Sequoia PTSA's weekly newsletter in partnership with Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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In what ways is Sequoia a place that celebrates emerging multilingualism? While not a bilingual or dual immersion school in the traditional sense, 239 Sequoia students, mostly ninth graders, are currently enrolled in a first-year World Language class, either Spanish or French. For five hours each week, they learn useful vocabulary such as days of the week, body parts, and common foods. They practice pronunciation, useful conversations, and conjugations of simple verbs. They may even understand what “conjugate” means.
Those first-year World Language classes are designed to get students excited about and prepared for success in more advanced courses such as IB French and Spanish. World Language classes are, by far, Sequoia’s most popular category of elective. It’s understood by students and families the extent to which second-language fluency opens opportunities.
Down the hall, another group of students are also developing their fluency in a second language. These emerging multilingual learners likewise need no convincing about how mastery of a new language goes hand-in-hand with opportunity. Verb conjugations are still confusing, and there’s anxiety about mispronouncing a word in front of their friends. But because these students are learning English (and in most cases they’ve only been living in the United States for a very short time), the stakes are high.
Over 100 students at Sequoia, the majority of whom already speak Spanish, fall into this “newcomer” category. In some cases, Spanish is their second language because they grew up hearing an indigenous Central American language in the home. Like most teenagers I’ve met, trust can be hard-won, but their kindness will catch you off guard. They have amazing stories to tell, although often they want to talk about plans for the weekend or when we’re going to play music again on the quad at lunch. If I can earn a laugh, I’ll take it as a sign that my Spanish remains functional
Public schools open their doors to everyone. Teachers and staff pour their hearts into creating memorable classroom interactions every day — for every emerging multi-language learner. While it can be easy to make biased judgments about which student assets we value and which ones we don’t, I try to remind myself often that the pursuit of multilingualism is something that unites the vast majority of our students. Some students are more ahead of the game than others. It’s something we should celebrate more.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Show your appreciation for teachers & staff!
¡Muestre su agradecimiento para nuestro personal y maestros!
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On Friday, March 24 (the morning after Open House), the PTSA will be treating our staff and teachers to espresso drinks and breakfast. Show your appreciation and support for our hard-working Sequoia team by donating breakfast items or volunteering on campus. Multiple shifts are available. Sign up to contribute food or volunteer your time. It is a great way to spend time on campus and thank staff in person! Reach out to Linda Solon with questions. Thank you!
¡Muestre su agradecimiento para nuestro personal y maestros!
La mañana despuĂ©s de “Open House,” la PTSA le dará a nuestro personal y maestros bebidas de cafĂ© y desayuno. Muestre su apreciaciĂłn y apoyo para nuestro equipo que trabaja arduamente en Sequoia dando una donaciĂłn de comida para el desayuno o ofreciendo su tiempo en la escuela en el dĂa viernes 24 de marzo. Tenemos mĂşltiples turnos para ayudar. ApĂşntese para contribuir con comida o con su tiempo. Es una buena manera de pasar tiempo en el campus y agradecerle al personal en persona. Mande un mensaje a Linda Solon con cualquier pregunta. ¡Gracias!
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The PTSA gives out annual awards to recognize juniors who have demonstrated achievement in academics, community service, and resilience. This program is called the Junior Achievement Awards. The application for this award opens on April 2 and closes on April 23.
Juniors should complete the application in order to be considered for this award. The link to this year’s application will be sent out on April 2. Click here to view a previous year’s application.
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SHSEF looking for database chair |
SHSEF is looking for a database chair to manage our donor database. Tasks include pulling reports and segmentations for appeals, and assisting with the transition to a new system. Interested? Email Marianne Jett.
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March 15-31: IB Art exhibition |
The senior IB Art exhibition in the Powell Art Gallery will be open during lunchtime starting Wednesday, March 15 through Friday, March 31. The evening celebration exhibition will be held on Thursday, March 23 during Open House, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. |
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Upcoming student activities |
Check out all the great things happening at Sequoia! Bear with us as we adjust the size of the graphic to be legible on a desktop. In the meantime, you should be able to view it on your phone! |
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March news from the Media Center |
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March 24-26: Get your tickets to see TRAP! |
Tickets are now on sale for Sequoia Drama's upcoming production of the documentary-style mystery thriller play TRAP! Shows are March 24-26, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Recommended for ages 10+.
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Help ensure all students can attend prom |
Everyone at the Family Center is excited about Sequoia’s upcoming prom, and we would like to make sure that ALL Sequoia students can participate without worrying about the cost of buying or renting formal clothing. If you would like to help as a donor, sponsor, or volunteer, please sign up here.
For more information, please contact Ann Kamensky by email or at 617-835-9586. Thank you! Your generous, thoughtful support will light up a grateful student’s face this spring!
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Do you have formalwear to donate? |
If you have formalwear in great condition to pass on, please donate to help our students attend Sequoia prom in style! We need dresses, jewelry, wraps, dress shoes, clutches, etc., that are modern, formal (usually long dresses), in great condition, and CLEAN (torn/stained items cannot be accepted). All sizes welcome!
Please deliver your donation by March 27 to one of these locations:
- The Family Center (Sequoia HS, room 129), weekdays only, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Redwood City Home (43 Finger Ave., Redwood City), weekdays or weekends, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Please call or text Ann at 617-835-9586 before you come.
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April 22: Save the date for prom! |
Time: 7:30-11:00 p.m.
Location: San Francisco City Hall
Mark the date on your calendar, and remember to look for more information coming soon. See you there!
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March 17: SUHSD Middle College applications due |
The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College is now accepting applications for Fall 2023. Middle College is a collaboration between the SUHSD and Cañada College, and students earn both high school and college credits, enabling them to complete their high school requirements and earn college credit simultaneously. All classes are held at Cañada College, and there is no cost. Watch this video to learn more.
Interested sophomores should speak to their counselor and attend one of our Parent/Student info sessions. Limited space for rising seniors. All application components must be submitted by Friday, March 17 at 4:00 p.m. Email us with questions, visit the website for more information or call 650-306-3120. Hablamos Español!
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Early bird discount tickets for class of ’23 Safe and Sober Grad Night |
Tickets are now on sale for the Safe and Sober Grad Night! A ticket includes: food, dancing, games, views, and FUN! Get in on the early bird price of only $80! Prices go up on March 13. The grads will meet at Sequoia around 10:00 p.m. to board buses that will take them to the Horn Blower Pier for an evening cruise around the San Francisco Bay. They will return to Sequoia around 4:00 a.m. All attendees must sign a waiver; students over 18 are able to sign for themselves, but must have a completed waiver. This event is for Sequoia graduates of the class of 2023 ONLY. If your students wish to purchase a ticket for another student, please check with that student first. No refunds. Purchase tickets here. If you wish to purchase via check, please email us.
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Boosters online auction closes 6:00 p.m. |
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Boosters Crab Feed Dinner & Live Auction. What a great evening of community, fundraising, and fun! Our silent auction is open until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 12—don’t miss your chance to win fantastic prizes while supporting Sequoia athletics!
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03/14 PAL Track Meet vs. San Mateo 3:00 p.m.
03/14 Varsity Softball vs. Branham 4:00 p.m.
03/14 Varsity Baseball vs. Menlo 4:00 p.m.
03/14 Boys Volleyball vs. Hillsdale JV 5:00 p.m.
03/14 Boys Volleyball vs. Hillsdale Varsity 6:15 p.m.
03/16 Varsity Badminton vs. Jefferson 4:30 p.m.
03/16 Boys Lacrosse vs. Gunn 7:00 p.m.
03/17 Girls & Boys Swimming vs. Mills 3:00 p.m.
03/18 Boys Lacrosse vs. Woodside 12:00 p.m.
Please follow @SeqBoosters and individual sports on Instagram for the latest game times and info! We are working to get finalized spring schedules on SeqSports.com.
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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Kids don’t come with instruction manuals. But when parents learn a little something about child development, we can use those insights to support our kids. Join Deborah Farmer Kris, child development expert, for an engaging exploration of four key lessons drawn from cognitive science — lessons that can help kids thrive academically and navigate social and emotional challenges.
Los niños no vienen con manuales de instrucciones. Pero cuando los padres aprenden algo sobre el desarrollo infantil, podemos usar esos conocimientos para apoyar a nuestros hijos. Unirse Deborah Farmer Kris, experto en desarrollo infantil, para una interesante exploraciĂłn de cuatro lecciones clave extraĂdas de la ciencia cognitiva, lecciones que pueden ayudar a los niños a prosperar acadĂ©micamente y afrontar los desafĂos sociales y emocionales. Enlace de zoom.
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Sameer Hinduja, PhD, is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work on cyberbullying and safe social media use. In this presentation, he will examine cyberbullying and unwise social media use, and offer practical strategies for identification, prevention, and response.
Sameer Hinduja, PhD, es reconocido internacionalmente por su innovador trabajo sobre el ciberacoso y el uso seguro de las redes sociales. En esta presentación, examinará el acoso cibernético y el uso imprudente de las redes sociales, y ofrecerá estrategias prácticas para la identificación, prevención y respuesta. Enlace de zoom.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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Costa Rica Youth Exchange |
Our program is for Spanish students who are ready for a full immersion to build speaking confidence and gain fluency through social connections. Our environment is the perfect setting for young people to engage at the community level and experience our engaging youth culture. We put great energy in helping each student adapt to life in our small village, for that reason we limit enrollment to 15 students. Call Costa Rica Youth Exchange toll free at 1-888-674-0408 or email Ilba Prego, Director.
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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
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
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.
PTSA Resources
Class email lists: subscribe to class e-blasts, with news tailored for each student year
Student News
That's So Raven Announcements: subscribe to Sequoia High School ASB's YouTube channel and set up alerts so you'll know when these fun and informational vlogs post
Quick Links:
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En Español: ÂżQuieres traducir este boletĂn ahora? En Español: 1-Mantenga presionada la tecla Control (PC) y la tecla A para seleccionar toda la página, a continuaciĂłn, mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla C para copiar la página entera. 2-Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a google translate. 3-Coloca el cursor en la caja y mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla V para pegar el boletĂn completo en el cuadro de traducciĂłn.
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE SENTINEL |
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The Sentinel goes out to 3,500 members of the Sequoia High School community on Sundays at 8 a.m. during the school year. Submissions are due on Wednesday — click the purple button below.
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