Phoenix Families!
It has been a snowy and cold February and we at Sequoyah are happy to be turning the page into March at the end of the week. A new semester has begun and we are headed quickly towards Spring Scholar-Led Conferences (March 20-22nd). We’ve worked hard to ensure students are engaged in class and are maximizing instructional time despite the many weather related interruptions this winter.
One new process we have adopted in the second semester is a consistent, school-wide pass policy. Through parent feedback as well as scholar and teacher input, we have adjusted our Hall Pass system. Beginning with the beginning of the semester, each scholar has been issued 8 hall passes (just two for each class period) for the 3rd Quarter. Many will not use these passes at all and may be able to redeam them for prizes at the end of the quarter while others will responsibly use the passes for the next 40 days to exit class during non-essential time for a bathroom visit, drink of water, etc. Of course emergencies and special medical needs will always be granted passage from class. Our goal is to ensure that students are being responsible in budgeting time away from class. If you have questions about this new practice, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Mr. McCarthy’s Military Duty and Guest Principal Warren
As many recall, I am a member of the Washington Army National Guard and from time to time am called away to serve or train with the National Guard. Typically this training occurs in the summer but I will be activated for a mission in Malaysia for two weeks in March. I am looking forward to this unique experience but will miss our scholars while I am away. In my place, Mr. Jerry Warren who served recently as the Principal of Illahee Middle School will step in from March 4th through March 18th. To meet both students and staff and to walk alongside me, Mr. Warren will also be in the building this week, February 26th and 27th. Please give Mr. Warren a warm welcome!  If you have any questions about what is ahead, please do not hesitate to reach out! Even in Malaysia I hope to review email regularly.

Principal McCarthy