Dear SUHSD Community:
With another successful school year underway, we are excited to kick off a series of school site and community events that will inform our current district initiatives and shepherd our vision and preparation for the new school year. The key priorities that we are addressing this school year include strengthening quality instruction, bolstering equity through access to rigorous and engaging coursework, implementing MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support), and promoting alternative programs and small school environments.
As part of our continuous and rewarding journey to strengthen quality instruction, we are again launching our Fall Instructional Rounds at all sites. Instructional rounds help educators review data gathered from classrooms and develop theories of action, with everyone involved learning with and from one another about what works to improve student achievement. The fall semester also ushers in our season of community engagement nights, parent/student/staff [Panorama] surveys and governing board site visits as part of our annual efforts to gather feedback on our district goals, student and staff experiences and community interests.
I encourage you to participate in your student’s education and voice your valuable input in ways that suit your schedule from online surveys, PTSA gatherings and teacher conferences to principal’s coffees, open houses and board meetings. All voices assist us in shaping how we can better serve our students. There is no better manner by which to receive input than to hear it directly from you.
In this month’s newsletter, we are highlighting our district's commitment to meeting the needs of every student through our various course offerings and partnerships. From specialized programs, such as “Stepping up for Independence” and the expansion of elective offerings at Redwood High School, to the focus on the Multi-Tiered System of Support “MTSS - A New Framework for Success,” we believe that we are on the right path towards improving the academic opportunities for all of our students.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Streshly, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Sequoia Union High School District
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SUHSD's Board of Trustees invites you to learn more about community interest topics:
- Measure A Bond Update Presentation
- Local Control Accountability Plan Timeline
- KIPP Charter High School Petition
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- EPAA Community Engagement Night, October 7, 2019, 6:00pm, East Palo Alto Academy
- Board of Trustees Meeting, October 16, 2019, 6:00pm, District Office
- Woodside Community Engagement Night, October 21, 2019, 6:00pm, Woodside High School
- Board of Trustees Meeting, October 30, 2019, 6:00pm, District Office
- Parent Education Series - View dates and times here.
View the full district calendar
here
.
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In Praise Of Principals by Trustee Chris Thomsen
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When I was growing up, some would say it was in pre-historic days, the trick for distinguishing between the homonyms “principle” and “principal” was to remember that “the principal is your pal.” Though it’s unlikely I ever thought of a principal as my pal, that mnemonic device worked for me. Today, even as a trustee for the school district, I still don’t think of principals as pals, but I do think of them as stars, shining bright across our high school district .
In the many research studies that have been done on the effectiveness of principals, their impact on student learning is generally valued as second only to the actual work in classroom instruction...
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Redwood High School Expands Course Offerings
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SUHSD has completed a significant restructuring and transformation of Redwood High School from being a traditional continuation school to an alternative school of choice, which is part of the district’s strategic priority of focusing on its small school portfolio. We understand, that now more than ever before, there is a greater demand for small school environments, in addition to our large comprehensive schools that provide robust instruction and do an incredible job of preparing students for their futures.
SUHSD is focusing on providing specialized learning opportunities for our students as an alternative to its large comprehensive high schools and has invested in updating and expanding the Redwood High School facility. A new principal and vice-principal have implemented several Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, as well as improved the curriculum in order to offer more robust courses. You can preview the most up-to-date course offerings below:
- REAL - CTE/SCIENCE/SOCIALSTUDIES
- CULINARY ARTS
- INDUSTRIAL ARTS I
- INDUSTRIAL ARTS II - ADVANCED
- DIGITAL DESIGN
- MULTIMEDIA I
- FILM/BROADCASTING
- MAKERSPACE
- LEADERSHIP
- FINE ART
- PHOTOGRAPHY
- AG/HORTICULTURE
- STUDY HALL
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION/YOGA
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MTSS: A New Framework for Success
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The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a framework that is focused on developing, aligning, and improving systems of academic, behavioral and socio-emotional learning support. It is the driving force that interweaves state, regional and local resources in order to provide inclusive academic instruction which will meet the needs of the whole child.
The goal of MTSS is to improve school climates and boost academic performance for all students. This approach looks at ways in which our schools can identify and improve systems that will provide equitable access to academic opportunities and close the achievement gap for all students. Our school district is in the process of developing strategies that will ensure inclusive academic instruction, inclusive behavior instruction, inclusive socio-emotional instruction, as well as positive behavioral intervention and support.
With the 2019-20 school year underway, SUHSD has begun initial planning for districtwide MTSS implementation by creating Intervention Counselor positions. The Intervention Counselors will work closely with site-based intervention teams and the District’s MTSS team, in an effort to provide our school sites with support well into the future. Additionally, the team is currently examining the Student Study Team (SST) process in order to streamline the system and improve upon the early identification of at-risk students.
One important component of the MTSS framework that SUHSD fully embraces is family and community engagement. We believe that developing strong relationships with parents and community members will aide in the overall success of every student. Last school year, we rolled out Community Engagement Nights at every school site, and we welcome all community members to actively participate in these meetings. We also continue to administer the Panorama Survey to gather input and feedback from parents, students and staff. Together, we can ensure that all SUHSD students will receive the support that they need - "All Means All".
Click here
to learn more and read the full
Guide to Understanding California MTSS.
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We are always looking for stories to highlight and we know there are many incredible stories that are waiting to be told throughout the District. Whether we promote your stories for press opportunities, social media, and/or newsletters, we invite you to submit your narratives, videos or pictures - related to the District.
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District to Host Youth Care Expert and Author
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SUHSD is hosting the San Mateo County-wide parent and community education event featuring prominent youth care expert Charlie Applestein, MSW. His acclaimed book,
No Such Thing as a Bad Kid
, is packed with positive principles and techniques to help families develop powerful and transforming relationships with their children and teens.
Event registration is free and open to parents, students, educators, and community members. Spanish interpretation will be offered.
Charlie Appelstein, MSW, Author and Youth Care Expert
No Such Thing as a Bad Kid: Using a Positive, Strength-Based Approach for Effective Parenting
Thursday, October 24, 2019, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Menlo-Atherton High School, M-A Performing Arts Center
555 Middlefield Road, Atherton CA 94027
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Stepping Up for Independence!
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In partnership with SUHSD and other community support agencies, the San Mateo Commission on Disabilities is holding their annual Transition to Independence Resource Fair promoting independence and full participation of people with disabilities in San Mateo County.
Learn about programs and services available to students who are no longer eligible for school based special education programs. The event brings together 50 agencies that provide higher education, job training, employment, day programs, living options, and health services to individuals with disabilities.
The event will also feature six workshops ranging from benefits counseling, advocacy, healthcare, employment, college preparedness, and assistive technology.
For volunteer opportunities, please register
here
.
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District Calendars for the 2019-20 School Year
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Sequoia Union High School District |
Website
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