Dear Serra Families:

Two weeks ago, 230 freshmen had their first day at Junípero Serra High School. Our newest Padres began a journey in which they will achieve things they never thought possible—making lifelong friends all along the way. 

These young men will live out their days in the 21^st century—an era of rapid change and development. God willing, if they lead healthy and full lives, they will be leaving this world to their children and grandchildren at the time of our nation’s tricentennial in 2076.

Think of the changes that occurred from 1876-1976 (two world wars, a cold war, the industrial age, automobiles, airplanes and Apollo 11).  Think of the changes in our lifetime just since 1976 (a global economy, cell phones, genetic research, laptops and iPads, nano-technology). Our students are growing up in the crossroads of the Bay Area (in the shadow of Google, Apple, Oracle, YouTube, Twitter, Cisco Systems, Genentech, and Gilead). This is where the 21^st century begins.

The construction of the new Center for the Arts and Sciences could not have come at a better time.  These facilities will build upon the great work our school is doing – preparing our students not only for college, but for life in the 21^st century.  In these new buildings, our students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to keep pace with the technological and scientific innovations that will occur at a rapid rate. At the same time, the focus on the arts and music will ground our students in humanity’s timeless search for good, the true and the beautiful. 

Over 200 years ago, Fr. Junípero Serra began a bold journey to California.  Along the way he grew in faith and wisdom.  He became a leader whose service made a difference for good in the lives of all he met. 

Almost 70 years ago, Junípero Serra High School opened its doors with a bold vision - to be the very best possible Catholic college preparatory school for young men.  Since then this vision has been realized in the 10,000 Padres who are proud to call Serra their alma mater.

Today’s Serra remains faithful to the vision that established it in the first place. We are walking with our students in their journey to become Men of Faith, Wisdom, and Service—Leaders who build Community and make a difference for the good in the world.

Father Serra’s motto was “Always Move Forward!”  This project is a sign that Serra High School is moving forward. At the groundbreaking ceremony last week, we celebrated Serra’s proud history, dynamic present, and exciting future. Thank you for your support of this wonderful project on behalf of this school that we all love so much.

Thank you, God bless you, and remember—GO PADRES!

Lars Lund
President


We're Going Green!

As you know, we have gone "green" this year. Therefore, we have not printed the Activities Calendar. Although you already have access to the most current calendar via our website, we will include for your convenience an electronic snapshot calendar each month that highlights some of our activities. You will receive these monthly calendars in this Spotlight e-newsletter to help you prepare.  We hope this helps you as we "go green." Please click here for our first e-calendars for September and October:

September and October calendar


Thank you,

Marybeth Ortiz
Assistant Principal, Student Life

PCR Update

PCR Update: During the week of August 30, freshmen will receive information about the PCR Student Portal in their History classes. This will include their User Names and password information, as well as how to check information that is posted in the Student Portal. Transfer students will also receive this information that week. Parents should use the same login information that they used to access the Summer Forms site. Normally, User Names are linked to their email addresses; this allows the user to request a new password by clicking on the Forgot Password link on the login screen. This can be changed by clicking on User Profile—Change Login Information. If this does not allow you to login to the PCR Student Portal or the PCR Parent Portal, you can request a new password by sending an email to me at kstrange@serrahs.com

Keith Strange
Assistant Principal, Academics

Asbestos Notification

Mandatory Asbestos Notification: The Archdiocese of San Francisco requires all of its schools to notify parents that we have participated in  a program to identify and control asbestos-containing materials in our school buildings This program is being conducted under the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 and the Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools Rule of 1987. For the full text of this notification please download this attachment. Any questions should be directed to the Director of Finance, Mr. John O'Sullivan: josullivan@serrahs.com

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Wishing you all a wonderful week! My door is always open if you have any news stories to pitch for our website or Traditions magazine.

Sincerely,

Antonia Ehlers
Communications Manager

Upcoming Events                        

August 31:
Returning parent ARC information night; 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the library

September 1:
President/Principal Breakfast; 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the library

University of Denver will be in the College and Career center from 11:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

September 2:
Club Day; information distributed during lunch

Back to School Night; 7 to 10 p.m. (Please refer to the email sent over the weekend which provided basic instructions)

September 3:
Father/Son Alumni Mass; 7:30 to 8 a.m. in the Chapel

September 6:
Labor Day; NO SCHOOL

September 7:
Mothers' Auxiliary; 7 to 8 p.m. in the library

September 8:
ARC Parent Experience; 7 to 8 p.m. in the library

September 9:
President/Principal Breakfast; 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the library

September 10:
Welcome Rally
Friday rotation, 50-minute periods
2nd: 9 to 9:50 a.m.
Homeroom: 9:55 to
10:05 a.m.
Break: 10:05 to 10:25 a.m.
3rd: 10:30 to 11:20 a.m.
Rally: 11:30 a.m. to
12:15 p.m.
6th: 12:20 to 1:10 p.m.

September 11:
President/Principal Breakfast, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in the cafeteria

September 13:
Frosh applications available; make-up picture day

September 14:
Fathers' Club meeting, 6:30 p.m.

September 22:
College Information Night for junior students and parents; 7 p.m. in the cafeteria

September 29:
Assembly Schedule; 40-minute classes
First Bell: 8:10 a.m.
1st: 8:15 to 8:55 a.m.
2nd: 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Break: 9:45 to 10 a.m.
8th: 10:05 to 10:45 a.m.
Assembly: 10:55 to
11:55 a.m.
4th: 12 to 12:40 p.m.
5th: 12:45 to 1:25 p.m.
6th: 1:30 to 2:10 p.m.
7th: 2:15 to 2:55 p.m.

September 30:
Lower Division Parent Formation Night; 7 p.m. in the gym, cafeteria and auditorium