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Sequoia relies on the fundraising efforts of our Foundation and the generosity of our community to provide the level of support and personalization Sequoia students need to reach their highest potential and be competitive and prepared for college and beyond. I talk with colleagues during the workday and fellow parents on the weekend and we all agree that we wish school funding weren’t so. But it is so. Support from our community in the form of our Annual Fund is vital.

Last week, our two largest gyms were filled with students absorbed in the IB exams. Math, Psychology, History (187 students), and English (222!!!) all tested. Based on projections for next year’s IB classes, we may soon need all three gyms for the IB test next May. Sequoia students continue to over-achieve. Looks like an extra week of swimming for PE classes!

Although Redwood City and San Carlos feel like they’re changing rapidly, Sequoia’s enrollment demographics are consistent over the past several years. People keep talking about declining enrollment and disappearing families on the Peninsula. Not so at Sequoia. Our school continues to be the vibrant diverse Place of Friends for which it is renowned. A broad diverse IB enrollment is, of course, a part of that. It’s by design.  

The steps we take to address the persistent, national achievement gap by strategically expanding access and setting high expectations for our students continue to result in stellar outcomes. It is critical to Sequoia’s mission that our IB classes resemble the school population. It’s why Sequoia feels like one school instead of three schools on the same campus. It’s why our students thrive in elite universities. It’s why so many graduates return to serve in contributing roles in our community: police officers, educators, entrepreneurs, community organizers, artists, etc. – right here in Redwood City.

It is in this way I think of our Foundation’s Annual Fund as an investment. 

This work speaks to the core of what Sequoia stands for. Support from the SHSEF for teacher collaboration, smaller classes, professional development, instructional technology, and student support are absolutely critical to its success. Likewise, highly-qualified staff for guidance in college and career as well as direct service for mental health support. Providing opportunities for all kids to bring what they learn at Sequoia confidently into the world of college and career unites this community above all else.

When I walk the rows of students during IB testing, looking out to the sea of bent heads, sharing a quiet smile with our volunteer proctors (thank you, PTSA!), I am filled with pride over the graduating seniors in the Class of 2024. Similarly, as we are approaching our SHSEF Annual Campaign goals for 2023-24, I know that the support of this community will continue to ensure opportunities for future classes, as well.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity of Sequoia students and staff. We are approaching our goal for 24-25. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute, now is a great time.  

Have a great week!

Best,

Sean

PTSA

This year, with funding from the Sequoia High School Education Fund, the PTSA was able to fund 30 Mini-Grants (up to $750) for teachers, students, and clubs. For the next couple of weeks, the Sentinel will highlight some of the grants to give you an idea of the fantastic and varied projects that were funded.

Adrienne Fong, science department, grant for field trip experience at College of San Mateo anatomy and cadaver lab 



The Mini-Grant provided funding for Sequoia’s human biology classes to embark on a capstone experience at the College of San Mateo (CSM) anatomy and cadaver lab. Students received a comprehensive tour of CSM, exploring programs such as nursing, kinesiology, biology, mental health, and the fire academy.

One highlight was visiting the nursing program's state-of-the-art facilities, where students interacted with model patients and saw how nursing students practice administering IV medications. The most memorable part was the time spent in the anatomy lab, where students rotated through various stations led by CSM anatomy students.

While examining real sheep lungs and human cadavers, students could apply their study of anatomical structures. They even had the chance to handle a human heart and brain and explore dissected cadavers under the guidance of anatomy students.

As a veteran teacher, I was truly impressed by the educational quality of this field trip and the warm reception our students received at CSM.

Greg Schmid, science department, $750 grant for human biology dissection specimens 



The human bio team understands that learning about human anatomy from 2D pictures or 3D models does not really show us what the tissues look like or how they operate. We purchased sheep brains and hearts, and new scalpel blades, to allow our students the ability to interact with these organs, examine and hold them and explore their functionality. While working in groups for dissections, students can apply what they have learned about anatomical features to be able to label anatomy. It is always a memorable experience. Thank you PTSA for making this possible.

Melissa Diaz, Sequoia's Folklorico Club, $600 grant for shoes, skirts, vestuarios 



We used the grant money to purchase shoes, a charro outfit, and earrings for an upcoming rally performance. Students were so excited to receive the shoes to practice. One of the key steps in the Jalisco region is "el zapateado," and it is difficult to do this step without the proper shoes. The shoes have nails on the heel and tip so that when we hit the floor it makes a sound that accompanies the music.

SHSEF

Your SHSEF donations support College Day

Did you know? The Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) sends EVERY SEQ 9th grader to College Day! Students come back asking more informed questions about college admissions, dorm life, and areas of study. 

SHSEF is in the midst of the spring appeal for 2024, and every gift counts. We’re over halfway to our goal of $650k, and we have a suggested donation of $1500 per student. Visit our website to learn more about donating at the Leadership Circle level. Your gift will help us send another group of 9th graders to various Bay Area college campuses next fall!

Photo caption: Sequoia Ninth Graders Visiting USF on College Day 2023

shsef.org

HIGHLIGHTS

On Tuesday, May 14, the Sequoia Chorus will present its 13th Annual Vocal Showcase in M1 (Music Building) at 6:00 p.m.

Chorus members will present solos and ensembles and the Treble Clefs will perform. Free food and free admission!

On Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. outside in front of school, the orchestra, band, chorus, and Treble Clefs will each perform short sets, followed by one gigantic number altogether, as is tradition! There is no cost to attend, and the audience is encouraged to bring picnic blankets or low chairs in the "music fest" style!

Sequoia Orchestra plays a fun excerpt from the Barbie Movie soundtrack in the video below, taken during the April concert. Have a listen!

CLASS NOTES

Don't miss out on the midnight cruise following graduation. Buy now! 

Would you like to sponsor a student? Donate a cruise ticket! 

DEADLINE: May 31st, 6:00 p.m. SENIORS making up classes (D/F grades) for graduation and/or A-G requirements through our online credit recovery program Edgenuity must complete their classes by May 31st, 6:00 p.m., no exceptions. Contact your assigned counselor if you are unsure if you need to make up classes.

Edgenuity teacher: Mr. Calles, jcalles@seq.org

Edgenuity Office Hours: Room B-8 on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Extended Edgenuity Hours

Open Mon-Fri, May 20-24, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Open Tues-Fri, May 28-31, 4:00-6:00 p.m. 

*May 27, holiday - school closed

Estudiantes del grado 12: ¡Se acerca la fecha límite de Edgenuity!

FECHA LÍMITE: 31 de mayo a las 6:00 p.m. Los estudiantes del grado 12 que necesitan recuperar clases (calificaciones D o F) para graduación y/o requisitos A-G para la universidad a través de nuestro programa de recuperación de créditos en línea "Edgenuity" deben completar sus clases antes del 31 de mayo a las 6:00pm, sin excepciones.

Comuníquese con su consejero asignado si no está seguro de si necesita recuperar clases. Maestro de Edgenuity: Sr. Calles, jcalles@seq.org

Horario de oficina de Edgenuity: Salon B-8 los martes y jueves, de 4:00 a 6:00 p. m.

Horario extendido de Edgenuity:

Abierto de lunes a viernes, del 20 al 24 de mayo de 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Abierto de martes a viernes, del 28 al 31 de mayo de 4:00-6:00 p.m.

*27 de mayo, escuela cerrada/dia feriado

We are planning three very special Senior send-offs, and each needs volunteers!

Senior Lunch - Wednesday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We will have a festive all-class catered lunch for the graduating seniors after they pick up their caps & gowns. Sign up to donate items, to contribute funds or to help at the lunch!

Sign Up Here!

Senior Brunch - Thursday, June 6,

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

All Seniors are invited to attend a celebratory brunch in their honor before graduation practice. Volunteers are needed to bring donated items, to help set up, serve, and clean up at the brunch.

Sign Up Here!

Grad Night Check-in - Friday, June 7, 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.

Wish your Senior "Bon Voyage!" as they prepare to head to SF for their magical midnight cruise on the Bay. Volunteers are needed at Sequoia for set-up, check-in, security and clean-up.

Sign Up Here!

Questions? Please contact Francesca Draughon

CLASS OF 2024 YARD or WINDOW sign!

Do you have a graduating senior in your home? Celebrate their success by ordering a Class of 2024 yard/window sign! Visit Sequoia's PTSA webstore to order one! Get yours for $15, and please feel free to “donate-a-sign” to a student in our community.

Please pick up your sign in front of Gym 1 on Wednesday, May 15,12:30-2:00 p.m.

If you cannot pick up at that time, please email Jen Holmes.

¡Rótulos para el jardín o la ventana de la GENERACIÓN 2024!

¿Tiene un estudiante por graduarse?

¡Festeje su éxito y pida un rótulo de Generación 2024 para su jardín o su ventana! ¡Visite la tienda virtual de PTSA para ordenar! Obtenga el suyo por tan solo $15 y si gusta puede donar otro rótolu a otro estudiante de nuestra comunidad.

Por favor recoja su rótulo en frente del ginasio 1 (Gym 1) cualquiera miércoles 15 de mayo entre 12:30 y 2:00 p.m.

Si no puede recogerlo esta fecha, por favor mande un correo electrónico a Jen Holmes.

Our final Boosters event of the year will be held on May 21 at 7 p.m. Join our May social and meeting as we recap 2023-24 sports, review final grants, introduce new board members, and mingle with Boosters supporters. Email BoosterSequoia@gmail.com for the event address. All Sequoia sports fans are welcome!

On Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. outside in front of Sequoia. There is no cost to attend and the audience is encouraged to bring picnic blankets or low chairs in the music fest style!

Orchestra, Band, Chorus, and Treble Clefs will all be performing short sets and we will be doing one gigantic number altogether, as is tradition! 

Sequoia Track & Field celebrated their 15 senior members last Wednesday at the final home tri-meet, but the 100 athletes on the team are not done yet! Senior Rowan Henige continued to make his mark by breaking the 25-year-old Sequoia record for the 3200 M at :09.38.89 and placed 5th at the Central Coast Section Top 8! Rowan is Sequoia’s top distance runner in history, holding the 1600m and 3200m records as well as course records at XCountry Crystal Springs, Half Moon Bay, and Bedwell. Way to go Rowan!

PARENT EDUCATION

May 15: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Your Kids Register

15 de mayo: Cómo navegar conversaciones difíciles con sus hijos Registro

COMMUNITY

Learn more about vaping, nicotine, and cannabis. Sign up here

Costa Rica Youth Exchange

We still have openings for this summer. Check it out here