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,

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

Thank you to all the families and friends who joined our Winter Performance last week! It was SPECTACULAR! A BIG THANK YOU to our Serna staff for preparing our students for this wonderful performance.

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

In partnership,

Mrs. Alejandra Estrada

For the safety of our students, staff, and families, we kindly remind everyone to drive slowly and park only in designated areas while in the school parking lot. Speeding or parking in unauthorized spots creates safety hazards for our children and disrupts traffic flow.

Please help us maintain a safe and orderly environment by following all parking lot guidelines and being mindful of pedestrians.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our school community safe!

Location, dates and times for the orientations:

*Location: School Library

* English: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:00pm

* Spanish: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 5:00pm

The lottery meeting will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 4:00pm in our school library.

You are not required to attend the lottery meeting. You will be notified of the results by mail within one week of the lottery. Please call our office with any questions about this process.

Kindergarten Orientation:

Location, dates and times for the orientations:

* Location: School Library

* English: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 4:00pm

* Spanish: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 5:00pm

The lottery meeting will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 4:30pm in the school library.

You are not required to attend the lottery meeting. You will be notified of the results by mail within one week of the lottery. Please call our office with any questions about this process.

Flyers went home last week with your student(s).

LOCATION:

LOEL Senior Center

105 S. Washington St.

Lodi , CA

TIME: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

$35 ticket includes one bingo packet & taco dinner

Additional Bingo Cards - $10

Dinner at 5pm

Bingo begins at 6:30pm

Space is limited to the first 150 people

21 and older

Link to purchase tickets: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/bingo-brews-2025/items?cart

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.

Black History Month is an annual observance that celebrates achievements, contributions, and history of African American individuals and communities. It was established to honor the legacy of African Americans and their impact on history, culture, and society.

It's hard to believe that we are half way through the school year!

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 moving through what is left of our old logo uniforms! Select types and sizes are available at 50% off. Order between February 1 - February 28 and pick-up in the office the first week of March.

Here is the web address:

https://serna-uniform-closeout.cheddarup.com

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.

We are in the sixth week of our third 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.

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: 9:45-10:05am

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

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.

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.

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