Friday, March 2, 2012

March 2, 2012


SERRA FOUNDATION ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION is Saturday, March 3rd at 6:00pm!
The Auction will be held 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 more information, 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 California High School Exit Exam will be held on March 13th &14th.   ALL 10th grade students must take these exams on these days.   Please make sure that your student is in attendance the 13th and 14th.  All students must pass both exams in order to graduate high school in California. 




STAR TESTING IS COMING!   Test starts on April 19th.  Start getting your student ready now!




FROM THE ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) ADVISOR

The Spring Fling Dance "Bésame en Barcelona" is on March 10th!   
7:00-11:00pm at the Four Points Sheraton, 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego, California 92123.  DOORS CLOSE AT 8:30pm.

Tickets will be sold before school, at lunch and after school until WEDNESDAY MARCH 7.  $25.00 w/ASB card; $30.00 w/out ASB card.  ASB card discounts WILL NOT be given on the last day of ticket sales.  STUDENTS MUST HAVE A CURRENT Serra Student ID when purchasing their ticket.

To print a copy of the Dance Agreement, go to:


THE SPIRIT STORE IS NOW ONLINE!  


Sweatshirts, tshirts, hoodies, hats, and letterman jackets are available for purchase. 


Check out the online Spirit Store and purchase your spirit gear today!
Go to:   http://webstores.activenetwork.com/school-software/serra_swag_shack/


FROM THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Grease Lightning has hit Serra High! 


The Drama Department is pleased to announce the opening of "Grease" on Thursday, March 1st!  All tickets are $7.

SHOW TIMES:
March 1, 2, 7 and 9 at 6:30pm
March 8 at 2:45pm
March 10 at 2:00pm










PARENT RESOURCES

Moving Seminar 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!

English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting on March 6th at 6:00pm in the Family Resource Center (Room 231).  ELAC will review Serra's R-30 Language Census.  Each year the District must provide to the California Department of Education (CDE) a complete and accurate school-by-school census of all English Learners (ELs) and EL programs. This annual report is used to determine EL supplemental funding allocations by the state.  One of the duties of the ELAC is to review the R-30 Language Census for Serra High, and compare the 2011 R-30 Language Census with this year's R-30 LC.  ELAC will discuss the data and make recommendations to administration and the School Site Council (SSC). 


SPEAK UP FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION! JOIN THE RALLY FOR EDUCATION!

--WHAT: RALLY FOR EDUCATION!
--WHEN: Saturday March 10, 9:00 AM
--WHERE: Balboa Park: Corner of Park Ave. & Presidents Way
--WHY: Protest Budget Cuts & Change The Process
--PARK: On Street, Balboa Park Parking, Veterans Mem Center Parking (across street)

LET’S START THE SCHOOL YEAR OFF RIGHT FOR A CHANGE!  BEFORE LAY-OFFS, BEFORE PROGRAM CUTS, BEFORE BUSING CUTS, BEFORE OVER-CROWDED CLASSROOMS, BEFORE COUNTLESS SCHEDULE CHANGES, BEFORE SCHOOL CLOSURES.

Join the Rally and help get the word out to the general public, the government, and the media just how devastating this next round of budget cuts will be to the education of all children in California's public schools and how we MUST do things differently!

For more information, go to the Rally for Education Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/292134547516973/


DOES YOUR 9TH OR 10TH GRADER NEED HELP WITH MATH?   
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) can help!  GEAR UP is offering tutoring for all 9th and 10th graders on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm.  Algebra: Room 213 / Geometry: Room 615 / Intermediate Algebra: Room 215.   Students who attend regularly and raise their math grade will be eligible to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain on May 12th!  For more information contact the GEAR UP Coordinator, Clarissa Padilla cpadilla@ucsd.edu or 858-496-8342 x258.


FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

Diploma Name Verifications were distributed to all of the Class of 2012 via their English Teacher. This is how your student’s name will appear on the diploma. Both the parent and student need to sign the card and return it to 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:
    * 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.            AYSO Region 152 Scholarship for Serra Students
2.            MTS Laptop Contest (40 laptops will be awarded to San Diego High School Seniors)
3.            Naval Officer’s Spouses Club Scholarship
4.            Robert G. Porter Scholars Program ($8,000)
5.            Student Scholarship Search: www.studentscholarships.org
           

The 10th Annual San Diego County College Expo 2012 is on 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 GEAR UP Coordinator.


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 fax the excused note to 858-571-3457.  Unexcused tardies would include car trouble, oversleeping, traffic, power outage, etc.  Thank you for understanding the importance of getting your kids to school on time.

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

Serra High School needs to have your current information on file. Please make sure we have current telephone numbers. If you have moved please bring a new proof of residence to the attendance office as soon as possible so that you don’t miss any information.  Proof of residence must be one of the following: gas & electric bill, cable or water bill, housing orders or rental agreement. Thank you for your cooperation.


CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS!  WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

There are many ways to support our school.  Volunteering is one of them.  Volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated.  We really can not run successful school events and programs without your help.  Please lend a hand!

•            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 are needed from 7:00-11:30am.  The volunteer time may also be split into shifts from 7:00-9:30am or 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 sharpening pencils to prepare for the CAHSEE.  We need approximately 2000 pencils, sharpened and ready to go before March 13th!  
 
•           In-class tutors needed to help student with math and science.  If you have tutoring experience and like to work with high school students, please consider helping out in this way.  1 or 2 hours per week or on an as-needed basis.

•            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.    

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, March 2


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



Saturday, March 3


  • All day - NJROTC Dist.Field Meet @ Kearny
  • 8:30am -  AP Review- Social Studies
  • 9:30am - Gear-Up Field Trip (SDSU)
  • 6:00pm - Foundation Auction



Monday, March 5


  • All day - Pink Progress Report Day



Tuesday, March 6


  • 12:30pm – Moving Seminar for Military Families (Family Resource Center, Room 231)
  • 6:00pm - ELAC Committee Meeting (Family Resource Center, Room 231)



Wednesday, March 7


  • 6:30pm - Performance of Grease (Serra Theater)
  • 6:30pm - Foundation Meeting



Thursday, March 8


  • 11:20am - S2S New Student Celebration (Room 400)
  • 2:45pm - Performance of Grease
  • 6:00pm - Tenth Grade Parent Night



Friday, March 9


  • All day - End of Grading Period
  • 7:30am - AVID Presentation
  • 6:30pm - Performance of Grease



Saturday, March 10


  • 8:00am - SATURDAY SCHOOL
  • 2:00pm - Performance of Grease
  • 7:00pm - Spring Fling ASB Dance (Four Points Sheraton)



SPORTS

Friday, March 2


  • 3:30pm - Varsity Softball Tourney vs LJCD
  • 6:05pm - Girls Varsity Basketball Playoffs



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



Monday, March 5


  • 3:30pm - JV Softball vs El Capitan
  • 3:30pm - Varsity Softball @ El Capitan



Tuesday, March 6


  • 3:00pm - Boys Tennis @ Ramona



Wednesday, March 7


  • 3:00pm - JV Baseball vs Ramona
  • 3:00pm - JV Softball Tourney vs Hilltop
  • 3:00pm - Varsity Baseball @ Ramona
  • 3:30pm - Golf Match vs High Tech @ Balboa



Thursday, March 8


  • 2:30pm - Boys Tennis vs PHHS
  • 3:00pm - JV Softball Tourney @ Horizon
  • 3:00pm - Golf Match vs SDHS @ Balboa



Friday, March 9


  • 3:00pm - JV Baseball @ Eastlake
  • 3:00pm - Varsity Baseball vs Eastlake
  • 3:30pm - Varsity Softball Tourney @ Del Norte



Saturday, March 10


  • 9:00am - Track & Field Invite @ Rcho. Bernando
  • 1:30pm - JV Baseball vs LJCD
  • 1:30pm - Varsity Baseball vs LJCD @ Eastlake



Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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.



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 3rd.
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


Thursday, February 16, 2012

February 17, 2012


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

A School Site Safety Meeting, open for Public Input, will be held on Tuesday, February 21st 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 1st deadline.


FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

For spring sports tryout information:


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 21st at 5:30pm.  The San Diego Unified School District SPEAK (Suicide Prevention, Education, Awareness & Knowledge) program invites you to a free presentation on February 21st 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 23rd 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 8th graders): February 23 at 6 pm in the Media Center
    * 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. 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 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.



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 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 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

Friday, February 10, 2012

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 20th 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 1st deadline.

PARENT RESOURCES
Suicide Prevention Presentation, February 21st at 5:30pm.  The San Diego Unified School District SPEAK (Suicide Prevention, Education, Awareness & Knowledge) program invites you to a free presentation on February 21st 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 23rd 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 8th graders): February 23 at 6 pm in the Media Center
    * 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. 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 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

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 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 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 - 8th 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