January 27, 2012

Congratulations are in order for Mr. Michael Pedersen, Serra High School’s Yearbook and Computer Graphic Design teacher.  Mr. Pedersen was voted Serra High School Teacher of the Year!  Way to go, Mr. Pedersen!

New Student Information System Parent Survey.   Parents/Guardians:  The San Diego Unified School District is asking for your input regarding what you would like to see in a new Student Information System (SIS).  Your feedback is appreciated and will be vital in helping the district to select a new system. 

Please go to the following link to complete a short survey (1-2 minutes): https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D3TTTGJ  (Spanish Version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XXF9QZT)  The survey will close February 12th. 

The Serra High School PTO is pleased to announce our Fourth Annual Cake Auction. Join us in the Media Center at 6:00 pm on February 1, 2012. Come join some fun for the whole family and help raise money to get snacks for kids during STAR testing!  You can help by donating a baked item or buying a cake.  Visit the Serra Web Site to download the entry form or visit the following url: http://serra.sandi.net/images/12cakeauctionflyer2.pdf.  Return the completed form by Friday January 27th. We hope to see you on the 1^st!

Serra High PTO is the Way to Go!  It's never too late to join the Serra High School Parent–Teacher Organization (PTO).  Become a member today!  Memberships are gladly accepted throughout the school year. The primary purpose of the PTO is to foster relations among parents, teachers, students and administrators, and to raise funds for programs and activities that will benefit Serra High School students. Membership is open to parents, teachers and staff of Serra High School, and to anyone who would like to support the PTO's endeavors.  The Serra PTO plans teacher/staff appreciation events, supports events such as "Come to School With Your Student Day," is instrumental in the packaging and delivery of STAR testing snacks for ~1600 students/day over 8 test days, provides scholarships for graduating Seniors, and participates in campus beautification. For more information, contact: SerraHighPTO@gmail.com

Free Parent Workshop at Hoover High School: Passport to School Success.  5:30-7:30pm in room 1103 at Hoover High, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 92115.  Parents will learn the most common forms of note taking: highlighting, underlining, listing, mapping, summarizing, outlining, and Cornell notes.  For more information, contact Martha Vidana-Cross (858) 496-8342 x203. 

Save the Date!   The Class of '82 30-Year Reunion will be held July 27-29, 2012.  All Classes Welcome!!!

Free Electronics Recycling Event - Serra High School in conjunction with De Portola Middle School and Farb Middle School will be hosting a free Electronics Recycling Drive on January 28th at Serra High School from 10am – 4pm. All electronics will be properly recycled.  Free and easy drop-off in the school parking lot. The following items will be accepted- TV’s, computers, monitors, scanners, printers, FAX, DVD, VCR, cell phones, cameras, video games and consoles, lap-tops, loose wire and cable, small appliances like toaster ovens, blenders etc. Most anything you can plug in actually. No large appliances, floor copy machines, light bulbs or batteries. For more info or to host an E-Waste Drive please see - www.ewastegreen.com.  Proceeds from the event will go to support the 3 schools and Mother Earth!

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

 

Seniors have been reminded that NOW is the time to complete and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)!  Counselors have also done the GPA verification for the Cal Grant for all seniors that have furnished their Social Security Number.  Juniors should be signing up for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Upcoming Parent Nights:

    * 9th Grade:  March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 10th Grade:  March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 11th Grade:  March 22 at 6 pm in the 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 for the Week (All can be found on Naviance under the Scholarship tab):

1. Fabric of Society Scholarship Essay Contest $2,000 (One Serra student-12^th grade-is GUARANTEED to win this scholarship!! Deadline March 1^st.)
2. AFSA Scholarship (American Fire Sprinkler Association) $2,000
3. Association of African American Educators (AAAE) $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:

Attendance Personnel CAN NOT deliver messages to students, however if it is an EMERGENCY (i.e. hospitalization, death in the family, deployment etc.) the attendance office staff will assist the parent as needed.

WE DO NOT HAVE OFFICE MONITORS.  STUDENTS MUST PICK UP

BLUE SLIPS IN THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE.  Requests for early release (Blue Slip) 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 cannot issue “Blue Slips” during finals.

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.

SPORTS NEWS

Serra Students Awarded To The All CIF Team For Fall 2011!  Congratulations to the following Student-Athletes for being AWARDED TO THE ALL CIF TEAM FOR FALL 2011. These student-athletes are the BEST in all of San Diego out of all the divisions and leagues. The ALL-CIF AWARDS PRESENTATION took place on Wednesday, January 11 at 7pm at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park.

WATER POLO:   Colin Stanley (Second Team)
FIELD HOCKEY: Kelsey Woldt, Elizabeth Young  (First Team); Kristin Rodgers  (Second Team),   Dominique Leyva

January 23rd Boys Soccer Change. The Boys Soccer game originally scheduled for Monday 1/23 has been changed.  The new date is Monday 1/30 at 3:00 pm for JV and 4:45 pm for Varsity.  Both games will be played at Morse High School. 

VOLUNTEERS – THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SERRA'S SENIOR EXHIBITIONS!

A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who volunteered for the 2012 Serra High Senior Exhibitions.  The event ran smoothly and was a success, in large part due to the support of our parents and community volunteers.  Your help is appreciated.  We can’t run school events like this without the help of our parent and community volunteers!

EVENTS

Saturday, January 28

• 7:00am - Serra Foundation E-Waste Collection Fundraiser w/ Farb & Deportola

Wednesday, February 1

• 6:00pm - PTO Cake Auction
• 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting

Thursday, February 2

• 5:30pm - Senior Class Movie Night

Friday, February 3

• All day - Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, February 4

• All day - NJROTC Drill Meet @ Orange Glen
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Saturday, January 28

• All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney/ LOC & TIME TBA
• 3:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ El Cajon Valley
• 5:00pm - Boys JV Bball @ El Cajon
• 7:00pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ El Cajon

Monday, January 30

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer @ Morse
• 4:45pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ Morse

Tuesday, January 31

• 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs MMHS
• 3:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer @ MMHS
• 3:00pm - Girls JV/Var Water Polo vs PHHS @ Tierrasanta

Wednesday, February 1

• 3:00pm - Wrestling Tri-Meet vs Hoover & Crawford
• 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ MMHS
• 6:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs MMHS

Thursday, February 2

• All day - Girls Var. Water Polo Tourney/ TIME & LOC. TBA
• 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV/Nov Water Polo vs SRHS @ Miramar

Friday, February 3

• 1:30pm - Wrestling Leag. Cham.@ Lincoln
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball vs PHHS
• 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball @ PHHS
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs PHHS
• 7:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs PHHS

Saturday, February 4

• All day - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney/TIME TBA

Sunday, February 5

• 9:00am - U18 Youth Field Hockey Training

January 20, 2012

Congratulations to Serra High School teacher, Suzi Fore, recipient of the Math of America San Diego Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship!  Ms. Fore was among seven math teachers countywide recently selected for the 2011 Math for America San Diego Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship program.  Math for America San Diego is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in San Diego County public secondary schools.   To read the rest of the article, go to: http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=40006&PageID=1

The PTO Cake Auction is right around the corner!  The Serra High Parent - Teacher Organization (PTO) is gearing up for the annual PTO Cake Auction on Wednesday, February 1, 2012!  The event will be held at 6:00pm in the Media Center.  Darryl Hall will be our auctioneer this year.  Proceeds help pay for snacks during the California Standardized Testing (STAR)!  This is right before the Super Bowl so start thinking of what kind of cake you would like to make.  We need bakers and especially buyers!!!  If you can help, please contact Mary Ann Michlanski at (858) 344-5062.  Mark the date and look forward to having a great time!

  

It's never too late to join the Serra High School Parent–Teacher Organization (PTO).  Become a member today!  Memberships are gladly accepted throughout the school year. The primary purpose of the  PTO is to foster relations among parents, teachers, students and administrators, and to raise funds for programs and activities that will benefit Serra High School students. Membership is open to parents, teachers and staff of Serra High School, and to anyone who would like to support the PTO's endeavors.

The Serra PTO plans teacher/staff appreciation events, supports events such as "Come to School With Your Student Day," is instrumental in the packaging and delivery of STAR testing snacks for ~1600 students/day over 8 test days, provides scholarships for graduating Seniors, and participates in campus beautification. For more information, contact: SerraHighPTO@gmail.com

Save the Date!   The Class of '82 30-Year Reunion will be held July 27-29, 2012.  All Classes Welcome!!!

Free Electronics Recycling Event- Serra High School in conjunction with De Portola Middle School and Farb Middle School will be hosting a free Electronics Recycling Drive on January 28^th at Serra High School from 10am – 4pm. All electronics will be properly recycled.  Free and easy drop-off in the school parking lot. The following items will be accepted- TV’s, computers, monitors, scanners, printers, FAX, DVD, VCR, cell phones, cameras, video games and consoles, lap-tops, loose wire and cable, small appliances like toaster ovens, blenders etc. Most anything you can plug in actually. No large appliances, floor copy machines, light bulbs or batteries. For more info or to host an E-Waste Drive please see - www.ewastegreen.com.  Proceeds from the event will go to support the 3 schools and Mother Earth!

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

• The counselors have spoken to every student regarding a strong finish to the Fall Semester.  We also reminded the students of the school rules.  The eleventh graders were also given the information to sign up for the Spring SAT and ACT.  Seniors were reminded NOW is the time to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and that we have done the GPA verification for the Cal Grant for all seniors that have furnished their Social Security Number.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Upcoming Parent Nights: 

• 9th Grade:  March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center
• 10th Grade:  March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center
• 11th Grade:  March 22 at 6 pm in the 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 for the Week (All can be found on Naviance under the Scholarship tab):

1. Cox Cares Scholarship (up to $10,000)
2. Hispanic Heritage Scholarship (for Juniors)
3. Investment in Success Scholarship (For Seniors starting in Community College and transferring to a 4 year college.)

•  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:

To all parents - If your student is transferring from Serra High School, please notify the school at least one week before the last day of attendance.  At that time we will provide you with information as to what you will need for that last day.  This will ensure a smoother transition for your student.  Thank you.

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.

MORE VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR SENIOR EXHIBITIONS!

We are in need of more volunteers to ensure the success of the Serra High School Senior Exhibitions.  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.  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.  We need volunteer panelists on the following days:

• Wed Jan 25th 12:00-3:00pm  -   15 more volunteers are needed. 
• Thurs Jan 26 12:00-3:00pm  -  10 more volunteers are needed. 

Sign up to serve on a Senior Exhibition panel by clicking on the following link: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2011/12/be-senior-exhibition-panelist.html or contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net -or- 858-496-8342 x231).

More Junior Students are also needed to serve as panelists!  This is an excellent way for Juniors to support their peers and learn more about the Senior Exhibition project. If you have a Junior student who is interested in serving on a panel, they should go to Room 231 during lunch or after school to sign up.  Questions?  Contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231). 

EVENTS

Monday, January 23

• All day -  Pink Progress Report Day

Tuesday, January 24

• 5:00pm - Band-All City Honor Band Auditions

Wednesday, January 25

• All day - FINALS-Minimum Day/ Per.1 & 2
• 12:00pm - Senior Exhibitions

Thursday, January 26

• All day - FINALS-Minimum Day/ Per.3 & 4
• 12:00pm - Senior Exhibitions

Friday, January 27

• All day - End of Fall Semester
• All day - FINALS-Minimum Day/ Per.5 & 6
• 12:00pm - Senior Exhibitions

Saturday, January 28

• 7:00am - Serra Foundation E-Waste Collection Fundraiser w/ Farb & Deportola

SPORTS

Monday, January 23

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Bball vs Morse
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ Morse
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs Morse
• 4:45pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs Morse
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Bball @ Morse
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Morse
• 6:15pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ Morse

Wednesday, January 25

• 3:00pm - Wrestling Meet @ Christian

Thursday, January 26

• All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney/ LOC & TIME TBA

Friday, January 27

• All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney/ LOC & TIME TBA
• 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ SRHS
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball vs SDHS
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs SRHS
• 3:30pm - Boys Frosh Bball vs SDHS
• 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball vs SDHS
• 5:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs SRHS
• 5:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer @ SRHS
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs SDHS
• 7:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs SDHS

Saturday, January 28

• All day - Girls JV Water Polo Tourney/ LOC & TIME TBA
• 3:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ El Cajon Valley
• 5:00pm - Boys JV Bball @ El Cajon
• 7:00pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ El Cajon

January 13, 2012

Have a great weekend, Serra Families!  School is closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  See you back on Tuesday, January 17th.

The PTO Cake Auction is right around the corner!  The Serra High Parent - Teacher Organization (PTO) is gearing up for the annual PTO Cake Auction on Wednesday, February 1, 2012!  The event will be held at 6:00pm in the Media Center.  Darryl Hall will be our auctioneer this year.  Proceeds help pay for snacks during the California Standardized Testing (STAR)!  This is right before the Super Bowl so start thinking of what kind of cake you would like to make.  We need bakers and especially buyers!!!  If you can help, please contact Mary Ann Michlanski at (858) 344-5062.  Mark the date and look forward to having a great time!

 

FROM THE GEAR UP COORDINATOR, CLARISSA PADILLA

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Parent Coffee Morning Update.  I would like to thank all the parents who attended our Parent Coffee Morning this morning, Friday January 13th. We were able to relay important information regarding articulation, grades and college preparation in a very personal setting. I was happy to meet and discuss in detail ways in which to support your student at Serra, as well as hear your personal concerns about your student. The GEAR UP program seeks to support our 9th & 10th grade students prepare for college by providing tutors inside the classroom, during lunch, and after school. We also purchase supplies for your students’ classrooms such as novels, library books, software, and other supplies. As a program we love to meet with parents and support them in their efforts to help their student be college ready. If you missed our meeting and would like more information or would like to discuss your student’s progress feel free to contact me: (858) 496-8342 ext. 258.  I am happy to meet with you!  -Clarissa Padilla

PARENT RESOURCES AND FREE WORKSHOPS 

Please come to the next Serra High Military Parent Meeting on Wednesday, January 17th at 9:30am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  This meeting is geared toward military families but all are welcome to attend.  Come to the meeting to find out how you can be a part of making POSITIVE CHANGE in the community.  For more information: mbyrd@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

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

• Since returning from Winter Break, the counselors has spoken to every student regarding a strong finish to the Fall Semester.  We also reminded the students of the school rules.  The eleventh graders were also given the information to sign up for the Spring SAT and ACT.  Seniors were reminded NOW is the time to do their FAFSA and that we have done the GPA verification for the Cal Grant for all seniors that have furnished their Social Security Number.

Upcoming Parent Nights:  9th Grade:  March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center

                                          10th Grade:  March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center

                                          11th Grade:  March 22 at 6 pm in the 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 for the Week (All can be found on Naviance under the Scholarship tab):

1. AMS Industry Minority Scholarship
2. Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship for Asian ancestry (renewable for 4 years)
3. Labor Alliance Scholarship (renewable for 4 years)
4. Rewarding College Dreams $1,000-$2,000

•  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:

Students who become ill during the school day MUST visit the Health Office for assessment.  If it 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 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, parent’s fault, etc. 

MORE VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR SENIOR EXHIBITIONS!

We are in need of more volunteers to ensure the success of the Serra High School Senior Exhibitions.  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.  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. 

We need volunteer panelists on the following days:

• Wed Jan 25th 12:00-3:00pm  Approximately 20 more volunteers are needed. 
• Thurs Jan 26 12:00-3:00pm  Approximately 20 more volunteers are needed. 
• Friday Jan 27 12:00-3:00pm (Make-up Session)  Approximately 2-3 more volunteers are needed.

Sign up to serve on a Senior Exhibition panel by clicking on the following link: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2011/12/be-senior-exhibition-panelist.html or contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net -or- 858-496-8342 x231).

More Junior Students are also needed to serve as panelists!  Each Senior Exhibition panel consists of teachers, parents/community members, and students.  This is an excellent way for Juniors to support their peers and learn more about the Senior Exhibition project. If you have a Junior student who is interested in serving on a panel, they should go to Room 231 next week during lunch or after school to sign up.  Questions?  Contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231). 

SPORTS NEWS FROM COACH DABNEY

BOYS' TENNIS:  If your student is interested in Boy's Tennis, he is invited to attend a pre-season meeting on Wednesday, January 18 at lunch at the tennis courts. Tell him to come and be part of a winning team!         

STUDENT CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

Serra Launches The First Student to Student Council Day

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy School and Marine Corps Liaisons hosted the first Student-2-Student (S2S) Council Day at Serra High School's Media Center Jan. 7 to share ideas on how to welcome incoming students making a transition midyear.

To read the rest of the article, go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2012/01/serra-launches-first-student-to-student.html

Free Electronics Recycling Event- Serra High School in conjunction with  De Portola Middle School and Farb Middle School will be hosting a free Electronics Recycling Drive on January 28^th at Serra High School from 10am – 4pm. All electronics will be properly recycled. Free and easy Drop-off in the school parking lot. The following items will be accepted- TV’s, computers, monitors, scanners, printers, FAX, DVD, VCR, cell phones, cameras, video games and consoles, lap-tops, loose wire and cable, small appliances like toaster ovens, blenders etc. Most anything you can plug in actually. No large appliances, floor copy machines, light bulbs or batteries. For more info or to host an E-Waste Drive please see - www.ewastegreen.com.  Proceeds from the event will go to support the 3 schools and Mother Earth!

EVENTS

Friday, January 13

• 7:30am – Parent Coffee, hosted by Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) and Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID) program

Monday, January 16

• Martin Luther King Jr Day- Observed Holiday - No School
• All day - NJROTC @ MLK Parade

Tuesday, January 17

• 6:30pm - Football Parent Meeting
• 6:30pm - PTO Meeting
• 7:00pm - Senior Booster Meeting

Friday, January 20

• 7:30am - GEAR-UP/AVID Presentation
• 5:30pm - Senior Class Movie Night

Saturday, January 21

• All day - NJROTC Drill Meet @ Ramona
• 8:00am - Ladies of Science Field
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Friday, January 13

• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ PHHS
• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Coronado
• 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball vs PHHS
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball @ PHHS
• 6:30pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ Coronado
• 7:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ PHHS

Saturday, January 14

• 9:00am - Wrestling Varsity Tourney @ Mater Dei
• 2:45pm - Boys JV Bball vs Otay Rch.
• 3:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs King @ Horizon
• 7:00pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs Canyon Crest

Monday, January 16

• All day - Martin Luther King Jr Day- No School

Tuesday, January 17

• 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs SRHS @ Tierrasanta
• 4:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs PHHS
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs PHHS

Wednesday, January 18

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs PHHS
• 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ PHHS
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ LJCD
• 3:00pm - Wrestling Meet @ Lincoln
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball @ LJCD

Thursday, January 19

• 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV/Nov Water Polo vs UCHS @ JCCLJ
• 3:30pm - Girls JV Soccer vs Hoover
• 5:30pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Hoover

Friday, January 20

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Hoover
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ MMHS
• 4:00pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ MMHS
• 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball vs MMHS
• 5:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs Hoover
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball @ MMHS
• 7:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ MMHS

Saturday, January 21

• 9:00am - Wrestling JV Invite @ Mt.Miguel

Sunday, January 22

• 9:00am - U18 Youth Field Hockey Training

January 6, 2012

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!  We hope you had a restful break and enjoyed the time off to spend with family and friends.  There are only a few weeks left in the semester.  Finals will take place January 25 - 27th and January 27 marks the end of 1st semester.  If you have any questions regarding your student's progress, please feel free to contact his or her teachers or counselor.  If your student needs extra support, please call the school and ask about the tutoring programs and services available at Serra.  Let's work together to keep our students on track and focused on learning.   

School Pictures are ready for pick-up!  If your student has not picked up their picture package orders yet, they should stop by the Financial Clerk’s Window to pick them up before school, after school, and during lunch.

Free Electronics Recycling Event- Serra High School in conjunction with  De Portola Middle School and Farb Middle School will be hosting a free Electronics Recycling Drive on January 28^th at Serra High School from 10am – 4pm. All electronics will be properly recycled. Free and easy Drop-off in the school parking lot. The following items will be accepted- TV’s, computers, monitors, scanners, printers, FAX, DVD, VCR, cell phones, cameras, video games and consoles, lap-tops, loose wire and cable, small appliances like toaster ovens, blenders etc. Most anything you can plug in actually. No large appliances, floor copy machines, light bulbs or batteries. For more info or to host an E-Waste Drive please see - www.ewastegreen.com.  Proceeds from the event will go to support the 3 schools and Mother Earth!

PARENT RESOURCES - Free Workshops Offered to Parents

PSAT Score Report Review & Presentation January 12, 2012.  Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is collaborating with the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) to provide students with a guest speaker who will review the PSAT Score Report and present on test taking strategies. This collaborative event is open to any student who took the PSAT with Serra High School in October 2011. The location of this presentation is TBA.  It is very important that parents contact Clarissa Padilla (cpadilla@ucsd.edu or 858-496-8342 x258) if their student will be attending.  This presentation is going to be held during school hours, therefore your student must receive a pass from Ms. Padilla in order to attend.

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.

You are invited to a Parent Meet & Greet on January 13^th.  Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is pleased to offer a parent coffee morning on Friday January 13, 2012 in the Serra High School Theatre, in collaboration with the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. We would love to meet with you and discuss your student’s progress, upcoming finals, the importance of grades for college readiness and the value of parent participation in your student’s academic life. For more information please contact Clarissa Padilla, cpadilla@ucsd.edu or 858-496-8342 x258.   

 

The next Serra High Military Parent Meeting is scheduled for January 17th at 9:30am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  This meeting is geared toward military families but all are welcome to attend.  Come to the meeting to find out how you can be a part of making POSITIVE CHANGE in the community.  For more information: mbyrd@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

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

•  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 (all can be found on Naviance under the Scholarship tab):

1.              The San Diego Foundation Scholarship online database

2.              Lady Conquistador Scholarship ($5,000)

3.              Literary Essay Scholarship (for grades 11 AND 12)

4.              AXA Achievement Community Scholarship

•  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. 

To all parents - If your student is transferring from Serra High School, please notify the school at least one week before the last day of attendance.  At that time we will provide you with information as to what you will need for that last day.  This will ensure a smoother transition for your student. 

 

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 are still in need 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: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2011/12/be-senior-exhibition-panelist.html

Questions?  Contact Marie Byrd (mbyrd@sandi.net or call 858-496-8342 x231).  

Junior Students are also needed to serve as panelists!  Each Senior Exhibition panel consists of teachers, parents/community members, and students.  This is an excellent way for Juniors to support their peers and learn more about the Senior Exhibition project. If you have a Junior student who is interested in serving on a panel, they should go to Room 231 next week during lunch or after school to sign up.

EVENTS

Saturday, January 7

• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
• 10:00am - Student2Student Club Event – 1^st Annual S2S Council (Room 231 and Media Center)

Monday, January 9

• All day - Pink Progress Report Day
• 3:00pm - School Site Council (SSC) Meeting (Serra Media Center)

Thursday, January 12

• 5:30pm - Parent Workshop at Hoover-Organizing Homework (Hoover High School)

Friday, January 13

• 7:30am – Parent Meet and Greet with GEAR UP and AVID (Serra Theater)

SPORTS

Saturday, January 7

• All day - Q Varsity Rumble (Wrestling)
• 8:00am - Varsity Wrestling Tournament
• 8:00am - Wrestling Varsity Q-Rumble
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs Parker @ Mt.Miguel

Tuesday, January 10

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Bball vs Hoover
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ Hoover
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer @ MMHS
• 3:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs MMHS
• 4:45pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs Hoover
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Bball @ Hoover
• 6:15pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ Hoover

Wednesday, January 11

• 3:00pm - Wrestling Tri-Meet @ Clairemont
• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer @ MMHS
• 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs MMHS

Thursday, January 12

• 3:00pm - Girls JV Soccer vs PLHS
• 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs PHHS @ Allied Gardens
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs PLHS

Friday, January 13

• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ PHHS
• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Coronado
• 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball vs PHHS
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball @ PHHS
• 6:30pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ Coronado
• 7:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ PHHS

Saturday, January 14

• 9:00am - Wrestling Varsity Tourney @ Mater Dei
• 2:45pm - Boys JV Bball vs Otay Rch.
• 3:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs King @ Horizon
• 7:00pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs Canyon Crest