Sequoia
Sentinel

October 29, 2018     

Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
TopPrincipal's Message - Navigating Sequoia's Website
 
Whether you're trying to choose electives for next year or find out what time the band concert starts this week, it is worthwhile to be familiar with www.sequoiahs.org .  Admittedly, the website can be overwhelming.  There's a lot of information to cover for a lot of stakeholders.  It makes it difficult to categorize and organize things in a way that's intuitive for everyone.  As such, here are my HOT TIPS for making the most of The Sequoia High School Website:

The top right corner of the home page includes purple icon links to the school calendar, and the log-in pages for NAVIANCE and CANVAS.  On the far right of the black main menu bar, the QUICK LINKS pull-down tab provides a list of high-traffic/interest links that are updated regularly to reflect areas of interest.

Sequoia Athletics hosts its own website .  All information about eligibility, forms, schedules, etc. live there.  The link to the Sequoia Athletics website is in the STUDENT LIFE tab on the main menu bar.

The Guidance Page , listed within the DEPARTMENTS tab on the main menu bar, is a great resource for 4-year planning and college readiness.  It contains a link to the Program Planning Handbook , which is the most up-to-date compendium of Sequoia's academic offerings and a great overall resource.

Know somebody coming to Sequoia next year (or next semester)?   This page for 8th Grade/New Families is a great resource for their questions.  It can be accessed through the PARENTS & COMMUNITY tab on the main menu bar.

Sequoia's Bell Schedule can seem confusing if those bells aren't woven into your everyday life but the link , accessible in the ABOUT tab on the main menu, can be a great resource for scheduling appointments.  I suggest bookmarking this page. 

This communication guide , created in collaboration between PTSA and school leadership, is a summary of the various resources for staying connected with your school.
 
Sequoia's Media Center is full of gold.  It is no surprise that the Library Media page on our website is also a rich resource for students and families.  Access it through the RESOURCES tab on the main menu bar.linksequoia

Hopefully, these links will get you started as a more confident navigator of our school website.  Bonus points for using this section to better enjoy the Canary Island Date Palms next time you visit campus.    

Have a great week!
 
Sean  
 
Last Week to Purchase Evergreens! 
 
Adorable reindeer pair 
Our order deadline is this Friday, November 2 .  This is the final chance to order your 2018 Sequoia High School Evergreen items!  Sales will support the Sophomore Class of 2021 Safe & Sober Graduation activities. 

We are offering beautiful and fragrant wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces for $20-25 each.  Plus, back by popular demand, an adorable decorative set of two reindeer for $20.  They will be available for pick-up during the first week of December.
 
This link will take you directly to our product and ordering page.  Payments can be made through PayPal or credit/debit card.

Thank you for your support!  Please contact Katie Hultgren at kp_hultgren@yahoo.com or Caitlin Schneider at caitlintommy@yahoo.com with any questions.
 
Sequoia Family Center News:
   
Thank Yous! 
We would like to thank the many generous volunteers who helped Family Center Director & Bilingual Family Liaison Elvira Macias to process hundreds and hundreds of Free & Reduced Price Lunch applications this fall.  A big shout-out to: Judy Adams, Ana Oyuela Andino, Cynthia Baisch, Jan Benway, Patricia Carpinelli, Shannon Chi, Dawn Crew, Kirsten Crum, Telma Cruz, Pamela Ehrlich, Patricia Eisenberg, Gretchen Fox, Elizabeth Gomez, Brett Gardner, Lorna Gladstone, Kathryn Grandy, Kimberly Hixson, Stacy Huisman, Eva Iglesias, Jessica Langford, Yolanda Mendez, Megan Miller, Paula Moffitt, Monica Segovia, Maria Eugenia Smith, Kirsten Smith, Jose Villeda, Cynthia Wiggin and Viki Young.  Together, these parents and community volunteers donated over 70 hours to tackle this very important project.  Thank you!  Gracias!
 
Family Center Needs:
Interested in donating something to our Family Center?  If you have any of the following items in great condition, we would welcome the donation:
  • An outdoor bench for parents and students waiting to attend a meeting inside the family center.
  • A couch and armchair for parent and family meetings.  Must be relatively small in scale (apartment-size) easy to clean and in good condition from a smoke-free, pet-free home.
  • A small-sized music device for playing soft background music in the center (a small boombox?  An older ipod or iphone with speaker that you no longer want?)
  • Attractive posters or artwork for the Family Center walls. 
Please email SHSEF Family Support Chair Elisa Niño-Sears ( shsef.fs@gmail.com ) first to confirm that your item is needed BEFORE bringing the item to the Family Center.  Sending a photo of the item will help.  Thank you! 

Coming soon:
  • We will be starting our holiday gift giving project in late November.  Please stay tuned for details! 
  • Save the Date: our Annual Sequoia Family Center Holiday Party will be on December 19th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the MPR.  We would love parent volunteers to help with the party and gift distribution that evening.  This is SUCH a fun community event and you'll get to see first-hand the smiles on the gift recipients' faces.  Thank you!
 
Congratulations to Sequoia's Runners!   
 
Alonso Gonzales and Thomas Burt (both in black) powering uphill at Crystal Springs.
 
On Tuesday, 38 Sequoia runners set all time personal records at the Crystal Springs Cross Country course.  The varsity boys recorded the third fastest team time, and the varsity girls recorded the second fastest team time, both dating back to 1971.  The varsity girls team was led by Yvonne Brien Miller, our varsity boys team by Alonso Gonzales, our Frosh/Soph boys team by Alessandro Duran, our Open girls team by Beatrice Bugos, and our Open boys team by Adam Griffin.  Congratulations to all our cross country athletes!
 
One More Week Till Reflections Contest Deadline   
Give Voice to the Artist in You! 
 
 
It's almost here!  Put the finishing touches on your Reflections project for this year's Reflections theme, Heroes Around Me; tema, roes a mi alrededor.
 
Or...it's not too late to start!
 
Enter your artwork and reflection about its meaning to you in one of six categories:
- Dance Choreography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Photography
- Visual Arts
 
All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement--participation itself is a meaningful contribution to the Sequoia community!  First-place finishers in each category enter the district competition.  District winners move on to the state, and winners there ultimately compete at the national level.
 
Be sure to review the rules on the Reflections page of the PTSA website HERE.  
 
Due date is Monday, November 5 at 3:00 p.m. in the Attendance Office
 
Questions: Contact Viki Young, Reflections 2018-19 Chair at sequoiareflections@gmail.com.

Do You Know Any Families Considering Sequoia for Their 8th graders?  Campus Tours are Back!
 
On Saturday, November 10, Sequoia HS leadership students will provide free tours of the campus to prospective students and families.  These tours will last approximately 30 minutes and will cover the physical layout of the campus and information about the academic, extracurricular and social experiences of Sequoia from a student perspective.  Tours will also be accompanied by Sequoia PTSA volunteer parents who can provide insight from their point of view.  There is no pre-registration required for the tours.  Tours will depart from the front steps of the school's main building and the first tour will depart at 10:00 a.m.  Tours will leave every ten minutes, with the final tour leaving at 11:00 a.m.  Contact Director of Student Activities Corey Uhalde ( cuhalde@seq.org ) with any questions.  A second tour date will be offered on February 2. 

Volunteers 
And... if you are a current Sequoia parent and would like to give an hour or two providing some parent perspective during the tours, please contact Erika Pretell ( Erika.pretell@gmail.com ).  Volunteering is fun and a great way to welcome new Sequoia families!
   
The Drowsy Chaperone Tickets On Sale Now - Bring a Friend and Support the Arts at Sequoia! 
 
Step inside the apartment of a Broadway enthusiast whose vision of his favorite musical comes to life on stage before us.  This hilarious, toe-tapping musical will leave you humming along and wishing for another evening with these lively wedding guests.

November 10, 16, & 17 at 7:00 p.m.  
November 11 at 3:00 p.m. 
November 17 at 2:00 p.m.
 
Tickets are available from the school treasurer, by phone 1(866)967-8167, or online at www.showtix4u.com. 
 
Gather Your Friends and Make Dreams Come True - Tickets Still Available!
 
 
Mark your calendars for  November 16, 2018  for  Sequoia's 9th Annual Dream Club Dinner !  The dinner will be held from  6:00 - 8:30 p.m in Gym 1.  
 
Now's your chance to attend one of Sequoia's most inspirational events and support a worthy cause.  The Dream Club works to raise awareness about the challenges that undocumented students face as they pursue their dreams of higher education.  This dinner is our biggest fundraiser and all proceeds go to our scholarship fund.  Tickets are $15 regular admission or $125 for a table of eight.   Click here for flyer .     
 
 
Treat Yourself to a Comfy Cushion! 
 
Show your school spirit and enjoy Sequoia games (especially this Friday's home games against Carlmont) on a comfortable stadium seat cushion.  They feature our Unaliyi logo and have an easy carrying handle.
 
This fundraiser benefits seniors during 2019 Safe & Sober Grad activities. 
 
You can purchase yours at home football games and online on our
 
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In This Issue
Calendar

THIS WEEK 
Wednesday, October 31
Senior Portraits and Baby Pictures Due

 
Friday, November 2
JV - 4:30 p.m.
V - 7:30 p.m.
Football: Seq. vs. Carlmont,
Sequoia High School

Sunday, November 4
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
VIA Free Heart Screening,
Sequoia High School

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, November 5
3:00 p.m.
Reflections Contest Deadline,
Attendance Office

Saturday, November 10
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
8th Grade Campus Tour,
Front Entrance of School

Saturday, November 10
7:00 p.m. &
Sunday, November 11, 3:00 p.m.

The Drowsy Chaperone,
Carrington Hall

Monday, November 12
No School
Veteran's Day

Tuesday, November 13
7:00 p.m.
PTSA/ELAC Meeting,
MPR

Wednesday, November 14
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
8th Grade Info Night,
Carrington Hall

Friday, November 16
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Dream Club Dinner,
Gym 1

Friday, November 16
7:00 p.m. &
Saturday, November 17
2:00 p.m & 7:00 p.m.

The Drowsy Chaperone,
Carrington Hall

Quick Links
Seniors: Portrait and Baby Photo Deadline is October 31 
 
 
Seniors who have not taken their portraits yet, please call Prestige Portraits today and get an appointment ASAP.  The phone number is 650-597-1433.  If your appointment is after October 31, email Ms. Bray at ebray@seq.org and let her know right away.
 
Senior baby pictures should be e-mailed to ebray@seq.org by Halloween, October 31.
 
Back to Top
8th Grade Info Night on November 14  
 
 
Know a family with an 8th grader interested in attending Sequoia High School?  Spread the word: Sequoia is hosting its annual 8th Grade Information Night on Wednesday,
November 14
from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
 
Please see the flyer for details.
 
 
Back to Top
Spread the LOVE... Bag!
 
Love bags 2015-16 
Check out all the different styles and order at https://lovebags.com/. 
 
Remember to use Promo Code SEQUOIA18 at checkout. 

Join the PTSA  Anytime!  
   
Visit the
  to buy your 2018-19 PTSA membership today and contribute to Sequoia's Unaliyi spirit! 
 
Back to top
Sequoia Sentinel
If you have articles to submit to the Sentinel, please email the article/blurb by the end of the day on Thursday.  See Guidelines for news submissions. 
   
Find past issues of the Sentinel at SequoiaPTSA.org.  
Parent Education

Parent Ed Logo Horizontal


M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Heidi Kasevich, PhD, founder of Quiet Schools Network
QUIET: Unlocking the Power of Introverts
 
Thursday, November 1, 2018, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
 
 
All too often, quiet kids are shamed into feeling  less than  their extroverted peers, who are more likely to enjoy group work, crowded cafeterias, endless socializing, classroom discussions, and reward- motivated activities. When they discover that they fall on the introverted side of the spectrum, introverted students all too often lose confidence in their ability to lead.
 
Dr. Heidi Kasevich  is the founder of the Quiet Schools Network, a coalition of schools dedicated to the Quiet Revolution manifesto: "Quiet kids can and must be raised to know their strengths."
   
M-A Parent Education Series events are sponsored by M-A PTA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.  
 
  * * *
  
CARLMONT PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Mike Duffy, former AVP of Merrill Lynch, founder of The Happiness Hall of Fame
Life 101: Helping Your Kids Gain Happiness, Purpose, and Money Skills
   
Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7:00 - 8:30  p.m.
Carlmont Performing Arts Center (PAC)
 
 
Mike Duffy, former Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch and founder of The Happiness Hall of Fame, shares strategies about crucial money management techniques for kids, along with philanthropic giving and service. In a light-hearted, witty and inspirational conversation, Mike brings together all of the components of a happy life. 
 
Mike Duffy is a sought-after speaker on financial management and philanthropic giving, the author of five books on happiness, and the founder of  The Happiness Hall of Fame.  He is the CEO of Happiness Wealth Management in San Carlos, CA.
 
Carlmont Parent Education Series events are sponsored by Carlmont PTSA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District. 

* * *

Parent Ed SEQUOIA PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Vanessa Kellam, Parent Engagement Coordinator, Health Connected
Tech Sex 2: Wired for Connection
 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sequoia Union HS District Office, Birch Room
480 James Avenue, Redwood City  
 

In a safe and friendly atmosphere, high school students and their adults are guided in a fun, relaxed conversation about dating and sexuality.  This talk is intended for teens and parents to strengthen family communication and connections.  Parents are welcome to attend without their student to gain insight into important conversations they can have at home.
 
Vanessa Kellam is the Parent Engagement Coordinator for nonprofit Health Connected, the leading sexuality and relationships education organization in the Bay Area.  Its mission is to educate adolescents in schools so they can make informed decisions about their own sexual health.    

Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome !   Free admission and light refreshments.  Spanish interpretation will be available.
 
Sequoia Parent Education Series events are sponsored by SHSEF, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.

 
       
* * * 

Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, M.A., Director, The Parent Education Series.


Charlene Margot, M.A. | CSM Consulting
650.868.0590 | 

    
Community News

SAY WHAT? The Power of Communication in Raising Healthy, Engaged Kids
Featuring Madeline Levine, PhD., Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., (keynote speaker) and Denise Pope, Ph.D. 
 
Friday, November 2, 2018 
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Memorial Auditorium
551 Serra Mall, Stanford University
 
Purchase your Tickets HERE : $10
 
Grab a few friends and join us for an evening of inspiration and education about the power of communication in raising healthy, engaged learners.  Our 15th Annual Parent Education Event will be held on Friday, November 2nd, at Stanford University.  Learn practical tips and tools from Dr. Wendy Mogel, clinical psychologist, and Challenge Success Co-Founders, Dr. Denise Pope and Dr. Madeline Levine.  Click on flyer for more details.  
 
 
Don't Miss This FREE Opportunity: VIA Heart Project Screening  
Sunday, November 4, 2018 
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sequoia High School
1201 Brewster Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94062

Pre-register for a FREE Screening here!
 
Did you know that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 killer of student athletes and contributes to the #2 medical cause of death among youth under age 25?  Sports physicals may not discover life-threatening, undiagnosed heart conditions.  
 
On Sunday, November 4, students and community members between 12 and 25 can have a FREE heart screening, including an EKG and Echocardiogram worth up to $4000 performed by members of our local medical community.  Together with a health history survey, these tests can diagnose the risk of a heart condition and sudden cardiac arrest.  Sign up today!  No identification or documentation is necessary, but guardian permission is required.  Hurry, spots are limited and you must sign up online!