Sequoia Sentinel
October 24, 2021
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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Designing quality learning experiences is tricky business. The intersection between rigorous, adaptable, relevant, adaptable, and fun can be elusive. When you bet on students, however, outcomes are always favorable.
This last week, our administrative team traded enthusiastic text messages about the classrooms we visited. Kristin, Sophia, Gary, and I were each able to visit several classrooms and witness the magic of elevated student voice and the empowerment of learners. In Mr. Relator’s geometry class, for example, students were tasked with designing a civic fortification plan for a hypothetical(?) zombie apocalypse. Applying concepts and skills directly from the math standards, students were engaged creatively and sharing a lot of laughs collaborating with their classmates. Hypothetical lives were saved.
Down the hall, and Señora Marchal’s class, the lesson itself was the product of direct student input in terms of design, pacing, and sequence. Señora Marchal, teaching exclusively in the target language of Spanish, solicits regular input from students about academic areas where they feel most confident and the types of activities they prefer. Using this data-based approach she designs lessons that directly respond to student needs and interests. By entrusting her students as collaborators/conspirators in the lesson planning process, students moved efficiently from task-to-task, supported one another in group activities, and challenged themselves to push beyond “just getting it done“.
In biology, Ms. Erskine uses strategies to make lab procedures efficient while simultaneously ensuring all students are provided opportunities for leadership. She created a custom-designed system of symbols on desks which correspond to roles and responsibility. Rather than have the students listen to her explain steps, learning is driven by inquiry and discovery. If a student can identify the shape of a test tube or microscope, they have an entry point into the progressively rigorous tasks and discussion. Outcomes aren’t fixed. The clearly defined responsibilities empower the students to facilitate genuine scientific inquiry, questioning their classmates and ensuring collective understanding before moving onto the next task. Ms. Erskione’s class confirms one of the basic precepts of education: students rise to the level of expectation.
We see it in our social studies classes, where cultural literacy broadens perspectives, deepens empathy, and nurtures ambition. We see it in dance class, where Ms. White’s intermediate dance students build consensus around themes, music, and choreography for upcoming performances. For a fun Friday morning, you can’t beat Ms. Salvatore‘s class singing in unison about object pronouns -- guided practice through community, laughter, and music.
These are the learning experiences that define our culture. They align with our mission and the belief that the value of a Sequoia diploma is rooted in a lifelong love of learning and the tools to engage with the complex and changing world. It’s why we value sense-making over note-taking.
When I hear a teacher tell me, as I did on Friday, that they’re “trying to get students to be leaders in the class,” I know we’re moving in the right direction. The transition back to in-person learning has not been without obstacles. Many students are wary, having seen for themselves the fragility of our institutions. To know that they are not passive receptors within this community but instead autonomous agents, vital to its continued success is paramount. Centering their voices and empowering them is where we will continue to put our energy.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Oct. 27: Please join us for coffee with Principal Priest |
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PTSA and SHSEF are excited to have the parents back on campus. This will be our first coffee post pandemic!
Come join us at Sequoia at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, and meet other parents and community members. This is a great time to put a name to a face and meet folks in person that we have been seeing on Zoom.
This will be an outdoor event with the required COVID precautions.
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If you haven't joined the PTSA yet..... |
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Would you like to know if you have already joined? Contact Dana Rechin at danarechin@me.com.
Thanks to those who have bought their 2021-2022 PTSA memberships this year! Your show of support for our parent organization is truly appreciated.
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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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Do you have fruit trees? Donate to Froot Troops for CAS project |
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If you have excess produce from backyard fruit trees, the Froot Troops club is here to help!
Club members can assist in harvesting your fruit and will donate it to Each Green Corner, a volunteer organization fighting food insecurity and working to lessen food waste in our community.
This is a CAS Project for 11th grade IB Diploma students Zoey and Jianna.
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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, 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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IB exam registration underway |
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IB exam registration is underway, and we are processing registrations into the IB system. Some students still need to register. If your student is in an IB testing class and did not attend an IB exam registration online meeting, please have them come to the IB office in room 130. Fees for IB exams will be posted on Infinite Campus.
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Tap into your inner mentor and join the Sequoia Academy Mentor Program |
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Our mentor pool is filling up - this could be your last chance to join the 2021-22 mentor year! Mentors spend about 2 hours a month from November - May supporting students from the Digital Arts & Health Career Academies. Prior experience in digital arts or healthcare is not required.
As a mentor you will help students
- Define a personal path to success
- Explore career options
- Develop professional skills
- Set goals
- Stay motivated to continue on to higher education
Please refer to our website or contact our coordinators Greg Stein or Gregory Schmid for more information about how to participate in this year's hybrid program.
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Final fall season home games |
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10/26 Girls Tennis vs Oceana - varsity 4:00 p.m.
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10/26 Girls Water Polo vs Woodside - JV 3:00 p.m., varsity 4:00 p.m.
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10/29 Football vs Woodside - JV 4:00 p.m., varsity 7:00 p.m.
Home and away schedules including the last few cross country meets can be found at seqsports.com.
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Last home football game: volunteers needed! |
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Volunteer to help the Boosters in the concessions stand or merchandise booth and show your Sequoia spirit!
We would love to open the BBQ stand for the last home football game vs. Woodside, but we need volunteers to make it happen! Slots are available in the concession stand, on the BBQ, or in the merchandise booth.
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Winter sports start November 1 |
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Winter sports (basketball, soccer and wrestling) start November 1. Make sure you’re cleared on SportsNet and check seqsports.com for tryout info!
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Last week for ordering gorgeous, fresh, sustainable holiday greenery! |
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Let us help you cross one holiday to-do off your list while you help the Class of 2024 raise money for their Safe and Sober Graduation activities!
We are offering beautiful and fragrant wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces for $25-35 each. All items will be available for pick up in San Carlos during the first week of December. These items make gorgeous decor and are perfect client, teacher or hostess gifts.
Where do these gorgeous evergreens come from? Sherwood Forest Farms is a family-owned, sustainable farm founded 60 years ago in Centralia, Washington and they’ve been supporting non-profit organizations since the start!
Please share with friends and family and order yours today! Ordering deadline is Nov 1. Thank you! PayPal or credit/debit cards accepted.
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Senior portraits, the time is now |
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Thanks to all of the seniors who have already taken their senior portrait! If your senior has not taken it yet, please make the appointment with Prestige Photography soon. Be sure to get it taken as soon as possible, definitely before Thanksgiving.
Three ways to make your appointment...
- Use the QR code on the card in the graphic
- Call Prestige at 1 (877) 825-7922
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Go to this link and just hit "Book Appointment"
Prestige Photography is located at:
990 Industrial Road, Suite 102
San Carlos, CA 94070
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MEET ME AT THE MEDIA CENTER |
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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What Gives You Hope? How to Parent with Confidence and Optimism in Uncertain Times |
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Madeline Levine, PhD; Donald E. Grant, Jr., PhD; William Stixrud, PhD
Fri., Nov. 5, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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MYTHBUSTERS: The Truth About the California Public Higher Education System |
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Cuca Acosta (UC); Bernie Day (CCC); April Grommo, EdD (CSU); Heather Lattimer, EdD (CSU)
Tues., Nov. 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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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
How: Deadline for poetry submission is Tues, Nov. 9. Register HERE
Prize: $1500 will be donated to the nonprofit(s) of the winners' choice
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Openings in the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula |
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The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula has openings! They offer enrichment courses, homework help, dinner and much more. Offered from 2:30 - 7:40 p.m. at the Forrest High School site.
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En Español:
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora?
En Español
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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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