
College & Career Newsletter
December 3-9, 2023
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email
Ms Ignaitis: tignaitis@seq.org
and/or
Ms Yeager: tyeager@seq.org
Please do not use the link at the bottom of this Newsletter to contact us
Important Dates and Deadlines
UPCOMING EVENTS/DUE DATES:
Apr 3rd: School Day SAT (See Junior Section)
Understanding the PSAT Results and Next Steps for Standardized Testing Meeting Recording Available
This meeting went over how to interpret and use the results of the PSAT to prepare for the SAT or ACT and Current College Testing Policies and Trends
The meeting was recorded and the presentation is posted on the College and Career page of the Sequoia High School website under Evening Presentation Resources.
Finals and Fries
San Carlos Youth Advisory is hosting an event that helps high school kids with study spaces, materials, tutors, and bottomless snacks to prepare for finals. Fee is a donation, contact organizers on flier for more information.
COLLEGE TIP OF THE WEEK
What are the Best Techniques to Help Students Manage Stress?
From Harvard Summer School Blog
Since too much stress is not a good thing for your mind or body, you should think about incorporating a few stress management techniques into your daily life.
“A few techniques that might help teens manage stress are relaxation through deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness, channeling energy into sports or creative pursuits such as music, art, theater, and forming meaningful relationships or friendships,” says Khurana. “Additionally, every culture has its own way of enabling young people to manage stress, so drawing from those traditions might be helpful as well.”
Here are few ideas of how high school students can learn how to deal with stress at school:
Keeping a journal
Getting plenty of exercise
Eating healthy, regular meals
Making sure you get enough sleep
Meditating
Downloading an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness
Limiting excess caffeine in soft drinks or coffee
Reaching out to friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way
Making time to do fun things
Learning to recognize and prepare for stressful periods by doing all of the above
Go here to learn more tips.
Sequoia HS April 2024 SAT School Day Sign-Up - JUNIORS ONLY
REQUIREMENTSFOR SCHOOL DAY SAT on APRIL 3rd::
Only current SHS 11th-graders are eligible.
Only students can complete this form and MUST use their Sequoia email.
By completing the form above, students understand the following:
- All students will pay $25 by cash or check with Ms. Gordon in the Treasurer's Office or by credit card through My School Bucks by January 19, 2024 to hold their spot. The money is non-refundable. If paying for the test is an issue, please email Ms. Yeager.
- All students will attend a FLEX or Lunch Time meeting to complete the pre-administration session.
- All students will report to Gym 1 on Wednesday April 3rd at 7:30am to begin testing at 8:00am.
Please note, all accommodations are processed by the College Board and directions for receiving accommodations are available here.
DEADLINE to complete form: Friday, Dec 15th, 2023
REMINDER: UC/CSU do not require SAT/ACT
PSAT Score Release Nov 6th - Message From College Board
11th graders
How to Access Your Scores
View your score on BigFuture School. If you provided your mobile number on test day, you'll receive a text message with access to the BigFuture School mobile app.
As always, you may view your scores online by logging in or creating a College Board Account. If you have trouble accessing your account, call Customer Service at 866-630-9305.
Once you've received your scores, learn how you can use your scores for practice, scholarship opportunities, and more in the Resources section of the BigFuture app.
OTHER COLLEGE EVENTS
USC Bovard Scholars Program Information Session - For High Achieving/Low Income Students
December 6th
Want to take community college classes while in high school? Attend Concurrent Enrollment Workshop
There will be a FLEX session on Dec 8th in the Tea Garden Conference Room. Cañada College will be sending over reps to support students with the process. You are welcome to attend even if they want to take classes at CSM or Skyline. The FLEX will be under Melissa Perez in IC.
Virtual Information Session for University of British Columbia
Thursday, December 7 at 6:00pm PT
UBC advisors will highlight what makes UBC a top post-secondary destination as well as walk students through the application process. High School students of all grade levels are welcome to attend!
Please register in advance to receive the zoom link for this session.
The Bronfman Fellowship (Juniors)
Due: December 4th
Ages: Juniors
The Bronfman Fellowship is a transformative, year-long experience for a cohort of 26 intellectually adventurous young people who want to see the world through a lens broader than their own. An immersive summer in Israel and the U.S. Go here to find out more and apply: https://bronfman.org/become-a-fellow/Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)
Grades: 11
For Juniors with a 3.5 GPA, from low-income backgrounds and first generation students. Free summer program at Princeton and support throughout college. This is a competitive process that takes some time to apply. If you need help, come into the College and Career Center. Go here to find out more.
Eshoo's 16th Congressional District Student Advisory Board
Due: Dec 20th
Grades: 11/12
For high school students who are passionate about public service and interested in learning about the legislative process in Congress. Students will be asked to choose a policy area and break up into committees that will focus on specific aspects of chosen policy. Students will then present their policy recommendations to Congresswoman Eshoo. The SAB meets twice a month, on Wednesday evenings, over Zoom. It runs from January to early June. Go here to apply and learn more.
Boys State/Girls State - Are you interested in a free leadership program? (Juniors Only)
Are you interested in a nationally recognized program where students run a city government?
From Boys State Website
The American Legion California Boys State Program offers a hands-on, realistic experience in civic responsibility to young men prior to entering their senior year of high school. As our leaders of tomorrow, we attempt to instill in them the privileges and duties of American citizenship
THE PROCESS
Interested junior males/females complete this form using your school email
Students will be interviewed
The representative will choose one student who will quickly need to complete an application
If chosen, the student needs to be available from June 15-24 for the conference
We have had students attend this program and they love it (it is not political and very welcoming to all)
South County Teen Leadership Council
The South County Teen Leadership Council run through the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League offers high school students a free program that provides mentoring, travel conferences, field trips, leadership and organizes community service projects.
Weekly meetings are from 4-6pm in Redwood City
If you are interested, email, call or text Mason Lok
650 474-1394 mlok@smcgov.org
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center.
Civil Service Fellowships
Can Apply All Year
All Grades
Rhizome, a nonprofit organization built by and for students, is offering a community service, leadership, and civic engagement opportunity through their Civic Service Fellowship. Their website includes info on how the Fellowship boosts mental health determinants, leadership skills, and community connectedness while making an impact and receiving service hours. Check it out if you’re interested in civics, service leadership, or learning how to make a genuine impact.
Redwood City Police Department Cadet Program
Ages 14-21 must have a 2.0 Applicants interested in exploring a career in law enforcement while providing volunteer service to the RWC community.
To Apply Click Here
Holiday Art Camps Volunteer
Due: December 7th
Ages: 14 and up
Interested in volunteering with our holiday break onsite art camps? Camp volunteers are essential to a fun, creative and safe experience. We look forward to having you join us! Volunteers assist our camp programs by providing classroom support for art camps, from preparing materials and explaining lessons to working with individual students and supervising campers during breaks. If you are at least 14 years old, please fill out our Info & Interest Form. Interested in general volunteer opportunities? Contact info@arts4all.org for more information.Grassroots Ecology: Youth Stewards Volunteer Program
Due: Dec 10th
Ages:9th-12th
Stulsaft Park January–April 2024
Grassroots Ecology invites local high school students to apply to our Youth Stewards volunteer cohort at Stulsaft Park (Redwood City). Youth Stewards will have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn about nature from expert staff, enhance their observation skills, and help restore local California woodland, creekside and grassland ecosystems through planting, weeding, mulching, and more. This is a 10-week volunteer and educational experience for local high school students, with no mandatory number of sessions required for participation. Go here to learn more and apply.Looking for a long-term community service opportunity? Sequoia Basketball Team Needs Scorekeepers
Ms Ignaitis is looking for a student (you could have a friend too) to run the clock for the boys basketball home games (usually once or twice a week after-school). Student needs to be responsible, accurate, work well under pressure. Last two students did this all four years and did not know anything about basketball. If interested, email Ms Ignaitis as soon as possible.
Project Read - Redwood City Library Volunteer Opportunity
This is a great opportunity for SHS students to be matched with a younger student to tutor once or twice a week.
If interested contact:
Email - rclread@redwoodcity.org
Phone- 650 780-7077
For more information go to their website and scroll down to the Teen Volunteer Section.
(Flier in College and Career Center)
Girls That Code - Online Activities
They “release activities bi-weekly— some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.” Click here for more information
Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area
Help families able to stay close to their sick children
Families with critically ill children are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. By helping us keep our programs running smoothly, hosting in-kind drives or fundraisers, and spreading the word, you make it possible for families to keep their focus on their children
Year long opportunities to volunteer
For more information, click here for their website
Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers, 16 years old and older, to help at our construction site in Daly City. If you are curious about Habitat and how you can get involved, we are holding informational sessions to provide a glimpse of our work. In these sessions, you can also expect to hear about the Covid-19 protocols currently in place to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Click Here for more information on how to volunteer
Updated Scholarship List
Bay Area Creative Youth Awards (local and multiple award winners)
DUE: December 13th
Eligible Grade: 9-12th
Bay Area Creative Foundation gives students the opportunity to submit original artworks and performances across a range of creative disciplines, including art, film, music, performance, photography, and writing. Individuals can only submit once. Group work is also allowed. Multiple awards are given to Bay Area students!
For more information/applicationsGlenn Michelson Memorial Essay Contest - CSF
Due: 12/22/2023
Grades:11 and 12
Essay contest open to all juniors and seniors who are members of CSF. 2023 essay prompt: Describe a volunteer experience you have had and its impact on you and your community.
Big Futures Scholarship, College Board
MONTHLY
Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps to plan for college. The sooner you start and the more steps you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win. Go here to learn more.
Review Your (and Your Parents’) College Budget from CollegeData.com
Regardless of your financial circumstances, it’s important to be on the same page with your parents about how you will pay for college—and if your financial situation has changed during the economic downturn, it’s even more critical to have this discussion.
College financial aid experts recommend that students have the “money talk” with their parents as soon as possible during their junior year of high school. It’s not an easy discussion to have or to initiate. For tips, see How to Talk with Your Parents About Paying for College.
ALSO
Creating a Budget for College Expenses: Money Management Tips for Parents (From LINK)
1. Start Early and Set Clear Expectations
2. Research College Costs
3. Estimate Total Expenses
Consider both direct and indirect expenses. Direct expenses include tuition, fees, and housing costs. Indirect expenses include textbooks, transportation, personal expenses, and entertainment.
4. Explore Financial Aid Options
5. Factor in Savings and Income
7. Create a Monthly Budget
.
8. Reevaluate and Adjust
Life is unpredictable, and financial situations may change over time. Reevaluate the budget periodically and adjust it accordingly. Be prepared to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Peninsula Swim School- Looking for Swim Instructors
Ages: 15 1/2 and up
We are currently looking to hire more swim teachers to join our team. We offer flexible hours and provide paid training. See flier for details.
Redwood City Parks and Recreation - Program Leader II for After School Programs
ELIGIBLE Minimum Age: 16yrs
Make an impact on youth in our community by leading youth in various activities Assist in helping students excel in school by providing them with academic support Participate and create recreational enrichment activities that help generate a positive social environment for youth Develop professionally and enhance your leadership skills Gain experience in youth development and education
For more informationCity of San Carlos Part-time Recreation Leaders
City of San Carlos Parks and Recreation Department is looking for part-time recreation leaders to oversee gym rentals and sporting events.
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
In-N-Out Burger
Flexible hours, Free Meals, Gain Work Experience
$21.00 hour
Apply at In-N-Out.com or
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
Assistant and Lead Soccer Coach Positions
16 years and older
Will be here on campus Monday August 28th at lunch.
Super Soccer Stars is currently looking for Part-Time assistant and Lead Coaches in the Bay Area for their Fall season (Paid training available starting immediately).Current Openings: https://apply.workable.com/super-soccer-stars/j/52A1133161/
Hummingbird Music School is looking for fun and talented high school musicians to join our team of Music Teachers!
Minimum Age Requirement: 16yrs
Part-time work is available teaching group Piano Classes and Ukulele Classes at local elementary schools, as well as private lessons (in all instruments) in-person or online. Pay is $60/hour for group classes and $45/hour for private lessons. Please apply online at http://hummingbirdmusicschool.com/about
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
Kumon Tutoring Center
No Experience required, Entry level
Paid Minimum Wage
Looking for students with good math and reading skills who are available to work Tuesday and Fridays 3-7pm. If interested email at lihueiw@yahoo.com or text at 650-799-4099
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
Front Office Assistant (P/T)(Bilingual Spanish) Needed - Across the Street
Minimum Age Requirement: 16yrs
Timings: After School and Weekends
Contact: Walk-in Siva Cherukuri DDS 198 Arch St Redwood City (Across the street from Sequoia HS) or email: sivasch@hotmail.com
Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center
Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math!
Our starting salaries are $17.00-$19.00 depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.
If interested, please apply online
Pick up a flier in the College and Career Center
How To Videos for students now on our website!
Complete the 2023-2024 Meal Application
We want all families to complete this confidential meal application so that qualifying students can receive reduced cost bus passes, internet, prom tickets, grad night tickets, college application fees and IB testing registration. To complete the meal application, click here.
Missed the Grade Level College/IB Meeting
The grade-level presentations in English and Spanish ( without the recording) and handouts are available on the Sequoia College and Career webpage.
Past Newsletters
COLLEGE TIP: All about the Five College Consortium
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION: What types of federal student loans are available?
Nov 5-11, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: Why take a Concurrent Enrollment Class? Using Community College Classes to Strengthen Your College Applications CAREER: 5 In-Demand Jobs You Can Get With a Two-Year Degree
Oct 29-Nov 4, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: Visual and Performing Arts Programs in College, FINANCIAL AID: Terms: Need and Merit Based Aid (Do you still need to take the SAT/ACT?)
Oct 22-28, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: UC Admission Data and Definition of A-G CAREER INFORMATION: Why should you pursue a Career in Law Enforcement?
October 15-21, 2023 College Tip: Liberal Arts Colleges, FINANCIAL AID:Sticker Price vs What You’ll Actually Pay
Oct 8-14, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: Pros and Cons of Out-of-State Colleges FINANCIAL AID: Paying for College is a Family Affair and Here’s How It Works
Oct 1-7, 2023 COLLEGE TIP: What is a Research University? CAREER: Careers in Engineering
Sept 24-30, 2023: Updated Only
Sept 17-23, 2023: COLLEGE TIP: Types of Colleges/Universities, CAREER: Public Service Careers that Will Pay for Your College Degree
Sept 10-16, 2023: COLLEGE TIP: Importance of Getting Involvement FINANCIAL AID: Researching FA During College Visits
Aug 27-Sept 2, 2023 CSF, How and Why to Sign Up for a College Visit
Sequoia High School College & Career Center