September
2006
Welcome Serra Families:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself in a new
role as interim principal at Serra High School
Over the past summer a lot of changes occurred here at Serra. Past
Serra principal Donna Somerville has made a career move that will
allow her to utilize her knowledge, expertise and experience. She
is extremely thrilled about her new career choice but she does have
mixed feelings about leaving the students and everyone at Serra.
Her work here had a very positive impact. We are very sorry to see
her leave and wish her well in her new endeavor.
As I take over the principals’ duties at Serra High School
I’m very excited and I look forward to the challenges and joys
of heading old and new programs. I will continue to support the
excellent work the students, staff and teachers complete every day.
I’m excited to lead the development of new programs to support
our students, and to work alongside everyone to make Serra an even
more successful school.
The Superintendent recently met with all the principals and spelled
out his mission for the district. This mission will steer our course
here at Serra. The three main goals are:
Accelerate gains in student performance
Provide a safe, orderly and well maintained school
Strengthen parent, community, business and higher education.
Serra will continue to work toward accelerating gains in student
performance. The Small Learning Communities, teachers of 9th grade
FOCUS, 10th grade Sophomore School of Humanities, and unfolding
this year, 11th grade Project American Dream, have come together
over the past summer months dedicating themselves to the success
of the students here at Serra. Over the past years FOCUS has had
the benefit of celebrating gains in student performance and we wish
to continue with those successes. The teachers at Serra are recommitting
themselves as they do every year to continue to provide high quality
instruction to the students of Serra. In addition, the Staff has
high academic expectations for all students and will work diligently
to assist the students so they may meet those expectations.
The staff at Serra will always remain persistent when it comes to
providing a safe, orderly and well maintained school. The staff
recognizes the right (and privilege) of an education. All Serra
High School students are held to high behavioral standards. It is
the expectation that students will follow school rules and that
parent's will support those rules in order to insure a safe learning
environment. Students will be held accountable for their choices
in the words they use and the actions they take.
Parent involvement is equally as important. Strengthening parent,
community, business and higher education in order to support the
students and staff is vital to student success. Serra’s Small
Learning Communities emphasizes community involvement for students.
Staff and parents need to make regular contact regarding the students.
Through the use of Parent Connect, parents can access information
regarding their child’s progress in class and school (for more
information regarding Parent Connect please contact Jeff Thomas
Site Operations Specialist Serra High School).
Both your students and I will be experiencing new challenges. It
was a very pleasant surprise for me to be asked to take the leadership
of Serra. I know working together with the students, staff and parents
we will experience a journey that brings much joy and success. The
staff at Serra is excited and upbeat. They are determined to serve
all the students well in order to make a difference and attain more
for our school. Through the efforts and diligence of everyone -
the students, staff and parents - our work is sure to yield positive
results for all our students.
Michael Jimenez
Principal
Serra High School
