Senior College & Career Newsletter
Week of May 2-8 , 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
- Week of May 7 - Skyline Community College Week of Events (Application, orientation, counselor meetings) (see Community College section below)
- May 5 - Canada Community College Application workshop (see Community College section below)
- May 6 - Canada Community College Virtual Open House Event (see Community College section below)
- May 7th – SHS Judy Carmona Athletic Scholarship (See Scholarships)
- May 8 - Canada Community College Priority Engagement Event (Orientation, meet with a counselor, register) (See Community College PEP Section below)
- May 8 - Foothill Community College “Day on the Hill” Virtual Open House event (see Community College section below)
- May 11th – SDTA Scholarship– For a senior in the SUHSD (See Scholarships)
- May 12th – Last Day to Complete Mandatory Exit Survey Required to Pick Up Cap and Gown
- May 15th – Kiwanis Woodside Terrace AM RWC Multiple Scholarships (See Scholarships)
- May 15th—Kelly Kolozsi Memorial Scholarship for Students Attending a UC (see UC Information)
- May 17th If you are interested in submitting artwork that represents Sequoia for the cover the GRADUATION PROGRAM, email Ms. Ignaitis (sorry no photography)
- May 21st – Last day to complete survey to have senior scholarships and academic awards in graduation program (see announcement below)
Class of 2021 - FOUR IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS Students must use their Sequoia emails to complete the following assignments
#1 Mandatory Senior Exit Survey - Needs to Be Completed Before You Pick Up Cap & Gown
Mandatory Senior Survey
- Must have completed to pick up Cap and Gown
- Mandatory Senior Exit Survey is the only place to Request you Final Transcript
Directions for Mandatory Class of 2021 Senior Exit Survey
Before Starting the Exit Survey it is recommended that you Update your college admission decisions on Naviance’s “Colleges I’m Applying to” directions below
- Login to Naviance from SHS website, Sign on with Signal Sign On using your school email
- On the Homepage click on “About Me”, “My Surveys”, “Surveys Not Started” and then “Class of 2021 Senior Exit Survey” - Make sure you- Check both ATTENDING and FINAL TRANSCRIPT for one college!
Directions for Updating “Colleges I’m Applying to” List
- Login to Naviance from SHS website, Sign on with Signal Sign On using your school email
- On the Homepage click on “Colleges I’m Applying to”
- Edit by using the pencil icon and mark whether you were admitted, deferred, etc for each school.
- If you never applied to a college on your “Colleges I’m Applying To” change your results to “WITHDRAWN”
- If you never added your colleges, add now using the plus sign on the right side in red
If you need help watch. How To Video Clip Updating “Colleges I’m Applying to” on Naviance
#2 Do You Want to Be Recognized in the Graduation Program?
Due: May 21, 2021
May 21st is the ABSOLUTE deadline to submit any scholarships or senior academic awards you have received in order to be recognized in the graduation program.
Students can include or not include academic scholarships they received by a college they are not attending- some students want to add them and others do not.
If you (the student) have a question, please email Ms Ignaitis tignaitis@seq.org.
Link to the Recognition Form
# 3 Do You Want to Thank a Staff Member at Sequoia?
Which teachers or staff would you like to say thank you and why?
It does not have to be long and it is always appreciated
You can put them together or separately - THANKS
Link to the Thank You Form
# 4 From IB OFFICE: Important Questions Answered
Do I need to inform my college that I did NOT sit for the May 2021 exams and instead have a score through IB's "calculated route"?
No, you do not need to inform colleges. IB has put great efforts into ensuring colleges that the scores given to students actually sitting for May 2021 exams are fair compared to students on the calculated route. Colleges will just receive your scores on the official score report and will not be notified whether you took exams or your score was calculated with IAs and predicted grades. There is no requirement or expectation to inform them.
How do I send my final IB scores to my college?
IB will send one free score report to the institution you decide to attend. You need to complete the Google form called IB Official Score Report & IB Yearbook c/o 2021 that was sent to your school email. You can also access it HERE. This form is due May 5th. The college you report on this form is the one we will tell IB to send your final scores to.
What if I put down a college on this Google form but then I change my mind and want to attend a different institution (either decided on a different community college or got off a waitlist and accepted the offer at another 4 year institution)?
You must notify the IB Office by June 4th (the end of the school year) if you need us to make a change in IB's system. Please either email Ms McCahon at lmccahon@seq.org or Ms Galvan at mgalvan@seq.org. If you do not change the college with us by the end of the school year, you will need to order another score report on your own through the www.ibo.org website and pay them a fee.
When do scores get sent to colleges?
In July.
When can I get my scores?
They are released online to students on July 6th.
How will I be able to see my final IB score(s)?
IB will release your scores online. They do not get mailed to you. The IB Office will email you (to your school email) and mail home the specific codes you will need to log on and the website instructions. Please be on the look out for this document. You will be given log on codes unique to you and if you lose this paper, you will not be able to check your scores in July. You will then need to wait for the IB Office to reopen in August.
I thought I would receive an actual IB Diploma or IB Certificate. Is that true?
Yes, IB will send Sequoia High School the actual paper IB Certificates/Diplomas in August (usually mid to late August). This is a legal document with your official scores on it as well. We will contact you through your Sequoia email address at that time to inform you to come to the IB Office to pick them up so please continue to check your Sequoia email through August, 2021. If you are already out of the area at college, you can send a parent/ guardian or sibling.
Interested in a Career in the Military?
Seniors interested in the Armed Forces please email Ms. Ignaitis for any information or questions you may have.
Upcoming District Wide Career Speakers
Doctor of Internal Medicine, Marina Di Bartolo
If you missed Dr. Di Bartolo's career zoom last week, you can view the recording here! Dr. Bartolo is a proud example of a DACA student who went on to work in the field of medicine. Atlantic Article.
She provided a resources for Dreamers (both DACA and undocumented students in this case) interested in going into medicine or health fields. It's called Pre-Health Dreamers and it was founded in the Bay but is trying to help students nationally. They have a bunch of resources, like an internship list.
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
General Four Year College Bound Information
Conditional Status and Next Steps
- Most college admissions are “conditional”
- Colleges are expecting you to maintain the grades, courses and activities you reported on your application.
While small changes in activities do not need to be reported, dropping a class or receiving a D or F on your transcript do need to be reported as soon as possible!
- Colleges are also expecting you to complete all requirements and deadlines they are communicated to you
Please check portals and emails often and respond right away!
Here are some typical “Next Steps” or Requirements
- Applying for Housing
- Residency Verification
- Signing up for Orientation
- Health Services Verification
- Submitting Final Transcript
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).
Check out the How-To videos (At the bottom of the Newsletter)
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.
UC INFORMATION
From the UC Counselor Bulletin
All campuses are planning a wide array of opportunities for admitted students including virtual open houses, live chats, webinars, phone/text campaigns, and social media events.
Admitted students have several steps to complete in the enrollment process after submitting the SIR. Submitting required documents, applying for housing and orientation, knowing when to expect a Financial Aid offer, and learning about summer programs are important parts of the process. Find “Steps to Enrollment” at each UC for more information
Waitlisted students
Make sure you are checking your portals OFTEN. Most colleges give you a very short period of time to respond. I would be checking every other day.
Kelly Kolozsi Memorial Scholarship --Local Scholarship for Students Attending a UC
Due: May 15th
If you have decided to attend a UC, the Kelly Kolozsi Scholarship is here!
Any graduate of the Sequoia Union High School District who will be an entering freshman of the University of California in Fall 2020, and who demonstrates academic merit and financial need, is eligible for this award.
Application is attached on the Naviance scholarship list
Applications must be postmarked by May 15th
COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS AND INFORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTE: Concurrent enrollment students MUST apply to Community College as a first time never attended college applicant.
For information on applying and other important information be sure to check out our Community College Tip Sheet!
Canada College: Connect To College
May 6
Connect To College is a kind of Open House for high school students and parents to come learn about Cañada College.
Thursday, May 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Foothill Day on the Hill - Virtual Open House
May 8th
As well, we will be having our Foothill Day on the Hill. This will be our Virtual Open House event that will take place via zoom on May 8, 2021 at 9:00am.
This event will be translated in Spanish, and students who RSVP will automatically be put into a prize raffle. Students can get more information at https://foothill.edu/dayonthehill/ and here is the Eventbrite where students can RSVP.
PEP/Steps to Enrolling and UPCOMING Application WORKSHOPS
PEP (Priority Enrollment Program) allows current seniors to complete all the steps to attend college in the fall WHILE in high school
Skyline PEP
Thru May 7
Join us for an exciting two week virtual program and have the opportunity to complete the necessary enrollment steps to begin taking classes at Skyline College! Participants will be eligible to register earlier and have a greater chance of getting into their first-choice of classes.
Canada PEP
May 8th
For specific information and registration instructions go to their website
College of San Mateo PEP Online
Priority Enrollment Program (PEP) is OPEN. A wonderful group of Counselors and Staff are here to help students with the steps to enrollment and registering for classes for summer/fall 2021. Students sign up for (PEP) Priority Enrollment Program to complete the matriculation steps and receive Priority Registration. Once students sign up for PEP, you will get an email with a link to register for a Group Counseling Session and their English and Math course placement.
You will receive an email providing you with your priority registration date (April 2021). Log onto WebSmart to register for courses online. School fees are also payable on your WebSMART.
Lastly, this is the Promise Scholars Program promotion video, which includes more information regarding the program:
Is your college asking for proof you registered for Selective Service?
18 year old males must register for the Selective Service if they are seeking federal or state aid.
If a student needs proof of selective service registration, they can go to the Selective Service Website
put in his SSN, name and DOB and they can print out proof
If no SSN, they can call 847 688-3117
Letters have been delayed because of Covid but they can get their Selective Service number over the phone.
ALSO - Registrations are processed about one month before their 18th birthday and they normally do bulk mailings a couple of times a month, so anything from March has not been mailed out yet.
But remember, most can go to the website and print out their proof, hopefully colleges will be supportive of students with no SSN and satisfied with their number only for now.
Missing Financial Aid Award Information for Four Year Colleges
FAFSA
TWO AND FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS, COMPLETE THIS FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID ONLINE TODAY REGARDLESS OF YOUR FAMILY INCOME.
CA DREAM ACT
CSS PROFILE
Scholarship List for May Available Now
If you find a scholarship you're interested in, get more information on your Naviance account under Paying for College then Scholarship List!
For help accessing all scholarships available to you in Naviance, watch our ‘How to Access Scholarships in Naviance.’
Local Scholarships Due Soon!
Judy Carmona Memorial Scholarship - Sequoia Athletic Boosters
Due: May 7th
For Sequoia Athletes Only! Eligibility: GPA 2.0+ & Varsity athlete for 2yrs in at least one sport, athletic citizenship & Booster Club membership. More Information and Access to Application
Due: May 7
For all Latino/a senior students going to a 2-yr or 4-yr college. Attending Stanford is NOT a requirement. Criteria: academic excellence, community service, & cultural awareness. Financial need also considered.
SDTA Scholarship
Due: May 11th
The applicant must be a son or daughter of a currently employed, active member in good standing of the Sequoia District Teachers Association, or a Sequoia Union High School District senior who will graduate this year before August 31, 2021. (Application attached on Naviance)
Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholarship
Due: May 15
For Seniors that have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a clinical (e.g., pharmacist, physician, practitioner, nurse) or non-clinical (e.g., accounting, business administration, human resources, marketing, public policy) career in the healthcare industry. Planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college in the Fall.
Woodside Terrace AM Kiwanis Club Scholarships (seniors)
Deadline May 15
The Woodside Terrace AM Kiwanis Club is excited to offer several scholarships again this year to graduating high school seniors who will be attending an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school in the 2021-22 academic year.
Minimum eligibility to be considered for a scholarship include the following:
· Resident of Redwood City OR attending a Redwood City high school
· U.S. citizen, permanent resident or AB 540 eligible student graduating from high school
· 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
· Demonstrated ability and motivation to compete on a collegiate level
· Submit a completed application
· Provide two letters of reference/recommendation
Woodside Terrace AM Kiwanis Scholarship- Multiple LOCAL Scholarships Offered in this Application for Students who Attend School or Live in RWC
Due May 15th
Woodside Terrace A.M., Redwood City - Kiwanis International (wtamkiwanis.org)
Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Achievement Scholarship (2/$2,000 awards): One of our major projects each year is to award the Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Scholarships. Over its long history, the club has sponsored hundreds of scholarships for Redwood City high school seniors. The Kiwanis motto and cornerstone is, “We build”. The Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club awards these scholarships to “build” the new leaders of our community.
The Key Club of Sequoia High Scholarship ($2,000 award): Key Club is the largest high school service organization of its kind. Key Club’s objectives are the development of initiative, leadership ability, community service, and good citizenship practices. The Key Club of Sequoia High Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding Key Clubber based on academic achievement, involvement in Key Club and in the community.
The Charles and Jean Rigg Scholarship ($2,000 award): The Charles and Jean Rigg Scholarship is awarded to a student who shows promise in a science or math career and who has demonstrated dedication to community service.
The Geri Mayers Memorial Community Service Award ($2,000 award): The Geri Mayers Memorial Community Service Award is sponsored by the Estate of the late Geri Mayers and honors a deserving Sequoia High School Key Clubber who has excelled in serving the community while maintaining an outstanding academic record.
The Yamada Family Scholarship (2/$2,000 awards): The late Sat and Florence Yamada originally set up this scholarship in the 1970’s for a Sequoia High School senior in memory of their late son, Michael Yamada. Sat was a charter member of this Kiwanis Club and was a well-respected and loved member of our club and the original owner of Flowers by Sat’s. In 1997, Florence Yamada bequeathed funds in her will to continue the Yamada Family Scholarships for years to come.
The Bohannon Family Foundation Scholarship ($2,000): The Bohannon Family Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a significant commitment to service and volunteerism throughout their high school career. While academic merit is a consideration, this scholarship is meant to recognize a student who has selflessly given their time and talent in the service to others.
County Consumers Plumbing Scholarship ($2,000): In support of emerging student leaders who are committed to academic excellence and service to others, County Consumers Pluming is sponsoring a scholarship this year. Selection made by WTAM Kiwanis Scholarship Committee
Application available in Naviance.
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
Summer Volunteer Opportunity
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
BGCP is seeking high school students who might be interested in supporting their in-person summer programs by interning. For more information contact Remi Sobomehin at remi@bgcp.org.
Interested in Asian Art and Cultural Traditions?
Deadline May 17
Asian Art Museum’s Art Speak internship provides career training and monthly stipends to public high school students in grades 10–12. Interns discover Asian art and cultural traditions, and learn from local artists and arts organizations, conduct informational interviews with museum staff to explore careers in the arts, and develop their leadership skills by creating and facilitating virtual art activities. This is a paid ten-month experience that runs from August to May. Interns will meet virtually.
Interested in a Trade Apprenticeship?
All about Trade Apprenticeships
More than 80,000 women and men working in one of more than 800 occupations in California construction trades began as apprentices. To enter the building trades, you must start as an apprentice.
An apprenticeship is an excellent career choice if you
like to work with your hands
are willing to serve an apprenticeship for up to five years, depending on the trade
have dexterity, mechanical ability, problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team
want to earn a living wage and good benefits
want the opportunity to advance in your career
If you are interested in pursuing a trade apprenticeship, the following are great resources to begin your search and/or learn more about opportunities within California:
California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association website
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Or if you are planning to do community college first, the following colleges have Career Technical Education and Certificates or trade apprenticeship partnership programs that offer instruction in several trades:
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Summer Job: City of RWC’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
The City of Redwood City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is looking for Camp Leaders, Assistant Camp Directors, Camp Directors who are interested in working 25-40 hours per week during the summer, planning, organizing and conducting basic recreation activities in a variety of settings
How To Videos for students available on our website!
All Newsletters Available Online!
Senior Newsletter Contents April 25-May 1
Click here to view this week 's College & Career Newsletter/ Haga clic aquí para ver el boletín de la oficina de Colegios y Carreras de esta semana. (seniors)
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Virtual Events: FAPA Virtual Future Pilot Forum, Mindfulness TRC
Financial Aid - Tax Transcript information and Are you missing financial aid information in your portals?
Career Information - District Zoom Career Speakers: Doctor of Internal Medicine career zoom recording available
General 4 Year - SIR Information, waitlists and checking your portals
Private/Common Application - N/A
UC - N/A
CSU - N/A
Community College - Important Events for Canada, College of San Mateo, Skyline, Foothill and De Anza
Student Opportunities - BGCP Summer Interns, Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Opportunity
Scholarships/Contests - Kiwanis of San Carlos, Sequoia Stamp Collector Scholarship, and Sequoia Alumni Association- Spirit of the Seal, Dreamers Scholarship and How to Request a Transcript for Scholarships, Am Library of Poetry National Student Poetry Contest
Job Opportunities: RWC Parks and Recreation Summer Jobs