Sequoia Sentinel
May 23, 2021
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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A recurring theme in the story we tell one day about Sequoia during the pandemic will be the magic wand bequeathed to us by the Sequoia High School Education Foundation. Whether take-home electronic pianos, science supplies, or financial support for struggling families, the SHSEF was a potent source of empowerment for our community over these last 14 months.
Likewise, the work supported by the Foundation in professional development and technology over the past several years positioned our students, teachers, and staff to weather these circumstances better than might otherwise be expected. Many of the skills, tools, and strategies we have been developing were compatible with distance learning. Departments and curricular teams were often aligned in ways that made it easier to prioritize essential standards and provide students with authentic assessment opportunities.
This only happens with a clear mission and consistent guiding core values -- and this is what makes the work of the Sequoia High School Education Foundation so powerful. Consider a few of our major initiatives for 2021-22:
- AVID college visits that send students (most of whom to be the first in their families to attend college) across the state to see first hand what their future holds.
- Wellness and mental health staffing to support students transition and trauma recovery.
- College Day for 9th and 10th graders.
- Bilingual College/Career Counselor to guide parents and students to plan successfully for their best-fit college.
- Support staff for instructional technology.
- Staffing allocation to support our strongest class-size reduction initiative in core academic classes yet.
- Summer School Geometry allows students to accelerate, pushing themselves to take or be eligible for CSU and UCs.
- Our highest level math courses (Linear Algebra, Differentiated Equations) to help prepare our best and brightest for success in STEM majors at elite universities.
- Annual full day release for each department to engage in meaningful professional learning and collaboration around instructional goals.
- PTSA mini-grants, Visual and Performing Arts supplies, the student-run newspaper, the Family Center.
The Foundation funding means that staff and volunteers are focused on running excellent programs, putting kids first, and not being bogged down with raising money.
This is the connection between our Annual Campaign and importance placed on relationships when we think about outcomes for kids. The Foundation doesn’t fund “extra” things, it funds vital things. I’m grateful not only for the generosity of this amazing community but for your understanding of how connected to the education of the whole child we are at Sequoia.
As we continue to make progress on this year’s Annual Campaign, remember that if you act by May 31, your gift will be doubled thanks to the generosity of a group of Sequoia families who have contributed $70,000 for a matching challenge. Donate today. Last year we exceeded our campaign goals. Thank you in advance for helping us do the same this year.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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June 2: gratitude lunch for Sequoia teachers and staff
Please help us show appreciation and give sustenance to our amazing Sequoia staff & teachers during finals week! Due to COVID, we will be pre-ordering salads & sandwiches, and offering grab & go pre-packaged lunch items.
Please contact Jenn DiGrande at 650-291-0884 or via email for questions.
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Do you have questions for our Sequoia 2020-2021 PTSA Board? Reach Isha Bhatt, 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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May 27: Sequoia Dream Club drive-in movie night fundraiser |
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Come to the Port of Redwood City on May 27 and join the Dream Club for an evening of short films celebrating hope, empathy and community. This fundraiser is hosted by the Dream Club in collaboration with Bravemaker, and all proceeds will go to Alight to support their work at the border.
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Reserve your yearbook now |
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This yearbook is going to be spectacular! Shout out to our Editor-in-Chief, senior Andrew Mancini, who has gone above and beyond for Sequoia’s 2021 book.
The time is now to reserve your yearbook - we will most likely sell out. Click here to order and use Sequoia’s code 7268, or search for Sequoia High School. Please contact yearbook Adviser Eileen Bray for questions.
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Summer literacy experience is here! |
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I am excited for you to start the new Summer Literacy Experience. You can earn your summer literacy badge (formerly known as summer reading) any time, starting now. If you want to be an official summer reading ambassador, complete your requirements before July 1.
To get started: visit bit.ly/SUMMERLIT where you’ll find grade-level instructions, as well as examples.
All of these resources are on the Media Center website and I look forward to hearing about your summer engagement. Thanks! Ms. Snow.
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May 29 and June 4: Parents of 9th-11th graders needed to chaperone |
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We need volunteers from families of 9th-11th graders to chaperone the following senior events to ensure graduates are able to celebrate without their own families chaperoning:
- Senior "Prom" on May 29
- Grad Night on June 4 (at Sports House)
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Deadline June 5 to submit Sequoia Student Poetry Anthology |
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Submit a poem or art piece to the Sequoia-only Student Anthology of 2021 - the deadline is coming soon! Click here for details.
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Meet me in the Media Center |
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Questions about books? Go to the Media Center Website. Remember, we do not charge fines for overdue books.
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May 28: Senior credit recovery and concurrent enrollment due! |
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Final reminder to 12th grade students needing credit recovery for graduation and/or A-G requirements. All Edgenuity, Concurrent Enrollment, and/or AGS coursework must be completed no later than May 28, no exceptions. Please contact your counselor with any questions.
Mr. Calles’ Edgenuity Office Hours this week:
Monday May 24 -- Thursday May 27, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday May 28, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Students need to email Mr. Calles when they have finished a course in order to gain access to the cumulative final exam. Students ALSO need to email Mr. Calles when they have finished the exam so he can submit a final grade to be entered on their transcript.
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May 26: IB Virtual Ceremony / Ceremonia Virtual IB |
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Senior parents - don’t delay! Purchase a candy lei for your grads, hooray! Deadline is Wednesday.
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Need a fun graduation present? Purchase a candy lei for your 2021 graduate to wear at graduation! The cost is $15, and all proceeds go towards safe and sober graduation activities for Sequoia High School’s class of 2022.
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Celebration activities for seniors |
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Sequoia Seniors have a lot of fun opportunities to celebrate graduation!
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Answers to Senior IB questions |
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“That’s So Raven” is a Sequoia ASB Production. |
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This week on That's So Raven:
0:55 Mental Health and Substance Use with TRC YAB
3:17 Movie Night Field Report
5:12 Girl Varsity Soccer Interview
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Donate by May 31 and double your donation impact |
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Our community makes a huge difference in supporting a quality education for all Sequoia students. Contributions to Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) help support vital staff, services, and programs not funded by district dollars.
If you donate by May 31, your gift to SHSEF will be doubled thanks to the generosity of a group of Sequoia families who have contributed $70,000 for a matching challenge. Double your impact today!
Many employers will match your gift to SHSEF. To learn more, contact us.
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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What does nonbinary really mean? What is gender nonconforming? And isn't they a plural pronoun?
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Many of our kids will apply to schools that they don't get into or have ambitions that aren't fulfilled. How can we normalize rejection for our kids and help them turn it around? Jessica Bacal's new book, The Rejection That Changed My Life, provides exciting new ways to think about college and career challenges, changes, and triumphs.
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The primary focus of this skills-based program is to reset the natural balance of the nervous system in order to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into greater balance.
This FREE, two-part training will focus on the six CRM wellness skills, as well as the neuroscience behind the model. Attendees are encouraged to attend both Part 1 and Part 2, as each will focus on three of the CRM wellness skills. Register now / Regístrese. Zoom link / Enlace de Zoom.
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The primary focus of this skills-based program is to reset the natural balance of the nervous system in order to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into greater balance.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS |
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May 26: Celebrate Healthy Cities tutoring volunteers! |
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We would like to invite you to the annual Healthy Cities Tutoring volunteer recognition reception (via Zoom this year)! This heartwarming event recognizes our tutors for their amazing contributions and dedication over the years, and especially this past year. Hear from tutors, students, community members, and meet some of our high school scholarship winners.
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June 9: How to start your college essays workshop |
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In this practical workshop for a small group of rising seniors, learn what goes into an essay, explore UC and Common App essay prompts, and get writing and planning tips. Heather Woods of Heartwood Editing creates a comfortable environment to write, reflect, and ask questions.
Join the workshop on June 9, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Cost: $37. Workshop will also be held on August 25, or assemble 3+ students and pick your own date. Register here.
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Mission InspirEd hiring blog writers |
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Mission InspirEd, a student-run nonprofit organization based in Seattle, is currently hiring blog writers! Here are some details:
- Authors will write blog articles (½ to 1-½ pages) on varying topics regarding education and access to education.
- Authors will be asked to contribute an article every other week.
- Authors will receive service hours for time put in for each blog post.
- Authors will have freedom regarding content, but will need to follow deadlines.
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Sentinel Newsletter:
Our readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of Sequoia students, staff and community.
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