Principal's Corner
What's Happening at Sequoia - November Edition
Connected 3 Registration Deadline is October 27th at 10am
Theme 22-23 School Year
Dear Sequoia Parents/Guardians and Community Members
October was quite a busy month and term one was a huge success. We had over an 80% pass rate and students showed amazing determination and perseverance. We had testing days, surveys, class meetings, the annual High School and Beyond College & Career fair as well as our all-staff learning improvement day on October 14 with our focus on social-emotional learning.
As we move into November, I know that everyone is looking forward to Thanksgiving break. This will give us an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate and connect with friends and family. We will also be celebrating Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th and there will be no school for staff or students on this day. We will be honoring our veterans for their service with advisory lessons and I would like to personally thank our veterans (my dad served in the Army for over 20 years) for their service and love of country.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy November and, as always, please check our website for upcoming dates and events.
Belinda Mountjoy, Principal
Dates to Remember
Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 6, 2022, Daylight Savings Time Ends and we “fall back” one hour.
Connected 4 Starts November 28th through December 15th
Deadline to Register is Monday, November 21st at 10am
Expectations for ALL Students:
In order to successfully pass the CONNECTED course you will need to:
1. be on time - No Exceptions
2. be present daily for the entire eight days of the course. 2:30-4:30pm
3. comply with the District cell phone policy, which will be strictly enforced. School Board Policy 3246P: High school students who choose to bring cell phones and other PEDs to school may only use their cell phones and other PEDs during transition periods, at lunch and before/after the school day. Students are expected to silence their cell phones and other PEDs before entering a classroom.
4. follow all Sequoia Way Behavioral Expectations.
5. complete all homework, activities, and assignments to standard, and submit by their final due date.
6. be an active participant in class activities and discussions.
New to Sequoia Enrollment: If you were not attending Sequoia last school year, you are REQUIRED to be enrolled at your “home” campus (Jackson High School, Everett High School or Cascade High School) prior to enrollment in CONNECTED. Being that you MUST pass the CONNECTED course in order to be accepted into Sequoia, you will also need to call and account for your absence at your “home” high school daily.
New to Sequoia Attendance Reporting: You MUST do the following: 1. Excuse your absence at your home school each day of CONNECTED 4. November 28th through December 15th 2022. 2:30-4:30pm
Supplies Needed: You will get a student computer device on the first day of CONNECTED. Bring something to write with (pen/pencil), and something to write on (composition books, lined paper, etc.) If you need school supplies, please let us know and we will ensure you receive them.
SHS Term 3 Class Scheduling Nov 21-22nd, Shortened Schedule
New students or current students not passing their classes arrive 8am for scheduling on Tuesday, Nov 22nd. Dismissed at 12:30pm.
Native American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
November is Native American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.
Calendar reminder
This is a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL the day before Thanksgiving.
FAFSA season has begun!
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an office of the U.S. Department of Education. FAFSA coordinates with postsecondary schools and financial institutions to help students and families pay for college. Watch for FAFSA completion events happening around the district. Find more information at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Communications
Receive information the way you prefer
This is a friendly reminder that parent and guardians can select your preferred method of communication so you will not get the same message in multiple formats unless you choose to.
Below are some steps you can take:
- Download the district’s mobile app. One of the many features is to select your delivery preferences. Once you have signed into your account, click on your profile tile and then “Edit Delivery Preferences” at the top.
- Click on the icon for app, text, phone or email to turn off that mode. Green indicates the mode is turned on. Some modes are locked, as indicated with the lock in the upper corner of the icon.
- Keep your contact information current by updating the “Annual Student Update Form 2022-2023” in Home Access Center or by letting your school office know anytime there is a change.
- Please visit the communications department webpage for a list of timely and relevant information to strengthen connections among families, staff and community.
2023 Prodigies for Peace Writing and Art Contest
The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee is proud to announce the 22nd annual Prodigies for Peace Writing and Art Contest for the Snohomish County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration in January 2023.
The Prodigies for Peace Writing and Art Contest helps students draw connections between the people and the events that shaped the civil rights movement and the social issues that influence their lives today. Participation in this contest helps our local community remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Contest categories include essays for grades 3-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12, as well as art for grades K-12.
For contest instructions and entry, please visit www.everettsd.org/DEI and click on Prodigies for Peace in the Quicklinks.
School performance report
Our school’s performance report is available online on each school’s website. More information is available on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website. At the bottom under data and research, click on “School Report Card” and select Everett from the list of districts.
Available Services Section
Backpacks are Available at SHS for students in need. Come by the office to get yours today!
Do you know a family who might be in need this year? Stuff the Bus for Kids ensures each child in Everett Public Schools starts the school year prepared to learn. In August, the EPS Foundation delivered over 3,400 backpacks, filled with school supplies, and are making them available to any Everett Public School student who may need extra assistance.
Students in need of a backpack, please reach out to your school to receive your supplies.
SHS Office has Community Transit ORCA Cards Free to Youth 18 & Under!
Kids in Transition program
Kids in Transition (KIT) program supports students who qualify for two federal programs which provide support for children and youth whose housing is highly mobile: those who meet the more inclusive definition of homeless under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Act and those who are eligible for Foster Care Education support.
Students who are in foster care placement (where a child welfare agency has placement, care and authority) or those who are without a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence may qualify for this additional support.
The KIT program works to eliminate barriers to students’ academic success and extra-curricular involvement. We ensure eligible students have access to free school meals, school supplies and uniforms. KIT may help students access extended day or summer school classes or coordinate access to additional academic support or tutoring when needed. The KIT Program may also cover, or coordinate waivers for, fees required to take part in activities such as school-sponsored sports, clubs, and required class fees. KIT can also help set up transportation for eligible students to maintain school stability, as long as the commute is feasible and in the best interest of the student. We also partner with the Family Resource Center and other community agencies to connect families and students to resources as needed.
Last year, Everett Public Schools served over 1,350 students through our KIT support at some time during the school year. For more information, visit www.everettsd.org/KIT to learn who your school’s KIT support staff is; or contact the KIT Office at 425-385-4032.
Safety Corner
Reunification simulation held
Thursday October 6 district staff, community volunteers and 4 busloads of students and staff from Jackson High School participated in a reunification drill. The drill was an important part of practicing and testing the reunification plans of the district in case a school needs to be evacuated. Memorial Stadium serves as the reunification location for the entire district and the drill is practiced every two years, except during remote learning.
You can find out more information on the reunification process on the safety and security webpage. Useful feedback was received on ways we can continue to improve our processes.
Have a safety concern related to schools? Report it!
You can call, text or email your concerns.
If there is reason for concern about safety on a designated walkway to school, call 9-1-1 immediately for authorized, quick help. We have strong partnerships with local law enforcement who share our interest in safe schools and neighborhoods.
Student safety is a priority for all of us. Working together, we can help make our neighborhoods and schools nurturing places for students to safely learn and grow.
Online safety tips
- Keep the computer in a busy area of your home.
- Use an app to keep an eye on your child’s online activity on their device.
- Talking about cyberbullying; ask if someone they know has been a victim. Ask if they have been victimized.
- Set up email and social media accounts with your children. Know their screen names and passwords and explain the reasons for not including any personal information in profiles,
Know who is in the “buddy lists.” Get to know the cyberfriends as well as you do those who visit your home. Parents and guardians may find the following resources helpful to begin a conversation about the dangers of engaging in cyberbullying and how to stay safe online:
· Ms. Parry’s Guide to Correct Online Etiquette
Find out what Everett Public Schools students learn about digital citizenship on the district website.
Is your family prepared?
Snohomish County Emergency Management has helpful online resources to help you create, and practice emergency response plans with your family and neighborhood in preparation for bad weather.
News around the district
Remember to vote Nov. 8
2022 Capital Levy update
We are grateful to our voters for approving the 2022 Replacement Capital Levy. As the levy funding is spread over six years, project timelines for the facility projects and technology improvements have been developed to align this work with the revenue stream. These timelines and the rational for prioritizing these projects and improvements, along with other information regarding the 2022 capital levy, is available at www.everettsd.org/CapitalProjects.
Like knowing what’s happening in the district? Follow us on social media! Visit our social media directory for a list of schools, club or teacher accounts.
Want eflyers of student and family opportunities? Go to Peachjar and register a free account to receive eflyers emailed directly to you!
News releases
2022.09.27 Jackson High’s robotics team ranked 2nd in world competition
2022.09.21 Jackson High students named National Merit semifinalists
2022.09.20 Rose Smith receives 2022 Ryan Ziegelmann Service Award
2022.09.20 World Language Assessment
2022.09.13 Everett Public Schools celebrates its AP Capstone diploma recipients
2022.08.23 Transitional Days into Kindergarten Supports Student Success
How to Stay In Touch & Connect with Us
Everett Public Schools believes communication with parents and the community is very important. One resources available for families is our “Stay Connected” chart, which will show you the different ways you can regularly keep informed. Visit the communications overview page on the district’s website at www.everettsd.org/communications to download your copy.
Please also make sure your student’s school has your updated contact information so the district can communicate effectively with you.
Job opportunities!
Belinda Mountjoy Principal
Email: bmountjoy@everettsd.org
Website: https://www.everettsd.org/sequoiahs
Location: 3516 Rucker Avenue, Everett, WA, USA
Phone: 425-385-5190
Twitter: @Sequoia_HS