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Welcome to the new school year, Raven Families!

I am the 2024-25 Sequoia PTSA President, Karen Gebhart. Before I dive into business, I am excited to share the brand-new Sequoia PTSA Website with you. It is modern, engaging, and crisp, and was done courtesy of a fabulous Sequoia volunteer parent, Veronica Dils. Not only is Veronica a Raven parent, she is also a local web designer and you can see her work here. We are forever grateful, Veronica!

Now, onto business.  

To help ease you into the new school year, here are some starter Key Dates for you and your families. Of course, everything is available on the Sequoia High School Calendar which I highly recommend you bookmark. 

1. Monday, Aug. 12: Sequoia Photo Day for 10-12th graders. By now, you should have received an email from Mr. Gooch with the details. YES, 12th graders take photos even though many will also take senior portraits later. *All 9th graders will take their photos during Orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
2. Monday, Aug. 12: Staff Luncheon to welcome new and returning staff. Sign up here to help out!
3. Tuesday, Aug. 13: Freshman and new student orientation. Click here for all the details. This includes “Sequoia 101” for parents/guardians only from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Carrington Hall.
4. Wednesday, Aug. 14: 1st day of school. Your student will receive their schedules before this day.
5. Saturday, Aug. 17: Alumni Picnic.
6. Thursday, Aug. 29: Back to School Night on campus 6:00-8:00 p.m.
7. Tuesday, Sept. 3: Principal’s Welcome 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Carrington Hall.

Finally, I am actively recruiting an Executive Vice President - someone to shadow me this school year (2024-25) and take over as President next school year (2025-26). Email me directly at karendonna@yahoo.com if you are interested - thank you!

See you out there, and GO RAVENS!

Karen Gebhart

2024-25 Sequoia PTSA President

PTSA

Are you sitting around waiting for school to start, wondering how you can help out? Well, I have just the job for you. Every year the PTSA provides a warm welcome to Sequoia's new teachers by giving welcome gifts and grants. We have the list of the new staff, and now we are looking for someone to help distribute these gifts. It's a small job and you'll be done before September even starts! Ready to help? Email Karen Gebhart.

Looking for a way to stay in the know while volunteering behind the scenes?

¿Está buscando una forma de mantenerse informado mientras ayuda desde atrás del telón?

Join the Sequoia Sentinel Team! Come work alongside our seasoned team to edit, proofread & produce the Sentinel.

• From where will you work? Anywhere you like!
• Time commitment? 2-4 hours/week.
• Why? The Sentinel delivers juicy info to our Sequoia community.
• No experience needed - we show you the way!
• Interested? Say, “Yes!" and contact Christina at sequoiaptsanews@gmail.com.

¡Únase al equipo de Sequoia Sentinel! Venga a trabajar junto a nuestro experimentado equipo para editar, corregir y producir el Sentinel!

• ¿Desde dónde puedo trabajar? Desde donde usted quiera.
• ¿Cuál es el compromiso de tiempo? 2-4 horas por semana.
• ¿Por qué? El Sentinel entrega información importante a la comunidad de Sequoia.
• No se necesita experiencia previa - ¡Nostros le mostramos el camino!
• ¿Le interesa? ¡Diage que sí! y comuníquese con Christina al correo: sequoiaptsanews@gmail.com.

SHSEF

Education that empowers

At Sequoia, there is something for everyone with a variety of opportunities. The Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) is a group of volunteers that work to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Thanks to parent and community donations and business sponsors, SHSEF funds the following: 

• Academic & Arts Enrichment programs
• College & Career Preparedness
• Mental Health & Wellness 

Click here to learn more about What We Fund and how to contribute.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

The 17th Annual Sequoia High School Alumni Association “Celebrate Sequoia” picnic and campus centennial celebration, catered by Bianchini’s Catering, is being held on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the beautiful Sequoia campus. Activities include campus tours, cheerleader performances, a vintage car display, and a Purple Patriot award recognition for Sequoia High School teacher Jane Slater, who has significantly benefited Sequoia High School for her devoted service in her role as Sequoia High School Dream Club advisor.

All Sequoians are welcome (alumni, students, parents, staff, PTSA, Boosters, Education Foundation, and community members). Tickets are $45 per person. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $50 per person. 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.

Tuesday Morning Volunteering in ELD 2 Classes

I am looking for volunteers to lead small group learning activities in my ELD classes on Tuesday mornings. Volunteers receive curriculum materials and support, and still have quite a bit of autonomy. You can volunteer for one session or both. I am also looking for substitutes who can help out when volunteers are absent. 

Check out this slideshow for dates, times, and other details. Please email Stacy Wenzel if you are interested. Thanks!

Fall sports are starting

¡Empiezan los deportes de otoño!  

If you are interested in playing a fall sport, it’s time to get ready! Sports start late this week and next. ALL athletes must be cleared before participating. Please visit Seqsports.com for more information about the clearance process and for sport-specific information.

Si está interesado en participar en un deporte de otoño, es hora de prepararse. Los deportes arrancan tarde esta semana y la próxima. TODOS los atletas deben tener autorización antes de participar. Visite Seqsports.com para obtener más información sobre el proceso de autorización e información específica del deporte.

Behind every great team is a GREAT TEAM!

Sequoia Sport & Spirit Boosters support all Sequoia athletic programs all year long! Visit sequoiaboosters.org for information on what we fund, donor level benefits, and upcoming volunteer roles.

Boosters also runs the snack shack and merchandise sale at home football games. Proceeds benefit Sequoia sports teams across the seasons, so get involved early and make some friends along the way!

Stay in the loop by joining the Boosters email list and following us on Facebook and Instagram @Seqboosters.

Aug. 30: Meet the Ravens - A celebration of SEQ Sports

Please join us to celebrate Raven athletes, coaches and sports programs at the Meet the Ravens Kickoff Tailgate! This new community building event will be held around the first home football game vs Capuchino on Friday, Aug. 30. Activities include games on the small turf hosted by Sequoia ASB, a variety of food trucks and team-specific information tables. We look forward to welcoming students, teammates, family, friends and fans back to campus and kicking off the year together!