Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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We’ve reached the fourth quarter of the year. For our 9-11 grade students, third quarter grades provide an opportunity to assess and prioritize. Twelfth graders, many of whom can expect college admissions updates over the next several days, see the finish line approaching. In each case, this can be a time of stress for students and families. There are more distractions than ever, more noise, and more tears. How can we get out in front this year?
Well, a big part of this is taking proactive steps to mitigate unnecessary stress. Here are some strategies families can use to support their students over the next nine weeks:
- Try five-plus-one breathing once a day. Try at least once a day to pause when you’re all together as a family and notice the last breath you took. How deeply did you expand your lungs? Now take five deep breaths, feeling the cool air fill your lungs and the warm air exit. Exhale with sound. After the fifth breath, make note of how much more your lungs expanded that on that initial breath. Make it something you do together spontaneously.
- Add fizzy water to the study routine. Encourage your student to notice the sensation of the carbonation in their mouth as they hydrate. We often practice mindfulness before and after “work, but mindfulness embedded in the tasks we take on – even simple things like stopping to notice how a liquid feels on your tongue – increases focus and productivity.
- 15-minute shut down. Studies show that 45 minutes of work paired with a 15-minute “power nap” leads to the same level of productivity as 75 minutes of work without a break. Try it out for yourself.
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Whenever possible eliminate choices for your student by simplifying their options for simple day-to-day activities. We all suffer from the paradox of choice. Who likes buying jeans, e.g.? Help your students curate entertainment or meal choices. Lay out clothes the night before.
- Work together as a family to develop simple cognitive routines unrelated to school. Put healthy breakfast options out at night, don’t charge devices in bedrooms. Model these behaviors and talk about how they’re helping you feel more present and centered in small but powerful ways.
We have been engaged in the schoolwide implementation of mindfulness at Sequoia for many years. Mental health and wellness for both students and staff has been central to our approach to school climate and culture. Recently, we brought Matt Cusick on board to support the inimitable Judy Romero and her team in our Teen Resource Center.
We’re doubling down on our goal of not just having a robust crisis response team but also approaching students wellness proactively. Matt’s position is possible only because of our SHSEF Annual Campaign. We are grateful for the support of our community in meeting our goal each year. Thanks in advance to those of you who haven’t given yet, but will help put us over the top as we make the final push between now and the end of the year.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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We are currently putting together our PTSA Board for next year. We have a few positions open and now is your chance to join and see the inner workings of the PTSA. Whether you want to jump right in as President or slowly come on board as a Committee Chair for New Teacher Grants, Mini Grants, or Picture Day, we've got it all. The PTSA is a well-oiled machine and you won’t be re-creating the wheel - we have lots of info on all the jobs. Contact us for questions, we look forward to hearing from you!
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Calling all Juniors: Apply for $250 scholarship |
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Applications for our annual PTSA Junior Scholarships are now being accepted. Each year since 2011 the Sequoia PTSA has granted scholarships to Sequoia juniors. The applications are due Sunday, April 24 by 10:00 p.m.
There are three categories of scholarships to recognize students: academic success, community service, or achievement in the face of socio-economic challenges. We have 20 scholarships to offer, each worth $250. 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 extra money to continue their education! Click here for the application and more information.
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Enjoy reading the Sentinel? Like to organize and edit content? Join our team! We are seeking one or two more editors to help produce the weekly publication next school year. Time commitment is approximately five hours once or twice a month. Experience with Google Docs, Google Sheets or Constant Contact is helpful, but not necessary — we will train you! Contact us for more information.
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Show your appreciation for our teachers and staff
¡Muestre su agradecimiento para nuestro personal y maestros!
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The morning after Open House, the PTSA will be treating our staff and teachers to espresso drinks and breakfast.
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La mañana después de la casa abierta (Open House) de Sequoia, la PTSA le dará a nuestro personal y maestros bebidas de café y desayuno.
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Apr. 29 & May 20: Mock interviewers needed for Career Fair |
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Students will rotate through 3 sessions, including:
Campus tours
Pathway experiences
Mock interviews - students meet with 3 professionals for a mock interview and resume review.
Please sign up for 1, 2, or 3 sessions; whatever fits your schedule. The 3 sessions will be:
10:25 – 11:25 a.m. Rotation #1
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Rotation #2
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Rotation #3
This is an IN-PERSON event at Foothill Community College. COVID Policies: The masking mandate is staying in place for this event. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test required.
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Last chance to see Art Show at Redwood City Library |
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The annual SHS Student Art Show at the Redwood City Main Library will close this Wednesday afternoon, March 23. Please stop by if you haven't had a chance to see the wonderful artwork created by Sequoia students this year. |
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Student photos - a year in review
Photography students have been busy! Check out the photos students took in Photo 1 & 2 first semester.
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IB Art Show
Come visit the IB Visual Arts gallery March 14-25 during lunch and school hours or on Opening Night, March 21 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Powell Gallery at Sequoia High School.
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“That’s So Raven” Ep. 15
Happy International Women's Day! Make sure to tell the strong women in your life how much you appreciate them today and everyday!
This week on That's So Raven...
01:20 Feminist Interviews
13:42 Young Feminist Club
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Love fashion, design and organization? The Family Center needs you |
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Do you enjoy fashion, style and design? Are you great at organizing spaces? Do you love creating positive experiences for teens? We would LOVE your help! The Sequoia Family Center is looking for adult volunteers to help organize our clothing/supplies/formalwear storage closet, as well as our Prom Gallery later this spring. We are excited Prom is scheduled to take place on May 13!
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Please share your 2022 Sequoia memories with the yearbook. Pictures can be sent to Ms. Bray at ebray@seq.org or submitted directly to the yearbook. See graphic for details. All contributions due by March 21.
Sports photos! If you have sports candids of your favorite Sequoia teams, we would love for you to send in your favorites to fill in the gaps. All contributions due by March 21. Thanks!
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3/21 Varsity boys lacrosse vs. Los Gatos - 7:00 p.m.
3/23 Varsity baseball vs. Capuchino - 4:00 p.m.
3/23 JV softball vs. Burlingame - 4:00 p.m.
3/23 Girls lacrosse vs. Woodside - JV 5:00 p.m., varsity 7:00 p.m.
3/23 Varsity boys volleyball vs. Capuchino - 6:00 p.m.
3/24 Varsity boys tennis vs. HMB - 4:00 p.m.
3/24 Varsity softball vs. Aragon - 4:00 p.m.
3/25 Girls & boys swimming vs. Aragon - 3:30 p.m.
3/25 JV baseball vs. Capuchino - 4:00 p.m.
3/25 Girls lacrosse vs. Burlingame - JV 5:00 p.m., varsity 7:00 p.m.
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Thank you for supporting the Boosters online auction |
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We are so grateful to the Sequoia community for participating in our Not-So-Crabby Online Auction.
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Grad Night tickets for sale and updated SF Health Mandate |
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Class of 2022 Families: The ship is sailing so don’t let your senior miss out on this fun adventure to celebrate their graduation! Don’t let the boat pass you by!
The Hornblower Bay cruise will be departing on Friday evening June 3rd and will circle the beautiful SF Bay for 3 hours. Transportation to San Francisco and back to Sequoia, food, beverages, games, DJ, and more are all included!
Discounted tickets are available for qualifying students at Sequoia’s Family Center - room 120. Contact emacias@seq.org for more information.
NEW Updated SF Health Mandate: Vaccinations and covid tests will no longer be required to attend this event. However, due to federal Coast Guard regulations all students must board wearing a mask. The masks can be removed onboard while students are actively eating and drinking.
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Class of 2022 graduation lawn signs |
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Do you have a graduating senior in your home? Celebrate their accomplishments by ordering a class of 2022 lawn/window sign!
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Tiene un estudiante graduándose? Festeje su éxito y pida un rótulo de Clase del 2022 para su yarda/ ventana!
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Apr. 8th 7-9p.m. Class of 2023 parents – grad activities meeting |
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It’s time to start planning for the Class of 2023 Graduation! The PTSA supports current junior parents to organize a brunch, a safe and sober boat cruise, graduation signs, and more! We have lots of jobs and your participation helps us give our graduating students a fabulous send-off from Sequoia. The PTSA is proud to support all our students, ensuring that every single one of them has the opportunity to join in all the fun activities!
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MEET ME IN THE MEDIA CENTER |
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We look forward to seeing you,
Ms. Snow
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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Helping Kids Cope in Uncertain Times |
Tues., March 22, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Online Event (Live)
How can we help our kids cope in uncertain times? What is the best way to support positive mental health as we move toward a “new normal”? Join David Anderson, PhD, vice president of school and community programs at the Child Mind Institute (CMI), to learn more.
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Ayudar a los niños (y familias) a sobrellevar tiempos inciertos
Martes, 22 de marzo, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Evento en línea (en vivo)
¿Cómo podemos ayudar a nuestros hijos a sobrellevar tiempos inciertos? ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de apoyar la salud mental positiva a medida que avanzamos hacia una "nueva normalidad"? Únase a David Anderson, PhD, vicepresidente de programas escolares y comunitarios del Child Mind Institute (CMI) para obtener más información.
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Parenting in a Digital Age: A Conversation with Digital Media Experts |
Thursday, March 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Live)
What are ways parents can set healthy boundaries and support their kids to use technology in a post-pandemic world?
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Crianza de los hijos en la era digital: una conversación con expertos en medios digitales |
Jueves, 24 de marzo, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo)
Enlace de zoom:
¿De qué manera los padres pueden establecer límites saludables y ayudar a sus hijos a usar la tecnología en una etapa posterior a la mundo pandémico?
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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Slow down summer - thrive in a community of youth
Our Youth Exchange was created 1998 with the purpose of connecting high school Spanish students to our growing Latino youth culture. The success of bringing youth together has been credited with a high retention in Spanish fluency. Youth tend to learn language rapidly when it revolves around the social interaction and family engagement of local peers. Program Director Ilba Prego is a native of Central America, having lived and worked in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
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En Español:
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora?
En Español
- 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.
- Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a google translate
- 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.
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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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