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The experience of raising a child is, as much as anything, about accepting the perpetually increasing portion of our kids’ lives that exists independently from us. Each day, a novel’s worth of inspiring ideas, perilous anxieties, and intense personal relationships… and we’re nowhere to be found. There is an intellectual and emotional zone where we are permitted to enter, and another occurring outside the boundaries our kids have set. The schism between the two grows rapidly during adolescence.  

Developmentally, it’s entirely normal and healthy. For moms, dads, and other providers, it can be a source of pride or pain. Sometimes both simultaneously.   

Because, as parents, we’re wired to fret (sometimes needlessly) and fight for our children, I find the phrase, “falling through the cracks,” to be triggering. Cracks!!! What am I going to do about the cracks? Sometimes it seems like there’s a newer or bigger one every week.  

When I’m being generous with myself, these are the “cracks” from which my child will burst forth into a healthy, self-fulfilling life. Like an egg. On my darkest parenting days, the “cracks” represent an abyss threatening to swallow my child whole. Like a cartoon earthquake. 

So it is with teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, campus aides, and administrators. “Falling through the cracks” is an overworked phrase in education. It’s also inevitably a standard by which we measure ourselves as professionals in an institution that expounds the values that Sequoia expounds: (a) that all kids want to be successful and (b) that it’s our job to create the optimal conditions in which that success can flourish.

Recently, the efforts of our counseling department were lauded at the National Conference on Evidence-Based School Counseling. Over the last few years, since returning from the pandemic, Sequoia’s team has developed a model protocol for identifying and supporting students who are in need of academic support.  

The protocol kicks into place after the first quarter grading period ends for ninth graders. Students failing more than one class meet one on one with their counselor to identify causes (e.g. attendance, missing work, poor performance on assessments). They develop an attainable plan through participation in two workshops during Flex (“Improving Grades, One Step at a Time” and “Social-Emotional: Well-Being”). Students and families receive a resource packet to help right the ship and parents are invited to participate in a parent workshop designed to help them build the skills they need to maintain a more hands-on role in monitoring their student’s progress at Sequoia.  

The protocol was successful in turning things around for three out of five kids identified. The remaining students stay on our radar for additional support and intervention.

I’m proud of our counseling team for developing and implementing this ambitious endeavor. Their recognition at the national level is well-deserved. It brings me joy that the key element of the protocol provides the students with the opportunity to speak vulnerably and only works because the adult is listening before prescribing.  

Not surprisingly, my brightest moments as a parent (when the proverbial cracks represent a bursting-forth rather than a falling-through) also hinge on me listening to my children with open ears, mind, and heart. Hang in there everyone, we’re in this together!

Have a great week.

Best,

Sean

PTSA

April 4: Show your appreciation for Sequoia Teachers & Staff!

On Friday, April 4 (the morning after Open House), the PTSA will treat 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 on Friday, April 4. Multiple shifts are available. Sign up to contribute food or volunteer your time!

It’s a great way to spend time on campus and thank our staff in person! Reach out to Katherine Schembri at kathandnora@aol.com with questions. Thank you!

¡Muestre su agradecimiento para nuestro personal y maestros!

El día viernes 4 de abril (la mañana siguiente a “Casa Abierta”), la PTSA le dará a nuestro personal y maestros café y desayuno. Muestre su apreciación y apoyo para nuestro equipo que trabaja arduamente en Sequoia, ya sea donando comida para el desayuno u ofreciendo su tiempo en la escuela el día viernes 4 de abril. Tenemos múltiples turnos para ayudar. Apúntese aquí  con comida o con su tiempo.

Es una buena manera de pasar tiempo en el campus y agradecer al personal directamente. Mande un mensaje a Katherine Schembri kathandnora@aol.com con cualquier pregunta. ¡Gracias!

Sequoia needs your help this spring

Want to help students thrive during IB Exam season?

Curious about how IB Exams work?

Sign up here to assist during an IB Exam! 

Three reasons you'll love this volunteer opportunity: 

REDUCE A STUDENT'S STRESS LEVEL. Your support and smile can make a huge difference for a nervous student!

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG. The IB requires a 1:20 adult to student ratio for exams. With nearly 400 students taking 1600 exams, Sequoia needs a huge team to make this work. 

IT'S EASY. No need to prepare anything! Our staff will give you the simple instructions you need to feel helpful and successful. All we need is your presence!

March 31: Junior Achievement Award applications open

Calling all juniors! Applications for the Junior Achievement Award open on March 31. This award recognizes students for academic success, community service, and/or resilience. It’s a great opportunity to start your college essays, to be recognized for your hard work, and to earn extra money to continue your education. 

The deadline to submit is Monday, April 21, 10:00 p.m. Click here for more information and to apply. Email Erika Nelson for questions.

April 29: Parents needed for 8th grade parent Q&A

To help our incoming families from smaller schools, SHSEF and the PTSA host a small parent orientation at the end of April. We are currently looking for parents whose students came to Sequoia from a non-feeder school to share advice with these 8th grade families on April 29, 9:00-10:00 a.m. 

Did your student join Sequoia from Roy Cloud, Connect Charter, Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Stratford, SVIS, San Carlos Charter, Tierra Linda, Lighthouse, or Redeemer, to name a few? Reach out and let us know if you can serve on a panel to help welcome our new, incoming families! Email president@shsef.org and let us know what kind of perspective you can share (i.e. experience with special education or academies or some other focus).

The 2025 Senior IB Art exhibition is here!

This year's senior IB artists have been working hard for the past two years and are excited to share their art with the Sequoia community. If you would like some hope and joy in your life, please come visit the exhibition at the Powell Art Gallery during lunch from March 18-April 3. 

The artists would also like to invite parents and the public to join us on Open House night for our closing celebration from 7:00-8:30 p.m., April 3. Come celebrate the artists, their creative talents, and academic accomplishments.

Freshmen and sophomores: 2025-26 Course Selection

Freshmen and sophomores: Please check your SEQ email from the counseling office for an email sent to you on Friday, March 14, from sequoiacounseling@seq.org. Review the details for your one-to-one appointment and please communicate with your teacher about your appointment details. It is your responsibility to show up on time for your appointment and to communicate with the counseling office if you need to reschedule. A reminder that not all 9th and 10th graders were required to meet with their counselors since we completed next year’s course selection in your English classes.

Estudiantes del Noveno y Décimo Grado : Selección de Cursos 2025-26

Estudiantes del Noveno y Décimo Grado: Por favor, revisa en tu correo electrónico el correo enviado desde la oficina de consejería de SEQ sequoiacounseling@seq.org este viernes 14 de marzo. Este correo incluye los detalles de tu cita personal, revísalos y comunícaselos a tu maestro/a. Es tu responsabilidad llegar puntualmente a tu cita y comunicarte con la oficina de consejería si necesitas reprogramar. Te recordamos que no todos los estudiantes de 9º y 10º grado tendrán que reunirse con su consejero, ya que completamos la selección de cursos para el próximo año durante tus clases de inglés.

Grad Night tickets now on sale!

Seniors, get ready to celebrate Grad Night, June 6-7 at Boomers in Modesto! Celebrate with activities including go karts, laser tag, mini golf and bumper boats! 

Tickets are available for $90 until Mar. 10 and then increase to $100 through April 30. After April, tickets are $120 until the event. Ticket cost includes Boomers admission, activities (photo booth and casino games) and transportation. Purchase tickets here before the price increases!  

Class of 2025 yard or window sign

Do you have a graduating senior in your home? Celebrate their accomplishments by ordering a Class of 2025 yard or window sign! Visit the Sequoia's PTSA Webstore to order one for $15, and please feel free to donate a sign to a student in our community. You will receive an email in early April for pick-up location and times. For more questions, contact Julie Uiterwijk.

¡Letrero para el jardín o la ventana de la generación 2025!

¿Tiene usted un estudiante de último año por graduarse en su hogar? ¡Celebre sus logros ordenando un letrero de la Generación 2025 para el jardín o ventana! Visite la tienda en línea de PTSA de Sequoia para ordenar uno por $15 y siéntase con toda la confianza de donar un letrero a otro estudiante de la comunidad. Usted recibirá un correo electrónico a principios de abril con la información de dónde y cuándo recoger su letrero. Para más información o cualquier pregunta, contacte a Julie Uiterwijk.

Home Games this week

• 3/25 Boys Tennis vs El Camino - Varsity 4:00 p.m.
• 3/26 Baseball vs Burlingame - JV 4:00 p.m.
• 3/26 Girls Lacrosse vs Carlmont - Varsity 7:00 p.m., JV 5:30 p.m.
• 3/27 Boys Tennis vs Oceana - Varsity 4:00 p.m.
• 3/27 Boys Lacrosse vs Aragon - Varsity 7:00 p.m.
• 3/28 Baseball vs Burlingame - Varsity 4:00 p.m.
• 3/28 Softball vs Mills - Varsity 4:00 p.m.
• 3/28 Boys Volleyball vs El Camino - Varsity 5:45 p.m., JV 4:30 p.m.
• 3/29 Boys Lacrosse vs Urban - Varsity 1:00 p.m.

Boosters Online Auction Opens Wednesday!

The Boosters Online Auction opens Wednesday 3/26! Registration is free but you must be registered to bid or support this year’s Fund-A-Need. All funds raised benefit Sequoia sports teams for equipment, transportation, uniforms, and more!

Preview our auction catalog featuring packages big and small, including some fabulous baskets offered by each Sequoia sports team. Please encourage your family, friends, and teammates to participate. Thank you for your support!

Bid on packages like:

- 2025 VIP Grad seats, parking & breakfast for 20

- College counseling services

- Prom or grad prep from dresses to hair, makeup, and photography

- Team baskets from each Sequoia sports program

- Parties, getaways, sports tickets, fitness classes, and more!

HIGHLIGHTS

COMMUNITY

Like to Run? No Foolin' Foot Race!

Join us for the third annual San Carlos Parks and Recreation Foundation’s No Foolin' Foot Race on Saturday, April 26, 2025! Take on the challenging 5K or 10K trail race; younger kids run the 1-mile kids’ race through beautiful Big Canyon and Eaton Parks to benefit San Carlos trail maintenance and improvements. Sign up by March 26 for early registration pricing. Register today!

¿Le gusta correr? ¡Caminata Sin Tonterías!

Únase a nosotros para la tercer camninata anual organizada por la Fundación de Parques y Recreación de San Carlos, ¨"Caminata Sin Tonterías", este sábado 26 de abril del 2025. Compita en la carrera de 5 ó 10 Km., los niños más jóvenes pueden correr la carrera de 1 milla a través del hermoso Big Canyon y los parques de Eaton a beneficio de mantener las rutas en los parques de San Carlos. Inscríbase antes del 26 de marzo para obtener precios a descuento. Regístrese aquí hoy mismo