Sequoia College & Career Newsletter

Week of November 14-20, 2021

Welcome Students & Families

Scroll through for important information regarding College/Career

For general questions and inquiries please email tignaitis@seq.org

At this time, student appointments will be for seniors only. If you have a question, please come into the College and Career Center and ask in person or email.

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Important Dates/Deadlines & Upcoming Events

Scroll through for more detailed information!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Nov 17- Healthy Cities Tutoring Training and Orientation

Did you Miss the Junior, Sophomore or Freshman Presentation?

Meetings were recorded and posted on the College & Career Center webpage (Evening Presentation Resources) Note - the 10th grade meeting has two recordings for both English and Spanish

Sequoia High School College Visits

In Naviance go to the College tab and then click on 'College Visits' for a complete list of visits and to register!

Upcoming Sequoia High School College Visits

If you need help signing up for a college visit, come by College/Career Center or watch How To Video - Sign Up for a College Visit at Sequoia

VIRTUAL COLLEGE EVENTS

Other College Events

Coalition Application College Panels

Through- Nov 16

The Coalition will host a series of events this fall, including our largest virtual fair We're excited our panel discussions will be hosted concurrently in Spanish, including sessions on completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile, as well as on getting an early start on college planning and attending college as a first-generation student.

Drexel University Application Workshop Series

Exploring Your Academic Interests - Nov 17

Drexel is offering monthly series of online events designed to help guide students, families, and counselors through important steps of the college application process

To register and get more information go to their website

IB Exam Fee Information from Ms McCahon

IB exam fees are now listed in Infinite Campus (IC) under the fees tab. Payments are due by November 15th. There are three ways to pay:

1) Pay by cash. Bring cash to the IB Office in room #130. Leave with a receipt.

2) Pay by check made out to Sequoia High School. Please put your student's name and IB exams in the memo line. Bring the check to the IB Office in room #130 OR mail to:

Sequoia High School

Attention: IB Office Magda Galvan

1201 Brewster Avenue

RWC, CA 94062

3) Pay by credit card on IC. Click on the fees tab and then click on IB exam fees. IC will charge a $3 credit card processing fee.

If you need to set up a payment plan to spread out the payments please contact Lisa McCahon at lmccahon@seq.org. Also, if you think you would qualify for the Federal Program Funding through the Alternative Income Form, please complete that form now at seq.org/incomeform to qualify for an IB exam scholarship. See the IB Office for questions.

College Search - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION from O List

Most users think of college in terms of :

Close to home and family
Far away from home

While there are other factors such as major, strength of program, ranking of the college, cost that contribute to the choice of college, location is often a primary filter for every one.

Why is location important:

Location is very critical, as it impacts cost of college, emotional health, personal comfort, the ability to reach the student within a short time frame, etc .

How does location impact cost:

In state tuition is less than out of state tuition or tuition at a private school in absence of any financial aid. So a college tuition in your state would be less expensive than an out of state public or private college. However, cost of college is more than tuition. It includes room and board. transportation. In California, room and board can be expensive, and more so in college areas with housing shortage. That could completely tilt the cost equation especially if the student is receiving merit aid at a different college. While transportation is not included in the cost of attendance, it can add up if the student has to take a flight and then a bus or train. There are no perfect answers here, just a lot of food for thought.

So how should you approach building your college lists? Here are our strategies for you:

Strategy 1: you would like to stay close to home and very sure about the size or the type of college.

Search #1: Search all states and get a super set of colleges across the entire country for the size and type of college that you prefer.
Search #2: Search your home state with the same criteria.
Search #3: Expand into the neighboring states with the same criteria.

This allows you to get recommendations for colleges close to home and maybe some wild card possibilities outside of your zone. College search is also about discovery of something completely new and different. It may also be that a place away from your home state may have a better financial aid package that you might wish to consider. With this strategy you have 3 different lists with many college options to choose from to build your final college list.

Strategy 2: you are very sure that you want to stay close to home and open to different sizes and types of college.

Search #1: Search your home state for the size or type of college you would prefer.
Search #2: Search in your home state for different sizes of colleges. Be mindful of the size of college as most students cannot be happy at both a very large or a very small college.
Search #3: Expand into the neighboring states for the different sizes and types of college (the location is accessible by regular flights…if that works for you)

The key here is flexibility in the size or the type of college and looking at both public and private colleges. Sometimes private colleges (some) may offer you more financial aid, which can help mitigate the sticker shock.

Strategy 3: you want to go (far) away from home.

Search #1: Search your preferred states for sizes and types of college. Have a broad selection. Be mindful of the size of college as most students cannot be happy at both a very large or a very small college, so don't let your desire to go far away completely overtake the size of college filter.
Search #2: Search with various combinations of states, size and locale: you should have multiple such searches.

Discovery beyond just the well known names is key here. As well as selecting the type of colleges that would work for you. Being far away from home and going to a college that does not fully appeal to your personality, interests or finances can make it a bit hard. So, if you prefer big universities, then choose super large-medium colleges as your criteria. If you prefer smaller colleges, then select very small-medium. Play around, do a few searches and see what is going to for you

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Financial Aid Dictionary From University of Notre Dame

Below, we define some terms frequently used by colleges and universities.

Cost of Attendance

Our estimate of each year’s total college costs includes tuition and fees, room and meals, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. View Notre Dame's Cost of Attendance.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The total amount students and their families are expected to pay toward college costs from their income and assets for one academic year is the Expected Family Contribution. This amount is calculated on an individual basis using information reported on the financia aid applications. This information includes the size of your family, number attending college, income and assets, and other personal circumstances. More on Expected Family Contribution at Notre Dame

Demonstrated Need

This is the Cost of Attendance for Notre Dame minus your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Notre Dame is one of less than 60 schools in the nation that meet 100 percent of a family’s financial need primarily with grant assistance, but also through modest self-help which may include student loans and student employment.

Financial Aid

Money given, loaned, or made available to help cover college costs. Financial aid can come in the form of gift (scholarships and grants) and self-help (loan and work). At Notre Dame, 69 percent of undergraduates who apply received some type of aid in the forms of institutional and private grants/scholarships, loans, and/or student employment.

Merit-based Financial Aid

Money offered to students who show exceptional accomplishment, leadership, commitment to service, and intellectual ability. Notre Dame offers a limited number of merit scholarships to first-time incoming students.

Need-based Financial Aid

Money offered to students whose families need assistance with the full cost of paying for college. Notre Dame offers need-based scholarships, loans, and work to meet your need.

Need-blind Admission

Students are admitted to Notre Dame on the basis of their academic and personal records of achievement; a student’s ability to pay is never considered when making an admission decision.

Net Price

The amount that the family pays for one year of college. This is calculated by subtracting the total amount of grants and scholarships from the Cost of Attendance.

How to Prepare for a Career in Nursing in High School from NurseJournal

You can prepare for a nursing career as a high school student by exploring the coursework needed for a prospective program, along with other requirements. Outside of taking high school classes for nursing, you can gain experience by volunteering with healthcare facilities. Helping at local hospitals or assisted living facilities can prepare aspiring nurses through practical experience.

Researching nursing schools while in high school also allows you to identify the programs that best align with your professional and personal goals. Consider National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates, GPA requirements, and preferred courses in your research.

1. Take the Right Classes

Because nursing relies heavily on math and science skills, you may wonder about which classes to take in high school for nursing. Try to take as many advanced courses as possible in these subjects to meet college requirements while still in high school and gain familiarity with the field. This list of prerequisites offers some required courses.

2. Volunteer

Spending a couple of hours each weekend at a hospital, assisted living facility, or another healthcare setting can help you learn more about the profession and whether it aligns with your ambitions. Volunteer work hours can also bolster college applications.

3. Interview a School Nurse

Most students have easy access to these professionals during the school day and can ask about their experiences. School nurses can share advice and offer tips on how to avoid common mistakes in nursing education.

4. Become a HOSA-Future Health Professionals Member

HOSA-Future Health Professionals, formerly Health Occupations Students of America, provides an opportunity for future health leaders, including nurses, to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.

5. Research Degree Types

With nursing degrees available at nearly every level, you will need to find the right degree that best serves your needs. If you are unsure about a lifelong nursing career, you can pursue licensed practical nurse qualifications or associate degrees in nursing. If you feel confident in your decision, you can apply directly to bachelor of science in nursing programs.

6. Learn About Waiting Lists

Some nursing programs, particularly those at community colleges and vocational schools, may have waiting lists — even for learners who meet all admission requirements. Ask prospective schools about their acceptance rates and when enrollees can start the program.

7. Check Out NCLEX Pass Rates

Know what to look for in a nursing program. NCLEX pass rates offer one of the best and easiest ways to determine whether a nurse training program prepares students for the rigors of the working world. Avoid schools with low pass rates, as this may indicate that learners did not gain the skills needed to meet basic competency requirements.

8. Learn Basic Life Support/First Aid

First aid and basic life support skills, which include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, come in handy for many professionals, including students who want to become nurses. Weekend training courses can help you become familiar with basic skills and help boost college applications.

9. Research Nursing Entrance Exams

Some nursing programs and schools require a nursing entrance exam on basic healthcare and nursing knowledge, including critical thinking, mathematics, reading comprehension, and natural sciences. A nursing program's curriculum and type of degree determine their required entrance exam.

10. Stay Up to Date

Reading publications such as the American Journal of Nursing or Science Daily can help you stay aware of current trends and issues in nursing. Following these publications also provides insight into common challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Read through for different opportunities including summer programs, conferences and community service.

Healthy Cities Tutoring: TUTOR ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

Nov 17th

On Zoom at 7-8:30pm RSVP For Tutor Orientation and Training

We are looking forward to training and answering your questions about tutoring with HCT! You only need to attend one session. If you have not tutored with us, each session will cover everything you need to know to get started with a student!

35 minutes New Tutor Orientation followed by training in Math, English and Writing.

We can't wait to get started! See you at 10am on Wednesday in person at the San Carlos Library or on Zoom at 7pm, 11/17/2021.

For more information about Healthy Cities Volunteer Opportunities and to RSVP: Visit

Learn How to Podcast

PAL Podcast Program Fall 2021

Redwood City PAL is hosting an in person podcasting program every Thursday.

In this program students will learn not only how to create a podcast, but how to market, network, story tell and more. They will also get to meet and work with already established podcasters to gain important incite into the field.

Day and time: Every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: PAL Building 3399 Bay Rd, Redwood City CA, 94063

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/palpod21

Contact for More Information: ricardo@redwoodcitypal.org or call/text us at (650) 503-9107

PROJECT READ TEEN Tutor Volunteer Opportunity for 10-12th Graders

From Project Read's Cassandra Levy

Students can reach out to me directly for upcoming training opportunities (email). Volunteers must be in 10th grade or higher, attend tutor training, one-on-one tutoring only, and online and in-person tutoring is available.

Thanks so much for your support!

Cassandra Levy

she/her

Project READ - Redwood City

clevy@redwoodcity.org

650-780-7077 office

650-474-9369 cell

Youth Advisory Board and Peer Mediators

Want to get involved and make a difference at Sequoia?

Youth Advisory Board and Peer Mediators are both clubs on campus that work on supporting students and elevating their voices! YAB works towards identifying issues that impact students at Sequoia. Peer Mediators trains students to help others with conflicts. If interested in either of these clubs please reach out to Alicia Siese, alicia.siese@star-vista.org or come by the Teen Resource Center for an application.

Click here for both website links for YAB and Peer Mediators that include links for the application and more information about each group.

Star Vista Teen Volunteer (Must be 16 or older)

Volunteering with StarVista is an excellent opportunity to learn more about yourself and receive valuable training while making an important contribution to your Community

For more information

StarVista has helped people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges. Our counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, and early childhood programs help tens of thousands of people in our community each year.

Habitat for Humanity Group or Individual Ongoing Opportunities

We have a number of opportunities for volunteering with construction and community gardens, and we have Covid safety measures in place.

For More Information

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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.” Click here for more information

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EPATT (East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring)

EPATT is 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.

EPATT is currently offering its programming through dynamic and engaging online classes and tutoring. Visit myepatt.org to check-out our offerings.

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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.

Scholarships and Contests

Updated scholarship list with May deadlines is available on the College and Career page under the Scholarships tab on the school website for all grades

International Bipolar Foundation High School Essay Contest

Due Nov 30th

We All Have Mental Health… How Can Students’ Mental Health Be Supported Virtually and In-Person?

Connect with your peers virtually to understand what is needed to support their mental health during this time. Create a virtual mental health campaign or program, including how you would implement it, by working with your school staff such as, principal, counseling office, and teacher(s). IBPF’s High School Essay Contest

Eligibility

Must be a current high school student in 9th to 12th grade.
Must provide your high school teacher or counselors information for verification.

Essays should be between 500 and 1,000 words but will not be penalized for surpassing the word count if the content is deemed an essential part of the student’s message.

Submissions are now open, and the deadline to submit will be November 30th!

Please send submission to mburgess@ibpf.org, with the subject line – 2021 Teen Changemakers Essay Contest Submission.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Yard Work Close to Sequoia High School

$22 per hour,minimum two hours per week. Please text your contact info to Mr.Paul at 650-218-5577

Downtown RWC Job Opportunity: SF Gelateria

SF Gelateria is a gelato shop in downtown Redwood city, minutes walk from Sequoia High School. We have shop attendant positions for ages 16+ for students who love gelato and serving joy to our customers. Shifts are opening or closing shift, 5 hours each. 12pm-9:30pm Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 12pm-10:30pm Friday and Saturdays. Apply by sending resume to ciao@sfgelateria.com.

Mathnasium of Redwood City, a Math-Only Learning Center

Looking for high school students with exceptional math skills through Algebra I and Geometry to join our team! We offer competitively paid part-time jobs at Sequoia Station with flexible scheduling and ongoing training opportunities. Our starting salaries are $15.50 - $19.00, depending on what level of math the instructors can teach.

Join us for the opportunity to make a REAL difference in a child’s life by passing on a love for math! If interested, please apply online at www.mathnasium.com/redwoodcity/employment

Crate & Barrel is Busy and Looking for Workers!

Crate & Barrel at Stanford Shopping Center is currently building their team. Sales ~ Stockroom ~ Merchandising ~ Customer Service

Flexible hours. Day shifts & Evening shifts. Weekend availability is important.

Please fill out an application online.

Location: Palo Alto

Put my name down as a referral. (John Durkin)

Please fill out the online application. 16 years old with a work permit is the minimum age.

It’s a fun place to work. If hired, you enjoy a nice 30% off employee discount.

Please ask if you have any questions. Please send an email to johnfdurkin@yahoo.com for more details.

Chick-fil-A in Redwood City

Has open interviews every Monday from 2-5.

Apply at www.cfaredwoodcity.com

FAQs/How To Videos

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How To Videos for students now on our website!

Students: visit the website for a number of How-To videos that Sequoia Counselors made for help with common application, scholarships and much more!

REMINDERS From Previous Weekly Newsletters

Click below for past newsletters