Sequoia Sentinel
September 26, 2021
|
|
Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
|
I tell people often how much I love my job -- anybody who will listen, tbh. This is not to say that it’s a cake walk. On the contrary, much of what I love about being a principal arises from the challenges presented each day. These challenges are often new and complex, but call upon my amazing teammates and I to draw on our humanity and shared values. Almost always, the challenges we encounter present opportunities for greatness. When I hear friends and acquaintances complain about their “work,” I’m thankful to be surrounded by people and experiences that are meaningful and fulfilling.
In the spirit of gratitude, here are a small sampling of the highlights of a busy week in the life of your high school principal:
- During classroom observations in math and English, I watched ninth graders demonstrate learning to be a social endeavor. Consistently, students were eager to share their findings when called upon to do so. Teachers at Sequoia rely on non-voluntary input from students. They typically allow a short period for thinking or discussing with an “elbow partner” before calling on students to share aloud. Different systems (random name generators, popsicle sticks, a shuffled deck of cards) ensure equitable distribution of response. Hand raising is reserved strictly for questions. We’ve been doing this for ages, but after a year in relative isolation it’s magical to see.
-
A student whose family is in a tight spot this month came by my office to inquire about obtaining a SamTrans bus pass. We were able to hand him one, as we do any student. Reliable public transportation is a vital component of our school community. Sequoia PTSA stalwart Meredith Park has been leading efforts to increase access to public transportation for our students.
- Being in-person means re-learning to navigate the complex social ecosystem of a large high school. As the sparkle of our August return dims, our whole support team (administrators, counselors, mental health specialists, and more) are working with students and families across our community who are struggling with often unforgiving interpersonal dynamics of adolescence. Age is irrelevant after being away for so long. We have ninth graders struggling to find their place or move past historical conflicts. Older students, likewise, need support forging new identities and abandoning friendships that have outlived their enchantment. These conversations are often painful but reveal much about how relationships and trust underscore everything we do -- and serve as prerequisites to any sort of academic success. If your student has bad days, they are not alone.
-
We were able to give an enthusiastic thumbs-up to multiple key funding initiatives for core departments such as science, math, and electives such as visual and performing arts thanks to the success of last year’s SHSEF campaign (look for this year’s appeal in the mail!). Students will have access to the best materials and equipment including a transformative new purchase for the science department. Stay tuned for more exciting details!
- I worked in consultation with our Instructional Vice Principal and teacher-leaders to plan cutting-edge professional development and collaboration for staff to make our classrooms places where students don’t just recognize and overcome injustices, but are also equipped with the tools to confront and dismantle them as a part of their life’s purpose.
- Shortly before the end of the day on Friday, a retired Sequoia teacher stopped by to say hello. What a privilege and joy to reconnect for a few minutes. What a great reminder that our time together in this community is finite but that each week counts.
This week, like each of the busy and stressful weeks before it, mattered. I do not take for granted how much the people and things that surround us at Sequoia enhance and elevate our experience at work. I look forward to more great work ahead -- starting with this week!
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
|
|
Traffic safety around Sequoia |
One of the goals of the PTSA is to broadly share important information relevant to our parents, teachers and staff. Recent activities on the streets around Sequoia High School have bubbled transportation safety to the top of the list. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing information on safe transportation.
The intersection at Elwood and Brewster is tricky. Brewster has through traffic, with two stop signs on Elwood. This is an especially busy intersection before and after school hours, as it is a thorough fare to Sequoia. Please be alert as drivers, and educate your students about exercising extra caution when using this intersection by car, bike or on foot. The city of Redwood City is aware of the problem. The school is encouraging Redwood City to assess the intersection for safety and look at alternate ways to address it. Voice your concerns to city leaders by considering signing this petition.
More to come in next week's Sentinel, and our upcoming PTSA Meeting on October 5.
|
|
eScrip lets you raise money for Sequoia PTSA when you shop |
Automatically earn for your favorite causes when you buy everyday things.
- Select Sequoia High School PTSA as the organization you support.
- Register your credit card or store club card to start raising money for PTSA every time you shop!
|
|
|
Reflections 2021-2022 theme: "I Will Change the World by..." |
|
Don't ignore your inner artist! It's time to start working on your Reflections project for this year's Reflections theme I Will Change the World by....Tema: Cambiar El Mundo…
Enter your artwork and reflect about its meaning to you in one of six categories.
- Dance Choreography
- 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! First-place finishers in each category enter the district competition, district winners move on to the state competition, and state winners move on to compete nationally.
|
|
Last call for Mini-grant applications |
The deadline to submit an application for a mini-grant is Monday, October 4. Grants of up to $750 are awarded to students, teachers, staff members and school groups who need financial support for projects or supplies that benefit the Sequoia community. Additional information and instructions can be found on the PTSA page of the SHS website.
|
|
|
PTSA membership is growing…join us! |
|
Click HERE to join online or use the purple button below.
Don't want the hassle of another online login? Go old school and 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 will take care of the rest! Your $20 fee goes a long way at Sequoia.
|
|
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.
|
|
Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all children and families. |
|
Football games are back and better than ever!
This week on That's So Raven:
Thank you to our class of 2023 officers for hosting this week!
“That’s So Raven” is a Sequoia ASB Production.
|
|
Friday, October 1 is makeup photo day at Sequoia. If you want to get your photo retaken, please use THIS LINK to request an appointment. Appointments can be made for 2nd, 4th or 6th period, as well as brunch or lunch. If you have not yet gotten a photo taken for this year, you can request an appointment as well.
|
|
Support the Sequoia community by joining us in the classroom |
We are still in need of in-class support. Along with volunteer opportunities, we are looking for substitutes to work on our campus.
Great for adults needing flexibility, creatives needing part-time work, college grads needing time and funds. You can choose the classes and days that work for your schedule. The teachers have curriculum and lessons prepared for you, so you will have a great deal of support.
Excited and ready to take the next step to become a substitute? Please contact Kristin Stout (IVP) and Giulia Solari (secretary) in the IVP Office 650-367-9780 x60020 and 60021.
Interested in learning more about volunteering? Please contact Elisa Niño-Sears (ATLAS Director) 650-387-8390.
*Photo taken pre-pandemic - check out the great energy in our classrooms!
|
|
-
9/27 Girls volleyball vs. Kings Academy Freshman 4:00 p.m.
-
9/28 Girls tennis vs. Westmoor Varsity 4:00 p.m.
-
9/29 Boys water polo vs. Terra Nova Varsity 5:00 p.m.
-
9/30 Girls volleyball vs. San Mateo Freshman 4:00 p.m./JV 5:00 p.m./Varsity 6:15 p.m.
-
10/1 Football vs. Mills JV 4:00 p.m./Varsity 7:00 p.m.
|
|
Concession and merchandise volunteers needed this Friday |
Sequoia Football takes on Mills at home on Friday and our fans will be hungry and ready to cheer! Please sign up to work an hour or two in the Concessions Stand or Merchandise Booth this Friday, Oct. 1, or sign up to help with upcoming games.
|
|
|
Boosters donations and grants |
The Sequoia Sport & Spirit Boosters Organization supports our Raven athletes year round. Our fiscal year runs July-July and your annual donation is used to fund grant requests submitted by coaches during the active school year. So far this year we are proud to have approved grants for girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, and track and field, plus the HUDL video review platform for all teams. Visit Sequoia Boosters to learn more.
|
|
Class of 2022 parents: we need you! |
Thank you to those senior parents who helped with football concessions on September 10 and 17. The next home football game is Friday, October 1, and we still need helpers and a few food items.
If you can donate items or your time, please sign up here. You can also sign up for the future home games on Oct. 1 and Oct. 29. All proceeds support our 2022 Safe and Sober graduation activities in June. Thank you!
|
|
Oct. 14: Senior parents save the date |
We are planning a Zoom meeting on Thursday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss fundraising and coordination of year-end activities for our seniors. If you are interested in serving on the coordinating committee or otherwise want to get involved, please save the date. A Zoom invitation will be sent out in the coming weeks. Please email questions.
|
|
THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
|
#ReachOut: Community Resources for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Jenny Bratton, SHD; Dr. Karen Li, SHD; Brook Pollard, StarVista; Sylvia Tang, SM County Health
Tues., Sept. 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
|
|
The Stolen Year: How America's Covid Response Failed Children, and How We Can Fix It
Anya Kamenetz, Author and NPR Education Correspondent
Wed., Sept. 29, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
|
|
Parent Forum #9 (English): How to Support Your Upset Child or Teen
Join us for an all-new Parent Forum with Eran Magen, PhD, a parent-child communication expert and founder of Parenting for Humans.
Friday, October 1, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Live Event (Webinar),
|
|
What do you say? Talking with Kids to Build Stress Tolerance and Motivation
Bill Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson, national bestselling authors of The Self-Driven Child.
Thurs., Oct. 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Online Event (Webinar)
|
|
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
|
Ride the SamTrans to school! |
Do you hate the stress of traffic during school drop offs and pickups? If so, consider having your kids ride the SamTrans bus to school! Several bus routes serve Sequoia High school, and youth bus fare is only $1.10 one way.
Please consider advocating for extensions of the bus route that will link 12+ schools. Click here to advocate!
|
|
|
En Español:
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora?
En Español
- Mantenga presionada la tecla Control (PC) y la tecla A para seleccionar toda la página, a continuación, mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla C para copiar la página entera.
- Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a google translate
- Coloca el cursor en la caja y mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla V para pegar el boletín completo en el cuadro de traducción.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
