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 Families,

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.

It's Hispanic Heritage Month which is observed from September 15 to October 15. It's an annual dedicated period to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and achievements of U.S. Latinx, Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Check out this week's newsletter for friendly reminders and more details on events taking place.

In partnership,

Mrs. Alejandra Estrada

We will have our first ELAC meeting on Thursday, September 19 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.

Ms. Teresa Hernandez will be hosting a back to school event for student and families who are currently enrolled in the Bridges program. Questions about the event, please reach out to Ms. Teresa via email at thernandez@lodiusd.net.

If parents, guardians, families and staff would like to participate in the Casa Superhero Run, please see the flyer with details on how to sign up. Questions about the run, please reach out to Ms. Teresa Hernandez via email at thernandez@lodiusd.net.

Thank you to all the families who have completed the Online Data Confirmation. If you have not yet had an opportunity to complete, this is a friendly reminder, to please take time to complete the Online Data Confirmation. Our goal is to have 100% completion! If you are in need of assistance, please call our office at 209-331-7809.

We are excited that the Scholastic Book Fair is next week! Below is information on volunteering, the in-person fair dates, times, and location, and how to purchase online.

In-Person Book Fair | September 16 - 18

The In-Person Book Fair will be open Monday, September 16 - Wednesday, September 18th in the Library. The students will have a chance to purchase books during their class library time. If you are not comfortable sending cash, please set-up an e-wallet account for your child by clicking here. Or you can come after school from 1:30pm - 4:30pm to shop with them.

Online Book Fair | September 13 - 26

Don't have the time that week to stop by in-person? https://www.scholastic.com/bf/joeserna has a link to the online store (scroll to the very bottom) and shop away - starting on September 13th.

Keep a lookout for reminder flyers being sent home as we get closer to the fair. And if you have any questions, please reach out to jsjcspta@gmail.com

We look forward to working together to create an inspiring and fun event for our students!

We believe that a strong school community is built on the collaboration of students, teachers, parents and guardians. That's why this year we are bringing back the 30 hours of volunteer hours. 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.

Our Serna PTA is working on creating volunteer slips, and will be available soon. 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.

There are three weeks in our first quarter. Please reach out to 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.

Your student's teacher will notify you if your child is receiving an award.

Schedule for the assemblies:

K-2nd: 8:45-9:10am

6th-8th: 9:40-10:05am

3rd- 5th: 10:22am-10:52am

Teachers will be reaching out to schedule. if you have questions about parent conferences, please connect with your student's teacher.

Schoolinks is here! Log in to your Guardian account today!

As guardians, you will have access to SchooLinks through your own account. See this document to learn more about how to access it. Use the Guardian email address you provided in Aeries.

You can click this Video Link for more information.

SchooLinks allows you to have informed conversations with your students by:

• Viewing your student’s career interest, strength, and mindset assessments

• Seeing what post-secondary opportunities your student has favorited

• Exploring expected financial aid, scholarships, and out-of-pocket expenses

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth. Help us support suicide prevention by learning the warning signs and risk factors for suicide. If you, or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Additional resources can be found on our website.

bit.ly/LodiUSDMentalHealthResources

Click on the link below for the suicide warning signs for adults (English):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHq6hdQHBBvTArfUZpELI_p1BvmuesIY/view?usp=sharing

Click on the link below for the suicide warning signs for youth (English):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TlwFFWkKb234evBJJf904Mry6X4nhWJv/view?usp=sharing

Spanish:

Septiembre es el #MesdelaPrevencióndelSuicidio. Ayúdenos a apoyar la prevención del suicidio conociendo las señales de advertencia y los factores de riesgo del suicidio. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda, llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 988 o chatee con 988lifeline.org. Puede encontrar recursos adicionales en nuestro sitio: bit.ly/LodiUSDMentalHealthResources

Click on the link below for the suicide warning signs for adults (Spanish):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QSsvDGwHzEA9gF28E5Mzu8Wq9XKuLv3N/view?usp=sharing

Click on the link below for the suicide warning signs for youth (Spanish):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14wpbB7EdSuERqFP76_bcQXPKevO0ruYw/view?usp=sharing

Click on the link below for the STEM Conference flyer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1igxEEyZ4GZwRh6GmobRGG3uryPi4WWUz/view?usp=sharing

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

Will take place after school on Friday, September 20.

The cost is $1.

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.

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.

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.

Has your student misplaced a sweater or sweat shirt? Please take time to look through the lost and found to see if any of the items belong to your student. All clothing items that are not picked up by Friday, October 4 will be taken to a donation center.

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.

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