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A Conversation with Superintendent Gemma
In the second in a series of candid conversations, Superintendent Gemma talks about plans and challenges for 2009-10 (click here to view Q&A)
The Q&A with Superintendent Gemma linked here is the first in a new series of candid conversations with the superintendent. This first installment in the series addresses the new Everest charter school. (Click here to view conversation about Everest. ) Next, the superintendent will be taking questions about the budget, followed by a conversation about the vision and goals for the new school year. Please return often for new installments in the series.
Latest Press Releases
Sequoia Disrict Schools Open With Energy, Excitement - view press release
Construction Activity In High Gear Across Sequoia District - view press release
District Presents Annual Awards, Welcomes New Teachers - view press release
New educational leaders help spur dynamic change in Sequoia district - view press release
County Supervisors commend educational excellence - view press release
Grand opening of Teen Wellness Center celebrated - view press release
The Sequoia district receives a $275,000 HP Innovations in Education grant - view press release
Woodside High School inducts its first honorees into the school's new Community Hall of Fame - view press release
The Sequoia district and its schools receive four Kent awards for outstanding educational programs - view press release
Message from Superintendent Gemma about the current financial landscape
Within an environment of serious financial challenges, the Sequoia Union High School District continues to plan its budget for the 2009-10 school year. Throughout the planning process, our focus is firmly fixed on preserving the quality educational programs for which we are known. Academic excellence and the quality of the student experience in our schools is our number one priority. At the District Office, we will shoulder the greatest percentage of cuts, and we are fully committed to making reductions at the schools as far from the classroom as possible.
Please be assured that the academic and student enrichment programs in the schools in the Sequoia district will continue to be excellent, innovative and robust. Core academic programs, and athletic and performing arts programs, will remain in tact. Class sizes may increase in a few instances, but we will do everything we can to preserve the integrity of the instructional program.
These are unprecedented financial times, and public education in California is being particularly hard hit. Although we have received some good news, such as the one-time federal stimulus dollars that have begun to be distributed, much remains grim and uncertain in our state. We will continue planning in a fiscally responsible way at the same time hoping that the situation improves. Unfortunately, we know at this juncture that we cannot avoid cutbacks in some areas, and any reductions-in-force, especially in the current economy, is especially painful and challenging. Despite the current uncertainties and challenges, there is reason to be hopeful. The schools in the Sequoia district are stellar. Our faculty and professional support staff are distinguished. Our facilities and technology are exceptional. Our local community is engaged and supportive of us. We're going to harness all of these strengths to get to the other side of our current fiscal difficulties, and I believe we will emerge even stronger and better than we are today. We know our students and the community are counting on us.
Superintendent Gemma named Superintendent of the Year
The Association of California School Administrators has named Superintendent Gemma as Superintendent of the Year for the Association’s Region 5, which encompasses all of San Mateo and San Francisco counties. “We were pleased to learn of this honor,” says Don Gibson, president of the Sequoia district Board of Trustees. “Superintendent Gemma is an exemplary educational leader who has achieved noteworthy success in his six years leading the Sequoia district. It is especially befitting that Dr. Gemma receives this honor at this time, when he is doing such a stellar job in navigating the District successfully through unprecedented economic conditions and other serious challenges. He has us headed into what promises to be one of the most exciting eras ever for the Sequoia district.”
View press release announcing award
View Superintendent Gemma’s acceptance speech
District names principals for Carlmont, Sequoia high schools
The Sequoia district Board of Trustees has approved the appointments of two new principals, effective July 1, 2009. Bonnie Hansen, currently instructional vice principal at Sequoia High School has been tapped to succeed Morgan Marchbanks, who is stepping down after nine years to focus full time on doctorate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Raul Zamora, currently principal at Miramonte High School (in Orinda) and formerly administrative vice principal of Carlmont, has been recruited to succeed Andrea Jenoff, who is retiring as principal of Carlmont after ten years at the helm. “We opened up recruitment nationally for both of these principalships, and the recruitment and hiring process was extensive and involved representation of all of the school’s key constituencies,” says Superintendent Gemma. “Both of these schools have undergone significant positive change over the past decade and we want to see the continuation of the upward trajectory at Carlmont and Sequoia. We are pleased that we were able to recruit two individuals with experience as part of the positive change that has occurred at the schools.”
View press release announcing principal appointments
Screening Tool for H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
Use of the newly-developed Influenza-Like Illness Sysmptom Screening Tool for Parents and Caregivers is encouraged to help determine if children should stay home from school when they experience flu-like symptoms.
Influenza-like Illness Symptom Screening Tool for Parents and Caregivers
Influenza- Enfermedad Similar a la Gripe Sintomas Herramientas para los Padres y Cuidadores
The Sequoia Union High School District continues to plan for the possible spread of the H1N1 virus (commonly referred to as swine flu), and we are closely coordinating efforts with County health officials. The County urges continued vigilance in measures to prevent the spread of the virus. More information is available on the county website at http://www.smhealth.org/swineflu/ or by calling the Health Emergency Information Line at (650) 372-8572.
View Swine Flu: A Guide for Families in San Mateo County - Frequently Asked Questions
View La influenza porcina (gripe porcina): Información para personas que viven en el Condado de San Mateo
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