Ryan Kissel, Principal Sequoia Elementary School
Clairemont Families,
I’m very excited to announce that the children of our neighborhood (I live in Clairemont too) will have the opportunity to attend a school that offers an art program as part of its curriculum.
Yes, we know that there are many kids out there that have a passion for theater, dance, music, drawing and painting! We need to ensure that we provide those kiddos with an opportunity to explore those desires and enhance their artistic talents.
Yes, Sequoia Elementary School will transition into a Visual Performing Arts School (VAPA) next year! There are 117 elementary schools in the entire district and only 7 elementary schools are considered VAPA schools and Sequoia is one of them!
So, beginning the 2017/18 school year, Sequoia will begin creating a curriculum that will include the 4 areas of a VAPA school – Theater, Dance, Music and Visual Arts. The vision for our Madison High School Cluster is to give our kids 2 pathways from TK – 12th grade.
One of those pathways would be “to provide artistic literacy, innovation, creativity, and excellence in the arts by providing a high quality, sequential, TK-12 arts experience for all students.” Children inclined to explore their artistic interests could begin their academic journey at Sequoia Elementary School, continue down that pathway at the Creative and Performing Arts Middle School (CPMA) and then finish their TK-12 experience at Madison High School.
Of course, children will still receive instruction in the core content areas of Reading, Writing and Math, but they will also be given the wonderful opportunity to enhance their intuitive artistic talents and develop/explore their creative ambitions!
To kick off our newfound VAPA status in the district, we will hold a VAPA night event at Sequoia Elementary on Friday, June 2nd from 5-8 pm. We encourage all parents to attend this event and experience the festive atmosphere here at Sequoia Elementary School!
If you cannot attend this event feel free to call the school or stop by to learn more also visit us online at: www.sandiegounified.org/schools/sequoia
Sequoia Elementary
4690 Limerick Avenue
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 496-8240
Office Hours: M-F: 7am-3pm
