Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation |
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Again this week, as we’ve done for the past eight Thanksgivings, the Sequoia staff pitched in to help write the weekly Sentinel message. Authentic expressions of gratitude connect us as a community, strengthening the bond between students, teachers, and families which sets Sequoia apart. I am grateful to all the families who read our weekly newsletters and engage with Sequoia as partners. Now I’ll turn it over to the staff:
We kick off with Corey Uhalde who, apropos of a Student Activities Coordinator, is grateful for the “students who go out of their way to say hi and ask me how I am doing in the hallways. It truly makes my day!”
Textbook clerk Shannon Schadler voices what a lot of us are grateful for: “Ms. Snow is special for providing recognition and representation of all people in our diverse library.”
For her part, Ms. Snow appreciates “our supportive community of thoughtful students, teachers, parents, educators, authors, writers, and storytellers who understand the power of libraries and the perspectives they infuse in our lives.”
Lots of love for colleagues:
English teacher Nichole Vaughan shared her gratitude for science teacher “Leah Thomas's leadership and voice that is filled and fueled by compassion, understanding, and hope.”
“Our custodians, who work hard every evening to return our campus to something resembling order after a daily hurricane of 2000+ people…do far more than just empty trash cans. In one example (among many!), Alex Dito recently replaced a broken pencil sharpener before I had a chance to put in a work order… he just noticed it needed to be done and took care of it. We have a special staff at Sequoia, and that definitely includes the night staff. Thank you, custodians!!!” shares teacher Katia Sterne.
Second that from math teacher Subathra Ramanathan, “Alex Dito takes so much pride in his work, that it inspires me to do better.” She also adds, “Ms. Yeager and Ms. Ignaitis for all they do to get our students through the ‘last mile’ on their way to college… the right combination of pushing and pulling and supporting to get the kids ready.”
Drama teacher Talia Cain thanks “Othello Jefferson, Crystal Amaya, and the entire cast, crew, and orchestra for all their dedication and hard work on our upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast!”
Culinary Arts teacher Reyna Hoffman appreciates Sequoia treasures “Linda Gordon for just TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS!”
Sometimes, the little things are the big things, “Thank you to Scott Stalder who always takes the time to open my door for me when I'm sprinting to class with my bicycle!” says French/ELD teacher Karina Chin.
From teacher Stacy Wenzel: “I am grateful to Carol Lopez for being a consistent role model of love, compassion and hard work…Mr. Uhalde and the leadership and ASB students who have partnered effectively with ELD students.” She also shouts out her “Tuesday morning volunteers who lead small group learning sessions for ELD/ELA 2 students.”
“I have profound appreciation for the integrity and leadership that so many of our students show every day. In particular, I am thankful for the courageousness of the sophomore Raven Circle Captains,” says Physics teacher and Raven Circle lead Jack West.
AVP Secretary Grace Horton is grateful for her community rallying in the wake of personal tragedy, sharing that after her mother was displaced by fire, “A team of Red Cross volunteers immediately responded and connected my mother and family members affected by the fire to local community resources, comfort, and spiritual care.”
Art teacher Silvia Torres sums things up nicely: “I'm grateful for the oak trees in the B-WIng. They are welcoming in the mornings and offer a sweet farewell in the afternoons.”
Happy Thanksgiving, Sequoia!
Best,
Sean
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Help us get past the finish line! |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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November news from the Media Center |
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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. |
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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!
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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.
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March 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.
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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.
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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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.
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In their new book, Behind Their Screens, authors and Harvard researchers Emily Weinstein, PhD, and Carrie James, PhD, explore the complexities that teens face in their digital lives, and suggest that many adult efforts to help—“Get off your phone!”—fall short.
En su nuevo libro, Behind Their Screens, las autoras e investigadoras de Harvard Emily Weinstein, PhD y Carrie James, PhD, exploran las complejidades que enfrentan los adolescentes en su entorno digitalvidas, y sugieren que muchos esfuerzos de los adultos para ayudar—“¡Quítate el teléfono!”—se quedan cortos. Enlace de zoom.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS |
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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.
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STAY ON TOP OF THINGS AT SEQUOIA |
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There are many communication resources at Sequoia besides the Sentinel. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sequoia High School Website
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Home page: Includes the Bell Schedule.
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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
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Infinite Campus: Includes a student-specific daily calendar.
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Sequoia 101: information on all things Sequoia.
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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.
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:
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE SENTINEL |
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The Sentinel goes out on Sundays at 8 a.m. during the school year. Click the purple Sequoia Sentinel Submission button below to contribute!
Submissions are due the Wednesday before you'd like your contribution to run.
Optionally, include a Spanish translation from a native or bilingual speaker (no Google translations please).
Thanks for keeping the Sequoia High School community updated!
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En Español:
¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora?
En Español
- Mantenga presionada la tecla Control (PC) y la tecla A para seleccionar toda la página, a continuación, mantenga presionada la tecla Control y haga clic en la tecla C para copiar la página entera.
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Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a google translate.
- 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.
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