Sequoia 
   Sentinel
October 23, 2017

Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
topA Message from our Principal

Twice each year we practice evacuating classrooms, assembling on Terremere Field, and accounting for every student on campus. Safety, accuracy, and speed are the priorities - in that order. We are preparing for an authentic scenario, heaven forbid, and we take it very seriously.

Last Thursday was one of those evacuations. As part of the Great Shake Out across the California, student practiced duck-and-cover procedures in their classrooms before being dismissed via all-school intercom by Administrative Vice Principal Gary Gooch.

Everyone made their way from classrooms to the field calmly but with purpose. Classes were lined up on their assigned yard markers, with teachers holding up signs so all students could keep track of where they were supposed to be. Upon arrival, attendance was taken and reported back to a central command. Non-classroom staff serve in support roles such as medical triage and communications.

We are always trying to improve our practice with evacuation procedures. This year, taking over the role of emergency coordinator, Administrative Vice Principal Sophia Olliver implemented new protocols to allow more rapid reporting from teachers to the central command. In addition, we've recently included CERT-trained students from our Health Careers Academy as part of the evacuation team. Wearing bright green vests and carrying clipboards, these trained first-responders gather information from teachers across the field and report back to the command center.

Having improved our time over the past two years (from 23 to 18 minutes to safely evacuate and account for every student in the building between fall 2015 and spring 2017), this year we decided to stress test the system. Three students, unbeknownst to anyone but Ms. Olliver and me, were held in the library while the rest of the school evacuated. When they were reported as missing from their classes, campus security personnel were directed to search and rescue them.

I'm happy to report they were "found" and safely returned to the field in time for us to dismiss the students for lunch.

The next day we "evacuated" the school to Gym 1 under much more cheerful auspices...our first rally of the year. Go Sequoia!

Have a great week!

Sean
When Was the Last Time You Last Watched Your Senior and Their Friends Having Fun?
Join the Class of 2018 Football Concessions!



Woodside HS a Raven rival, is Sequoia's competition this Friday, October 27th. It is sure to be a great game with lots of hungry spectators!

Senior parents, we need your help selling the famous mochas (and they are SO popular!) and fresh popcorn under the Friday night lights. Thanks to those who have ALREADY contributed food and time. Pass the word. Proceeds subsize all expenses toward a Safe & Sober Grad Week in June.

Sign up for a shift or to donate today! Click here: http://signup.com/go/ppBcFEj

Contact Adrienne Heist with questions.



Shout Outs!

Thanks to Freshman and New Family Welcome coordinators
Caitlin Schneider and Katie Hultgren for organizing a great  event on Friday night at the Homecoming game.
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And ...a special 
Shout Out  
Mr. Corey Uhalde  for organizing the Homecoming week events with his team of willing students and faculty collaborators! From Spirit week, to the rally, to the halftime events and finally the dance. Corey, you are the BEST!

Music is in the Air This Fall

Sequoia's Ban and Orchestra welcomed the new season with their Fall Music Concert last Thursday. Both the orchestra and bands took to the stage in Carrington Hall, performing for a nearly full audience of parents and classmates. Daniel Broome's orchestra started the evening off playing Halloween treasures such as, This is Hallowe'en (from the Nightmare Before Christmas) and Transylvanian Lullaby (from Young Frankenstein). Jane Woodman's Sequoia band followed with more spooky pieces including Halloween's Phantom of Dark Hollow. The Advanced Band finished the evening with several numbers, closing with the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe.


 
The band has also been busy in the wider community participating in Redwood City's recent Portfest and the first annual Silicon Valley Jazz Festival in San Carlos this past weekend.
 

Not to be  out done, Mr. Jeff erson's choirs sang at a fundraising event at the Redwood City Women's Club on 10/15 and knocked everyone's socks off singing the National Anthem at this year's Homecoming game!

The Newest Raven Report is Here!
Check out Issue number 2 of the Raven Report to see what Sequoia students are doing and thinking. Click on this link for this year's second edition of the Raven Report !

The Raven report is funded by a generous grant from the SHSEF.
Dream Big at Sequoia on November 17th!
Please join Sequoia students, families and faculty for the 8th Annual Dream Club Dinner on November 17th from 6pm - 8:30pm in the Big Gym.
Clear your calendar, open your heart, and get ready to be amazed - this special night is not to be missed!

On-site childcare will be available for kids under 10.
Adults - $10, Students $5, or purchase a table for $80


Questions? Contact Jane Slater at jslater@seq.org

Seniors Now and Then.  It's time for Portraits and Baby Pics!

Senior Portraits should be taken by Halloween. Call Prestige Portraits and make an appointment that works for you. You can confirm your choice of pose in room 213 if needed.

Prestige Portraits, 990 Industrial Road, Suite 102, San Carlos, CA 94070. 650-597-1433

Senior Baby Pictures should also be submitted byHalloween. Baby pictures can be emailed to Ms. Bray at  ebray@seq.org or  sequoiayearbook@gmail.com. They can
 also be brought to Ms. Bray in room 213 or Mrs. Gordon in the treasurer's office for scanning.

Remind your student to be looking out for Senior Polls and Quotes - information to be revealed soon.
And remember...
 
All members of the Sequoia community are welcome to contribute ideas and content to the yearbook. Contact Ms. Bray at   ebray@seq.org.



Get Ready for Sequoia's Fall Musical:Chicago
Tickets Available Now!
Come see Sequoia's fabulous student theatrical performers and musicians in this Tony Award-winning AND Academy Award-winning musical: Chicago!
 
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Sent to the Cook County Jail to await trial, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess" Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse.

TICKETS:  www.showtix4u.com
 
This is a show you don't want to miss.  Get your tickets before they sell out!
Sequoia Families Welcome German Students for the 8th Year!

Ten students and two teachers are currently visiting California from Freigericht, Germany and will be staying with Sequoia families this week. They plan to attend classes and the Sequoia football game on Friday, always an exciting event for international students! Their stay also includes a work experience program with job shadowing and behind-the-scenes tours in local organizations. This is the 8th year a group of students from Kopernikus School have visited Sequoia students, and we are excited to continue the tradition.


Do you Know any 8th Grade Families Considering Sequoia?  Show Your UNALIYI Sprit and Pass Along this Information
!
 
8th Grade Information Night - Wednesday, November 1
  • 6:30 PM - Come to Carrington Hall to hear our band and orchestra! 
  • 7:05-8:00 PM - Receive an overview about Sequoia, hear from students and alumni, and see a preview of our fall musical.  After the presentations, roam the campus to view classrooms and activities!
  • View more details here
Campus Tours - Saturday, November 4, 10 AM (last tour departs at 11 AM)
Take advantage of this opportunity to have a guided tour of the school! Each tour will be led by two Sequoia leadership students and will showcase several important locales around campus. Tours will also be accompanied by a PTSA volunteer who can help provide a parent's perspective on the school. No need to sign up ahead of time, just drop by and meet us at the front of the school! For further details, contact Director of Student Activities Corey Uhalde .  Campus Tours will also be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
 
Upcoming Events
Enjoy these other events that will help you experience Sequoia!
  • Bands and Orchestra Concert - Thu, Oct. 19, 7 PM in Carrington Hall
  • Homecoming Football Game - Friday, Oct. 20 at Terremere Field, 5 PM Junior Varsity, 7:30 PM Varsity. During the varsity football game, you'll also get to see floats constructed by student groups and performances by our dance and cheer groups!
  • Chicago, the Musical - Fri & Sat, Nov. 17-18 at 7 PM, and Sun, Nov. 19 at 3 PM, in Carrington Hall.  Our fabulous fall musicals always pack in the crowds; get your tickets at www.showtix4u.com
 
Feel free to forward the Sentinel to other 8th grade families, and encourage them to subscribe to this "Class of 2022" list via the Sequoia PTSA website  www.sequoiaptsa.org on the Stay Informed/ Subscribe page.

Want to see Sequoia's Art Up Close?

PTSA is looking for people who would like to judge our students arts entries in the Reflections program. The theme this year is "Within Reach..."
You can judge one category or multiple categories. They are
reflections art program
 choreography, music composition, literature, film production, photography, and visual arts.
 
We are particularly interested in you if you have experience in any of the categories. Do you compose music? Dance or teach dance? Are you a writer or an extreme reader? Are you a designer or an artist?
 
We do not know how many entries there will be--we never know until the deadline which is Nov. 6, 2017 3 p.m. All entries will be available on-line so you can view them on your own schedule and there will be an opportunity to see the visual arts and photography entries in person sometime before the end of November.
 
If you are willing to be a judge, please -email sequoiareflections@gmail.com. 


Want to Deck Your Halls With Some Boughs?
Order Your Evergreens and help the class of 2020!


Can you believe it's time to order your holiday evergreens from Sequoia? The holidays may seem far off, but they'll be here before you know it! Our order deadline is November 4, 2017, so we are officially kicking off the Sequoia High School Evergreen Sale! This year the sale will support the Sophomore Class of 2020 Safe & Sober Graduation activities.

We are offering beautiful and fragrant wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces for $20-$25 each. Plus, back by popular demand, an adorable decorative reindeer for $18. They will be available for pick-up during the first week of December (exact dates TBD). This link  will take you directly to our ordering page where you can pay through Paypal or credit/debit card.

Thank you for your support, and please contact sequoiaptsa@gmail.com with any questions.


Sequoia Sentinel
Another Monday! We hope you are enjoying the Sentinel.  We welcome your feedback and input

If you have articles to submit to the Sentinel, please send the information to our article collection address  by the end of the day on Thursday. Guidelines for news submissions can be found on the Sequoia PTSA website

Class email lists: In addition to the Sentinel, the PTSA sends out grade-specific information during the year. Be sure that you are subscribed to your "Class of" list for EACH of your students! Visit the Stay Informed: Subscribe section of the PTSA website. 

With Kindest Regards,

Torri and Alex Horovitz
2017 - 2018 Sentinel Editors 

In This Issue
Calendar
Upcoming Events
 
Wednesday, Oct 25  
7pm - 8:30p. Parent Education: Tips, Tales, and Truths for Teens - Carrington Hall 

Tuesday, Nov. 7
7pm - 8:30pm - PTSA meeting - MPR
 
Friday, Nov. 10
School holiday - No classes
 
Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Nov. 19
Fall musical, Chicago!
For tickets and times: https://www.showtix4u.com/
 
Wednesday, Nov. 22 thru Friday, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Holiday - No classes


Quick Links
About Us 

Submit news to the Sentinel: SequoiaPTSAnews@gmail.com. For instructions, click here.


Find past issues of the Sentinel: SequoiaPTSA.org 

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Parent Education - Events Open to Everyone




SEQUOIA PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Cynthia Colón, Ed.D. 
Tips, Tales & Truths for Teens: Advice from a College Admissions Expert
 
Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Sequoia High School - Carrington Hall 
1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City 
 

Whether your student is the first in your family to attend college, has siblings in college, or parents who graduated from an Ivy League institution, applying to college is new to YOU. Tips, Tales & Truths for Teens offers a practical road map to follow throughout high school. 
 
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome!
Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission & light refreshments. 


WOODSIDE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Cynthia Colón, Ed.D. 
Tips, Tales & Truths for Teens: Advice from a College Admissions Expert 
 
Thursday, October 26, 2017, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Woodside High School - Multi-Use Room (MUR)
199 Churchill Avenue, Woodside 
 
Whether your student is the first in your family to attend college, has siblings in college, or parents who graduated from an Ivy League institution, applying to college is new to YOU. Tips, Tales & Truths for Teens offers a practical road map to follow throughout high school. 
 
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome! 
Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission & light refreshments. 
 


CARLMONT PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
ANGST: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety - Documentary Film + Panel Discussion 
 
Thursday, November 9, 2017, 7:00pm
Carlmont High School - Performing Arts Center (CPAC)
1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont 
 
 
Join us for a special screening of the new IndieFlix documentary, ANGST: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety, followed by a panel discussion with ANGST co-producer Karin Gornik. This powerful film  includes discussions with mental health professionals about the causes of anxiety, as well as help, resources, and tools for students and parents.
 
Parents, students (ages 10 and up), educators, and community members welcome! 
Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission & light refreshments.
 
 

M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Eduardo Briceño, Co-Founder & CEO, Mindset Works Growth Mindset Parenting: The Myths, the Meanings, the Approaches
 
Thursday, November 16, 2017, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Menlo-Atherton High School - M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
 

What is Growth Mindset Parenting? Parents often wonder what they can do to change their child's mindset from fixed to growth. The good news is that mindsets can change, and there are strategies you can use to see a big difference in your student's challenge-seeking behavior. Join us to learn about the latest research in growth mindset - the myths, the meanings, the approaches.
 
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome! 
Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission & light refreshments. 
 
The Parent Education Series events are sponsored by Carlmont PTSA, M-A PTA, SHSEF, Woodside PTSA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
 
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, M.A., Director, The Parent Education Series, cmargot@csmconsulting.net