February 24, 2012

SAVE THE DATE!  The Next Principal Chat is on March 20th at 5:30pm in the Serra High Media Center.

Principal Mike Jimenez will provide a budget update for the 2012-13 school year, and will also present the District's goals and objectives for creating a quality school in every neighborhood.  Get your questions answered and have your voice heard.  See you on March 20th!

Student Leadership Group, Club ELEVATED, Creates an Underage-drinking Prevention Campaign.

ELEVATED Student-Relations Committee at Serra High School recently paired up with the Latino Youth Council to implement a community-based, underage-drinking prevention campaign entitled, Parents-A Powerful Tool to Prevent Underage Drinking.   These students believe that if their parents’ perception of alcohol use is seen as being harmful, that would be a large contributing factor in their decision not to use alcohol.   And what better way to get this message across than advertising in stores!

The students approached different businesses and restaurants around Tierrasanta and City Heights and asked store owners to post this campaign in their stores.  With great success, the campaign is posted in 18 different restaurants and stores around San Diego- all with the goal of having parents talk to their teens about the risks of underage drinking.

To read more, go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/serras-student-relations-committee.html

Grease Lightning is coming to Serra!   

The Drama Department is pleased to announce the opening of "Grease" on Thursday, March 1st! Show times are:  March 1, 2, 7 and 9 at 6:30pm.  March 8 at 2:45pm, and March 10 at 2pm.  All tickets are $7.

FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

CIF Play-Off Update:

Boys Soccer CIF Quarter Finals

Friday Feb. 24th at 5pm - La Costa Canyon High School

Girls Basketball CIF Quarter Finals

Saturday Feb. 25th at 7pm - Westview High School

Wrestling CIF Masters

Friday and Saturday Feb. 24th and 25th, All day - Otay Ranch

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOYS SOCCER!!

Boys Soccer recently won and defeated Scripps Ranch 4-2.

With this WIN, Boys Soccer becomes League Champions with Scripps Ranch.  Way to go! 

PARENT RESOURCES

Moving Workshop for Military Families – March 6, 2012 from 12:30-1:30pm in the Serra High Family Resource Center, Room 231.  The Navy and Marine Corp School Liaisons, in conjunction with the SDUSD OSS Grant Team, are pleased to offer The Moving Seminar, Positive Change of School. This parent workshop is available to help make moving smoother for parents, students and schools.  Please join us for this free workshop!

SERRA FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION, MARCH 3^rd.

The Serra High School Annual Foundation Dinner Auction will be held Saturday March 3 at the Chinese Community Church in Tierrasanta.  Food will be provided by Phil’s BBQ. Ticket prices are $35 (single), $60 (couple), and $30 (Serra Faculty). Entertainment will include a DJ and a short performance by Serra’s very own Grease cast.  For information on ticket reservations, please visit the Serra High School Foundation website at www.serrafoundation.org, or contact Gail Myers at 619 890-9471 or gmyers@qualcomm.com.

The Foundation is in need of items to be donated for the silent auction. Items such as gift cards, movie tickets, vacation packages, wine, iPods, or anything else that can go in the baskets (even the baskets themselves) would be greatly appreciated. If you have a talent or business and can donate a service or lesson, this could be a great way to showcase it while helping out Serra High School.  If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Tina LaRocco at mrsrock4@yahoo.com or 858 278-7761.  This event is a big fundraiser for the Foundation allowing for continued support of numerous programs at Serra High School. Please help out however you can. Everyone is welcome at the “Roundup at the Conquistador Corral!” 

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

Diploma Name Verifications were distributed to all of the Class of 2012 via their English Teacher. This is how your students name will appear on the diploma. Both the parent and student need to sign the card and return it to the counseling office.

The deadline for Seniors to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is March 2, 2012.  Don’t delay!  FAFSA GPAs for those students who supplied their Social Security Number have been uploaded to the State of California.  If the student receives an email that something is wrong with their submission please print the email and bring it to Ms. Conrique in the counseling office.

Seniors who qualify for CSF and wish to be awarded gold cords to wear at graduation must see Linda Nelson in Room 413 to make sure their dues are current and that they qualify NOW or their name will not appear in the Graduation Program as earning this recognition.

Juniors should be signing up for the SAT at: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home.  Why take the SAT?  It is the most widely used college admission test, as well as the first step toward higher education for students of all backgrounds. It’s taken by more than two million students every year and is accepted by virtually all colleges and universities.  For more information about the SAT, go to: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home.

UPCOMING PARENT NIGHTS:

    * 9th Grade (for current 9th graders): March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 10th Grade (for current 10th graders): March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 11th Grade (for current 11th graders): March 22 at 6 pm in the Media Center

At Parent Night the parents will receive their child's transcript, learn the graduation requirements, the college entrance requirements, learn of new course options for the 2012-2013 school year and receive priority for their student's course selection for 2012-2013.

• 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.            2012 BIA CARES High School Scholarship Application is available online at www.biacares.org.  Deadline for applications is April 20, 2012.

2.            Anthony Furlano and Brian Piccolo Memorial Award for students of Italian Heritage.

3.            National Association of Women in Construction Scholarship (deadline 3/3)

GEAR UP, partnering with San Diego State University, announces the 10th Annual San Diego County College Expo 2012.  March 3rd from 9am-2pm at San Diego State University.  Free admission.  College workshops, parent resources, career workshops.  Food for purchase.  Raffle prizes!  For more information, call 619-594-6336 or to register: www.sdsu.edu/collegeexpo.

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

The Attendance Office does not issue Blue Slips for students who are ill during the day. If a student is ill they must see the nurse and if needed the nurse will contact parent/guardian and issue a Blue Slip.

All absences must be cleared by the parent/guardian within five school days. Any unverified absence(s) without a valid excuse is considered unexcused or truant.  You can call the attendance line 858-496-8342 Ext 209 or send a note with your student to verify the absence.

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.

CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS!

•            Supervise the CAHSEE – March 13th and 14th.  Plenty of volunteers will be needed to help proctor the upcoming California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).  The exam will take place on March 13th and 14th.  Volunteers can sign up for the entire morning from 7:00-11:30am, or in shifts: 7:00-9:30am and 9:00-11:30am.  Volunteers will be responsible for supervising the students while they are taking the exam, monitoring doors, and passing out pencils. 

•            Help is needed in the Family Resource Center to prepare for the CAHSEE.  We need approximately 2000 pencils, sharpened and ready to go!  

•            Assist with distribution of snacks during STAR testing.  The PTO provides snacks every year for our students taking the California Standardized Tests (CSTs or STAR).  Plenty of hands are needed to coordinate this effort.  Volunteers will be needed to help organize, pack, and deliver the snacks to the classrooms in early to mid April.    

Please lend a hand if you can!  If you can help with any of the assignments listed above, please contact Marie Byrd 858-496-8342 x231 or mbyrd@sandi.net.

EVENTS

Saturday, February 25

• All day - Navy Regional Field Meet @ Santa Ana
• All day - Color Guard Competition
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, February 26

• 11:00am - Bio Tech & Ladies of Science Field Trip

Monday, February 27

• 6:00pm - Spring Sports Parent Night

Thursday, March 1

• 2:45pm - Performance of "Grease"
• 6:00pm - Ninth Grade Parent Night

Friday, March 2

• All day - Color Guard Competition
• 1:35pm - Brown & Gold Pep Rally
• 6:30pm - Performance of "Grease"

Saturday, March 3

• All day - NJROTC Dist.Field Meet @ Kearny
• 9:30am - Gear-Up Field Trip
• 2:00pm - Performance of "Grease"
• 6:00pm – Serra Foundation Auction

SPORTS

Friday, February 24

• All day - Wrestling San Diego Masters CIF
• 5:00pm - Boys Soccer CIF Quarter Finals @ La Costa Canyon
• 7:00pm - Girls Varsity Basketball CIF/LOC. TBA

Saturday, February 25

• All day - Wrestling San Diego Masters CIF
• 7:00pm - Girls Bball CIF Quarter Finals @ Westview

Tuesday, February 28

• 3:00pm - Boys Tennis Scrimmage vs. Mt Miguel
• 3:15pm - Varsity Baseball Scrim. vs West Hills
• 3:30pm - JV Baseball Scrim. @ West Hills
• 3:30pm - JV Softball Scrim. @ Mt.Miguel
• 3:30pm - Var. Softball Scrim. vs Mt. Miguel
• 7:00pm - Boys Varsity Basketball Playoffs/Loc TBA
• 7:00pm - Girls Varsity Basketball Playoffs/Loc TBA

Wednesday, February 29

• 3:00pm - Boys Tennis @ St. Augustine
• 3:30pm - JV/Var. Softball Scrim. @ Olympian

Thursday, March 1

• 3:00pm - Boys Tennis vs SRHS
• 3:00pm - Golf Match vs UCHS @ Balboa
• 3:30pm - JV Baseball Scrim. vs San Dieguito
• 3:30pm - Var. Baseball Scrim. @ San Dieguito

Friday, March 2

• 3:30pm - Var. Softball Tourney vs LJCD

Saturday, March 3

• All day - CIF Soccer Championship Division 4&5
• 10:30am - JV Baseball vs Montgomery @ Monte Vista
• 10:30am - Var. Baseball @ Montgomery

Sunday, March 4

• 9:00am - U18 Youth Field Hockey Training

February 17, 2012

Schools will be closed on Friday, February 17^th and Monday, February 20^th, in observance of the Presidents Lincoln and Washingon holidays.  School will be back in session on Tuesday, February 21^st.  Enjoy the extended weekend!

A School Site Safety Meeting, open for Public Input, will be held on Tuesday, February 21^st at 5:00pm in the Media Center.  Parents are welcome to attend this meeting to review the site plan and provide their input before the March 1^st deadline.

FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

For spring sports tryout information:

http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/spring-sport-try-outs-information.html

For CIF Winter Play-Offs Information 2012, go to:  http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/cif-winter-play-offs-information-2012.html

Girls Water Polo CIF Playoffs

CONGRATULATIONS to the Serra Girls Water Polo Team on qualifying for the 2012 CIF Division II Playoffs.!!!  They earned the #10 SEED and played on WEDNESDAY 2/15 vs. #7 WEST HILLS.  To read more, go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/girls-water-polo-cif-playoffs.html

PARENT RESOURCES

Suicide Prevention Presentation, February 21^st at 5:30pm.  The San Diego Unified School District SPEAK (Suicide Prevention, Education, Awareness & Knowledge) program invites you to a free presentation on February 21^st at 5:30pm in the Serra Media Center.  Please attend this informative and important meeting to learn how to keep your kids safe.  Learn the signs and symptoms of depression, and how to help a child who may be at risk for suicide.  It may not be for your own child, but you will learn how to help anyone in a crisis.  For more information, please contact the Suicide Prevention Office at 619-523-0708. 

 

Military Families: You are invited to an Informational Session on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children.  This meeting will be held on February 22, 2012 from 9-11am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  At this presentation you will learn how to use the Compact to positively affect your child's education, as well as ways to effectively communicate with your child's teacher and school about the unique needs, challenges, and benefits of military lifestyle.  RSVP: by February 20 to kelli.may@usmc.mil or shannon.milder@navy.mil.

A New Family Orientation is scheduled for February 23, 2012 from 6:00-7:00pm in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  This meeting is open to all families are new to Serra High School.  Learn about the programs and services offered at Serra, school policies and procedures, learn ways to help your student successfully transition to a new school.  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie Byrd, Parent Support Liaison, at 858-496-8342 x231 or mbyrd@sandi.net.

Passport to Success Workshop.  Series 3: Test-taking Skills.  February 23^rd from 5:30-7:30pm in room 1103 at Hoover High, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 92115.  The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and California Standardized Tests (CSTs) are right around the corner – Is your student prepared?  Come to this workshop to help your student be test-ready!  For more information, contact Martha Vidana-Cross (858) 496-8342 x203. 

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

Diploma Name Verifications were distributed to all of the Class of 2012 via their English Teacher. This is how your students name will appear on the diploma. Both the parent and student need to sign the card and return it to the counseling office.

FAFSA GPA’s for those students who supplied their Social Security Number have been uploaded to the State of California. Students and their parents have until March 2, 2012 to apply for the FAFSA. If the students receives an e mail that something is wrong with their submission please print the e mail and bring it to Ms. Conrique in the counseling office.

Seniors who qualify for CSF and wish to be awarded gold cords to wear at graduation must see Linda Nelson in Room 413 to make sure their dues are current and that they qualify NOW or their name will not appear in the Graduation Program as earning this recognition.

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:

    * 8th Grade (for current 8^th graders): February 23 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 9th Grade (for current 9^th graders): March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 10th Grade (for current 10^th graders): March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 11th Grade (for current 11^th graders): March 22 at 6 pm in the Media Center

At Parent Night the parents will receive their child's transcript, learn the graduation requirements, the college entrance requirements, learn of new course options for the 2012-2013 school year and receive priority for their student's course selection for 2012-2013.

• 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. Life Sciences Summer Institute (for 16+ year old, completed Bio and Chem) a 7 week paid summer internship.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation Scholarship $7,500
3. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship for African-American Males
4. HACER Ronald McDonald Scholarships $2,500 for Hispanic students
5. (CAL RTA) California Retired Teacher Association Scholarship $1,500
6. Investment In Success for community college students (DEADLINE: 2/28!!!)

GEAR UP, partnering with San Diego State University, announces the 10^th Annual San Diego County College Expo 2012.  March 3^rd from 9am-2pm at San Diego State University.  Free admission.  College workshops, parent resources, career workshops.  Food for purchase.  Raffle prizes!  For more information, call 619-594-6336 or to register: www.sdsu.edu/collegeexpo.

The Serra High School Annual Foundation Dinner Auction will be held Saturday March 3 at the Chinese Community Church in Tierrasanta.  Food will be provided by Phil’s BBQ. Ticket prices are $35 (single), $60 (couple), and $30 (Serra Faculty). Entertainment will include a DJ and a short performance by Serra’s very own Grease cast.  For information on ticket reservations, please visit the Serra High School Foundation website at www.serrafoundation.org, or you can contact Gail Myers at 619 890-9471 or gmyers@qualcomm.com.

The Foundation is in need of items to be donated for the silent auction. Things such as gift cards, movie tickets, vacation packages, wine, iPods, or anything else that can go in the baskets (even the baskets themselves) would be greatly appreciated. If you have a talent or business and can donate a service or lesson, this could be a great way to showcase it while helping out Serra High School.  If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Tina LaRocco at mrsrock4@yahoo.com or 858 278-7761.  This event is a big fundraiser for the Foundation allowing for continued support of numerous programs at Serra High School. Please help out however you can. Everyone is welcome at the “Roundup at the Conquistador Corral!” 

CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS!

•  Help is needed as soon as possible in the Family Resource Center.  We are working on getting ready for the testing.  For the CAHSEE, we need approximately 2000 pencils, sharpened and ready to go!  

•  Supervise the CAHSEE – March 13^th and 14^th.  Plenty of volunteers will be needed to help proctor the upcoming California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).  The exam will take place on March 13^th and 14^th.  Volunteers can sign up for 2 hour shifts: 7:30-10:00am and 9:30-12noon.  Volunteers will be responsible for supervising the students while they are taking the exam, monitoring doors, and passing out pencils.

•  Assist with distribution of snacks during STAR testing.  The PTO provides snacks every year for our students taking the California Standardized Tests (CSTs or STAR).  Plenty of hands are needed to coordinate this effort.  Volunteers will be needed to help organize the snacks in early to mid March, and deliver snacks to the classrooms in early to mid April.     

If you can help with any of the assignments listed above, please contact Marie Byrd 858-496-8342 x231 or mbyrd@sandi.net.

EVENTS

Friday, February 17

• All day - Lincoln day- No School

Monday, February 20

• All day - Washington Day- No School

Tuesday, February 21

• All day - Pink Progress Report Day
• 5:00pm - Public School Safety Meeting
• 5:30pm - Suicide Prevention Education Awareness & Knowledge Program
• 6:30pm - PTO Meeting, Room 231

Thursday, February 23

• 5:30pm - New Family Meeting, Room 231
• 6:00pm - Eighth Grade Parent Night, Media Center

Saturday, February 25

• All day - Navy Regional Field Meet @ Santa Ana
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, February 26

• 11:00am - Bio Tech & Ladies of Science Field Trip

SPORTS

Friday, February 17

• All day - Lincoln day- No School

Saturday, February 18

• All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo CIF @ LJHS /TIME TBA
• 9:00am - Wrestling CIF Tourney

Monday, February 20

• All day - Washington Day- No School
• 9:00am - Track & Field- 1st Day of Practice

Tuesday, February 21

• All day - Boys Varsity Soccer CIF/ TIME & LOC. TBA

Wednesday, February 22

• All day - Boys Varsity Soccer CIF/ TIME & LOC. TBA
• All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo CIF @ LJHS /TIME TBA

Friday, February 24

• All day - Boys Varsity Soccer CIF/ TIME & LOC. TBA
• All day - Wrestling San Diego Masters/LOC & TIME TBA

Saturday, February 25

• All day - Boys Varsity Soccer CIF/ TIME & LOC. TBA
• All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo CIF @ LJHS /TIME TBA
• All day - Wrestling San Diego Masters/LOC & TIME TBA

February 10, 2012

Support Quality Public Education!  Take Action!  Make Your Voice Heard!  The San Diego Unified School District relies on state and federal funding to educate the children of our community. Elected representatives in Sacramento and Washington make critical decisions about public education funding and policy that impact OUR schools and students. Elected officials need to hear from parents and all San Diegans about how they feel about key legislative and budget issues.  As a supporter of quality public education, you can visit the Education Issues ACTION CENTER to learn about key educational issues and communicate your opinion directly with your representatives.  For more information go to: https://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50217/.

A School Site Safety Meeting, open for Public Input, will be held on Tuesday, February 20^th at 5:00pm in the Media Center.  Parents are welcome to attend this meeting to review the site plan and provide their input before the March 1^st deadline.

PARENT RESOURCES

Suicide Prevention Presentation, February 21^st at 5:30pm.  The San Diego Unified School District SPEAK (Suicide Prevention, Education, Awareness & Knowledge) program invites you to a free presentation on February 21^st at 5:30pm in the Serra Media Center.  Please attend this informative and important meeting to learn how to keep your kids safe.  Learn the signs and symptoms of depression, and how to help a child who may be at risk for suicide.  It may not be for your own child, but you will learn how to help anyone in a crisis.  For more information, please contact the Suicide Prevention Office at 619-523-0708. 

Military Families: You are invited to a Parent Informational Session on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children on February 22nd from 9-11am in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  At this presentation you will learn how to use the Compact to positively affect your child's education, as well as ways to effectively communicate with your child's teacher and school about the unique needs, challenges, and benefits of military lifestyle.  RSVP: by February 20 to kelli.may@usmc.mil or shannon.milder@navy.mil.

A New Family Orientation is scheduled for February 23, 2012 from 5:30-6:30pm in the Family Resource Center, Room 231.  This meeting is open to all families new to Serra High School.  Learn about the programs and services offered at Serra, school policies and procedures, and learn ways to help your student successfully transition to a new school.  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Marie Byrd, Parent Support Liaison, at 858-496-8342 x231 or mbyrd@sandi.net.

Passport to Success Workshop.  Series 3: Test-taking Skills.  February 23^rd from 5:30-7:30pm in room 1103 at Hoover High, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 92115.  The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and California Standardized Tests (CSTs) are right around the corner – Is your student prepared?  Come to this workshop to help your student be test-ready!  For more information, contact Martha Vidana-Cross (858) 496-8342 x203. 

The Serra High School Annual Foundation Dinner Auction will be held Saturday March 3 at the Chinese Community Church in Tierrasanta.  Food will be provided by Phil’s BBQ. Ticket prices are $35 (single), $60 (couple), and $30 (Serra Faculty). Entertainment will include a DJ and a short performance by Serra’s very own Grease cast.  For information on ticket reservations, please visit the Serra High School Foundation website at www.serrafoundation.org, or you can contact Gail Myers at 619 890-9471 or gmyers@qualcomm.com.

The Foundation is in need of items to be donated for the silent auction. Things such as gift cards, movie tickets, vacation packages, wine, iPods, or anything else that can go in the baskets (even the baskets themselves) would be greatly appreciated. If you have a talent or business and can donate a service or lesson, this could be a great way to showcase it while helping out Serra High School.  If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Tina LaRocco at mrsrock4@yahoo.com or 858 278-7761.  This event is a big fundraiser for the Foundation allowing for continued support of numerous programs at Serra High School. Please help out however you can. Everyone is welcome at the “Roundup at the Conquistador Corral!” 

FROM THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Grease is coming your way soon!  Mark your calendar now to attend one of our Spring Musical Production of Grease. Performances are the first and second week in March:  3/1, 3/2, 3/7, 3/8, 3/9 and 3/10.

 

Graduation Set For Jenny Craig Pavilion June 12th

It's Official! Graduation will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on the USD Campus.  For more information, visit the Serra High Graduation Page: http://serra.sandi.net/graduation/

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

Seniors who qualify for CSF and wish to be awarded gold cords to wear at graduation must see Linda Nelson in Room 413 to make sure their dues are current and that they qualify NOW or their name will not appear in the Graduation Program as earning this recognition.

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:

    * 8th Grade (for current 8^th graders): February 23 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 9th Grade (for current 9^th graders): March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 10th Grade (for current 10^th graders): March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 11th Grade (for current 11^th graders): March 22 at 6 pm in the Media Center

At Parent Night the parents will receive their child's transcript, learn the graduation requirements, the college entrance requirements, learn of new course options for the 2012-2013 school year and receive priority for their student's course selection for 2012-2013.

• 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. San Diego County Salute To Education Scholarship $1,000 and a new Ford vehicle (DEADLINE Feb 17)
2. Jesse Klicka Foundation Scholarship $1,000-$2,000 (See more scholarships at www.sdcoe.net/scholarships/sd.asp) 
3. Kiwanis Foundation of Tierrasanta Scholarship for Serra H.S. Seniors

 

GEAR UP, partnering with San Diego State University, announces the 10^th Annual San Diego County College Expo 2012.  March 3^rd from 9am-2pm at San Diego State University.  Free admission.  College workshops, parent resources, career workshops.  Food for purchase.  Raffle prizes!  For more information, call 619-594-6336 or to register: www.sdsu.edu/collegeexpo.

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 have them fax us the excused note at 858-571-3457.  Unexcused tardies would include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic, power outage, parent’s fault, etc.

The Attendance Office does not issue Blue Slips for students who are ill during the day. If a student is ill they must see the nurse and if needed the nurse will contact parent/guardian and issue a Blue Slip.

Please note the main office closes at 2:00pm every Wednesday.  This is a minimum day for students.  Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to meetings and professional development for the teachers and staff.  If you need assistance after 2:00pm on Wednesdays, please leave a message on the main line: 858-496-8342 and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible. 

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.

FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Spring tryouts will be happening soon.  Be on the lookout for information and dates!

CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS!

• Help is needed as soon as possible in the Family Resource Center.  We are working on getting ready for the testing.  For the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), we need approximately 2000 pencils, sharpened and ready to go!

• Supervise the CAHSEE – March 13^th and 14^th.  Plenty of volunteers will be needed to help proctor the upcoming California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).  The exam will take place on March 13^th and 14^th.  Volunteers can sign up for 2 hour shifts: 7:30-10:00am and 9:30-12noon.  Volunteers will be responsible for supervising the students while they are taking the exam, monitoring doors, and passing out pencils.

• Assist with distribution of snacks during STAR testing.  The PTO provides snacks every year for our students taking the California Standardized Tests (CSTs or STAR).  Plenty of hands are needed to coordinate this effort.  Volunteers will be needed to help organize the snacks in early to mid March, and deliver snacks to the classrooms in early to mid April.     

If you can help with any of the assignments listed above, please contact Marie Byrd 858-496-8342 x231 or mbyrd@sandi.net.

EVENTS

Saturday, February 11

• All day - NJROTC-Field Trip Navy Field Meet
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

Tuesday, February 14

• 9:30am - 8^th Grade School Tours

Wednesday, February 15

• 2:00pm - Cal-Soap SAT Prep Workshop

Thursday, February 16

• 2:30pm - Natl.Guard & Elevated Teambuilding Activity

Friday, February 17

• All day – President Lincoln Holiday- No School

SPORTS

Saturday, February 11

• 9:00am - U18 Youth Field Hockey Training
• 9:00am - Wrestling City Cham. @ SDHS
• 3:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs SRHS

Monday, February 13

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer @ Morse
• 5:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer @ Morse

Tuesday, February 14

• All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo CIF/TIM & LOC. TBA
• 3:00pm - Boys JV Bball @ Morse
• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball vs Morse
• 3:15pm - Girls JV Soccer @ Morse
• 4:45pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ Morse
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs Morse
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Soccer @ Morse
• 6:15pm - Boys Frosh Bball vs Morse

Wednesday, February 15

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Morse
• 3:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs Morse

Thursday, February 16

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

Friday, February 17

• All day – President Lincoln Holiday- No School

Saturday, February 18

• All day - Girls Varsity Water Polo CIF @ LJHS /TIME TBA
• 9:00am - Wrestling CIF Tourney/LOC. TBA

February 3, 2012

Serra PTO Raises Nearly $3,000 for STAR Snacks!  The 4th Annual PTO Cake Auction was a success. They raised just short of $3,000!   This money will be used to buy snacks for the students during STAR Testing in the Spring.   Thanks to all the parents and staff who donated and purchased cakes.  To read more and to view pictures of the cakes, please go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/serra-pto-raises-nearly-3000-for-star.html

The Serra High School Annual Foundation Dinner Auction will be held Saturday March 3 at the Chinese Community Church in Tierrasanta.  Food provided by Phil’s BBQ. Ticket prices are $35 (single), $60 (couple), and $30 (Serra Faculty). Entertainment will include a DJ and a short performance by Serra’s very own Grease cast.  For information on ticket reservations, visit the Serra High School Foundation website at www.serrafoundation.org, or contact Gail Myers at 619-890-9471 –or- gmyers@qualcomm.com.

The Foundation is in need of items to be donated for the silent auction.  Gift cards, movie tickets, vacation packages, wine, iPods, or anything else that can go in the baskets (even the baskets themselves) would be greatly appreciated. If you have a talent or business and can donate a service or lesson, this could be a great way to showcase it while helping out Serra High School.  If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Tina LaRocco at mrsrock4@yahoo.com or 858-278-7761.  This event is a big fundraiser for the Foundation, allowing for continued support of numerous programs at Serra High School. Please help out however you can. Everyone is welcome at the “Roundup at the Conquistador Corral!”  

Graduation 2012 Set For Jenny Craig Pavilion on June 12^th! It's Official! Graduation will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on the University of San Diego Campus. For more information, visit the Serra High Graduation Page: http://serra.sandi.net/graduation/

  

FROM THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Grease Lightning is coming your way soon!  Mark your calendar now to attend one of our Spring Musical Productions of Grease. Performances are the first and second week in March:  3/1, 3/2, 3/7, 3/8, 3/9 and 3/10.

PARENT RESOURCES

Parent and Community Meeting for Tierrasanta Military Parents, February 9^th at 6:30pm.  You are invited to attend this meeting to receive information about resources available to your family.  Participate in a community forum and be a voice for positive change in the Tierrasanta military community.  Free childcare will be provided.  All attendees will have a chance to win a free door prize!  Hosted by Californians for Drug Free Youth (CADFY).  This is not a school district sponsored event.  Questions?  Contact Cheri Fleming (619) 557-6847 or cheri@cadfy.org.

Suicide Prevention Presentation, February 21^st at 5:30pm.  Keep your family safe.  Be a link!  The San Diego Unified School District SPEAK (Suicide Prevention, Education, Awareness & Knowledge) program invites you to a free presentation on February 21^st at 5:30pm in the Serra Media Center.  Please attend this informative and important meeting to learn the signs and symptoms of depression, and how to help a child who may be at risk for suicide.  It may not be for your own child, but you will learn how to help anyone in a crisis.  For more information, please contact the Suicide Prevention Office at 619-523-0708. 

Passport to Success Workshop. Series 3: Test-taking Skills.  February 23^rd from 5:30-7:30pm in room 1103 at Hoover High, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 92115.  The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and California Standardized Tests (CSTs) are right around the corner; Is your student prepared?  Come to this workshop to help your student be test-ready!  For more information, contact Martha Vidana-Cross (858) 496-8342 x203. 

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: Encuesta para Padres sobre el Nuevo Sistema de Información Estudiantil)  The survey will close February 12th. 

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

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

Seniors who qualify for CSF and wish to be awarded gold cords to wear at graduation must see Linda Nelson in Room 413 to make sure their dues are current and that they qualify NOW or their name will not appear in the Graduation Program as earning this recognition.

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 (for current 9^th graders):  March 1 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 10th Grade (for current 10^th graders):  March 8 at 6 pm in the Media Center

    * 11th Grade (for current 11^th graders):  March 22 at 6 pm in the Media Center

At Parent Night the parents will receive their child's transcript, learn the graduation requirements and college entrance requirements, learn of new course options for the 2012-2013 school year and receive priority for their student's course selection for 2012-2013.

• 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. California Coast Credit Union Scholarship for members or dependents $1,000
2. Cabrillo Civic Club Scholarship for seniors of Portuguese Heritage $500
3. Juniors interested in Space Exploration: A Summer experience with NASA for FREE if accepted.  Apply: http://wish.aerospacescholars.org by Feb 22.
4. ANTIOCH COLLEGE IN YELLOW SPRING OHIO IS OFFERING FREE TUITION (YES, THAT’S FREE!!!) FOR ALL WHO ENROLL IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS.  APPLY ONLINE: https://apply.antiochcollege.org

GEAR UP, partnering with San Diego State University, announces the 10^th Annual San Diego County College Expo 2012.  March 3^rd from 9am-2pm at San Diego State University.  Free admission.  College workshops, parent resources, career workshops.  Food for purchase.  Raffle prizes!  For more information, call 619-594-6336 or to register: www.sdsu.edu/collegeexpo.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

Please note the main office closes at 2:00pm every Wednesday.  This is a minimum day for students.  Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to meetings and professional development for the teachers and staff.  If you need assistance after 2:00pm on Wednesdays, please leave a message on the main line: 858-496-8342 and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible. 

All absences must be cleared by the parent/guardian within five school days. Any unverified absence(s) without a valid excuse is considered unexcused or truant.  You can call the attendance line 858-496-8342 Ext 209 or send a note with your student to verify the absence.

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.

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

FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Spring tryouts will be happening soon!  Be on the lookout for information and dates.

EVENTS

Saturday, February 4

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

Monday, February 6

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

Tuesday, February 7

• All day – California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) – English Language Assessment (for Seniors)

Wednesday, February 8

• All day - California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) – Math (for Seniors)

Thursday, February 9

• 11:30am - Cal-Soap Scholarship Booth
• 6:30pm – Military Community Parent Group Meeting

Saturday, February 11

• All day - NJROTC-Field Trip Navy Field Meet
• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL

SPORTS

Saturday, February 4

• All day - Girls Varsity Bball Tourney/TIME TBA

Sunday, February 5

• 9:00am - U18 Youth Field Hockey Training

Tuesday, February 7

• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball vs Hoover
• 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs UCHS @ Tierrasanta
• 3:30pm - Boys JV Bball @ Hoover
• 4:00pm - Girls JV Soccer @ PHHS
• 4:45pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs Hoover
• 5:15pm - Boys Varsity Bball @ Hoover
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Soccer @ PHHS
• 6:15pm - Boys Frosh Bball @ Hoover

Wednesday, February 8

• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer @ PHHS
• 6:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs PHHS

Thursday, February 9

• 3:30pm - Girls JV Soccer vs Hoover
• 5:30pm - Girls Varsity Soccer vs Hoover

Friday, February 10

• 3:00pm - Girls JV Bball @ MMHS
• 3:00pm - Boys JV Soccer vs Hoover
• 3:00pm - Girls Var/JV Water Polo vs PLHS @ Tierrasanta
• 3:30pm - Boys Frosh Bball vs MMHS
• 4:45pm - Boys JV Bball @ MMHS
• 5:00pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs Hoover
• 6:00pm - Girls Varsity Bball vs MMHS
• 7:30pm - Boys Varsity Bball vs MMHS

Saturday, February 11

• 9:00am - U18 Youth Field Hockey Training
• 9:00am - Wrestling City Cham. @ SDHS