Sequoia Sentinel
Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
MAIN MESSAGE
Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) for this month’s PTSA General Meeting. We will start off with ELAC in the MPR and hear about the week from Principal Priest. Trustee Alan Sarver will also provide a brief presentation on the Yes on W campaign, which both the SHSEF and PTSA have endorsed. The PTSA will then adjourn to Room 100, to conduct PTSA business.

There is one more Sequoia Home Football Game, on Friday, Nov. 4, vs. Carlmont! Don’t miss out on supporting your Ravens, and remember to buy your ramen and hot chocolate from the PTSA concession stand, to support the Class of 2023 Grad Night Fund!

Speaking of the Class of 2023 Grad Night, we have a few more roles to fill, to make sure that night goes off without a hitch! We need YOU! Be on the lookout for upcoming communications.

GO RAVENS!
-Karen
Stay on top of things at Sequoia
Besides the Sentinel, our school has many resources for staying on top of things:
 
The Sequoia High School website home page (includes the Bell Schedule)
PTSA
Nov. 11: Reflections submissions due 
Don't ignore your inner artist! Submissions are due for this year’s Reflections theme: Show Your Voice! !Hazte Escuchar!

Enter your artwork and share 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 state winners ultimately compete at the national level. Be sure to review the rules and category information on the Reflections page of the PTSA website. A link for online submission through a Google Form is available on the PTSA website.
Questions: Please email or call 650-743-1695.
Bring your Spanish to life!

Spanish speakers unite via the Costa Rica Youth Exchange 2023 youth infused summer adventure. Open enrollment. For more details visit highschoolspanish.org.

Questions: Please email
Make a difference for a Sequoia student in need this holiday season!
SHSEF, the PTSA, and the Family Center would like to invite you to participate in Sequoia's annual Raven Holiday Project (formerly known as the "Adopt-a-Family" program). This project is a tradition started over 20 years ago by a few caring Sequoia teachers who bought their students-in-need gifts, paid for out of the teachers’ own pockets. Together this year, we can help our students and families in greatest need to enjoy the winter holiday season — with gifts that inspire joy, build community, and reduce stress. Many of our Sequoia families are facing particularly stressful challenges, stretching their modest incomes across the winter months while dealing with serious illness, death, job loss, immigration crisis, or homelessness. Please click here to see how you can help, and share the link with others who might be interested.

Questions? Please contact Ann Kamensky, SHSEF Family Support Co-Chair, by phone at 617-835-9586‬, or by email. Thank you! ¡Gracias!
HIGHLIGHTS
Oct. 24-Nov. 9: Student artwork on display
Student artwork will be on display in the Powell Gallery from Oct. 24-Nov. 9. The show will feature work from Art 1, Drawing and Painting, Digital Photography, Ceramics, and IB Art students. Come see what our amazing and creative students have been making in their fine arts classes.

Note: The Powell Gallery is open during school-day lunch periods. All visitors to the campus (including the Powell Gallery) during the school day will first need to check in with the Assistant Vice Principal’s office for a visitor's pass
CLASS NOTES
Class of 2024 merchandise on sale now!
The Class of 2024 has launched a Merchandise Fundraiser to raise money for their senior-year activities. Consider buying a hoodie or crew-neck to show your support for the amazing juniors of Sequoia! 
Attention Seniors: University financial aid requirements
As of July 2022, the state of California adopted a new requirement that all high school seniors must complete a financial aid application — either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Both applications provide students an opportunity to be considered for financial aid for college or a vocational school. We encourage seniors to complete their applications as soon as possible; however, the priority deadline is March 2, 2023. The SUHSD office is working on an opt-out form for families that will not be applying for FAFSA/CADAA. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact your assigned school counselor.
SEQUOIA ATHLETICS
Come watch us play
It’s been a fantastic fall for Sequoia, with multiple undefeated teams topping their division and headed to playoffs! Thank you to the coaches, families, and fans that support our hard-working athletes!

Let’s go, Ravens!
Friday, Nov. 4: Let's fill the stands for our final home football game against Carlmont!
Senior Night festivities will be held between the 4:00 p.m. JV game and 7:00 p.m. varsity kick-off. Cash is not accepted at the gate. Get your electronic tickets at GoFan.co. Boosters platinum, gold, and silver members should also use GoFan to access their complimentary season passes.

  • Nov. 4: Football vs. Carlmont — JV 4:00 p.m., varsity 7:00 p.m. — SENIOR NIGHT!

Get your spirit wear and donor gifts at the Booster’s merchandise table, and please consider volunteering in the Snack Shack to feed our hungry fans! Proceeds benefit Sequoia athletic programs all year long.
Being a Booster has benefits!
Over 350 student athletes are competing in SEQ fall sports this year and we expect to reach 1000 players by spring. Your Boosters donation funds uniforms, equipment, and transportation to keep Sequoia athletic programs going strong, plus members receive level-based benefits like free game entry and Sequoia spirit swag! Learn more at SequoiaBoosters.org and help us reach our $200K fundraising goal.

Sign up for the Booster’s mailing list to keep up with key Sequoia Athletics dates and stats, like fall postseason successes and tryout information.
Oct. 31: Winter sports tryouts
Tryouts for soccer, basketball, and wrestling start this Monday, Oct. 31. For details, follow individual SEQ sports teams on Instagram. Be sure to register both new and returning athletes on SportsNet.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SHSEF supports students in reaching highest potential
Did you know SHSEF supports staff, projects, and programs to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential? We raise funds for college services, academic enrichment programs, staff professional development, and student and family support. 
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
News from the Media Center
Check out our most recent newsletter and click here to find out what’s happening at the Sequoia Media Center! We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Snow.
Honey Bear Trees gives back to Sequoia
Honey Bear Trees donates 15% of your purchase to Sequoia High School. Get your trees, wreaths, and holiday decor at their lot in San Carlos. Honey Bear Trees opens for holiday sales on Nov. 14. Click here for more information and location details. No need to bring the flier to the tree lot; just mention Sequoia High School at your time of purchase. Thank you to Honey Bear for their support.
Making Dreams Come True fundraising dinner
Please join us on Friday, Nov. 18, for the 13th annual Making Dreams Come True fundraising dinner, put on by the Sequoia Dream Club. Learn about the challenges that undocumented students face as they pursue their educational goals, and help celebrate their successes.

Tickets are available here.
Gorgeous (sustainably grown) evergreens for the holidays - order now! Two weeks only!
Why stand in line and fight the crowds for your holiday evergreens? Instead, simply order them, and pick them up locally, while supporting Class of 2025 Save & Sober Graduation activities! We are offering beautiful and fragrant wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces for $25-40 each. All items will be available for pick up in San Carlos during the first week of December.

Where do these gorgeous evergreens come from? Sherwood Forest Farms is a family-owned, sustainable farm founded 60 years ago by Cecil Callison in Centralia, Washington. Cecil had a vision to help not-for-profit organizations attain their fundraising goals through the sale of high-quality Pacific Northwest holiday evergreens. PayPal or credit/debit cards accepted. Please share the sale with your neighbors and friends, and contact Joyce Romeo with any questions.

Access this link to purchase.
THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
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What role do parents and the community play in preventing cannabis use in youth? Jason R. Kilmer, PhD, a national expert in cannabis prevention and intervention, will bust myths, address your questions, and look at the recent science related to cannabis use. Parents/caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.


¿Qué papel juegan los padres y la comunidad en la prevención del consumo de cannabis en los jóvenes? Jason R. Kilmer, PhD, un experto nacional en prevención e intervención del cannabis, responderá a sus preguntas y analizará la ciencia reciente relacionada con el consumo de cannabis. ¡Padres/cuidadores, educadores, profesionales de la salud mental y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! Entrada gratis. Habrá interpretación simultánea en español disponible. Enlace de zoom.
Texting, exclusion, privacy, Instagram, TikTok... What does it mean to be a friend, when "friend" is a verb in the age of social media? In this workshop, Devorah Heitner, PhD, kids' media expert, will focus on identity, friendship, and empathy in the digital age. Parents/caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.

Mensajes de texto, exclusión, privacidad, Instagram, TikTok... ¿Qué significa ser amigo, cuando "amigo" es un verbo en la era de lo social? ¿medios de comunicación? En este taller, Devorah Heitner, PhD, experta en medios para niños, se centrará en la identidad, la amistad y la empatía en la era digital. ¡Padres/cuidadores, educadores, profesionales de la salud mental y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! Entrada gratis. Habrá interpretación simultánea en español disponible. Enlace de zoom.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE SENTINEL
The Sentinel goes out on Sundays at 8 a.m. during the school year. Click the purple Sequoia Sentinel Submission button below to contribute!

Submissions are due the Wednesday before you'd like your contribution to run.

Optionally, include a Spanish translation from a native or bilingual speaker (no Google translations please).

Thanks for keeping the Sequoia High School community updated!

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