A MESSAGE FROM SR. PRINCIPAL, MR. TOLZDA | | |
Dear St. Serra Parents:
The first two weeks of school are now complete and as we enter into Labor Day weekend I could not be more pleased. The students and teachers are settling very well into their daily routines and it is a pleasure to see the children interact with one another, play at recess and lunch, and fully immerse themselves into life at school. We are very blessed to have such wonderful children at St. Serra and be able to play a significant role in their spiritual and educational journey.
Our Back-to-School Nights (BTSN) began this past Thursday for students in grades 5 through 8 and BTSN for the lower grades will continue on Thursday, Sept. 7 for grades 2 through 4 and on Tuesday, Sept.12 for Preschool through grade 1. I highly encourage you to be at these informative events as this is a great opportunity to visit our campus and get to know your child’s teacher as well as learn more about what to expect in the classroom this year. This is one way in which you can take an active role in your child's academic experience and demonstrate to them the importance of school and education in your family.
Always striving,
Tim Tolzda
Sr. Principal
| | WEEKLY UPDATES BY GRADE LEVEL | |
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Back-to-School Night
This week our Back-to-School Night for grades 2 - 4 is on Thursday, September 7 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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Save the date for Back-to-School Night Sept. 12:
6 p.m. Preschool - Grade 1
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STAR Testing | September 11 - 22
The first diocesan STAR testing window for the 2023-2024 school year is September 11 - 22. Students will take the STAR Math test during the week of September 11 and the STAR Reading test during the week of September 18. Click the link below for additional details (the schedule will be published next week).
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Homework Club
Pickup after Homework Club will be in front of the PEB on Banderas Avenue at the following times:
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3:15 p.m. (grades 1 and 2)
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4 p.m. (grades 3 - 8)
Please enter one of the two traffic lanes; your students will be waiting on the curb for you. DO NOT exit the car. The homework club teachers will be directing traffic and guiding students to their cars.
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Rebate News
Ralph's Shoppers
For rebates included in the quarter ending May 31--submission deadline is September 8. Find more information here.
Special Schedule Due to Labor Day Holiday
All physical card orders for school delivery, including local vendors, must be submitted by Tuesday, September 5 at 7:30 a.m. for delivery later in the week.
For any Rebate Program questions email rebate@serraschool.org
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Closing Soon: Family Directory in FACTS Portal
Due to a limitation within the FACTS system, both, parents and students, have access to the contact information in the directory portion of the FACTS portal.
In order to maintain the confidentiality of the parent contact information, we will be turning off access to the Family Directory in the portal on September 15. The directory will be available again for a short period after the Christmas break for families to access updated information. Click the link below for a reference guide on how to access the directory:
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Show Your St. Serra Spirit!
We have a limited number of spirit shirts available for purchase. Click the link below to find youth and adult sizes still available or to place a preorder if your size isn't available. Orders close September 17 and shirts will be available in October.
Find more spirit merchandise at the Student Spirit Store in person or online!
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Save the Date
Mass for Students in Grades 1 - 8
September 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Student Activity Center
Please join us as we celebrate the first Mass of the school year. Formal Uniforms are required for students in grades 1 - 8. Our Mass will be dedicated to Mr. Jesse Lopez, our beloved Facilities Director who passed away in May.
At each of our Masses, students are asked to support the Missionary Co-op Appeal by making a small donation to serve the poorest of children around the world. Thank you for reminding your student(s) to bring some change to support this important ministry.
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URGENT TRAFFIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Attention: St. Serra has been in communication with MemorialCare on Banderas
MemorialCare will be locking up their parking lot at 6 p.m. daily--no matter if cars are in the lot or not. If you choose to park in their lot, despite their signage, your vehicle will be locked in.
MemorialCare's parking lot is PRIVATE PROPERTY and no school parking is allowed.
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Logging Volunteer Service Hours
We are in the process of getting a new service hour recording program. Please keep track of any hours you have completed for the 2023-2024 school year. Once the new system is up and running, you will see another article in the St. Serra News on how to record and track your completed hours.
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We're Hiring!
Click the EMPLOYMENT quick link above for a list of available positions.
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Save the Date
PTO Board Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 7
8:15 - 10 a.m.
Parent Hub
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Can't attend in person? Join the virtual meeting by clicking the link below: | | | |
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28th Annual Golf Classic
Registration for Golf Classic Now Open!
Please join us for a fun-filled day on the course in support of St. Serra on Wednesday, October 18 at Tijeras Creek Golf Course in Rancho Santa Margarita. Click the button below to register!
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Support the St. Serra Golf Classic
Every year we host two major fundraisers to raise funds for our school--one of them being the Golf Classic. Currently we are requesting donations for gift cards, sporting events, concert tickets, trips, vacation rentals, etc. to include in our fundraising efforts.
If you or someone you know is willing to donate to make our event a success, please contact Antonia Graham and Kat Pugh at golfclassic@serraschool.org.
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The Master’s: 19th Hole Social
Friends! Let's celebrate the new school year!
Join us at the 19th Hole on October 18--Serra's first adult social at Tijeras Creek Golf Course.
Come enjoy a Taste of the Master's
Grab your friends and meet new ones as you delight in delicious cocktails, heavy appetizers and a chance to bid on some of our amazing auction items from our annual Golf Classic. Purchase tickets here.
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Chick-fil-A FUNlunch is coming on Friday, September 22!
Chick-fil-A will be coming to St. Serra for our first FUNlunch on Friday, Sept. 22! Be sure to order your meal by Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Please note: Chick-fil-A has changed their ordering deadline and all orders must be placed 10 days prior to the FUNlunch date. No late orders will be accepted.
Choicelunch will not be available on this day.
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Pathways Night
Girls in grades 6th-8th are invited to discover the power of an all-girls education and learn how Rosary Academy is the ideal environment for young women to grow in mind, body, and spirit. More info here.
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SMCHS Applications Opening Soon
Applications for the Class of 2028 at Santa Margarita Catholic High School will open on Sept. 1. Visit www.smhs.org/apply
| | DIOCESAN AND LOCAL PARISHES | |
MOPS & MomsNext at St. Kilian and Holy Trinity
Say yes! St. Kilian's and Holy Trinity's MOPS & MomsNext groups have open membership for the 2023/24 school year. Both groups are here to encourage and equip moms of children (expectant mothers through school aged children) to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with God, and in partnership with our Church.
Holy Trinity meetings begin September 7. Register here.
St. Kilian meetings begin September 22. Register here.
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JOIN BLOOM
Solano's Bloom group is a ministry dedicated to cultivating an uplifting, relaxing, and supportive home for mothers of young children to come as they are. This group meets every Monday at 7 p.m. starting September 11.
Registration and membership information here.
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