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Last Thursday night got the best of me. I wanted to see everything, engage with every student demonstration, appreciate every piece of art, and meet as many new people as possible. I even gave myself a head start with a sublime half-hour in the Powell Gallery in the afternoon, before the crowd arrives, to appreciate the output of our IB Art 12th graders. Regrettably, when Argo Tower struck 8:30 on Thursday night, I hadn’t had enough time to see it all.
Nonetheless, Sequoia’s 2026 Open House was an unequivocal success – a unique, vibrant night to celebrate the intellectual and creative life of our students. Here are a handful of my personal highlights:
Stacy Wenzel’s MLE 2 students (second-year English learners) fashioned "time capsules" for next year’s incoming students, which included a handwritten letter. I was particularly moved by Rosemery’s letter: warm and informative, including a nudge to our Teen Resource Center and an enthusiastic endorsement of what to forward to in social studies classes.
In Ethan Sanford’s woodshop, I watched Elizabeth and Annika demonstrate their pen-making skills on the midi lathe. On my way out, a 2018 graduate stopped me to exhibit his zurna (a traditional Anatolian woodwind instrument). He had returned for Open House to show Mr. Sanford how he was continuing to apply the skills he had acquired as a Sequoia student.
Our Health Careers Academy showcase felt like an episode of The Pitt. After multiple training sessions with HCA students, my CPR and AED skills are thoroughly updated (“All clear!!!”). Another group shared their expertise in infant care (Baby Jane Doe?!?). The students were confident and assertive. Exactly the kind of medical professionals you want in charge of your case.
The halls were packed with IB Diploma portfolios, where students could show off their extended essays, service projects (CAS), and takeaways from their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes. Joselyn’s jumped out for me. Her Extended Essay on the photojournalism of migration and borders was deeply moving, connecting directly with her CAS project, designing and selling clay magnets and keychains to raise funds for Sequoia’s Dream Club.
Our 11th-grade IB students, in their first year of the TOK, shared their reflections on the nature of learning and mastery. Their presentations on how much "knowledge" an object holds – using items as diverse as postcards, emergency blankets, and sunscreen – showed a highly sophisticated understanding of epistemology. For the first time in almost 30 years, I felt like someone might want to talk with me about David Hume. Wisely, I ignored that instinct and moved along. Ten minutes left!
The Spanish classrooms were rich with examples of student achievement. Ms. Marchal’s students designed board games to help master grammar through cultural touchstones like the novel Like Water for Chocolate and the tradition of eating grapes on New Year’s Eve. Nearby, Mr. Mendoza’s students embedded a multimedia layer to their personal essays, allowing guests to hear them read aloud using QR codes. How fun to hear your student speaking Spanish aloud!
A special thanks to our Education Foundation, Alumni Association, PTSA, and Boosters, who provided a welcoming Unaliyi energy in the main hallway. The evening was a success because everyone in the community played a part: our students, teachers, counselors, custodial crew, and all who showed up to engage as an authentic audience. I pledge to work harder next year on a better plan to see it all before time runs out.
Have a great week!
Sean
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Prom Gallery 2026 💃🏻🕺
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 8am-9pm or 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!
| | Sequoia Open House–a huge success! | | |
Thank you for attending our annual Open House this past Thursday. As you wandered the halls and classrooms, many of you saw first-hand the numerous 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!
| | Looking for a way to get your SHSEF information and news and engage with our community? Follow us on Instagram: @SequoiaEdFoundation | | Short-term volunteer opportunity with ELD students | | |
Volunteers will explore career topics with students reading some new books the media center just purchased and other materials. Here is an overview of the project that was completed last year.
There will be some modifications for this year. If you are interested, please use the google form to sign up by Friday, March 13th.
If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Schmidt Wenzel, ELD teacher. swenzel@seq.org
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Upcoming Schedule Modifications
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Sequoia High School Art Show at the Redwood City Library!
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!
| Sign Up for Mock Interviews in April! | |
We’re hosting several spring events and would love your help! Sequoia Career Technical Education (CTE) students will visit our local community colleges to explore career-readiness opportunities, including mock interviews. Whether you can volunteer for just 1–2 hours or join us for all three mock interview events, your time and expertise will help students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and better understand real-world career pathways. If you’re able to share this opportunity with friends or colleagues, we’d appreciate that too. Thank you for being part of this important work!
When: Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:00-11:00 a.m., 11:00-12:00 p.m., and 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94061
How: Sign Up Here (Canada College)
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 10:45-11:55 a.m. and 11:55-1:10 p.m.
Where: Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
How: Sign Up Here (Foothill College)
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:15-11:15 a.m. and 11:15-12:15 p.m.
Where: Skyline College, 3300 College Dr, San Bruno, CA 94066
How: Sign Up Here (Skyline College)
For any additional questions, contact Faith Velschow at fvelschow@seq.org.
| | The SUHSD Middle College program at Cañada College is now accepting applications for Fall 2026 | | |
Middle College is a collaboration between the SUHSD and Cañada College, and students earn both high school and college credits, enabling them to complete their high school requirements and earn college credit simultaneously. All classes are held at Cañada College, and there is no cost.
Learn more here: Middle College Video
Interested sophomores should speak to their counselor and attend a Parent/Student info sessions. Limited space for rising seniors.
Thurs, 3/12 - Via Zoom - Link here - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
RSVP Here
All application components must be submitted by Friday, 3/20/2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Email us at canadamiddlecollege@smccd.edu for questions or visit the website for more information, or call 650-306-3120.
| | Sequoia needs your help this spring | | |
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!
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Sequoia High School Alumni Association Seeking Purple Patriot
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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.
| | March 10: #unMASKing Healthy Relationships | |
Join us for an interactive, in-person workshop with Ashanti Branch, founder of the Ever Forward Club and the #MillionMask Movement, featured in the groundbreaking film, “The Mask You Live In.”
As parents, caregivers, and educators navigate the challenges of raising youth, we share fundamental human needs — for support, expression, recognition, meaning, and connection.
Register
10 de marzo: #Desenmascarando relaciones saludables
Únete a nosotros en un taller interactivo presencial con Ashanti Branch, fundadora del Siempre Adelante y del #MovimientoMillionMask, apareció en la innovadora película, La máscara en la que vives.
Mientras padres, cuidadores y educadores lidian con los desafíos de la crianza de los hijos, compartimos necesidades humanas fundamentales: apoyo, expresión, reconocimiento, significado y conexión.
Registro
| | March 11: It’s Complicated: Tween/Teens, Technology, and Mental Health | | |
In this interactive and energizing presentation, Erin Walsh, author of It's Their World, uses developmental science, warmth, and humor to cut through the conflicting messages about screen time and kids.
Register
11 de marzo : Es complicado: preadolescentes/adolescentes, tecnología y salud mental
En esta presentación interactiva y dinámica, Erin Walsh, autora de It’s Their World, utiliza la ciencia del desarrollo, calidez y humor para aclarar los mensajes contradictorios sobre el tiempo frente a las pantallas y los jóvenes.
Registro
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What will you learn in the Media Center?
The Spring 2026 Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!
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High school scholars will have the exciting opportunity to spend 8 weeks during the summer engaged in hands-on research within our cutting-edge laboratories. Throughout this period, scholars will collaborate on existing research projects under the direct supervision of graduate scholars, postdocs, and experienced lab managers. The commitment involves 15-30 hours of work per week, providing a rich and immersive research experience. Furthermore, we’re proud to offer honorarium scholarships to support and celebrate a diverse range of talents and perspectives among our interns for those who qualify.
To apply, please visit our website using our homepage link provided above, or click here.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026. Letters of recommendation are due one week later.
We strongly encourage applicants to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for additional information.
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability comprises seven departments, each offering unique opportunities for research exploration. Explore the internship options page on our website to gain insights into the diverse fields of research available within each department.
| | Earth Day Sustainability Challenge | | |
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.
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