Sequoia Sentinel
November 07, 2021
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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School spirit can be one of those grass-is-always-greener topics, especially for students. At least once a year, I find myself in a pitch from an earnest room full of students full of ideas and angst about how we can be “more like…” when it comes to bombastic displays of school spirit. Some of these ideas are pure gold, like the lip dubs we’ve created over the years. Others don’t materialize because they’re not an authentic fit for our unique community.
And that’s the thing about school spirit: if it’s not authentic, it’s not going to catch on. Put crudely, teenagers are gloriously impervious to BS. It’s one of things I love most about working with high schoolers.
So how would I characterize Sequoia’s school spirit? It starts, like every meaningful conversation about community, with values. Sequoia is a school where individuality is celebrated. “I’m cool with whoever until I see them not be cool with someone else”. Second, we take our work seriously but not ourselves. Silliness? We’re here for it. A striving for righteousness is also shared deeply by our community. Elevating marginalized voices, celebrating inclusivity -- this drives what I think of as “school spirit” at Sequoia.
So in lieu of fight songs and flag-waving, our pride stems from ambitious, student-driven actions like our Dream Club's annual event on 11/19 or the Pink Box Project organized by our Young Feminists Club. I see school spirit in the dual overflowing crowds for both the dance activity on the main quad and the author talk in the B-Wing sponsored by our Gender Sexuality Alliance. Rah, rah, hubberdub!
Of course, we are an American high school so rallies and football games are deeply ingrained into the experience. Our pep band always gets my feet tapping, each year adding selections from popular music to their repertoire that make me smile when I recognize the melody from across the field. At games, boisterous crowds feed off competitive energy, straddling the precarious line between supporting their classmates, antagonizing the opposing school, and entertaining themselves. In the heat of the moment, chanting can become a repudiation rather than a reflection of what we value as a community.
But with the final moments ticking off the clock in the first half of last Friday’s football game against rival Carlmont, I took an opportunity afforded by a lull in the action to get the attention of our large student section and thank them for being positive, supportive, and, of course, loud. I was so proud of our students’ positive energy and the way in which they reflected on our community. “Thanks, Mr. Priest!” Seconds later, the Ravens tied the game with a long touchdown run. Almost like magic.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean Priest
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Celebrating Sequoia teachers and staff |
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The PTSA showed appreciation for Sequoia teachers and staff with treats for Halloween and a traditional cempasúchil flower for each staff member in honor of Día de los Muertos.
Thank you to: Aila Spinelli-Stansell, Alana Corso, Angela Holloszy, Angie Lax, Becky Morris, Christina Parsey, Elaine De La Cruz, Gigi Banfield, Jennifer Rudy, Jessica Rosenberg, Lauren Steele, Liliana Vitteri Sirini, Linda Solon, Maya Goetz, Susan Raymond, and a special thank you to Elisa Niño-Sears and Tessa Yeager for their support!
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If you haven't joined the PTSA yet..... |
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Would you like to know if you have already joined? Contact Dana Rechin at danarechin@me.com.
Thanks to those who have bought their 2021-2022 PTSA memberships this year! Your show of support for our parent organization is truly appreciated.
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Nov. 12: Reflections submissions due |
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Don't ignore your inner artist! Submissions are due for this year's Reflections program. The theme is: “I Will Change the World by....” Tema: “Cambiar El Mundo…”
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
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Do you have questions for our Sequoia 2021-2022 PTSA Board? Reach Karen Eller Ha, PTSA President and the rest of the team at sequoiaptsa@gmail.com.
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Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all children and families. |
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Make a difference for a Sequoia student or family in need this holiday season! |
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SHSEF and the Sequoia High School Family Center would like to invite you to participate in Sequoia's annual Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gift Project 2021.
This project is a tradition that started over 20 years ago by a few caring Sequoia teachers who bought gifts for students-in-need out of their own pockets. Together we can help Sequoia students and families in need to enjoy this holiday season with gifts that inspire joy, build community, and reduce stress. Many of our families are facing a particularly stressful time this year -- stretching their modest income while dealing with serious illness, death, job loss, immigration crisis, homelessness and the continuing pandemic.
This year, we have kept our goal of helping TWICE the number of families as before the pandemic. The gifts focus on the Sequoia student(s) in the family and strengthen the student-school connection.
Questions? Please contact Elisa Niño-Sears, SHSEF Family Support Chair, shsef.fs@gmail.com, (650) 387-8390.
Thank you! ¡Gracias! Make a difference for a Sequoia student or family in need this holiday season!
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Draw/Paint 1 & 2 fall newsletter |
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Sequoia's Draw/Paint classes are busy! From blocks, designs, and paints, to paintbrush study to charcoal and conte. Click on the images below learn more. |
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Nov 15: IB exam payments due |
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IB exam registrations have been processed, which means all IB exam fees are now listed in Infinite Campus (IC) under the fees tab. An official IB exam bill has also been mailed home.
IB exam fees are due by November 15. There are three ways to pay:
1. Pay by cash. Bring cash to the IB Office in room #130. Leave with a receipt.
2. Pay by check made out to Sequoia High School. Please put your student's name and IB exams in the memo line. Bring the check to the IB Office in room #130 OR mail to:
Sequoia High School
Attention: IB Office Magda Galvan
1201 Brewster Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94062
3. Pay by credit card on IC. Click on the fees tab and then click on IB exam fees. IC will charge a $3 credit card processing fee.
If you need to set up a payment plan to spread out the payments, please contact Lisa McCahon at lmccahon@seq.org. Thank you.
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Nov 10: College coffee chats are back |
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College admissions can be overwhelming, confusing and nerve-wrecking. We have you covered! Bring your coffee and join Ms. Ignaitis for a virtual conversation about colleges. Ms. Ignaitis has years of experience and will be happy to share information and answer questions.
When: November 10, 9 - 10 a.m.
Meeting ID: 874 1602 3684
Passcode: 535506
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Join us for the Dream Club's 12th annual Making Dreams Come True dinner |
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The Sequoia Dream Club works to raise awareness about the challenges that undocumented students face as they pursue their educational goals.
At the Making Dreams Come True (virtual) fundraising dinner, you will get to hear student stories and see performances created by club members. Tickets available here.
All proceeds go to our scholarship fund.
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Great season for girls water polo |
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Girls water polo had a great season under the leadership of coach Hailey Amato, who continues to inspire the team and up-level their skill and drive. They closed out the season with a memorable seniors game at Sequoia, where varsity beat Carlmont 9-8 and JV tied 6-6. Both were exciting games with tremendous support from the fans. The girls approached every game with energy, camaraderie, commitment, and most importantly, worked together as a team.
Congratulations to the Sequoia girl's water polo varsity award winners: Amber Parnell and Hannah McDonald, Most Inspirational; Charlotte Donnelly, Most Improved; and Ruthie Lax, Most Valuable Player. Go team! We also bid a fond farewell to our incredible seniors: Anja Linkwitz, Chloe Johnson, Mimi Peccei, and Ruthie Lax -- we will miss you!
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The 2021 season was an exciting one for Sequoia volleyball! This year was the first time in over five years that the Ravens competed in the higher Bay Division of the PAL league, where they finished 6th, achieving their program goal and securing Sequoia’s spot in the upper division next season.
The girls celebrated wins for all 3 teams during senior night at their last home game vs Woodside. Every player on freshman, JV and varsity contributed to the team and improved their game. Congrats to CCS leaders Allie Caldwell #1 in blocks and Sofie Olson #2 in digs. Way to go girls!
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Boosters love winter sports! |
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Tryouts are underway for girls and boys basketball, girls and boys soccer, and co-ed wrestling.
Support all our aspiring Ravens athletes by joining Boosters and come watch the Winter Games! Visit us at SequoiaBoosters.org.
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Thank you Senior parents! |
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A big thank you to all the Senior parents who donated food items or their time at the PTSA Football Concessions stand this year!
A special shout out to Jeanette Bjorensen who fearlessly led the team at each home game.
The funds we raised will help make our Class of 2022 Grad Activities even more special!
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Thank you for supporting the Class of 2024 evergreen fundraiser |
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Thank you everyone for your INCREDIBLE support of the class of 2024 Evergreen fundraiser! After the first two (of three) weeks of sales we had surpassed our best year ever. The class of 2024 sincerely thanks you from the bottom of their hearts! If you missed ordering, we usually get a few extras of each style delivered. Please contact Aimee Swanson if you’d like to be added to a wait list and indicate.
Your evergreens will arrive the first week of December and will be available for pick up at a home in San Carlos. You will be contacted as soon as they are available for pick up! Thank you again and cheers to a wonderful season ahead.
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MEET ME IN THE MEDIA CENTER |
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We look forward to seeing you,
Ms. Snow
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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CAZADORES DE MITOS: La verdad sobre el sistema de educación superior pública de California |
Cuca Acosta (UC); Bernie Day (CCC); April Grommo, EdD (CSU); Heather Lattimer, EdD (CSU)
Martes, 9 de noviembre, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., evento en vivo (seminario web)
¡Padres / tutores, estudiantes, educadores, profesionales de la salud mental y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! Entrada gratis. Habrá interpretación simultánea en español.
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MYTHBUSTERS: The Truth About the California Public Higher Education System |
Cuca Acosta (UC); Bernie Day (CCC); April Grommo, EdD (CSU); Heather Lattimer, EdD (CSU)
Tues., Nov. 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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Foro para padres #10 (inglés): Cómo ayudar a su hijo a desarrollar buenos hábitos |
Eran Magen, PhD, fundador de Parenting for Humans
Viernes, 12 de noviembre, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., evento en línea (reunión)
Únase a nosotros para un nuevo foro de padres (inglés) con Eran Magen, PhD, un padre- experto en comunicación infantil.
¿Cómo puede ayudar a su hijo o adolescente a desarrollar y mantener buenos hábitos? Ya sea que se trate de dedicar más tiempo a la tarea o menos tiempo a jugar videojuegos, todos queremos que nuestros hijos desarrollen hábitos saludables para toda la vida.
¡Padres / tutores y cuidadores bienvenidos!
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Parent Forum #10 (English) - Helping Your Child Build Good Habits |
Eran Magen, PhD, founder, Parenting for Humans
Fri., Nov. 12, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Online Event (Meeting)
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Amigos, amigos amigos y amigos más amigables: navegando por la dinámica social de la escuela |
Ana Homayoun, autora, educadora y Phyllis Fagell, consejera clínica, autora de Middle School Matters
Jueves, 18 de noviembre 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., evento en línea (seminario web)
¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con Charlene Margot, MA, cofundadora y directora ejecutiva de The Parent Venture, en cmargot@parentventure.org
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Friends, Frenemies, and Friendlier Friends: Navigating School Social Dynamics |
Ana Homayoun, author, educator & Phyllis Fagell, clinical counselor, author of Middle School Matters
Thurs, Nov. 18, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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Costa Rica Youth Exchange Program 2022 |
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Where have all the real immersion programs gone? We would like to let you know about our upcoming 2022 summer of youth program in Costa Rica. Language is foremost about people and relationships, and joy is found in the pure vividness of belonging to something greater. By elevating our social interaction, Spanish not only becomes part of us, it opens a new path towards a wellspring of friends and opportunity. True wellness after all, fosters healthy vibrant relationships.
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Take the RWC ARTS CENTER SUREY TODAY! |
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ARTS RWC, an arts roundtable of artists, arts advocates, arts organizations and civic leaders from Redwood City is working on a powerful vision for a new arts center: the Center for Creativity. The hope is to provide access to the arts to our city and the Peninsula at large.
Your entire family can help to move it closer to reality in two easy ways:
1. Take our survey! Everyone in the family can give input about community needs and desires. There are even specific surveys for kids and teens to make sure their voices are heard!
2. Share! Reach out to your friends, family, and colleagues who live, work, learn, and play on the Peninsula and ask them to take this survey also.
Survey results will be used to create a formal feasibility study that will go deeper evaluating possible locations, as well as enlisting the support of City and County government for the vision. Survey collection ends November 12.
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Calling all poets:
CFSC Poetry Slam contest "STAND UNITED AGAINST HATE"
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The Community Foundation of San Carlos and United Against Hate invite the Sequoia High School community (students, staff, volunteers and their families) to be part of the movement to help promote acceptance, inclusion, and equity in our community.
Come out and tell us your story and your experiences related to hate, healing, recovery, agency, empowerment, and activism! All ages welcome.
What: "Stand United Against Hate" Poetry Slam
When: Fri, Nov. 19 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Devil's Canyon Brewery, 935 Washington Street, San Carlos
How: Deadline for poetry submission is Tues, Nov. 9. Register HERE
Prize: $1500 will be donated to the nonprofit(s) of the winners' choice
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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.
- 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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Sentinel Newsletter:
The Sentinel is distributed every Sunday at 8 a.m., except during school breaks. Our readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of Sequoia students, staff and community.
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