Sequoia 
   Sentinel
October 2, 2017

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

There's no denying that we live in a data driven society. Every transaction we make, every event in which we participate, every computer click, is tracked and analyzed. Who among us hasn't been asked to "stay on the phone for a brief survey"? Personally, I don't appreciate the corporate powers following my every move - which is why I choose not to subscribe to any social media platforms (no Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram, and yes, this makes my kids think I am a complete troglodyte). But even though I shun the idea of giving up my personal information to help businesses thrive, I do feel that feedback is helpful and it can actually improve a service or a product.

Consider the Sequoia Sentinel...

I was asked the other day if I thought all the volunteer time and effort to produce a weekly newsletter for school was worth it. The Sentinel comes together thanks to parent editors Torri and Alex Horovitz, countless parent, student and teacher contributors including our dedicated Principal Sean Priest who writes a weekly message, this year's PTSA President Lauren Pachkowski, and me.

My response to the question was, "Of course it's worth it"! Who wouldn't want to have information about school and community happenings and calendar updates all delivered in a nice package once a week? Would we rather have hundreds of individual e-mails coming at us clogging our in-boxes?

But, Dear Reader, that is just my opinion. What do you think? We want to make the Sentinel something you look forward to. We want to provide you with information that will help you feel connected to Sequoia High School. You tell us...are we succeeding? What can we do better? Send us your thoughts, suggestions, complaints and we promise to use the data you provide to help us improve and enrich the Sentinel, for your benefit.

Go ahead, click on this link sequoiaptsanews@gmail.com it'll be ok. I promise!

Have a great week!

Lisa Hane
PTSA VP of Communications and Outreach
First PTSA Meeting Tomorrow Evening - Everyone's Welcome!
 
October 3rd marks the first PTSA meeting of the year and we hope to see you there!

The evening with begin at 7pm in the MPR where PTSA and ELAC families will hear Principal Sean Priest give an all-school update and answer questions.

Following at 7:30, PTSA members will gather in room 100 to hear updates from committees and plan for a fun year ahead. 

  View the agenda here. 

It's Mini-Grant Time...Apply Now!
Is your student an officer or member of a club or activity that is ready to take on a new endeavor? Don't miss out!  The time is now!  Mini-grants of $50-$400 are available through funding by the Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF.)  Funds may be used for supplies and equipment, publications, construction materials for small projects, admission fees, etc. Students, teachers and staff can apply for a Mini-Grant. The application deadline is today Monday, October 2, 2017, at 8:00 PM..  The application is available on the PTSA website.
  
Volunteer Opportunity
Would you like to learn about some of the creative projects happening in classrooms and clubs at Sequoia? Would you like
 to help bring these ideas to life?  Please join the PTSA Mini-Grants committee!  Responsibilities include reviewing summaries of the applications received and attending one meeting each semester to assess and prioritize requests for funding.  For more information contact our Mini-Grants committee chair  Marlena Griffin.

Thank you to the SHSEF for making the PTSA Mini-Grants Program possible!
 
California Secretary of State Inspires Sequoia Students
On Tuesday, September 26th, in honor of National VoterRegistration Day, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and CA Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Kevin Mullin visited with Sequoia students in a packed Carrington Hall to discuss the importance of voting and civic engagement. The son of immigrant parents, Padilla's story was one that began with ambivalence, and a sense that politics was some other, untouchable world. But over the course of his lifetime, he learned that civic-mindedness and a desire to engage and impact could open new doors, and how possible it is to make a difference. 

Padilla's talk stressed the  importance of voting and offered information on how to pre-register once students turn 16. 

Secretary Padilla engaged the students in a lively Q&A on topics ranging from his experiences in overcoming racism personally and in politics to whether Secretary Padilla might run for President one day (yes). The event also featured Sequoia senior Luseane Haunga who sang a beautiful version of the National Anthem, the terrific Sequoia High School band, and senior Dez Frazier who did a masterful job as emcee.


Attention Freshman Parents:
Join us for Homecoming Fun!
Come meet other freshman and new families at our Football Welcome on Friday, October 20, 7:30 PM at the Sequoia/King's Academy varsity football game! Join us at the PTSA tent where we'll have coffee and snacks and be handing out spirit items to cheer on our team.  Then look for the purple balloons marking the Freshman/New Parent section in the stands. Wear your purple, and we hope to see you there!
Sequoia Students help Hurricane Victims!
  
On Wednesday, September 27, members of the Sequoia ASB sold T-Pump drinks, collected spare change and sent several boxes of unused apparel items to areas impacted by the recent hurricanes. Thanks Sequoia students for showing that true UNILYI spirit! 

Only a few more chances to help with Class of 2018 Concessions!
You've generously contributed food and drinks. Thank you!  Now join fellow Senior parents as we sell concessions under the Friday night lights.

Proceeds from the Class of 2018 Football Concessions go toward a Safe & Sober Grad Week in June.
See your friends and their smiling children as they come up for freshly popped popcorn or a homemade mocha!

Sign up for a shift today! Click here to sign up ... 


Friday, October 13 vs Menlo School
Friday, October 20 vs Kings Academy (and Homecoming!)
Friday, October 27 vs Woodside

Contact Adrienne Heist at with questions.

Padres de Seniors: Semana de Graduación Venta de Boletos de Noche de Graduación:
Por un solo día los boletos de la noche de graduación estarán a la venta ¡por el precio más bajo que se haya visto en años! El 5 de Octubre comenzando a las 8 AM, los boletos costarán tan solo $60. El viernes por la mañana el precio subirá a $70. ¡Así que compren sus boletos antes!

Aquí está el LINK  para usar el 5 de octubre a partir de las 8 am

Estamos trabajando arduamente para recaudar fondos para la semana de actividades de graduación "Safe & Sober" que tomará lugar la última semana escolar de junio. Tendremos el: Senior Brunch, Senior BBQ, y la Noche de Graduación en donde los estudiantes abordarán el Yate Hornblower que dará una vuelta por la Bahía de San Francisco. Tendremos comida, música, juegos y fotos. Si tiene preguntas contacte a  Jayne Sungail a email. 
 

Senior Parents - Mark Your Calendars for THIS Thursday! Flash Sale for Discount Grad Night Tickets Available October 5th
One day only grad night tickets will be on sale at the lowest price not seen in years! Mark your calendars for October 5th starting at 8 AM tickets will be $60. Friday morning the price will increase to $70. So get your tickets early!

Here is the LINK to use on October 5th starting at 8AM

Sure, it seems like a long way off but Grad Week will be here before you know it. 

We are working to raise funds for the end of year Safe & Sober Grad Week Activities that include Senior Brunch, Senior BBQ, and Grad Night for our graduates onboard a Bay cruise on the Hornblower Yacht where we'll have plenty of food, music, games, and photo booths. Don't miss out and save some cash by purchasing your tickets now!

Contact Jayne Sungail with questions

A First-Ever Hole in One for Sequoia Golfer!
Senior Golfer Sammie Ellard helped lead Sequoia to an 8-stroke
victory over South San Francisco last Tuesday. Along the way,Ellard shot a 3-under par 24, and aced the 5th hole at Mariners' Point Golf Course. It is the first hole-in-one in recorded Sequoia golf history!
 
Reflections Art Competition - Still Open!

How many times have you said to your student, "That drawing (or essay, or composition) is AMAZING! You should enter it into a competition?

Well, here's your chance to mention it again and here's their chance to participate!

We would love to recognize his/her efforts. Please tell your students about Reflections, the PTA Arts Recognition Contest. reflections art program There are 6 possible categories in which to enter. The theme their art must address this year is "Within Reach." How they interpret it is up to them.

An overview, the rules, and entry forms are available on-line at the California PTA website. Further information is available on the Sequoia PTSA website under the Programs / Reflections tab and full instructions are available in the College and Career Center.  

The deadline is November 6, 2017.  For more information e-mail  sequoiareflections@gmail.com.

LOVE Bag sales continue...Get yours now!

Love Bags are now available for purchase! These bags are well-made, attractive and make great hostess or birthday gifts. 40% 
of each order placed goes directly to support our 2018 Safe & Sober Grad Week activities.   See this flyer for details. Bagscan be ordered at  https://lovebags.com. Enter code SEQUOIA


Holiday Evergreens in October?

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.


Shout Outs!
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Thank you to our volunteers who helped with school photoretakes last Thursday:  Laurel Feddock, Beth Robertson, Carolyn Arbuckle, and Grace Schulz.  We are so grateful for our parent community that helps out in so many ways for Sequoia! 

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

Monday, October 2
Mini grant application deadline 8pm  [ Apply Here ]

Tuesday, October 3
7pm - PTSA Meeting - Everyone Welcome, MPR

Wednesday, October 4
6pm - 10th grade College and IB info Night, Carrington Hall

Wednesday, October 11
PSAT for 10th and 11th grade students

Tuesday, October 17
7pm - College Financial Aid Information Night - 12th grade students and families,
Carrington Hall

Wednesday, October 18
6pm - 9th grade College and IB Info Night, Carrington Hall

Thursday, October 19
6pm - Band and Orchestra Concert, Everyone Welcome!

Friday, Oct. 20
7:30 - All freshman and new families welcome - Terremer Field

Saturday, Oct. 21
8pm - 11pm - Sequoia High School Homecoming Dance

Quick Links
About Us 

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


Find past issues of the Sentinel: SequoiaPTSA.org 

En Español
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Community

Know a recent college grad interested in education, social work, counseling or therapy? Please connect us!!
 
If you know of a recent college grad who is currently looking for work in the fields of education, social work, counseling or therapy, please let him/her know about this exciting paid opportunity at Sequoia, starting immediately. Thank you for helping us to spread the word!

Sequoia High School is looking for two enthusiastic recent college graduates who want to serve their country by becoming AmeriCorps Volunteers! (We are hiring now for THIS academic year.) 

 The AmeriCorps team plays a vital role on the school's campus by:
  • Supporting students in a mentoring relationship
  • Assisting in college readiness classes
  • Teaching after school enrichment courses

Some benefits of joining our program include:
  • Bi-weekly living stipend
  • Access to subsidized housing
  • Access to health Insurance
  • Education award upon completion of term

If you are between 21 and 30, interested in education, social work, counseling or therapy, this is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment! For more information, please go to ndmva.org, email Natalie Reina at sanfrancisco@ndmva.org or call (650) 486-2178 ext. 256.