Sequoia Sentinel
Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Why and how does it work?

We've hosted tours for potential incoming freshmen for a few weeks and I've followed along with our amazing ASB leaders to provide a parent perspective when needed. It's been a lot of fun meeting new families and watching them take in Sequoia. The ASB leaders talk about how kind and helpful everyone is, and while Sequoia is a big school, it is a welcoming place. I know they aren't wrong, but why? How can a school of 2,000 students feel small? How does it all work?

Honestly, I've thought about it a lot and I don't have an answer. I've relayed to many friends that it really is a special place, you just can't explain why or how, but it just is. Not a great explanation when you are trying to hype up your school - "Don't worry, it's awesome!"

It reminds me of The Coffee House (super original name), the on campus central hub at UC Davis where I worked while attending. It was 98% student run, and from what I can remember, there were only 2 full time, non-student employees that were the adults in charge, and the rest was left up to the student employees. From the dishwashing, to baking, to kitchen supervisors, to cashiers, all of it was student run. Years after I graduated, a friend was doing her masters in sociology and was interviewing past employees. After I answered her questions, she said "What made it work?" I was so confused. Why wouldn't it work? I had never in my life thought about it. I loved the place, I loved the people, I wanted it to work, and I wanted it to be successful. She had a point. What made all these young college kids without a lot of adult supervision make it work?

In the simplest terms, we cared, we wanted it to succeed, and we were proud. And it is that pride, that intangible thing that I believe makes Sequoia work. I see it all around from the students, to the teachers, to the staff. They care and they all want to make it work. Don't get me wrong, you can't have a school of 2,000 and not have bumps and hiccups along the way.

Despite that, I do think that Sequoia overall has a welcoming feel, a smaller school feel, and a feeling of belonging. Every time I am on campus I see the want-to-make-it-work attitude. Sequoia definitely lives up to its motto: Unaliyi, Place of Friends.

Karen Eller-Ha
PTSA
Feb 1: PTSA meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Please join us on February 1 at 6:30 p.m. via zoom for our monthly PTSA meeting. This month we will be joined by Lisa McCahon and Beth Peng from the IB Department. They will discuss changes to the IB math program and answer questions. In addition, we will have Judy Romero, Director of the Sequoia Resource Teen Center. She will provide a presentation on the Teen Center’s services, relay what mental health issues they are seeing with students, and be available to answer questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Sequoia High School PTA Virtual is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting Link

Meeting ID: 857 7335 4624
Passcode: 364785
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Meeting ID: 857 7335 4624
Passcode: 364785
Show some love for Sequoia teachers & staff
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. 

Sign up to donate treats and show your love and appreciation. Contact Linda Solon for questions.
HIGHLIGHTS
That's So Raven Ep. 12
That's So Raven is back! Tune into our first episode of 2022!

This week on That's So Raven...
0:29 Announcements
2:07 Drama Class
2:33 Sports Leadership
3:51 Sign up for Flex!
4:39 Credits
Science Olympiad making Sequoia history
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.

For students interested in joining the team, meetings are held every Monday during lunch in Room 228 and after school on Thursdays in Room 230. Check out the Science Olympiad website.
Feb. 1-28: Student art at Redwood City main library
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! 
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mark your calendars: College coffee chats with Ms. Ignaitis
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.

Join Zoom Meeting Link

Meeting ID: 811 2475 9895
Passcode: 815094
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,81124759895#,,,,*815094# US (Houston)
+17207072699,,81124759895#,,,,*815094# US (Denver)

Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 811 2475 9895
Passcode: 815094
Feb. 2-11: Get your Valentine's Day candy grams!

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. Click here to order today (link restricted to Sequoia accounts)
Sequoia Union High School District looking for guest teachers
Want to love where you work and what you do? More information is available here. The district hopes to hear from you! Questions? Email Human Resources.
SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College accepting fall applications
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:

  • Tuesday, February 1 - SUHSD Birch room
  • Thursday, February 10 - Zoom
  • Wednesday, March 3 - SUHSD Birch room
 
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.

Please check our Cañada Middle College webpage for Zoom links and more information, email us with questions, or call 650-306-3120.

All application components must be submitted by Friday, March 18 at 4:00 p.m.

Hablo Español! Thank you.
Middle College Team
SEQUOIA ATHLETICS
Games at home this week
🏀 2/2 Girls Basketball vs Aragon - JV 4:30 p.m., varsity 6:00 p.m. - SENIOR NIGHT!
🏀 2/3 Boys Basketball vs San Mateo - freshmen 7:00 p.m.
🏀 2/4 Boys Basketball vs Menlo-Atherton - JV 4:30 p.m., varsity 6:00 p.m.
Visit SeqSports.com for complete game schedules, and please note that some games may be affected due to Covid protocol. 
Mar. 19: Not-so-crabby virtual auction
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
Donate items for Boosters live or silent auction
Do you have items you would like to donate for the Boosters auction? Here are some ideas:

Hosted parties - dinner and drinks, bowling night, theme parties
Vacation homes, experiences, or airline miles
Sporting event tickets and memorabilia
Gift cards to your favorite local business. #supportlocal

Please contact Aimee Swanson to donate.
CLASS NOTES
Basketball concessions - Junior class 2023 fundraiser
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

Feb. 1: Class of 2022 grad night tickets for sale
Attention CLASS OF 2022 PARENTS: Grad night tickets are going on sale starting THIS TUESDAY, February 1. Help your graduating senior celebrate the end of high school in style!

On Friday evening, June 3 from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m., the class of 2022 will enjoy an evening on a Hornblower Yacht cruising the beautiful San Francisco Bay. Chartered buses will transport students to and from the boat. While on board there will be food, a dj, dancing and many other fun activities.  

Early bird tickets are $80 each during the month of February only, the ticket price will go up in March. Please look for an email announcement on Feb. 1 with details and a link to purchase tickets.

Note: Hornblower must adhere to current San Francisco health mandates. Right now, that means to attend the event every student must be fully vaccinated (and show proof of vaccination before boarding the boat) and wear a mask. Requirements are subject to change as the mandate changes.

Thank you!
The Class of 2022 Grad Night Committee

For questions or if you'd like to help with this event- please contact Susie Vick or Sarah Sorensen 


PADRES DE LA CLASE 2022! Boletos para la celebración de noche de graduación estarán disponibles a partir de este MARTES , FEBRERO 1.

Ayude a su graduado celebrar el final de la highschool con estilo!

En la noche de Viernes Junio 3 desde las 10 p.m. asta las 4 a.m., la clase de 2022 disfrutara una noche aborde de un crucero de Hornblower.

Paseando por la linda bahía de San Francisco. Autobuses contratados transportaran estudiantes desde la escuela asta el crucero.

Mientras que esten abordo tendrán comida, baile con musca de dj y muchas mas actividades.

Boletos se venderán por $80 solo el mes de Febrero. El precio subirá en Marzo, así que compre su boleto pronto! Por favor esperen otro anuncio por email Febrero 1 con todos los detalles y un enlace para comprar boletos!

Nota, Los cruceros Hornblower deben adherirse a las reglas de salud mandados por la ciudad de San Francisco- en el presente.

Quiere decir que todos los que atiendan este evento tendrán que ser vacunados con las dos vacunas. Tendrán que presentar prueba de vacuna antes de abordar. Traer cubrebocas y las reglas pueden cambiar como vallan cambiando por los mandatos.

Gracias,
El Comité de Noche de Graduación de la Clase de 2022

Si tiene preguntas o quiere ayudar con este evento póngase en contacto con Susie Vick o Sarah Sorensen.
MEET ME IN THE MEDIA CENTER

Check out our January 2022 Newsletter and click here to find out what's happening at the Media Center! 


We look forward to seeing you,
Ms. Snow
THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Spark Imagination with Art: Criando niños curiosos y creativos
Jueves, 3 de febrero, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo)
 
Únase a nosotros para una sesión inspiradora sobre el fomento de la curiosidad y la creatividad con Rachelle Doorley, una educadora de artes centrada en el pensamiento creativo, las provocaciones artísticas y el seguimiento de la curiosidad y fundadora de TinkerLab.
 
 
Spark Imagination with Art: Raising Kids Who are Curious and Creative
Thurs., Feb. 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Live)
 
Join us for an inspiring session on encouraging curiosity and creativity with Rachelle Doorley, an arts educator focused on creative thinking, art provocations, and curiosity-following, and the founder of TinkerLab
 
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. 
 
 
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. 
 
Diferencias visibles e invisibles: promoción de la bondad, la empatía, la inclusión y la conciencia de la discapacidad
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? 
 
 
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?

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS
Improve your Spanish with Native Speakers!
Want to improve your Spanish, while also supporting college students in need? ¡Habla Más! is a Spanish coaching program from local nonprofit Upward Scholars in which native Spanish speakers, all trained as Spanish coaches, provide online Spanish lessons.

All levels of students are welcome and the first 30-minute lesson is free. Lessons are available for adults as well as kids of all ages.

For more information, go to https://www.upwardscholars.org/habla-mas.
Summer of Youth - Costa Rica
The only authentic and socially relevant platform for becoming bilingual is through local community level immersion.

Our "youth ambassadors" foster friendships and elevate interaction at the high school for visiting students. Nothing builds natural fluency like real participation that's not forced or measured.

Spontaneous adventure and freedom of expression helps young people connect language and elevate personal confidence. The Costa Rica Youth Exchange mission is to put the "friendship" back into the Spanish language experience by making people and village life the true focus of fluency. Contact us to learn more.
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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. 

Submit articles no later than the Wednesday before desired publication. Space is at a premium so we run articles for two weeks maximum. If you have any questions or would like to be added to a weekly reminder list to submit content, you can reach the editors at sequoiaptsanews@gmail.com.

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