Joe Serna Jr. Charter School provides a supportive dual-language educational experience with high expectations for all staff, students, and families. We strive to ensure that our students are: Proud to be bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish; valued members of our collaborative learning community; and college and/or career bound critical thinkers and problem solvers in a global society.

Greetings Joe Serna Jr. Families,

Welcome back! Hope you and your family had a wonderful and refreshing spring break. As we begin our final quarter of the school year, we are excited to continue working together to support our students in finishing strong. Thank you for your continued support.

Please remind and ensure your child comes to school dressed in their uniforms each day.

Check out this weeks newsletter for friendly reminders and more details on events taking place.

In partnership,

Alejandra Estrada

Wearing school uniforms supports in school unity across grade levels, promotes equality, reduces distractions and helps create a focused learning environment where students can concentrate on their learning without worrying about fashion trends.

Tops:

· *Students may wear a hunter green, blue, white, light pink or maroon shirt. The shirt can either be a button down, polo style shirt or Joe Serna logo t-shirt. The Joe Serna spirit shirt may be worn on any day but Friday is the spirit day where we want all students to wear the Serna tie-dye shirt.

Bottoms:

· *Students may wear khaki or black shorts, pants, or skorts and jeans.

Dresses:

· *Dresses/jumpers can either be khaki or blue with green plaid.

You are welcome to purchase uniforms at any retail store. If you would like to purchase uniform shirts with the Serna Logo, you can purchase through the Link: https://uniform-q2-preorder.cheddarup.com.

Spring pictures and the panoramic group picture is schedule for Tuesday, April 1. Lifetouch order forms were sent home. See the flyer below with details.

Pre-orders can be placed on line at mylifetouch.com.

To order individual spring pictures, use picture ID EVTZHQ8TC

To order the group panoramic use picture ID BY044143T0

We will have our fourth ELAC meeting on Thursday, April 4th at 1:30pm in our Library. The ELAC is a school level committee compromised of parents, staff and community members designated to advise school officials on English learner programs. Questions about the meeting, please reach out to Mrs. Maldonado at imaldonado@lodiusd.net.

The San Joaquin County Art Show is scheduled for May 5, 2025. See attached flyer for details. Questins about the Art Show, For more information contact Erika Chapman, Director of Student Engagement and the Arts, via email at echapman@sjcoe.net.

We are excited to announce the inclusion of 7th and 8th grade in the 8th Annual Spring Art Show! This is intended to give middle school students an introduction into the Spring Art Show.

Each middle school may submit up to five pieces of art. Students do not need to be in an art class, just be a Lodi USD student. The art will be judged in a separate category, no matter the medium. The 7th-8th Grade Category will be awarded a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and an opportunity to win Best in Show.

Mrs. Aguirre is the art contact who will oversee a selection committee to select the five art pieces from our school site, assist in getting the art mounted, and registered.

If you would like your 7th or 8th grade student to submit an art piece, please bring it to Mrs. Aguirre by Tuesday, April 1.

We have one quarter left. A BIG thank you to the parents who have already met the 30 hours! We will be having a celebration for the families who have met the 30 hours in May. More details will be provided as we get closer to the event.

We believe that a strong school community is built on the collaboration of students, teachers, parents and guardians. Your involvement has a profound impact on both your child's experience and the overall success of our school community. We have many activities taking place this year. If you can contribute a few hours a week, help with specific events, or support with behind-the-scenes activities, every bit of help makes a difference. By volunteering, you're not only helping our school but also showing your child the importance of giving back and being involved.

Volunteer slips are available in the office. If you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, please feel free to reach out to our Serna PTA via email at jsjcspta@gmail.com. Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

We are in the last quarter of the school year! As we begin the first week of our fourth quarter, please continue to check in with your student's teacher if you have any questions or concerns about your student's academic progress.

Middle school parents, please make sure you are checking your students' grades in Aeries, checking Google Classroom, and checking in with their teachers.

Dear Lodi USD Parent/Guardians,

Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child’s learning. You can use the results to identify where your child is doing well and where they might need more support. Your child may be taking one or more of the following:

• California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) 3rd - 12th
• English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) for K -12th
• Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for 5th, 7th, and 9th

To see the full information on the above assessments, please visit LUSD's Assessment, Research, and Evaluation (ARE) Department website. Please select the Annual Notification of Testing, 2024-2025 link.

If you have these items, please drop them off in the office. We have a collection basket where they can be dropped off. Thank you!

Any questions about joining our PTA or attending PTA Board meetings, please reach out to Veronica Reich (209)329-6157, reich.v@gmail.com or our PTA email at: jsjcspta@gmail.com

Serna PTA website:https://jsjcspta.com

Students who are in 3rd-8th grade are welcome to join our Club Folklorico. Practices take place on Fridays, 1:15 to 2:30pm. Questions about Club Folklorico, please reach out to Mrs. Valdez at mavaldez@lodiusd.net and Mrs. Maldonado at imaldonado@lodiusd.net.

Please encourage your students to bring a water bottle. We have refill stations.

We want to bring to your attention the importance of discussing the proper care of district-issued student Chromebooks with your children. We have observed an increase in incidents involving damage, often linked to carelessness or misuse. As we address these situations, we want to remind you of the importance of engaging in discussions with your child about the proper care of their district-issued Chromebook. Students will be held responsible for any damages, and charges may apply for repairs. Principals will conduct thorough investigations in collaboration with students to ensure fair outcomes. Additionally, please remind your students to charge their Chromebooks overnight, ensuring they are ready for the next day's learning activities. Your involvement in these discussions is crucial, and we appreciate your attention to these matters.

If your student is sick and will not be attending school, please call our office at 209-331-7809 to notify us.

Please plan family trips during our school's designated breaks and holidays. Our school calendar is linked at the end of this newsletter and paper copies are available in the office. If you plan a trip outside the designated breaks, please contact the office.

We want to inform you about the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a new, free, 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress or facing a mental health crisis. If you or your child ever need support, simply call or text 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 to connect with trained professionals who can help.

This is an important resource for your family’s well-being. Please save this number.

Laura Aguirre

laguirre@lodiusd.net

Teresa Mendieta tmendieta@lodiusd.net

Blanca Aranda bsantiago@lodiusd.net

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Regular Day (Monday – Thursday)

Kindergarten

Start: 8:20 am

Dismissal 1:25 pm

1st – 5th Grade

Start: 8:20 am

Dismissal 2:35 pm

Middle:

Start: 8:09 am

Dismissal 2:45 pm

Minimum Day/Fridays

Kindergarten

Start: 8:20 am

Dismissal 1:05 pm

1st – 5th Grade

Start: 8:20 am

Dismissal 1:05 pm

Middle:

Start: 8:09 am

Dismissal 1:05 pm