTourney/TIME & LOC TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Ball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney @ LJHS/TIME TBA
  • All day - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 9:00am - Wrestling Varsity Invite Tourney @ MMHS
  • 1:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball vs Hilltop

Sunday, December 11

  • All day - Boys JV Bball Tourney/LOC.& TIME TBA
  • 9:30am - Serra High School Field Hockey Clinic