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You see here two photos taken three weeks apart. The first shows a group of Sequoia staff members gathered in front of our main building to commemorate the kick-off of our schoolwide “No N-Word” campaign. Sequoia teachers, in solidarity, wear t-shirts designed by members of our Black Student Union each Thursday. The message couldn’t be clearer. On the front: “Never Say The N-Word”. On the back: “This word is not acceptable at our school. This word will not be used at Sequoia”. Simple, direct, and rooted in a desire to bring out the best in ourselves and others – the campaign affirms the values underlying Sequoia’s motto: Unaliyi, A Place of Friends. I hope you’re as proud as I am to be a part of a community where modeling what it means to be an upstander is, essentially, part of the curriculum.

The second photo, taken last Friday, shows historic Carrington Hall filled with Sequoia students celebrating a visit from Minnijean Brown-Trickey. Look at those smiles. Look at the hope – what a proud moment to be a part of this community! 

68 years ago, Minnijean Brown-Trickey was one of nine African-American students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Under protection from National Guard troops deployed by President Eisenhower, she endured threats and violent harassment from her classmates. It was a chapter in our nation’s history where our ugliest and most inhumane impulses were exposed. These are the kinds of chapters some people wish we could skip over.  

But digging deep into this part of America’s story, something we rarely take the time to do in such a large setting, was the goal of Friday’s assembly. Approximately 600 of our students, prepared by their teachers with a mini-lesson on the events and important figures associated with Little Rock 1957, gathered to listen, reflect, and – ideally – apply some of Minnijean’s wisdom to their own world. Minnijean spoke and answered pre-selected student questions for about an hour. Contrary to the popular narrative that kids’ attention spans have been annihilated in the digital age, they did just that.  

Again next Thursday (and the Thursday after that), staff will be visible sporting their t-shirts. Students are already asking where they can get their own. Together, we face forward with an eye on the world we want to live in and a bit more knowledge and confidence to manifest those desires. “Walk the halls like you belong there,” insisted Minnijean, “because you do!” It was an awesome day to be at Sequoia. Thanks for reading.

Have a great week!

Best,

Sean

Nov. 21: Show your gratitude for our teachers & staff with pie

On Friday, Nov. 21, we will serve pie to our teachers and staff to express our gratitude for all they do. Sign up to donate a pie, whipped cream, supplies, or help serve at the event. 

Drop off donations in San Carlos on Thursday, Nov. 20. Contact Katherine Schembri with questions and thank you so much for helping our Sequoia teachers and staff feel appreciated!

Guest Speaker Mitch Weathers Returns to Sequoia!

The Sequoia PTSA and ELAC were honored to host Mitch Weathers at their recent joint meeting, where he delivered an insightful presentation on an important and timely topic.

After eight years away, Mitch expressed his delight at returning to Sequoia, reconnecting with the community, and sharing his expertise with families, students, and staff. 

For those unable to attend in person or online, a recording of the presentation is available here.  

Use Passcode: %Z3xktE6

A heartfelt thank you to Mitch for his time, generosity, and continued support of the Sequoia community!

PTSA Reflections Art Program

Explore the arts and express yourself in the PTA’s Reflections Program! This year’s theme is I Belong | Yo pertenezco. Enter your artwork and reflection in one of six categories: 

Dance, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts.

Learn more here (including how to enter).

All entries will be recognized for their artistic achievement. Entries are due by Sunday, November 9, 2025 at midnight. Questions? Email us.

Volunteer at the Sentinel!

Looking to volunteer behind the scenes with a fun and fantastic team? The Sentinel is looking for 1-2 parents to fill rotating editor/production roles for the 2025-26 school year. This work can be completed during off hours, evenings, etc. as well and does not require an in-person commitment. 

Contact us for details and consider joining our team!

Advancing Career Readiness at Sequoia

Exciting news! SHSEF has received a two-year grant from Sobrato Philanthropies to pilot a Career Readiness Program at Sequoia. 

This past summer, the SHSEF grants team worked hard to secure this funding to further our mission of helping all students at Sequoia prepare for a bright and promising future. We are assisting Sequoia in creating a new Career Readiness program to ensure we are supporting ALL students—including those who will go directly into the workforce after high school. 

With this funding, Sequoia will hire a Career Readiness Specialist who will develop and facilitate pathways for students into careers that advance stability and economic mobility. This specialist will work in partnership with community programs and businesses to equip students with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in the rapidly changing world. 

Here is the job posting if you would like to share it with anyone in your network with professional expertise in this area.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of Sobrato Philanthropies, which will bring valuable new resources and opportunities to our students who plan to enter the workforce directly after high school. 

Follow us on Instagram

Looking for a way to get your SHSEF information and news and engage with our community? Follow us on Instagram: @SequoiaEdFoundation 

Get your Senior Portraits Scheduled Now!

All 12th graders should be scheduling their Senior Portraits through Prestige Portraits Studio in San Carlos. Following your session, be sure to log on to select the photo you would like used in the yearbook. All portrait sessions must be completed by November 21. Schedule your portrait here!

Upcoming School Schedule Changes

• November 11 - Holiday (Veterans Day)
• November 26, 27, 28 - Holiday (Thanksgiving Break)

For all upcoming events, the bell schedule, and home and away games, please visit the Sequoia High School Calendar here.

Today November 9th is the last day to order Evergreens!

We are offering beautiful and fragrant wreaths, garlands and cute reindeer for sale at great prices ranging from $27–$44. Money raised in this fundraiser will help support the current Sophomore class. Items will be available for pick up in San Carlos in early December.

Click here to order your holiday decor from the PTSA store! Last day to order is Nov. 9th!

Lots of payment options – use PayPal via the PTSA store or ping Liz to use cash, check or Venmo. Please share the link to the online store with your neighbors and friends! Contact Liz Min at 650-454-9225 or Liz.Min@gmail.com with any questions!

Fall Musical Tickets Available!

Tickets are now on sale for Sequoia Drama's fall musical production of THE LIGHTNING THIEF!

Performances are Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 13-15, all shows at 7:00 p.m. except for our Sunday pay-what-you-can matinee at 3:00 p.m.

Visit our ticketing website to get your tickets!

ATHLETICS

Trivia Night Tickets on Sale!

Test your knowledge at our third annual Boosters Trivia Night! Sequoia’s own professional trivia host, Mr. Corey Uhalde, will MC the evening. Snacks and a no-host bar will be offered. This event is intended for adult supporters of Sequoia athletics.

​Trivia Night

Saturday, January 24

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Obstacourse Fitness, Redwood City

​

Tickets on sale now!

Boosters Approve $60K for Sequoia Athletics

At our October meeting, the Sequoia Boosters approved nearly $60,000 in grants to support student-athletes across multiple sports programs.

This round of grants includes:

• Home & Away Uniforms & Bags for Boys Basketball & Softball
• Home & Away Uniforms for Softball
• Home & Away Uniforms plus Defense Sticks & Goalie Gear for Boys Lacrosse
• New Singlets for Wrestling
• Home & Away Uniforms, Balls & Batting Tees for Baseball
• New Poms for our newly official Competitive Cheer Team!

Thanks to your generous support, these are the latest additions to the growing list of Booster-funded upgrades—like our sweet new branded volleyball net system—that directly benefit Sequoia athletes this year. 

Find out how you can support Sequoia athletes all year long at SequoiaBoosters.org. Our fundraising goal this year is $150,000 — and we’re aiming for 100% participation from Sequoia sports families! Membership perks include free entry to regular-season home basketball games and exclusive fan gear based on your donor level.

Both home and away games have been added to the Sequoia High School Calendar – and don't forget to follow @seqboosters on social media.

What will you learn in the Media Center?

The November Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!

To sign up for the free Parent Venture newsletter, click here. 

Nov 12: The Science of Prevention: Promoting Healthy Practices in Youth and Families

Dr. Bonnie Maldonado, Professor of Pediatrics, Stanford Children’s Health, will share practical, research-based insights on how everyday behaviors—from hygiene to regular wellness visits—play a powerful role in protecting youth from illness and disease. Register.

La Dra. Bonnie Maldonado, Profesora de Pediatría en Stanford Children’s Health, compartirá ideas prácticas respaldadas por investigaciones acerca de cómo los comportamientos cotidianos—desde lavarse las manos y tener higiene hasta las visitas médicas regulares—desempeñan un papel fundamental para proteger a los menores contra enfermedades e infecciones. Registro.

In The Sleep-Deprived Teen, journalist and sleep expert Lisa L. Lewis will provide parents with the roadmap to more (and better) sleep for their children and adolescents—and perhaps even for themselves. Register.

En su libro El adolescente falto de sueño, Lisa L. Lewis, quien es periodista y experta en sueño, ofrecerá a los padres una guía práctica para ayudar a que sus hijos e hijas—y quizá ellos mismos también— duerman más y mejor. Registro.

What inspires engagement?

Young people thrive when the experience is real and the environment is fun, friendly and highly interactive. Our 25 years of hosting high school students is a mission founded on wholesome village life that inspires teen social engagement.

Fully authentic life experience.

Elevate your Spanish naturally through our authentic high school immersion. The key to fluency is putting people first and having fun doing it. This one-of-a-kind adventure immerses you in the vibrant high school culture of rural Costa Rica. 

​The crucial role of peer interaction.

Peer collaboration is key to meaningful social engagement. We shift language learning from a lonely academic task to a highly spirited youth adventure, and as a result, language confidence soars. The path to bilingual America is robust—courage is required, but the reward is a lifetime of healthy connections and creative ways of engaging the world. Don't miss out.

Find out more!