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 Sequoia
Sentinel
August 15, 2016
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Sequoia PTSA's weekly eNewsletter in partnership with the Sequoia High School Education Foundation
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Principal's Message
Multiple colleagues commented recently that, "summer feels long this year." The much-deserved break was restful and rejuvenating, of course, though I also take it to mean that folks are as excited as I am to have the contagious and transformative energy of the students and families return to campus. On behalf of the Sequoia staff, a heartfelt welcome back!
Many teachers are already hard at work preparing for the new year. They're in their rooms and collaborating long before their reporting date because they are dedicated to learning. I never take this extra effort for granted and am inspired and amazed by the dedication and professionalism of our staff.
We are still in the thick of construction for our Measure A projects, and students should know that campus is currently not accessible through the west-facing Tea Garden breezeway near the Elwood Street parking lot. Anyone wishing to enter campus from this direction will need to do so through the B-wing. We expect the renovation of the Tea Garden to continue through September.
I will provide a more comprehensive Measure A update in future Sentinel messages.
Apart from campus access, first day of school procedures are as they've been for the past several years. Students will be directed by lists posted in the main hall to their first period classes where they will receive their schedules for the day. Schedules will be available on the student's Infinite Campus portal tonight provided the family has completed online registration. Zero period will begin on the first day.
I can't wait to see all the students on Wednesday and launch another great year at Sequoia -- here's to a great 2016-17!
Sean Priest
Principal
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President's Message
First impressions do matter.
Recently, an out of town relative I was hosting mentioned as we drove past campus that our school looks like a real community hub; a real welcoming place. Without even stepping foot on campus, banners invite passers-by to theatrical events and alumni celebrations happening this week and next. Folks can see the generosity of our families by taking a look at the SHS Education Foundation fundraising banner. Community organizations are publicizing their partnerships with our Sequoia students and teachers. It is clear our school campus offers something for everyone and the 2016-2017 is just getting ready to begin!
Inside school, new teachers will experience Sequoia hospitality as they receive their gift bags and new teacher grants and feast on a delicious lunch with the whole staff courtesy of the PTSA. On Monday and Tuesday, parent volunteers, staff, and administration will be on hand hosting various activities: Freshman Orientation and BBQ, Welcome Help Desk, Booster Ice Cream Social with the goal of offering new and returning families a chance to be prepared and ready to launch into the new year, hopefully meeting some new friends along the way.
Sure, there will be a little dust and some detours around campus that may mar a first impression, but put on your rose-colored glasses (or should I say purple) and enjoy all that Sequoia has to offer. I am excited about this year. As the PTSA continues to play a vital role at Sequoia building community and engaging parents, students and teachers alike, I hope you will consider joining with us -- in any capacity! And, as we strive to live our motto, UNALIYI - A Place of Friends - I look forward to hearing your first impressions of this new school year.
Lisa Hane
Sequoia PTSA President
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Welcome Back!
With school starting on Wednesday, we are here to help you get your year off to a great start!
Monday, Aug. 15, 2-4 PM
- Questions about back-to-school? The PTSA Welcome Help Desk is in the main hall to assist you.
- Seniors can buy parking permits at the AVP Office.
Tuesday, Aug. 16
- 9 AM-noon - Freshman Orientation (parent presentation at 9:30 AM) and school photos*
- 9 AM-noon and 1-4 PM - PTSA Help Desk will be available in the main hall to answer questions about back-to-school info.
- School photos*, Gym 3 - 12:30-2:00 Sophomores, 1:30-3:00 Juniors, 2:30-4:00 Seniors. School dress code applies during photos.
- 1-4 PM - Seniors can buy parking permits at the AVP Office.
* For students who cannot come for school photos on Aug. 16, there will be make-up days on Aug. 25-26 during school. However, we recommend coming on Aug. 16 if possible.
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Sequoia Sentinel
 Welcome to the first issue of this year's PTSA weekly newsletter! We hope that you will find this newsletter useful in staying informed of school, PTSA, SHSEF, and community information. It will be sent out every Monday morning.
If you have articles to submit to the Sentinel, please send the information to [email protected] by the end of the day on Thursday. Guidelines for news submissions can be found on the Sequoia PTSA website.
Class email lists: Be sure that you are subscribed to your "Class of" list for EACH of your students! In addition to the Sentinel, the PTSA sends out grade-specific information during the year. Visit www.sequoiaptsa.org in the "Stay Informed: Subscribe" section, or contact [email protected] with questions.
NOTE: If you no longer wish to receive the Sentinel, please unsubscribe 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!
Grace Schulz, Sentinel Editor
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Collectors Scholarship Awarded
 On Tuesday, July 12, Elizabeth Gaddini (2016 Sequoia grad) and her mom were guests at the Sequoia Stamp Club meeting in Redwood City. Elizabeth was presented with the newly established Collectors Scholarship, a $500 award to be given annually by the club to a graduate of Sequoia High School who has achieved academic success and also demonstrated an interest in a hobby or activity that has enriched their life.
Elizabeth spoke to club members about her collection of alligators which she has gathered from her overseas travels. She showed examples of wooden, ceramic, and knitted alligators that hold memories for her of the various parts of the world that she has visited. Sequoia Club Vice-President Jim Giacomazzi presented Elizabeth with a topical collection of over fifty alligator stamps that had been donated by members of the club. The Sequoia Stamp Club was founded in 1947 and meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Community Activities Building at Red Morton Park.
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ConnectSHS / Friends for Youth
 Friends For Youth has teamed up with Sequoia High School to launch a group high school mentoring program called ConnectSHS. Starting this fall, ConnectSHS mentors will be conducting group mentoring with groups of 4-5 freshmen at the school. These youth have been identified as being at-risk in one way or another. Guiding these children in their freshman year is going to be most effective, since the highest rate of dropouts in high school happens in the 9th grade year.
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10th Annual Alumni Association Picnic - August 20
The 10th Annual Sequoia High School Alumni Association "Celebrate Sequoia" picnic, catered by Emergency BBQ, will be held on Saturday, August 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the beautiful Sequoia campus. Activities include: campus tours; cheerleaders performance; and Purple Patriot award recognition for Gay-Straight Alliance staff advisor Sharon Levin and Alumni Association member John Castro, individuals who have significantly benefited Sequoia High School. All Sequoians are welcome (alumni, students, parents, staff, PTSA, Boosters, Education Foundation, and community members). Tickets are $35 per person. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door at $40 per person.
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Calendar
Monday, August 15
2-4 PM - PTSA Help Desk
Tuesday, August 16
9 AM-noon - Freshman Orientation & school photos
12:30-2 - Soph. school photos
1:30-3 - Junior school photos
2:30-4 - Senior school photos
9-12, 1-4 - PTSA help desk
Wednesday, August 17 First day of school
Collab Day
Thu-Fri, Aug. 25-26
Make-up days for school photos
Thursday, Sept. 1
6:30 PM - Back-to-School Night
Monday, Sept. 5
No school, Labor Day
Tuesday, Sept. 6
7 PM - Principal's Reception, MPR
Wednesday, Sept. 7
6 PM - 12th Grade College and IB Info Night, Carrington Hall
Monday, Sept. 19
No school, Staff Professional Development
Thursday, Sept. 22
7 PM - Sequoia Parent Education, "Distracted Driving Workshop," Carrington Hall
Wednesday, Sept. 28
6 PM - 11th Grade College and IB Info Night, Carrington Hall
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En Espa�ol
�Quieres traducir este bolet�n ahora? Siga estas instrucciones para obtener una traducci�n:
1. Haga clic en "Click here" en la parte superior del correo electr�nico: "Having trouble viewing this email? Click here."
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3. Abra una p�gina 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 bolet�n completo en el cuadro de traducci�n.
5. Aseg�rese de seleccionar "To: Spanish" en la parte superior de la p�gina. Haga clic en el bot�n Traducir. La traducci�n al espa�ol debe aparecer en el lado derecho.
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Sequoia Parent Education Series
Impact Teen Drivers - Distracted Driving Workshop
Kelly Browning, PhD, Executive Director, Impact Teen Drivers
Thursday, September 22, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Sequoia High School, Carrington Hall
Automobile collisions are the #1 cause of death for our nation's teens. The overwhelming majority of these crashes are caused by inexperience or distractions, not "thrill-seeking" or deliberate risk-taking. Teen drivers are at the highest risk: the crash rate for 16 year olds is four times that of adults. This is a don't-miss presentation for parents and teens! Since 2007, Impact Teen Drivers has emerged as a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the pervasive yet 100% preventable crisis of "distracted driving." Impact's mission is to change the culture of teen driving, thereby saving lives in this and future generations of drivers. Parents, students, faculty/staff and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Sequoia Parent Education Series events are sponsored by the SHSEF, the Sequoia Healthcare District, and the Sequoia Union High School District. Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, M.A., Founding Director, The Parent Education Series, at [email protected] or 650-868-0590. For Spanish, contact Mayela Ramirez, Parent Center Coordinator, 650-367-9780, Ext. 63105
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Catch Me If You Can
Redwood City Community Theater presents Catch Me If You Can from Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 26-28 at Sequoia High School's Carrington Hall. Performances are at 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; 3:00 PM on Sundays.
Based on the hit Dream Works film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, Jennifer Garner and Martin Sheen, this splashy spectacle follows the unbelievable true story of one of the most famous con-artists in history, Frank Abagnale, Jr. Visit the RCCT website for tickets.
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Shakespeare in the Park at Sequoia
The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents The Winter's Tale. These free performances will be held on the grounds of Sequoia High School on August 20, 21, 27 and 28; Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 4:00 PM.
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