February
2007 
Hello Serra Learning Community,
I hope everyone had a great holiday break. I’d also like to
take this opportunity to wish everyone a belated happy and prosperous
2007.
The second semester is upon us, and we have a busy schedule ahead.
The school year is semi-complete, and the remaining five months
will come fast and furious. Please make certain to check the website
for the numerous upcoming activities, so you don’t miss any
important events.
Recently our NJROTC students were recognized in the Tierra Times
as the most accomplished NJROTC unit in California and Arizona.
On January 20th, they ventured out into the community on a community
clean up program. We are so very proud of our students, and I personally
love to brag about them.
February 2, 2007, the SHS band participated in the Main Street Disneyland
parade. I’m so very proud of the how well our band students
have done this year. They competed and placed in a number of band
competitions. The Band Boosters have been working diligently on
a fund raiser to purchase new band uniforms. I’m happy and
proud to report they have met their goal and were able to purchase
new uniforms and double the amount of uniforms they have in stock.
Recently the Band Director, Steve Rea, and I met to discuss what
we could possibly do to help our band grow and continue to remain
a prominent band of San Diego. We discussed recruiting both at the
middle and elementary school level. We also discussed the possibility
of hosting one of the many county band competitions here at SHS.
If you’ve never been, I encourage you to attend. It’s
a very fun and exciting family event. Both the Band director and
I are looking forward to filling every band uniform with future
Serra students and increasing the number of band members as well
as our competition scores.
Seniors will be taking the CAHSEE Exam February 6th and 7th. A Princeton
Review test prep course is offered in order to prepare for the exam.
(It’s never too late to prepare). Sophomores and juniors will
be taking the CAHSEE March 20th and 21st. STAR testing begins in
late April. Please continue to encourage your students to strive
for excellence in their studies as well as the upcoming tests.
As we continue to work through our school year we begin to prepare
for the 2007-2008 school year (wow). DePortola and Farb middle school
visits are scheduled for February 21st and 22nd. We want to make
sure our incoming ninth graders have a smooth transition into high
school.
A new Attendance Policy has been established to limit the number
of tardies and disruptions to class. It is important students arrive
to all classes on time. Arriving on time is a responsibility that
parents and teachers need to teach to our students.
Winter Ball is scheduled for the 24th of February. The students
are asking questions, as well as, purchasing their tickets. It’s
one of the culminating events for all of our students, and it’s
easy to sense their anticipation and excitement. Students must have
a 2.0 GPA in both academics and citizenship in order to attend.
The new tardy policy may impact their eligibility as well.
There are a number of Drama productions coming as well. The instructor
and students work extremely hard to ensure a great production. Check
the web site for more information. We’d love to have you attend
and enjoy the performance. The Drama students really appreciate
and enjoy the audience.
I recently met with the principals of the schools from the Tierrasanta
Community. I’m so proud and privileged to be associated with
such a great group of professionals. We discussed a number of topics
all revolving around the success of the students of the Tierrasanta
community. We discussed a number of ideas that will connect SHS
students to the Middle and Elementary school students. We have scheduled
dates so that I can visit the schools and meet the students and
parents of our future Serra students. I have been at SHS for the
past three and a half years and have enjoyed and look forward to
working with such a great group of individuals and meeting our future
Serra High School students and parents.
I would like to thank our parents for contributing their time and
effort to various clubs, activities, sports, etc., including the
folding of this newsletter. Their willingness to volunteer allows
us to persist in our work as educators. Our Serra High School Foundation
and PTSA have been fantastic and have contributed so much to the
students, staff and school. The annual Foundation Auction is scheduled
for April 28, 2007. For more information regarding the auction visit,
the school web site and click on the SHS Foundation link. We look
forward to seeing you there.
Lastly, we want you to continue to encourage your students to achieve.
If you should have any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions,
please feel free to contact us. The staff and I look forward to
working with you and your student(s), and I wish you and your student(s)
a great second semester.
Mike Jimenez
Principal
Serra High School
