Sequoia
Sentinel

November 5, 2018     

Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
TopPTSA President's Message  
 
When I attended district training last spring to learn how to serve as your PTSA president, one message that stuck in my head was that the most important part of the job is thanking people.  (Hurray, I thought, that part of the job I'll be able to handle!)  And given that it's now November, the month when we all celebrate Thanksgiving, it seemed like an appropriate time to mention a few of the many things I'm grateful for at Sequoia.
 
I'll begin with our Sequoia students - the main reason we're all here, after all.  They throw themselves into everything, not just their schoolwork.  The many clubs and athletic teams that are part of the fabric of Sequoia life, their after-school jobs, community volunteering, and much more.  I am inspired by how they support each other.  Please come to the Dream Club dinner on November 16 to see that in action (more on that later in this issue).  Thank you, students!
 
Thank you to our devoted and huge-hearted staff, teachers and administration.  It's easy to see that for so many of them, working at Sequoia is not just a job, it's a passion.  They work as a team to make every student feel like a welcomed and valued part of the community.  They do amazing work every day to engage, educate and support our children.
 
Thank you to the many teams that support our students, including the counseling office, Family Center, Teen Resource Center, College/Career Center, Atlas program, SAFE program, AVID program, Special Education, Media Center and more.  (Forgive me if I've missed anyone!)  They support not only our kids but also our Sequoia families.
 
Finally, thank you to all our Sequoia parents for being engaged and involved.  Our PTSA board, chair people and our parent volunteers generously give their time, energy and unending talent.  Whether helping with PTSA, SHSEF, ELAC, Boosters or supporting the many activities and events on campus, you are noted and appreciated!  
 
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
 
Erika Pretell
 
P.S.  Join us at this month's PTSA General Meeting and ELAC meeting on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the MUR.  Nora DeCaro, Director of Food Services for the school district, will be our guest speaker at the PTSA meeting.  No food fights, please! (Note that the meeting date is a week later than our usual first Tuesday of the month.) 

Reflections Entries Due Today, November 5 by 3:00 p.m. 
Reflections 2018-19: Heroes Around Me 
 
 
You've created a wonderful Reflections art piece and now it's time to turn it in!  
 
Note that electronic forms are required for all submissions and electronic copies are required for most projects.  All pieces will be celebrated at a reception for you and your families in April. 
 
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 [email protected].

Evergreen Sales Extended Through Today, November 5!  
 
Thank you to those who have already placed your orders for evergreens to support the Class of 2021!  For those of you who have not yet had the chance to order, sales have been extended through the end of today, Monday, November 5th

To help make your holidays festive, we are offering beautiful and fragrant wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces for $20-$25 each.  We are also offering an adorable set of 2 decorative reindeer for $20.  All items will be available for pick-up during the first week of December.  
 
This link will take you directly to our ordering page where you can pay through PayPal or credit/debit card.
 
Thank you for your support!  Please contact Katie Hultgren at [email protected] or Caitlin Schneider at [email protected] with any questions.
 
Parent Volunteers Needed for Shadow Days in December and January, and Campus Tours on November 10 
   
volunteers The Shadow Program is off to a great start this year!  Thank you to the Sequoia parents who have already helped make the program a success!  Shadow Days provides a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their parents to learn more about Sequoia.
 
We have a few more volunteer slots to fill in December and January for current Sequoia parents.  Please consider signing up for one of the remaining Monday slots (7:45 - 9:15 a.m.) to help provide a warm welcome to these students and parents.  It's super easy and a positive way to start your Monday!  Please sign up here: Shadow Day Parent Volunteers.   
 
Feel free to contact Sara Mancini at  [email protected] if you have any questions.  Thanks for your help!
 
Campus Tours 
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 (  [email protected] ) with any questions.  A second tour date will be offered on February 2. 

I f 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 (  [email protected] ).  Volunteering is fun and a great way to welcome new Sequoia families!
 
 
Help Make AVID Holiday and Beyond Bike Drive a Success  
 
Although the parent center will be launching a Holiday gift drive in the coming weeks, AVID students are focusing on a bike drive specifically for kids of the Sequoia community and students who need bikes to get to and from school or work, etc.  The plan is to buy some new bikes (with monetary donations and money raised from bake sales, etc.), as well as recycle donated bikes by giving them a complete cleaning and tune-up before passing them along to their new owners. 
 
If you have some bikes in your garage gathering cobwebs, or if you'd like to make a monetary donation, please contact:  Scott Stalder-Skarmoutsos: [email protected] and Stephanie Weden: [email protected].
 
Want to Know How They Got That Plane into Carrington Hall?
Come see The Drowsy Chaperone And Find Out!
 
 
Tickets On Sale Now - Don't Miss The Show! 
   
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. 
 
dreamNow More Than Ever - Support Our Dream Club!
 
 
On November 16, 2018 , join us 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 .     
 
 
Thank You to Class of 2019 Football Concession Volunteers!
 
The roar of the crowd and the smell of popcorn made for great fun as volunteers worked hard to raise money for this year's Safe and Sober Grad Night.  Thanks to the Class of 2019 Football Concession team for showing some real UNALIYI spirit!
 
The following folks lent a hand with purchasing items or working a shift or two or three...
 
Dina Acreman, Heather Azadi, Meredith Armienti, Jenn Bulka, Joanna Dagum, Pam Delgado, Tammy De Marco, Laura Downs, Susie Gilbert, Beth Goddard, Marlena Griffin, Catherine Heller, Kobi Iki, Samantha Iki, Randal Kuramoto, Karen Laing, Rich Marinaccio, Elisa Nino-Sears, Lynn Pierce, Carol Sato, Mark Sato, Katherine Schembri, Kimberly Schiff, Grace Schulz, Jen Sharratt, Cathy Siri, Leslie Tuakalau, Susie Vick, Anne Weaver, David Weaver and Adriana Yanez.
 
And a special thanks to committee leaders, Laura Nibbi and Diane Holman, for their tireless commitment!
 
Honey, Where Should We Buy Our Tree This Year? 
 
Help the Class of 2019 When Purchasing Your Christmas Tree This Year!
 
Sequoia 2019 Grad Activities receives 15% of the purchase price when  you buy a holiday tree at HONEY BEAR TREES.  Bring this flyer when you purchase your tree and wreath. (If you happen to forget it, there will be extra flyers on the lot.) 
 
There are three locations convenient to our Sequoia school community:
  • 955 Woodside Road, Redwood City
  • 1579 El Camino Real, San Carlos
  • 651 El Camino Real, Redwood City
The lots open on November 17.  Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week!
 
In This Issue
Calendar

THIS WEEK
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

UPCOMING EVENTS
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

Monday, November 19
B-Block Schedule

November 21-23
No School
Thanksgiving Break

Quick Links
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
Show Your LOVE... Bag!
 
 
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.  
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Parent Education

Parent Ed Logo Horizontal


   
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.

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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 | 

    
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