Principal's Corner
What's Happening at Sequoia - October Edition
Connected 3 Registration Deadline is October 27th at 10am
Theme 22-23 School Year
Dear Sequoia Parents/Guardians and Community Members
We had an amazing first month of school and I want to thank you for your continuous support, feedback, and willingness to partner with us. We enjoyed seeing the students make it through our first Connected and Term one is underway.
October will be a busy month with Open House/Significant Adult Night on Wednesday, October 5th, the PSAT occurring on Wednesday, October 15th and the World Language Assessment which will occur later in October. The specific date for the WLA Assessment will be released soon and you will definitely be communicated with once a date has been selected.
As always, check our website and social media platforms for updates, and we will continue to communicate through Blackboard Connect.
Take care and please let us know if you have any questions or need guidance in any way.
Belinda Mountjoy, Principal
Parent University
Parent University is an on-demand resource created to help parents and guardians become full partners in their child’s education. Parent and family engagement in education positively impacts the academic and social success of children. Content includes a selection of pre-recorded videos and how-to documents that can be viewed at any time. You will find Parent University, at www.everettsd.org/ParentUniversity.
Connected 3 Deadline to Register is October 27th at 10am
Connected 3 Starts October 31st through November 17th
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 3. October 31st through November 17th, 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.
High School & Beyond in October!
After two years of virtual offerings, Everett Public Schools is celebrating the opportunity to again hold our High School & Beyond Events in-person. The number of college and career representatives available to support our efforts continues to grow, and we are looking forward to providing access to these rich, personalized resources to our students and families.
In an effort to increase access to each unique school community, the three comprehensive high schools have collaborated to provide a customized format on three specific dates in October as follows:
Cascade HS | October 5, 2022 | 6-8 p.m. | Gym
The college and career fair will take place during the curriculum night event
Jackson HS | October 18, 2022 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Gym
The college and career fair will be a stand-alone evening event with several break-out session options
Everett HS | October 27, 2022 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Gym
The college and career fair will take place during the school day
Sequoia families are welcome to attend the HS & Beyond event at any of the three high schools. Interpreters from prominent languages of each school will be on site.
Let's Connect - October 6th
In an effort to engage in two-way conversations with families, Everett Public Schools holds hour long Let’s Connect sessions to allow families to engage on a topic with either district or school administrators and provide input on specific topics.
The first Let’s Connect of the school year is scheduled for October 6 from 6-7 p.m. and is ‘in-person’ where we will talk about academic needs your student may have and what student achievement means to you. Each region will host this session for their school families and interpreters from prominent languages in our district will be on site.
Please see the location information below for each region’s session and the graphic below to determine the schools in each region.
Region One: Madison ES - Cafeteria
Region Two: Evergreen MS - Cafeteria
Region Three: Heatherwood MS – Cafeteria
PSAT is October 12th for ALL Sophomores
- When is the PSAT/NMSQT?
- October 12, at your school
- The PSAT is administered at the beginning of the school day.
- October 12, at your school
- How do I sign up?
- You already are!
- You already are!
- Who will take it?
- All Sophomores
- All Sophomores
- How much is it?
- There is no cost
- There is no cost
- What can I bring?
- Bring your pencils and an approved calculator
- Click here for approved calculator information
- Bring your pencils and an approved calculator
- What else should I know?
- Please leave your phone, smart watch, or other personal technological device at home
- Please leave your phone, smart watch, or other personal technological device at home
- Is there a practice test?
Benefits of taking the PSAT include:
- Preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)-- On average, students who take the PSAT score higher on the SAT than those who do not take the PSAT.
- The PSAT Individual Score Report—This provides students with a standardized view of their scholastic skills and helps them compare their performance to other college-bound students nationwide.
- My College QuickStart-- PSAT testers get free access to My College QuickStart, an online college, training center and career planning tool that is customized for each student.
- The PSAT provides two other important measures:
- College Readiness Benchmark - the score measuring both Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing that students should meet or exceed to be considered on track to be college ready.
- Advance Placement (AP) Potential - an indicator of the AP course or courses in which a student has a high likelihood of success. Schools use this data to encourage students to take AP courses.
- Scholarship and recognition Programs- Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT as juniors are automatically entered into scholarship and recognition competitions, including the National Merit Scholarship Program. These scholarships not only help students and families pay for college and training, but they also distinguish students in the post-high school education admission process.
Did you miss a call from us?
Automated attendance calls are going out daily. If you missed a call from your school, please first check your voice mail, email or mobile app for the message. If messaging is still not being delivered, then you will need to update your contact information at your school. If your contact information has changed, please let your school know so they can update the system to be able to successfully reach you.
Community Transit free to youth 18 and under
SAFETY REMINDERS
As mornings become darker and darker, drivers, please keep an eye out for students walking and waiting at their bus stops. Families, please have your students wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the flashing lights and stop sign to be fully out before they cross the street. Here is great graphic showing when to stop for school buses, and if you are ever in doubt--STOP! Other safety reminders include:
- Students and parents should wait on the curb when waiting for the school bus, not off the curb or in the street.
- Do not stand in school crosswalks, obey crossing guards if present.
- Be focused and aware when walking in school parking lots. We encourage walkers to stay off their cell phones while walking. Dark mornings may make it difficult for drivers to see walkers.
- Bicyclist must abide by the same laws as drivers, which means they must stop for school buses when applicable.
- If possible, wear lighter clothing/coats or add something reflective on darker clothing.
Backpacks for students in need
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. Backpacks are available for pick up at each school.
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.
Questions about SHS Bell Schedule or Calendar Answered Here!
Please click on the picture above or scan the QR code to see a list of resources and information on sexual assault and abuse.
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.
Have you downloaded our mobile app?
News and information about our schools are as close as your smartphone. Download and log into the district app to access your student’s info quickly and easily. See top stories, Parent University, Canvas, books checked out from the library, and find the staff directory, school websites, calendars and more.
Available for Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded in 3 easy steps:
1. On your smartphone, go to the iTunes App Store® or Google Play®
2. Search Everett Public Schools
3. Then select our app for free download
Once you’ve downloaded the app, log in to “student info” with your LMS password to see student-specific information for each of your children. Read content in one of many languages available in the settings.
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