Sequoia Sentinel
February 7/8, 2021
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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Editor's note: This is the last week we'll be testing open rates and engagement. As before, half our readership will receive the Sentinel on Sunday, the other half on Monday. The Sentinel team will be off during Mid-Winter Break, but we’ll be back on February 21. Enjoy your break!
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As the pandemic lumbers on, a moment of reflection on why Sequoia students are great does me some good this weekend. -Sean |
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Feb. 8: Sequoia school photos!
All students must adhere to safety and social distancing protocols. Please attend during your assigned time slot, if possible. ID cards and photo packages will be available in a few weeks - more information coming soon.
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Feb. 10: Sequoia's Digital Arts and Health Careers Academy mentor program goes virtual
On Wed., Jan. 27, the mentor program that serves the Digital Arts Academy and Health Careers Academy students hosted their first virtual event and it was a HUGE success. Over 130 participants took part in the Zoom meeting, including 50 volunteer mentors from our community! There were smiling faces scattered across breakout rooms, with mentors and students sharing and learning about each other. We look forward to the second event on Feb. 10! For more information, contact Greg Schmid.
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Feb. 24: Virtual author visit
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College Board eliminates SAT's optional essay and subject tests
The College Board will eliminate the SAT's optional essay and subject tests amid a college admissions landscape marred by coronavirus. The subject tests will end immediately for U.S. students, and the optional essay will be discontinued after the June testing sessions. Read more about the College Board's changes.
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Sequoia athletics and conditioning/skill sessions have started back up!
We are happy to announce that competitions for Season One sports of cross country, swimming, girls golf, and girls tennis have been approved by the PAL and the Sequoia Union High School District. Please note that these Season One sports can begin practice/competition because San Mateo County is in the "purple" tier.
Our Season Two purple sports are boys golf, boys tennis, and track and field. The plan is for them to begin in mid-March. We hope to be able to add competitions for sports in other tiers as conditions allow.
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Reserve your 2021 yearbook & submit your pictures to help us tell the story of this year
Reserve your yearbook now. Our code is 7268 or you can search for Sequoia High School. You can also reserve a yearbook on Infinite Campus.
Our yearbook is more important than ever this year! Generations to come are counting on us to tell the story of this year that has been like no other! Students can be in the yearbook as much as they would like to be.
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No Boosters crab feed this year
The executive board and general members of Boosters have decided not to pursue our annual Crab Dinner Fundraiser. Find out more.
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Rad 2021 senior threads coming soon!
Seniors - you have achieved a lot, and you're going places! Rock that message on a beanie, hoodie or tee created just for your class of 2021. Look here for the STORE LINK SOON!
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Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula youth of the year |
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Last Thursday evening, January 27, we were treated to the entertaining and inspirational Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula Youth of the Year celebrations (watch the video here). There were 12 semi-finalists including four Sequoia High School senior students: Stephanie, Nataly, Janet and Mia.
We heard stories of resilience, strength and perseverance from four SUHSD students including Sequoia senior Janet Zara Alvarez. Janet spoke of the support of her parents, and how her extra curricular activities at school and in the Girls and Boys club have helped her reach her goals, and a GPA of 4.1!
Congratulations to Janet and all the other students who participated, you are our future and we have no doubt we will hear from you again! Mariangelina Martez Mateo from EPA Academy achieved the Youth of the Year Award 2021. She will go on to represent the club in the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America competition. Congratulations!
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That's So Raven Ep. 19
0:55 Anouncenments (IMPORTANT)
2:26 Jack and Jack Reflect
That’s So Raven is a Sequoia ASB Production
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A photographic record of student life: part 2
Take a peek at a collection of photographs taken by Sequoia students! These photographs document the life and journey of our community as our students search for meaning and beauty in a time of great hardship.
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You can make a difference
The support of parents, businesses, alumni, and friends strengthens every aspect of the Sequoia experience. Thanks to our generous community we have raised over $300k to date.
When you invest in Sequoia, you help ensure our students have what they need to succeed and make the most of this challenging school year. A gift of any size can make a difference at Sequoia.
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Mini-grants in action: Power of Hope Book Club |
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An inspiring book, club led by Mr. Ashley Gray and funded through Sequoia's Mini-Grant Program, enabled a group of students and teachers to come together to reflect the profound social justice impact of the late John Lewis.
Fifteen copies of “His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope” by Jon Meacham were distributed, and a discussion scheduled. To add even more to the experience, Mr. Gray invited civil rights pioneer, Minnijean Brown-Trickey, to join in. Brown-Trickey was one of the students who resisted the opposition to the desegregation of her high school in 1957, leading to her lifelong commitment to peacemaking, developing youth leadership, diversity education, and social justice advocacy. An amazing experience for these students and teachers to be in a Zoom discussion with a Civil Rights icon!
As Mr. Gray wrote, “The story told in this book is timely, inspirational, and needed during these times of change and tumult.” Highlights from their book club discussion are powerful reminders; "turn your pain into power,” and "capitalize on your anger, don't let it bring you suffering and/or guilt."
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Mini-grant funds still available
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Reflections student arts showcase: Look within
A virtual Reflections Showcase has been created to celebrate last year’s 200+ national Reflections winners.
We are very proud of our own Sequoia student, Eva S., who after receiving the 17th district Award of Excellence, is moving up to the state level with her acoustic guitar musical score!
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Help redesign the PTSA website
The PTSA is looking for a WordPress programmer that can help develop a new PTSA website. If you would like to help out or have questions, please contact Cynthia Wiggin.
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The Parent Education Series |
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This live virtual event led by Kendall Cotton Bronk, PhD, will explore: What is purpose, why does it matter, and how can parents help children and teens discover theirs? Register now.
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Join Silicon Valley digital media experts including Jamie Nunez, Bay Area Regional Manager for Common Sense Media for a panel discussion on the well-being of children during COVID-era schooling. Register here.
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February is American Heart Health Month! Join Sequoia Healthcare District for a critical Town Hall meeting to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on heart health for children and adults. A panel of healthcare professionals will discuss the signs and symptoms of heart disease, the implications of COVID-19 for heart health, and the importance of early screenings to detect heart health issues. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided (via Zoom). Register now.
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Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MA, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture (The Parent Education Series).
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Community Resources and Events |
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SUHSD Middle College applications due March 19
Middle College is a collaboration between the SUHSD and Cañada College, and students earn both high school and college credits, enabling them to complete their high school requirements and earn college credit simultaneously. Click here for more information: SUHSD Middle College program.
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Sentinel Newsletter:
Our readers enjoy hearing about activities, events, and accomplishments of Sequoia students, staff and community.
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