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The 2022-23 school year is nearly in the rearview mirror. Amidst the sorting of caps and gowns, cramming for final exams, and finalizing of summer plans, attention is already very much directed at 2023-24. Here are a few ideas that encapsulate this moment for our community:
Spirit: I remember the Class of 2023 arriving as ninth graders. Vice Principal Sophia Olliver, who oversees new student orientation activities every August, and I both saw something special. They were an enthusiastic group even on their first day. Their high school narrative, like all students over the last four years, took a dramatic and unanticipated turn. Yet when it came their time to lead and carry our school’s legacy forward as 12th-graders this year, they reminded us who they’d always been. The Key Club projects, ASB Spirit Day, Dream Club Dinners, and Media Center TikToks have been among the bricks that have rebuilt Sequoia’s famous school spirit. We noticed how special the Class of 2023 has been – and so did the world: keep an eye on the PBS Newshour in the coming weeks, who recently featured Sequoia Seniors as part of their regular “Brief but Spectacular” segment.
Modernization: In November, voters approved the Measure W modernization bond for our district’s schools. The priorities and scope of work for Sequoia are beginning to take shape. Last week we had a fruitful discussion with students, staff, and architects about what Measure W will mean for us Ravens – just in time for the 100th Anniversary of our campus next year. Modernization also means adapting and thriving in a new technological, social, and cognitive environment. We’re already beginning to ask important questions about what learning will look like in the years to come and how. We’re enthusiastic, for instance, on the value created by…
Connections: This year’s Raven Circles were about establishing dialogue and setting expectations about being a part of our community – unaliyi. We saw success in connecting our students with the world outside of 1201 Brewster. We enriched existing relationships with Stanford faculty, local fire, health care, police, and tech as viable career opportunities. We also established relationships with new community partners such as the ArtBias in San Carlos, whose internship program with our students was recently commended by SUHSD Superintendent Crystal Leach and our Board of Trustees. We’ve even adopted a new term for these kinds of activities, 'learning to life by breaking down barriers between school and community.' Look for more celebrations of successful experienceships in 2023-24.
Inclusivity: Sequoia’s fall production of Beauty and the Beast was a smashing success by every conceivable measure. I saw it twice because there were two casts, Drama teacher Talia Cain’s solution to the overwhelming number of students who auditioned for a role in the play. The first show I saw featured 12th grader Kaila Maire in the role of Belle. She crushed it, of course. But my fondest memory of the show is actually of the other casting, when Kaila alternated to an ensemble role. When she strode across the stage as part of the broader cast (conducting some silent business with the baker, I think), it was clear how powerful the idea of inclusivity can be. In collective endeavors, it will almost always be the case that talent and skill will emerge. But if growing up means getting to experience all kinds of different roles – the feeling of being both the most and least confident in the room – virtues such as generosity, empathy, and gratitude become more prominent. We can apply these ideas not only to extracurriculars such as theater, music, and athletics, but also to academics – by creating opportunities for students to venture outside their comfort zones, and by using our power and influence as adults to help them thrive in those settings. If a public education can do that, it’s creating something truly remarkable in society. Thus we strive.
I’ll be savoring this moment over the next 12 days as we prepare to launch another graduating class from our school community. I’m grateful for all who make it possible by showing up every day and putting forth their best selves.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
Sean
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