Sequoia Sentinel
Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
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On Nov. 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges walked into her elementary school in New Orleans. She was accompanied by U.S. Marshals to ensure her protection against an angry mob intent on thwarting her arrival. Ruby, as many of you already know, was the first Black student to be enrolled at her new school.  

Students and educators across the country mark Nov. 14 for its significance. “Ruby walked so we can run,” say members of Sequoia’s Black Student Union, who are leading the way in our community this year to recognize the importance of this story.

It is, of course, a story that reminds us of why we speak up when someone is being treated unjustly. Racism and discrimination flourish when we stand by instead of stand up. On an interpersonal level, the story illustrates the importance of reaching out and being a friend. Ruby Bridges spent her first year at William Frantz Elementary school completely isolated – just her and her teacher. White students and families refused to be in the same room as her.

Most of us reflect on these events in horror. We conjure up the images of virulent racists gathered on the sidewalk in front of school, shouting hateful epithets, terrorizing a child. It should make us feel better that such displays are a thing of the past, confined to black-and-white photos and Norman Rockwell paintings.

But the story of Ruby Bridges should not be told without an acknowledgement of the majority of people who opposed school desegregation. Theirs was not a violent, ugly opposition, but something much more nefarious. Most folks working against the kinds of civil rights advancements symbolized by the plight of Ruby Bridges, James Meredith, or the Little Rock Nine sought to protect their privilege on a more intellectual level. Arguments in the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education case, for example, hinged on the idea that because Black children were still living with the effects of slavery, it would take some time before they were able to compete with white children in the same classroom. Change takes time, what’s the hurry?

While we wrap ourselves in the warm glow of Ruby Bridges this week, know that these kinds of arguments persist today. Listen for their echoes, recognize them for what they are, and think about their implications for you and your family. What side of history are you on?

Have a great week!

Best,
Sean
PTSA
Seeking Grad Activities Chair for Class of 2023
Looking for a way to help your graduating senior class? We have a team of helpers already signed up to run our graduation activities, but we need an additional one or two people to coordinate the events and check in with updates to the PTSA Board. Please contact Karen Gebhart, PTSA President, for further information.
We are one third of the way toward making a difference!
Make a difference for a Sequoia student in need this holiday season! SHSEF, the PTSA, and the Family Center invite you to participate in Sequoia's annual Raven Holiday Project (formerly known as "Adopt-a-Family"). This tradition started over 20 years ago when caring Sequoia teachers bought their students-in-need gifts paid for out of their own pockets. 

Together, this year we can all help our students and families in the greatest need to enjoy the winter holiday season, with gifts that inspire joy, build community, and reduce stress. Many Sequoia families face difficult challenges — stretching their modest incomes across the winter months while dealing with serious illness, death, job loss, immigration crisis, or homelessness. 

Please click here to see how you can help, and share this link with others who might be interested. Contact Ann Kamensky at shsef.fs@gmail.com for questions. Thank you!
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tickets on sale for Beauty and the Beast!
Come “be our guest” at Sequoia Drama's upcoming production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast!

Shows are Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. 

Online ticket sales ONLY. Click here to purchase your tickets in advance, and contact Talia Cain with any questions.
Donate sweatpants and leggings
Sequoia's Family Center is in need of NEW or like-new SWEATPANTS and LEGGINGS to give to students who want to participate in PE, dance, and sports, but don't have the funds to purchase this important activewear.

We need all sizes — XXS through 3XL — for boys and girls, in solid black, gray, or another dark color. We would prefer new items if possible, but if you have gently used bottoms in perfect shape (and freshly laundered), we welcome them too.

Please bring your donation in a bag labeled for "The SEQ FAMILY CENTER" to the Family Center (Rm. 129) any weekday from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., or to the staff mailroom between 3:00-7:00 p.m. Questions? Please contact emacias@seq.org. Thank you!
Nov. 18: Making Dreams Come True fundraising dinner
Please join us on Friday, Nov. 18, for the 13th annual Making Dreams Come True fundraising dinner, put on by the Sequoia Dream Club. Learn about the challenges that undocumented students face as they pursue their educational goals, and help celebrate their successes. The event is part of Redwood City's United Against Hate Week. Tickets available here.
Beginning Nov. 14: Honey Bear Trees donates 15% to Sequoia
Honey Bear Trees donates 15% of your purchase to Sequoia High School. Get your trees, wreaths, and holiday decor at their lot in San Carlos. Honey Bear Trees opens for holiday sales on Nov. 14. Click click here for more information and location details. No need to bring the flier to the tree lot; just mention Sequoia High School at your time of purchase. Thank you to Honey Bear for their support!
November news from the Media Center
Check out our November newsletter and click here to find out what’s happening at the Sequoia Media Center! We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Snow.
CLASS NOTES
Attention seniors: Universal financial aid requirement
As of July 2022, the state of California adopted a new requirement that all high school seniors must complete a financial aid application — either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Both applications provide students an opportunity to be considered for financial aid for college or a vocational school. We encourage seniors to complete their applications as soon as possible; however, the priority deadline is March 2, 2023. The SUHSD office is working on an opt-out form for families that will not be applying for FAFSA/CADAA. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact your assigned school counselor.
SEQUOIA ATHLETICS
Come watch us play

Support the Ravens by attending home games. Check seqsports.com for complete home and away winter schedules. 

Let’s go, Ravens!
Winter sports need team liaisons
Soccer, basketball, and wrestling scrimmages are starting up, and regular-season play begins the week of Nov. 21. The Boosters are looking for parents or superfans who can share photos and game updates, to help shine a spotlight on Sequoia athletes. Email Beth Rowell to learn more about being a winter team liaison.
Mar. 11: Save the date for the Sequoia Crab Feed!
The Boosters Crab Dinner & Auction will return, live and in-person, this school year. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 11, and join Sequoia families, alumni, and community members as we raise much-needed funds to provide the best possible sports experience for all of our Sequoia students.

If you are interested in helping with the event or have auction items to donate, please contact BoosterSequoia@gmail.com.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SHSEF supports students in reaching highest potential
Did you know SHSEF supports staff, projects, and programs to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential? We raise funds for college services, academic enrichment programs, staff professional development, and student and family support. 
THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
College admission is a barrel of laughs, right? Join experts Gabrielle McColgan, Michael Elgarico, and Patrick Wilson for an inside-track chat about the college admission process.

La admisión a la universidad es un montón de risas, ¿verdad? Únase a los expertos universitarios Gabrielle McColgan, Michael Elgarico y Patrick Wilson para una conversación interna sobre el proceso de admisión a la universidad. Enlace de zoom. 
In her new book, The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive, author Lisa L. Lewis, MS, synthesizes the research to provide parents of teens and tweens with reader-friendly information and strategies.
 
En su nuevo libro, El adolescente privado de sueño: por qué nuestros adolescentes están tan cansados ​​y cómo los padres y las escuelas pueden ayudarlos a prosperar, autor Lisa L. Lewis, MS, sintetiza la investigación para proporcionar a los padres de adolescentes y preadolescentes información y estrategias fáciles de leer. Enlace de zoom.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS
Reach a child. Touch a family. Build a community.
Volunteer now with Healthy Cities Tutoring! Become a Healthy Cities tutor and join our community to provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to a public school student, to improve their academic performance and self-esteem. Tutoring sessions are held in-person once a week, for 45 minutes to an hour, on the student’s school campus.

Following two years of pandemic precautions, students are falling behind in school. We need volunteers more than ever! We hope you or someone you know will get involved in this rewarding experience.

No tutoring experience required; we can provide training. Eighth grade and high school students are welcome. Students can receive community service hours and use the experience for resume building. It only takes one hour a week to make a positive impact on a child’s life.

Visit our website or contact Janelle Gibson, HCT Program Coordinator, for questions at 415-793-1064, Janelle@healthycitiestutoring.org.
STAY ON TOP OF THINGS AT SEQUOIA
There are many communication resources at Sequoia besides the Sentinel. Here are a few of our favorites:

Sequoia High School Website
  • Home page: Includes the Bell Schedule.
  • Calendar. Note: Sequoia only posts schedule abnormalities here, so unless otherwise noted, assume a normal week:
  • Mon. - A Day
  • Tues. - B Day
  • Wed. - Collab. Day
  • Thurs. - A Flex Day
  • Fri. - B Flex Day
  • Infinite Campus: Includes a student-specific daily calendar.
  • Sequoia 101: information on all things Sequoia.
  • Staff and Student Bulletin: everything from student announcements, to the sports schedule, to all the available clubs. Read it on the website, or subscribe to get it twice a week in your email.

PTSA class email lists: subscribe to individual class e-blasts, with news tailored for each student year.

That's So Raven Announcements: subscribe to Sequoia High School ASB's YouTube channel. Set up alerts so you'll know when these fun and informational student vlogs post.


Quick Links:
CONTRIBUTE TO THE SENTINEL
The Sentinel goes out on Sundays at 8 a.m. during the school year. Click the purple Sequoia Sentinel Submission button below to contribute!

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