Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of February 28- March 6, 2021
Welcome Students & Families
Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career
How to reach us?
For general questions and inquiries please email us at sequoiaccc@seq.org
Student Appointments:
Ms. Ignaitis, All HCA and Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
Ms. Rocha, All DAA and ELD Students and Last names M-Z
Important Dates and Deadlines
March 2- CSU East Bay Application Deadlines (a few others too)
March 2 - Financial Aid Priority Deadline for FAFSA and CADAA
March 2 - Deadline for Cal Grant (SUHSD Has Submitted Your GPA)
March 4- Foothill Community College Application Workshop for SUHSD -see below
March 31 - Class of 2021 Senior Scholarship (Naviance Survey More Info Next Week)
Tuesdays, 3 pm- Have questions? Need help with college portals or Financial Aid? Drop by College Club by clicking here: Join us on zoom!
Get Help with College Applications, Follow Up and/or Financial Aid Applications
We want to support each and every one of you through this process! Below are ways to get help:
Students make Individual Appointments via Calendly with college counselors by clicking on their corresponding counselor’s name below. (if you have a free period, email your counselor directly and state the time you have a free period).
Join us every Tuesday for College Club at 3pm on zoom: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/92359863949
Check out the How-To videos (link below)
Student Appointments:
Ms. Ignaitis, All HCA and Study Skills Students and Last names A-L
Ms. Rocha, All DAA and ELD Students and Last names M-Z.
Other Virtual Events
Mindfulness - Teen Resource Center
All students are welcomed to join Ms. Judy from the Teen Resource Center (TRC) for 15 minutes of Mindfulness on Wednesdays! Practice breathing exercises and guided visualizations!
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12pm until 12:15pm
Zoom Link: https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/92956681963
Connecting........ to Mental Health
March 3 3-4pm
Join the Sequoia Teen Wellness Center Youth Advisory Board on Wednesday, March 3rd, 3-4PM in a fun and calming webinar, where we discuss mental health and teach students ways to incorporate breaks into our everyday lives!
Everyone needs to de-stress. Everyone needs to take breaks. Learn coping skills like breathing exercises, taking breaks, journaling, and more! Or, you can just come and hang out with us! District counselors Ms. Judy Romero, Mrs. Elaine Dessus, and Maureen Lin will be attending to answer students’ questions about mental health and providing guidance. Talk with fellow youth in a safe space of mindfulness, for all interested SUHSD students.
To register for this webinar, visit tinyurl.com/yabconnectUpcoming District Wide Career Speakers in March
Click the link to see list of Upcoming District Wide Career Speakers in March
Occupational and Physical Therapists
March 11th @ 2:45pm
Are you interested in a healthcare career, but not sure what direction to take? Please join Agile Physical Therapy for an online presentation followed by a question and answer session on Thursday, March 11 at 2:45pm to learn about physical and occupational therapy! Topics will include the following: overview of the professions - similarities and differences, where PTs, PT assistants, and OTs fit within the healthcare team, pathway from high school to graduate programs/professional programs. We look forward to meeting you and sharing all that our professions can offer! Students you must pre -register by March 10 by clicking here. After you register, you will receive the zoom link.
Data Science as a Major - From O’s List
Data Science is a brand new major that has evolved for the last four years. Colleges are rushing to offer students a major, minor, certificate in data science. Before you sign up for a program in data science and part with hard earned cash and your valuable time, it is important for you to look under the hood to see if you will have the relevant skills to justify pursuing the major. Understanding the academic aspects of a data science major is critical in gaining insight into your employment prospects or doing academic research in one of the data science tracks.
Nearly 200 colleges offer some variations of a data science major or a minor. However, there can be differences between the various programs that can have a real impact on a student’s career opportunities. Read more here: https://www.oszlist.com/blog/data-science-college-and-major/
From O’s List: Some Myth Busting Tips for You.
STEM. Science. Technology. Engineering. Math are not on equal footing everywhere. Period. There is a huge variation in the breadth of subjects, courses taken in college , supplemental essays during application, sometimes academic stats, skills learned, entry level jobs and entry level pay. Science and math, while on par with engineering is offered through the College of Letters and Sciences. In most places, engineering is offered through the College of Engineering, which may have their own admission stats and requirements. At many colleges it is easier to transfer from engineering to science majors, but the reverse is not true. So, STEM is not a helpful acronym for college. You will want to read our posts on STEM is not equal for more info.
Technology majors are a different category. Perhaps you are thinking of automotive engineering technology because of your interest in self driving cars? It is offered at only twelve 4 year colleges and many 2 year colleges.
Red Hot Majors need a lot of research from you. Let's take data science? It's such a flavor of the month that many colleges are rushing to offer the major. But what exactly does the course contain? How rigorous is it? What skills will you learn? Our post on data science helps you know exactly that. Also did you know its not enough to just do data science to get an entry level job? Surprised? Read our post on how to stand out for a job. There are many new majors popping up in response to the need, so look deeply into them and understand the requirements and outcomes well.
Engineering and Computer Science are NOT the most popular majors. All of the 10 most popular majors in the country are non engineering and CS majors, though they are rapidly rising up the ranks. Business administration, nursing, political science, history, kinesiology are some of the most popular majors.
Liberal Arts colleges are not only for humanities. Many of the Liberal Arts colleges have very strong science, math programs, humanities and social sciences programs with excellent post graduate outcomes.
General Four-Year College Information
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
REPORT D/F or Change in Schedule - Do Not Delay!
IF you do not do this step and you are admitted, your admission will likely be taken away if you decide to go there, when they require your final transcripts. Admissions does not want to be the first to “find out” and reporting now you have a chance to explain.
READ and RESPOND to emails and “To Do” items on college portals.
THIS is the way they are communicating with students.
Failure to meet deadlines can result in cancellation of your application!
ADD All College Applications – To “Colleges I’m Applying To” on Naviance
Please list every school that you applied to on Naviance including CSUs and UCs. We can’t submit documents until you list them on Naviance. Also, make sure you note that you submitted your application as well.
TRANSCRIPTS
All transcript requests go through Naviance
Watch How to Request a Transcript/What Colleges do you NEED to Request a Transcript at Sequoia
Watch Requesting a Transcript for a Scholarship at Sequoia
IF you see a CANCELED TRANSCRIPT request message on your Naviance account – it is because the Counseling department takes out all unnecessary requests (UC and Common Application Schools)
If you have any questions:
Email either Ms Ignaitis (A-L and HCA) or Ms Rocha (M-Z and DAA)
FINANCIAL AID Requirements and Deadlines
VARIES from school to school! Look at the colleges’ financial aid websites to see what they require or have available to freshman applicants. Do not wait!
COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
For information on local Community Colleges and upcoming workshops visit the website.
Foothill Community College Application Workshops:
Part 1: Application/Orientation workshops -
March 4, 2021 at 2:30pm.
https://fhda-edu.zoom.us/j/95708032087
Part 2: EdPlan Workshops -
March 25, 2021 at 2:30pm.
https://fhda-edu.zoom.us/j/93953484568
Foothill Application will only be open during the workshop for SUHSD students attending the workshop. If you do not attend, you will have to wait until it opens its application to the general public
Canada Application Workshops and Help
Cañada College Outreach, now has LIVE Drop In Zoom hours! For students/parents that have any questions about Cañada College, or need assistance with applying, Campus Ambassadors are available via zoom to help!
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9am - 5pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9am - 6pm
Fridays 9am - 2pm
Zoom Link: https://smccd.zoom.us/j/81729634506
Did you miss Skyline’s Automotive Technology Program SP21 Driving Your Future zoom event? https://smccd.zoom.us/rec/share/MMslPSo1zzfvD8Jnsa9LF2kmgA5PbNzKx5-D0GdS0-AIENzRz6G1nopj8S4BkwBJ.LeUh8CbAneDjDrwt
Seniors! LAST DAYS before Financial Aid applications are due!
FAFSA - DUE MARCH 2, 2021
For students with a Social Security Number
-or-
CA Dream Act- DUE MARCH 2, 2021
For students without a Social Security Number.
Click for Financial Aid Information: English or Espanol
Do you need help completing the FAFSA or Dream Application?
Do you need help completing the FAFSA or Dream Application?
Families who would like assistance with the FAFSA or CADAA can make an appointment with College Counselors (appointment links below) or come to College Club.
- Come to College Club on Tuesday between 3-4 pm
- Make an appointment with Ms Rocha (DAA/EL/M-Z) or Ms Ignaitis (HCA, St Skills, A-L) on Calendly
Please have the following documents available during the webinar:
• Your parents and your FSA ID (For FAFSA filers ONLY) or Dream Act Account (For CADAA filers) • Driver's License, if you have one
• Social Security Card, if you have one
• Alien Registration Card, if you have one
• ITIN, if you have one
• List of colleges you are interested in to list on the applications
• Most current bank statements
• Any records of untaxed income
• 2019 tax information (1040’s and W2’s)
• This includes your parents' tax information if you are a dependent student.
FAFSA
TWO AND FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS, COMPLETE THIS FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID ONLINE TODAY REGARDLESS OF YOUR FAMILY INCOME.
DEADLINE MARCH 2, 2021
CA DREAM ACT
DEADLINE MARCH 2, 2021
CSS PROFILE
New Scholarship List for March
If you find a scholarship you're interested in, get more information on Naviance!
NOW is the Time to Apply for Scholarships!
This is the Time to Apply for Scholarships!
March is when the bulk of the scholarships are due
Do not wait until you get your financial aid letter from colleges!
To view the newest Scholarship List on the school website
San Mateo Credit Union Scholarship
Deadline March 19
SMCU is proud to offer two $5,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors to help cover the costs such as tuition, housing, books, and meals. Be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide a typed essay and plan to enroll in an accredited college or technical school for Fall 2021. For more information and to apply click here.
Rotary Club of Redwood City Scholarship
Deadline March 23
Must be a Redwood City resident; awards based on Scholastic ability, Community service, Responsibility towards education and financial need. For more information and to apply click here.
Scholarships that Sequoia Students have received in the past:
Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship (POE) Due 2/28
Sons of Italy Scholarships 2/28
Directions to Request an Official Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
- Log in to your Sequoia Naviance account
- Click the Colleges Tab (Right top corner)
- Scroll down
- Click on Manage Transcripts (Left hand side)
- Click on the Red Plus Icon and choose Other Transcript
- What Type Requesting? (Unless after graduation, click either Initial or Mid-Year)
- What For? (Scholarship or Other)
- Note: We do not send unofficial ACT/SAT
- Click to watch a short How To Request a Transcript for a Scholarship or Program
Upcoming Contests
Writing Contest: Have You Been Involved with Race Equity Activities?
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Application Due: March 1
Program rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. For More Information
Directing Change Program and Student Film Contest
Deadline: March 1st
Take action by creating 60-second films to prevent Suicide and Stand up for young people experiencing mental illness.
LegiSchool Editorial Cartoon Contest (All Grades)
Postmark deadline: March 19th
A single image can convey a powerful message. That is why editorial cartoons are often used to explore complex subjects. Cartoonists use symbols, metaphors, caricatures and more to explain public opinion on current issues. In this contest, LegiSchool invites you to express your opinion by creating an original editorial cartoon. Cash prizes awarded to winners and runners up.
Mindfulness Training for Sequoia Students!
This year for the first time we are offering a student training through the Mission Be Organization. Students will be trained on mindfulness practices and have the role as mindfulness ambassadors/mentors. They will help promote mindfulness at Sequoia among their peers. It could be as simple as leading a 1 minute mindfulness practice in class, during a club meeting, sports conditioning, etc. Or helping to think of ways to raise awareness regarding mindfulness as a coping skill to deal with stress.They will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the training. They can use this as community service and/or on college applications. It is open to 10th-12th grade students.
Below are the dates and times for the training.
- March 3rd, 12:45-1:55
- March 10th, 12:45-1:55
- March 17th, 12:45-1:55
Follow- up sessions
- April 7th, 12:45-1:30
- April 14th, 12:45-1:30
Students can contact Ms. Romero directly jromero@seq.org to sign up.
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.”
EPATT (East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring)
EPATT recruiting high school students for its College and Career Readiness (CCR) Program. At EPATT it is important to meet all of our students where they are academically and create a targeted plan for them. Our approach consists of academic support, one-on-one tutoring, mentoring, college/career advising and parent/family support. Our goal at EPATT is for all our students, to possess the academic and personal skills to be successful not only in college but in life.
Visit myepatt.org to check-out our offerings.
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula - Homework Help
Daily at 3pm
BGCP is offering daily homework help and support for all BGCP students to drop in.
To join via zoom click here: http://tinyurl.com/ForestHWHelp If you cannot join you can submit a homework help ticket by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/BGCPhwhelp
They are also offering small group Math Support (Geometry, Alg II, Pre Calc, Calc and Statistics) - If you are interested email Lauren Kang at lkang@bgcp.org
How To Videos for students available on our website!
Announcement from Mr Uhalde: Still Need to Order Your Cap and Gown?
If a student is unsure whether or not they have ordered a cap and gown, check if they are on THIS LIST. If they are on the list, we need measurements still!
Steps to Order (if anyone is struggling):
1) Visit THIS HERFF-JONES WEBSITE
2) Select either "Purple Gown" or "White Gown" as the ordering option (marked with the purple Block S logo. Add to cart
3) Click on the Cart logo in the upper right of your screen. Proceed to checkout
4) Apply promo code 2021grad (will ensure there is no cost)
5) Click Checkout
6) Fill out your informational fields. Be sure to include height and weight so that your gown fits!
7) At the bottom of the screen, confirm whether you would like to wear a purple cap and gown or a white one. For this form, male = purple, and female = white (this is very outdated, and I have asked them to change the terminology in their system. You can select whichever color you would prefer to wear!)
8) Submit form and you should be all set!!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Senior Newsletter Contents
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Virtual College Events: Skyline College Automotive SP21 Driving your Future Webinar
Financial Aid - Get Help with FAFSA/Dream Application on 2/24. Due Date March 2nd - Less than a Month to Complete!
Career Information - Zoom Career Speakers - Graphic Designer and Engineer
General 4 Year - Reporting D/F or Change in Schedule - Do Not Delay! Plus Reminders
Private - Mid-Year Reports and Financial Aid Requirements and Deadlines
UC - Cancelling or Withdrawing a UC Admission Application from UC Counselor Bulletin, Reporting D/Fs
CSU - Transcripts, Checking Portals, Extended Deadlines
Community College - Upcoming CSM/Canada Workshops, Links for Recording to Community College Event
Student Opportunities - KP Launch PAID Internship, Student Mindfulness Training, San Mateo Peer Court
Scholarships - This is the Time to Apply to Scholarships!, March list available, SWE-SCV Scholarship and Pursuit of Excellence and How to Request a Transcript for Scholarships