Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of February 7-13, 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
Feb 12 - CSF Application Period for Fall 2020 Grades Due
January-March- Various CSU Applications Deadlines (see 'CSU Section)
March 2 - Financial Aid Priority Deadline for FAFSA and CADAA
March 2 - Deadline for Cal Grant
Tuesdays, 4 pm- Have questions? Need help with college portals or Financial Aid? Drop by College Club by clicking here: Join us on zoom!
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 For this form, male = purple, and female = white (this is very outdated, and I have asked them to change the terminology in their system.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!!
DIRECTIONS FOR CSF APPLICATION PERIOD FOR FALL 2020 GRADES
Application Due: February 12, 2021
The application must be completed and turned in by the STUDENT ONLY!
Go to the College and Career’s CSF webpage for an application form, course list, and more information
Applications must be submitted by email to Ms Ignaitis by Friday, February 12th.
NO Late Applications, NO Exceptions! Please complete it early!
If you need help completing the application form, come to College Club from 4-5 every Tuesday
9th Graders can join as honorary members (Why join, a link to the CSF website is on SHS webpage)
SENIORS: To be a Life Member you must have been a member 4 of the 6 semesters during 10th through 12th grade (ONE of those four semesters must be during your senior year).
TWO Ways to Submit During Distant Learning:
Print form below
Complete the form, scan it, and email it to Ms. Ignaitis
Attach your transcript in the email
Subject Line: CSF Application FALL 2020
OR
If you do not have a printer/scanner
Follow the directions on the form – but complete it in the body of an email to Ms Ignaitis
Attach your transcript in the email
Subject Line: CSF Application FALL 2020
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 4pm 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
Social Science Majors at UC: Individual Options, Collective Impact
From UC Counselors Bulletin (But can be applied to most colleges)
Now more than ever college graduates need to enter the work force with a deep understanding of the connection between human behavior, social systems and structures, and cultural expression and traditions. Confronting the deep issues our society faces here at home as well as abroad will require critical thinking, analytical ability, cultural fluency, meaningful communication and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility. The social sciences can equip students with the tools and skills to address humanity’s most intractable problems and contribute to shaping our collective future
Here is how one social science major can connect to a career:
Did you know that students with a degree in American Studies have moved into careers as diverse as journalism, law, medicine, law enforcement, environmental planning, teaching, library science, museum curatorship and business?
Two Speakers this Week Through our District : Video Producer and Architect
Tuesday, February 9 @ 3:00PM--Casey Clark, video producer
https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/93473860105
When I asked him to lead the event, he said, "OK but I'm not Steven Spielberg." My response was, "Perfect."
There are so many different careers that involve videography; he'll talk about the options.
Thursday, February 11 @ 3:00PM--Jake Davis, Architect
https://seq-org.zoom.us/j/96910078512?pwd=b2NBeGxJWUpMNE9YTGFrVWVyWElVUT09
He designs structures and complexes for law enforcement, but his architecture firm has many different projects.
He works for DLR Group. Check it out. https://www.dlrgroup.com/people/jake-davis/
General Four-Year College Information
Reporting D/F or Change in Schedule - Do Not Delay!
You must report any Ds or Fs on your 7th semester transcripts OR changes in coursework you reported on your application. Either call or email to find out what the procedure for each specific school
By reporting now, you have a chance to explain what happened and what you learned from the experience.
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”.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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!
Transcripts
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.
IF you see a CANCELED TRANSCRIPT request message on your Naviance account – it is because the Counseling department takes out all unnecessary requests (UC, CSU and Common Application Schools)
If you have any questions:
Email either Ms Ignaitis (A-L and HCA) or Ms Rocha (M-Z and DAA)
Watch How to Request a Transcript/What Colleges do you NEED to Request a Transcript at Sequoia
COMMON APPLICATION and PRIVATE COLLEGE INFORMATION
Mid-Year Reports and Financial Aid Requirements and Deadlines
All Mid-Year Reports have been submitted if on Naviance correctly
Financial Aid Requirements and Deadlines for Common Application and Private Colleges 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!
UC INFORMATION
Cancelling or Withdrawing a UC Admission Application from UC Counselor Bulletin
Each campus has specific instructions for their individual process if an applicant wishes to cancel or withdraw their application from further consideration. This only applies to students cancelling or withdrawing prior to admission. See Campus Instructions
REPORTING D & F OR SCHEDULE CHANGES
You must tell each UC if you changed your schedule (dropped courses) or received a D or F during the Fall 2020 semester.
Minor changes to your activities, awards, volunteer work or employment are unlikely to have an impact on your admission decision.
NOTE Each Campus has a different policy: Campus instructions & websites for reporting changes
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INFORMATION
Upcoming Workshops and Recording Links for Community College Event on Feb 4th
Canada College Application Workshop
February @11 3pm
Join us on zoom: https://smccd.zoom.us/j/89282265267
College of San Mateo Application Workshop
Feb 11 @ 3:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://smccd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArcuGhqDgtHtaqbO78EJuz9fnzJJoHgHY4
Feb 25, 2021 @ 3:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://smccd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcucOygrzkvHNS35WSsTVwSpzlrJYJqPF_o
Recordings for Feb 4th Community College Event
Sorry, both the English and Spanish versions got cut-off for the first 10 minutes.
Passcode: 6?^gH&4B
Meeting in Spanish Link
Do you need help completing the FAFSA or Dream Application? THERE IS LESS THAN A MONTH TO COMPLETE!
Seniors, you have less than a month left to get either your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application in! Do not wait until the last minute.
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?
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 4-5pm
- 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 February
If you find a scholarship you're interested, get more information on Naviance!
NOW is the Time to Apply for Scholarships!
February and March are when a bunch of scholarships are due - Do not wait until you get your financial aid letter from colleges!
Scholarships that Sequoia Students have received in the past:
Peninsula College Fund Due 2/12
PG&E Employee Resource Group Scholarships Deadlines Vary
SWE-SCV Scholarship Due 2/24
Asian Pacific Fund-Banatao Family Filipino American Ed. Fund Scholarship Due 2/26
Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship (POE) Due 2/28
Sons of Italy Scholarships 2/28
Peninsula College Fund 4 YR Renewable Scholarship for Low Income Families
Application Due: February 12th
The Peninsula College Fund is excited to begin the application process for the 2021 PCF Scholarship Program! PCF is a scholarship given to multiple Sequoia students each year. Students need to have a 2.8 - 3.8 Unweighted GPA, plan to attend a four-year college, and come from a low-income family (documented). This is a four-year renewable scholarship and a great opportunity! For more information and scholarship the application visit their website here.
PG&E Employee Resource Group and Engineering Network Group Scholarships
Application Due: February 12th
Each of the ERG and ENG scholarships listed are supported in part by PG&E and through fundraising and contributions made by members of these employee groups and fellow employees. These groups not only help bring our employees together, but also provide an essential bridge of communication to our diverse customers. Each group awards scholarships to students who have shown commitment to specific communities or causes. The 2021 Scholarship Program opens December 14, 2020 and closes February 12, 2021.
For a list of available scholarships available visit their website here.
Writing Contest: Have You Been Involved with Race Equity Activities?
Due: March 1
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes and 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
Do you have a talent in art and want to share your work with the community?
Due: February 12th
The San Carlos Youth Advisory Council is holding an arts competition called "Creations and Connections." Any youth ages 10-18 can submit artwork under the theme of "Peace, Love, and Community" in one of many categories ranging from poetry and short stories to film production, and even dance choreography. Express your talent and join us for an awards ceremony where you may even win a prize. Read and learn more at cityofsancarlos.org/yac.
Los Altos High School's Green Team, virtual conference
When: February 13
Hosted by Los Altos High School's Green Team, this virtual conference is designed by high school students, for high schoolers. Our goal is to help high schoolers effectively implement green projects and foster a culture of environmental responsibility at their schools. This year, we’re going virtual! We have planned a very dynamic and interactive agenda, including two wonderful speakers, so we hope to see you there! Please check out our website sfghs.lahs.club for past photos and other information. The SFGHS committee is also looking for clubs interested in participating in a club panel event and having a webpage on our website to share information, communicate, and spread love for our planet. If you’re in a club that is interested, please indicate so on the registration form and fill out this form after.
This year’s conference:
When: Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST
To Register: bit.ly/SFGHSRegistration
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.
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.
For More Information Click Here
How To Videos for students available on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Senior Newsletter Contents(January 31-Feb 6)
Virtual College Events: National Hispanic Institute Virtual College Fair, CSU Eastbay Education Summit 2021
Financial Aid - Sequoia Cash For College Event Saturday Feb. 6 (FAFSA and CADAA)
Career Information - FBI Speaker Presentation
General 4 Year - Check Portals, Read your Emails, Transcript Reminders
Private - REMINDERS Mid Year Reports (MYR)
UC - Cancelling or Withdrawing a UC Admission Application from UC Counselor Bulletin, Reporting D/Fs
CSU - Transcripts, Checking Portals, Extended Deadlines
Community College - Sequoia’s Senior Community College Information Evening Feb. 4
Student Opportunities - Los Altos High School's Green Team, virtual conference, Girls that Code Activities, Habitat for Humanity
Contests- The Princeton Prize in Race Relations, San Carlos Youth Advisory Council Art Contest
Scholarships - Peninsula College Fund and PG&E Scholarships
Senior Newsletter Contents(January 24 - 30)
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Virtual College Events:National Hispanic Institute Virtual College Fair, CSU Eastbay Education Summit 2021
Career Information- Interested in a career as a pilot?
Financial Aid - Why you should complete FAFSA or CADAA Before Deadline March 2
General 4 Year - Transcripts are Ready- Who Needs to Request Mid-Year Transcripts?
Private - Update Mid Year Reports (MYR)
UC - Pre-Admission Verification, Personal Insight Question Plagiarism Check, Reporting Changes
CSU - Deadline Extended, Set Up Portals if Submitted
Community College - Sequoia’s Senior Community College Information Evening
Student Opportunities - Girls that Code Activities, Habitat for Humanity, Bank of America Leaders Program,
Contests- Leyla Beban Young Authors Creative Writing Contest, 2021 EngineerGirl Writing Contest, San Carlos Youth Advisory Council Art Contest
Scholarships -February Scholarship List Available on College and Career Website, Al Teglia Jobs for Youth Scholarship