Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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The captain of the Sequoia High School baseball team in 1933 was named LeBlanc, at least according to a portrait of their league championship lineup that hangs near my desk. I found the photo filed away in the school’s historical archives when I was hired as principal in 2014 and had it framed before I moved into my office. LeBlanc sits in the front row beside his teammates, Sullivan and Garcia. Neuman and Brandenburg stand behind him. With a few exceptions, the players’ smiles radiate. None more so than Captain LeBlanc, a Black man.
Captain LeBlanc is the reason I framed and mounted the photo. It fascinated me that in 1933, 14 years before Jackie Robinson tore apart racist barriers of segregation in Major League Baseball, the captain of Sequoia’s team was Black. I’ve wondered often about him and how his experiences parallel the experiences of students today. I created stories in my head about his sense of humor, his interests beyond baseball, and what he went on to do with his life. Simultaneously, I lamented the fact that so few biographical details were actually available. This year, I decided to do something about that.
No yearbook exists for Sequoia from 1933, perhaps because of the Depression. Local historians such as Ken Rolandelli and Marian Wydo of the Sequoia Alumni Association, after an exhaustive dive into their archive, provided scant tidbits of information about Captain LeBlanc and his time at Sequoia. We learned he was considered the best shortstop in the league and his batting average (.557) was tops on the team.
Sequoia Librarian Betsy Snow and I dug through the digital archives of Sequoia’s student newspaper (The Sequoia Times) and came up with a bit more. We know Captain LeBlanc’s first name is James, he also went by Jim. We know he transferred to Sequoia from Palo Alto High School his senior year. We know he was chosen by his teammates as captain. The trail ran cold from there.
To me, this is why setting aside February as Black History Month is vital. How can it be, almost 90 years after a black student named James LeBlanc was elected by his peers as the leader of the varsity baseball team, that we know so little about him? We have chosen, over the years, which stories to tell and which ones not to tell. Sometimes we get it right but too often we get it wrong. This is what marginalization looks like. We strive to do better.
Today, part of doing better is acknowledging that so often those we’ve marginalized come from similar backgrounds in terms of race and gender. It is demonstrably true again and again with Black people in our country.
This month is about making up some of the ground we’ve lost by telling the stories of Black excellence. We can, of course, celebrate this excellence on a grand scale with figures like Bessie Coleman, Robert Sengstacke Abbott, and Jane Bolin. But let’s also search for these stories at the local level. I hope James LeBlanc stays with you beyond this month as he has stayed with me over these past 8 years. Seeing him seated in the photo beside my desk, surrounded by his teammates, inspires me daily to find ways to center the stories of other marginalized figures in the work I do. Let’s all keep striving to do better.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Show some love for Sequoia teachers & staff |
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Let’s show some love for our fabulous Sequoia teachers and staff! On Valentine's Day, the PTSA will give each teacher and staff member a valentine and provide a selection of treats.
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That's So Raven is back! Tune into our first episode of 2022!
This week on That's So Raven...
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Science Olympiad making Sequoia history |
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Congratulations to Sequoia Science Olympiad for attending their first competition of the season and first time at the Aggie Invitational hosted by the University of California at Davis. The varsity team finished in 22nd place, and the junior varsity finished in 38th place out of 50 teams.
Twenty-nine Sequoia students competed, covering 23 events ranging from Disease Detectives to Astronomy. Shout-outs to seniors Alisha Gupta and Raquel Ladabaum for placing 5th in Write It Do It, Christopher Kwok and Nicholas Kwok for placing 7th in Dynamic Planet, and Justine Leparmentier and Maya Ellis for placing 8th in Rocks and Minerals.
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Feb. 1-28: Student art at Redwood City main library |
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Sequoia student artwork will be on display for the month of February at the Redwood City Main Library in downtown Redwood City. The show runs from 2/1 - 2/28 and will feature artwork from Art 1, Ceramics, Draw/Paint, IB Art, and Photography. We are excited to share our creations with the community and hope you have a chance to check it out!
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Interested in joining or supporting the Academy Mentor Program? |
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On January 20, Health Careers Academy (HCA) and Digital Arts Academy (DAA) junior students conducted their 3rd mentor event of the season. Although these events have been virtual, it has not stopped our students from committing themselves and doing the hard work of uncovering their passions and skill sets while sharing those discoveries with their mentors.
At the most recent event, students created "Elevator Pitches" in an effort to promote themselves and pursue their goals. It can be a challenge for students to talk about themselves, especially to an adult, but these students took the risk and gained self confidence in the process. We are very proud of the work they are doing!
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Mark your calendars: College coffee chats with Ms. Ignaitis |
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College coffee chats are back! We will start a monthly coffee chat with Ms. Ignaitis. Ms. Ignaitis is a powerhouse of knowledge pertaining to college admissions, class selections, and more. Bring your questions or just listen in. All parents are welcome. Junior parents, you don't want to miss this.
Coffee chat dates:
- Feb 16 - 2:00 p.m.
- March 16 - 8:45 a.m.
- April 20 - 8:45 a.m.
- May 25 - 8:45 a.m.
Sequoia High School PTA Virtual is inviting you to a scheduled, recurring Zoom meeting.
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Meeting ID: 811 2475 9895
Passcode: 815094
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Meeting ID: 811 2475 9895
Passcode: 815094
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Feb. 2-11: Get your Valentine's Day candy grams! |
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Sequoia's Red Cross Club is selling Valentine's Day candy grams from 2/1-2/11.
Deliveries will be made on Valentine's Day during first period.
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Mar. 18: SUHSD Middle College program fall applications due |
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The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College is now accepting applications for Fall 2022. Middle College is a collaboration between the SUHSD and Cañada College, and students earn both high school and college credits, enabling them to complete their high school requirements and earn college credit simultaneously. All classes are held at Cañada College, and there is no cost. Learn more by watching this brief informational video.
Interested sophomores should speak to their counselor and attend one of our parent/student information sessions:
- Thursday, February 10 - Zoom
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Wednesday, March 2 - SUHSD Birch room (date correction)
RSVP here to receive the zoom link. Q&A meetings will be either held on Zoom or in person from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at 480 James Avenue, Redwood City, Birch room.
All application components must be submitted by Friday, March 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Hablo Español! Thank you.
Middle College Team
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Last winter games at home this week |
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🏀 2/7 Boys basketball vs Capuchino - freshman 7:00 p.m.
⚽ 2/8 Girls soccer vs Hillsdale - varsity 4:30 p.m., JV 6:15 p.m.
⚽ 2/9 Boys soccer vs Capuchino - varsity 4:30 p.m., JV 6:00 p.m.
🏀 2/9 Boys basketball vs Burlingame - JV 4:30 p.m., varsity 6:00 p.m.
⚽ 2/10 Girls soccer vs Woodside - varsity 4:30 p.m., JV 6:15 p.m. - SENIOR NIGHT
⚽ 2/11 Boys soccer vs Half Moon Bay - varsity 4:30 p.m. JV 6:00 p.m. - SENIOR NIGHT
🏀 2/11 Boys basketball vs Carlmont - JV 4:30 p.m., varsity 6:00 p.m. -SENIOR NIGHT
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Though no spectators are allowed, the Sequoia wrestling team will host and compete in the PAL League Finals on Friday Feb. 11 and Saturday Feb. 12.
Go Ravens! Visit http://seqsports.com for details , and please note that some games may be affected due to Covid protocol.
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Mar. 19: Not-so-crabby virtual auction |
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Covid continues, but we can’t wait another year to support our hard-working Sequoia athletes! Mark your calendars for the Sequoia Sport & Spirit Boosters Virtual Auction on Saturday, March 19. The annual auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the whole community is invited to attend. Please join Sequoia families, alumni, and community members as we raise much-needed funds to provide the best possible sports experience for all of our Sequoia students. Stay tuned for event details. Follow us on social media, join the Boosters email list, or contact us for more information!
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Basketball concessions - Junior class 2023 fundraiser |
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Basketball concessions is a fun way to get on campus, cheer on our team, and raise funds for our soon to be seniors. Can't work the booth? Donate funds or donate a pizza!
All proceeds go towards the Class of 2023 grad activities. This fundraiser helps us keep our Safe and Sober Grad Night ticket costs down, and provides tickets to students in need. We need your support to make this happen. Thank you and Go Ravens! Click here to get involved.
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Grad Night tickets for sale now at early bird prices! |
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Hello senior families! Graduation is quickly approaching for our senior Class of 2022, and we are excited to announce that we have a fun Grad Night planned for them. After prolonged COVID-19 school closures and activity cancellations these students are ready and deserving to celebrate!
Your senior is invited to join their classmates for a fun evening on a Hornblower Cruise on Friday night June 3 at 10:00 p.m. through Saturday morning June 4 at 4:00 a.m. The three hour party cruise will include food, music, dancing and other fun activities. Students will check in and be transported via chartered buses to and from Sequoia High School.
Early bird special - for the month of February, tickets will be $80.00 per person. Click this link to purchase your ticket(s). Starting March 1, the ticket price will increase to $90/ticket, so get your ticket(s) now.
Please consider donating to help students who wish to attend but are unable to afford a ticket. Any amount helps. Donations can be made by clicking the link above.
Each parent/guardian must sign a waiver at the time of ticket purchase, for their student to participate in the evening’s activities.
Hornblower adheres to the current San Francisco Health Mandate, which requires all participants to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination before boarding the boat, as well as wear a well-fitted mask onboard.
Fully vaccinated means: 2 weeks after completing the entire recommended series of vaccinations with an FDA authorized vaccine - Pfizer, Moderna or J&J. Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination are: the CDC vaccination card, a photo or copy of the vaccination card on a document or stored on a phone/electronic device, or documentation of vaccination from a Healthcare provider.
Well-fitted masks do not include: bandanas, ski masks, scarfs, turtlenecks, or single layers of fabric.
Requirements for the event are subject to change, based on changes to the SF Health Mandate.
Looking forward to a fun night celebrating our senior class! For any questions- please contact Susie Vick or Sarah Sorensen.
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Hola Familias de los graduantes de la classe 2022! La graduation esta por llegar muy pronto! Estamos muy emocionados por anunciar que tenemos unas actividades. Muy divertidas para la noche de graduación. Despues de tanto tiempo de cancelaciónes de eventos y classes en linea por el covid 19 estos estudiantes están listos para celebrar una buen merecida fiesta!
Su estudiante esta invitado para participar en un crucero por la bahía de San Francisco Hornblower Yachts. Por la noche de Viernes 3 de Junio 10 pm a las 4 am del Sabado 4 de Junio. Estudiantes serán recogidos de Sequoia High School y transportados por autobuses contratados por la escuela al crucero y regresados a la escuela también. El crucero de 3 horas incluye comida, baile y otras actividades.
Done un boleto para que todos nuestros estudiantes puedan participar.
Por favor considere donar cualquier cantidad para ayudar estudiantes que no puedan pagar por su boleto. Aga click en el enlace arriba.
Los padres/tutores tienen que firmar forma de exención cuando compre el boleto y para que pueda participar su estudiante.
Los Cruceros Hornblower se adhieren a las reglas de San Francisco. Requiere ser vacunados con las dos vacunas y presentar prueba.
Antes de abordar el crucero y cubrebocas requerido.
Vacunas completas quiere decir completar la serie recomendada por FDA Pfizer,Moderna o J&J.
Formas aceptables de pruebas de vacuna son: tarjeta del CDC, foto o copia de la tarjeta, o copia digital en su teléfono.
Cubrebocas no incluye pañuelo o bufanda o mascara de esqui.
Los requisitos de este evento pueden cambiar en cualquier momento basado de las reglas de salud de San Francisco.
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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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Sequoia students share what they're reading |
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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Consentimiento reformulado: más allá del "Sí" afirmativo |
Miércoles, 9 de febrero, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo)
La "Conversación de consentimiento" es la nueva "Charla sexual" e igual de crítica. Únase a Vanessa Kellam, gerente de participación familiar de Health Connected, para una conversación significativa sobre el consentimiento y los comportamientos de protección.
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Consent Reframed: Beyond the Affirmative "Yes" |
Wed., Feb. 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Live)
The “Consent Conversation” is the new “Sex Talk” and just as critical. Join Vanessa Kellam, Family Engagement Manager from Health Connected, for a meaningful conversation about consent and protective behaviors.
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Criando niños amables y valientes |
Amabilidad y el coraje son dos fortalezas que ayudan a nuestros niños a prosperar en la escuela, en sus actividades y en sus relaciones. Deborah Farmer Kris, experta en educación del carácter y desarrollo infantil, compartirá estrategias prácticas que los padres pueden usar para ayudar a los niños de todas las edades a fortalecer estos hábitos vitales.
Jueves, 10 de febrero, 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo)
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Raising Kids Who Are Kind and Brave |
Kindness and courage are two strengths that help our children flourish in school, in their activities, and in their relationships. Deborah Farmer Kris, an expert in character education and child development, will share practical strategies parents can use to help children of all ages strengthen these vital habits.
Thurs., Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Live)
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The M Word: The Money Talk para la próxima generación |
Miércoles, 16 de febrero, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo)
En esta presentación, Lori Sackler, una asesora financiera reconocida a nivel nacional, ofrece una mirada interna a lo que ella se refiere como "The M Word": The Money Talk. ¿Cómo pueden las familias abordar las conversaciones difíciles con sus niños y adolescentes, como la planificación universitaria, las donaciones filantrópicas, las finanzas familiares y la jubilación?
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The M Word: The Money Talk for the Next Generation |
Wed., Feb. 16, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Online Event (Live)
In this presentation, Lori Sackler, a nationally recognized financial advisor, offers an insider's look into what she refers to as "The M Word": The Money Talk. How can families tackle tough conversations with their children and teens like college planning, philanthropic giving, family finances, and retirement?
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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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