Sequoia Sentinel

Sequoia PTSA's weekly newsletter in partnership with SHSEF

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Principal Sean Priest

The swinging rhythm of the Sequoia Jazz Band lent a carnival atmosphere to the quad during Wednesday’s lunch. The students poured into the semi-circle of tables to poke around the painting, ceramics, gourmet food, and – atop a table labeled IB Psychology – a big jar of candy.


Welcome to the first annual Sequoia Electives Fair.


The event was the result of collaboration between our counseling department and ASB. Dialogue between Head Counselor Melissa Pérez and Activities Coordinator Corey Uhalde led to a massive organizational effort by student leaders. Scrappy, “let’s put on a show!” stuff, made possible by the increase in staff collaboration time built into our weekly schedule.


Teachers and student reps set up tables representing the broad array of elective offerings available at Sequoia. The event was timed with the kick-off of course selection for next year. Counselors are now presenting to classes and helping students make important decisions about which pathway they will choose to complete graduation and UC/CSU A-G requirements.


Elective classes play an important role in a student’s academic life. Culinary Arts, Ceramics, Woods, or Guitar might provide a contrast in a weekly schedule filled with rigorous academic subjects. Entrepreneurship or Java might be the first taste of a potential career. Electives are how students put their personal stamp on the educational experience. Opportunities like the Electives Fair aim to make these decisions as meaningful as possible.


We want our students to go beyond superficialities (“My friends are taking it…” or “I heard it’s easy…”, e.g.) when selecting courses. We want them to be empowered. Which brings us back to the big jar of candy.


IB Psychology teacher Erin Cespedes invited me and three other students to her table as I made my way around the quad. “Would you like to take part in a quick experiment?” she asked. The students and I looked at each other, looked at the candy, shrugged, and said, “Why not?” We listened, followed the instructions, and were amazed at the results. An activity we thought was about guessing how many items were in a jar turned out to be about cognitive bias. “Ok,” said the student to my left, “I definitely want to take this class now!”


You and me both!


Have a great week!


Best,

Sean  

SHSEF

SHSEF: By the numbers

Christine Chang - Class of 2025

A big Thank You to all our SHSEF donors! Because of you we raised $280k by December 31 and are moving closer to our total ‘24-’25 goal of $650K. We’ve made progress AND we still have $370K to go. We count on our generous Sequoia community to help get us there. Your donation of any amount makes a difference. Let’s keep the momentum going! Donate today.


(Photo credit: Christine Chang, Class of '25)

HIGHLIGHTS

News from the Sequoia Media Center

Check out the Sequoia Media Center January newsletter!


I am excited to share so many NEW things for the New Year! The first person to tell me (Ms. Snow) how many times the word NEW appears in the guide this month gets to pick from the inaugural treasure box!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Host families are still needed - speaking French is not necessary!

We are still looking for host families for a group of French students who will be joining us at Sequoia from Feb.17 to Mar. 2. If interested, please fill out this application, and return it to Mme Chin as soon as possible. Merci beaucoup!

ATHLETICS

Home games this week

  • 1/29 Girls Basketball vs Terra Nova - Varsity 6:00 pm, JV 4:30 pm
  • 1/30 Girls Soccer vs Menlo-Atherton - Varsity 4:30 pm, JV 6:15 pm
  • 1/30 Boys Soccer vs Carlmont - Frosh 7:00 pm
  • 1/31 QUAD Basketball vs El Camino - Boys Varsity 7:45 pm, Girls Varsity 6:15 pm, Boys JV 4:45 pm, Girls JV 3:15 pm
  • 2/1 QUAD Basketball vs Woodside - Boys Varsity 3:30 pm, Girls Varsity 2:00 pm, Boys JV 12:30 pm, Girls JV 11:00 am, Boys Frosh 1:00 pm


(Photo credit: Anthony Bernal of ARB Photography, @arbsportsphotography)


Call for team baskets & auction packages

It’s a tradition for each Sequoia sports program to offer an auction item or team basket as part of the Boosters Crab Feed Dinner & Auction on Mar. 15 at the Elks Lodge in Redwood City. Click here to learn more about team baskets.


If you, your team, or your favorite local businesses have goods, services, or experiences to donate in support of Sequoia sports, please email us at BoosterSequoia@gmail.com or submit via the 2025 Auction Item Donation Form. No donation is too big or too small!

PARENT EDUCATION

Jan. 28: Free Money for College? Facts and Myths About Scholarships and Grants


Scholarships and grants—“free” money that never needs to be repaid—can play a role in the way families cover the rising costs of a college education—but what is the extent of that role? Mario De Anda and Alice Kleeman will answer your scholarship-related questions. Register.


28 de enero: ¿Dinero gratis para la universidad? Hechos y mitos sobre becas y subvenciones


Las becas y subsidios –dinero “gratis” que nunca necesita ser reembolsado– pueden desempeñar un papel en la forma en que las familias cubren los crecientes costos de la educación universitaria, pero ¿hasta qué punto ese papel? Mario De Anda y Alice Kleeman responderá sus preguntas relacionadas con las becas. Registro.

Jan. 31: Understanding Eating Disorders: What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know


What should parents, caregivers, and educators know about disordered eating and eating disorders? Kelly Bhatnagar, PhD, FAED, clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Center for Emotional Wellness, specializes in the scientific study and treatment of eating disorders and related psychological conditions. Register.


31 de enero: Comprender los trastornos alimentarios: lo que los padres y cuidadores deben saber


¿Qué deben saber los padres, cuidadores y educadores sobre los trastornos alimentarios y los trastornos alimentarios? Kelly Bhatnagar, PhD, FAED, psicólogo clínico y cofundador del Centro de Bienestar Emocional, se especializa en el estudio científico y el tratamiento de los trastornos alimentarios y afecciones psicológicas relacionadas. Registro.

COMMUNITY

Feb. 15: Deadline to sign up for service trips

Dream Volunteers is offering service trips to Guatemala and Costa Rica for SUHSD students during spring break. The trips are an incredible way to make an impact, make new friends, and be immersed in a different culture.


For more details, watch this recording, visit the Dream Volunteers website, or contact Brian Buntz. Sign-up deadline extended to Feb. 15.

Fall 2025 SUHSD Middle College information sessions

The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College is accepting applications for Fall 2025. Learn more here: Middle College Video.

Interested sophomores should speak to their counselor and attend a Parent/Student info session. RSVP Here

  • Jan. 29: Webinar Zoom Link
  • Feb.11: SUHSD-Boardroom-6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Feb.26: SUHSD-Boardroom-6:30-7:30 p.m.

All application components due by 4:00 p.m. on Mar. 14. Email us for questions, visit our website, or call 650-306-3120.

¡Hablamos Español! Gracias

Thank you, Canada Middle College Team

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