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We field all kinds of questions on the main phone line at Sequoia. Looking for a copy of a great-grandparent’s diploma? Sorry. Can you put me in touch with a girl I went to school with in 1983? Nope. Can you make an announcement on the intercom and tell the owner of a blue Toyota that they’re blocking my driveway? Call the police.
A frequently repeated topic is Grad Night. With this one, we direct inquiring minds to our PTSA, the event organizers each year. That’s right, the annual Grad Night celebration is NOT a school event. This is primarily due to the fact that graduates are no longer, by definition, our students. The Grad Night Party each year is 100% a PTSA jam.
Luckily, we have a dedicated team of senior parents who volunteer hundreds of hours over the course of at least two years, planning and coordinating the event. Their mission is to ensure a safe and fun way to celebrate this pivotal milestone and the end of their time at Sequoia. We encourage students to take advantage of the fun, and we are always sure to subsidize tickets for low-income families. I am grateful that our kids have the chance to spend one last night together with their classmates—and not behind the wheel of a car.
Here’s the thing…
Someone has to chaperone the event. It can’t be school personnel, for reasons stated above. Likewise, it can’t be the same senior parents who put the event together. Number one, haven’t they done enough? Number two, and maybe more saliently, fewer 18-year-olds want to party with their parents than we might think. I know…right?!?
So, on behalf of the 2025 Grad Night Chair Tina Hymer and her team of organizers, I’m hoping to get the word out to 9-11th grade parents who might be willing to help us out. Are you up for an all-night party with some of the coolest young adults you’ll ever meet?
The event will take place at Boomers Amusement Park in Modesto. Buses take everyone out and back. Typically, between 200 and 300 graduates join the fun. For chaperones, it can be a memorable night with a friend or a partner—you could even call it a date! The buses depart Sequoia at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, and return to Sequoia around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7.
If you’re interested in helping out or have questions, please don’t call the main line at school, contact sequoiaptsa@gmail.com or sign up here directly.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
| | Freshman, sophomore and junior loved ones needed as Grad Night chaperones | |
What else can we say? Mr. Priest says it best!
Please sign up here to be a Grad Night chaperone. Contact sequoiaptsa@gmail.com with questions. Thank you!
| | Correction: Staff Luncheon is June 4 | | It was mistakenly published that the final Staff Luncheon for the school year is June 6. The Staff Luncheon is June 4. | | June 4 & 5: Volunteers needed for Senior Lunch and Senior Brunch | | |
Wednesday, June 4: The PTSA and senior parents are hosting a Senior Lunch for our graduating seniors. This will take place on the lawn in front of the school from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Please sign up to volunteer for set up, serving, clean up, or for donating drinks and desserts.
Thursday, June 5: Brunch will be provided courtesy of the PTSA in the MUR from 11:30a.m.-1:00 p.m. Seniors can eat, sign yearbooks and hang out with friends before their mandatory graduation practice. Parents, please sign up to bring something or donate for this special brunch.
| | Support your graduate with a flower lei | |
The school year is almost over, and graduation is coming up soon! Support your graduating senior by purchasing a lei from Signature Leis. Options include orchid, candy, kukui nut leis, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Class of 2026.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Kind regards, Mira Lowitz, 2026 Class President
Note: orders must be placed 2 weeks prior to graduation date.
| | Get your Grad Night tickets | | |
Grad Night is right around the corner on June 6-7 at Boomers in Modesto and it is going to be an awesome event! Celebrate with activities like go karts, laser tag, mini golf, bumper boats, and so much more!
Tickets are $120 per senior student and include the cost of admission, all activities, food, beverages, and transportation. Students check in at Sequoia on June 6 at 9:00 p.m. and return to Sequoia on June 7 around 4:30-5:00 a.m. Purchase tickets and get more information on the PTSA website.
| | May 14 & 15: Drama Class Showcases | | |
Come to Carrington Hall on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. to see a collection of original theatre pieces created and performed by this year's Drama II class and an original one-act play created and performed by this year's Drama III class.
On Friday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m., the Drama I class showcase will take place in Carrington Hall, where the two Drama I classes will perform two one-act plays retelling classic Greek mythology stories.
Entry to both showcases is free, with a suggested donation of $5 at the door. No reserved seating. Hope to see you there!
| | Thank you Sequoia business partners | |
Diamond (Gunderson Dettmer; Oracle), Platinum (Goetz Brothers; JM Lehman Construction, Inc.), Gold (County Consumer Plumbing; Geoffrey’s; Joyce & Tatum Real Estate Team; Peninsula Chemical Company; Rim Orthodontics), Silver (Christie's International Real Estate; Collected Interiors; Hassett Hardware; Jennifer Fischer Interiors; John McAfee, State Farm; Sew Amusing), and Bronze (DilsWeb; Obstacourse Fitness; RockSalt Pilates; Veritas Homes).
Please consider supporting these community partners! If interested in becoming a partner, please visit SHSEF Business Partners.
| Free after school math tutoring on campus | |
Thanks to our generous donors, SHSEF is grateful to fund after-school math tutoring for all Sequoia High School students, including advanced levels.
One of our experienced Sequoia math teachers is available for weekly on-campus drop-in sessions for personalized support and review, which is especially helpful with finals approaching. This resource not only helps students with any math difficulty, it also boosts their problem-solving confidence. You can ensure this extra math support for all levels continues! Donate today.
| Donate to Sequoia’s Prom Closet | | Every year, SHSEF helps the Family Center organize a “Prom Closet” filled with donated formal wear and accessories that students can borrow for the Prom. Students are able to “shop” (for free) for prom dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories. SHSEF and the Sequoia community come together to make sure that Unaliyi means not only a “place of friends,” but also a “prom of friends.” Help support programs that make school events accessible to all of our students. Donate Today! | | Senior Night is May 16 and home games wrap up | | |
Sequoia spring sports are wrapping up their regular seasons this week. Congrats to all of our athletes and good luck to those headed to CCS! Follow @seqboosters on Instagram for the latest photos and sports news.
5/12 Softball vs Aragon - JV 4:00 pm
5/14 Baseball vs Carlmont - Varsity 4:00 pm
5/14 Softball vs Menlo-Atherton - Varsity 4:00 pm
5/16 Baseball vs Carlmont - JV 4:00 pm
5/16 Softball vs Terra Nova - Varsity 4:00 pm *SENIOR NIGHT*
| | Join the team behind our teams | | |
Thank you to the volunteers that offered their time and talent this school year and to those returning for 2025-26! We are excited about our roster of Boosters board members and committee leads, but still have some key roles to fill. See the full list of volunteer positions here. Some possibilities include putting your event planning skills to work, supporting concessions or leading a project.
Not sure how to get involved? Swing by the Boosters end-of-year social on Tuesday, May 20. Email boostersequoia@gmail.com for location details.
| | News from the Sequoia Media Center | | |
May 12: Little Hearts, Big Fears: Facing Anxiety, Immigration Trauma, and Emotional Health
This presentation will explore early signs of distress and anxiety in children, including fears related to immigration and the growing emotional challenges that young children face. Presented by Brenda Carrasco, bilingual therapist, One Life Counseling Center. Register here.
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12 de mayo: Corazones pequeños, grandes miedos: enfrentando la ansiedad, el trauma de inmigración y la salud emocional
Esta presentación explorará las primeras señales de angustia y ansiedad en los niños, incluyendo miedos relacionados con la inmigración y los crecientes desafíos emocionales que enfrentan los niños pequeños. Presentada por Brenda Carrasco, terapeuta bilingüe, One Life Counseling Center. Registro aqui.
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Say hello to Rootstock Berry Club
Rootstock Berry Club just launched in Redwood City and San Carlos to provide curated fresh, local, healthy food and directly support farmers caring for the land and health of their crops.
The membership gives you access to delicious, nutrient-rich organic berries, tastings, and community events.
To become a member, visit www.rootstock.earth and use FOUNDER20. The first 50 Founding Members get $20 off, a welcome gift, and a $10 donation to the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) on your behalf.
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