| |
Sequoia
Sentinel
February 3, 2020
|
Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
|
|
Football, Junk Food, and Making History
 It's Super Bowl Sunday and there are at least a dozen Sequoia sophomores sprawled out in my family room, plates heaped high with the appropriate game-day goodies and watching TV, hoping for a 49ers victory. One of the kids shouts in amazement, "You have Dino-nuggets?!!" while several others make a beeline to a platter of homemade toffee brought by another. Let's be clear, as a public health nurse, I am not a fan of football. Don't even get me started on the physical risks of the game, including brain injuries like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). But when my daughter asked me if she could host the event and promised that she would orchestrate the festivities, I couldn't say no. Because while I don't love football, I am a BIG fan of kids - especially high school kids. And I couldn't imagine anything better that having a bunch of them monopolizing my family room on a Sunday afternoon laughing, eating, gossiping, and just having fun.
There is something special about kids as they reach young adulthood. Heightened emotions, enthusiasm for the future, and a little bit of recklessness that can drive their parents crazy. But with it comes energy that can lead them to make amazing choices that have the power to change the world.
This past Saturday marked the 60
th
anniversary of the Greensboro North Carolina Sit-In, when four college freshmen (not much older than those in my family room) gathered in their college dorm to brainstorm ways to fight racism in their community. They chose to integrate a "whites only" Woolworth lunch counter in their town by sitting-in and demanding to be served lunch just like anyone else. By participating, they knew they were risking their safety and even possibly their lives but they felt it was worth it. The protest began with just those four young men but throughout the week, participants grew day by day and six days later, over 1,500 young people marched through Greensboro to the store in solidarity. The inspiration of this event was the catalyst for further sit-ins throughout the south and contributed to the wider national struggle for civil rights. During the upcoming mid-winter break, a group of Sequoia students will participate in the Sojourn to the Past Program where they will meet some of these individuals who took risks and became civil rights leaders who changed history.
 |
|
|
Dr. Liu (third from left) and attendees at her brown bag lunch presentation on the Doctors Without Borders Organization.
|
Last week, Sequoia's HOSA (Future Health Professionals Academy) hosted Dr. Joanne Liu for a brown-bag lunch talk about the humanitarian aid organization, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which brings healthcare to some of the most dangerous war-inflicted regions of the world. Dr. Liu, who has just finished her six-year term as International President, spoke about how as a teen she was inspired to become a doctor and had the ultimate goal to be a part of MSF despite knowing the dangers of humanitarian aid work. She spoke of the wars and epidemics that impacted her work and she finished her remarks saying that she hoped she inspired Sequoia students to partake in humanitarian work. From the look on the faces of the audience, no doubt she had.
Whether it be civil rights struggles or humanitarian aid work, or politics, or arts, or sciences, there will be leaders among our kids who will take the necessary risks and challenge society to become change agents for a better world. It may be someone on my living room floor or someone sitting at your kitchen table but no matter where, I am glad I can spend a little time getting to know them over a plate of junk food and a game of football.
Have a great week and I hope to see you around campus!
Lisa Hane
PTSA President
|
|
Let's Talk Food at This Tuesday's PTSA Meeting!
 Everyone is welcome to attend Sequoia PTSA's monthly meeting this Tuesday, February 4, 2020
at 7:00 p.m. in the MPR. Our special guest speaker will be Sequoia's own culinary teacher, Mr. Jacob Marotta, who will give a short presentation on Sequoia's culinary program and take questions from parents. Mr. Marotta is looking forward to sharing his ideas for the future of foods at Sequoia!
As he does each month, Principal Sean Priest will start off the night with his State of the School report and hear from the parent community.
Whether or not you are a paying member of the PTSA, you are very welcome to share in this fun an informative evening and we hope to see you there. Click here to read the meeting agenda.
|
|
Join SHSEF for a Non-partisan Forum on Education with California Senate District 13 Candidates
 SHSEF is co-sponsoring a meet-the-candidates event for California State Senate District 13. Join us for a non-partisan forum on the topic of education featuring candidates running for election this year.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Redwood City Downtown Library
Second Floor, Community Room
1044 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA
|
|
Interested in the Middle College Program at Sequoia?
The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College is now accepting applications for Fall 2020. Middle College is a collaboration between 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.
Interested students should speak to their counselor and attend one of the Parent/Student information nights on:
Tuesday, February 11
Tuesday, February 25
Thursday, March 5
All meetings will be held at the SUHSD Office at 480 James Ave, Redwood City in the Board Room from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
All applications must be submitted by March 20, 2020.
Please email Yesenia Haro, Cañada Middle College Staff Assistant or call her at 650-306-3155 with any questions.
|
Senior Families: Buy Your Discounted Grad Night Ticket Now
 Welcome to the new year! There are only 131 days until we ROCK THE BOAT! Class of 2020, have you bought your Grad Night ticket?
Tickets are currently available for $80/person, which includes transportation, food, and all of the activities on the cruise.
Please go to the
PTSA website to purchase tickets and find more information about Grad Night and all of the other Graduation Activities that are happening at the end of the year. You will also find a link to a list of who has purchased tickets, in case you don't remember if you have already done so.
The Grad Night ticket price goes up to $90/person on Tuesday, February 25, so buy your ticket today!
|
|
Join Us at the Conference for Immigrants and Allies
 Save the date for the Conference for Immigrants and Allies at Sequoia High School on
Saturday, February 29
from 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m
. This conference is organized by the Sequoia High School DREAM Club, Immigrant Youth Action Team, and Redwood City 2020, and is open to both adult immigrants and allies.
The conference, formerly known as Day of Unity, Understanding, and Supportive Action, will include a resource fair, workshops, and youth performances, to share timely and relevant information as well as build empathy and understanding.
This year, a workshop track for educators, led by Immigrants Rising will be offered in addition to workshops for adult immigrants and allies. Topics covered include Know Your Rights, immigration options, the college application process, mental health, and much more!
Reserve your free tickets at
this link
or by calling (650)423-2207. Please email Shannon Chiu
with any questions.
This conference is run in conjunction with the High School DREAMers Unite! Conference. Please spread the word to any interested high school students you may know! Tickets can be found at
this link
.
 ¡Reserve la fecha para la Conferencia Para Inmigrantes y Aliados
el 29 de febrero de 8:45 a.m. a 2:30 p.m.
en Sequoia High School! Esta conferencia está organizada por Sequoia High School DREAM Club, Immigrant Youth Action Team, y Redwood City 2020 para los adultos inmigrantes y aliados.
La conferencia incluirá una feria de recursos, talleres, y actuaciones de estudiantes. Se compartirá información de inmigración actualizada y relevante para ayudar formar un sentido de empatía y comprensión en la comunidad.
Además de talleres de Conoce Tus Derechos, opciones de inmigración, cómo solicitar a la universidad, salud mental, y más para los adultos inmigrantes y aliados, este año Immigrants Rising ofrecerá una serie de talleres para educadores.
Reserve sus boletos gratis usando
este enlace
o llama por teléfono a (650)423-2207. Si tienen preguntas por favor de enviar un correo electrónico a Shannon Chiu
.
¡Esta conferencia es organizada junto con la conferencia de High School DREAMers Unite! Por favor inviten a los estudiantes de preparatoria interesados que conoce. Los boletos se encuentran
en este enlace
.
|
|
Junior Families: Last Basketball Game to Raise Funds for Grad Activities
 Thank you to the junior class families who helped with our last two basketball concessions!
We will be setting up our last concession booth on
Friday, February 7, 2020. Please
sign up here to help fill the last few concession booth volunteer positions and spots for donation items.
|
Looking for Volunteer Drivers for ESL Field Trip
 San Jose Inspiring Connections Outdoors (San Jose ICO - a branch of the Sierra Club) has been offering trips to English learners at Sequoia High School for over ten years. David Ortiz and Stacy Wenzel are the volunteer staff liaisons at Sequoia for the organization. ICO needs volunteer drivers for a snow trip February 29 - March 1, 2020.
There is a short volunteer training (under 2 hours) required. Please see the website for more information about volunteering. Additional training sessions can be added (beyond those listed on the website). If you are interested, please email Bob Segalla and mention that you are available to drive on the February 29th - March 1st snow trip.
Thank you for considering!
~ Stacy Wenzel, ESL Teacher
|
Feedback Needed: Tell Us How We Can Improve the Sequoia Sentinel
 Our goal for this newsletter is to keep the parents and the Sequoia High School community informed on events, announcements, and opportunities related to the school and the school district. In order for us to better serve the interests of the parents, guardians, and community through the newsletter, please take this short survey and provide your feedback by Friday, February 14, 2020.
|
|
| |
|
Reflections 2019-20: Winners Move On to State Level Competition
|
|
|
"Silenced" by Denise Carillo
|
Throughout the 17th District PTA, there were 335 students from 17 local unit PTA/PTSAs that participated in the Reflections Program 2019-20 "Look Within". We are very excited to announce that two of our Sequoia participants, Marta Olson with her poem, "Fish Tank" in the High School Literature category, and Denise Carrillo with her artwork, "Silenced" for the High School Visual Arts category, received the coveted Award of Excellence. Both will advance on to the California State level competition. Results will be announced at the end of March.
Meanwhile, mark your calendars for our annual Reflections reception on April 7, 2020 to recognize all of our participants.
Congratulations!
|
|
Party On, Ravens!
|
|
|
Sequoia students packed the Fox Theater on Saturday night.
|
The Winter Waltz was a smashing success! 834 Sequoia students and guests filled the Fox Theater in downtown Redwood City, making the 2020 winter formal officially the most attended dance in the history of Sequoia HS. Special thanks to dance committee chairs
Alyssa Silverthorne and
Elise Schult, as well as the rest of
Sequoia's ASB, for all of their hard work and dedication toward making the night a special one. And thanks to Activities Director
Mr. Corey Uhalde for his indomitable spirit in championing student events year after year.
|
|
| |
| |
|
Calendar
Monday, Feb. 3
First Day of Spring Sports
Tuesday, Feb. 4
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
PTSA/ELAC Meeting, MPR
Thursday, Feb. 6
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Senior Community College Fair, MPR
Friday, Feb. 7
3:15 p.m.- JV Girls
4:45 p.m. - JV Boys
6:15 p.m. - V Girls
7:45 p.m. - V Boys
BB Quad Game vs. M-A,
Gym 1
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 10
No School
Staff Development Day
Tuesday, Feb. 11
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Middle College Info Meeting,
SUHSD Office on James Ave. - Board Rm.
Feb. 17 - 21
No School
Mid-Winter Break
Tuesday, Feb. 25
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Boosters Meeting, Staff Lounge Rm. 233
Tuesday, Feb. 25
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Middle College Info Meeting,
SUHSD Office on James Ave. - Board Rm.
Saturday, Feb. 29
8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Conference for Immigrants and Allies,
Sequoia High School
|
|
| |
|
Support Sequoia All Year
Copy and paste SHSEF's AmazonSmile link below onto your browser bar for quick access to future contributions while shopping!
|
|
It's Always the Right Time...
...to be a part of the Sequoia community!
|
|
The Sentinel
Our readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of our Sequoia students, staff, and community. If you have articles to submit to the Sentinel (including photos and links), please
email the article/blurb by the Thursday before publication. See the following
Guidelines for news submissions.
For those who wish to subscribe or resubscribe, we cannot add you back if you initiated the unsubscribe authorization at any point so use the link below to receive our weekly newsletter. Please check all appropriate boxes for grade level or special interest communications.
|
|
|
En Español
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora? Siga estas instrucciones para obtener una traducción:
1. Haga clic en "Click here" en la parte superior del correo electrónico: "Having trouble viewing this email? Click here."
2. 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.
3. Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a
4. 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.
5. Asegúrese de seleccionar "To: Spanish" en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en el botón Traducir. La traducción al español debe aparecer en el lado derecho.
|
|
|
|
|
WOODSIDE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Creating Gender Inclusive Environments for Children and Teens
Joel Baum, Senior Director for Professional Development, Gender Spectrum
Thursday, February 27, 2020, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Woodside High School
Multi-Use Room (MUR)
199 Churchill Avenue, Woodside
As one of the most fundamental aspects of self, gender impacts everybody--particularly children and teens.
Gender Spectrum's mission is to create a gender-inclusive world for all children and youth. Today's young people have significantly different understandings of gender than previous generations, with consequences for children, families, organizations, and institutions.
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome! Free admission and light refreshments. Spanish interpretation will be available.
KEPLER'S LITERARY FOUNDATION & M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
 Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World
Dr. Madeline Levine, Psychologist and Bestselling Author
Friday, February 28, 2020, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Kepler's Books
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
Dr. Madeline Levine, bestselling author
of The Price of Privilege
and Teach Your Children Well
, shares a hopeful vision of how we can help our children embark on their futures with confidence. This special event is sponsored in partnership with Kepler's Literary Foundation and the M-A Parent Education Series.
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome!
Free admission and light refreshments. Spanish interpretation will be available.
M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
 Parenting Through the College Admission Process
Alice Kleeman, former M-A College Advisor &
Jim Rawlins, Director of Admissions, University of Oregon
Thursday, March 5, 2020, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Menlo-Atherton High School
M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
In a lively armchair conversation, Parenting Through the College Admission Process brings Alice Kleeman, former M-A College Advisor, and Jim Rawlins, Director of Admissions at the University of Oregon to the M-A stage. Alice and Jim will share their views from the high school, college, and parent perspectives.
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome!
Free admission and light refreshments. Spanish interpretation will be available.
M-A Parent Education Series events are sponsored by M-A PTA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
Woodside Parent Education Series events are sponsored by Woodside PTSA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
CARLMONT PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
 LIKE: The Impact of Social Media On Our Lives
Documentary Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Carlmont High School, Performing Arts Center (PAC)
1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont
Join us for an exclusive showing of
LIKE, the new IndieFlix Original documentary
that explores the impact of social media on our lives. By understanding the impact of technology on the brain, we can learn how to navigate it more safely with our teens.
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome!
Free admission and light refreshments. Spanish interpretation (film subtitles) will be available. Film showing to be followed by a panel discussion.
Carlmont Parent Education Series events are sponsored by Carlmont PTSA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot , M.A., Founder and Director, The Parent Education Series.
|
|
Carlmont High School Performing Arts Presents The Beloved Musical, Singin' In The Rain
Screenplay by BETTY COMDEN and ADOLPH GREEN
Songs by NACIO HERB BROWN and ARTHUR FREED
Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc.
Music published by EMI, all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
(Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen)
Produced by Arrangement With Maurice Rosenfield, Lois F. Rosenfield and Cindy Pritzker, Inc.
PRODUCTION DATES:
Thursday, February 6 at
7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 7 at
7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 8 at
7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 9 at
2:00 p.m.
Come join Carlmont Performing Arts
for one of Hollywood's most beloved musicals. Set in the 1920's during the silent movie era, our movie star, Don Lockwood, knows that the future of movies is in talkies, but his leading lady, Lina Lamont, has a voice better suited for silence. The public demands to see Don and Lina in talkies, but
what can they do about
Lina's screechy voice? Filled with every hilarious moment from the movie, a downpour of unforgettable songs, and tons of tap dancing, this show is sure to entertain the whole family! With a cast, crew, and student orchestra of over 100 of Carlmont High School's most talented, dedicated, and creative students, this show is one not to miss.
TICKETS
Center Orchestra: $25, Side Orchestra: $20, Rear Orchestra: $17
www.carlmontperformingarts.com
|
|
Why the Census is Important to the PTA
 2020 is an important year for the state and the country - it's the once-per-decade time that every person in America is counted in the U.S. Census. Census-taking starts in March 2020.
Why is this important to you as a PTA member or leader? In a nutshell, responding to the census helps your community get its fair share of funding for the next 10 years. Census data guides how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed for the following:
- Schools
- Health care facilities
- Roads and transportation
- Recreation centers
- Social services
- And much more!
In terms of education and schools, the census count impacts the next 10 years' worth of funds that your community's schools will receive for special education, classroom technology, teacher training, after-school programs, school lunch assistance, and so on. If your child is in second grade now, the census count will have an impact on her education until she graduates from high school!
You have the power to shape the future for the children of California by helping to ensure that everyone in your community is counted in the 2020 Census.
|
|
|
