Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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A good friend from college whose children attend private schools in another state asked me a thoughtful question when we spent time together over spring break last week. “I can tell how seriously you take your work and how proud you are of your school,” he said, “but how do you measure its success?”
I listed a range of things that keep me up at night: do our students feel safe, understood, and valued? Does our curriculum celebrate students’ experiences? Is learning fun? I named key data indicators such as A-G eligibility, graduation rates, and participation in IB. I talked about fostering conditions where intelligent, innovative staff felt fulfilled by their work. I mentioned the pride our school generates in the community among families.
Another friend, a Californian with children in public school was listening in and asked about state testing. “What happens if you succeed in all those areas but the students don’t score well on their exams?” Another great question (my friends are all way smarter than I am). To his point, I had listed a lot of things before mentioning results on standardized tests. Many were admittedly squishy. Wasn’t there some formal accountability in what we do? What more, CAASPP testing was, at the time, right around the corner. As many of you know, math assessment for 11th-graders began last Monday, language arts on schedule for this week.
I believe in standards as a fundamental equity issue. Every student should expect to graduate with a determined set of skills and knowledge regardless of where they go to school or which teacher they’re assigned. Furthermore, I believe the learning standards in 2022 (e.g., CCSS or NGSS) empower students to think critically and independently better than other frameworks I've known throughout my career. The assessment model we use serves as a helpful measure of students’ mastery of these standards. It is approachable, adapts to students’ ability, and gives schools actionable data.
That being said, I’m mindful not to confuse the metric with the mission. If our students perform well on the exam (which some will and others won’t), it will not define the success or failure of our school. It will help us understand our students better. It will help us identify trends and patterns among our students. It will help us think about ways to ensure that their feeling safe, understood, and valued align with 21st-century skills, positioning them as pace-setters in college and career.
I am inspired by our community’s orientation to testing and accountability each time April rolls around. Students generally put forth a strong effort, striking the right balance between taking these measures seriously without creating undue or overwhelming pressure. This is something we watch even more closely during IB testing next month. Yes, preparations are in full-swing for over 400 students eager to show what they can do. We need volunteer proctors, so please help if you can. See below for more information.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Thank you for supporting staff breakfast |
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The morning before Spring break, the PTSA treated our wonderful teachers and staff to espresso drinks and tasty grab-n-go or hand delivered breakfast treats.
THANK YOU to all of the families who donated breakfast treats, and a special shout out to the parents and ASB students who helped assemble orders and make deliveries. It was a special way to celebrate the hard work and commitment of teachers and staff, and they certainly seemed to appreciate the appreciation!
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Mini-grants in action: Sequoia's STEMality Club |
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In the Fall of 2021, Sequoia’s STEMality Club received a mini-grant of $750. With this grant, the STEMality Club purchased science materials for an elementary school physics challenge entitled ‘Gravity! Drag! Impact!’
Flying eggs?! With the teamwork and tools offered by Sequoia’s STEMality Club, students from numerous elementary schools were challenged to an egg drop contest. Using materials such as duct tape, glue and cotton balls, excited students learned the intricacies and laws of physics. Although one winner secured a prize, everyone walked away with hands-on knowledge of the power of science, and a much deeper understanding of physics.
An egg drop is just one of the many challenges and experiments offered by STEMality, a non-profit organization led by Sequoia High School students that strives to empower youth through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This organization advocates for equality and diversity in STEM, pioneers STEM exploration in elementary schools, and subsidizes underserved STEM programs. The organization allows Sequoia students to have the valuable opportunity of teaching elementary children how exciting STEM can be, while inspiring the next generations of STEM leaders.
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As Joseph Fitzgerald wrote, “This grant was very useful and we are immensely thankful because it allowed us to encourage the students to think outside the box, enter into an engineering mindset, as well as engage in the designing of the contraptions."
~ Leslie Doohan (in support of Sequoia Stemality Nonprofit Organization Mini-Grant)
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Calling all juniors: apply for $250 scholarship by April 24 |
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“That’s So Raven” Ep. 17
This week on That's So Raven...
0:59 Flex Time Advertisement
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Sequoia needs your help with IB exams! |
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Sequoia is in need of 97 parent volunteers to assist with seventy-one IB exams that we will be administering on-campus and in-person April 28-May 20. We need YOUR help this exam season!
Please sign up TODAY:
2) Review options, double check your calendar, and choose your sign -up spot(s).
3) Sign up for one, two or several shifts.
As your test date approaches, the IB Office will send you an email with detailed steps for your testing date.
FAQs:
1) Can I assist with an exam my student is taking? Yes you CAN, but you will be stationed in a different room from your student. Please email elisa@atlashs.org to confirm you will be in a different location.
2) I don’t have a kid in IB - why should I help? You will get an interesting and inside peek at our students' impressive knowledge and tremendous work ethic. This video continues to inspire us as we reflect on what these college-level classes and exams mean for our students. IB exams can be stressful… your calm, positive support and smile can make a huge difference for a nervous student.
3) Why do you need so many volunteers? The IB Program requires that schools recruit 1 proctor volunteer for every 20 students taking an exam. With almost 400 Sequoia students taking a total of 1,638 IB exams, we need to assemble a huge team to make it work. All schools around the world -- public and private -- depend on volunteers. Many parents take a half day off from work or make childcare arrangements so they can pitch in as a proctor.
4) Do I need to know how to do anything? No need to prepare or learn anything in advance, and there is no long term commitment. Our staff will give you all the instructions you need to feel helpful and successful. All you need to do is be on-time, wear comfortable clothing/shoes, and be supportive, quiet and present (no phones, laptops or distractions) during the exam.
5) Can I ask my relative, college student or neighbor to help? Yes! We welcome any reliable adult’s help.
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Donate to help all students enjoy prom |
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Many students are excited about prom, but are worried about the high cost of buying or renting formalwear. Sequoia is committed to making prom an inclusive, fun event for all our students. Each year Sequoia creates a "Prom Gallery" so students-in-need can "shop" for a prom outfit, completely free.
Sequoia’s Prom Gallery will be open on campus at the end of April – our first in 3 years! We are hoping to have free dresses, free and reduced-price tux rentals, and accessories for students-in-need to choose from.
Have a dress you can donate? Or like-new formal accessories?
We need dresses, jewelry, shawls, wraps, dress shoes, clutches, etc. All items must be stylish (current styles or retro-but-cool, and formal enough for prom - long gowns seem to be the preference), in great condition, and CLEAN. (Torn or stained items CANNOT be accepted.) We welcome ALL sizes as we have beautiful students in all sizes! If you have a tux or modern black suit to donate, that is great! We are not accepting other suits and ties at this time due to space limitations.
Please deliver donations by April 21 to one of our five convenient drop-off locations:
- The Family Center (Sequoia HS, Room 129), weekdays only, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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Redwood City Home A (126 Warwick St, RWC), weekdays or weekends, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Questions about this site, please email: aimeeswan@gmail.com.
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Redwood City Home B (290 Lowell St., RWC), weekdays or weekends, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Questions about this site, please email: joannajeffs2005@gmail.com.
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San Carlos Home A (959 Tamarack Ave, SC): weekdays or weekends, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Questions about this site, please email: katep60614@yahoo.com.
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San Carlos Home B (1324 Orange Avenue, SC): weekdays or weekends, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Questions about this site, please email: elisa@atlashs.org.
Unable to drop off at one of the locations? Please let us know - we will try our best to find a way to pick up your donation.
Interested in sponsoring a student’s prom outfit? As hard as we try to stock all sizes, some students won’t be able to find an outfit at the gallery. Help by donating a gift card to Ross or Men’s Wearhouse. While many have found nice dresses at Ross for $50, tux rentals can cost over $100.
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April 22: First ever all-school quad sale! |
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Time to clean out the garage, dive into those overflowing closets, and dig to the bottom of your dresser drawers! Sequoia's ASB is facilitating the 1st ever all-school quad sale on Fri., April 22.
Please consider donations of any clothes, books, toys or OTHER items in good/usable condition (please!) to help subsidize the cost of prom tickets for students-in-need.
Donations will be collected through Thurs., April 21 in the Student Activities Center, and the SALE will run Fri., Apr. 22 during lunch and after school until 5:00 p.m. Send a shopping list with your student or drop by yourself. Monetary donations are accepted as well. Please contact Corey Uhalde for details.
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April in-person shows and concerts |
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Sequoia's Visual & Performing Arts Department is thrilled to invite you to our spring events!
Upcoming concerts and shows:
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Apr.18 - 29: Department Art Show in the Powell Gallery. Viewing during lunch for students, staff, and visitors that check-in with the AVP office.
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Apr. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Dance Show in Carrington Hall.
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Apr. 30, 7:30 p.m.: Dance Show in Carrington Hall.
Information on how to purchase tickets coming soon.
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April 29 & May 20: Mock interviewers needed for Career Fair |
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Home games this week
4/11 Varsity Baseball vs Riordan - 4:00 p.m.
4/12 Varsity Softball vs San Mateo - 4:00 p.m.
4/12 Badminton vs Terra Nova - 4:30 p.m.
4/13 Varsity Baseball vs MA - 4:00 p.m.
4/13 JV Softball vs Hillsdale - 4:00 p.m.
4/13 Boys Volleyball vs Mills - 6:00 p.m.
4/15 JV Baseball vs MA - 4:00 p.m.
4/15 Girls Lacrosse vs Carlmont - JV 5:00 p.m., varsity 7:00 p.m.
4/16 JV Softball vs Gunn - 11:00 a.m.
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Sequoia Boosters needs you! |
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The Sequoia Boosters are recruiting for the following 2022-23 board positions:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Events Chair
- Membership Chair
- Volunteer Chair
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One of the school year's biggest events is fast approaching… Sequoia’s High School Prom!
When: Friday, May 13
Time: 7:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Location: Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Get your tickets!
One-Day SALE Tues., April 26 ($80)
Standard pricing starts April 27 - May 11 ($90)
Students/Parents may contact the Family Center for alternative pricing options.
Note:
- Event is intended for 11th and 12th graders only. Other students may attend as the guest of a Sequoia 11th or 12th grader.
- Guests from other schools will be permitted, but a completed guest pass must be submitted in order to purchase a ticket. Guest passes may be picked up from the Student Activities Center, AVP Office or Treasurer's Office.
- Formal Attire is strongly recommended.
More information can be found here
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Get your tickets for the Class of 2022 Grad Night |
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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!
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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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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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Creative acts for curious people: how to think, create and lead in innovative ways
Thurs., April 14, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online event (live).
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Actos creativos para personas curiosas: cómo pensar, crear y liderar de manera innovadora
Jueves, 14 de abril, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo).
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Seeing Race: Talking with Your Kids About Ethnicity, Culture, and Inclusion
Donald E. Grant, Jr, PhD, Executive Director, Mindful Training Solutions, LLC.
Thurs., April 21, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online event (live).
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Viendo la raza: hablando con sus hijos sobre etnicidad, cultura e inclusión
Donald E. Grant, Jr., PhD, Director Ejecutivo, Soluciones de Entrenamiento Consciente, LLC.
Jueves, 21 de abril, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., evento en línea (en vivo).
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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. during the school year. Readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of Sequoia students, staff and community.
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