Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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1,983 letters of recommendation are currently either submitted or being prepared by Sequoia teachers, counselors, and other staff as part of the college application process for the Class of 2022 -- with more on the way. That’s a lot of letters. When I look at this report every year, I sometimes imagine Raymond, our USPS mail carrier, lugging a gigantic mailbag out the front steps under Argo Tower in the days leading up to the various application deadlines. Fortunately for Raymond, this isn’t how it works.
Non-UC/CSU college applications are most often submitted using the Common Application or Consortium forms. Most four-year colleges and universities using this process require at least one letter of recommendation for applicants, as do the UCs. Sequoia’s College and Career Center helps students navigate the complicated procedural aspect of this process with digital resources and one-on-one support from Ms. Ignaitis. Letters, like other components of the application, are submitted digitally. Breathe easy, Raymond.
The letter of recommendation can be a cornerstone of a student’s college application. A well-crafted letter accomplishes the following goals:
- Provides concrete examples of how an individual student enriches the learning environment.
- Shows how a student makes their peers better.
- Describes the student’s qualities as a learner: response to challenges, work ethic, creativity, etc.
- Gives an admissions team a sense of, all things being equal, how an individual student stands apart from the crowd.
Staff at Sequoia are provided annual coaching and support from Ms. Ignaitis about letter-writing do’s and don'ts. These strategies help our students stand apart. They are based on advice given, in many cases, directly to Ms. Ignaitis from admissions officers we’ve developed relationships with over the years. Rule one: every word counts. Protracted descriptions of course material, lists of adjectives, or generalities are to be avoided because they don’t help make the case for a student. Our staff members avoid these pitfalls, whether they’re writing one letter or twenty.
Instead, Sequoia staff are encouraged to ask themselves questions like these: when the student is absent, how is the class different? How would peers describe this student? What challenges has this student faced and how did they respond? The ability to articulate responses to these prompts is predicated on the student and teacher having developed an authentic understanding of one another within the academic environment. These relationships, of course, are why we do what we do.
Because strong letters take time and focus (and because so many Sequoia students apply to competitive four-year colleges and universities), the Sequoia Education Foundation underwrites a release day for teachers who write letters for eight or more students. According to records we maintain using NAVIANCE, over twenty teachers fall into this category at Sequoia -- testament to our staff’s ability to connect with students in meaningful ways.
Here’s another jaw-dropping data point that speaks to the relationships Sequoia fosters: 78 teachers and staff members have been asked to write at least one letter of recommendation thus far for the class of 2022. That’s well over half our staff!
For the families of 12th graders, the next few months might feel excruciating. So much work you’ve done now comes down to a few final steps. We know how hard you’re pulling for your students. We’re right there with you.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Padres Voluntarios! Necesitamos padres el recorrido do la escuela los sabados |
Necesitamos padres voluntaries para ayudar con los recorridos para los estudiante octova grados y sus familias los sabados!
El recorrido seria Noviembre y Enero. Cada grupo es dirigido por un estudiante del liderazgo con 1-2 padres voluntaries etiquetados para ayudar y compartir sus perspectiva experiencia de las escuela sequoia
Llegue 9:45 a.m. Termina a las 11:30 am El recorrido Comiensa a las 10:00 y el ultimo recorrido sale a las 10:30 a.m. y durara aproximadamente una hora. Por favor reunase en los escalones delanteros de la escuela.
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Nov. 20: We need your help with campus tours this Saturday |
Sequoia is offering tours for 8th graders and their families. Sign up to be a parent volunteer who tags along on an ASB student-led tour. Chat with interested parents and share the great things about Sequoia.
Time: 9:45 until 11:30 a.m. Final tour departs at 10:30 a.m. Tours are 60 minutes long. Meet at the front steps of the school. Click here to sign up!
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Do you have questions for our Sequoia 2021-2022 PTSA Board? Reach Karen Eller Ha, PTSA President and the rest of the team at sequoiaptsa@gmail.com.
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Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all children and families. |
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Make a difference for a Sequoia student or family in need this holiday season! |
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SHSEF and the Sequoia High School Family Center would like to invite you to participate in Sequoia's annual Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gift Project 2021.
This project is a tradition that started over 20 years ago and together we can help Sequoia students and families in need with gifts that inspire joy, build community, and reduce stress. Many of our families are facing a particularly stressful time this year -- stretching their modest income while dealing with serious illness, death, job loss, immigration crisis, homelessness and the continuing pandemic.
With as little as $25, you can help us reach our goal of helping TWICE the number of families as before the pandemic. The gifts focus on the Sequoia student(s) in the family and strengthen the student-school connection.
Questions? Please contact Elisa Niño-Sears, SHSEF Family Support Chair, shsef.fs@gmail.com, (650) 387-8390.
Thank you! ¡Gracias! Make a difference for a Sequoia student or family in need this holiday season!
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This week on That's So Raven...
6:24 Story Time in the Media Center
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Fabulous new artwork on display in the Powell Art Gallery from now until December 3.
Please stop by during lunch period to view our end of the semester art show. Drawings, paintings, sculptures, and pottery will be on display. The Powell Gallery is open during school day lunch periods. All visitors to campus during the school day (including the Powell Gallery) will first need to check-in with the Assistant Vice Principal’s office for a visitor's pass. Masks must be worn in all indoor areas.
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Draw/Paint 1 & 2 fall newsletter |
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Sequoia's Draw/Paint classes are busy! From blocks, designs, and paints, to paintbrush study to charcoal and conte. Click on the images below learn more. |
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Arabic-speaking volunteer needed |
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I am looking for a female native speaker of Arabic to volunteer in person on Nov. 22 for a Jobs for Youth visit in my ELD classroom in B-9 from 10:10-11:40 a.m. with a 10-minute break. The content of the workshop will be about "soft skills" needed for the job market. Potential volunteers can view the content on the website below under the "Learn" tab and then "Workbook." The volunteer will be translating the content of a workshop for a boy and girl who have recently joined our community and who have limited English skills. Additionally, the volunteer will support the students to complete the activities in English using Arabic as a support. If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Wenzel.
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Nov 15: IB exam payments due |
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IB exam registrations have been processed, which means all IB exam fees are now listed in Infinite Campus (IC) under the fees tab. An official IB exam bill has also been mailed home.
IB exam fees are due by November 15. There are three ways to pay:
1. Pay by cash. Bring cash to the IB Office in room #130. Leave with a receipt.
2. Pay by check made out to Sequoia High School. Please put your student's name and IB exams in the memo line. Bring the check to the IB Office in room #130 OR mail to:
Sequoia High School
Attention: IB Office Magda Galvan
1201 Brewster Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94062
3. Pay by credit card on IC. Click on the fees tab and then click on IB exam fees. IC will charge a $3 credit card processing fee.
If you need to set up a payment plan to spread out the payments, please contact Lisa McCahon at lmccahon@seq.org. Thank you.
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Nov. 19: Join us for the Dream Club's 12th annual Making Dreams Come True dinner |
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The Sequoia Dream Club works to raise awareness about the challenges that undocumented students face as they pursue their educational goals.
At the Making Dreams Come True (virtual) fundraising dinner on Fri., Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m., you will get to hear student stories and see performances created by club members. Tickets available here.
All proceeds go to our scholarship fund.
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Varsity football finished strong with a 40-0 win over El Camino followed by a home shutout on Senior Night before falling to Carlmont in their final game. The 53-0 Woodside win kept “The Log” safe and sound on Sequoia’s campus and our Ravens ranked second in the Peninsula Lake League. Congrats to seniors Seth Artea, Kevin Brijil, Wilson Crum, Thomas Flynn, Jack Henderson, Jaymason Howard, Jack Kern, Luis Mendez, Garrett Miller, DJ Moffitt, Jordan Rodriguuez, Nicholas Swee, Marin Nathaniel Tran, Mitchell Trimmer, John Tsivikas, and Puamau Tuiaki.
JV football topped off an exciting season by beating Carlmont 35-14, after a huge win over Woodside in their last home game. The team finished 9-1 overall and 5-0 in the league, placing them at the top of the division charts. Way to play, Ravens!
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Nov. 16: monthly meeting and Crab Dinner planning |
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Tuesday 11/16 at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 969 2641 9178
Passcode: Boosters
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Special edition spirit gear |
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The Sequoia Boosters Winter store is now open! Shop limited edition items from Nov. 8-17 ONLY and give the gift of Sequoia spirit this holiday season.
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Honey Bear trees support the Class of '22! |
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Support the Sequoia senior class by purchasing your Christmas tree or wreath at one of the Honey Bear tree lots this holiday season. 15% of your purchase price will be donated to Sequoia High School PTSA to support this year’s graduation activities. Tell your friends & neighbors!
Honey Bear lots are located at 944 Woodside Road in Redwood City, 1479 El Camino Real in San Carlos and 2495 S. Delaware Ave in San Mateo. Simply bring this flyer (en español) when you purchase your tree and wreath. If you happen to forget it, there will be extra flyers on the lot.
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MEET ME IN THE MEDIA CENTER |
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We look forward to seeing you,
Ms. Snow
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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Amigos, amigos amigos y amigos más amigables: navegando por la dinámica social de la escuela |
Ana Homayoun, autora, educadora y Phyllis Fagell, consejera clínica, autora de "Middle School Matters"
Jueves, 18 de noviembre, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., evento en línea (seminario web)
¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con Charlene Margot, MA, cofundadora y directora ejecutiva de The Parent Venture, en cmargot@parentventure.org
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Friends, Frenemies, and Friendlier Friends: Navigating School Social Dynamics |
Ana Homayoun, author, educator and Phyllis Fagell, clinical counselor, author of "Middle School Matters"
Thurs, Nov. 18, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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Foro para padres #15 (español): ¡Mi hijo consume drogas! ¿Qué debo hacer? |
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Edwin Fernandez, LCSW, One Life Counseling Center
Miércoles, 17 de noviembre, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Evento en vivo (seminario web)
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Duelo y pérdida en niños y adolescentes: cómo se ve y cómo ayudar a |
Jaymie Byron, MFT, Director, Community Outreach & Education, Kara
Martes, 30 de noviembre, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Evento en línea (seminario web)
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Grief and Loss in Children and Teens: What It Looks Like and How to Help |
Jaymie Byron, MFT, Director, Community Outreach & Education, Kara
Tues., Nov. 30, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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Nación de la dopamina: Encontrar el equilibrio en la era de la indulgencia |
Anna Lembke, MD, Psiquiatra, Facultad de Medicina de Stanford, autora más vendida del New York Times
Miércoles, 1 de diciembre, 12 – 1:00 p.m. evento en línea (seminario web)
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Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence |
Anna Lembke, MD, Psychiatrist, Stanford School of Medicine, New York Times Bestselling author
Wed., Dec. 1, 12 – 1:00 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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Nov. 16: Unpacking the college application process |
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Join us Nov. 16 from 6-7 p.m. for a virtual workshop, including a Q&A led by youth, that explores taking care of your mental health during the college application process as a first-generation college-bound student.
Open to all youth and community members.
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Nov. 17: Healthy Cities Tutoring orientation and training |
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If you have not tutored with us before, each session will cover everything you need to know to get started with a student! 35 minutes New Tutor Orientation followed by training in math, English and writing. We can't wait to get you started!
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Dec. 4: Sequoia students perform in Ballet America's Nutcracker |
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Come see the Bay Area’s most family-friendly Nutcracker performance! This unique, full-length production includes a cast of nearly a hundred local dancers twirling alongside professional dancers.
Sequoia students Jodie Trundle, Natalie Ciraulo and Fiona Kranz will be dancing at Carrington Hall on Saturday December 4 at 2:30 or 6:30 p.m. and Sunday December 5 at 1:30 or 4 p.m.
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Costa Rica Youth Exchange Program 2022 |
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Where have all the real immersion programs gone? We would like to let you know about our upcoming 2022 summer of youth program in Costa Rica. Language is foremost about people and relationships, and joy is found in the pure vividness of belonging to something greater. By elevating our social interaction, Spanish not only becomes part of us, it opens a new path towards a wellspring of friends and opportunity. True wellness after all, fosters healthy vibrant relationships.
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Nov. 19: Calling all poets — CFSC Poetry Slam contest "STAND UNITED AGAINST HATE" |
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The Community Foundation of San Carlos and United Against Hate invite the Sequoia High School community (students, staff, volunteers and their families) to be part of the movement to help promote acceptance, inclusion, and equity in our community.
Come out and tell us your story and your experiences related to hate, healing, recovery, agency, empowerment, and activism! All ages welcome.
What: "Stand United Against Hate" Poetry Slam
When: Fri, Nov. 19 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Devil's Canyon Brewery, 935 Washington Street, San Carlos
Prize: $1500 will be donated to the nonprofit(s) of the winners' choice
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En Español:
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora?
En Español
- Mantenga presionada la tecla Control (PC) y la tecla A para seleccionar toda la página, a continuación, mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla C para copiar la página entera.
- Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a google translate
- Coloca el cursor en la caja y mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla V para pegar el boletín completo en el cuadro de traducción.
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Sentinel Newsletter:
The Sentinel is distributed every Sunday at 8 a.m., except during school breaks. Our readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of Sequoia students, staff and community.
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