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Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies inspiration

imagination

innovation

n e e w o l l a H g n i r u d

Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies • 5014 Serrania Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91364 • (818) 340-6700 • www.SerraniaCharter.org

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

‘Tis the Season at Serrania

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or as long as I can remember, the Holiday Season has been my favorite time of the year—and of this season, being able to spend quality time and celebrate with my family is what I hold most valuable: From going on long walks with my wife and boys, to having small and large gatherings at family homes, the holidays bring us closer together. There is a spirit of community, compassion, and happiness in the air. I personally thrive on this spirit—being around those you hold dearest, caring for and helping others, giving—this all leaves me with an immense sense of gratitude and hope. I see that spirit constantly growing stronger in my children too, and this makes my wife and me very proud. While we all have different traditions and celebrate a diversity of holidays as Americans, it is the sense of hope and kindness that brings our communities closer together during this time of year.

In my family, we have three long standing holiday gatherings.

The first is Thanksgiving. On this day, family members from both my and my wife’s side come together at our home to spend the whole day celebrating. We make a point of sharing stories of all the good fortune and experiences we have had throughout the year, as well as the adversities we have faced and lessons we have learned. I truly enjoy this tradition because it gives my wife and me the perfect opportunity to teach our children, Daniel and David, about being resilient, learning from mistakes and being grateful for everything we have.

The second is Christmas Eve, and for this day we gather at my parent’s house. In anticipation of this evening, the fun begins a week before with the “annual making of tamales” at my in-laws home. This tradition brings all of the children in our family together as they join forces to help “Las Abuelitas” prepare the tamales for Christmas Eve dinner. On Christmas Eve everybody is given a choice of wearing an ugly holiday sweater or favorite pair of holiday pajamas. Again, during this gathering and before we get down to exchanging and opening gifts (or for some gleefully tearing open packages), we talk about how grateful we

Graphic resources by freepik.com

Kids Corner

are for everything we have and how family and friends, above all material possessions, are the most precious gifts.

The third is New Year’s Eve. For this last day of each year, we gather at my in-laws’ home for a “Fiesta” where everybody wears their “Estrenos” or a set of new clothes. Our gathering starts as early as 4:00 PM and we play board games, watch movies, and wait for the entire family to arrive so we can enjoy a nice meal together. As the hours tick towards 12 AM, there are three constants: Festive music, dancing and a laughter that can be heard throughout the house. Exactly at 12:00 AM everybody assembles in the backyard where we have a small fireworks show, all legal of course!

At Serrania we are so lucky to have such a richly diverse and wonderful population. We are so lucky because every day that we come to this school, we know that we have the opportunity to learn something new about friends, families, traditions and community. In sharing part of my culture and traditions, I hope that I have encouraged each and every one of you to share a little bit more about your amazing cultures, backgrounds and traditions. You are Serrania students and our school is a safe haven for all of our children and families.

On behalf of my family, more than ever before, I want to wish you all the best in the world, not just during the Holiday Season, but in every single day of your lives. Enjoy every moment you get to spend with your family and those whom you love most.

Family, friends, community, this is what gives us a reason to be the best people we can be, not only as a measure of our own spirit, compassion, happiness and sense of belonging, but for our children, our families and our future.

Sincerely,

The Alvarado Family

Hey Kids! Do you have a poem, art piece, cartoon, etc…that you want to submit to the newsletter? If so, please see Debby Dustin, or place it in the suggestion box in the office. Label it with your name and room number and add this note: It’s for “Kids Corner!”

Artwork from Mrs. Cole’s first grade class

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By Gia

By Gavin

By Jayden

By Syriah

It’s Not My Fault, Menchie’s Made Me Read…

Menchie’s Made Me Read And Now I Think Reading is Kind of Sweet

By Debi Shaolian and Jess Carew

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hat, no way, ten books for me!

What, no way, it cannot be! Free Menchies’ if I read ten, one more only than three times three? Yo, that’s sweet!

Yes, it’s true. Menchie’s, Woodland Hills is proud to be working together with Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies on the new Sweet Reading Rewards program.

By Tracy Gallagher

“I like Accelerated Reader because I can take tests on what I’ve read. And I love to read!”

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—Serrania, Fourth Grader

o you know that as a Serrania student, your child has the opportunity to participate in one of the most popular and successful reading programs of all time? Accelerated Reader simultaneously directs your children towards books of choice, while also advancing reading comprehension and enjoyment. Not only is it simple to use but it is fun. Students are assigned a level after a brief reading comprehension test, then are able to select books, complete them independently, and take a computerized test that checks for understanding. The program is so successful this year, with even the most reluctant of readers excelling, that we are working to expand its availability.

Here’s how it works: Each book is worth a certain number of points, based on length of book and difficulty. When students take their quizzes, the points accumulate towards a goal. At the end of each quiz, students will see their “flower” filling on-screen. Their reading goal is reached when their flower is colored-in fully. Each month, each completed flower, brings opportunity for new a goal, advancement in levels, and most importantly, for growth in reading.

Please encourage your children to take part in Accelerated Reader. They are able to take quizzes before or after school, in class, or during computer lab. Results are proving that we have a school full of avid readers—yes, our kids are flowering up! At the end of each month, students who reach their goal are given prizes and recognition at the Friday assembly.

How it works: Each student receives a two-sided bookmark.

Read ten books to fill-up the bookmark. When the ten books are completed (titles must be documented and a child’s teacher and parent must both sign), bring the bookmark to Menchie’s, Woodland Hills and receive up to an 8oz cup of frozen yogurt, free of charge. Please remember to list the school and the grade level of your student!

Getting a Piece of The Pie, Pizza Pie

Did you know it pays to be extra cheesy on the first Tuesday of every month? Papa John’s, Woodland Hills is offering 25% back to Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies for every delivery and pick up ordered by SCES families on the first Tuesday of each month. The not so secret code: Serrania Specials.

21842 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (818) 883-7272

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Gallagher at thetracyg@gmail.com, or visit Mr. Paquini in the computer lab.

To set up parental notifications and to visit AR Home Connect, you need your child’s school password. You can also find books in your child’s reading level at AR Book Finder.

Happy Reading!

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“When I am generous or I work to help others, it feels good. Giving makes me feel like I am doing something that is gonna’ last.” –Serrania, Fifth Grader The students at Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies have a long history of finding and fulfilling various needs in our community. Although the causes Serrania gives to might change from one year to the next, what does not change is our students’ propensity to give.

During the month of October, November and December our students, with the guidance of teachers, organized five, yes five, different drives.

COMING UP

COMING UP

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Having fun while raising money for our school.

Thank you for your support!

COME JOIN US!

Call our office at 818-888-7744 or visit us at 21250 Califa St. #105 A Woodland Hills, CA 91367 www.ciaradance.com

SERRANIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Just present this flyer to your server (or show it on your mobile device) and Islands will donate 20% of your food and beverage purchases back to Serrania Elementary School. Dine-in only.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - 4pm to close at Islands Topanga 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd • 747 600 2009 #ISLANDSBURGERS

Craft burgers, fresh-cut fries, salads & tacos. Bring your family and friends to Islands, and help raise money for Serrania Elementary School.

Not valid with any coupon, offer or other discount. Proceeds exclude gratuity and tax.

DID YOU KNOW?

Serrania is an SAS school, meaning we are the same as a magnet for high achieving and gifted students. It also means our teachers have all been trained in differentiation for high achieving and identified gifted students.

Additionally, teachers must continue with their personal education, updating themselves each year. Magnet teachers do not have the same requirements as SAS teachers do.

If your child is already at SCES, you know the education is excellent, so pass it on.

Serrania teachers shine!

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H av e a

By Angela Stroth, RN, MSN and Certified Nurse-Midwife at Kaiser Permanente | Mom to Super 1st Grader Everley

The holidays are coming—a season of fun filled festivities, good cheer, and…

GERMS! For many of us, the holidays are a time spent indoors, around crowds, or traveling. Don’t miss out on your family holiday plans due to an illness. Especially the FLU. • The Influenza Virus, “The Flu”, is very contagious and is passed by coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces. The flu is serious and accounts for over 200,000 hospitalizations in the US yearly.

• For the 2016-2017 Flu Season, the Center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) continues to support annual influenza vaccination with injectable influenza vaccine for all persons aged 6 months and older, without contraindication.

Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly at risk of illness. Children under 9 years of age who have never taken the flu shot will need 2 doses, one month apart. Important: The nasal spray is no longer recommended due to low efficacy.

We all know our little ones are petri dishes of germs…and cuddles! Let’s help our own children and their classmates stay healthy: • If your child has a temperature of 100.4 or more, they need to stay home from school and

other group activities until they are fever free (without Tylenol or Ibuprofen/Motrin) for at least 24 hours.

• Teach your children good hygiene—to wash their hands often, for 10-20 seconds – that is about how long it takes to sing The Alphabet!

• Teach your children that if water and soap aren’t available, to use hand sanitizer.

There are many brands of hand sanitizers, from main stream to organic, they all help.

• Teach your children to cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Sneezing or coughing into their elbow or clothes can also decrease the spread of colds and flu. If they cough into their hands, they should wash their hands right away. Remind them to avoid touching their face, eyes, noses, and not to chew on pencils!

• Spring clean in the Winter!

Cleaning and wiping down frequently used surfaces of kitchens and bathrooms and other high traffic areas in your home (like door knobs!) can also reduce risk of illness in the Winter months.

From my family to yours, wishing you a safe, happy and healthy Holiday Season!

r area?

Looking for a cost effective, high impact way to target customers in you ity?

Interested in supporting the children and families of your commun answer is yes, then the

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or acknowledge Serrania’s faculty? If your Wishing for a way to highlight your child’s achievements, share good news, orhood families and potential customers who would help solution is simple. Advertise in this Newsletter and you’ll catch the eye of neighb Charter for Enriched Studies (SCES) School Newsletter is distributed transform your business into an integral part of our community. The Serrania right… in addition to direct hard copy distribution, your to over 700 families every month. It is also featured on the SCES website. That’s advertisement will post to the web.

(Serrania parent volunteer, at: orit_bonver@hotmail.com or call: 818-359-2645 For inquiries contact ORIT BONVER and newsletter editor)

Gift Shop Opening Soon!

Shutterfly & Tinyprints Fundraiser Hey Serrania families! Now you can order photo prints, holiday cards, photobooks, invitations and personalized holiday gifts AND help make money for our school!

Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies has teamed up with Shutterfly and Tinyprints!

When ordering holiday cards, photo books, prints, invitations and more, simply go to http://serrania.shutterflystorefront.com/ and Serrania will earn 13% commission on every order!

If not, then it’s time to make your annual contribution!

Your annual contribution pays for all the things LAUSD does NOT: an art teacher, a computer lab teacher, P.E., a music teacher, ball room dancing, campus beautification, reading enrichment, and the many other programs that make Serrania a topnotch school!

We ask for $250 per child, or you can make payments of just $25 per month.

With a donation at this level you will receive a water bottle, a super cool, superstar T-shirt and many other courtesies.

As the end of the year is near, this is a great opportunity for you to get just one more tax deduction!

Friends of Serrania is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization (Tax ID #95-4291588).

Let’s Shine on Serrania! Go to www.serraniacharter.org and make your donation.

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DANIEL HEMMATI DDS FAMILY DENTIST

Hello Serrania Families, I am a proud Serrania parent. I practice family dentistry and treat kids, teens, and adults. I am an in network provider with most PPO dental insurance plans.

I have offices in two locations to serve your needs!

Sherman Oaks Daniel Hemmati DDS

4955 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 716

Email: dhemmatidds@yahoo.com

(818) 784-6145

Cell (661) 803-4699

Reseda

18305 Sherman Way Suite 7

(818) 996-9200