Sequoia 
   Sentinel
May 30, 2016

Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
Principal's Message
The end of the school year is a great time to express gratitude.  Thank you notes started appearing on my desk last week from thoughtful students, parents, and colleagues.  I'm a lucky guy -- you all know how to make a principal feel appreciated!  

For my part, there are countless people to thank.  How about all the volunteers who make the Sequoia student experience in 2015-16 a great one?  The dozens who put on the crab dinner, to the AP/IB proctor corps, tutors and classroom volunteers, the snack shack front and back of the house staff -- you are appreciated.  

Each year, the Sequoia PTSA presents the principal with a ceremonial check containing the value of the volunteer labor hours in a school year.  Last year's was upwards of $400,000 -- a conservative estimate by my count.  Sequoia volunteers rock!

Thank you to everyone who made this year's campaign for the Sequoia High School Education Foundation such a success.  We have continued to grow in our ability to open pathways and opportunities for all kids at Sequoia.  This year's annual fund goal is ambitious, but we are on track as contributions from returning donors and new families continue to roll in -- what a community!

I want to also give a shout to all our staff working hard this summer to provide an outstanding program for students to catch up or enrich their high school education.  Sequoia remains vibrant during summer months with our Compass, Team Ascent, Summer School, AVID Math Academy, and IB Summer Bridge programs.   

It has been another awesome year at Sequoia.  I am proud of the work we've accomplished and grateful to the amazing teachers, staff, students, and parents who make this special place of friends what it is.  It's been a joy to draft these messages each week -- thanks for reading.  I am looking forward to welcoming new and returning students for a successful 2016-17.  Happy summer!

Sean

Read the final issue of this year's Raven Report, which includes the always anticipated map of where our seniors are headed off to!

Congratulations PTSA Junior Scholarship Winners!
Congratulations to 30 juniors who have been awarded PTSA Junior Scholarships! We received a record number of applicants this year, all of whom were very qualified.  Students could apply in up to two of the three categories: Academic Excellence, Community Involvement, and 1st Generation to College.  The winners were presented with certificates and checks last Friday.

The scholarship awardees are: 

Academic
Morgan Duran
Madyson Fitzgerald
Samantha Hoch
Emma Johnston
Anthony P. Kovscek
Rosalie Morearty
Nell Owens
Sam Pedley
Jared Peterson
Sierra Sturken
Philip Tyson
Miette Walton
 
Community Involvement
Caitlin Gilbert
Emily Hutchison
Karolina Soto
Bryce Stephens
 
1st Generation to College
Joanna Fuentes
Ulises Morales
Beatriz Orozco
Claudia Paz
Leslie Vazquez
Diane Zermeno
 
Community Involvement and 1st Generation
Joscelin Azucena Aguirre
Andrea Marquez
Alicia Shristie
 
Academic and Community Involvement
Noa Amzallag
Emma Cheatham
Genevieve Cheatham
Maya Ebrahimpour
Liam Menendez-Brennan

Thank you to the committee members who spent many hours reading and discerning all the applications:  Glenn Bugos, Stacy Huisman, Rachel Krueger, Alisa MacAvoy, Hilary Paulson, Caitlin Schneider, Penni Sibun.  Thanks also to Lisa Hane, Grace Schulz and Sian Davies for their administrative help; and a big thank you to chairperson Rachel Levine who organized the entire process!  We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the Sequoia High School Education Foundation for providing the funding for these scholarships!

Juniors: Help with Graduation Concessions
Junior families - We are over halfway there with help for graduation concessions. Thank you to those who have volunteered! If you have not already, please sign up to donate an item or to help for a couple of hours on Friday, June 3.  The funds raised will go towards our Safe & Sober grad activities next year.

Summer Reading
While you're traveling on vacation or relaxing at the beach this summer, that's a great time for your student to do their summer reading!  Summer reading assignments for all grades can be found on the Sequoia website, under Department / English.

Library Helpers Needed: Can You Spare an Hour or Two?
The librarians have greatly appreciated the help collecting textbooks so far; thank you to all our helpers!  Sign up here to help for these last two open shifts.
  • Wednesday, June 1 - 2:30-3:30 PM
  • Thursday, June 2 - morning
New 8th Grade Information Available on SHS Website
The Sequoia website has a new page with information just for 8th graders and incoming freshmen/new students!  Go to the Parents & Community tab, and click the first menu item for Incoming 8th Graders/New Students. Pass the word along to anyone who is considering Sequoia or will be joining us next year.

Update Your Newsletter Subscriptions
For families who will no longer be at Sequoia - we will miss you!  If you no longer wish to receive the Sentinel, please unsubscribe at the end of the school year using the link at the bottom of this email. Our fees are based on the number of people on our distribution list, so keeping our email list accurate is helpful to us!

Class Email Lists:  Families of current freshmen and sophomores, or if you have a new student coming to Sequoia, be sure to subscribe to your class email list.  The PTSA sends out emails periodically about school and other event information that is specific to your grade -- don't miss out!  Go to the Sequoia PTSA website and subscribe in the "Stay Informed" section on the sidebar or in the main menu.
In This Issue
Principal's Message
Raven Report
Congratulations PTSA Junior Scholarship Winners
Juniors: Help with Graduation Concessions
Summer Reading
Library Helpers Needed
8th Grade Info on SHS Website
Update Your Newsletter Subscriptions
Calendar
Monday, May 30
No school - Memorial Day

May 31-June 2

Tuesday, May 31
6 PM - Health Careers Academy graduation

Wednesday, June 1
12:30-2 - Grad BBQ, Quad

Thursday, June 2
Last day of school

11-12:30 - Grad Brunch, MPR
12:30 - Graduation practice

7 PM - Senior awards night, Carrington Hall

Friday, June 3
10 AM - Sequoia Graduation

Have a wonderful summer!

ON THE HORIZON 
Monday, August 15
PTSA help desk available

Tuesday, August 16
PTSA help desk available; school photos taken

9 AM-noon - Freshmen Orientation

Wednesday, August 17 
First day of school
Quick Links
About Us 

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Find past issues of the Sentinel: SequoiaPTSA.org 
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