Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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Your eyes are currently scanning left to right on this message, so I am going to share a series of assumptions about your orientation to the act of reading:
- You enjoy being informed, amused, challenged, provoked by written language.
- De-coding the letters and words requires little effort (assuming I don’t let my sentences run-on for too long).
- The conventions of writing such as sentence structure, punctuation, and syntax enhance rather than confuse your comprehension of ideas.
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Because I’m often (overly) sesquipedalian, I’ll assume you also enjoy obscure words.
Finally, I’ll assume that (as a reader of Sequoia’s weekly Sequoia Sentinel) you were at ease with the functional aspects of school when you were a student. This last assumption reflects a central paradox of schooling. Throughout the school day, students are interacting with the written word, making sense of increasingly complex concepts and ideas both literary and expository. The better you read, the more interesting and complex the ideas you have access to. All the better if you actually enjoy it.
Now, for a moment, please pause and consider how excruciating and painful it must be to soldier through a day of school if the letters and words DIDN’T come naturally. Imagine every new sentence poking your temporal lobe like a thumbtack. Having to read and reread even the highest-frequency words multiple times before they make sense and you can move on to the next one. Imagine how tired you’d be by the time your first period class ended. Imagine how frustrated you’d feel when the slide deck on the overhead screen advanced ahead before you could even de-code – let alone comprehend – the text presented.
This is the experience of many students on any given day in any given school. De-coding and comprehending written text is so central to what we call “learning” in an academic setting that being a strong reader and being a strong student are inextricably linked. Consider the popularity of communication modes which minimize one’s reliance on reading comprehension (video, images, emoji, etc.). Might this indicate that the majority of folks prefer other forms of comprehension to the reading of complex text? While there are many areas — just as there are many aspects of life — where people thrive without being strong, enthusiastic readers, it’s almost as if the function of school is to weed these people out, reserving the increasingly limited available seats for those who, like you (and me), thrive in the realm of written text.
On the other hand, so much of our energy in the school setting goes into remediating, accelerating, and otherwise strengthening our students’ fluidity with reading. We use norm-referenced assessment data (lexile level, e.g.) to identify, with as much precision as possible, how we can focus our energy. We embed research-based literacy strategies into all subject areas, including concrete supports like sentence starters/frames, annotation techniques, and concept maps. Come visit classes with me and you’ll see these strategies implemented everywhere: in intervention/support classes as well as IB classes. Strengthening literacy is what connects educators across curricula.
This dissonance fascinates me. A system designed to reward an increasingly narrow percentage of its participants for a specific proclivity is simultaneously loaded with elements targeted at expanding the percentage of its participants who possess this proclivity. Gatekeeping with one hand and erecting ladders with the other. But what if instead of paradox, we’re actually seeing a polarity? My list of assumptions about you may be flawed. Reading might not have always come easy for you. The ability to read complex text with ease is NOT prerequisite to enjoying complex ideas and intellectual pursuit. Albert Einstein was dyslexic.
So in addition to providing literacy support (and continuing to refine what that looks like), schools do right by students when they treat reading as one of multiple modalities in which students can access complex ideas and rigorous topics rather than a barrier to those endeavors. Students, in turn, build confidence and feel empowered in a variety of settings. Strong readers benefit from the assets struggling readers bring to an interaction just as much as the other way around. It’s inspiring to see it in practice at Sequoia. It’s fun to envision what more we could do together.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Valentines for teachers and staff |
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To remind the teachers and staff how much we love and appreciate them, Valentines and treats were delivered to their mail boxes and the teacher’s lounge for them to enjoy.
Thank you so much to everyone that contributed treats, apples, and beautiful serving dishes for the occasion!
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That's So Raven will fly back soon! |
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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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Passcode: 815094
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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:

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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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Mar. 14 - Mar. 20: Boosters Auction registration now open |
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Mark your calendars for the Sequoia Sport & Spirit Boosters Silent Auction running Monday, March 14 through Sunday, March 20. The annual auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the whole community is invited to participate. Please spread the word and 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!
REGISTRATION for the online auction is FREE, but you must be registered to bid or participate in our auction drawing. Click here to register.
DONATE an auction item or directly to Boosters HERE.
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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 bahĂa 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 tambiĂ©n. 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 exenciĂłn 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.
Esperamos ver a sus estudiantes para celebrar la clase de 2022! Preguntas? ComunĂquese con Susie Vick o Sarah Sorensen.
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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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Love is in the air at the Media Center |
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There is a lot of love, love of books that is, at the Media Center.
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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The M Word: The Money Talk para la prĂłxima generaciĂłn |
MiĂ©rcoles, 16 de febrero, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., evento en lĂnea (en vivo)
En esta presentaciĂłn, 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. ÂżCĂłmo pueden las familias abordar las conversaciones difĂciles con sus niños y adolescentes, como la planificaciĂłn universitaria, las donaciones filantrĂłpicas, las finanzas familiares y la jubilaciĂłn?
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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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Ahora más que nunca: Por qué la participación familiar es esencial para el éxito estudiantil y escolar |
Jueves, 17 de febrero, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., evento en lĂnea (en vivo)
¡Evento especial! ¿Por qué es importante que las escuelas involucren a las familias? Karen Mapp, EdD, Harvard Graduate School of Education, compartirá lo que sabemos sobre el poderoso impacto de las asociaciones entre la familia y la escuela en los estudiantes, padres, maestros y escuelas.
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Now more than ever: Why family engagement is essential for student and school success |
Thurs., Feb. 17, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Live)
Special event! Why is it important for schools to engage families? Karen Mapp, EdD, researcher and senior lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education, will share what we know about the powerful impact of family–school partnerships on students, parents, teachers, and schools.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS |
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Yes you can learn Spanish! |
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Yes you can learn Spanish! Thrive by actively living and breathing it. Join our lively, spirited summer of youth, where friendships inspire fluency. Language after all is about bringing people together to celebrate the good life. Don’t miss out on a wonderful journey filled with new people and exciting opportunities.
The most fulfilling careers are those that can cross borders and bridge community and culture. Join our Costa Rica Youth Exchange, you will thrive in our youth-driven village adventure. www.highschoolspanish.org
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En Español:
ÂżQuieres traducir este boletĂn 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 boletĂn completo en el cuadro de traducciĂłn.
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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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