For the week of Thanksgiving, I’ve made it a tradition over the past seven years to ask staff to help with the weekly Sentinel message. I look forward to this time of year because authentic gratitude is inspiring. Sharing what makes us thankful connects us as a community, strengthening the bond between students, teachers, and families. This close connection is what sets Sequoia apart.  

Few can set a positive vibe as well as Special Education teacher Karol-Ann Colemen, who shares, “I am so proud of our students who are showing such grace and showing up, masked with what pandemic energy they have. Thank you, all, for showing me grace during this year too! Love You Most!” 

Stacy Wenzel, who teaches newcomer students in our English Learner program, says “I am grateful for Carol Lopez and her generosity, gentleness, flexibility, warmth and compassion. I feel so fortunate to partner with Carol every day as we support students' learning together. I am also grateful for the wonderful team of volunteers and an intern who read, speak and write with our ELD 2 students on a weekly basis. I am grateful for my students' engagement as well as the genuine warmth they demonstrate to each other and to the adults with whom they come in contact in our room.” 

English teacher Amie Ranum is next: “I am thankful for the teachers and students of the Digital Arts Academy (DAA)! I love the way the DAA centers the creativity, curiosity, and joy of the students, and I appreciate the kindness and camaraderie of the DAA community.”

From Drama teacher Talia Cain, fresh off her first production in her new role: “I'm thankful for all the generous families who volunteered their time and donated resources to the Sequoia Drama program over the last few months. I'm also grateful for all the dedicated Drama students who are always eager to build community and spread joy!” 

Nico Valdes, new to Sequoia this year as a Special Education teacher, shares that he is “thankful to have the opportunity to be part of this school. I have been to several different districts over my years teaching. Here I have felt community and acceptance. There is a student centered focus to support all students. I am thankful for that.”

For my part, I offer thanks for the strength exerted every day by individuals in our community. In many cases, it is a strength of perseverance, rising again and again to meet challenges. In even more cases, it is a strength in service of lifting up those around us. For students, staff, and families -- collectively and individually -- this has become a defining characteristic of our community. I am grateful and inspired.

1:25 Announcements

2:31 Dance Team

4:16 Varsity Cheer

6:24 Story Time in the Media Center

10:17 Raven Rave

10:56 Credits

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.

Support Drama Club's latest fundraiser! A variety of Sequoia Drama merchandise is now for sale. All proceeds go directly to the Drama Program. The fundraiser goes until Dec 6, orders will be shipped directly to you and should arrive around Dec 22 - this could be the perfect holiday gift! We can't wait to see students and community members showcasing their Drama spirit! Click here to order now!

Sequoia’s 2022 yearbook can be reserved now at jostensyearbooks.com. Last year’s spectacular yearbook is available in the treasurer’s office while supplies last for $50. It is the perfect holiday gift!

Please send questions about the yearbook to Ms. Bray at ebray@seq.org.

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.

Please contact Chris Artea at christineartea@gmail.com to volunteer in the Snack Shack. All proceeds support Sequoia Athletics!

Please send your baby picture to Ms. Bray at ebray@seq.org by December 1. Jpeg with student name for the file name is appreciated.

If you missed the senior portrait deadline, make an appointment today to have your portrait taken ASAP. When you click on the link, click ‘book appointment’.

Please send questions about the yearbook to Ms. Bray at ebray@seq.org.

Sequoia Families: Please encourage your student(s) to open and read the weekly newsletter from the College and Career Center. It is important for your student(s) to get into the habit of reading the newsletter. Click here to read the recent newsletter.

Sequoia families with seniors: November 30 is the UC and CSU application deadline. Please encourage your student(s) to attend College Club on Tuesdays during 7th period or from 4-5:00 p.m. to receive help getting started on or reviewing applications.

Sequoia families with freshmen-juniors: Counselors wrapped up classroom grade level presentations on Nov. 16. We covered the following topics with each grade level during history class:

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.

Check out what’s happening at the Media Center and take a moment to see our November 2021 offerings. 

Please attend a virtual mandatory parent meeting on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. to learn about why this tour is important right now, travel scholarships, risk-free enrollment, student safety, and more trip details.

You must RSVP to receive the virtual meeting link. Click here to RSVP. For questions, please contact Camille Erskine. *Please note this is a non-school affiliated event.*

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.

For tickets go to https://nutcracker.ticketleap.com/nutcracker/ 

Do you want to learn more about our rural high school adventure in the green highland community of Costa Rica? Check out the Costa Rica Youth Exchange website or contact Ilba Prego, Director, at ilba@youthcr.org or toll free 1-888-674-0408.