Monday, November 18, 2013

11/18/13 Q-Connection

PARENT INVOLVEMENT EDITION!


COME TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR STUDENT DAY

Thursday November 21st is National Parent Involvement Day.  To celebrate Serra will be holding its annual "Come to School with Your Student Day"! 

Parents, some of your students may be telling you that you do not need to come to school that day.  Not true!  This is the perfect opportunity to observe your student's classrooms and get a first-hand look at what's happening at school.   Click here to RSVP before November 20th.  

You will take away so much valuable information about your student when you come to school on November 21st!  RSVP so we can have your materials ready for you when you arrive at the school.  Follow this link to sign up for the event   When you come to school on the 21st, just come to Room 231 between 7:00 am and 9:00 am to sign in and receive your schedule.  See you on November 21!



SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR PARENTS



You are invited to a Special Screening of

A short-film documentary about a rising high school senior who sets out
to uncover the growing problem of teens abusing prescription medicine in his hometown

Followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A


November 20, 2013
Junipero Serra High School
5156 Santo Road, San Diego, CA 92124
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.


MODERATOR                                                                  Ms. Laura Duffy
US Attorney

PANELISTS
Dr. Roneet Lev
Medical Abuse Task Force

Ms. Sherrie Rubin
Parent/Educator
Hope2Gether Foundation

Mr. Thomas Lenox
Drug Enforcement Administration


Special Thanks to:   Junipero Serra High School for the venue and Hope2Gether Foundation for food and great
giveaway items.

Light snacks and beverages will be provided. There will also be free raffles with great prizes including “On the Border” gift certificates, Gift Baskets, Theatre Tickets and more.


Please join us! RSVP by November 19 to: outofreach11.20@gmail.com


END OF 6 WEEK GRADING PERIOD
We are ending the grading period one day early to ensure that all of the grades get posted into the new system correctly.  Teachers have been asked to submit their 12 week grades no later than 11:59PM on Thursday, November 21st.  

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, November 19
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
2:30pm
 GEAR UP COLLEGE APP ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
2:45pm
 Night School
3:00pm
 Field Hockey CIF Playoffs Vs. Del Norte
6:30pm
 PTO Meeting
Wednesday, November 20
8:00am
 Gear Up Meeting
2:00pm
 L.I.N.K.S. 4 Teens Military Group
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
5:30pm
 Parent Awareness Night: featuring a film screening by DrugFree.org and the US Attorney Laura Duffy
6:00pm
 AP Statistics Review
Thursday, November 21
 Come To School With Your Student Day
 End of 2nd Grading Period
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
2:30pm
 GEAR UP COLLEGE APP ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
2:45pm
 Night School
6:00pm
 Improv Show
Friday, November 22
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
2:30pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice
2:45pm
 Night School
Saturday, November 23
 CIF Finals - Cross Country
 Field Hockey CIF Playoffs/TIME & LOC TBA
Monday, November 25
 THANKSGIVING BREAK-No School
Tuesday, November 26
 NJROTC Field Meet @ Coronado
 THANKSGIVING BREAK-No School
Wednesday, November 27
 THANKSGIVING BREAK-No School
Thursday, November 28
 THANKSGIVING BREAK-No School
Friday, November 29
 THANKSGIVING BREAK-No School
Monday, December 2
 Pink Progress Report Day
2:20pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
Tuesday, December 3
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
Wednesday, December 4
2:00pm
 L.I.N.K.S. 4 Teens Military Group
2:00pm
 Military Student Stress Management Conference
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
6:30pm
 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, December 5
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
Friday, December 6
 Progress Reports Distributed
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
2:30pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice
Saturday, December 7
 Pop Warner Football
 Sat School
Sunday, December 8
 Field Hockey Clinic
Monday, December 9
2:20pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
Tuesday, December 10
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
Wednesday, December 11
2:00pm
 L.I.N.K.S. 4 Teens Military Group
2:00pm
 Military Student Stress Management Conference
Thursday, December 12
2:45pm
 Performance of "The Tempest"
Friday, December 13
2:30pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice
6:30pm
 Performance of "The Tempest"
Saturday, December 14
 NJROTC Regulation Drill Comp.
 Sat School
2:00pm
 Performance of "The Tempest"
Monday, December 16
 Pink Progress Report Day
11:44am
 ASB Snow Day
2:20pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice
Tuesday, December 17
6:30pm
 PTO Meeting
Wednesday, December 18
 Serra Basketball Tournament
2:00pm
 L.I.N.K.S. 4 Teens Military Group
Thursday, December 19
 Serra Basketball Tournament
6:30pm
 Instrumental Winter Concert
Friday, December 20
 Serra Basketball Tournament
8:00am
 NJROTC Inspection Day
2:30pm
 All-Styles Dance Club Practice

Friday, October 25, 2013

10/25/13 Q-Connection


FEDERAL SURVEY CARDS WILL BE SENT HOME ON MONDAY


A Federal Survey Card will be sent home with every student on Monday, October 28th.  Be sure to complete, sign, and return the card as soon as you get it.  Returning this card is critical for school funding as the district receives over 8 million dollars each year based on the information received.  Information provided on the Federal Survey Card is kept confidential and is only used for filing the claim for federal funding. During these tight budget times, securing this funding is critical.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete and return the Federal Survey cards to school as soon as possible.

Last year we had 100% of the Federal Survey Cards returned.   We are expecting to get 100% returned this year with a goal of having them all returned by Halloween, Thursday, October 31st.  

If your child is out on Monday, please stop by the front office to fill out a card to help their class ensure they are filled out on time. 



HALLOWEEN COSTUME GUIDELINES

Halloween is next Thursday and students and teachers are encouraged to get in the Halloween spirit by dressing for the day. Students who choose to dress for Halloween, must abide by the below guidelines.

  • All costumes must be “PG” rated.
  • The School dress code policy must be followed.
  • Costumes may only be worn on Thursday, October 31st.
  • Costumes may not be a disruption to instruction in any way. 
  • Costumes may not be derogatory or offensive to any groups or individuals.
  • Costumes may not include any weaponry or representations of weapons.
  • Masks are not permitted.
  • Students’ faces must be uncovered and easily identifiable (left up to the discretion of the administration).
If a costume fails to comply with any of the above expectations the student will be detained and disciplinary action may result. Remember, you will be held accountable for your personal conduct as well. Our expectation of your behavior is the same as it is on any regular day. While we enjoy the spirit of Halloween, we will maintain our high expectations of student behavior.

On Thursday at lunch, the ASB will be hosting a Halloween costume contest. Teachers and students are welcome to show off their gruesome (school appropriate) gear in the Q-Hut.



PARENT PORTAL UPDATE

Parent Portal is still in the pilot phase.  As part of the pilot, it is our job to discover issues as they arise and learn how to correct them before the Portal is opened to the entire district.  The most recent issue we have discovered has been the way that grades and progress reports are displayed.  

As it was originally set up, PowerSchool was treating the 1st 6 weeks (known as P1) and the 2nd 6 weeks (P2) as two completely separate grading periods.  In other words, assignments from the 1st 6 weeks would not "count" in the 2nd 6 weeks.  This is not how we do grades.  Our grades are cumulative, meaning that the grade the student holds in class includes every assignment given from the 1st day of school till now. 

We have discovered this error and in the process of correcting it.   Until all teachers have recalculated their P2 grades we are keeping the semester one (S1) window open.  This will show you the current cumulative grade.  

When you look in Quick Look Up, you will see a P1 grade.  This grade is locked.  This is a snapshot of where the student was on that grade date.  For example: a teacher gave an assignment in P1 and the student got a "D"on an essay causing the student to get a "C" in the P1 grading period.  Then the teacher allows the student to submit a new draft of the essay.  The student now gets an "A" on the essay.  The P1 grade is locked so it will remain a "C", however, that "A" will calculate in the P2 grade giving the student a higher grade.  

If you see a blank in Quick Look Up that means that the student is now in a different class.  Click on the "Show dropped classes also" link at the bottom of the page to see the grade. 

Over 70% of our students have had their records accessed through either Parent or Student Portal.   Don't wait for the Progress Reports to come home.  Don't wait until it's too late.   Go to http://powerschool.sandi.net  and create your account TODAY.   Then enter the student access codes we mailed home to link to your student's account.   Be an active participant in your student's education!  




CAHSEE

Passing the California High School Exit Exam is a graduation requirement in the state of California.  The CAHSEE consists of two parts; a English and Math exam.  The first opportunity students have to pass the exam is in March of their Sophomore year.   Tuesday November 5th (ELA)  and Wednesday November 6th (Math)  will be the class of 2015's second opportunity to pass the CAHSEE.   Juniors will have to take the exam only if they did not pass in March  OR if they are new to California and have not taken the exam before.   Please make sure your Junior is in attendance for these important test days.  



THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDANCE

Parents remember:  If your student is out ill, you have up to 5 days and only 5 days to clear the absence.  After 5 days the absence will PERMANENTLY become an Unexcused Absence.  There will be NO CHANGES after the 5th day.   Log in to Parent Portal to see if your student's absence has been cleared.   Parents can only clear full day absences.  ONLY teachers can clear period absences.   Students are given a notice every time they are absent reminding them of the day they need to clear their absence before it becomes permanent.  



HELP SERRA WHILE DOING YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

A very major on-line store, (we are not allowed to advertise who it is, but it one that everyone knows)  will give approximately 6% of your purchase to the Serra Foundation.  Visit the Serra Foundation Website: http://www.serrafoundation.org/  for the link to the on-line store.  (Serra will only benefit from purchases if you go through the link on the Foundation website each time you shop.  Make the Foundation page one of your favorites and start your on line shopping there!)


USE CAUTION WHEN GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Please make certain your students are practicing caution and safety and following the law when coming to school and returning home.

It has been brought to our attention on numerous occasions that groups of highs school students cross the street from the shopping plaza on Tierrasanta Blvd near Round Table Pizza through the cars stopped at the light at Tierrasanta Blvd and Santo Road. Students are crossing without caution and drivers are forced to react to avoid hitting them which may cause an accident.


Please be sure to speak with your students about safety and rules of the road/crossings.  Any assistance you can provide in averting an unwanted accident for pedestrians and drivers is greatly appreciated.




SERRA GEAR AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Check out the Official Serra High School Online Store: http://b1selfshops.com/serra
20% of your purchase comes back to Serra High School.   Don't be fooled by Serra products at various local stores.  They are NOT official Serra products and the school receives no money from those sales.  




SCHOLARSHIPS

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is open to all high school girls residing in the US.  Apply online at:

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year.



Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 26
 NJROTC Field Meet @ UCLA
Sunday, October 27
Monday, October 28
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 Pink Progress Report Day
2:30pm
 Open Soccer Workout
2:30pm
 Drivers Education Class
2:45pm
 Night School
3:30pm
 Var.Field Hockey @ Morse
6:00pm
 Boys Basketball Open Gym
Tuesday, October 29
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 Girls Tennis CIF/TIME & LOC TBA
8:00am
 UCSD Presentation

2:30pm
 GEAR UP COLLEGE APP ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
2:45pm
 Night School
3:00pm
 Var.Boys Waterpolo vs PLHS @ Tierrasanta
4:00pm
 JV Boys Waterpolo vs PLHS @ Tierrasanta
4:30pm
 JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball @ Christian
4:30pm
 Var.Girls Volleyball @ Christian
6:00pm
 Girls Basketball Open Gym
Wednesday, October 30
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 Girls Tennis CIF/TIME & LOC TBA
2:00pm
 Girls Empowerment Conference: “Who are you now and who do you want to become”
2:00pm
 L.I.N.K.S. 4 Teens Military Group
2:30pm
 Open Soccer Workout
5:30pm
 Band & Flag Rehearsal
6:00pm
 Boys Basketball Open Gym
6:00pm
 Open Wrestling
Thursday, October 31
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 Girls Tennis CIF/TIME & LOC TBA
 Var.Boys Waterpolo Tourn./TIME & LOC TBA
2:30pm
 GEAR UP COLLEGE APP ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
2:45pm
 Night School
3:00pm
 Var.Boys Waterpolo vs SRHS @ Tierrasanta
3:30pm
 Frosh Football vs Morse
3:30pm
 JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball vs MBHS
3:30pm
 Var.Field Hockey vs UCHS
4:00pm
 JV Boys Waterpolo vs SRHS @ Tierrasanta
4:30pm
 Var.Girls Volleyball vs MBHS
4:45pm
 JV Field Hockey vs UCHS
6:00pm
 Girls Basketball Open Gym
Friday, November 1
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 Girls Tennis CIF/TIME & LOC TBA
 Var.Boys Waterpolo Tourn./TIME & LOC TBA
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
2:45pm
 Night School
3:30pm
 JV Football @ Morse
3:30pm
 JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball Tourn/ LOC TBA
4:30pm
 Key Club Movie Night
6:30pm
 Var. Football @ Morse
Saturday, November 2
 Var.Boys Waterpolo Tourn./TIME & LOC TBA
 Saturday School
 Band & Flag Comp.@ MMHS
3:30pm
 JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball Tourn/ LOC TBA
Monday, November 4
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window

2:30pm
 Open Soccer Workout
2:30pm
 Drivers Education Class
2:45pm
 Night School
3:30pm
 Var.Field Hockey vs MMHS
4:45pm
 JV Field Hockey vs MMHS
6:00pm
 Boys Basketball Open Gym
Tuesday, November 5
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 CAHSEE ELA 11th Grade Only
2:30pm
 Badminton Open Workout
2:30pm
 GEAR UP COLLEGE APP ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
2:45pm
 Night School
3:30pm
 JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball @ MMHS
4:30pm
 Var.Girls Volleyball @ MMHS
6:00pm
 Girls Basketball Open Gym
Wednesday, November 6
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
 CAHSEE Math 11th Grade Only
8:30am
 SDSU Presentation for Juniors and Seniors
2:00pm
 L.I.N.K.S. 4 Teens Military Group
2:30pm
 Open Soccer Workout
5:30pm
 Band & Flag Rehearsal
6:00pm
 Boys Basketball Open Gym
6:00pm
 Open Wrestling
6:30pm
 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, November 7
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
11:15am
 Jostens Information
2:30pm
 Play Rehearsal
2:30pm
 GEAR UP COLLEGE APP ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
2:45pm
 Night School
3:00pm
 JV/Frosh Girls Volleyball @ OLP
3:00pm
 Var.Boys Waterpolo vs UCHS @ JCCLJ
3:30pm
 Var.Field Hockey @ PHHS
4:00pm
 JV Boys Waterpolo vs UCHS @ JCCLJ
4:00pm
 Var.Girls Volleyball @ OLP
4:45pm
 JV Field Hockey @ PHHS
5:00pm
 Frosh Football @ Cathedral
5:00pm
 Nov.Boys Waterpolo vs UCHS @ JCCLJ
6:00pm
 Girls Basketball Open Gym
Friday, November 8
 Fitnessgram Grades 10-12 Window
2:45pm
 Night School
3:00pm
 Var.Boys Waterpolo @ LJHS
3:30pm
 JV Football vs Cathedral
4:00pm
 JV Boys Waterpolo @ LJHS
5:00pm
 Nov.Boys Waterpolo @ LJHS
6:30pm
 Var. Football vs Cathedral
Saturday, November 9
7:00am
 NJROTC Battalion Sports Day

Monday, November 11
 NJROTC @ Veterans Day Parade
 VETERANS DAY-No School