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A school community consists primarily of three groups of people: students, families, and staff. I don’t take for granted how hard a school day can be on a student: academic, social, physical, and emotional labor abound. As they develop the kind of wisdom necessary to set priorities, pace themselves, and put setbacks in perspective, each day is truly an improvisation. I’m fierce in my gratitude for all the ways our students consistently bring their best selves to our community.
Our families, likewise, consistently impress me with their trust and humility. Across all parts of our diverse community, I have grown to expect our parents to defy stereotypes and single stories. Recently, I ran into the parent of a recent graduate who shared the success her daughter was experiencing in the science field at UC Santa Cruz. Sequoia prepared her well. “Let’s share credit,” I replied, “and toast to a successful partnership.” She was having none of it; her child was better prepared than her classmates and she had Sequoia to thank. I asked her if she remembered a specific teacher to whom I might pass along a message of gratitude. Show me a student who is acing college bio and I’ll show you a high school science teacher who deserves some love – certainly more than the principal. Luckily, the deserving teacher happened to be at the same event.
Which brings us to our third group: staff. Often, I talk about what makes Sequoia’s staff special: what we look for, how we try and orient, and what we champion. Number one is the belief that all students can be successful in the things they set out to learn. This is also usually accompanied by a desire to work with all kinds of students: different abilities, backgrounds, interests, and assets.
Next, successful Sequoia staff members look at ways to improve in their practice. We are all integral in the success of our students. Teachers use data and input to reflect on lessons; counselors tap into their professional networks to develop tools for problem-solving and success-planning; paraprofessionals, custodians, and front office staff work throughout the year to learn a little bit each day about the students they encounter. Sometimes a sincere adult asking a student if everything is ok is the most important thing that happens that week. Nowhere is it written that the adult needs to have a teaching credential.
Lastly, it is deeply ingrained in our staff culture that collaboration is vital. Each of the previous two ethos are enhanced by the ability to share best practices, be vulnerable, celebrate successes, and lift one another up. Curricular teams, departments, program partnerships – these collaborative groups thrive at Sequoia on the belief that all of us are smarter than any one of us.
Monday kicks off Staff Appreciation Week at Sequoia. We’ll be doing our best, with a big lift from the generous PTSA and spirited ASB, to fête our team and show them some love and respect. It would be a great gesture for you or your student to take a few moments to compose an email or note showing some appreciation for a way in which a specific staff member has made a difference this year. Let’s jam those in-boxes full!
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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This year, with funding from the Sequoia High School Education Fund, the PTSA was able to fund 30 Mini-Grants (up to $750) for teachers, students, and clubs. For the next couple of weeks, the Sentinel will highlight some of the grants to give you an idea of the fantastic and varied projects that were funded. | |
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Beth Peng, math department, $750 grant for classroom whiteboards
We purchased whiteboards for three math classrooms. Two classrooms did not have whiteboards, and we replaced the heavily used whiteboard in another. Students use them daily for brainstorming, kick-offs, and extra practicing, and they help facilitate partner conversations.
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Greg Schmid, Health Careers Academy, $750 grant for HOSA Guest Speaker Series
The HCA leadership group, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), hosted a guest speaker panel with three of our Alumni. We invited the entire HCA (140 students and staff!) to Carrington Hall for a presentation in January to kick off the spring semester. The speakers, each in different stages of their healthcare careers, were very inspirational. We enjoyed a healthy lunch and participated in team bonding activities. Thank you!
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Talia Cain, visual and performing arts, $750 grant for power tools and supplies for Sequoia Drama Scenic Shop
We purchased new power tools and supplies to replace old, inefficient, and unsafe tools for the Sequoia Drama Scenic Shop. This benefitted both the Sequoia drama productions and drama classes. In the Sequoia drama after-school tech crew program (a year-round, inclusive program open to any Sequoia student), students learn the basics of practical set design and construction and apply these skills to the building of sets for our productions. The Mini-Grant allowed for more students to get involved with tech crew for this year's spring play, Community Garden.
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You make a difference by volunteering or donating | |
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As you know, at Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) we raise funds for college services, academic enrichment programs, staff professional development, and student and family support. More specifically, that translates to things like lowering class size for 9th graders, getting new equipment to the Chem lab, and helping to organize the Prom Gallery.
Whether you volunteer time or give funds (many people do both!), you are making a difference for Sequoia's student body. Get involved today.
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Three special senior send-offs need volunteers | |
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We are planning three very special Senior send-offs, and each needs volunteers!
Senior Lunch - Wednesday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
We will have a festive all-class catered lunch for the graduating seniors after they pick up their caps & gowns. Sign up to donate items, to contribute funds or to help at the lunch!
Sign Up Here!
Senior Brunch -Thursday, June 6,
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
All Seniors are invited to attend a celebratory brunch in their honor before graduation practice. Volunteers are needed to bring donated items, to help set up, serve, and clean up at the brunch.
Sign Up Here!
Grad Night Check-in - Friday, June 7, 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Wish your Senior "Bon Voyage!" as they prepare to head to SF for their magical midnight cruise on the Bay. Volunteers are needed at Sequoia for set-up, check-in, security and clean-up.
Sign Up Here!
Questions? Please contact Francesca Draughon
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CLASS OF 2024 YARD or WINDOW sign! | |
Do you have a graduating senior in your home? Celebrate their success by ordering a Class of 2024 yard/window sign! Visit Sequoia's PTSA webstore to order one! Get yours for $15, and please feel free to “donate-a-sign” to a student in our community.
Please pick up your sign in front of Gym 1 on the following days:
- Wednesday, May 8, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 15,12:30-2:00 p.m.
If you cannot pick up during these times, please email Jen Holmes.
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¡Rótulos para el jardín o la ventana de la GENERACIÓN 2024! | |
¿Tiene un estudiante por graduarse?
¡Festeje su éxito y pida un rótulo de Generación 2024 para su jardín o su ventana! ¡Visite la tienda virtual de PTSA para ordenar! Obtenga el suyo por tan solo $15 y si gusta puede donar otro rótolu a otro estudiante de nuestra comunidad.
Por favor recoja su rótulo en frente del ginasio 1 (Gym 1) cualquiera de los siguientes días:
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miércoles 8 de mayo entre 12:30 y 2:00 p.m.
- miércoles 15 de mayo entre 12:30 y 2:00 p.m.
Si no puede recogerlo durante estas fechas, por favor mande un correo electrónico a Jen Holmes.
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Freshman, sophomore, and junior parents: We need your help to chaperone Grad Night - Friday, June 7 | |
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The Class of 2024 is celebrating their Grad Night on a Hornblower Bay Cruise, and we need a team of adult chaperones to join the fun. Since our seniors don't want their parents there, we need parents of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to chaperone.
A few reasons to chaperone:
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Ask a bestie, spouse, or other family member to have fun with you!
- Find out what the hype is all about!
- Get a preview of what you’ll be preparing for when your student is a Senior!
- Pay it forward!
- HAVE AN AMAZING TIME!
Depart Sequoia at 11:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, and return to Sequoia at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. Sign up Here!
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Seniors: May 15 is the last day to buy Grad Night tickets
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It’s the final week of regular season sports. Come out and support our Sequoia sluggers!
🥎 5/7 Softball vs Hillsdale - Varsity 4:00 pm
⚾ 5/8 Baseball vs Carlmont - Varsity 4:00 pm
🥎 5/9 Softball vs San Mateo - Varsity 4:00 pm
⚾ 5/10 Baseball vs Carlmont - JV 4:00 pm
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Rowan Henige breaks 3200 M record | |
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Sequoia Track & Field celebrated their 15 senior members last Wednesday at the final home tri-meet, but the 100 athletes on the team are not done yet! Senior Rowan Henige continued to make his mark by breaking the 25-year-old Sequoia record for the 3200 M at :09.38.89 & placed 5th at the Central Coast Section Top 8! Rowan is Sequoia’s top distance runner in history, holding the 1600m and 3200m records as well as course records at XCountry Crystal Springs, Half Moon Bay, and Bedwell. Way to go Rowan!
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May 9: Empowered and Equipped: A Personal Perspective of Neurodiversity Register
9 de mayo: Perspectivas cambiantes: comprensión de la inclusión, la capacidad y la neurodiversidad Registro
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May 10: Peace in Schools: Why Mindfulness Education Matters Register
10 de mayo: Paz en las escuelas: por qué es importante la educación en mindfulness Registro
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May 14: Vaping Facts: What All Parents Need to Know | |
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Learn more about vaping, nicotine, and cannabis. Sign up here
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Costa Rica Youth Exchange | |
The Sequoia Sentinel is emailed to 3,500 members of the Sequoia High School community on Sundays at 8 a.m. during the school year. Contributions are due on Wednesday — click the purple button below to submit. Email the editors or click here to subscribe. | |  |
Sentinel is a giant sequoia located within the Giant Forest Grove of Sequoia National Park, California. A sentinel is a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch. | | | | | |
