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One (of many) great things about my job is that, through the myriad of interactions with students I’m lucky enough to have every day, I'm frequently able to dispel popular misconceptions about young people that are held by us “uncs”. Some of these misconceptions are superficial while others speak to deeper anxieties we hold as a society—from where we’re going to how we might be failing future generations.  

Here is a sampling of some recent misconceptions I’ve been forced to rethink based on my day-to-day experience as Sequoia’s principal:

•  “Young people are ALWAYS on their phones”: I walked past a seating area near the front of campus last week and witnessed a group of four boys staring at their phones. I drew closer and noticed they were playing a game. It was called Balatro and was too complicated for me to wrap my head around. Then I looked up and noticed the 20-or-so friends chatting, giggling, munching carrots, and being appropriately silly with one another. Not one had a device out—even within this one social group, there was contrasting data. As I investigated further, I found that “device-free” has taken on an unexpected marker of status. Nearby, for example, a group of girls appeared to be gathered around a student holding her phone. As I drew closer, I realized it wasn’t a phone but a circa-2002 digital camera. They were looking at pictures they’d taken over the weekend. “Analog,” one of them told me, “we’re Y2K…vintage.” Increasingly I’m finding that eschewing smartphone usage is a way for young people to assert their identities.

• “Young people are overly fragile for our perilous world”: I overheard a conversation recently between a small group of 10th-grade boys about the concept of “rage bait”. I stopped, listened for a minute, then asked what “rage bait” meant to them. They had a hard time defining it, per se, but gave examples across the cultural strata. “It’s, like, everything in the news is ‘rage bait’,” said one. Probably an oversimplification, but revealing about their skepticism of the broader cultural discourse. Their disinterest in engaging with current events, political debate, or controversial topics stems from cynicism about the false outrage, rhetorical immaturity, and manipulative insincerity that has proliferated in the collective for as long as they can remember. In most cases, I find they’ve either been traumatized by these trends or simply see them as inauthentic and are unimpressed. I’ve recently heard the term “strategic disengagement”. It’s not so much about fragility as it is about survivalism. 

• “The music enjoyed by young people is unlistenable”: Strongly disagree. Conversations with students this year have turned me on to Daniel Caesar, Lizzy McAlpine, beabadoobee, Young Miko, Valeria Castro, Niko Rubio, Dove Ellis, and many more. As hyper-curators with 24/7 access to a world of media, young people generate the best playlists. Now, if we could just get them to watch a film or read a novel for fun … but I digress. 

• “AI is distorting young people’s ethics about plagiarism vs. original work”: I’ve observed online behavior from the back of classrooms over the past few years and noticed a few trends. First, Gemini or ChatGPT are jumping-off points, like Google was for people my age once the internet landed on our desks (or microfiche directories and card catalogs were before 1996). It’s hard to imagine moving backwards unless called for by some sort of highly specialized research. But everyone knows Googling a question and presenting Google’s answer as my own thought is plagiarism, right? Well, there’s now an assignment of status at play when it comes to tasks teens in 2026 find worthy of their time: if this is something an LLM can do, why would I waste precious hours on it? This is dispiriting if you subscribe to the ethic, as I do, that the “doing” is the learning and vice versa. Is technological innovation luring Gen Alpha into a future overwhelmed with knowledge but depleted of wisdom? On the other hand, I’ve talked at length with students over the past several months about their profound and sophisticated ethical concerns about algorithm and data exploitation, the creative bankruptcy of AI-generated art and music, and the inherent bias of LLMs. Students I speak with resent the implication that they are unethical for using AI tools, but they recognize that there are serious questions that need to be answered. I only hope they can set aside their strategic disengagement long enough to be a part of those discussions.

It occurs to me that a common thread, not surprisingly, is the adolescent reluctance to be defined by their elders. Kierkegaard’s quote, “If you label me, you negate me,” stands the test of time. In our better moments, we encourage each other to listen to young people. This is easier said than done. Yes, you can learn about new music or have your assumptions subverted from time to time. There’s also a lot of confusion, emotional dissonance, and general incoherence to wade through when we open our minds and hearts to the lessons young people want to teach us. Patience. There’s also a need for balance. We should listen to young people just as they should listen to their “uncs”. Both groups struggle with this more often than not, as has likely always been the case. Our busy lives and the pressures of our time don’t help matters.

Hopefully, with the extra time afforded us this mid-winter break, we can slow down just enough to take something valuable away from one another. Even if just the basic strategy for Balatro, which actually looks like a really fun game if I can convince my son to teach me how to play.

Have a great week!

Best,

Sean

Help shape next year with PTSA!

We’re already planning for next school year — and now is the perfect time to get involved with PTSA!

We will have several board positions opening next year, including Special Projects and Communications support. These roles directly support student programs, teacher creativity, and clear communication within our school community.

We’re also looking for volunteers for additional PTSA roles. Whether you have lots of time or just a little, your involvement truly makes a difference. Interested or just curious? We’d love to connect and share more.



Please reach out to Francoise at fnmonet@yahoo.com.

And a huge thank you to the families who have already stepped in to help — your time and support truly make a difference!

On Friday, March 6 (the morning after Open House), the PTSA will host the Spring 2026 Staff Appreciation Brunch. We will treat our staff and teachers to espresso drinks and breakfast. Show your appreciation and support for our hard-working Sequoia team by donating breakfast items or volunteering on campus on Friday, March 6. Multiple shifts are available. It’s a great way to spend time on campus and thank our staff in person! To contribute food or volunteer your time, sign up here.

Reach out to Stacie Ciraulo at sncir2000@yahoo.com with questions. Thank you!

To close the gap in state and local funding, SHSEF raises funds from parents, community members, and grantors. SHSEF supports smaller class sizes and an array of programs in three main areas: 

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

Our fundraising goal is $650,000 for the 2025-26 school year, and our recommended ask per student is $1,500

 or any gift that is meaningful to your family. Learn more and DONATE TODAY!

Thank you for helping us make Sequoia High School a place where ALL students can reach their highest potential.

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 

Grad Night is right around the corner! Join us June 5–6 aboard the luxurious San Francisco Spirit for an unforgettable night. From the comfort of the yacht, take in stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz while enjoying activities across three decks—including dancing, casino tables, karaoke, and a photo booth. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! Tickets are available at a discounted price of $100 when purchased in February and March.

Prices increase to $125 in April and May, and $135 for last-minute purchases in June, so buy early! Each ticket includes admission, all activities, food, beverages, and transportation. Students will check in at Sequoia on June 5 at 9:00 p.m. and return the following morning around 4:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online HERE.

¡La fiesta de graduación está a la vuelta de la esquina! Acompáñanos del 5 al 6 de junio a bordo del lujoso San Francisco Spirit para una noche inolvidable. Desde la comodidad del yate, disfruta de impresionantes vistas de San Francisco, el Puente Golden Gate y Alcatraz, mientras participas en actividades en tres cubiertas—que incluyen baile, mesas de casino, karaoke y una cabina fotográfica. ¡Es una noche que no te querrás perder! Los boletos están disponibles a un precio reducido de $100 si los compras en febrero y marzo.

El precio sube a $125 en abril y mayo, y a $135 para las compras de última hora en junio, ¡así que compra con anticipación! Cada boleto incluye la entrada, todas las actividades, comida, bebidas y transporte.  Los estudiantes se registrarán en Sequoia el 5 de junio a las 9:00 p.m. y regresarán a la mañana siguiente alrededor de las 4:00 a.m.  Puedes comprar boletos en línea AQUI.  

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

Bonjour! Host a student from France!

Sequoia is hosting a small group of students and their teacher from Thionville, France, from April 13-24. We are looking for host families and host students to take them around Sequoia and show them the daily life of a California teen. These students will attend classes with their host buddy and become a part of your family over the course of their short stay.

You do not need to speak French to participate! Sharing rooms is totally fine as long as each student has their own bed. Please reach out with questions to Mme Chin at kachin@seq.org.

Upcoming Schedule Modifications

• Mid-Winter Break 2/16-2/20



On Sunday, February 6, Sequoia High School’s Ski Club completed a school-led trip to Palisades Tahoe, bringing 42 students together for a safe and memorable day on the slopes.

The trip was led by Ski Club President Matthew Macedo and longtime advisor Mr. Atiba Williams, with support from chaperones Evelyn Valencia, Redwood Instructor, and Rebekah Howard, TRC Therapist. Students of all skill levels participated, with ski and snowboard instruction that supported safety, confidence, and inclusion.

The school community is grateful for the support of the District, Principal Mr. Priest, and the families who make these enriching opportunities possible.

El domingo 6 de febrero, el Club de Esquí de Sequoia High School realizó con éxito una excursión escolar a Palisades Tahoe, reuniendo a 42 estudiantes para disfrutar de un día seguro e inolvidable en la nieve.

La salida fue dirigida por el presidente del Club de Esquí, Matthew Macedo, y el asesor durante muchos años, el Sr. Atiba Williams con el apoyo de las acompañantes Evelyn Valencia, instructora de Redwood, y Rebekah Howard, terapeuta del Centro de Recuperación de Trauma (TRC por sus siglas en inglés). Participaron estudiantes de todos los niveles, con instrucción en esquí y snowboard que promovió la seguridad, la confianza y la inclusión.

La comunidad escolar agradece el apoyo del Distrito, del Director Sr. Priest y de las familias que hacen posibles estas valiosas oportunidades educativas y recreativas.

What will you learn in the Media Center?

The Spring 2026 Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!

Join the first-ever February reading challenge using our ebooks on the Sora platform. The challenge is to read 20 minutes a day through February 28.

Just log in, join the challenge, and use the Explore icon to find books in English or Spanish.



You can also connect your library cards to extend the choices beyond our catalog.

The Media Center will host a pizza lunch at the end of February for the top 5 student readers (as long as the total minutes exceed 340).

Happy Reading!

See you on the LEADERBOARD!!!

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

Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org.

¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con Charlene Margot, MEd, co-fundadora y Directora Ejecutiva de The Parent Venture, al correo electrónico cmargot@parentventure.org.

This talk will help participants understand many of the complex feelings that migrants experience—and why it is normal to feel this way. Presented by Michelle Remond, MA, migrant, grief companion and consultant. 



Register here.

Esta plática le servirá para entender muchos de los sentimientos complicados que aquejan a los migrantes y por qué es normal sentirse así. Presentada por la Mtra. Michelle Remond, migrante, acompañante de duelo y consultora. 

Registro aquí.

Allison Master, PhD, will talk about why some students (especially girls) show lower motivation and participation in STEM, and what parents can do to encourage ALL kids in STEM.

Register here.

Allison Master, PhD, hablará sobre por qué algunos estudiantes (especialmente las niñas) muestran menor motivación y participación en STEM, y qué pueden hacer las familias para alentar a TODOS los niños y niñas en STEM. Entrada gratuita.



Registro aquí.

Sponsored by the Jackie Speier Foundation to help Bay Area families struggling with the high cost of childcare! Get involved on your own schedule with no minimum time commitment! Email jackiespeierfoundation@gmail.com with any questions.

Program Volunteer Needs - Sign up today!

• Social Media Influencers: Develop promotional materials and social media content to share with the SEQ and RWC communities. Design posts and videos for Instagram, TikTok, and more!
• Community Partners Researchers: Research for local partner organizations serving mothers in need and low-income families who would receive the diaper donations.
• Graphic Design/Canva: Calling all creatives and artists! Design and print promo materials. Help create fun pieces like stickers to distribute around campus and the community.
• Grocery Store Champions: Spend a few hours at a local grocery store and hand out fliers to inspire and encourage shoppers to buy and donate a box of diapers.
• Event Volunteers: Pick a time to help with set up, decoration, traffic, collecting diaper boxes, and breakdown. Hang out on campus with music, free snacks, and more!
• Leadership Team: Hoping to get involved on a deeper level? Work together with students and JSF employees to recruit students, plan logistics, and bring the event to life!