Sequoia Sentinel
August 15, 2021
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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Laura A.’s favorite subject has always been science. It began in elementary school, where the generous PTSA funded twice-weekly science pull-out classes and take-home science bags beginning in kindergarten. It was the lesson about metamorphosis that hooked her, unlocking the mystery behind The Very Hungry Caterpillar (the book mom and dad used to read to her when she was a baby). By grades 6-8, Laura A. spent most of her free time in her school’s robotics lab. Before 9th grade started, she attended coding and neuroscience camps, which included a visit to a research lab at a major local university. The scientists she met there seemed like rockstars to her, theirs was her dream career.
Laura B. has early memories of butterflies, as well. At her elementary school, a charismatic lepidopterist wowed all the kids one year with her presentation of colorful and unique species. There were no regular science classes before sixth grade at her elementary school but her general education teachers presented physical science demonstrations or science-themed videos from time to time. She hung the poster she made about dry ice and the states of matter in the bedroom she shares with her two younger sisters for over a year because it reminded her of how proud her parents had been at the science fair. In her middle school science class, she enjoyed learning about different biospheres, plate tectonics, and the water cycle. Her seventh grade field trip to the California Academy of Sciences was a highlight. Laura B. thinks often about environmental issues and a career working with animals or conservation interests her greatly.
Sequoia’s science department is designed for both Lauras to thrive, to dream about futures neither of them had considered by the time they attended 9th grade orientation last week.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) School, Sequoia’s science classes emphasize investigation -- different approaches and different techniques. Practical science rules within the IB, with students designing investigations, collecting data, analyzing results with peers, and communicating their findings. The IB skills our courses develop and strengthen mirror the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Students entering as Sequoia ninth graders this year will enroll in Biology or Physics. The four year course of study in science, per the requirements of the UC/CSU, will include a physical science, a life science, and an earth science. Although the UC/CSU requires students to complete three years of a lab science, the overwhelming majority of Sequoia graduates complete four (or more) years of science.
The goal is to ensure both Laura A. and Laura B. are challenged throughout their four years, can be successful in an IB course by 11th or 12th grade, and grow in their love of science towards a lifetime of learning. Their pathways may have been different, but we hold as a core value that access the the most rigorous content should be as open as possible. Furthermore, we know that both Lauras working together greatly enhances their respective understanding of how scientists work globally in the 21st century. Specifically, the cultural competency developed in a heterogeneous classroom gives them an advantage in how they frame the ethical debates and limitations of creative scientific endeavor - both or which are recurring themes in IB.
We are fortunate at Sequoia to have a dynamic mix of veteran and young professionals teaching our science classes. It is their dedication to collaboration and equity, as well as the strong leadership of department chair Jessica Magallanes, that allows them to address many of the needs that arise within a science program where both Lauras (and all their classmates) can thrive and grow in their love of science.
Have a great week!
Sean
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Sequoia PTSA welcomes you! |
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Let us help you clear your back-to-school to-do list....
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Buy school supplies √
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Return textbooks from last year √
- Organize carpool √
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JOIN the PTSA <-- DO THIS!
Your $20 annual membership shows your commitment to a group whose purpose is to help make Sequoia a place where Parents, Teachers, and Students are welcome and can feel the UNALIYI spirit!
Our amazing PTSA parent volunteers...
- Work to allocate $18,000 in funds from the SHS Ed Foundation to provide mini-grants to student groups and teachers throughout the year.
- Coordinate the school-wide Reflections Art Contest which encourages our students to submit original works in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.
- Give our juniors college application experience through the Junior Scholarship Program
So please, JOIN -- and while you're at it, sign up your student and spouse as well! We're looking forward to a great year and a PTSA that's stronger than ever! JOIN TODAY!
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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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Stanford undergrads join Sequoia students and teachers for an uncommon learning experience |
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Aug. 21: 14th annual Alumni Association picnic |
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Save the date for the 14th Annual Sequoia High School Alumni Association “Celebrate Sequoia” picnic!
When: Saturday, August 21, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: the beautiful Sequoia campus
What: the picnic will be catered by Bianchini’s Catering and activities include: campus tours, cheerleaders performance, Purple Patriot award recognition for Sequoia parent volunteer Michal Roof, and student organizations March for Our Lives Sequoia Union and Sequoia Science Olympiad, who have significantly benefited Sequoia High School.
Who: All Sequoians are welcome (alumni, students, parents, staff, PTSA, Boosters, Education Foundation, and community members).
Cost: Tickets are $40 per person. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $45 per person.
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Fall play: Show dates and auditions |
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Mark your calendars with show dates and audition times for Sequoia's fall play. The Monologue Show (From Hell) by Don Zolidis is a comedic collection of monologues gone wrong. In this parody of a high school drama class showcase, students stumble over their lines, miss their cues, and make questionable acting choices. Despite their teacher's best efforts, these teens are determined to live in the moment, abandoning all plans and preparation whenever their stage fright or egos get the best of them. The effect is hilariously pitiful yet still kind of charming.
Show Dates are Oct. 22-24:
- Fri 7 - 9 p.m.
- Sat 2 - 4 p.m. & 7 - 9 p.m.
- Sun 2 - 4 p.m.
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Science Olympiad returns for its second year! All students welcome |
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Students interested in sciences should be pleased to hear that the Science Olympiad Club is returning for its second year as a student-led club, offering a place for students to study for and compete in STEM related competitions. Through the Science Olympiad Club, students are able to study events that they are personally interested in with a partner. These events fall under categories like earth/space science, physical/chemistry science, technology and engineering, life/personal/social science, and nature science.
The club will host weekly meetings where you can talk to your partner and Stanford Coaches to meet up and prepare for competitions. Competitions are fun environments where you can test your knowledge against other students. Although they are not mandatory, competitions are highly recommended. Our goal is to create a fun environment where students can study STEM events. Time and date for weekly meetings will be announced soon so be on the lookout. Hope to see you all soon! Contact us with questions.
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Share career information with students |
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Sequoia Union High School District is expanding Work-Based Learning and we need your help!
HOW to get involved:
- Guest speak in a classroom
- Host a company tour
- Participate in a job or career fair
- Mentor a student
WHY get involved with SUHSD CTE Programs:
- Inspire a student
- Build a strong community
- Promote your industry
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Tuesday Aug. 17: Booster Club Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, August 17 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.
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Please make sure your athlete is cleared! Check out seqsports.com for more info.
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New membership levels & loot for Sequoia Booster Club |
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Help the Ravens start the year strong by joining the Sequoia Sport and Spirit Boosters early. Visit SEQUOIA BOOSTER CLUB to show your support for our student athletes today!
Platinum, Gold, and Silver Memberships include admission to all regular season athletic events, plus optional donor gifts like Boosters-branded stadium seats and other Sequoia fan gear based on donor level. See our WEBSITE for details!
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Join the Boosters mailing list
Stay up to speed on Sequoia Athletics and Boosters news including games, meetings, fundraising events, scholarships and ways to get involved by joining our BOOSTERS EMAIL LIST.
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MEET ME IN THE MEDIA CENTER |
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Earn your Summer Literacy Badge
There is still time to earn your Summer Literacy Badge! Show off topics you engaged with, or books you read over the summer, by earning the Summer Literacy Badge.
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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Disaster Preparedness: Building Community Resilience: Town Hall Meeting
Sandra Firpo, Emergency Services Specialist / CERT Program Manager for the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, and Barbara Wood, Red Cross Disaster Responder.
Tues., Aug. 31, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Online Event
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What Do You Say? Talking with Kids to Build Stress Tolerance and Motivation
Dr. Bill Stixrud and Ned Johnson, national bestselling authors of The Self-Driven Child
Wed., Sept. 1, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Online Event
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Mindful Parenting: Reducing COVID Stress and Anxiety
Madeleine Pizey, Mindful Educator, Mission Be (Mindfulness Organization)
Thurs., Sept. 9, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Online Event
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"The Twisties": Youth Sports, Competition, and Mental Health
Steve Smith, PhD, Clinical and Sports Psychologist, UC Santa Barbara
Wed., Sept. 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Online Event
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Beyond Being Admitted: Making the Most of the College Experience
Frank Bruni, Author, NY Times Columnist, and Endowed Professor of Journalism, Duke University & Alice Kleeman, Award-winning Former College Advisor
Wed., Sept. 22, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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SamTrans is an easy way for students to get to and from school and other activities. Riding the bus with a group of friends helps kids gain independence, reduces traffic congestion at school, reduces parent stress and improves local air quality.
Visit this link for more information about how to ride to school.
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Aug. 25: How to start your college essays |
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Set aside time to focus on college essay prompts, brainstorm ideas, and get feedback in this small-group workshop for rising seniors.
Heather Woods of Heartwood Editing creates a comfortable environment to write, reflect, and ask questions.
Session will be held August 25 from 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. for a fee of $37.
Or assemble 3+ students and pick your own date.
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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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