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At some point during her first year in IB Art, Roberta Esquivel Mancilla noticed a pattern in how her teacher, Ms. Sylvia Torres, guided the class.
When giving feedback or guidance, Ms. Torres rarely issues direct commands. Instead, she frames her prompts with two simple words: "I wonder..."
"I wonder how that would look if we made it more abstract?"
"I wonder what would happen if we reversed the colors?"
For Roberta, a current Sequoia 12th grader, that shift in language was pivotal. It unlocked a fresh perspective on learning, turning everyday life into a source of creative curiosity. Suddenly, an English class documentary wasn't just a class activity – it became the seed for her next project. A black-and-white oil painting juxtaposing antique artifacts with modern tech became her way of processing the rapid pace of today’s world.
This open-minded curiosity has propelled Roberta into rich opportunities. This summer, she pushed past her comfort zone and applied for California State Summer School for the Arts at Cal Poly Pomona, giving her the opportunity to study for four weeks with some of the states top young artists. She “wondered” what it might be like to participate in Sequoia’s internship partnership with ArtBias in San Carlos, and now she works directly alongside professional artists, mastering new and exciting media and building her creative repertoire.
And recently, Roberta earned another prestigious honor: she was selected as the Youth Arts Fellow for District 4 in San Mateo County.
What compelled me about Roberta’s story is how easily she defies the neat little boxes high school often constructs around students. If you hear her speak about her experiences at Sequoia, you quickly notice her refusal to be pigeonholed. Despite ticking many of the boxes of an “art kid”, she is just as spirited in describing her active role in our Health Careers Academy. In fact, she resists the walls between science and art, seeing her fellowship as an opportunity to build a bridge. She plans to use her county fellowship to explore the intersection of public health and creative expression.
"District 4 is an incredible section of the county in terms of diversity," Roberta shared during our sit-down. "Sometimes with diversity, there can be tension."
She views Sequoia as a microcosm of District 4—and a living model of how a diverse community can thrive together in common purpose. "Art is a language...creative expression is everywhere at Sequoia." She appreciates the way students at Sequoia feel safe telling their stories through self-expression.
Her creative journey has strengthened her voice, a sense of direction, and friendships across every corner of our campus. It's a muscle she is excited to continue to develop. When I asked what "I wonder" question she would pose to our 9th graders who are still finding their footing, her response captured the heart of our school:
"I wonder what would happen if you talked to someone you’ve never talked to, but maybe judged, before?"
It is a striking question for a high schooler, and a good challenge for the rest of us.
Congratulations to Roberta on her appointment as San Mateo County Arts Fellow. Thank you for showing us what happens when we keep our minds open, break down walls, and never stop wondering.
Best,
Sean
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For the first time this year, your PTSA is pleased to announce cash awards for winning entries to the Reflections Art Program. Remember, the deadline to submit your personal expressions of “What my culture means to me“ is Nov. 9, 2026.
The Reflections Art Program is a great way to express yourself, be recognized for your artistic efforts, and get a chance at a cash award!
| Programa de Arte Reflexiones | |
Por primera vez este año, la PTSA se complace en anunciar premios en efectivo para las obras ganadoras del Programa de Arte Reflexiones. Recuerden que la fecha límite para enviar sus expresiones personales sobre "Lo que mi cultura significa para mí" es el 9 de noviembre de 2026.
El Programa de Arte Reflexiones es una excelente manera de expresarse, obtener reconocimiento por su talento artístico y ¡tener la oportunidad de ganar un premio en efectivo!
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💙 Join or Renew Your PTSA Membership | |
Your annual membership helps power so much of what makes Sequoia special – including mini-grants, junior scholarships, the Reflections art program, staff appreciation, and graduation activities.
But membership is about more than funding. It is about showing up for our students and our school.
Every parent who joins, every volunteer who gives an hour, and every voice in the room makes Sequoia stronger.
Join or Renew Your PTSA Membership!
| | 🎓Help Us Make Grad Night 2028 Great | |
Hey, Junior Parents! Interested in helping Sequoia become a more inclusive community?
We need your ideas and energy to help make Grad Night 2028 affordable and accessible. It seems like a long time from now, but we plan and raise funds for this event throughout the high school years!
Email Andy Kitt at vice-president@sequoiaptsa.org to learn more about the kinds of help we're looking for.
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As a reminder, please follow and like the PTSA on social media to stay connected:
• Facebook: Sequoia High School PTSA
• Instagram: @sequoiaptsa
If you are not currently receiving our email blasts, please make sure to re-subscribe to both the General PTSA and e-blasts here:
https://www.sequoiaptsa.org/mailing-lists-and-newsletter
| | College Day and PSAT - funded by SHSEF | |
This Wednesday, Oct. 21, is a BIG day for special College & Career Preparedness programs that SHSEF supports: Freshman College Day–visits to Bay Area campuses for a taste of college life; and an on-campus school-day PSAT test for all Juniors.
The benefits of these opportunities for ALL students are a great gift to the families in the Sequoia community. Your contributions allow SHSEF to continue to fund these programs to help all our students prepare for their future.
Want to hear from Principal Sean Priest and learn more about SHSEF and our contributions to the Sequoia experience?
SHSEF is hosting its annual Fall Fete on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 6-8pm. It's a casual but lively get-together, and a great opportunity for our 9th grade parents to meet other parents, long-time SHSEF supporters, and Sequoia faculty and staff. Please RSVP here – space is limited. You'll receive a confirmation email with the location (1 block from Sequoia).
To close the gap in state and local funding, SHSEF raises funds from parents, community members, and grantors. Our fundraising goal is $650,000 for the 2026-27 school year, and our recommended ask per student is $1,800, or any gift that is meaningful to your family. Learn more and DONATE TODAY!
| | Looking for a way to get your SHSEF information and news and engage with our community? Follow us on Instagram: @SequoiaEdFoundation | | Seniors— Get Your Grad Night Tickets Today!
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🎓 Celebrate Grad Night on the San Francisco Bay! 🎉
Join your classmates on June 4, 2027, for an unforgettable night aboard the San Francisco Spirit.
Tickets are $110 now — buy early before prices increase in January!
Ticket proceeds help cover the Grad Night cruise, transportation, onboard activities, and a delicious buffet featuring both savory and sweet options to keep students fueled throughout the celebration.
👉 Get your Grad Night ticket here!
More details will be coming soon. Questions? Contact tinahymer@yahoo.com.
| Estudiantes de último año: | |
🎓 ¡Celebren Grad Night por la Bahía de San Francisco! 🎉
Acompañen a sus compañeros el 4 de junio de 2027 para disfrutar de una noche inolvidable a bordo del espíritu de San Francisco.
¡Los boletos cuestan $110 ahora — cómpralos con anticipación antes de que aumenten de precio en enero!
Los fondos recaudados con la venta de boletos ayudan a cubrir el crucero de la Noche de Graduación, el transporte, las actividades a bordo y un delicioso bufé con varias opciones para que los estudiantes tengan energía durante toda la celebración.
👉 Compren su boleto para Grad Night aquí!
Pronto compartiremos más detalles. ¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con tinahymer@yahoo.com.
| Freshman College Day is THIS Wednesday, Oct 21. This full-day field trip to Bay Area campuses for a taste of college life is an important step in your student’s academic journey at Sequoia. College Day is made possible via SHSEF donations, and your support is always appreciated. | |
The on-campus PSAT test for all Juniors is THIS Wednesday, Oct. 21. SHSEF is proud to help fund this school-day opportunity, and we appreciate your support.
Learn more and DONATE TODAY!
| | Upcoming Schedule Modifications | |
- November 4: Minimum Day
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November 11: Holiday – Veterans Day
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November 25–27: Holiday – Thanksgiving
- December 3: Minimum Day
| | 2026 HOCO DRESS & CLOTHING DROP - Donation Request | | |
The Family Center will be hosting a Homecoming Dress & Clothing Drop Oct. 19 - 30. This is an excellent opportunity to donate occasion dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, accessories, etc. that your teen is ready to pass along.
Donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to help stock the Prom Gallery for our Sequoia student community and for future Family Center events.
Donations can be dropped off at the Family Center - ROOM 129. Additionally, there will be a drop box on Arroyo Ave in San Carlos. Contact Kelly for more details: qroberts7@gmail.com.
| Lanzamiento de vestidos y ropa para el baile de Homecoming 2026 - Solicitamos Donaciones | |
El Centro de Familias está organizando una campaña de recolección de vestidos y ropa para el baile de bienvenida "Homecoming" desde el 19 al 30 de octubre. Es una excelente oportunidad para donar vestidos de fiesta, camisas, pantalones, zapatos, accesorios, etc., que su hijo adolescente ya no utilice y quiera donar.
Agradecemos enormemente las donaciones; estas servirán para la Galería del Baile de Graduación (tienda de ropa para bailes escolares). Esta tienda gratuita es para los estudiantes de Sequoia.
Las donaciones pueden entregarse en el Centro de Familia, Salon 129. Además, habrá otro punto de recolección en Arroyo Ave en San Carlos. Para más información, contacte a Kelly en qroberts7@gmail.com.
| | Still Time to Join Boosters | | Did you know that for only $10, you can join Boosters and be part of the community to support all Sequoia athletes. All levels of membership will receive 2 Sequoia Boosters magnets. Look for us at the entrance of the Meet the Ravens game and we can sign you up on the spot. | | Aún estás a tiempo de unirte a los Boosters | ¿Sabías que por solo 10 $ puedes unirte a los Boosters y formar parte de la comunidad que apoya a todos los atletas de Sequoia? Todos los niveles de afiliación incluyen dos imanes de Sequoia Boosters. Búscanos en la entrada del partido «Meet the Ravens» y podremos inscribirte al instante. | |
Visit our new Athletics site. All home and away games have been added to the Sequoia High School Calendar – and don't forget to follow @seqboosters on social media.
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Visita nuestro nuevo sitio web de deportes. Todos los partidos, tanto en casa como fuera, se han añadido al calendario de Sequoia High School; y no olvides seguir a @seqboosters en las redes sociales.
| | October 20: MYTHBUSTERS: The Truth About the California Higher Education System | | 20 de octubre: MYTHBUSTERS: La verdad sobre el sistema de educación superior de California | |
October 21: When Anxiety Gets in the Way: Supporting Neurodivergent Students
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In this Neurodiversity Education Series event, Ramsey Khasho, PsyD, will explore how anxiety can intersect with neurodivergence and affect learning, relationships and everyday life.
Register here
| 21 de octubre: Cuando la ansiedad se interpone: cómo apoyar a los estudiantes neurodivergentes | | Ms. Snow, the Library Media Specialist, sends a newsletter to students on the first of each month filled with book highlights, research links, and more. Click here to read the current newsletter. | | Candidate forum - Sequoia Union High School District Area A | | The League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County invites you to a Candidate Forum for the Sequoia Union High School District Area A seat on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at Carlmont High School, Student Union. 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont, CA 94002. This is a chance to hear directly from the candidates before you vote. | | | | |
