Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
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Last Friday, members of Sequoia’s ASB Leadership class got together with students from Ms. Wenzel’s ELD II class for one of their regular intercambios, or cross-language mixers. Ms. Wenzel’s students are among the 175 or so Ravens whose focus is the development of English fluency. This happens through targeted language classes as well as specialized core area classes such as math and science. In most cases, ELD students have been in our country fewer than three years. Most reside in Spanish-speaking homes, but others speak different languages such as Tagalog or Arabic.
Ms. Wenzel brings students in our ASB Leadership program together with ELD students to design fun, collaborative activities — relationship-building as reinforcement of a language goal. In previous sessions, the students have learned TikTok choreography, played games, written and performed skits, and built a website filled with ideas for inexpensive ways teens can have fun.
I’m proud to share the story of this partnership because it is a beautiful example of how our community tends the Unaliyi spirit at Sequoia. Moreover, I think what Ms. Wenzel and Mr. Uhalde are accomplishing works to subvert the dangerous consequences of labeling kids. Even well-intentioned labels like “English-learner” or “leadership kid” can have unintended consequences. I worry, specifically, about fostering a deficit-mindset. Might we not instill purpose and confidence by celebrating our students’ strengths?
For students in our ELD program, an emerging but limited grasp of their second (or in some cases third) language obscures their senses of humor, creativity, and intelligence. We have much to learn if we create and sustain conditions which empower students. When you hear people talk about Tier One supports for mental health and wellness, this is a prime example.
Think about the common dream where you show up to school unprepared for a test, without your homework, or wearing pajamas. These dreams often persist into adulthood because they tap into a deep and universal truth about being an adolescent – you are always on the verge of being exposed, revealed, singled out, or monumentally embarrassed. Put yourself in one of these scenarios for a moment and imagine if, in addition to whatever embarrassing circumstances surround you, you are limited in your comprehension and output of the language being spoken by those around you. The jokes, whispers, and exclamations all go over your head. You feel perpetually 30 seconds behind the reality you’re experiencing.
Is your heart beating faster yet? Think about the fortitude and determination it takes to live this experience every day.
Activities like the one Ms. Wenzel and Mr. Uhalde have created are important because they help kids transcend labels, overcome the pajama nightmare, and, as a bonus, add to their list of inexpensive ways to have fun in their community. That’s learning!
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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Stay on top of things at Sequoia
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Besides the Sentinel, our school has many resources for staying on top of things:
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Sequoia PTSA endorses Measure W
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Measure W, on the Nov. 8 ballot, will repair 60-year-old classrooms, expand and modernize science labs, and help prepare local students for success in college and the 21st-century competitive job market. Join us in passing Measure W for our students! Please reach out to Karen Gebhart if you can pitch in and represent Sequoia High School on the Measure W campaign.
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Oct. 21, 22: Senior class bake sale!
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The senior class is trying to raise money to fund graduation events. We are holding a bake sale at the Homecoming football game Oct. 21 and at the Homecoming Dance Oct. 22. Donations of baked goods would be greatly appreciated, and can be dropped off at the Student Activities Center on Friday, Oct. 21, anytime before 4 p.m. Please email us if you have questions, please email us. Thanks so much!
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Donate Halloween treats for Sequoia teachers and staff
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Thank you 2021-22 volunteers!
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Thank you to all the volunteers from 2021-22 who were part of the (under-counted) 4,144 donated hours to Sequoia last year. That translates to the $124,442.24 check the PTSA presented to Mr. Priest this week. From the Board, to the Sentinel team, to the Grad Night team, to Staff Hospitality, to Concessions, the list goes on. The volunteer community at Sequoia is a big part of what makes this school special. By the way, if you weren’t with us at the Principal’s Welcome, you missed out on a great hour-long discussion. Mr. Priest discussed everything from his thoughts on helping kids tip the balance to favor thriving over enduring (something we all need), to how LOUD his voice can get in the halls when passing time is almost over (my kids confirmed this!), to setting the tone to embrace mistakes as learning. What can I say? You had to be there! We are graced with words and a Q&A session from Mr. Priest at every PTSA meeting on the first Tuesday of the month in the Mult-Purpose Room (MPR), 7:00 p.m. See you at the next one.
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Haven't joined Sequoia PTSA yet?
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Oct. 20: Senior Financial Aid Night
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Seniors and their parents are invited to attend Sequoia’s Financial Aid Night on Thursday, Oct. 20, to receive information about the FAFSA and other financial-aid programs available at a four-year university, community college, or trade school. We will have a guest speaker, formerly from the Financial Aid Office of Stanford, to answer all your questions in the Multi-Purpose Room at 7:00 p.m. A separate presentation in Spanish will take place at 7:00 p.m. in Carrington Hall.
Estudiantes del grado 12 y sus padres están invitados a asistir a la noche de Ayuda Financiera el, jueves, 20 de octubre en Sequoia para recibir información sobre FAFSA y otros programas de ayuda financiera disponibles en las universidades de cuatro años, colegios de comunidad o instituciones que se enfocan en carreras específicas. Tendremos representantes de las oficinas de ayuda financiera de Cal State East Bay y Cañada College en Carrington Hall a las 7 de la tarde. Esta información se dará en español.
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Oct. 25, 29: Sequoia Cash for College events
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If you need help completing your FAFSA or Dream application, come to the College and Career Center on either Tues., Oct. 25, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. or Sat, Oct. 29, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for our Cash for College events.
It is important to bring the necessary documents (2021 taxes) and at least one parent/guardian. See the Sequoia High School Cash for College flier in English or Spanish for information on registration, what to bring, and a worksheet.
It is best to get your FAFSA ID BEFORE attending Cash for College, if applying for FAFSA only. If you have any questions, message tignaitis@seq.org or tyeager@seq.org.
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Support the Ravens by attending this week’s home games. Check seqsports.com for complete home and away fall schedules.
Let’s go, Ravens!
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Oct. 18: Girls Tennis vs. South SF - varsity 4:30 p.m.
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Oct. 20: Girls Tennis vs. Capuchino - varsity 4:30 p.m. – SENIOR NIGHT
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Oct. 21: Football vs. Santa Clara - JV 4:00 p.m., varsity 7:00 p.m. – HOMECOMING
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Football Friday – final home games
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After a season of mostly away games, Sequoia football will play on Terremere Field for the next three weeks. The Ravens take on Santa Clara for this Friday’s homecoming game, followed by top-ranked The King’s Academy on Oct. 28 and rival Carlmont for Senior Night on Nov. 4.
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Oct. 31: Winter sports tryouts – make sure your athlete is cleared to play!
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SHSEF supports students in reaching highest potential
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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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Seeking bikes that are ready to roll
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Do you have a bike that is in good shape and in great working condition that you no longer need? We have a few students that would love to be able to get to school more easily. If you have a bike that is ready to ride, please email Scott Stalder-Skarmoutsos.
We hope to plan a large-scale bike drive later in the year where we can take bikes needing a little tune up to get back on the road again, but at this time, we are hoping to connect a few students with something ready to roll. Thanks a million for your time and support!
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News from the Media Center
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
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Oct. 25: How to They/Them: A Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and Gender Fluidity. What does nonbinary really mean? What is gender nonconforming? And isn't “they” a plural pronoun? Join Stuart Getty, the genderqueer author of How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity, to unpack your burning questions about gender expression and identity. Parents/caregivers, students, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
¿Qué significa realmente no binario? ¿Qué es el género no conforme? ¿Y no es “ellos” un pronombre plural? Unirse Stuart Getty, el autor genderqueer de How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity, para desempacar sus preguntas candentes sobre la expresión y la identidad de género. ¡Padres/cuidadores, estudiantes, educadores, profesionales de la salud mental y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! Entrada gratis. Habrá interpretación simultánea en español disponible. Enlace de zoom.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EVENTS
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Let's plant more trees for Redwood City!
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CityTrees, a Redwood City nonprofit volunteer-run organization, has recently received a $90,000 grant through Cal Fire and the California ReLeaf network. We would love for volunteers ages 14+ to join us as we grow our local urban canopy.
Fall/Winter 2022-23 Planting Dates:
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Saturday, Nov. 19, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — register here!
- Saturday, Dec. 17, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — sign ups will open closer to the date.
- Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — sign ups will open closer to the date.
Please visit CityTrees with questions or for more information. Volunteers under 18 years old require a parent/guardian signature on our waiver.
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Think small, community-nurturing travel
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9-16 day teacher-led immersive trips. Your students long for a truly genuine local Spanish experience. Our youth-driven adventure is richly interactive, with five villages, linking volcanoes to cloud forest. Our "youth ambassadors'' sponsor fun, active social encounters that ignite conversations and friendships. With no guides or tour operator to fuss with, you'll cherish a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy our friendly small-town atmosphere. We provide wonderful options that compliment your global classroom. You travel free with greater than six students. From airfare to bottled water, we take care of all the details. See our website for more information.
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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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