March
2007 
Can you believe it’s already March? The end of the school year
is closing in. In just about three months the students will be preparing
for finals, and the seniors will be preparing for graduation! It
comes a lot sooner than expected.
We had a lot of activity on campus during the month of February.
The De Portola and Farb Middle school visits were fantastic! Serra
presented what they had to offer academically, athletically and
socially for the students. They were encouraged to become involved
in at least one of the many activities offered here at Serra. I
look forward to working with our future Conquistadors.
Two assemblies were recently held here at Serra for the students.
The first assembly was for those who acquired a GPA of 2.5 and above
in both academics and citizenship and were not on the Loss of Privileges
list. Over 1100 students were in attendance. There was a comedian
and a band to entertain them. Students with perfect attendance received
a free ticket to the Winter Ball. The second assembly was a pep
rally put on by our own ASB. It was a huge success. Alex Fialo and
Carlton Coleman dressed up as Sumo wrestlers and had a grueling
wrestling match. The winter sports teams were introduced to the
entire student body. Mr. Colbert and Coach Pisapia had a dance off
with two of our students. Mr. Pisapia was crowned the winning dancer
(if you can believe that). Finally the assembly ended with a concert
for the students. The students were thoroughly entertained. I was
extremely proud of how well they conducted themselves during the
entire assembly. We have such great kids.
Speaking of the Winter Ball . . . the dance was a huge success.
Sea World provided a wonderful setting including the huge sea lion
that joined the party. My favorite part of the dance was the chocolate
fountain. The kids were dressed in their formal attire and danced
the night away to music booming from the DJ. It was a fun event
for everyone. Our kids are good students and I take pleasure in
seeing them enjoy themselves at school sponsored events.
The Boys Varsity Basketball Team experienced great success this
season and I, as well as Serra’s staff and student body are
extremely proud of them and their accomplishments. The school staff,
as well as the student body and community showed great support for
the team. The team really does notice it and are very grateful for
the support. Thank you so much for coming out to support the basketball
team. They’re a great bunch of student athletes.
The principals of the schools from the Tierrasanta Community will
be meeting again to discuss the implementation of a Character Education
program that will pervade all the schools from Elementary to High
School. Community business members have indicated the importance
of character development and how it impacts the survival and success
of future leaders in the workforce. In addition, they state the
importance of survival and success in a competitive global business
world. The program is still in its early stages, and there is still
planning involved.
During the month of March, the students will be working to excel
in the classroom. They will be meeting with their counselors to
discuss and prepare their schedules for the 2007-2008 school year.
Please make certain you have a discussion with your son/daughter
regarding their schedule for the following year and their selection
of classes. Encourage your son or daughter to take rigorous courses.
Colleges take a close look at what courses students took in high
school, GPA, etc., but keep in mind: it’s a fine line we need
to walk to ensure our students do not get in over their heads and
experience frustration and failure.
It’s that time of year again, and many of our seniors are beginning
to receive admittance letters to colleges and universities they
have applied to. This is a fun time of year for educators as they
watch their students apply and get accepted to various colleges
and universities. Two of our seniors will be attending Stanford
University in the fall of 2007. Our counseling department always
displays a poster indicating which students have been accepted to
the various colleges and universities around the country. It’s
strictly voluntary, but many of the seniors proudly display the
colleges and universities to which they have been accepted. By May
the poster will be filled with students’ names and their respective
acceptances. Please feel free to come by and take a look at it.
It’s very impressive and inspiring.
Beginning April 26th, our 9th, 10th, and 11th, grade students will
begin STAR testing. This is an extremely important series of tests.
The STAR tests determine how our students measure up in the state
of California and across the nation. In addition, this information
is also used to help develop curriculum and drive our instruction.
It’s important the students take these tests seriously and
do their very best.
Spring Showcase is April 19th. Come and join us as we celebrate
our students’ successes and “30 Years of Excellence”
here at Serra. The PTSA has been working diligently to put together
a fantastic program for the evening. Thirty years ago in 1977, the
first graduating class of SHS walked the halls of Serra High School.
The PTSA and school are putting together a celebration to honor
all the students who have graced the halls of Serra High School.
Finally, the Serra Foundation Auction is scheduled for April 28th.
This is a very worthy cause that benefits the students of SHS. The
funds raised are used to support and benefit the school. The theme
for the evening is also to celebrate SHS’s thirty years of
existence and excellence. I look forward to seeing you there.
Mike Jimenez
Principal
Serra High School
