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I’ve written here before about how our most rewarding experiences as humans occur where purpose, autonomy, and mastery connect. In an educational setting, such occurrences are prized but elusive. When we feel the rewarding glow of these proverbial “light bulbs”, it’s worth our time to examine the conditions under which they came to be turned on.

But first, let’s talk about infant care and breast feeding. Among the many challenges posed by new moms returning to the workplace (child care, sleep health, postpartum hormonal changes, etc.), the ability to manage a feeding routine is perhaps the greatest. It involves toting expensive equipment to and fro, refrigeration, time, and, perhaps most importantly, privacy and physical space during the day to pump. In a large, public high school, privacy and time are scarce commodities. New moms have it tough. Full stop.

Over the years, we’ve patched together a variety of solutions for new moms on our staff: an unoccupied office or annex off in some corner of campus, the basics in terms of furniture, a locking door.  Spartan, if we’re being generous in our description.  When Sequoia 12th grader Ella Satterwhite took a look at our facilities, she knew we could do better and set out to create a calm, uplifting space that celebrated our hard-working moms as much as they deserve.

Like all other IB Diploma candidates, Ella completed a CAS (Creativity/Action/Service) project where students design a series of purposeful activities leading to meaningful outcomes. Other elements of a successful CAS project include overcoming a personal challenge, planning, reviewing progress, reporting, and reflection on personal learning and achievement of objectives. CAS projects aren’t assigned, they are initiated.

For her CAS project, Ella sought to apply concepts and skills she’d mastered in her IB Visual Arts into a school improvement project that focused on painting and making our lactation space more functional and beautiful. It’s a unique and special time for parent and child, and Sequoia’s new moms deserve a space that reflects that.

Ella’s investigation and preparation included researching best practices for lactation room design and interviewing past, present, and future users of the Sequoia lactation rooms. Shepherded by IB Coordinator Elisa Niño-Sears, Ella enlisted and organized the community, gathering gently-used items and securing a PTSA mini-grant to cover the paint costs. Sequoia parents Ashley Macuga and Jaime Ackerhalt, both interior designers, donated their time in consultation. Classmate and friend Mikayla Gee gave up a day of her mid-winter break to work on the project. Ella decorated the space with two of her own original paintings.   

Although a project that inspired many to join the parade, this was Ella’s vision. Like the best IB CAS projects–and all pinnacle learning experiences–it was about purpose, autonomy, and mastery. The outcome is nothing short of a glowing masterpiece. One staff member, visibly emotional upon seeing the remodel for the first time, recognized how it felt to be “seen, acknowledged, and understood” by Ella’s work. Unaliyi.

Have a great week!

Best,

Sean

Before

During

After

PTSA

For the past several years the Sequoia PTSA has granted scholarships to Sequoia juniors. The three categories of scholarships include: academic success, community service, or achievement in the face of socio-economic challenges. This is a great way for juniors to get a head start on college applications, to be recognized for all they've done to make Sequoia a better place, and to earn some money to continue their education! Each scholarship is worth $250.

Click here for the application and more information on applying for PTSA Junior Scholarships. Applications are due by Sunday, April 21, 10:00 p.m.

On Friday, March 22 (the morning after Open House), the PTSA will treat our staff and teachers to espresso drinks and breakfast. Show your appreciation and support for our hard-working Sequoia team by donating breakfast items or volunteering on campus on Friday, March 22. Multiple shifts are available. Sign up to contribute food or volunteer your time. It’s a great way to spend time on campus and thank our staff in person! Reach out to Katherine Schembri with questions. Thank you! 

El día viernes 22 de marzo, la mañana después de “Casa Abierta,” la PTSA le dará a nuestro personal y maestros bebidas de café y desayuno. Muestre su apreciación y apoyo para nuestro equipo que trabaja arduamente en Sequoia donando comida para el desayuno u ofreciendo su tiempo en la escuela el día viernes 22 de marzo. Tenemos múltiples turnos para ayudar. Apúntese para contribuir con comida o con su tiempo. Es una buena manera de pasar tiempo en el campus y agradecer al personal directamente. Mande un mensaje a Katherine Schembri con cualquier pregunta. ¡Gracias!

The College and Career Center is looking for a creative parent volunteer to help create a few display projects. We are looking for a person to come in once a week for a couple of hours. If interested, please email tignaitis@seq.org.

SHSEF

Do you have a formal dress, suit, tuxedo or fancy accessories in great condition that you would like to donate to Sequoia High School students? The Family Center, SHSEF & PTSA are organizing our annual Sequoia PROM GALLERY for the beginning of April. Each year we create a Prom Gallery “store” on our campus so students can "shop" for a prom outfit, completely free. Many hard-working Sequoia teens and their families are excited about Sequoia's upcoming Prom, but are worried about the huge cost of buying or renting formalwear. Sequoia is committed to making prom an inclusive, fun milestone event for ALL of our students. 

We need formal dresses (mostly long styles), modern suits (black or dark preferred), tuxedos, ties, dress shoes (women’s and men's), fancy costume jewelry, small clutches, etc. CLEAN and stain-free in ALL sizes!

Please deliver your donation(s) by Friday, March 22 to:

1. The Family Center (Sequoia HS, Room 129), weekdays only, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. OR

2. Ann Kamensky at 43 Finger Avenue, RWC, weekdays or weekends, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.* 

*Before dropping off, or for any questions, please email Ann or text/call 617-835-9586.

Sign up here to volunteer to staff the PROM GALLERY in April. It is a fun and festive atmosphere to be a part of. Come join us and help students find the dress or suit of their dreams! Your help will make Prom a special evening for everyone, thank you!

 ¿Tiene usted un vestido formal, traje, smoking o accesorio formal en gran condición que le 

gustaría donar a los estudiantes de Sequoia para su graduación? ¡El Family Center, SHSEF y PTSA están organizando la Galería de Graduación anual en Sequoia a principios de abril! Cada año Sequoia crea una "tienda" en el campus para que los estudiantes puedan buscar su ropa de graduación, completamente gratis. Muchos de los adolescentes de Sequioa y sus familiares están emocionados por la graduación que se aproxima, pero también están preocupados por el costo exorbitante de comprar o rentar ropa formal. Sequoiase compromete en hacer de la graduación un evento inclusivo y memorable para TODOS los estudiantes. ¡Usted nos puede ayudar!

Necesitamos vestidos formales (en su mayoria largos), trajes contemporáneos (preferentemente color negro u obscuro), smokings, corbatas, zapatos de vestir (para mujer y para hombre), joyería de fantasía, bolsas de mano pequeñas, etc. ¡Todo debe estar LIMPIO, libre de manchas y TODAS las tallas son bienvenidas!

Por favor entregue sus donaciones a más tardar el viernes 22 de marzo usando una de las siguientes formas:

1. El Family Center (Sequoia HS, Salón 129), sólo entre semana, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

2.A Ann Kamensky en 43 Finger Avenue RWC, cualquier día de la semana, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.* 

*Antes de entregar o para cualquier pregunta, por favor llame o mande un texto al 617-835-9586 or mande un correo electrónico a Ann.

También necesitamos voluntarios para servir en la Galeria de Graduación en abril. ¡Ayude a los estudiantes a encontrar el vestido o traje de sus sueños!

SHSEF is so grateful to our sponsors for their generous support. Please consider supporting these community partners!

• Diamond Level Business Partners (Oracle; Gunderson Dettmer)

• Platinum Level Business Partners (Goetz Brothers; Tavarez Orthodontics)

• Gold Level Business Partners (County Consumer Plumbing; Hassett Hardware; Hummingbird Music School; John McAfee, State Farm; Joyce & Tatum Real Estate Team; Rim Orthodontics; 12M Recruiting and EdTech Recruiting)

• Bronze Level Business Partner (BeautyCounter)

Did you know Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) supports staff, projects and programs to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential? We raise funds for college services, academic enrichment programs, staff professional development, and student and family support.

Donate today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

In a series of heartfelt and humorous vignettes, Community Garden digs into the ways that taking care of the environment helps people take care of each other. 

Shows are March 22-24. Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online only at www.sequoiadrama.com. Join us 20 minutes prior to the start of each show to interact with our cast and learn more about gardening. 

And we are still seeking props for the play! We are looking to borrow/thrift as many set items and props as possible. If you happen to have any of the following items and would be open to donating or temporarily lending them (show closes March 24), please email Ms. Cain:

• Large shovel(s), rake, gardening tools (any size or variety)
• Planter bed decor, seeds, fake plants
• Large tripod that fits an iPhone
• Outdoor patio string lights
• Any kind of bulletin board
• Small tool shed
• Segment of chain-link fence

Sequoia has been asked to help find host families for a group of students from Annecy, France. The students will be here from March 28 through April 14 (includes Sequoia’s spring break). Hosting an international exchange student is rewarding for the whole family!

Please email Mme Chin if you will be able to host, or for more information.

Experience the vibrant creativity of SHS student artwork on display at the Redwood City Main Library March 6-29. Join us in celebrating the power of imagination and innovation captured through the eyes of these budding artists!

SUHSD Strategic Plan Survey Extended to 3/15 

SUHSD is in the process of developing its strategic plan, a three-year plan that will guide the District's future by setting priorities and focusing energy and resources to ensure that all District stakeholders are working towards common goals.

We want to invite SUHSD parents and families to take our strategic plan survey, extended through March 15. The survey incorporates the parent survey from prior years and asks for feedback on our goals, measures, and initiatives for the future.

Take the survey at bit.ly/SUHSDSPSurvey

Coming Up: SUHSD Strategic Plan Community Forums on March 11 and 12

We invite you to our community input forums in March. The first forum will be held over Zoom on March 11 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, and the second will be held in-person at the District Office at 480 James Ave in Redwood City on March 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM.

For more information, visit seq.org/strategicplan

La encuesta del plan estratégico de SUHSD cierra esta semana

SUHSD está en el proceso de desarrollar su plan estratégico, un plan de tres años que guiará el futuro del Distrito estableciendo prioridades y enfocando energía y recursos para garantizar que todas las partes interesadas del Distrito estén trabajando hacia metas comunes.

Queremos invitar a los padres y familias de SUHSD a completar nuestra encuesta del plan estratégico, extendida hasta el 15 de marzo. La encuesta incorpora la encuesta de padres de años pasados y solicita comentarios sobre nuestras metas, medidas e iniciativas para el futuro.

Toma la encuesta en bit.ly/SUHSDSPEncuesta

Próximamente: Foros comunitarios del plan estratégico de SUHSD el 11 y 12 de marzo

Lo invitamos a nuestros foros comunitarios en marzo. El primer foro se llevará a cabo por Zoom el 11 de marzo de 6:00 a 7:30 p.m., y el segundo se llevará a cabo en persona en la Oficina del Distrito en 480 James Ave en Redwood City el 12 de marzo de 6:00 a 7:30 p.m.

Para obtener más información, visite seq.org/strategicplan

The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College is accepting applications for Fall 2024. All classes are held at Cañada College and there is no cost. Watch the video and see the flyer for all the details. Current sophomores should speak to their counselor and there also is a limited amount of space for current juniors (rising seniors). All application components must be submitted by Fri., March 15 at 4:00 p.m. Email us with questions, visit the website for more information or call 650-306-3120. ¡Hablamos Español! Gracias. Thank you, Cañada Middle College Team

The Sequoia High School Alumni Association is looking to honor a Purple Patriot and is soliciting nominations for its annual award, purple and white being Sequoia High School's official colors. Recipients will receive a framed certificate as well as have their name inscribed on a perpetual trophy on permanent display at the high school.

The Purple Patriot Award was instituted to honor both individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding service or provided a significant benefit directly to Sequoia High School. Nominees may be from Sequoia High School or the community at large.

Please indicate the nominee's individual name or organization name, stating why the nominee should receive this award. Indicate specifically what role the nominee played in directly providing the service or benefit to Sequoia High School and explain in detail what the service or benefit was.

Nominations must be submitted in writing to the Sequoia High School Alumni Association, P. O. Box 2534, Redwood City, CA 94064, emailed to shsaa@sequoiaalumni.org, or placed in the Sequoia High School Alumni Association mailbox near the Principal's office no later than Monday, March 25.

Mock Interviews are needed for Sequoia students experiencing a college & career day! It's an easy and fun volunteer opportunity for anyone who has interviewed for a job before. Learn more here or sign up at the links below.

April 23, 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Sign Up Here for Foothill College

April 24, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Sign Up Here for Skyline College

The Media Center is dedicated to designing and maintaining a library media program that supports, complements, and expands the instructional program of the school. View the March newsletter

View complete sports schedules at SeqSports.com and come out to support our spring teams at this week's home games!

🏸 3/12 Badminton vs South SF - Varsity 4:30 pm

🥍 3/12 Boys Lacrosse vs Carlmont - Varsity 7:00 pm

🥍 3/13 Girls Lacrosse vs Dublin - Varsity 7:00 p.m., JV 5:30 pm

🏊‍♀️ 3/14 Swimming vs Menlo-Atherton - All levels 3:30 pm

🥍 3/15 Girls Lacrosse vs Woodside - Varsity 7:00 p.m., JV 5:30 pm

For sports news, please join the Sequoia Boosters email list and follow individual teams on Instagram. View all sports schedules at SeqSports.com.

Check out the Boosters Online Auction! Registration is free, but you must be registered to bid or support this year’s Fund-A-Need. All funds raised will benefit all Sequoia sports teams by providing equipment, transportation, uniforms, and more!

Preview our auction catalog featuring packages big and small, including some fabulous baskets offered by each Sequoia sports team. Please encourage your family, friends, and teammates to participate. Thank you for your support!

Bid on packages like these:

• 2024 VIP Grad seats, parking & breakfast for 20
• 5 hours of college counseling services
• Custom SEQ corn hole boards
• Parties, getaways, sports tickets, fitness classes and more!

CLASS NOTES

All freshmen will meet one-on-one with their assigned counselor to lock courses for 10th grade and if needed, sign up for any credit recovery.

*FRESHMEN, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SEQ GOOGLE EMAIL & SEQ GOOGLE CALENDAR FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT DETAILS.

The Counseling Office will not be sending passes for appointments. Students, please arrive on time and if you need to reschedule please email your counselor as soon as possible. If you have already met with your counselor one-on-one to lock classes for 10th grade, please disregard this reminder.

RECORDATORIO: Todos los estudiantes del noveno grado se reunirán individualmente con su consejero asignado para confirmar sus cursos para el décimo grado y, si es necesario, inscribirlos para recuperar créditos.

*ESTUDIANTES, POR FAVOR, CONSULTEN SU CORREO ELECTRÓNICO Y CALENDARIO DE SEQ PARA LOS DETALLES DE SU CITA.

La Oficina de Consejería no enviará pases para las citas, así que es importante llegar a tiempo y si es necesario reprogramar la cita, envíe un correo electrónico al consejero asignado. Si ya te has reunido individualmente con tu consejero para confirmar las clases para el décimo grado, ignora este mensaje.

PARENT EDUCATION

3/12: Making It Less Awkward: Navigating the Tween and Teen Years

Cara Natterson, MD, and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, co-authors, This Is So Awkward

Register: https://nattersonbennett2024smcoe.eventbrite.com

3/14: Why a Sense of Control is Key to Mental Health, and How to Foster It in Kids

Bill Stixrud, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist, and Ned Johnson, Founder, PrepMatters

Register: https://stixrudandjohnson2024rcsd.eventbrite.com

3/12: Haciéndolo menos incómodo: navegando entre la pre-adolescencia y la adolescencia

Cara Natterson, MD y Vanessa Kroll Bennett, co autoras, Esto es tan incómodo

Registro:https://nattersonbennett2024smcoe.eventbrite.com

3/14:Por qué un sentido de control es clave para la salud mental y cómo fomentarlo en los niños

Bill Stixrud, PhD, Neuropsicólogo Clínico, y Ned Johnson, Fundador de  PrepMatters

Registro: https://stixrudandjohnson2024rcsd.eventbrite.com

COMMUNITY

Let's make Spanish fluency possible for every student - the Costa Rica Youth Exchange is a summer peer-to-peer dual language experience that thrives on the power of youth social engagement. People connections are what makes language relevant to teens. It opens doors to new friends with new ways to grow and expand opportunities.

Spanish is culturally a social language that celebrates friendship. That is our focus - we bring out the best in young speakers by helping them feel connected and engaged within our local youth culture. We dedicate each day to bringing youth together to share experience, make friends, have fun and gain confidence.

Each morning students meet at our host high school, where they interact in a variety of activities from cooking, arts, sports, dance, Spanish/English conversation and volunteer student projects. Our student "ambassadors" are matched with visiting students to help them interact and meet other students. Find out more.