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Sequoia
Sentinel
March 4, 2019
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
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 PTSA President's Message
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Our New Media Center
 Ever since I was a child, I've loved to read. I was what you might call a "book worm," so much that my best friend in fourth grade teased that I would read a book on the balance beam during gym class. (I swear it never happened, I only brought it as far as the locker room). My mom would call me to dinner and I wouldn't even hear her - I was lost in
Oz
or
Narnia
or
The Secret Garden
. I still enjoy reading, although recently I've developed a preference for nonfiction. By extension, I am also a fan of libraries, where the element of community melds with the benefit of books... which brings me to the topic of Sequoia's recently remodeled historic library, or more appropriately, the Media Center. After months of planning, construction, and countless hours of packing and unpacking books, this new-and-improved resource is finally open.
Last year, Media Specialist Betsy Snow hosted one of our PTSA meetings in the "old" library and it was fascinating to learn about the wide variety of interesting activities she implemented for students during free period, or after school. Ms. Snow will host us again at tomorrow's PTSA meeting and I know she's excited to show off the recent changes. I hope you can join us at Tuesday evening's PTSA meeting (
March 5 at
7:00 p.m.) to see the upgrades and learn more about what students are up to in the "new" Media Center. (Hint: It's a lot more than just books.) We'll start with Principal Sean Priest's remarks in the
MPR before we head to the Media Center.
My best regards,
Erika Pretell
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The Sequoia Drama Department Presents: The Children's Hour.
Tickets Available Now!
Lillian Hellman's
The Children's Hour
remains surprisingly ahead of its time, even 85 years after its premiere. The playwright's frank exploration of class-based privilege, and the power of rumor and innuendo seem prescient even by today's standards.
Set in a fictional New England town in the 1930s, The Children's Hour is set in an all-girls boarding school run by two women. An angry student runs away from the school and to avoid being sent back, accuses the two headmistresses of having a lesbian affair. The outraged community quickly withdraws all of their students, causing a witch hunt that ultimately forces the school to close. Despite the accusation having no real foundation, it proceeds to destroy the women's careers, relationships, and lives.
Sequoia High School's production of The Children's Hour performs March 8 & 9 at 7:00 p.m., and March 10 at 3:00 p.m. in Carrington Hall. The March 10 performance is our annual scholarship performance, with all proceeds going to SHS Drama scholarships. Tickets ($15 adults, $10 students/seniors) are available online, from the school treasurer, and at the door.
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Sequoia Hosts Music Festival - All Welcome to Enjoy the Music!
 On Friday, March 15, the Sequoia Instrumental Music Program will host its annual music festival. Both Sequoia Bands and the Orchestra will perform, and also welcome middle school bands and orchestras from Kennedy, Central, and Ralston. All groups will play for two judges who will give written and verbal feedback, ratings, and a clinic. This event is a wonderful way for students to showcase challenging music in a very professional setting, and also for directors to continue fostering strong relationships with our feeder schools.
Sequoia's Orchestra performs at 8:30 a.m., Advanced Band takes the stage at 2:25 p.m., and Intermediate Band closes the day at 3:35 p.m.
Parents and families are welcome to attend.
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There's Still Time to Buy Tickets for March 23 Crab Feed at Hiller Aviation
With over half the tickets sold to date, you don't want to miss out on getting your tickets to the 10
th
Annual Sequoia Boosters' Crab Feed.
Purchase
your tickets to the Crab Feed hosted on
Saturday, March 23, 2019
at Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos.
We know that not everyone can attend, but if you still want to help us in our biggest fundraiser of the year, consider volunteering with the team, or donating something.
Donations
:
In order to make our silent and live auctions successful, we are seeking donations (it's tax deductible!). Click on this
link to donate
. We are especially looking for restaurant gift certificates and bottles of wine valued at $20 or more for the "Wine Pull" game. Here are some other donation ideas:
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Gift cards (restaurants, services, or Costco/Smart & Final to offset our food costs)
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Memorabilia, sporting event tickets
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Hosted parties (dinners, Moms & Margaritas night, bowling night)
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Getaway vacation homes.
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Have airline miles to spare? Let's bundle them with some of our live items!
We are still looking for a few volunteers to help with the event. Click on this link to sign up
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Another Successful Dream Conference
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Sequoia Dream Club leaders presenting at the 7th Annual Dream Club Conference.
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The Dream Club's 7th Annual Conference took place this past Saturday. Students from San Bruno to Watsonville came to participate in workshops planned and facilitated by Sequoia's club members on topics such as "Taking Care of Your Emotional Well-Being", "How to Choose and Pay For College," and "Activism Through Theater." Many of the visiting students and accompanying adults commented on the impressive leadership skills our Sequoia students exhibited throughout the day.
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Opportunities: Volunteer, Donate, Scholarships, Jobs
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Prom is Around the Corner - April 12, 2019 - Make it Possible for Every Sequoia Student!
Here are four ways you can help:
1) SPREAD THE WORD TO STUDENTS ABOUT FREE FORMAL WEAR!
Sequoia's Prom Gallery
will be open the week
before
spring break, on March 26, 27 and 28 during lunch, 7th period and after school. All students (all genders) can visit the
Family Center in Room 129
to sign up for an appointment at the Gallery. We'll have over a hundred
free
dresses, many suits and tuxes, and loads of accessories for students to choose from. For more info, contact Elvira Macias
or call (650) 367-9780 ext. 63110 between 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
2) DONATE YOUR LIKE-NEW FORMAL WEAR AND ACCESSORIES!
Time to clean out your closets! We need dresses, suits, tuxedos, ties, jewelry, shawls, wraps, dress shoes, clutches, cuff-links, etc. All items must be
formal
enough for prom, in
great condition
, and completely
clean.
(We do not have the funds to mend or dry clean.) All sizes and styles accepted!
Donations accepted March 4 - 20 to one of our three convenient locations
:
3) SPONSOR A STUDENT'S PROM OUTFIT!
Some of our students-in-need won't be able to find an outfit at the Prom Gallery. You can
help by donating a gift card to Ross or Men's Wearhouse
! (While many of our students have found nice dresses at Ross for around $50, tux
rentals
can cost students over $100!) Please visit this online sign-up
to donate any size gift card. Every dollar helps!
* Kudos to Men's Wearhouse in Redwood City
for donating free and reduced-cost tux rentals to our Prom Gallery this year.
4)
VOLUNTEER TO SORT and PREP CLOTHING!
Visit this online signup
to volunteer to help with our Prom Gallery preparations!
For more info about donating or volunteering
, e-mail Elisa Nino-Sears
or call her at (650) 387-8390.
For more info about free or reduced-price prom tickets
, visit the Family Center (Room 129), email Elvira Macias
, or call (650) 367-9780 ext. 63110 between 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sequoia is committed to making sure all our kids can enjoy a fun and safe prom! Your generous, thoughtful support will light up a grateful student's face this spring! Thank you! ¡Gracias!
And wait! There's more...
The Princess Project Silicon Valley has thousands of beautiful, free dresses in all sizes at their Cupertino "store". Their dress giveaways are on March 9, 10, 13, 16, 17 and 19. Please visit their website to register for a shopping spot ahead of time. Please note that you will need to provide your student ID, an address (can be home or school address), and a signed waiver (with a parent signature if you are under 18). For more info, please email Sarah Sorensen.
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IB Ceremony Needs Your Help!
Did you know that last year over 400 Sequoia students took one or more IB Classes?
This year we are on track for even more and we want to celebrate their achievements.
The annual Sequoia IB Ceremony is May 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Carrington Hall. All seniors who took one or more IB classes are asked to attend, along with their family and friends, to celebrate all they've accomplished.
Parent volunteers, of non-senior students, are needed that evening to help make it all sparkle. If you can help, please contact Glenn Bugos. More information about the ceremony will be sent closer to the date.
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SHSEF Operations Manager Position Open for Applications Until March 15, 2019
The Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) is seeking prospective candidates for a new part-time operations manager position to support the mission, sustainability, and continued growth of the foundation. SHSEF fundraising revenues and program support have increased tenfold over the past ten years and the foundation is at a pivotal point where a staff position is necessary to ensure continued success in funding programs that support academic enrichment, college and career services, staff professional development and family support at Sequoia High School.
The Operations Manager will report to the Board President and will provide organizational and administrative support, supplementing the many volunteer hours that our community contributes to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
If you are interested in helping SHSEF make an even bigger impact, check out the
position description here
. To apply for this opportunity, please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@shsef.org by Friday, March 15, 2019
.
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Volunteer at the College and Career Connection
 The College and Career Connection is a fun event made possible through partnerships with Sequoia Union High School District and Skyline College, which allows high school students to practice important career skills and to research career options that await them after high school. This year's College and Career Connection will be
March 13 & 14, 2019 at
Skyline College, 3300 College Drive, San Bruno.
We need approximately 120 volunteers for each event day to fill Mock Interviewer volunteer positions. If you would like to volunteer as a Mock Interviewer please
sign-up here. The Mock Interviewer portion of the event will run from approximately
10:40 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each day, and will be divided into three separate rotations of 45 minutes each.
Volunteers may register for one or both days, and as many rotations desired. We ask that Volunteers arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled rotation.
The primary purpose of the College and Career Connection is to act as a capstone learning experience for students who have prepared for the event by writing a personal resume, practicing job interview skills, learning about proper business etiquette, and to continue exploring career education pathways. To see a past event in action, please see an excellent
highlight video made by one of our former students. To learn more details about the College and Career Connection, please visit our
FAQ, also located on the
event website.
For questions not answered in the FAQ, please contact
Greg Stein.
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Do You Know a Purple Patriot? Honor Them With a Nomination
The Sequoia High School Alumni Association is soliciting nominations for its annual Purple Patriot Award. Recipients will receive a framed certificate as well as have their name inscribed on a perpetual trophy on permanent display at the high school.
The Purple Patriot Award is an annual award instituted to honor both individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding service or provided a significant benefit directly to Sequoia High School. Nominees may be from Sequoia High School or the community at large.
Please indicate the nominee's individual name or organization name, and why the nominee should receive this award. Be specific about the nominee's role in directly providing the service or benefit to Sequoia High School and explain in detail what the service or benefit was.
Nominations must be submitted in writing to the Sequoia High School Alumni Association, P. O. Box 2534, Redwood City, CA 94064, e-mailed, or placed in the Sequoia High School Alumni Association mailbox near the Principal's office no later than Friday, March 22. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Rolandelli.
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Juniors: Apply for PTSA Scholarships!
Applications for our annual PTSA Junior Scholarships are now being accepted and are
due Tuesday, April 16 by 10:00 p.m
. There are three categories of scholarships to recognize students: academic success, community service, or achievement in the face of socio-economic challenges. We have 20 scholarships to offer, each worth $250.
This is a great way for juniors to get a head start on college applications, to be recognized for all they've done to make Sequoia a better place, and to earn some extra money to continue their education!
Click here for more info on applying.
PARENTS
: We are looking for freshman, sophomore, and senior parent volunteers to join the Junior Scholarship Committee. The commitment would be 2-3 hours reviewing applications, a 2 hour meeting in mid-April to assess the applications, and some follow-up emails. Email Anne Scholes
if you are interested in joining our group.
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THIS WEEK
7:00 p.m.
ELAC/PTSA Meeting,
MPR
7:00 p.m.
Carlmont HS PAC
Friday & Saturday,
March 8 & 9
7:00 p.m.
Winter Play:
The Children's Hour,
Carrington Hall
Sunday, March 10
3:00 p.m.
Winter Play:
The Children's Hour,
Carrington Hall
UPCOMING EVENTS
7:00 p.m.
Woodside HS PAC
Friday, March 15
Music Festival,
Orchestra - 8:30 a.m.,
Adv. Band - 2:25 p.m.,
Int. Band - 3:35 p.m.,
Carrington Hall
Saturday, March 23
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Crab Feed,
Hiller Aviation
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Seniors:
Buy Your Grad Tickets Now
Visit the
PTSA store
to purchase your Grad Night Cruise tickets today!
Find out all about grad activities here.
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Check Out the Latest Raven Report
January 2019 Issue
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Help From Stanford Tutors and Assistants on Campus
Does your student need support in math or college related applications? Help is available for FREE!
TUESDAYS:
3:50 - 5:10 p.m.
Room 222. (Pre-Algebra through Algebra 2)
WEDNESDAYS:
3:45 - 5:45 p.m.
Room 216 (Pre-Algebra through PreCalc)
THURSDAYS:
3:45 - 5:00 p.m.
Room 115 (C&C Center)
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Visit the
to purchase your 2018-19 PTSA membership today, and contribute to Sequoia's Unaliyi spirit and programs!
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Sequoia Sentinel
Our readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of our Sequoia students, staff and community. If you have articles to submit to the Sentinel (including photos and links), please
email the article/blurb by the Thursday before publication. See the following
Guidelines for news submissions.
Find past issues of the Sentinel at SequoiaPTSA.org.
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En Español
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora? Siga estas instrucciones para obtener una traducción:
1. Haga clic en "Click here" en la parte superior del correo electrónico: "Having trouble viewing this email? Click here."
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3. Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a http://translate.google.com/#
4. 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.
5. Asegúrese de seleccionar "To: Spanish" en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en el botón Traducir. La traducción al español debe aparecer en el lado derecho.
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Ana Homayoun
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CARLMONT PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Ana Homayoun, founder of Green Ivy Consulting, and author of The Myth of the Perfect Girl
Understanding the Culture of Perfectionism: Helping Teens Overcome a Fear of Failure and of Never Being Good Enough
Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Carlmont Performing Arts Center (PAC)
With compassion and humor, author Ana Homayoun describes why so many teens - particularly in high-achievement areas like Silicon Valley - struggle with a fear of never being good enough. She will discuss practical strategies to help teens find their own personal fulfillment, purpose, and wellness.
Carlmont Parent Education Series events are sponsored by Carlmont PTSA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
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Vanessa Kellam
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WOODSIDE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Vanessa Kellam, Educator, Health Connected
Tech Sex & Teen Dating Relationships
Thursday, March 14, 2019, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Woodside High School, Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Woodside Parent Education Series events are sponsored by Woodside PTSA, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
SUHSD PARENT EDUCATION MINI-SERIES - Safe and Healthy
Teens
Stephen Smuin and Richard Ceballos, The Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit
Vaping/JUUL Education Workshop
Monday, March 18, 2019, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sequoia Union High School District Office, Birch Room
480 James Avenue, Redwood City
What do parents, students, and educators need to know about vaping, JUUL, e-cigarettes, and vape devices?
The Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit
is a new resource aimed at preventing middle and high school students' use of electronic cigarettes/vapes (including JUUL and other pod-based systems).
**Seating is limited
SEQUOIA PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Jacob Gonzalez, Impact Teen Drivers & CA Highway Patrol
Parent-Teen Distracted Driving Workshop
Thursday, March 21, 2019, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sequoia High School, Carrington Hall
Automobile collisions are a leading cause of death for our nation's teens. The overwhelming majority of these crashes are caused by inexperience or distractions, not thrill-seeking or deliberate risk-taking. Impact Teen Drivers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the trend of distracted driving.
Sequoia Parent Education Series events are sponsored by SHSEF, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
Parents, students, educators, and community members welcome! Free admission and light refreshments. Spanish interpretation will be available.
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2019 Pre-Vet Expo VI at Stanford University
 The Stanford Undergraduate Pre-Vet Society presents the 2019 Pre-Vet Expo VI! This day-long conference caters to upper level high-schoolers, undergraduate, and post-graduate college students, as well as science or college advisors interested in gaining a better understanding of the diverse Veterinary Medicine field.
When: Sunday, April 21, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Stanford University - Li Ka Shing Center - 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
Cost: FREE
Have questions? Contact:
Steve Choy
Stanford Medicine Department of Comparative Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive, Edwards Building R320A
Stanford, CA 94305-5342
Phone: 650-724-7880
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