MAIN MESSAGE

Sequoia’s 2024-25 schedule is being built for:

• 1,961 students and their 
• 134 full-time and part-time teachers working in
• 10 departments comprised of
• 177 “active” courses to be held in 
• 106 classrooms (plus gyms, dance studios, woodshops, etc.)

Those are the essential building blocks. From there, the following priorities are considered:

• Student course requests (Elective and Core Academic)
• Graduation requirements
• UC/CSU A-G requirements
• Remediation for students below grade level in math and English (e.g., students who read at a 3rd-grade level)
• English language development for newcomer students
• IB Diploma requirements

For the schedule to function in practice, it must:

• Have balanced class sizes
• Minimize the number of students with “open” periods
• Provide all teachers with at least one free (i.e. prep) period per day

We solve this puzzle every year, learning from previous iterations and adjusting subtly: a schedule that positions everyone for success. It’s not an easy or quick project. Building out our students’ schedules is a year-long process, but begins to eclipse other aspects of IVP Tara Charles’s job around March. The puzzle must be completed in a way that maximizes our resources, satisfies the largest number of interests as possible, and stays true to Sequoia’s mission and areas of focus. Ms. Charles, in her first year in the role, has proven to be more than up to the challenge.  

Like any complex puzzle, software simplifies the computational tasks. From there, consensus-building and relationships fuel the process. Problems with multiple solutions and diverse stakeholders require a clear set of guiding principles and shared vision. Frequently, one problem’s resolution begets a new set of issues. Easy answers are scarce and often illusory. 

Fortunately, our broad, shared leadership in the form of department chairs, counselors, and district support propels the endeavor. A school’s programmatic schedule is it’s DNA or, as a colleague once said to me, “Show me a school’s schedule and I’ll tell you what its core values are.”

I’ve always appreciated the extent to which our students and parents have understood the complexity and fragility of the schedule — how moving one or two students from one class to another can really throw a whole bunch of things out of whack. I hope folks understand that this balance is maintained not for some sort of bureaucratic end, but instead to make our students’ schedules at Sequoia reflect what we value as a school and community.  

Despite the scope and complexity of the endeavor, it’s one we embrace as a school. As we approach the end of May, it’s a good feeling to watch the pieces falling into place for next year.

Have a great week!

Best,

Sean

PTSA

We are excited to announce the 2024 Sequoia PTSA Junior Achievement Award recipients. We had many impressive applicants this year in the categories of Academic Success, Community Service and Resilience. Congratulations to these accomplished students!

• Meenal Bahl
• Cayla Chen
• Christine Chang
• Sofia Espinoza
• Jennifer Godinez
• Lizzie Gudiel
• Desiree Huffer
• Dylan Karmin
• Lucia Kitching
• Sierra Kitching
• Rikhil Kokal
• Samay Kodige
• Kevin Banderas Lopez
• Ivan Madrigal
• Jennyffer Ruiz Medina
• Cade Milller
• Darika Osorio
• Drew Ostrander
• Fabiola Polanco
• Ethan Politzer
• Sebastian Pollack
• Ruby Rappoport
• Luke Shafer
• Jack Spottiswoode
• Hade Curup Suruy
• Soron Torkos
• Sophia Webb

SHSEF

SHSEF supports equity and access for all students

Yes, SHSEF supports the many programs at Sequoia that ensure equity and access for ALL students. Yes, one of those programs was the Prom Gallery, which we supported again this year along with the PTSA and Family Center. It mobilized a million volunteer hours: collecting donations, moving gear, hosting the gallery, boxing it up, and moving it all back into storage for next year. Yes, it was fun and fancy, and YES, we can’t wait to do it again next year!

SHSEF is in the midst of the spring appeal for 2024 and every gift counts. We’re over halfway to our goal of $650k. Make a gift today and let’s make prom fun and fancy again in 2025!

HIGHLIGHTS

Evidence of how our students support each other!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aug. 17: Celebrate Sequoia at the Annual Alumni Assocation picnic

Save the date for the 17th annual Sequoia High School Alumni Association picnic and campus centennial celebration on Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., on the beautiful Sequoia campus. Catering by Bianchini’s and activities including campus tours, vintage cars, and the Purple Patriot award recognition for Sequoia High School teacher, Jane Slater, who has significantly benefited Sequoia HS in her role as Sequoia HS Dream Club advisor.

All Sequoians (alumni, students, parents, staff, PTSA, Boosters, Education Foundation, and community members) are welcome. Tickets are $45 per person. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $50. Reservations are due by Aug. 14 and may be made online at www.SequoiaAlumni.org, by calling (650) 592-5822, or by emailing SHSAA@SequoiaAlumni.org.

CLASS NOTES

Grad Night Cruise - Join the fun!

Seniors, your Graduation Night Cruise will be an evening you won't forget! Two-hundred Seniors have already purchased their tickets. Celebrate with friends and classmates as you cruise under twinkling lights along the San Francisco Bay. We will have food (a special midnight menu!), a DJ spinning the beats, a photo booth, arcade games, and fun. Ticket sales have been extended and you still have time to join the celebration. Purchase tickets for an unforgettable night!

Seniors: Get your 'Grad Year Special' membership

Every year, the Sequoia High School Alumni Association (SHSAA) has a special offer for graduating seniors. Known as ‘The Grad Year Special,’ it is an opportunity for seniors to join SHSAA for the price of their grad year (instead of the normal $50 fee). This year, seniors can join for $20.24 for a lifetime membership! 

Click here for your special 2024 application. The deadline is Aug. 15. For more information call 650-592-5822 or email secretary@sequoiaalumni.org.

Leis for graduates

Need a lei for your grad or a friend? Support Signature Leis, the local and the only authorized lei vendor for the commencement ceremonies of our partner schools here in our district! For more information email info@signatureleis.com or call 415.917.9517.

DEADLINE: May 31, 6:00 p.m. SENIORS making up classes (D/F grades) for graduation and/or A-G requirements through our online credit recovery program Edgenuity must complete their classes by May 31, 6:00 p.m., no exceptions. Contact your assigned counselor if you are unsure if you need to make up classes.

Edgenuity teacher: Mr. Calles, jcalles@seq.org

Edgenuity Office Hours: Room B-8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Extended Edgenuity Hours

Open Mon-Fri, May 20-24, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Open Tues-Fri, May 28-31, 4:00-6:00 p.m. 

*May 27, holiday - school closed

Estudiantes del grado 12: ¡Se acerca la fecha límite de Edgenuity!

FECHA LÍMITE: 31 de mayo a las 6:00 p.m. Los estudiantes del grado 12 que necesitan recuperar clases (calificaciones D o F) para graduación y/o requisitos A-G para la universidad a través de nuestro programa de recuperación de créditos en línea "Edgenuity" deben completar sus clases antes del 31 de mayo a las 6:00 p.m., sin excepciones.

Comuníquese con su consejero asignado si no está seguro de si necesita recuperar clases. Maestro de Edgenuity: Sr. Calles, jcalles@seq.org

Horario de oficina de Edgenuity: Salon B-8 los martes y jueves, de 4:00 a 6:00 p.m.

Horario extendido de Edgenuity: Abierto de lunes a viernes, del 20 al 24 de mayo de 4:00-6:00 p.m. Abierto de martes a viernes, del 28 al 31 de mayo de 4:00-6:00 p.m.

*27 de mayo, escuela cerrada/dia feriado

The Boosters need you

Sequoia Boosters are recruiting for the following 2024-25 positions: Membership Chair, Live Auction Chair, and Snack Shack Sales Lead. Please email boostersequoia@gmail.com if you are interested in helping provide the best possible sports experience for our students. Visit our website for a complete list of volunteer opportunities and learn how Boosters support all Sequoia athletes.

Many Sequoia sports offer optional summer training. These pre-season conditioning programs are a great way to connect with coaches and teammates over the summer, but are not required. Summer training is open to existing and incoming Sequoia students. Visit SeqSports.com for dates and contact information. Continue to check back as we had more details for summer and fall.

PARENT EDUCATION

May 28: Preparing Your Student for the Summer (in Spanish) Register

28 de mayo: Preparando a su estudiante para el verano (en español) Registro

COMMUNITY

The Athena Fellowship is a virtual summer fellowship for rising 9th-12th grade students designed to empower future female leaders in STEM. Created by young women from Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, the fellowship seeks to identify top female students across the country. 

The 2024 Summer Fellowship will run from July 8-August 2, and students may participate alongside other summer activities. As an Athena Fellow, students will learn from a network of accomplished young women from top institutions. Students will learn about different opportunities in STEM, career pathways, and life skills for high school, college, and beyond. 

Applications for the 2024 Summer Fellowship are due June 12. Admissions are rolling, meaning that applications are reviewed as they are received. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To learn more and apply, please visit www.athenafellowship.org. If you have any questions, please email info@athenafellowship.org.

Sponsored by The Talking Playhouse (across the street from Sequoia High School), Friendship Matchmaker is a volunteer program introducing kiddos and facilitating 'how to grow a friendship.' What's great about growing friendships is it builds social resilience and allows one to manage anxieties and use organizational skills (executive functioning), social thinking and engagement language. We introduce the pairing based on 30 years experience/knowledge and your kiddo does the rest! Please email jenn@talkingplayhouse.com for more information.