Hello Q-Nation!
Running a little late this week, as I was out on Friday at an amazing training on being a change agent for students. It was really enlightening and under our Knowledge is Power section I included articles, some of which are from the trainings I attend.
Serra students have been performing volunteer service with Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons. They have been removing non-native plants and planting natives. Planting native trees helps the local Tierrasanta environment in several ways: 1) Native plants provide better shelter and food sources for local animals; 2) native plants use less water. Thus, water is retained in the soil, which protects the area from fires. (Non-native plants suck up water, thus depleting moisture from the ground. Many non-native plants spread rapidly so that they eventually overtake areas that had native plants, which leaves those areas vulnerable to fires.)
Kylee Cochran, one of our Serra students, organizes the kids for Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons events. The most recent event was in conjunction with Boosters Class of 2021.
The first is Girl's Field Hockey which had a tough game against Scripps. The girls finished strong and ended up Open Division Runner Ups. We had an amazing turnout at our What I Wish My Parent Knew: STRESS as well.
Football is this Friday is at 7 pm (we WON again!), which is jersey themed. We are playing La Jolla Country Day at Serra.
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Did you know we have SHS gear! Check it out! Proceeds go to our Serra Foundation....please go to http://serrafoundation.org/ to order.
Knowledge is Power (articles/info to peruse)!
Resources for students and parents:
The Access + Crisis Line, Optum 888-724-7240 Provides 24-hour, 7-day a week, Free, Confidential, Crisis Intervention, Suicide Prevention, Suicide Intervention, Suicide Postvention and Access to Mental Health and Alcohol & Drug Services. Staffed by compassionate, mental health professionals who are standing by to help. 'Live CHAT' services Mon- Fri 4pm-10pm via computer or smartphone: http://up2sd.org/resources/suicideprevention-and-support/
The San Diego Access and Crisis (ACL), operated by Optum is an outstretched hand to individuals or people they know who are overwhelmed, depressed, or searching for answers. A phone call will connect you with a compassionate counselor who is always standing by to provide hope and encouragement.
Also there is a text line:
Crisis Text Line Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Every texter is connected with a live Crisis Counselor who is trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving. All of Crisis Text Line's Crisis Counselors are volunteers, donating their time to helping people in crisis.
On campus support:
Serra Real Connections, a program of SAY San Diego offering referrals for community based mental health services. Contact: Shannon Stracener, Program Manager SAY San Diego, sstracener@saysandiego.org 858-496-8342 ext.2230
Another great resource for parents:
This Week's Calendar: Nothing much just gearing up for a needed break!
Monday: Nothing Tuesday: Nothing
Wednesday: Nothing
Thursday: Rachel's Challenge (see below) SSC--cancelled.
Friday: The game against La Jolla Country Day.
ASB:
Blood Drive! Blood Drive! Blood Drive!!! That's right, the blood drive is coming back again to Serra on Thursday, November 21. Sign-ups will be posted outside the ASB room and students under the age of 16 will need parent's permission (flyers are outside the ASB room) and 17+ don't need one. Walk-ins are welcome.
Canned Food Drive
Throughout the whole month of November, ASB and ROTC will be working together for a canned food drive. Every class will have a box for students to donate canned food to their first period class. The class that collects the most cans will win a donut party sponsored by ASB! So start looking through your cabinets for extra cans and bring them over to Serra!
Rachel’s Challenge
Rachel's Challenge is the inspiring story of Rachel Scott whose example of kindness and acceptance was brought to light when she became the first victim of the Columbine High School tragedy. Conveyed through stories from Rachel's life and writings, the Rachel's Challenge presentation shows the profound positive impact we can have on those around us. It demonstrates to the listener the power of deliberately reaching out in word and action to others to start what Rachel called "a chain reaction of kindness and compassion."
Rachel's Challenge will be on Serra's campus, Thursday, November 21st.
• 7:30-8:29am-9/10th graders in Serra’s gym
• 9:38-10:35am-11-12th graders in Serra’s gym
• FOR training-12:20-1:50pm in Serra’s media center
• Live Community Event-5:30-6:30pm
Counseling:
Juniors: Counselors will be coming into classes in the next few weeks to talk about classes--Yes! its that time of year already!
Seniors- If you need help in completing your college or financial/Dream Act application stop by the counseling office on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch to get help from our CalSoap Representative and counselors.
Note: If you are in need of letter of recommendations please be mindful of time and allow teachers/counselors a minimum of two weeks to work on your letters. The deadline to request letters of recommendation from your counselor is December 6. Interested in Scholarships? Click here: https://serrahighschool.wixsite.com/website-4.
Opportunities: Tierrasanta Library!
The Tierrasanta Library will have a Grand-Reopening Celebration on Monday, November 25th at 12-2pm. We will have fun activities for children and families. See attached flyer. Please share with parents and school contacts.
Healthy Adventures: Cooking Class: Saturday, 11/23 1-2:30pm Healthy Adventures Foundation's chef will conduct a healthy cooking demonstration and hands on class to encourage the consumption of more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This class provides instruction, recipe handouts, and samples for attendees. Register online atsandiego.librarymarket.com ROTC:
Athletics: Please check MAX PREPS and goconquistadors.com.
Job Opportunities: SHS will be posting and highlighting job opportunities for students. We even sign work permits as well. You can always find jobs for students on this district website which is being updated regularly. https://storage.googleapis.com/job-board/index.html
Class of 2020: Monday November 18th. 6pm in the Alumni Room is our next meeting. See you there!Also we have a new web page- visit the Serra website under “Parents”e-mail serra2020boosters@gmail.com to be added to the email listSerra class of 2020 Boosters are raising funds for important senior activities, such as Grad Night, Senior Luncheon, and all other senior related activities. To make a tax -deductible donation:Make checks payable to “Serra High Class of 2020 Boosters” and mail to Leslie Larranaga-Britt c/o Serra High Class of 2020 Boosters10601 Tierrasanta Blvd PO Box 308 San Diego, CA 92124. Please indicate 2020 booster in the memo line on the check.Serra2020boosters@gmail.com (to be added to the e-mail distribution list)
Class of 2021:Hello c/o 2021 Parents! Want to join us? Please email:https://www.classof2021serraboostersclub.com/ Questions? Rebecca Ordas @ blondieptsd@gmail.com
Class of 2022: TBD
Class of 2023: TBD