MAIN MESSAGE

Take a look at the following items:



1. Blue or Black Ballpoint Pen
2. Smart Phone
3. Transparent Water Bottle

Two of the three are permitted for students to bring to an IB test. Which one do you think is prohibited?  If you said B, you just passed the initial screening to be an IB Proctor at Sequoia. Congratulations!  

There are, of course, other guidelines, regulations, and restrictions for IB exam settings/conditions. The minimum distance between student desks, for example, is 1.5 meters. IB even uses its own special word for the adult proctors who oversee the secure administration of exams: “invigilator”. Sounds like a Jason Statham movie from the early 2010s.

This year, Sequoia will administer 82 exam sessions during testing month. That’s 431 students – our largest group in the 20+ years of IB at Sequoia. A fantastic distinction.

Only half of our required proctor spots are currently covered, however. In addition to the 15 staff members proctoring exams this year, we need a total of 133 adults for such a large testing schedule. That’s a small army of invigilators. 

Bottom line: We need you!

IB parent proctoring at Sequoia is one of our most cherished traditions. Witnessing our diverse mix of 11th and 12th-graders reach this capstone is a singular glimpse into the experience of being a Sequoia student. This is an especially rich opportunity for parents of 9th and 10th-graders to get a peek into the future for their students. Our IB team provides all the training and guidance you need. No prior invigilator experience needed. 

If you haven’t already signed up, please use this link to do so. Exams are fast approaching, so the sooner we fill our spots, the better. Thanks in advance for unlocking your inner invigilator and making the 2026 IB testing season at Sequoia a success. 

Have a great week!

Best,

Sean

We have a special need for a Communications Co-Lead. If you have a background in marketing and are interested in helping coordinate and lead our communications efforts, please reach out to Francoise at fnmonet@yahoo.com. None of our programs can be successful without strong communication oversight.

We are also seeking volunteers to help plan content for our parent education sessions. If you’d like to be involved in shaping these events, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you to all the parents who have already stepped up to take on diverse roles within the PTSA—we truly couldn’t do it without you!

- Want to help students feel calm and confident during IB exams?

- Wonder what IB exams are like for students?

Sign up here to assist during an IB Exam

3 reasons you’ll love it:

YOU’LL MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE: A friendly face quickly eases a student’s nerves.

YOU’LL BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG: Help over 430 students to conquer 1,600 exams. The IB requires a 1:20 adult to student ratio for exams. We really depend on our "village" to pull this off!

IT’S SUPER EASY: No prep, no expertise needed, no stress-- we’ll show you exactly what to do. Help pass out pens and exam materials, watch students' brains do awesome work, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

We are looking for volunteers to serve as judges for the Junior Class Achievement Awards panel this year (see details under "Class Notes" below). The only requirement is that you cannot judge if you have a junior this year.

The program will launch on March 23 and run through April 19. Judging will occur the week of April 20 and require approximately 3-4 hours of your time.

If you are able to contribute some time to help judge the submissions, please contact Andrea Mardesich.

Give your gently used formalwear a new life…for Sequoia Prom 2026! 💃🏻🕺

The Sequoia Family Center, SHSEF and PTSA are organizing our annual Sequoia PROM GALLERY for March 30th & 31st. Each year, Sequoia creates a "store" on our campus so students can "shop" for a prom outfit, completely free. Many hard-working Sequoia teens and their families are excited about Sequoia's upcoming prom, but worried about the huge cost of buying or renting formalwear. Sequoia is committed to making prom an inclusive, fun milestone event for ALL of our students. 

We need modern formal dresses (mostly long styles), modern suits (black or dark preferred), tuxedos, ties, dress shoes (women's and men's), fancy costume jewelry, small clutches, etc. CLEAN and stain-free in ALL sizes! 

You can donate by:

Leaving items at the organizer’s home at 43 Finger Ave, Redwood City from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. after work hours. Send Ann a text at (617) 835-9586, so she knows the items are arriving. *Donations accepted until Friday, 3/27.*

Dropping donations off at the Sequoia Family Center on campus Rm 129 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Let Elvira know you’re coming at (650) 367-9780 ext. 63110

We also need volunteers to staff the Prom Gallery!

You can volunteer by signing up at the link:

Prom Gallery Volunteer SignUp

Thank you for your help making everyone feel and look great at Sequoia’s Prom!

Bridging the Gap: College & Career Preparedness–SPRING is here!

March is a big kickoff for our 11th graders as they plan for their futures after high school. 165 are signed up to sit for the School Day SAT on March 25th. And starting this week, junior history classes will receive a workshop on “Developing a College List” from the College and Career Center. Thank you to our donors for supporting both these programs for College & Career Preparedness and others, including:

• Additional Credentialed College Counselor
• On-Campus school day SAT for Juniors (165 students)
• Multi-day College Trip for AVID Students (48 students & 5 chaperones)

SHSEF has received a two-year grant from Sobrato Philanthropies to pilot a Career Readiness Program at Sequoia to ensure we are supporting ALL students—including those who will go directly into the workforce after high school. With this funding, Sequoia has hired a Career Readiness Specialist who will develop and facilitate pathways for students into careers that advance stability and economic mobility. This specialist will work in partnership with community programs and businesses to equip students with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in the rapidly changing world. 

The purpose of our education foundation is to raise funds from parents, community members, and grantors to help close the gap in state and local funding. Our fundraising goal for the 2025-26 school year is $650,000, and our recommended ask per student is $1,500, or any gift 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 

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

Junior Achievement Award

Calling all Juniors! Applications will open for the Junior Achievement Award on March 23rd. This award recognizes students for academic success, community service, and/or resilience. This is a great opportunity to start your college essays, to be recognized for your hard work, and to earn some extra money to continue your education. The deadline for submitting is Monday April 19th, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. For more information about the award please go to https://www.sequoiaptsa.org/junior-scholarships. This year we have multiple awards of at least $125 to offer.

Grad Night ’26 Tickets—Get them now!

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 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.

Boletos para la Fiesta de Graduación de 2026: ¡Cómpralos ya!

¡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. 

• April 6- April 10 Spring Break

Yearbooks on Sale!

Don’t miss out on capturing the memories of the 2025–2026 school year! Yearbooks are on sale now—be sure to order yours before prices go up and supplies run out. Click the link to reserve your copy today!

New Look for the Raven Report

The Raven Report (our school newspaper) has a newly redesigned website! Articles are updated regularly and feature a wide range of topics—from school and community news to features and Arts & Entertainment. Please check it out at ravenreport.org.

Last Show! Come see Sequoia Drama's spring play production of JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES by Syrie James!

Last Show TODAY, Sunday March 22 at 2:00 p.m. 

Tickets are available at https://our.show/janeausten89minutes 

Come celebrate the creativity of Sequoia High School’s visual art students! Their incredible artwork is on display at the Redwood City Main Library now through March 29th.



Stop by and be inspired!

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.

April 16: Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts

In Ordinary Magic, Stanford psychologist Gregory M. Walton explores how small, wise interventions in everyday life can lead to significant positive change, addressing core questions like "Can I succeed?" and "Do I belong?" Register.

16 de abril : Magia cotidiana: La ciencia de cómo lograr grandes cambios con pequeñas acciones

En Ordinary Magic, el psicólogo de Stanford Gregory M. Walton explora cómo pequeñas intervenciones, bien pensadas, en la vida cotidiana pueden generar cambios positivos significativos, abordando preguntas fundamentales como “¿Puedo tener éxito?” y “¿Pertenezco?” Registro.

How do we support our children’s autonomy while maintaining boundaries? In Autonomy-Supportive Parenting, psychologist Emily Edlynn, PhD offers a flexible parenting framework that can apply to every family and every parental relationship. Register.

¿Cómo apoyamos la autonomía de nuestros hijos mientras mantenemos límites? En Autonomy-Supportive Parenting, la psicóloga Emily Edlynn, PhD, presenta un enfoque flexible de crianza que puede aplicarse a todas las familias y a todas las relaciones entre padres e hijos. Registro.

THE SEQUOIA MEDIA CENTER

What will you learn in the Media Center?

The Spring 2026 Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!

Summit Education hosts virtual summer programs for high-achieving students interested in STEM. In 2026, Summit will run two programs: 

• Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF): SSF empowers the next generation of STEM leaders by helping students explore a wide range of STEM fields and career pathways while building leadership and life skills. The fellowship is a flexible 10–15 hour per week commitment, allowing students to participate alongside other summer activities. 

• Summit Research Scholars (SRS): SRS equips students with the tools to conduct original research, covering essential research methods and technical skills. At the end of the program, students complete a Research Capstone and practice applying their skills to solve real-world problems. 

Applications for Summer 2026 programs have recently opened. Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To learn more and apply, please visit www.summiteducation.org. and check out our video here!

Join us for the fourth annual San Carlos Parks and Recreation Foundation No Foolin' Foot Race on Saturday, April 18, 2026! Take on the challenging 5K, 10K, or 15K trail race and younger kids can run the 1-mile kids race through beautiful Big Canyon, Eaton, and Pulgas Ridge (15K only) Parks to benefit San Carlos trail maintenance and improvements. Sign up to run or to volunteer at the race. Register Today!

Students from the Sequoia Union High School District are invited to apply to a unique Spanish immersion and cultural experience in Costa Rica. Participants live with local families, practice Spanish daily, and engage in meaningful cultural and community activities.

Questions? Contact Ilba Prego, Director 

ilba@youthcr.org

www.highschoolspanish.org  

This spring, the 17th District PTA is calling all middle and high school artists, writers, and change makers to join the Earth Day Sustainability Challenge. This year's theme “One Choice” invites students to envision and promote solutions to pressing environmental problems in their communities. Together, let’s imagine a future where our shared choices create lasting positive change for the planet!

Participants will be able to choose from four environmental issues to create a Video, Podcast, Essay, Poem, Infographic, or Visual Art (2 Dimensional). 

Submissions are due March 31st and winners will be announced in late April. Please find information on the challenge here.

Questions can be directed to esarver@17thdistrictpta.org.