Academic News
A new area of focus for our school and our district is being planned. While the California budget problems are more than likely to hit schools hard, we are moving ahead with plans to create exciting and interesting opportunities for students. I will share more information as it becomes available.
Students and teachers are back in the swing of things. Keep checking your student’s progress weekly by going online to see their grades as they are given for assignments, quizzes, and tests. The link can be found on this webpage and on our homepage.
After-school tutorial is back in session. The tutorial sessions start after school and run Monday through Thursday. Many 7th graders have recently signed up while others were enrolled to provide the extra help they needed. We now have a total of over 200 students enrolled after school to help them reach their academic goals. We are doing everything we can to help students succeed. Assistance is being offered in Math and Language Arts. A second set of buses come at 4pm to provide transportation to the same locations as the earlier buses.
Progress reports for the third quarter will be coming out later next week. We are planning to mail them out by the 4-day weekend scheduled for February 13-16, 2009. The third quarter will end with Spring Break on March 13, 2009.
CST Testing
CST’s will start in mid-April and be over by the first week of May. These assessments not only give students a chance to demonstrate what they have learned, the results are used by high school to help place students in the classes the need and are ready to attempt. Please help your child by encouraging good study habits and showing an interest by asking specific questions about their day such as “What was the hardest/or most interesting thing you did in school today?” Confidence and effort go a long way in helping students succeed. Again, keep checking the grading and attendance information provided online for your student. If you need help with your free ABI grading and attendance account, please call our front office at 788.0923.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Week of January 5, 2009
School Starts January 12, 2009
Happy New Year! I hope our all Sequoia family and friends had a fun-filled holiday full of visiting and rest. I’ve seen many of you around town and have heard some great stories about the holidays. I have also heard more than one parent ask when we would be starting up again…not that they do not want their students home for another week or two, but just wondering. Well, school starts back on Monday, January 12, 2009. I will be sending out a reminder telephone message on Friday before we come back. All students will need to pick up a class schedule before school starts next Monday. Even if the classes and teachers did not change, their may have been a change made in the period each class is taken to accommodate changes in the overall schedule. Zero period will not start up again until Tuesday, January 13, 2009. YES program will be open our first day back. If you want to get a preview of the message, a link is provided on the main page and on this page. Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
After School E.D.G.E. (Extended Day Growth & Enrichment)
After school academic assistance will begin the second week we are back on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Monday, January 19 is a holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our after school academic program will continue to help students meet their goals and prepare for the STAR test later in the Spring as well as make sure our students are on grade level as they enter next year. This is especially important for our eighth graders going into high school. As with the last sports season, all students on a team will devote the first 45 minutes of every practice starting and possibly completing their homework. This will keep our players eligible as well as drive home the point that students must strive to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. Our coaches are committed to seeing that students perform well in all areas of their lives. Please be supportive of our efforts to maintain a high level of student expectations for all students.
Happy New Year! I hope our all Sequoia family and friends had a fun-filled holiday full of visiting and rest. I’ve seen many of you around town and have heard some great stories about the holidays. I have also heard more than one parent ask when we would be starting up again…not that they do not want their students home for another week or two, but just wondering. Well, school starts back on Monday, January 12, 2009. I will be sending out a reminder telephone message on Friday before we come back. All students will need to pick up a class schedule before school starts next Monday. Even if the classes and teachers did not change, their may have been a change made in the period each class is taken to accommodate changes in the overall schedule. Zero period will not start up again until Tuesday, January 13, 2009. YES program will be open our first day back. If you want to get a preview of the message, a link is provided on the main page and on this page. Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
After School E.D.G.E. (Extended Day Growth & Enrichment)
After school academic assistance will begin the second week we are back on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Monday, January 19 is a holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our after school academic program will continue to help students meet their goals and prepare for the STAR test later in the Spring as well as make sure our students are on grade level as they enter next year. This is especially important for our eighth graders going into high school. As with the last sports season, all students on a team will devote the first 45 minutes of every practice starting and possibly completing their homework. This will keep our players eligible as well as drive home the point that students must strive to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. Our coaches are committed to seeing that students perform well in all areas of their lives. Please be supportive of our efforts to maintain a high level of student expectations for all students.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Week of December 15, 2008
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
As the end of the first semester comes to a close, and the Winter Holiday break approaches, it is a good time to stop and think about all we have to be thankful for. In challenging times such as these, we also need to think of those who are having even a harder time than we are. Many people are out of work, while others face uncertain times economically. If you get the chance to share some of your time, or even some of your limited resources, the long-lasting impression it will leave on others and yourself will have a permanent affect on how you view the world. Make joy and generosity a part of who you are.
We have accomplished many of our goals for the first half of this school year. In our math classes we have added response clickers to increase student engagement; the staff has completed making adjustments to the lesson pacing guides and benchmarks assessments; expanding our after school Algebra tutorial program for eighth graders; and in sports we have added JV basketball for both the girls and boys teams, as well as adding a golf team.
Next semester our goals include increasing proficiency rates in Language Arts; expanding our after school tutorial program to include seventh graders; begin meeting with students to provide individual academic goals; and fully implementing our new small engine repair class.
Attendance Matters!
Every day your child misses school is a day your child falls behind in achieving state standards. If your child is sick, then she/he should stay at home. However, if you are planning a vacation please do so during the designated time off for schools . . . every moment counts! Good attendance is one thing you can do to increase success in school. As part of our focus on good attendance I have challenged the other middle schools to an ATTENDANCE competition. The school with the least amount of absences each month will get to fly a PUSD School District banner on its flag pole for the following month. I hope you will join me in making our school ATTENDANCE CHAMPIONS.
In Closing…
As I end this message to you, I want to wish you all a wonderful and peaceful holiday season. I truly hope that you are able to find time to enjoy your family and friends and to do some of those special things that you have been postponing. While the holiday season can be very hectic, it can also be the time to try to stop for a moment and just spend time together. With my very best wishes....
As the end of the first semester comes to a close, and the Winter Holiday break approaches, it is a good time to stop and think about all we have to be thankful for. In challenging times such as these, we also need to think of those who are having even a harder time than we are. Many people are out of work, while others face uncertain times economically. If you get the chance to share some of your time, or even some of your limited resources, the long-lasting impression it will leave on others and yourself will have a permanent affect on how you view the world. Make joy and generosity a part of who you are.We have accomplished many of our goals for the first half of this school year. In our math classes we have added response clickers to increase student engagement; the staff has completed making adjustments to the lesson pacing guides and benchmarks assessments; expanding our after school Algebra tutorial program for eighth graders; and in sports we have added JV basketball for both the girls and boys teams, as well as adding a golf team.
Next semester our goals include increasing proficiency rates in Language Arts; expanding our after school tutorial program to include seventh graders; begin meeting with students to provide individual academic goals; and fully implementing our new small engine repair class.
Attendance Matters!
Every day your child misses school is a day your child falls behind in achieving state standards. If your child is sick, then she/he should stay at home. However, if you are planning a vacation please do so during the designated time off for schools . . . every moment counts! Good attendance is one thing you can do to increase success in school. As part of our focus on good attendance I have challenged the other middle schools to an ATTENDANCE competition. The school with the least amount of absences each month will get to fly a PUSD School District banner on its flag pole for the following month. I hope you will join me in making our school ATTENDANCE CHAMPIONS.
In Closing…
As I end this message to you, I want to wish you all a wonderful and peaceful holiday season. I truly hope that you are able to find time to enjoy your family and friends and to do some of those special things that you have been postponing. While the holiday season can be very hectic, it can also be the time to try to stop for a moment and just spend time together. With my very best wishes....
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Week of December 1, 2008
Semester Coming to a Close
We are now down to the last three weeks of the quarter/semester. Although the end of the semester closes with Winter Break at Christmas, report cards will not be mailed out until we return in January. With finals and entering grades in the computer, there is no way to get grades mailed before the Christmas holiday.
The after school intervention program is going well. Over 175 students, mostly eighth graders, are staying daily for help in Math and Language Arts. All sports students are required to work on homework forty-five minutes with their coaches before going out to practice. Before Christmads we will also be adding extra help in History.
The need to increase student proficiency has been hard work. Students are putting out the extra effort and parent flexibility has been real helpful. Thank you to both students and staff for making education a priority.
Vocational Education
As part of our educational opportunity to offer students build both academic and vocational skills, a new after school program has been added. This hands-on small engine class gives students a chance to build their knowledge and learn a skill. Students will learn how to rebuild small engines under the direction of a teacher and volunteer local business partners. This project-based learning experience will be expanding in the future to include other automotive applications.
We are now down to the last three weeks of the quarter/semester. Although the end of the semester closes with Winter Break at Christmas, report cards will not be mailed out until we return in January. With finals and entering grades in the computer, there is no way to get grades mailed before the Christmas holiday.
The after school intervention program is going well. Over 175 students, mostly eighth graders, are staying daily for help in Math and Language Arts. All sports students are required to work on homework forty-five minutes with their coaches before going out to practice. Before Christmads we will also be adding extra help in History.
The need to increase student proficiency has been hard work. Students are putting out the extra effort and parent flexibility has been real helpful. Thank you to both students and staff for making education a priority.
Vocational Education
As part of our educational opportunity to offer students build both academic and vocational skills, a new after school program has been added. This hands-on small engine class gives students a chance to build their knowledge and learn a skill. Students will learn how to rebuild small engines under the direction of a teacher and volunteer local business partners. This project-based learning experience will be expanding in the future to include other automotive applications.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Week of November 3, 2008
Helping Students Grow
Now that report cards are out and first quarter benchmark tests have been completed, it’s a good time to look at exactly what students have learned up to this point. Helping students grow academically is equally important with helping students mature emotionally and socially. I know students at school worry about what other kids think about them. But, spending too much time focusing on how they are going to fit in can be handled by teaching our students the value of a good education. Setting goals, getting organized, and keeping good habits also work in other areas of their lives, not just school work.
One way we are going to help students grow here at Sequoia is to provide learning opportunities starting November 10 that are fun and interesting as well as helpful. New after school programs will help students by creating confidence and success. While some students will be required to attend as part of their assistance plan by attending the homework center, others will want to join the program to learn a skill. The homework center will be for any student who did not complete their homework assignment. Not only does failing to do homework hurt students academically, but we’re finding out it is making their grades go down and making them ineligible for sports. We want students to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. For skills building, we have developed a vocational class for kids that enjoy building small engines. This is a great chance for students to work with their hands and a fun way to learn.
To make all this happen will require parent support. While I do not expect much complaining about helping students get their homework done or providing an auto shop class, flexibility is going to be a challenge. I have already thought of transportation and have arranged for buses to run at both the regular time and again at 4pm for students staying after school. But, I am sure there are other things I missed. That’s where I need your help. Anyone who sees a problem or has a concern that needs to be solved before getting this started should call me to help work out the kinks. Let’s work together to help students grow.
Now that report cards are out and first quarter benchmark tests have been completed, it’s a good time to look at exactly what students have learned up to this point. Helping students grow academically is equally important with helping students mature emotionally and socially. I know students at school worry about what other kids think about them. But, spending too much time focusing on how they are going to fit in can be handled by teaching our students the value of a good education. Setting goals, getting organized, and keeping good habits also work in other areas of their lives, not just school work.
One way we are going to help students grow here at Sequoia is to provide learning opportunities starting November 10 that are fun and interesting as well as helpful. New after school programs will help students by creating confidence and success. While some students will be required to attend as part of their assistance plan by attending the homework center, others will want to join the program to learn a skill. The homework center will be for any student who did not complete their homework assignment. Not only does failing to do homework hurt students academically, but we’re finding out it is making their grades go down and making them ineligible for sports. We want students to be successful both in the classroom and on the court/field. For skills building, we have developed a vocational class for kids that enjoy building small engines. This is a great chance for students to work with their hands and a fun way to learn.
To make all this happen will require parent support. While I do not expect much complaining about helping students get their homework done or providing an auto shop class, flexibility is going to be a challenge. I have already thought of transportation and have arranged for buses to run at both the regular time and again at 4pm for students staying after school. But, I am sure there are other things I missed. That’s where I need your help. Anyone who sees a problem or has a concern that needs to be solved before getting this started should call me to help work out the kinks. Let’s work together to help students grow.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Week of October 27, 2008
A Music Program to be Proud Of
I am quite proud of our orchestra and marching band, as well as all the students in our music programs. To sit and listen to the orchestra play their stringed instruments is very impressive. Their hard work leading up to the annual Autumn Serenade certainly paid off. Under the direction of Pam Aucutt, the students are demonstrating their love of music as well as ability. With more performances to come, I encourage you to attend one of their future performances.
The marching band performed their first field show of the year last Friday night in Rankin Stadium at Granite Hills during the MHS JV football game half-time break. The patriotic tribute to Veterans was fitting given Veterans Day is just ahead of us. The band presented itself with honor despite the certain feeling of nervousness inside. The company front, a very difficult line formation marching forward in unison while playing their song, was well done. The dedication of the students in band and color guard, under the direction of band director Jillian Calvao and Monica Guerrera advisor, is obvious. Mr. Adams, the MHS band director, visits the Sequoia campus once a week providing that added touch and incentive for our band members. Our next field show is November 7. Come out and join us.
NASA News
The NASA Lunar Family Night will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008. NASA representatives will be on hand for three days that week visiting classrooms, conducting lessons, and assisting with the family night. The astronomy evening is designed for family participation and exploration among the stars.
As part of our effort to provide all our students with interesting and challenging project-based, problem-solving courses, the NASA Explorer School program provides students with many opportunities for science exploration and experimentation. Schoolwide, there are four elective classes each semester for students. It was in one such class that a student micro-gravity project was created. The experiment has been selected by NASA to be conducted onboard a NASA test flight later this year. Take a look at your calendar and make every effort to attend the Lunar Family Night. It’s more than fun- it’s full of wonder.
I am quite proud of our orchestra and marching band, as well as all the students in our music programs. To sit and listen to the orchestra play their stringed instruments is very impressive. Their hard work leading up to the annual Autumn Serenade certainly paid off. Under the direction of Pam Aucutt, the students are demonstrating their love of music as well as ability. With more performances to come, I encourage you to attend one of their future performances.
The marching band performed their first field show of the year last Friday night in Rankin Stadium at Granite Hills during the MHS JV football game half-time break. The patriotic tribute to Veterans was fitting given Veterans Day is just ahead of us. The band presented itself with honor despite the certain feeling of nervousness inside. The company front, a very difficult line formation marching forward in unison while playing their song, was well done. The dedication of the students in band and color guard, under the direction of band director Jillian Calvao and Monica Guerrera advisor, is obvious. Mr. Adams, the MHS band director, visits the Sequoia campus once a week providing that added touch and incentive for our band members. Our next field show is November 7. Come out and join us.
NASA News
The NASA Lunar Family Night will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008. NASA representatives will be on hand for three days that week visiting classrooms, conducting lessons, and assisting with the family night. The astronomy evening is designed for family participation and exploration among the stars.
As part of our effort to provide all our students with interesting and challenging project-based, problem-solving courses, the NASA Explorer School program provides students with many opportunities for science exploration and experimentation. Schoolwide, there are four elective classes each semester for students. It was in one such class that a student micro-gravity project was created. The experiment has been selected by NASA to be conducted onboard a NASA test flight later this year. Take a look at your calendar and make every effort to attend the Lunar Family Night. It’s more than fun- it’s full of wonder.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Week of October 20, 2008
Beginning of the Second Quarter
This week marks the beginning of the second quarter. Teachers are posting grades for the first quarter report cards which will be mailed out early next week. The 8th graders have an advantage over the 7th graders. They already know how to juggle classes, meet with several different teachers each day, and what to expect. For 7th graders, it’s all brand new. New teachers, new schedules, staying organized, and not falling behind are huge changes for many incoming students. Though the change can be difficult, I believe it is worth the experience.
The middle school years are a great time of change anyway. The adjustments students make during these two years can create wonderful opportunities. I am proud of all our students. I am proud of their ability to adapt, form new friendships, strengthen old ones, try new clubs, go out for sports, and learn new ideas. Next week’s reports card grades will offer a look at how they are doing.
Sports
Let me hear a big Gi-normous YEAH! for our Hawk teams. The boys football team, led by Coach Daryl Lee, swept the Whitney League going undefeated and claiming the championship. Our young men worked hard, played as a team, and rolled over every team in the league. In volleyball, led by Coach Larry Haas, our team claimed a respectable third place. We played against some pretty tough teams who go on to be the same tough competition in high school. Our Lady Hawks know the game and looked as impressive as some high school teams. Way to go ladies! Our cross-country team, led by Coach Robert Steigleder, also captured third in league. Competing against as many as fifteen other schools during the regular season, our runners showed their strength and ability. We have proven Sequoia is now a major contender in sports. Congratulations to all our teams.
Tryouts/sign-up’s for girls basketball, boys soccer, and co-ed gold will be this week. Days and times will be announced at school.
Band
The Sequoia Middle School Marching Band will be performing their fieldshow during halftime at the MHS JV Homecoming football game this Friday night at Rankin Stadium up at Granite Hills High School. Our band is talented and has worked hard at putting this show together. Our students are led by Band Director Jillian Calvao. Come our and support the band. I'm sure you will like what you see and hear as well as get a glimpse at what high school life will look like. See you there!
This week marks the beginning of the second quarter. Teachers are posting grades for the first quarter report cards which will be mailed out early next week. The 8th graders have an advantage over the 7th graders. They already know how to juggle classes, meet with several different teachers each day, and what to expect. For 7th graders, it’s all brand new. New teachers, new schedules, staying organized, and not falling behind are huge changes for many incoming students. Though the change can be difficult, I believe it is worth the experience.
The middle school years are a great time of change anyway. The adjustments students make during these two years can create wonderful opportunities. I am proud of all our students. I am proud of their ability to adapt, form new friendships, strengthen old ones, try new clubs, go out for sports, and learn new ideas. Next week’s reports card grades will offer a look at how they are doing.
Sports
Let me hear a big Gi-normous YEAH! for our Hawk teams. The boys football team, led by Coach Daryl Lee, swept the Whitney League going undefeated and claiming the championship. Our young men worked hard, played as a team, and rolled over every team in the league. In volleyball, led by Coach Larry Haas, our team claimed a respectable third place. We played against some pretty tough teams who go on to be the same tough competition in high school. Our Lady Hawks know the game and looked as impressive as some high school teams. Way to go ladies! Our cross-country team, led by Coach Robert Steigleder, also captured third in league. Competing against as many as fifteen other schools during the regular season, our runners showed their strength and ability. We have proven Sequoia is now a major contender in sports. Congratulations to all our teams.
Tryouts/sign-up’s for girls basketball, boys soccer, and co-ed gold will be this week. Days and times will be announced at school.
Band
The Sequoia Middle School Marching Band will be performing their fieldshow during halftime at the MHS JV Homecoming football game this Friday night at Rankin Stadium up at Granite Hills High School. Our band is talented and has worked hard at putting this show together. Our students are led by Band Director Jillian Calvao. Come our and support the band. I'm sure you will like what you see and hear as well as get a glimpse at what high school life will look like. See you there!
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