Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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When I heard football players from the Sequoia Class of 2012 were planning a mini-reunion at last Friday’s regular season finale against rival Carlmont, I had to search my memory for who to look out for. It’s been nearly twelve years for me at Sequoia, and some of the names and faces have blurred. Fortunately, they were easy to spot.
They gathered at the far end of the stands closest to El Camino Real. Here, away from the cheerleaders, pep band, and boisterous student section, they could spread out casually. Their small children traipsed unimpeded. They laughed and reminisced as adults – business owners, fathers, doctors – while the action on the field reminded them of the bond they shared. One alumni I spoke with is completing his doctorate in molecular biology. He wore the same letterman’s jacket I remember him wearing every day back when Barack Obama was still in his first term. Admiring the new mural and scanning the student section and breathing in the cool evening air, he shook my hand and told that he was “glad to see Sequoia is still great.”
Feedback and perception are funny things. From our returning alumni, coming back after ten years on a glorious Friday night, we earn heartfelt praise and admiration. For others, bundled up after a long season watching back-to-back games, we’ve exceeded our grace period in acquiring a better sound system on Terremere Field.
The same is true in broader terms. For many, the experience at Sequoia has been a positive one: amazing teachers, new friends, ample opportunities to learn and grow. For others, the opposite is true. In my role, I hear about both experiences – and countless others in between. I am grateful to have lasted in my role long enough to see how individual perspectives have shifted or evolved over time. I remember more than a few of those nostalgia-washed 2012 grads having plenty of cool feedback to offer when they were running around campus as 17-year olds. Context is powerful.
The values and experiences our community members share over time makes Sequoia what it is today. Whether I’m talking to an alumni from 1961, a teacher from the 1980s, a brand new ninth grade family, or a colleague with whom I’ve been working since Barack Obama’s first term, Sequoia’s is unique in the deep traditions that endure over time. On the other hand, growth and change are constant. Friday night’s large, safe, and well-behaved crowd, the cheerleaders flying through the air, and the win against Carlmont were triumphs. But for other students and staff, last week was a struggle. Understanding that matters. We shape tomorrow by listening to each other today.
It is with this in mind that I give a strong push for readers to complete the annual SUHSD Panorama Survey. Please take a few minutes to complete it. I suspect the seniors on Sequoia’s current football team will meet up under similar conditions in 2032. Think of the responses you submit in your feedback form as a letter to them.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Nov. 7: LAST DAY TO ORDER Gorgeous evergreens for the holidays |
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.
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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 us or call 650-743-1695.
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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!
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PTSA celebrates teachers and staff for Halloween, Día de los Muertos |
The PTSA showed appreciation for Sequoia teachers and staff with Halloween treats and a Sequoia High School papel picado card for each staff member in honor of Día de los Muertos. Thanks to those who contributed treats: Aimee Swanson, Averi Johnston-Crofts, Christina Parsey, Dana Rechin, Elaine De La Cruz, Holly Matsuo, Julie Stallings, Katherine Sherman, Katie Elgaaen, Kelly Bernal, Kim Erlich, Lisa Gillam, Lois Silva, Marni Rubin, Nikki Reynolds, Sarah Sorensen, and Viki Young. And a very special thank you to Tessa Yeager, Elisa Niño-Sears, Jennifer King, and Christina Parsey for their support!
Celebrando a los maestros y personal para Halloween, el Día de los Muertos
La PTSA mostró nuestra apreciación hacia los maestros y el personal de Sequoia con dulces para Halloween y una tarjeta de papel picado de la escuela de Sequoia para cada miembro del personal para el Día de los Muertos. Gracias a todos que donaron dulces y especialmente a Elisa Niño-Sears, Tessa Yeager, Jennifer King, y Christina Parsey por su apoyo.
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November news from the Media Center |
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Through 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
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Nov. 18: 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. The event is part of Redwood City's United Against Hate Week. Tickets available here.
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Beginning Nov. 14: Honey Bear Trees donates 15% 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.
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Ends Nov. 11: Class of 2024 merch sale! |
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!
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Attention seniors: Universal financial aid requirement |
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. |
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Class of 2023 football concession stand thank you |
Thank you to all of the families who supported our Class of 2023 football concession stand by working the stand! All proceeds will go toward the Class of 2023 Grad Night in June. We served at five home games and sold hundreds of cups of hot cocoa and bags of popcorn, along with Cup ‘o Noodles, mochas, coffee, and tea. Here’s a shout out to our volunteers who helped make the evenings profitable and so much fun: Heather M., Jen G., Janet D., Roy D., Stephanie F., Luke S., Andrea H., Holly M., Lisane D., Jessica R., Staci P., Bernadette L., Michelle C., Martha L., Ed L., Suzie H., Fleur U., and co-chairs Gaby M. and Katherine S. |
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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!
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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.
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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How can we create a culture of hope and meaning, particularly in the face of stress, trauma, or setbacks? David B. Feldman, PhD, professor of counseling psychology at Santa Clara University, is considered one of the nation's leading experts on hope.
¿Cómo podemos crear una cultura de esperanza y significado, particularmente ante el estrés, el trauma o los contratiempos? David B. Feldman, PhD, profesor de psicología de consejería en la Universidad de Santa Clara, es considerado uno de los principales expertos en esperanza del país. Enlace de zoom.
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College admission is a barrel of laughs, right? Join experts Gabrielle McColgan, Michael Elgarico, and Patrick Wilson for an inside-track chat about the college admission process.
La admisión a la universidad es un montón de risas, ¿verdad? Únase a los expertos universitarios Gabrielle McColgan, Michael Elgarico y Patrick Wilson para una conversación interna sobre el proceso de admisión a la universidad. Enlace de zoom.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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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 or email us with questions. |
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STAY ON TOP OF THINGS AT SEQUOIA |
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There are many communication resources at Sequoia besides the Sentinel. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sequoia High School Website
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Home page. Includes the Bell Schedule.
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Calendar. Note: Sequoia only posts schedule abnormalities here, so unless otherwise noted, assume a normal week:
- Mon. - A Day
- Tues. - B Day
- Wed. - Collab. Day
- Thurs. - A Flex Day
- Fri. - B Flex Day
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Sequoia 101: information on all things Sequoia.
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Staff and Student Bulletin: everything from student announcements, to the sports schedule, to all the available clubs. Read it on the website, or subscribe to get it twice a week in your email.
That's So Raven Announcements: subscribe to Sequoia High School ASB's YouTube channel. Set up alerts so you'll know when these fun and informational student vlogs post.
Quick Links:
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE SENTINEL |
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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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En Español:
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora?
En Español
- Mantenga presionada la tecla Control (PC) y la tecla A para seleccionar toda la página, a continuación, mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla C para copiar la página entera.
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Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a google translate.
- Coloca el cursor en la caja y mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla V para pegar el boletín completo en el cuadro de traducción.
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