May 28, 2:00 pm – An update from Principal Burbank about returning textbooks and technology.
How will school open in the fall? I’ve shared that a district-wide task force with 15 WHS stakeholders will make recommendations to the board on Wed. June 10. As part of that recommendation process, please complete this survey, so your parent input about safety concerns for the fall and about the quality of this spring’s at-home learning is quantified and specific to Woodside. English survey click here – ENGLISH Spanish survey click here – SPANISH
Art BOOM! Click here for a ten-minute student art fix with accompanying student music edited by students. Enjoy! Art Boom May 2020
AP test retake calendar for WHS students – click to see date/time – WHS AP test retake calendar
Soon-to-be-grads – WATCH WHS Staff LOVES You! and JOIN http://www.woodsidealumni.org
Soon-to-be-seniors – Resources for you from WHS College and Career Center – College resources for WHS juniors
Campus closed for the rest of this week. Next week, open Mon, Tue, and Wed for textbook and technology check-in in the student parking lot. Seniors, return everything. Other students, keep your technology and return everything else. Details for timing and how-to on website: Text and Tech Check-in
Pass or No Pass – FINISH STRONG! Students submit culminating assessments by period by 11:59 pm on the following dates: period 0 and 1 on Tue, May 26 period 2 and 3 on Wed, May 27 period 4 and 5 on TODAY period 6 and 7 on TOMORROW – student last day of school Virtual streamed graduation on Fri, June 5, at 10 am followed by drive by diploma pickup parade (officially county-approved now!) entering and exiting at the Churchill entrance. Per county rules for our diploma pick up: no convertibles or motorcycles or bicycles, no getting out of the car, every driver and passenger inside the car must wear a face covering. Sheriffs will monitor adherence and CHP will maintain traffic flow at the stop light. Timing to make diploma pickup safe for staff and families by student last name on Fri, June 5: A – F 12 noon G – M 12:30 pm N – Z 1:00 pm
Stay home and stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
¿Cómo abrirá la escuela en el otoño? He compartido que un grupo de trabajo de todo el distrito con 15 partes interesadas de WHS hará recomendaciones a la junta el miércoles. 10 de junio. Como parte de ese proceso de recomendación, por favor complete esta encuesta , por lo que su opinión de los padres sobre las preocupaciones de seguridad para el otoño y sobre la calidad del aprendizaje en el hogar de esta primavera se cuantifica y es específica para Woodside.
Inglés encuesta haga clic aquí – INGLÉS
Español encuesta haga clic aquí – ESPAÑOL
Art BOOM! Haga clic aquí por diez minutos arte estudiantil arreglar con acompañamiento musica estudiantil editado por estudiantes . ¡Disfrutar! https://youtu.be/v9ppx1ynI3Q
Calendario de repetición de exámenes AP para estudiantes de WHS – haga clic para ver la fecha / hora – Calendario de retoma de prueba de WHS AP
Pronto-a-graduados – RELOJ ¡El personal de WHS TE AMA! y UNIRSE http: // www. woodsidealumni.org
Pronto-a-ser-mayores – Recursos para usted de WHS College and Career Center
Campus cerrado por el resto de esta semana. La próxima semana, abre lunes, martes y miércoles por textbook y check-in tecnológico en el estacionamiento de estudiantes Personas mayores, devuélvenlo todo. Otros estudiantes, conserven su tecnología y devuelvan todo lo demás. Detalles de sincronización y procedimientos en el sitio web: Registro de texto y tecnología
Pase o no pase – ¡TERMINE FUERTE! Los estudiantes envían evaluaciones finales por período antes de las 11:59 p.m. en las siguientes fechas :
período 0 y 1 el martes 26 de mayo
períodos 2 y 3 el miércoles 27 de mayo
Período 4 y 5 en HOY
Período 6 y 7 en MAÑANA – estudiante último día de clases
Graduación virtual transmitida el viernes 5 de junio a las 10 a.m. seguido de Conducir por Desfile de recogida de diplomas (¡oficialmente aprobado por el condado ahora!) entrando y saliendo por la entrada de Churchill. De acuerdo con las reglas del condado para la obtención de nuestro diploma: no hay descapotables, motocicletas o bicicletas, no se puede salir del automóvil, cada conductor y pasajero dentro del automóvil debe usar una cubierta para la cara. Los alguaciles supervisarán el cumplimiento y CHP mantendrá el flujo de tráfico en el semáforo. Momento para hacer que la recogida del diploma sea segura para el personal y las familias por apellido del estudiante el viernes 5 de junio:
A – F 12 del mediodía G – M 12:30 pm N – Z 1:00 pm
¡Quédate en casa y mantente a salvo, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
May 20, 4:01 pm – An update from Principal Burbank about drive-by diploma pickup and finals.
Virtual streamed graduation on Fri, June 5, at 10 am followed by drive by diploma pickup parade entering and exiting at the Churchill entrance. As your household car (one graduate per car/ one car per family) enters the student parking lot, staff will direct you to your pickup line for envelope delivery of your diploma cover, diploma, CSF tassels, Academy stoles, etc. All in one envelope! Teachers (socially distanced and face masked) have been invited to line the sidewalk around the bus circle and Bradley Field as you exit. Per county rules for our diploma pick up: no convertibles or motorcycles or bicycles, no getting out of the car, every driver and passenger inside the car must wear a face covering. Sheriffs will monitor adherence and CHP will maintain traffic flow at the stop light. The parade is just onto campus, through the student lot for pickup, around the bus circle, and exit Churchill Ave back out onto Woodside Road. Timing to make diploma pickup safe for staff and families by student last name: A – F 12 noon G – M 12:30 pm N – Z 1:00 pm While it’s not walking across the stage on Bradley Field and shaking hands, the bus circle will be lined with staff waving their good wishes to you as you graduate WHS!
This week is study week followed by culminating assessment week with submission dates below. Students submit culminating assessments by period by 11:59 pm on the following dates: period 0 and 1 on Tue May 26 period 2 and 3 on Wed May 27 period 4 and 5 on Thur May 28 period 6 and 7 on Fri May 29 – students last day of school
Campus is open next Mon and Wed 10 am – 1 pm for tech help, cap/gown/yard sign pick up in the main admin lobby. Wear your mask to campus!
Textbook drop off for everyone and tech check-in for seniors only will take place the week of June 1 – 5. Stay tuned for details.
Stay home and stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
Graduación virtual transmitida el viernes 5 de junio a las 10 a.m. seguido de Conducir por Desfile de recogida de diplomas entrando y saliendo en la entrada de Churchill. Como su automóvil doméstico ( un graduado por auto / un auto por familia ) ingresa al estacionamiento de estudiantes, el personal lo dirigirá a su línea de recogida para la entrega de sobres de su cubierta de diploma, diploma, borlas de CSF, estolas de la Academia, etc. ¡Todo en un sobre! Los maestros (socialmente distanciados y enmascarados) han sido invitados a alinear la acera alrededor del círculo de autobuses y Bradley Field al salir. De acuerdo con las reglas del condado para la obtención de nuestro diploma: no se pueden convertir descapotables, motocicletas o bicicletas, no salir del automóvil, cada conductor y pasajero dentro del automóvil debe usar una cubierta para la cara. Los alguaciles supervisarán el cumplimiento y CHP mantendrá el flujo de tráfico en el semáforo. El desfile es justo en el campus, a través del lote de estudiantes para ser recogido, alrededor del círculo de autobuses, y salir de Churchill Ave de regreso a Woodside Road. Momento para hacer que la recogida del diploma sea segura para el personal y las familias por apellido del estudiante:
A – F 12 del mediodía
G – M 12:30 pm
N – Z 1:00 pm
Si bien no es caminar por el escenario en Bradley Field y estrecharle la mano, el círculo del autobús estará lleno de empleados que le saludarán a medida que se gradúe de WHS.
Esta semana es la semana de estudio seguida de la semana de evaluación final con las fechas de presentación a continuación. Los estudiantes envían evaluaciones finales por período antes de las 11:59 p.m. en las siguientes fechas:
periodo 0 y 1 el martes 26 de mayo
períodos 2 y 3 el miércoles 27 de mayo
períodos 4 y 5 el jueves 28 de mayo
períodos 6 y 7 el viernes 29 de mayo – estudiantes último día de clases
El campus está abierto los próximos lunes y miércoles de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. para obtener ayuda técnica, recoja el cartel de toga / birrete / patio en el lobby principal de administración. ¡Usa tu máscara al campus!
Entrega de libros de texto para todos y registro de tecnología solo para personas mayores tendrá lugar la semana del 1 al 5 de junio. Estén atentos para más detalles.
¡Quédate en casa y mantente a salvo, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
May 18, 3:16 pm – An update from Principal Burbank about AP testing along with general end of year reminders.
WHS Families, I will continue to communicate just once daily during these different and difficult times as we implement at-home learning. These daily emails arrive in the afternoon because I can provide clearer communication about evolving parameters at the end of the day. Keep reading, please, the newest info is at the top.
AP testing week #2 is allowing students a back-up to submitting their work if the upload fails; WHS students had very few glitches and can retake the exam in June if the upload failed during week #1. However, students now have the option of emailing their completed test to College Board (but not World Language tests today). Campus is open this Wed 10 am – 1 pm for tech help, cap/gown/yard sign pick up in the main admin lobby. Wear your mask to campus!
I’ve been inspired by the weekly Some Good News on YouTube, an at-home “network” for these COVID-19 times, by actor John Krasinski. I’m sharing just four examples of Wildcats reaching out to make a difference in SGN-fashion.
Senior Daniel Longo built a website (with user feedback from his AP Spanish teacher) to help with AP test peaking prep from home. The website takes AP prompts for both speaking tasks, plays audio, records students & allows students to download their recordings to submit to teachers. Daniel’s site was recognized as one of the Top 5 AP resources of 2020! https://hablame.org/ https://parlefrancais.org/
Junior Trevor Chandik is collecting new children’s activity books, coloring books, and crayons, as well as new and gently used children’s reading books for ages 2-10 at 195 Hillside Ave (the intersection of Camino A Los Cerros and Hillside). Place the books in the bin in front of the house through Tue, May 26. Trevor will deliver them all to the Ecumenical Hunger Program,who will distribute them to neighbors in need.
Sophomore Elise Hadidi created a team of mask makers called “Wildcat Masks” registered on the Center for Disease Control Foundation website: https://give4cdcf.org/cdcf2020/84013. You can get involved by making masks for Elise to collect and donate and contribute through CDC to COVID-19 relief. Want to join her mask making team? Contact Elise at [email protected].
¡Arriba! is a student-created website by students Keya Gupta, Colby Peck, Hali Newman, and Isabelle Cobb to offer online live tutoring hours, and conversation buddies to fellow students learning English. Teachers in the Spanish and English Language Development department have hosted live in-person conversations on campus before at-home learning and these students took it virtual.
WHS Families, Continuaré comunicándome solo una vez al día durante estos tiempos diferentes y difíciles a medida que implementamos el aprendizaje en el hogar. Estos correos electrónicos diarios llegan por la tarde porque puedo proporcionar una comunicación más clara sobre la evolución de los parámetros al final del día. Sigue leyendo, por favor la información más reciente está en la parte superior .
Semana de exámenes AP # 2 está permitiendo a los estudiantes una copia de seguridad para enviar su trabajo si falla la carga; Los estudiantes de WHS tuvieron muy pocos problemas técnicos y pueden volver a tomar el examen en junio si la carga falló durante la semana # 1. Sin embargo, los estudiantes ahora tienen la opción de enviar por correo electrónico su examen completado a College Board (pero no los exámenes de idiomas mundiales de hoy).
El campus está abierto este miércoles de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. para obtener ayuda técnica, recoja el cartel de toga / birrete / patio en el lobby principal de administración. ¡Usa tu máscara al campus!
Me inspiró el semanario Some Good News en YouTube, una “red” en el hogar para estas veces COVID-19, del actor John Krasinski. Estoy compartiendo solo cuatro ejemplos de Wildcats que intentan marcar la diferencia en SGN-fashion.
Senior Daniel Longo construyó un sitio web (con comentarios de los usuarios de su maestro de español AP) para ayudar con Preparación para el pico de prueba AP desde casa . El sitio web toma indicaciones AP para ambas tareas de habla, reproduce audio, graba estudiantes y permite que los estudiantes descarguen sus grabaciones para enviarlas a los maestros. ¡El sitio de Daniel fue reconocido como uno de los 5 mejores recursos AP de 2020!
https://hablame.org/
https://parlefrancais.org/
Junior Trevor Chandik es c seleccionando n Nuevos libros de actividades para niños, libros para colorear y crayones, así como libros de lectura para niños nuevos y usados para edades de 2 a 10 a 195 Hillside Ave (la intersección de Camino A Los Cerros y Hillside ) Coloque los libros en la papelera frente a la casa hasta el martes 26 de mayo. Trevor los entregará todos al Programa Ecuménico del Hambre, que los distribuirá a los vecinos necesitados.
La estudiante de segundo año Elise Hadidi creó un equipo de fabricantes de máscaras llamadas “Máscaras salvajes” registradas en el sitio web de la Fundación Centro para el Control de Enfermedades h. ttps: //give4cdcf.org/ cdcf2020 / 84013 . Puedes involucrarte haciendo máscaras para que Elise recolecte y done y contribuir a través de los CDC al alivio de COVID-19. ¿Quieres unirte a su equipo de fabricación de máscaras? Póngase en contacto con Elise en [email protected].
¡Arriba! es un estudiante creado sitio web por estudiantes Keya Gupta, Colby Peck, Hali Newman e Isabelle Cobb para ofrecer horas de tutoría en vivo en línea y compañeros de conversación a otros estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés. Los maestros en el departamento de desarrollo del idioma español e inglés han organizado conversaciones en vivo en persona en el campus antes del aprendizaje en el hogar y estos estudiantes lo tomaron en forma virtual.
May 12, 3:16 pm – An update from Principal Burbank about graduation and end of year preparations. The final day of school is now Friday, May 29.
The End on Friday, May 29. Now is the time to put it in gear, step it up, finish strong to earn that Pass. One week of instruction, one study week, and one culminating assessment week. You can do this! Athletes, we are proposing that to be eligible to try out for a fall sport, you must pass four courses and be on track for graduation.
Cap/gown/tassel- Pick up Wed 10 am – 1 pm in the main lobby. Your photo in cap and gown must be uploaded by this Thur to be included in the virtual grad. Check out the Senior Information page on the WHS website. Yard signs for Senior Class of 2020 distribution this Wed, 12:30 – 1:30 pm and this Fri, 5 – 6 pm in the Churchill AVenue entrance bus circle. Thanks to PTSA. End of year calendar and culminating assessments link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y79iTHmt4OWdlO29-hpDFq24vfDLv75zpsxZv_HxwYQ/edit Stay home and stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
The End el viernes 29 de mayo. Ahora es el momento de ponerlo en marcha, intensificar, terminar fuerte para ganar ese Pase. Una semana de instrucción, una semana de estudio y una semana de evaluación culminante. ¡Puedes hacerlo!
Atletas , proponemos que para ser elegible para practicar un deporte de otoño, debe aprobar cuatro cursos y estar en camino para la graduación.
Gorra / bata / borla- Recoja los miércoles de 10 a. M. A 1 p. M. En el vestíbulo principal. Su foto en toga y birrete debe ser cargada por este jueves para ser incluida en el graduado virtual. Revisar la Información sénior página en el sitio web de WHS.
Carteles publicitarios para Senior Class of 2020 distribución este miércoles, 12:30 – 1:30 pm y este viernes, 5 – 6 pm en el círculo de autobuses de entrada de Churchill AVenue. Gracias a PTSA.
Calendario de fin de año y enlace de evaluaciones culminantes: https://docs.google. com / document / d / 1y79iTHmt4OWdlO29- hpDFq24vfDLv75zpsxZv_HxwYQ / editar
¡Quédate en casa y mantente a salvo, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
April 16, 5:01 pm – An update from Principal Burbank about the transition to a Pass/No Pass system for the remainder of 2020’s spring semester.
Wildcat Families, I will continue to send these daily afternoon emails because you can refer back to written info and because the evolving parameters demand daily communication in addition to info saved up over time for the Communicat or weekly PTSA email. Keep reading, please, as the newest info is at the top.
Last night, after nearly four hours of community input and school board deliberation, the school board voted to support the staff recommendation to move to a Pass/No Pass grading system for the Spring semester of 2020. You received the superintendent’s detailed message earlier today in a separate school messenger email. You can expect more information from me in the coming days.
Grading FAQ sheet from the district:
https://docs.google.com/
Advice from a college admissions officer to students who are disappointed by not earning a traditional letter grade: http://pwp.gatech.edu/
Stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
Wildcat Families, Continuaré enviando estos correos electrónicos diarios por la tarde porque puedes consultar la información escrita y porque la evolución de p los parámetros exigen comunicación diaria además de la información guardada con el tiempo para Comunicar o correo electrónico semanal de PTSA. Sigue leyendo, por favor, como la información más reciente está en la parte superior .
Anoche, después de casi cuatro horas de aportes de la comunidad y deliberación de la junta escolar, La junta escolar votó para apoyar la recomendación del personal de pasar a un sistema de calificación de Pase / No Pase para el semestre de primavera de 2020. Recibió el mensaje detallado del superintendente hoy temprano en un correo electrónico de mensajería escolar por separado. Puede esperar más información de mí en los próximos días.
Hoja de preguntas frecuentes de calificación del distrito:
Asesoramiento de un oficial de admisiones universitarias a estudiantes que están decepcionados por no ganarse una tradición grado de letra al: http://pwp.gatech.edu/ adm
¡Mantente a salvo, gatos monteses! -Principal Burbank
April 15, 10:20 pm – The Board of Trustees voted 5-2 (including Student Trustee votes) and 3-2 (excluding Student Trustee votes) in favor of a pass/no pass grading system (as opposed to a hold harmless/grading floor system). Trustees Georgia Jack, Chris Thomsen, and Alan Sarver, alongside Student Trustees Andres Raddavero and Kylie Wong, supported pass/no pass. Trustee Carrie Du Bois and Board President Allen Weiner voted in favor of hold harmless.
“The approach that the board will vote for tonight is not my preferred outcome, but I want to stress that even though this is not my preferred outcome, it is not the wrong outcome,” Weiner stated. “There are principled, legitimate reasons to support it even though it has obvious costs and downsides.”
April 15, 9:45 pm – Superintendent Mary Streshly recommended that the Board of Trustees consider two options: a pass/no pass grading model or a hold harmless/grading floor model. The pass/no pass model would give passing students credit for a course, but the outcome—pass or not—would not factor into final GPA. The hold harmless/grading floor model would prevent student grades from dropping below what they were prior to March 13 (or third quarter grades) while giving students the opportunity to continue raising their grade.
After closing public comment, board members began voicing their opinions. Notably, Streshly and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Bonnie Hansen supported a pass/no pass model. A number of Board Trustees, including Chris Thomsen, agreed.
“I would definitely vote for an initiative that holds all our students harmless, but… I firmly believe that hold harmless does not actually hold everyone harmless,” Thomsen argued, reasoning that students without access to technology would not have the opportunity to raise their grade.
Meanwhile, other Board Trustees were in favor of a hold harmless model.
“For me, equity is not one size fits all,” stated Trustee Carrie Du Bois. “There are kids that need more, and the kids that need more need to get more, not the same thing.”
Board President Allen Weiner also voiced support for a hold harmless model; however, he acknowledged that the majority of the board appeared to prefer pass/no pass.
The board has yet to formally vote on the issue.
April 15, 8:00 pm – The Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees passes revisions to Board Policy 5121 (BP 5121) and Administrative Regulation 5121 (AR 5121), detailing how the district will manage grading policies in emergencies. Although they have not yet made a decision regarding pass/no pass policies, a few notable changes include that students will still receive credits for athletics and being a teacher’s assistant (TA) and that seniors will be able to drop below the five-class minimum, so long as they do not drop classes they need to graduate.
You can review the revised board policy here and the revised administrative regulation here. The green parts denote the recent additions.
April 9, 4:56 pm – SUHSD Superintendent Mary E. Streshly requests feedback on potentially changing the grading policy for second semester to the pass/no pass or the hold harmless model. You can take the survey here.
Dear SUHSD Community,
I am so saddened about this unprecedented disruption in the lives of our students, families, faculty, and staff. The challenges that we have been facing and navigating are unlike any I have experienced in my 29 years in education. And I want to thank every one of you for having the courage to face all of these unknowns with us whether you are a learner, a parent, a teacher, or one of our many important line staff who keep our schools humming.
Every day brings with it new unanticipated challenges and I am grateful to the SUHSD board for all the time that they have poured into helping me, our schools, and our communities navigate these rough waters.
So we, the board and I, come to you now with a request for your help by participating in a survey. We are considering a very difficult decision – and one that has no perfect answer – which is about grading for this current semester, Spring 2020. Our district is not alone in having to upend the world as our students and families know it, and many districts in our area have already undertaken this step.
As we previously shared with you, the UC and CSU systems, along with many other colleges and elite private universities, such as Harvard and Stanford, have committed to allowing Pass/No Pass to substitute for this semester grading period without penalty. In other words, a Pass grade will not be evaluated as less than a letter grade in the admissions process for current seniors and current 9th-11th graders in subsequent years. Because of these assurances, we feel Pass/No Pass is a viable model for equity and consistency during this extended period of tumult.
Additionally, the Board is considering a Hold Harmless Model, which ensures that this natural disaster does not negatively impact student grades. With this approach, student grades would not drop below those issued before the District transitioned to At-Home/Distance Learning.
As the Board undergoes its deliberations we want to assure you that we are committed to an equity lens for a solution, and we are seeking community input to ensure that we consider the many diverse perspectives among our school communities.
Please click on this link to participate in our survey, your voice is important to us as we weigh the options that we have. Thank you for your time and your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Streshly
Superintendent
April 8, 5:01 pm – An update from Principal Burbank.
Wildcat Families, I will continue to send these daily afternoon emails because you can refer back to written info and because the evolving parameters demand daily communication in addition to info saved up over time for the Communicat or weekly PTSA email. I will vary my written communication (will she just STOP writing?!) to include some recorded visual communication, but not today. Keep reading, please, the newest info is at the top.
This week, we are continuing with everyone visiting campus signing in at the admin door with the campus aides so that the visited spaces can be sanitized. The library is open for tech check out and printing assignments in the library 10 am – 1 pm daily. Beginning next week, in compliance with the county order to reduce essential employees even further, campus will be open only on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am – 1 pm till the end of the school year. Campus gates to athletic fields will also be chained, not just locked, with additional signage about the order to shelter-in-place.
Food service is also changing. Breakfast and lunch pickup will only be on Mondays and Wednesdays and not be on campus but only at two district locations: EPAA and the district central kitchen between the back of Sequoia High School and the district office with the entrance on James Avenue. Students can pick up breakfast and lunches for multiple days. Boys and Girls Clubhouses in Redwood City and in East Palo Alto continue to serve dinner Monday – Friday, 6 – 7 pm, with Second Harvest Pantry at both clubhouses on Friday nights.
This week, we are continuing with everyone visiting campus signing in at the admin door with the campus aides so that the visited spaces can be sanitized. The library is open for tech check out and printing assignments in the library 10 am – 1 pm daily. Beginning next week, in compliance with the county order to reduce essential employees even further, campus will be open just two days/week on Mon and Wed only from 10 am – 1 pm. Campus gates to athletic fields will also be chained, not just locked, and signed with the county order.
Stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
April 7, 4:30 pm – An update from Principal Burbank with new information about breakfast/lunch pickup.
Wildcat Families,
As we return from spring break, I will continue to communicate just once daily during these different and difficult times as we implement at-home learning. These daily emails arrive in the afternoon because I can provide clearer communication about evolving parameters at the end of the day. Keep reading, please, the newest info is at the top. -Diane B
This week, we are continuing with everyone visiting campus signing in at the admin door with the campus aides so that the visited spaces can be sanitized. The library is open for tech check out and printing assignments in the library 10 am – 1 pm daily. Beginning next week, in compliance with the county order to reduce essential employees even further, campus will be open only on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am – 1 pm till the end of the school year. Campus gates to athletic fields will also be chained, not just locked, with additional signage about the order to shelter-in-place.
Food service is also changing. Beginning tomorrow, breakfast and lunch pickup will only be on Mondays and Wednesdays and not be on campus but only at two district locations: EPAA and the district central kitchen between the back of Sequoia High School and the district office with the entrance on James Avenue. Students can pick up breakfast and lunches for multiple days. Boys and Girls Clubhouses in Redwood City and in East Palo Alto continue to serve dinner Monday – Friday, 6 – 7 pm, with Second Harvest Pantry at both clubhouses on Friday nights.
Keep connecting to WHS social media pages for students. Seniors, especially, to the scholarship info. Here’s a new scholarship opportunity that’s brand new. Check it out! SMCYCIYC scholarship flyer2019 (1).pdf
After last night’s school board meeting on Zoom, that many of you were not able to join, the unanswered question, however, remains: will grading be pass/fail or letter grades? We don’t know; we are awaiting school board direction. Current board policy is letter grades. For 3rd quarter which ends this Friday, April 10th, teachers will issue letter grades. Finish this extend quarter with your utmost effort.
Stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
March 31, 8:30 pm – Woodside, along with all other schools in the Sequoia Union High School District, will remain closed for the rest of the 2019 to 2020 school year. Students will proceed with distance learning until June 4. This extended closure was confirmed via a notice on the Woodside High School website.
March 31, 7:30 pm – In an email to Sequoia Union High School District families, Superintendent Mary Streshly wrote, “Today, State Superintendent of Schools, Tony Thurmond, announced that California schools will continue with distance learning for the remainder of this school year given the current COVID-19 safety concerns.”
March 31, 5:00 pm – California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond stated that “it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year.” This may prompt county authorities to continue with distance learning for the remainder of the year; however, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, this was not a definite order.
March 27 – All 23 parks in San Mateo County are now closed in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“The action was taken due to influx of people driving to parks and congregating on trails thus preventing social distancing and safe use of park trails at this time,” officials explained.
March 26, 6:30 pm – An update from Principal Burbank.
Wildcat Families,
I will continue to communicate just once daily during these different and difficult times as we implement at-home learning. These daily emails will arrive in the afternoon because I can provide clearer communication about evolving parameters at the end of the day. I am also communicating daily to families and students via a Canvas announcement, a parent email on School Messenger, and posting on the WHS website. Keep reading, please, the newest info is at the top. -Diane B
Tonight should’ve been the Night of Culture celebration in the PAC as a fun send-off for everyone to enjoy spring break. That event showcasing diverse student talent joins field trips, athletics, musical, and robotics on the sad list of March cancellations.
I’m sorry that there’s not much news to share this afternoon. You know school is dismissed through Friday, May 1, 2020. You know that teachers are relying on Canvas for your at-home learning. I’ll communicate again tomorrow before spring break.
If you didn’t yesterday, please read the superintendent’s message: https://www.seq.org/ABOUT-US/Superintendent/Superintendents-Message/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
Now that we have an extended dismissal date, we have a lot more questions. Teachers, staff, and students impressively pivoted over one weekend to at-home learning and are still figuring out what works (and what doesn’t work), but with an extended closure after spring break, what will assessments be and what will grading look like? We have to acknowledge that these are different and difficult times and be flexible and forgiving. Please add your input to this Thoughtexchange link https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/995640645.
Stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
March 25, 4:20 pm – An update from Principal Burbank on the extended dismissal date (May 1).
Wildcat Families,
I will continue to communicate just once daily during these different and difficult times as we implement at-home learning. These daily emails will arrive in the afternoon because I can provide clearer communication about evolving parameters at the end of the day. I am also communicating daily to families and students via a Canvas announcement, a parent email on School Messenger, and posting on the WHS website. Keep reading, please, the newest info is at the top. -Diane B
WHS closure is extended. Students are dismissed through May 1, 2020. Read the superintendent’s message on the WHS website (hit refresh), on School Messenger e-mail, and on the district website: https://www.seq.org/ABOUT-US/Superintendent/Superintendents-Message/index.html
Now that we have an extended dismissal date, we have a lot more questions. Teachers, staff, and students impressively pivoted over one weekend to at-home learning and are still figuring out what works (and what doesn’t work), but with an extended closure after spring break, what will assessments be and what will grading look like? We have to acknowledge that these are different and difficult times and be flexible and forgiving. Please add your input to Thoughtexchange link within the superintendent’s message.
These are the questions that I’m asking now at the district level and our campus leadership level with department chairs and program leaders:
1) When will the school year end?
2) What might virtual graduation celebrations look like?
3) What will “finals” look like?
4) When will teachers plan to address next year’s learning gaps for returning students?
WHS campus will be closed for spring break starting at 1 pm this Friday. We will be open from 10 am – 1 pm for the rest of this week for student tech check-out and breakfast and lunch.
Stay safe, Wildcats! -Principal Burbank
March 25 – Woodside will now remain closed until at least May 1 following orders from county officials. Aside from San Mateo County, five other Bay Area counties—Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, San Francisco County, and Santa Clara county—will also be extending school closures for six more weeks.
A press release from the Alameda County Office of Education announcing the extended closures stated that “The safety and wellness of students, school personnel, and the community are the highest priorities of all schools and districts in these six counties.”
March 20, 2:30 pm – Principal Burbank sent an email via Canvas, informing the Woodside community of new midnight deadlines for assignments, attendance points, and AP exam updates.
Wildcat Families, I will try to communicate just once daily during these different and difficult times as we implement at-home learning. These daily emails will arrive in the afternoon because I can provide clearer communication about evolving parameters at the end of the day. This same message is on Canvas announcement page and posted on the WHS website. Keep reading, please: As WHS enters week two of at-home learning, I’ve met with department chairs, reviewed student survey data about what’s working, what’s not working, and what’s surprising about learning from home, and, of course, been thoughtful, in reading feedback. The district has extended the end of the third quarter till April 10th, and teachers are feeling pressure to keep up the pace. 1) I’ve given them permission and encouragement, in these extraordinary times, to moderate the amount of work with the understanding that on-line work is taking you more time to complete. 2) I’ve given teachers a standard due time of midnight for all assignments; that will help you know what is due each day by midnight and to post their assignments on the Canvas calendar and not on the Canvas announcement page. 3) I’ve asked teachers not to require you to zoom in or log in at a set time for points or attendance as many of you have increased home responsibilities or are sharing devices or bandwidth with others in our household. 4) And I’ve reminded teachers of our school policy of no homework over spring break. Let’s give the WHS teachers huge applause (clap! clap! clap!) for loving their content and wanting to deliver the best to your student!
Advanced Placement announcement by College Board highlights (more details to follow next week):
- AP Exams will be offered for students to take remotely. Each exam will be 45 minutes.
- Additional test information will be released on April 3rd.
- Digital portfolio submission deadlines have been extended to May 26th at 11:59pm EST.
- Any students can cancel the exam at no charge.
- Instructional resources will launch on 3/25/20–free remote learning resources.
- The online exam will be offered on two dates (TBD).
As your school leader, know that you’re in good hands with Woodside High! Stay safe, Wildcats! Principal Burbank
March 17, 5:00 pm – California Governor Gavin Newsom states that there is a chance schools will remain closed until summer break. During a Tuesday press conference, he recommended that students and staff prepare for this possibility.
March 17, 9:00 am – Principal Burbank announced that food service is available from 10 am to 1 pm from any school site. Woodside’s main office and the library are also available from 10 am to 1 pm.
Wildcats,
During these different and difficult times, I will communicate once daily via Canvas and parent e-mail. Due to the new county shelter-in place restrictions, there are some changes from what I posted yesterday. Read on:
-CHANGE! Food service is open daily from 10 am – 1 pm; students can pick up both breakfast and lunch at the same time at the outside MUR window. Students can pick up food at ANY district school site. If MA is closer, for instance, students may use their ID there.
-Students can check out a Chromebook or graphing calculator in the WHS library from 10 am – 1 pm, but CHANGE! can not stay and work in the library. If you are awaiting a hot spot, we hope to have them Thursday. Wait until you get a phone call from the school that a hot spot has arrived for you.
-Teachers are transitioning to Canvas as our basic platform for students’ at-home learning. Some teachers may be expanding their use of Google classroom, Zoom, and others.
-The main office and library are open CHANGE! only from 10 am – 1 pm, M – F.
Gatos Salvajes: Durante estos tiempos diferentes y difíciles, me comunicaré una vez diario a través de Canvas y el correo electrónico de los padres. Debido a las nuevas restricciones del condado de mantenerse en su casa, hay algunos cambios en lo que publiqué ayer. Leerlo
-El servicio de comida en WHS está abierto de lunes a viernes de 10am- 1pm en las ventanas de afuera de la cafetería. A partir de las 10am, los estudiantes pueden recoger el desayuno y almuerzo. Los estudiantes pueden recoger la comida en CUALQUIER escuela del distrito. Por lo tanto si MA está más cerca, los estudiantes usando su identificación pueden ir ahí.
-Los estudiantes pueden consultar un Chromebook o una calculadora gráfica en la biblioteca WHS.
-Los maestros están haciendo la transición a Canvas como nuestra plataforma básica para el aprendizaje en el hogar de los estudiantes. Algunos maestros pueden estar expandiendo su uso del aula de Google, Zoom y otros.
-Los estudiantes son despedidos, pero las oficinas del campus están abiertas y respondiendo.
¡Mantente a salvo, gatos monteses! -Principal Burbank
March 16, 1:00 pm – San Mateo County, alongside five other Bay Area counties (San Francisco, Santa Clara, Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda), will implement “shelter in place” starting at midnight. This new policy prohibits residents from leaving their homes, except for essential needs such as grocery shopping. Shelter in place will last for a minimum of two weeks, at least until April 7. Police departments, fire departments, hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and some other businesses will remain open.
“The scientific evidence shows that at this stage of the (coronavirus) emergency, it is essential to slow virus transmission as much as possible to protect the most vulnerable and to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed,” stated the order. “One proven way to slow the transmission is to limit interactions among people to the greatest extent practicable.”
March 16, 9:00 am – Principal Burbank announced that she will be communicating once daily on Canvas and parent email. Food service is open 9 am to 1 pm at Woodside’s campus, and students can check out technology in the library.
Wildcats,
During these different and difficult times, I will communicate once daily via Canvas and parent e-mail:
-Food service is open daily from 9 am – 1 pm; beginning at 10 am, students can pick up both breakfast and lunch at the same time at the outside MUR window. Students can pick up food at ANY district school site. If MA is closer, for instance, students may use their ID there.
-Students can check out a Chromebook or graphic calculator in the WHS library.
-Teachers are transitioning to Canvas as our basic platform for students’ at-home learning. Some teachers may be expanding their use of Google classroom, Zoom, and others.
-Students are dismissed, but campus offices are open and responding.
Actualización de aprendizaje en el hogar de WHS para el lunes 16 de marzo de 2020. En estos tiempos diferentes y difíciles, me comunicaré una vez al día por correo electrónico y en Canvas:
-El servicio de comida en WHS está abierto de lunes a viernes de 9am- 1pm en las ventanas de afuera de la cafetería. A partir de las 10am, los estudiantes pueden recoger el desayuno y almuerzo. Los estudiantes pueden recoger la comida en CUALQUIER escuela del distrito. Por lo tanto si MA está más cerca, los estudiantes usando su identificación pueden ir ahí.
-Los estudiantes pueden consultar un Chromebook o una calculadora gráfica en la biblioteca WHS.
-Los maestros están haciendo la transición a Canvas como nuestra plataforma básica para el aprendizaje en el hogar de los estudiantes. Algunos maestros pueden estar expandiendo su uso del aula de Google, Zoom y otros.
-Los estudiantes son despedidos, pero las oficinas del campus están abiertas y respondiendo.
¡Mantente a salvo, gatos monteses! -Principal Burbank
March 13, 5:20 pm – According to an email from San Mateo County Libraries, “the Library JPA Governing Board made the difficult decision to close all locations to public access effective Monday, March 16 – Tuesday, March 31. Most outreach and mobile services will also be suspended at that time.” There are no fines, and “due dates and holds will be extended to accommodate the closure period.”
March 13 – On Canvas, Principal Burbank notified students of At Home/Distance Learning beginning on March 16.
WHS transitioning to at-home learning
WHS is transitioning to At Home/Distance Learning, effective Monday, March 16th. School will be dismissed at 3:10 today, as usual. While WHS will be closed for whole classroom-based instruction, we plan to keep campus open to staff and for students receiving unique or specialized services. Stay tuned as I’ll share info on Canvas, our website, parent e-mail, and on WHS social media platforms.
While we cannot anticipate the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hopeful that we will be able to resume regular classes on campus after spring break. If it is determined that we cannot resume our normal schedule on Monday, April 6th, we will notify families by Friday, April 3rd. -Principal Burbank
March 13, 7:41 am – Superintendent Mary Streshly sends an email stating that all district schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 3. Families will be notified on April 3 if school will continue to be suspended.
Dear SUHSD Community:
As we monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis, we share the latest development with you this morning.
After much thought and deliberation, and in close collaboration with the Board of Trustees, the San Mateo County Office of Education and the San Mateo County Health Officer, we have made the difficult decision to transition all Sequoia Union High School District schools to At Home/Distance Learning, effective Monday, March 16th. While we cannot anticipate the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hopeful that we will be able to resume regular classes on campus after spring break. If it is determined that we cannot resume our normal schedule on Monday, April 6th, we will notify families by Friday, April 3rd.
District staff will continue to report to their worksites where they will develop and implement At Home/Distance Learning plans while practicing careful social distance. Additionally, next week, we will dedicate multiple days to professional development. Teachers will use Canvas, our online learning management system, to provide students with assignments and guide learning. Your student will be hearing directly from teachers about expectations during this time.
We are also developing strategies by which we will provide meals to students who rely on us for support. While our campuses are closed for whole classroom-based instruction, we plan to keep the campuses open to staff and for students receiving unique or specialized services. Stay tuned for specifics in an upcoming communication. In addition, if your student has an Individualized Educational Program (IEP), we will be sending you a separate communication.
Although a difficult decision to make, we are guided by our top priority of protecting the health and safety of our school district community, as well as, our moral duty to take proactive steps in slowing down the spread of COVID-19.
As we navigate through unchartered territory, thank you for your support and flexibility.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Streshly
Superintendent
March 12, 12:01 pm – The Woodside robotics teams will no longer compete due to cancelation of the Houston and Detroit Robotics world championships.
March 12, 10:50 am – Woodside Principal Diane Burbank sends out an email regarding the district’s response to the coronavirus as well as addresses the situation on the video announcements.
Dear Wildcat Families,
As I communicated earlier this morning, the Sequoia district parameters to mitigate the corona virus are evolving. Effective immediately, Woodside High School, and all SUHSD schools, are suspending interscholastic athletic gameplay as part of comprehensive efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Suspension of gameplay is indefinite. Teams may continue to practice and participating athletes will remain eligible for academic credit.
-Principal Burbank
Wildcat Families, Currently the evolving parameters of our district’s response to the Cornova virus do not include dismissing school; however, in order to be prepared for the possibility of at-home learning, we are providing teachers with additional Canvas training during their prep periods this Friday and Monday and to be used as our platform for at-home learning. Right now, Woodside High School is still in session. We are continuing to promote student self-care: staying home if sick, washing hands, not touching face, coughing etiquette. If you choose to keep your student at home, you may do so. Remember to call in to the attendance office (x40000) to clear your student’s absence. Teachers are continuing to offer bleach wipes in classrooms and staff are continuing to offer hand sanitizers in public areas. We have discontinued the use of condiment pumps and open salad bar in the food service lines. We continue to use sanitizing spray over desks, tables, doorknobs, and locker rooms on a nightly basis. More importantly, teachers are being flexible and providing time for students to voice their anxiety about these evolving parameters. As the parameters of our district’s response evolves, I will communicate on our website, via e-mail and voice calls, and in the PTSA weekly e-mail. These are different and difficult times, and I appreciate your navigating your teen through the uncertainty. Go WILDCATS! -Principal Diane Burbank
March 11 – According to an email, San Mateo County Libraries are “canceling some public programs and will be reviewing others through the month of March.” For now, the “libraries will remain open following regularly scheduled business hours.” You can view calendar updates here.
March 10 – Woodside Principal Diane Burbank sends out an email regarding school activities.
“Wildcats,
We are in different times, folks, and this global issue requires different measures. As we move from containment to mitigation of the Coronavirus, our district determined the following guidelines about essential and non-essential activities after consultation with county health, county office of ed, and principals:
Essential Activities Guidelines CONTINUE AS IS…IN SESSION:
All regularly scheduled classes and support services during the school day
Before and after school interventions, tutoring, support services and small group activities
Staff and School Board meetings
California Interscholarship Federation (CIF and CCS) sports; practices
Non-Essential Activities Guidelines CANCEL, POSTPONE, OR MODIFY THRU APRIL
Large gatherings for trainings or conferences
Field Trips: no new field trips; no large groups; no long distance travel (out of bay area)
School assemblies, concerts, performing arts events, dances (reschedule April prom date to mid- to late-May)
Facility rentals by outside groups
These district-approved, and your principal-supported, measures will have evolving parameters. For now, these are in place through the end of April. As ever, Go WILDCATS!
Principal Burbank”
March 10 – The College Board cancels March 14 SAT testing at Carlmont High School, offering no makeups for students. Other SAT testing dates across the world have also been canceled.
March 9 – Menlo School (Atherton) reopens after a three-day closure for school deep cleaning.
March 3 – Menlo students received an email from Head of School Nathaniel Healy stating that a faculty member had been exposed to COVID-19.
