May 16, 2020
Dear Serra Parents and Guardians,
In the last ten weeks, we have traveled together, navigating unprecedented challenges that we could never imagine. I know I never imagined leading a school with no students and teachers on campus. Yet Junipero Serra High School continues to thrive with outstanding teachers and e-learning. Every day I am thankful for the Serra family - the parents, students, faculty and staff. I can not imagine being anywhere else but here, during this pandemic, - a member of the Serra family. I praise and thank God for the entire Serra community.
We, as the Serra family, have plenty to praise and to give thanks. I am thankful the Serra family is safe and healthy. I praise and give thanks to the outstanding class of 2020 and look to celebrate them for their hard work and commitment to our Cavalier Code. I praise and give thanks to our outstanding faculty as they are working harder than ever to continue the rich academic tradition here at Junipero Serra High School. The class of 2020, together with our excellent faculty over their four years, have been successful in achieving over 94% acceptance rate to four year universities. Incredible!
How does this consistently happen you may ask? It is the loving, nurturing and compassionate faculty and staff. I just popped in today to one of our online classes to congratulate the AP Calculus students for their hard, consistent to work as they were well prepared for the new AP online exam. Thank you Mr. Wissa. It seems like an entirety yet ten weeks ago our faculty and staff, focused on your children, got our distance learning courses up and running in twenty-four hours. Incredible! Our 2020-2021 ASB and LIFE Team leaders have been called and chosen. I just finished watching our ASB and LIFE Team mass and celebration where Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Encelan congratulated the outgoing senior members and initiated the new incoming ASB and LIFE Team. Incredible!
I have much gratitude and thanks for you, the parents! Your faith, trust, and adaptability during this new normal is commendable. You have embraced these challenges with us as we travel this faith journey together. We are partners, focused on one thing - our mission to serve and teach your children through living our Gospel values.
Where are we now? Distance learning will continue through the 2019-2020 school year. Final exams will be on-line and our faculty are working closely with your children and partnering with you for great success. I do not know when the stay at home order will be lifted. I do know Junipero Serra High School is prepared for both inperson and distance learning this summer. I do know return to in person instruction will be allowed when it is safe for your children as your child’s health and safety is paramount. I do know we are planning for all options for the 2020-2021 school year. I pray we can open our doors before August yet we are planning for what is always best for your child within the public health orders. This could be distance learning or possible hybrid approach of in person instruction with distance learning. I do know you will get the best quality academics and love from our loyal faculty and staff. We are the Serra family!
Please see attached letter from Paul M. Escala, Superintendent of School, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Thank you for being a supportive, loving Serra family member during this very challenging time. We will get through this together - stronger, wiser, and more faith filled!
Siempre Adelante,
Jeff Guzman & Nadi Wissa
Junipero Serra High School Administration Team