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Dear Sequoia High School PTSA Community

The importance of togetherness was front and center at the 17th District PTSA Luncheon. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow PTSA members from across the district and to be reminded that our organization exists to serve every child, with one voice and one purpose.

A true highlight of the luncheon was the showcase of student artwork submitted through the Reflections Program. Seeing the creativity and talent represented across the district was inspiring and a powerful reminder of the impact our programs have on students.

We are also incredibly proud to share that Sequoia High School PTSA was recognized by the California State PTA with the Together We Rise Award for exceeding last year's total membership! This achievement would not have been possible without the tremendous leadership of Dana Rechin, whose dedication to managing our membership program made this recognition possible. Thank you, Dana!

Thank you as well to Andy Kitt for joining me in representing our organization at the luncheon.

In other news, our proposed bylaws changes have officially been approved. You can view the details here. A heartfelt thank you to Karen Gebhart for her hard work and persistence in guiding these updates through to approval.

As we look ahead:



• Please stop by our PTSA table at Open House on March 5th at 7pm. We’ll be happy to answer questions and will have sign-up sheets available for current volunteer opportunities.
• We are still seeking volunteers to fill the Special Projects Board position as well as a Co-Lead for Communications.
• If you are interested in contributing in a smaller role, we have additional opportunities available and would love to connect.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly at fnmonet@yahoo.com if you are interested.

A huge thank you to Andrea Mardesich and Scarlett Mineta for working behind the scenes to launch the Junior Scholarship Program, with applications opening on March 23rd, 2026. As well as Mike Bolander for all his help updating the website.

And thank you to the incredible Grad Night team — Tammi Ng, Bernadette Lowitz, and Julie Wu — for securing the venue and for working tirelessly to launch ticket sales. Your dedication ensures our seniors will have a memorable celebration.

To all of our volunteers: you are truly the backbone of this organization. Together, we rise — and together, we make a difference for every student.

With gratitude,

Françoise Monet

Sequoia High School PTSA President

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!

As you wander the halls and visit classrooms later this week at the annual Open House, you will see many ways SHSEF supports ALL of our students and educators.

Academic & Arts Enrichment: High Level IB classes, Raven Report/journalism class, Media Center research materials, JAVA programming class (funded by a grant from Oracle), chemistry lab equipment, supplies for Visual Arts (IB Art, Painting, Ceramics, Photography), instrument repair and replacement, and performing arts A/V equipment upgrades (Drama, Choir, Dance)

College & Career Preparedness: Additional credentialed college counselor



Mental Health & Wellness: Additional mental health counselor, Teen Resource Center Health and Wellness Programs, Family Center support funds, PTSA operational funding

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!

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.

Want to help students thrive during IB Exam season?

Curious about how IB exams work?

Sign up here to assist during an IB Exam! 

3 reasons you'll love this volunteer opportunity:

REDUCE A STUDENT'S STRESS LEVEL. Your support and smile can make a huge difference for a nervous student!

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG. The IB requires a 1:20 adult to student ratio for exams. With ~400 students taking ~1600 exams, Sequoia needs a huge team to make this work.

IT'S EASY. No need to prepare anything! Our staff will give you the simple instructions you need to feel helpful and successful. All we need is your presence!

The Sequoia High School Alumni Association is looking to honor a Purple Patriot and is soliciting nominations for its annual Purple Patriot Award, purple and white being Redwood City's Sequoia High School's official colors. Recipients will receive a framed certificate as well as have their name inscribed on a perpetual trophy on permanent display at the high school. 

The Purple Patriot Award is an annual award instituted to honor both individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding service or provided a significant benefit directly to Sequoia High School. Nominees may be from Sequoia High School or the community at large. 

Please indicate the nominee's individual name or organization name, stating why the nominee should receive this award. Indicate specifically what role the nominee played in directly providing the service or benefit to Sequoia High School and explain in detail what the service or benefit was. 

Nominations must be submitted in writing to the Sequoia High School Alumni Association, P. O. Box 2534, Redwood City, CA 94064, emailed to shsaa@sequoiaalumni.org, or placed in the Sequoia High School Alumni Association mailbox near the Principal's office no later than

Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Ken Rolandelli

President, Sequoia High School Alumni Association

Phone: (650) 368-0805

Email: president@sequoiaalumni.org

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

• March 6 - Minimum Day
• March 16 - No Classes

What will you learn in the Media Center?

The Spring 2026 Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!

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.

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.

How do we make our emotions work for us rather than against us? In SHIFT, Ethan Kross, PhD, dispels common myths and offers a framework for shifting emotions so they don’t take over our lives.

Register here.

5 de marzo: SHIFT: cómo manejar tus emociones — para que no te manejen a ti

¿Cómo logramos que nuestras emociones trabajen a nuestro favor en lugar de en nuestra contra? En SHIFT, Ethan Kross, PhD, desmiente mitos comunes y ofrece un marco práctico para transformar nuestras emociones y evitar que se apoderen de nuestras vidas.

Registro aqui.

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!