Sentinel News – Previous News 2020-2021

SEMESTER 2: January 2021 –> June 2021

headline

The PTSA is always looking for ways to show our amazing staff how much we value them, not just the first week of May but all year long! This year we worked to refresh the common-use room on the second floor and make it more functional. The Faculty Lounge now has a more energized, modern feel to help everyone feel more comfortable.

Thank you, staff and teachers, for persevering over these challenging months and for all that you do for our students. Thank you to Carol Lopez who oversees this room by watering the plants, making coffee in the mornings and letting the administration know if anything needs fixing or cleaning up! And more thank yous to Dee Dee Clarke, Jenn DiGrande, Megan Murrary and Mr. Gooch who made this transformation a reality. This project was funded by a $750 mini grant as well as a donation from a Sequoia parent, Yael Goshen.

The goal of this mini-renovation was to attract more teachers to the room where they can connect and relax with one another, while building a stronger teacher community. Approximately 250 staff members access this space, along with other school related groups who also meet in the room (Boosters, teachers’ union, etc.).

We added new microwaves and toaster ovens, lockers for staff to store personal items, plants, a full-service coffee cart, games for staff to play together and a bookcase to share books. We also rearranged the furniture to promote a more social environment, and cleaned up and restocked the kitchen with all new kitchenware. See the “before” video with Mr. Gooch and the photos for the end result!


June 1: Application deadline for Pamoja Online IB Course

Are you a current tenth grader interested in taking an IB course online through Pamoja next year? Not enough room in your schedule for everything you want to take or want to access an IB course like IB ITGS, IB Film, economics or philosophy that is not offered at Sequoia? IB electives on Pamoja can be used to fulfill a Group 6 Diploma IB elective requirement.

You do NOT need to be a Diploma student to take a Pamoja course. Both IB Diploma and IB Course students are welcome. All courses are two years and therefore, this opportunity is open to only tenth graders to enroll for junior and senior year. Tuition is paid for by the student’s family. Scholarships available for a student qualifying for free/reduced lunch. Pamoja application form AND registration form due no later than Tuesday, June 1. All tenth graders received an email to their school gmail account with info and application/reg form links on May 24. Contact Lisa McCahon with questions.


Answers to Senior IB questions

Class of 2021 IB students and families: we know many of you have questions about IB final scores – how to check them, how to send them to your college, etc.

Please see this list of commonly asked questions about IB scores and reporting to colleges. For further questions contact Ms. McMahon.


Deadline June 5: submit to the Sequoia Student Poetry Anthology 2021

Submit a poem for an opportunity to get published in a Sequoia-only student anthology!

Submit art for a chance to be on the cover or in the anthology!

Everyone will have an opportunity to be published, and three contest winners will receive cash prizes. The deadline for the contest is June 5 at 11:59 p.m. Contact 803083@seq.org with questions.


Join our campus volunteer team

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help make sure everything is running safely and smoothly on campus! We still need additional adult volunteers to assist us through the end of the year. Please sign up here and help spread the word!

FAQs:

  • Is there training? We will email you the recording of our Zoom training session for you to watch at your convenience.
  • Can I get vaccinated as an education worker if I volunteer at the school? Yes! While our district cannot organize this appointment for you, we can provide documentation of your volunteer service as needed.
  • Will I need to do paperwork? Yes – the simple two-step process includes clearance by Human Resources and a health-screen app called Frontline. Takes minutes!
  • Do I need to sign up for a regular time each week? A regular time is super helpful, however occasional volunteer help is great too! Please sign up for whenever you have a free hour, and thank you!

Questions? Please email Elisa Niño-Sears or call (650) 387-8390.


IB May 2021: Calculated route approved

Sequoia’s request to switch from the exam route to the calculated route for the May 2021 IB assessments has been approved! Student IB scores will be based on official assessments (IA’s or Internal Assessments) and predicted grades. Predicted grades are assigned by IB teachers and will reflect what they expect the student to achieve based on the candidate’s work. IB has instituted predicted grades protocols to ensure they are fair across schools for each IB subject. IB has also put protocols in place to ensure that colleges view the calculated and exam route equally. Colleges will not be aware which students took the exam versus the calculated route.

Refunds will not be issued with this new calculated route because students are still receiving a final IB score that will be recognized by colleges. IB continues to have administrative costs associated with grading, scoring, communication with colleges, and the issuing of certificates and diplomas.

Thank you for your patience as we figured out the best option for IB students.


Summer Stem Institute applications open

The Summer STEM Institute (SSI) is a six-week virtual summer program for high school students. The program was started by educators, students, and graduates from Stanford, Harvard, and MIT to continue educational opportunities during COVID-19. Last year, SSI received over 2,450 applications from students in 78 different countries. Applications for SSI 2021 are now open.

The program consists of three main parts:

  1. Research and data science bootcamp: Students learn how to design and conduct data science research projects and how to apply statistical and machine learning methods to address scientific questions with real-world impact.
  2. Masterclass lecture series: Students are connected to accomplished young adults around the world to learn about entrepreneurship from Forbes 30 Under 30 recipients, science research from International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) grand prize winners, and other topics fromspeakers with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  3. Mentored research project: Students complete a research project through a rigorous, hands-on learning experience under the guidance of mentors. Previously, students have worked in a variety of fields, from computational biology to quantum physics.

Click here to apply and learn more about SSI.


Trouble sleeping?

Do you experience trouble sleeping? The Reducing Risk study is a UCSF clinical trial for an online sleep and mental health intervention for teenagers, with the aim of improving sleep and mood. The program includes free access to a web-based sleep and mood improvement intervention. All study visits are done remotely (no in-person contact), and participants will be compensated. Fill out the survey to find out if you’re eligible to participate. Email for questions.


Mar. 11: deadline to complete Intent to Return form

Beginning April 5, families will have a choice of having their students return for concurrent instruction two days every two weeks. As of April 19, or the first Monday after we enter the Orange Tier, up to 50% of students (based on socially distanced room capacity), will be able to return to campus for up to two days a week of concurrent instruction. Due to conflicts related to scheduling, students will not be permitted to move between in-person learning and the 100% virtual model. When families make their selection via this form, it is a commitment for the remainder of the school year.

In order to meet the needs of all families and maintain a safe in-person learning environment, completion of the Intent to Return form is required before your students can return to school to be part of the concurrent instruction model. Any families who do not complete their student(s) return form by Thursday, March 11 will not have the opportunity to return in person this spring.

For this gradual return, SUHSD has chosen to adopt a concurrent learning model, known by many as “zoomers and roomers” or “ concurrent instruction”: teachers are in their rooms with a number of students while the remainder of the class is participating from home. All students will be using distance learning tools. THE PRIMARY MODE OF INSTRUCTION WILL CONTINUE TO BE THROUGH THE DISTANCE LEARNING PLATFORMS WE HAVE USED ALL YEAR.

Click here to see a list of the safety measures put in place.
Click here to see sample classroom diagrams.
Click here to review the Student Participation Agreement that each student must commit to honoring if planning to return to campus this spring.

To access the Intent to Return form, log onto the district’s Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Click ‘Message Center’ and then click the ‘Surveys’ tab. Use the same username and password that is used to log onto Canvas. If you have multiple students, you will be required to complete a form for each student.


Superintendent office hours

The Superintendent will be holding regular office hours in English and Spanish through the end of the school year. For the dates and times, view in English and view in Español.


Make Sequoia PTSA your charity on Amazon Smile

Did you know there is a way for AmazonSmile to donate 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchases to Sequoia High School PTSA? Here’s how:

  1. Visit smile.amazon.com
  2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
  3. In “Your Account” under the “Other Programs” section, click on Amazon Smile Charity.
  4. Search for and select “Sequoia High School PTSA
  5. Start shopping!
  6. Remember to bookmark smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to shop at AmazonSmile!

Subscribe to Sentinel and PTSA communications

To receive the Sentinel, PTSA announcements, class emails, and other PTSA communications, sign up for our mailing list. Forward this information to friends and families in the community, who would also like to receive these communications. Here are the steps to subscribe —

    • Go to http://www.sequoiaptsa.org/
    • On the left column, there is a stay informed section. Type in the email address where you wish to receive the communications and click “Join
    • On the next page, you will see a form. Please fill out the form and check the email lists that you would like to be part of.
    • Click the orange “Sign Up” button and you are all set.

PTSA Mission Statement: Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all children and families.


See’s Candy for Red Cross Club fundraiser!

The Sequoia Red Cross Club is holding a See’s Candies fundraiser! All profits will benefit the Sequoia Red Cross Club and the American Red Cross. We hope to use profits to make care packages for healthcare workers and hospitals in and around the Sequoia community, as well as continue our support of the Red Cross while it helps communities in need. Click here to browse the spring-holiday themed candies. Orders will be shipped right to your door!


‘Dare to Donate’ senior class fundraiser

This past year we have seen how Covid-19 has drastically turned lives upside down and exacerbated the inequalities within education. Our ‘Dare to Donate’ fundraiser is to benefit Larkin Street Youth Services, a nonprofit empowering young people to move beyond homelessness. Our goal of $300 will provide $150 to Larkin Street Youth Services and the remaining will go towards 2021 senior class graduation activities.

We are asking for small donations of $5 (more would be greatly appreciated!). As we reach each dollar milestone, your donation grants you access to videos of the dares and challenges being performed by members of the ASB senior class. Click here for more information.

Ways to donate: Venmo @olivia-meak or @alyssa-knopf – please indicate it is for the “Senior Class Fundraiser” or schedule a drop off of gently used clothes and other items.


Mar. 3: Connecting to mental health webinar

Join the Sequoia Teen Wellness Center Youth Advisory Board on Mar. 3, 3:00-4:00 p.m. in a fun and calming webinar, where we discuss mental health and learn ways to incorporate breaks into our everyday lives!

Everyone needs to de-stress and take breaks. Learn coping skills like breathing exercises, journaling, and more! District counselors Ms. Judy Romero, Mrs. Elaine Dessus, and Maureen Lin will be available to provide guidance and answer students’ questions. Talk with fellow youth in a safe space of mindfulness. For all interested SUHSD students. For questions, please contact yabanswers@gmail.com. Click here to register today.


Feb. 1 and Feb. 8: Sequoia school photos

We are happy to announce that the opportunity for school photos has finally arrived! We are offering school photos for all students according to the schedule below. Please plan to attend during your assigned time slot if possible.

It is essential that all students adhere to the following safety and social distancing protocols:

  • All students must remain six feet apart at all times (spots in line will be marked on the ground).
  • Masks/facial coverings are required at all times, except while taking photo.
  • Please plan to leave campus immediately after your photo has been taken.
  • All existing Sequoia High behavior expectations are in effect.

Schedule:
Monday, Feb. 1, 1-4:30 p.m.
Location: GYM 1 – parking available in James Street parking area.
Who: All 10th grade students and any 9th grade students who DID NOT get photos taken at the beginning of the school year.

Student Last Name:

1:00 – A-C
1:30 – D-F
2:00 – G-J
2:30 – K-M
3:00 – N-R
3:30 – S-Z and anyone else who missed their time slot.

Monday, Feb. 8, 1-4:30 p.m.
Location: GYM 1 – parking available in James Street parking area.
Who: All 11th grade students and any 12th grade students who would like a traditional school photo, or did not take a senior portrait.

Student last name:

1:00 – A-C
1:30 – D-F
2:00 – G-J
2:30 – K-M
3:00 – N-R
3:30 – S-Z and anyone else who missed their time slot.

Please note: Student ID cards will NOT be available immediately after taking photos. ID cards will be printed in the Lifetouch lab and shipped to campus. We will arrange for a drive-through pickup of ID cards and photo packages, likely 3-4 weeks after photos are taken. More information about this will be forthcoming.


College Board eliminates SAT’s optional essay and subject tests

The College Board will eliminate the SAT’s optional essay and do away with its subject tests amid a chaotic college admissions landscape marred by the coronavirus pandemic. 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.


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.


The PTSA website would like your help

The PTSA is looking for a WordPress programmer that can help us develop a new PTSA website. We may select an existing theme and plugins to create the site, but would like the option to work with a programmer who can create a custom WordPress if needed. If you are a WordPress designer and programmer and would be interested in designing the new PTSA website, that opportunity is available too. If you would like to help out or have questions, please contact Cynthia Wiggin.


Reflections student arts showcase: Look Within

To celebrate last year’s 200+ national Reflections winners, a virtual Reflections Showcase was created.

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!

Click here to watch the Reflections Showcase broadcast.


Reserve your 2021 yearbook; baby pictures due Jan. 31

Reserve your yearbook now. Our code is 7268 or you can search for Sequoia High School. You can also reserve your yearbook on Infinite Campus. There is a dropdown menu and you can add the yearbook to your cart. We need to predict our numbers, so please do not count on extras.

Seniors: If you haven’t already, send your baby picture to Ms. Bray.

Wondering if you will be well represented? It’s totally up to you! We are really relying on your participation in this unusual year. Students can be in the book as much as they would like!

1) Download the yearbook picture-sharing app “Herff Jones eShare.” Our code is Ravens2021.

2) Start off with the following ideas. Please consider including good details when submitting pictures of:

  • You in your COVID mask
  • You and your pet
  • Your most fun holiday decorations
  • You cooking and/or your favorite quarantine food
  • You and the hobbies that have kept you busy
  • You and your quarantine style

No Boosters crab feed this year

Happy New Year to our Sequoia family from all of us at the Boosters! We are certainly hoping this new year and second half of the school year will bring us all health and the ability to get our athletes and teams back on the field, in the pool, on the track or court, and in the gym as soon as possible!

This has been a difficult year for all students, coaches, and families. In recognition of this, the executive board and general members of Boosters have made the difficult, but realistic decision to not pursue our annual Crab Dinner Fundraiser which has been a treasured Sequoia tradition for many years.

Last year we were able to do the event online and it was our hope to do so as well this year, but due to several factors we will put off our event until next school year. These factors include the struggles of so many of our local businesses who have previously generously donated, the fact that many families are financially strapped and the fact that we have not had a great need to fund our sports teams and athletes this school year.

It is our hope that those of you who are willing and able to financially support, you will consider donating to SHS Education Foundation or Sequoia’s Family Center for these programs are currently helping students and families in need. Also, we encourage you to continue to support and frequent local small businesses.

All my best,
Ann Berljafa
Seq Boosters President


Graduation 2021 activities meeting Jan 19

Parents of seniors – please join us for a zoom meeting on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss ideas and make plans for fun end-of-the-year activities to celebrate the 2021 graduates! Send questions to sequoiagraduation2021@gmail.com.

Join Zoom Meeting, click here to join
Meeting ID: 569 274 1389
Passcode: 932885
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Deadline May 28: Seniors – Edgenuity and Office Hours Reminder

Seniors needing to complete Edgenuity credit recovery course(s) required for graduation and/or A-G requirements need to complete their course(s) by May 28 for June 4 graduation. If seniors or parents/guardians have questions or need to sign up, please email your assigned counselor. Mr. Julio Callesis Sequoia’s Edgenuity teacher. His office hours are every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-6:00 p.m.


Deadline Jan 15: Seniors! Fall 2020 Concurrent Enrollment Transcripts

Seniors needing any Fall 2020 community college/concurrent enrollment courses added to their SHS transcript for GRADUATION requirements have until Friday, January 15 to submit an OFFICIAL transcript. Please request that an official transcript from the institution where you completed your concurrent enrollment course(s) be sent to your assigned counselor or Mr. Ruiz, by January 15.

If you don’t need the course(s) for graduation requirements, it’s completely optional to put them on your SHS transcript, however, you must notify four-year colleges of concurrent enrollment classes you took or are currently taking. If you are not sure if you need to add your concurrent enrollment course(s) to your SHS Transcript or have any other questions, please contact your assigned counselor.


Deadline Mar 19: Applications for SUHSD Middle College program

The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College will start accepting applications for Fall 2021 in January. 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. All classes are held at Cañada College. Learn more by watching this brief informational video or view an informational flyer.

Interested students should speak to their counselor and attend our Parent/Student information sessions. All meetings for Q&A will be held on zoom from 6:30-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 27
Thursday, February 11
Tuesday, February 23
Wednesday, March 10

Please check our webpage for zoom links and more information: Canada Middle College. All application components must be submitted by March 19.


SEMESTER 1: August 2020 –> December 2020

Energy Usage Reduction Challenge

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 27% of US greenhouse gas emissions are caused by electricity production.
Climate change is here, and it’s bad news: NASA’s scientists say we’ve already acidified our ocean, melted large portions of the arctic, and created an increase in extreme weather events. Catastrophic events will continue to happen unless we drastically reduce our emissions.

It’s easy to feel like it’s impossible to make a change, but even little things add up. Do something for the planet by participating in our Energy Usage Reduction Challenge. All you have to do is:

You could win the grand prize — a solar phone charger — or other prizes such as eco-friendly chocolate and books! The submission deadline is October 31, and prizes will be sent out in November. Check out a few energy-saving ideas:

Questions? Please contact Helena Landels.


Request Library Books & Subscribe to the Media Center Newsletter!

The Media Center is now taking library book requests! Visit the school collection. Then, use the link in the announcements in your grade-level Media Center Canvas module (pictured) to request a pickup.
Check out the Media Center’s latest newsletter, distributed to teachers and staff monthly. The newsletter includes links to creative and helpful resources that teachers can share with their students. Follow us on instagram to keep up with upcoming events, author talks, and more.

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Voting 101: An intro for first-time voters!

Do you want to vote, but don’t know how? Read our introduction for first-time voters! Learn how to register to vote online, with simple, understandable instructions, written by youth for youth! The slideshow is available in English and Spanish. Please contact Sabrina Solon if you have questions.

Sequoia March for Our Lives Club

March for Our Lives is a nationally recognized, student-led demonstration advocating for common-sense gun reform and campaigning against gun violence.
The club welcomes all students from Sequoia High School who are willing to support Sequoia MFOL through letter writing, education on politics, hosting influential booths/events, and promoting campaigns between state and county advisors. Sequoia MFOL is providing students with the power to be a leader! Club meetings are every Tuesday from 1:05 to 1:40 p.m. To join the club, have your student complete this form.
Moreover, the chapter is participating in the national voter registration initiative “Get the Vote Out Campaign.” Given that this election will be incredibly impactful in the history of the United States and the world, Sequoia MFOL sees it as crucial to engage teenage voters and parents in participating in the American democratic process. As such, the chapter is promoting students ages 16+ to pre-register to vote. Learn more >
The club is hosting a raffle to incentivize students to pre-register or register to vote. Any student who shows proof that they have registered — either through a tagged selfie of MFOL on Instagram (@mfolsequoia) or an email to mfol.seq@gmail.com — will receive a raffle entry to win one of three $20 Starbucks gift cards.

Youth Advisory Board and Peer Mediators Club

Want to get involved and make a difference at Sequoia? Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
and Peer Mediators are both clubs on campus that work on supporting students and elevating their voices! Questions about either club, please reach out to Alicia Siese.
YAB works towards identifying issues that impact students at Sequoia. This advocacy club conducts school-wide assessments to identify issues and works towards making improvements. The club empowers students to make lasting changes while learning great leadership skills. Learn more >
Peer Mediators support students by teaching the club members conflict resolution skills. The students then apply the skills to help mediate conflicts that might arise amongst the student body. Learn more >

Passionate about STEM? Join Sequoia Science Olympiad club

The newly-founded Sequoia Science Olympiad club invites all students that are passionate about science and STEM to join a fun community. Science Olympiad is a premier science competition that provides challenges in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, coding, engineering, and more.
Competitions (optional, but encouraged) provide opportunities to compete with a team in tournaments on regional, state, and national levels, along with opportunities to strengthen communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. New members welcome! For more information, contact the club or visit us on Instagram. Meetings every Monday from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Sequoia Swag

Sequoia High School’s Booster Club supports our talented athletes and cheer teams. The funds we collect are put towards purchasing practice equipment, sound systems, uniforms, and other necessities that foster success and keep our student athletes and cheer teams safe. Support the Booster Club and show your school spirit by purchasing Sequoia High School swag here.

Sequoia Academy Mentor Program

Would you like to transform the trajectory of a Sequoia student? Become a Sequoia Academy mentor. For less than two hours a month for six months, Sequoia High School Academy mentors work one-on-one with students from the Digital Arts Academy or Health Careers Academy on career-related skills.
Adults can support a student by sharing your knowledge and experience about how to take steps towards a successful and rewarding career. Join our team! Whatever stage you are in, our students can learn from your career journey. Please refer to our website or contact our coordinators Greg Stein or Gregory Schmid for more information about how to participate in this year’s virtual program.

At-home learning questions answered

Going bonkers serving as tech support for your student? Have them bookmark the helpful directory of distance learning resources for all students in our district.

Senior Class Parents Needed for the Graduation Committee

We are looking for parents and guardians of the seniors to help with graduation. We need creative ideas for fund raising and graduation events and activities. Join us to help plan, implement or just to add your support. Email sequoiagraduation2021@gmail.com.

Help your senior meet graduation and/or A-G requirements

Seniors and other students needing to complete credit recovery course(s) required for graduation and A-G requirements need to email their counselor if they have not already signed up, or have any questions.
Please note that counselors have already met with seniors to review graduation status, post-secondary plans, and sign up for Edgenuity. Email communication was sent to students and parent/guardians. Seniors must complete credit recovery by May 28 for June 4 graduation.
Mr. Julio Calles is Sequoia’s Edgenuity teacher. He offers virtual office hours for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6:00 p.m. Please email your counselor and Mr. Calles, jcalles@seq.org for more information.

A photographic record of student life

Our very own digital photography teacher, Ms. Yurkovich, would like to share select work from her students. Their work is a great record of their first quarter distance learning. The recap captures life and nature in Sunrise to Sunset, Dominant Color, Simplicity, Rule of Thirds, Scavenger Hunts, & Steps in a Process. View the slideshow.

Nov 20: Making Dreams Come True dinner

Undocumented students, supported by their allies, will share the challenges they face as they pursue their educational dreams.
They will be sharing powerful stories through spoken word, music and song. This year we have created several packages to choose from, including everyone’s favorite, La Victoria Burrito. We will also have an exclusive opportunity to have a more intimate dialogue with Dream Club leaders following the event.

Make a difference for a Sequoia student or family in need this holiday season!

SHSEF and the Sequoia Family Center invite you to participate in Sequoia’s annual Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gift Project, a tradition started over 20 years ago.
Together, we can help Sequoia students in need and their families enjoy this holiday season with gifts that inspire joy, build community, and reduce stress. As you know, many of our Sequoia families are facing a particularly stressful time this year — stretching their modest income across the winter months while dealing with serious illness, death, job loss, immigration crisis or homelessness AND, now, the pandemic. Giving will be 100% “contactless.”
Please click here to see how you can help! Also, feel free to share this project on your social media, or to share it with friends, relatives or work colleagues who might be interested:
Questions? Please email Elisa Niño-Sears, SHSEF Family Support Chair or call (650) 387-8390. Thank you! ¡Gracias!

Honey, where should we get our tree?

Help the class of 2021 when purchasing your Christmas tree! Sequoia 2021 Grad Activities receives 15% of the purchase price when you buy a holiday tree at HONEY BEAR TREES. Bring this flyer when you purchase your tree and wreath. (If you happen to forget it, there will be extra flyers on the lot or just mention Sequoia High School!)
There are two locations convenient to our Sequoia school community:
955 Woodside Road, Redwood City
1579 El Camino Real, San Carlos
Lots open on November 20! Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Come speak to digital filmmaking/multimedia class via Zoom!

Are you a video producer, graphic designer, social media content manager, or do you know one who would be willing to speak with Sequoia students? We are seeking parent and community volunteers with relevant experience to speak with students in our digital filmmaking/multimedia class. We would like to offer 30-plus minutes of live Zoom interactions; our dates are flexible and we will work around your schedule! The class meets on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:25-11:35 a.m. (3rd period). Contact Faith Velschow with any questions and sign up here.
The class covers conceptual understanding and skills, both technical and theoretical, necessary to create, analyze, and appreciate professional-level film and video productions. In the digital video medium, this class covers essential genres in films such as documentaries, narrative pieces, corporate advertising, and experimental films. There is a parallel focus on film production, as well as reading, writing, and analyzing, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.
The Sequoia Guest Speaker Series is a new component for all our Career Technology Education (CTE) courses; bringing professionals into the classroom to enhance the curriculum, inspire students, and promote the industry.

Leaf Beasts

Submitted by ceramics teacher Christle Waters. Teenagers can be silly and spontaneous, right? Sometimes it’s a challenge to pull those fun qualities out of students. In my ceramics classes, I teach that “playing” is a huge part of the discovery process in art, and that mistakes are expected, accepted, and respected! In this project, we focused on a project from artist Baku Madea, who is inspired by nature. Click here to see and enjoy our playful LEAF BEASTS!

Mini-grant inspires online learning

Last year Ms. Chin, one of our French and English Language Development (ELD) teachers, received a Mini-Grant to purchase a subscription to bookcreator.com. Bookcreator.com is a wonderful digital program allowing students to create their own digital books with images and voice recordings. The books are placed on a digital “shelf” where students can peruse their classmates’ books like a real library. This has been essential during distance learning, allowing Ms. Chin to look at students’ work in real time and assist them with editing. Being able to record voices is especially useful for students to be able to practice oral language production. Thank you, Ms. Chin, for your innovative approach!
Check out examples of student books from French 1 and ELD 1.

En Español

¿Quieres traducir este boletín ahora? Siga estas instrucciones para obtener una traducción:

  1. Haga clic en “Click here” en la parte superior del correo electrónico: “Having trouble viewing this email? Click here.”
  2. 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.
  3. Abra una página nueva del navegador web y vaya a http://translate.google.com/#
  4. 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.
  5. Asegúrese de seleccionar “To: Spanish” en la parte superior de la página. Haga clic en el botón Traducir. La traducción al español debe aparecer en el lado derecho.

Parents, students, educators, clinicians, and community members welcome! Free admission. The Parent Education Series is sponsored by Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF), Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District, and The Parent Venture.

For videos of popular events, visit our YouTube and Vimeo channels, and connect with us on Facebook for the latest parenting news. Register for The Parent Education Newsletter.

Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, M.A., Founder and Director, The Parent Education Series.

Dec 3: Mindfulness and Self-Care Workshop for Parents and Caregivers

Carin Winter, Founder and CEO, Mission Be
Thursday, December 3,12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Live Event (Webinar)
Info & Tickets: https://missionbe2020sequoia.eventbrite.com
Join us for an interactive workshop with Carin Winter, CEO of Mission Be, to learn mindfulness practices for self-care and stress reduction. In this webinar, Carin will explore mindfulness practices (breathing techniques, visualizations, affirmations) that can be shared with your entire family.
With 20+ years of experience as a former clinical social worker and yoga teacher, Carin brings a wealth of mindful wisdom to her work with students, teachers, and parents.
Along with the sponsors listed above, this event is also sponsored by Sequoia High School, Woodside High School, and Peninsula Health Care District.

Sequoia Boosters Fundraiser Request

Despite the remote learning situation this year, we still anticipate holding high school sports practices and games/matches. Some of our teams have older equipment that needs to be replaced. In addition, when the leagues start up again there are going to be plenty of costs involved. We need to raise money this year to help fund these activities.

This year we are once again planning to hold an online auction in March to raise money for the Sequoia Booster Organization. The Sequoia Booster Organization provides grant money to Sequoia coaches who request it for school sports. The Boosters help fund equipment, uniforms, busses and much more for ALL Sequoia sports teams.

We need your help with obtaining items to auction. Please consider donating such items as gift cards from local businesses, collectibles, wine and any other products that would make nice gifts. Services are also welcome. We are also looking to auction off vacation rentals and other “experience” items that would draw interest in the current situation that are COVID-friendly. Unlike previous years we are not requesting professional sporting or concert tickets as these may get cancelled. Please consider your gift in light of the current climate. When sports fully opens up again we want to be ready to support the kids. We know how valuable sports are to our students in so many ways. That is why this fundraising auction is so important.

For information on making a donation, please email Adam Kurland. We can accept donations starting now and hold them until March when we will be taking photos of them to make them available for auction. If you would like to make a non-item donation via check, we can use the funds to purchase gift cards from local businesses in Redwood City and San Carlos which can also help support our retail community. Those checks can be made out to Sequoia Boosters. Go Ravens!

2021 Sequoia Yearbook

The 2021 Sequoia Yearbook is going to be extra special. Our goal is to represent the bigger Sequoia Community and our experience during the COVID pandemic. It is going to be a place for people to learn about our experiences for many decades to come. Be sure to check the yearbook page on Sequoia’s website often for more information, including some things you can do over winter break to contribute to the yearbook. Go to sequoiahs.org > Student Life > Yearbook or sequoiahs.org/student-life/yearbook

When you are ready to reserve your book, you have two options.

  1. Go to yearbookordercenter.com Search for Sequoia or use our code: 7268.
  2. You can also go through Infinite Campus parent or student portal. It’s on the drop down menu and you can add it to your cart.

When you have pictures or other content that you would like to contribute to the book, you can do that directly though the Herff Jones eShare app. Download it to your phone now so you will be ready to go. The code for Sequoia is Ravens2021.

Students will be receiving information this week with a few things they can send in over the break. Everybody wants to be represented in the yearbook and this year will be relying on you to help make that happen. If you have any questions contact us at sequoiayearbook@gmail.com or email our adviser Eileen Bray.


Volunteer needed Monday mornings

I am looking for a volunteer on Mondays from 8:45-10:10 in my academic literacy class. The volunteer experience is entirely online. Most of the students in the class are reading 3-7 years below grade level.  All students in the class are taking mainstream US history and English classes, and the class is designed to support their access to these mainstream classes as well as to provide an opportunity to improve their reading comprehension skills and strategies. 

Volunteers have been working successfully and effectively in small groups (Zoom break-out groups) with students in the academic literacy classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. One volunteer cannot continue second semester due to changing needs in her family, and we need a volunteer to lead the small group she has been leading this fall. 

I have a Masters in Teaching Reading and will train the new volunteer in the instructional routines and strategies we are using (one hour training). The primary approach is Reciprocal Teaching, a research-based instructional routine that involves students using four key reading strategies (asking questions, clarifying, summarizing and predicting). We use texts from the mainstream US history and English 3 classes. No special experience is needed. The only required skills are basic Google Doc skills. Volunteering will start Monday, Jan. 11. Please contact Stacy Wenzel if you have questions. Thank you!


Students Honored for Expressing Themselves Through Art

We want to recognize the 37 students who created an artistic piece for the 2020-2021 Reflections Art program, with this year’s theme I Matter Because/Yo Importo Porque.  Awards of Excellence (AE) were granted to: 

These pieces advanced to the 17th District PTA judging round. Students who received Awards of Merit (AM) and Honorable Mention (HM) are notated below. We are so proud of all the students who took the time to participate:

Fabian A Axel A Doris A (AM) Ariana B
Mariana B Hope C (AM) Aldercy C Johanna C
Yaretzy C Emilyn C (HM) Carlos C Ethan D (AE)
Arlette F Alex F Nicole G Josselyn G
Kimberly G (HM) Sarah H (AE) Aleyah H (HM) Veyna K (AM)
Ashlee L (HM) Jazmin L (HM) Adylene M Matteo N
Rubi O (HM) Valerie O Marta O (AE) Oscar O
Ethan P (AM) Cesar R Elizabeth R (HM) Stephany R
Eva S (AE) Sharon S (AE) Sophia T (AM) Genevieve T
Samantha V (HM)      

Thank you to our judges Greg Close, Francesca Draughon, Elizabeth Gomez, Jill Goodman Gould, Rachel Levine, Duncan Lord, Lisa Miller, Jana Paquette, Christina Parsey and Grace Schulzer.