Sequoia Sentinel

Sequoia PTSA's weekly newsletter in partnership with Sequoia High School Education Foundation

MAIN MESSAGE


This year during our annual club day (see photo above, almost looks like a music festival no?), I asked leaders representing their various organizations about their mission and goals for the year. I often encounter hesitancy when I ask students (or adults, for that matter) about lofty concepts such as mission and vision. To my pleasant surprise, each student I spoke with during club day was able to articulate clearly and inspiringly what their organization was all about this year. Here are a few of my favorites.


  • “To build a safe community for people who love projects and learning” (Crochet Club)
  • “To educate our community about Climate Change and make Sequoia a greener place.” (Climate Club)
  • “To have fun creating stories with friends.” (Tabletop Games Club)
  • “Build a new hive!” (Beekeeping Club)
  • “Organize events and partner with other groups on campus to build community.” (Gender Sexuality Alliance)
  • “Connect with local elementary schools through outreach to expand our impact.” (STEMality)
  • “Recruit more members and compete to win!” (Debate Team)
  • “Have fun and make the most out of our year.” (Frisbee Club)


and my favorite came from the Skate Club:


“The mission is to create a community where you’re not afraid to fall down and get back up!”


Hats off to our ASB students for organizing this successful event. Ask your student if they were able to find anything of interest. Maybe you see them in the photo!


Have a great week!


Best,

Sean

PTSA

PTSA membership is growing... grow with us!

Click HERE to join online. Don't want the hassle of another online login? Go old school! Fill out the membership form in English or Spanish. Put the form and your check in an envelope and drop it off at the school office. We'll take care of the rest! 

Questions? Contact Dana Rechin.


La cantidad de miembros en PTSA crece… ¡Crezca con nosotros!

Pulse AQUÍ para inscribirse en línea. ¿No quiere la molestia de otra suscripción en línea? Forme parte de la vieja escuela y llene la forma de membresía en inglés o en español. Ponga la forma junto con su cheque en un sobre cerrado y déjelo en la oficina de la escuela ¡Nosotros nos encargamos del resto! 

¿Preguntas? Contacte a Dana Rechin.


Join Today

Sept. 25: PTSA mini-grants meeting (mandatory)

Through the support of the Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF), the PTSA is able to offer financial grants to enhance education at Sequoia. The grants of up to $750 are designed to inspire creative initiatives for learning and/or to address a compelling need that might otherwise go unmet.


Applications will be accepted between Sept. 20 and Oct. 2. Students/staff who have an idea for a project that will benefit the school (but need funding) are encouraged to apply. A mandatory meeting for those interested in submitting a grant request will be held on Monday, Sept. 25 at lunch in front of Carrington Hall. Learn more here.

Reflections 2023-2024: I am Hopeful Because/Tengo Esperanza Porque…

Reflections theme "I am hopeful because" poster

Don't ignore your inner artist! Consider participating in the Reflections Program. Enter your artwork and reflection in one of six categories: Dance, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.


All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement. Participation itself is a meaningful contribution to the Sequoia community. Due by Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. Questions? Email us or call 650-743-1695.


First-place finishers in each category enter the district competition. District winners move on to the state, and state winners ultimately compete at the national level. You can do this! Learn more here.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Did you know SHSEF supports staff, projects and programs to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential? We raise funds for college services, academic enrichment programs, staff professional development, and student and family support. Donate today and help us reach our goal of $650K!

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2024: Schedule your senior portraits now!

Senior families, now is the time to have your student's senior portrait taken for the yearbook! 


Sequoia's local studio is Prestige Photography (990 Industrial Rd., Suite 102, San Carlos). To reserve a studio time, click here and follow the steps to create an account and reserve a session. You may also call 877-825-7922. You will be able to select the portrait you would like in the yearbook. 


Portraits should be taken by Thanksgiving break (Nov. 18).


Questions? Email Mr. Mancini or click here for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

San Carlos Civics Academy

San Carlos Civics Academy is a free, six-week program seeking to foster civic leadership and improve citizens' understanding of how the local government works.


  • Learn how the city makes decisions.
  • Learn about revenues, expenditures, and budget.
  • Meet city leaders, department directors, and staff.
  • Build relationships with neighbors and community members.


Individuals 14 and older who live or work in San Carlos can participate. Registration closes Sept. 24. Click here for more information

Costa Rica immersion experience

The Costa Rica youth exchange is a shared experience of friendship and community spirit. Being immersed in a village and interacting with local teens can lead to personal growth and Spanish self-reliance. Click here for more information.

ATHLETICS

Home games this week

Come out to support the home team! Please consider volunteering in the snack shack this season to feed our hungry fans and raise money for SEQ Sports!


• 9/19: Girls Tennis vs San Mateo - Varsity 4:00 pm

• 9/19: Girls Water Polo vs San Mateo - Varsity 5:00 pm, JV 4:00 pm

• 9/19: Boys Water Polo vs MA - Varsity 6:00 pm, JV 7:00 pm

• 9/21: Girls Tennis vs Burlingame - Varsity 4:00 pm

• 9/21: Football vs Wilcox - JV 7:00 pm

• 9/21: Girls Volleyball vs Half Moon Bay - Varsity 6:15 pm, JV 5:00 pm, Frosh 4:00 pm

• 9/22: Girls Volleyball vs Mills - Varsity 6:15 pm, JV 5:00 pm, Frosh 4:00 pm


View all fall sports schedules at SeqSports.com.

Sept. 19: Boosters meeting

Please join us in the SHS staff lounge on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m. in room 233 to review grant requests, get the sports report from our athletic director, and discuss plans for supporting Sequoia athletic programs this year.


Click here to see the Boosters meeting calendar.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Media Center

Welcome to September! Click here to read the Media Center’s September newsletter

PARENT EDUCATION

Sept. 20: Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission, Ana Homayoun, Author


20 de Sept.: Borrando la línea de meta: El nuevo modelo para el éxito más allá de las calificaciones y la admisión a la universidad, Ana Homayoun, autora

Sept. 21: Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in A Digital World


21 de Sept.: Crecer en Público: La Mayoría de Edad en un Mundo Digital

CONTRIBUTE

The Sequoia Sentinel is emailed to 3,500 members of the Sequoia High School community on Sundays at 8 a.m. during the school year. Contributions are due on Wednesday — click the purple button below to submit. Email the editors or click here to subscribe.

Sentinel tree

Sentinel is a giant sequoia located within the Giant Forest Grove of Sequoia National Park, California. A sentinel is a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch.

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