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

December 16, 2011

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Guardians,

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

-Principal Mike Jimenez

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

– Warmest wishes, Marie Byrd, Parent Support Liaison.

PARENT RESOURCES - Free Workshops Offered to Parents

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

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

Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012

Time: 6:00-7:30pm

Location: Serra High School Media Center 

• Learn the indicators of at-risk-students
• Find out how parent involvement and engagement can help close the achievement gap
• Discover resources available to students and families

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

Distinguished Lecture Series Information. 

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

For more information: http://www.sandi.net/page/1066

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

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE:

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

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

•  Naviance (www.connection.naviance.com/serra) is a web-based service designed especially for students and parents. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in making decisions about colleges, careers and courses, meanwhile tracking academic progress as you aspire to post secondary education options. It is especially useful in searching for Scholarships! To log in students simply use their Student Connect log in number and password. Parents will be able to get their code from Ms. Turnberg by emailing their request to mturnberg@sandi.net.

•  The new College Center in Room 401 is open!  Students are encouraged to stop by on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during Advisory and lunch. Through January, a counselor is in the room during Advisory and lunch to talk about college applications, help with FAFSA, common app and other relevant college application questions. Beginning in January, after seniors finish their applications, the focus will be on SAT and AP prep for seniors, juniors and sophomores.  Questions?  Contact your student’s counselor.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

Parents:  Student contracts are available if your student will be absent five school days or more.  Please be sure to notify the attendance office a minimum of one week in advance of the absence and request the contracts.  This will ensure the teachers have plenty of time to prepare the schoolwork your student will need while he or she is out.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

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

SPORTS NEWS FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: JONN PISAPIA

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

WATER POLO

(Second Team)
Colin Stanley

FIELD HOCKEY

(First Team)
Dominique Leyva
Kelsey Woldt
Elizabeth Young

(Second Team)
Kristin Rodgers

TENNIS
(Second Team Div 2)
Karen Villa

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

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

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

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

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

EVENTS

Saturday, December 17

• 7:30am - Youth Synergy Summit- 21st Century Grant

Sunday, December 18

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, December 19 through Monday, January 2, 2012

• WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

• First Day Back to School

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

• 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting

Thursday, January 5, 2012

• 6:00pm – Parent Workshop – Help Close the Achievement Gap

Saturday, January 7, 2012

• 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
• 10:00am - S2S 1^st Annual Council Event

SPORTS

Friday, December 16

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

Saturday, December 17

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

Monday, December 19

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

Tuesday, December 20

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

Wednesday, December 21

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

Thursday, December 22

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

Friday, December 23

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

Thursday, December 29

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

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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

Friday, January 6, 2012

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

Saturday, January 7, 2012

• All day - Q Varsity Rumble (Wrestling)
• 8:00am - Varsity Wrestling Tournament
• 8:00am - Wrestling Varsity Q-Rumble

December 9, 2011

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

FREE 9th and 10th Grade Leadership Opportunity!

Youth Synergy Summit

Saturday, December 17^th - 8:00-3:00 PM

Busing will be provided

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE: 

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

 • Naviance (www.connection.naviance.com/serra) is a web-based service designed especially for students and parents. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that you can use to help in making decisions about colleges, careers and courses, meanwhile tracking academic progress as you aspire to post secondary education options. It is especially useful in searching for Scholarships! To log in students simply use their Student Connect log in number and password. Parents will be able to get their code from Ms. Turnberg by emailing their request to mturnberg@sandi.net.

Scholarship highlights for the week:

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

•  The new College Center in Room 401 is open!  Students are encouraged to stop by on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during Advisory and lunch. Through January, a counselor is in the room during Advisory and lunch to talk about college applications, help with FAFSA, common app and other relevant college application questions. Beginning in January, after seniors finish their applications, the focus will be on SAT and AP prep for seniors, juniors and sophomores.  Questions?  Contact your student’s counselor.

FROM THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE:

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

• No outside food may be delivered to the campus.

• Students may not leave school at any time without a blue slip.

News from the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

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

“Passport to Success” – Parent Workshop Series Being Offered to Serra Families

On January 12, 2012, Serra High School will conduct the first part of a 3-session workshop series to aid parents in helping their students succeed in school.  The first workshop is called Organize Your Time, and will be held at Hoover High School at 5:30pm.

  

Come and learn the importance of teaching your student organizational and study skills that will carry them through high school and on to college.  Reserve your spot in the class by contacting Martha Vidana-Cross at (858) 496-8342, ext 203.

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

Passport to Success Workshop Series:

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

SPORTS NEWS

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

Girls Tennis Season Recap

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

Go to: http://serrahighnews.blogspot.com/ to read more about Serra’s awesome girls tennis team!

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENTS

Friday, December 9

• All day - Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, December 10

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

Sunday, December 11

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

Monday, December 12

• 3:00pm - School Site Council (SSC) Meeting

Tuesday, December 13

• 6:00pm - English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting

Thursday, December 15

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

Friday, December 16

• 8:00am - NJROTC Annual Military Inspection

Sunday, December 18

• All day - NJROTC Charger Game Fundraiser

SPORTS

Friday, December 9

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

Saturday, December 10

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

Sunday, December 11

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

Monday, December 12

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

Tuesday, December 13

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

Wednesday, December 14

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

Thursday, December 15

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

Friday, December 16

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

Saturday, December 17

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