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Crossing the Tea Garden recently, I observed a student untangling a knotted set of headphones (wired headphones are back in style now). She worked patiently and meticulously, picking at a single loop, following the thread, and creating space where there was once only a mess. I remembered seeing her, a few weeks ago, ask an insightful question at an assembly.
On April 27, our 10th-grade social studies students had the privilege of gathering in Carrington Hall to host Herbert "Herb" Heller, a Holocaust survivor who traveled from his home in Marin to share the story of his childhood in Europe during World War II. At 89 years old, Herb stands as a living bridge to a chapter of history that increasingly feels relegated to the black-and-white pages of a textbook.
As Herb spoke of his journey from Vienna to Antwerp, the atmosphere in Carrington was remarkable. In an age of constant digital distraction, our students sat in a silence that was both heavy and deeply respectful. They weren't just listening; they were bearing witness.
The depth of their engagement became even more evident during the Q&A session. The questions our sophomores posed were not the rehearsed inquiries of a captive audience, but the insightful reflections of young people who had been paying close attention to the nuances of Herb’s life. They asked how his time being hidden in a Catholic convent shaped his views on religion later in life and, touchingly, about the fate of his beloved uncle. Afterward, Herb’s assistant remarked to me that our students’ questions were among the most thoughtful and sophisticated she had ever heard in her years of accompanying him.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Spanish teacher and Jewish Student Union Advisor Edith Salvatore for her vision and persistence in organizing this event. Her dedication ensured that our students had access to a primary source of the human experience.
It is often said that while history may not repeat itself, people certainly do—especially when we lose sight of the lessons the past has to offer. By listening to Herb, our students didn't just learn about the Holocaust; they practiced the empathy required to ensure such history remains in the past. In those insightful questions and that respectful silence, they demonstrated a commitment to remembering. Like unraveling a knotted cord, understanding history sometimes requires us to slow down, find the thread of a single human life, and patiently untangle the truth from the vast, often overwhelming knots of the past.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
| | Volunteer Content Creator Needed! | | |
The PTSA is looking for a volunteer content creator to support our Communications Lead and help share important school and community updates through social media, e-blasts, and the Sentinel. This is a great opportunity to help strengthen communication and engagement within our school community.
If you are interested, please email fnmonet@yahoo.com.
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As a reminder, please follow and like the PTSA on social media to stay connected:
• Facebook: Sequoia High School PTSA
• Instagram: @sequoiaptsa
If you are not currently receiving our email blasts, please make sure to re-subscribe to both the General PTSA and e-blasts here:
https://www.sequoiaptsa.org/mailing-lists-and-newsletter
| | Parents from ALL grade levels – We need your help! | | |
Parents of freshmen through juniors, please consider chaperoning for Grad Night! We couldn’t do it without the parent volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event!
Please consider volunteering, sign up here.
Senior parents, we need help during Grad week, please consider signing up to help with one of the following events:
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Senior Lunch – June 3 (parent volunteers needed, sign up here)
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Senior Brunch – June 4 (parent volunteers needed, sign up here)
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Staff Luncheon – June 5 (see below)
| Donate or Volunteer for the Staff End of Year Luncheon on June 3 | Show your appreciation for our fantastic Sequoia teachers & staff by donating food, drinks, gift cards, or your time at the holiday lunch on Wednesday, June 3rd. Click here to sign up to donate items or volunteer during the event. Shifts are from 11:00 - 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Contact Stacie Ciraulo at sncir2000@yahoo.com with any questions. Thank you! | | Congratulations Junior Achievement Awards Winners! | | We are excited to announce the 2026 Sequoia PTSA Junior Achievement Award recipients. We had many impressive applicants this year in the categories of Academic Success, Community Service and Resilience. Congratulations to these accomplished students! | |
- Nora Brewer
- Mya Carter
- Nathania Castro
- Matteo Chocano Monet
- Darcy Cross
- Olivia DiCorpo
- Ari Guelman
- Keiran Hennelly
- John Huljev
- Alexander Hudson
- Ethan Kell
- Meezahn Kemal
- Ella Kempton
- Julia Klahr
- Jason Kothari
- Emily Lieske
- Rinji Low
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- Colby Manrao
- Eleanor Mateosian
- Karim Mhanna
- Jacob Mitchell
- Luke Ostrander
- Catherine Podmore
- Luke Popler
- Alisa Portner
- Estrella Rivera
- Sadie Saffren
- Miranda Saha
- Kaitlyn Schernig
- Eliza Sharratt
- Ava Lauren Satterwhite
- Meenakshi Stanger
- Natalie Tha
- Nina Vijeh
| | Spring into Action–May is here! | | |
As we enter the final full month of school, we are reminded of how far each of our Ravens has come since August and all that they have done. At SHSEF, we are proud of how generously our community has given so far this year. 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 please donate today to help us meet the goal!
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.
| | Looking for a way to get your SHSEF information and news and engage with our community? Follow us on Instagram: @SequoiaEdFoundation | | Order Flower Leis for Your Class of 2026 Graduate Today! | | Signature Leis is an official partner of Sequoia High School's 2026 graduation ceremony. Visit signatureleis.com to place an order by May 28th. Leis will be available for pickup at the graduation rehearsal on June 4th. | | |
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.
The price is $125 in 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!
El precio es de $125 en 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.
| | Upcoming Schedule Modifications | | - May 25 - Memorial Day, No Classes
| | Sequoia Boosters Available Positions | |
Behind every great team is a GREAT TEAM.
Sequoia Boosters is powered by dedicated parent volunteers—and we’re looking to fill a few key roles for next year, including the VP (future President) role to shadow President Alex Schernig in his final year. We also have openings for:
- Merchandise Sales Co-Lead
- Snack Shack Sales
- Parliamentarian
- Social Media Co-Lead
Whether you’re ready to step into a leadership role or jump in where you can, there’s a place for you. Visit VOLUNTEER to explore all the ways to support Sequoia athletics with the gift of your time. Email us with questions, ideas, or general interest at boostersequoia@gmail.com.
| | Swing by the Boosters end-of-year social on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm! | | |
Join us Tuesday for the final Boosters gathering of the 2025–26 school year. We’ll raise a glass to everything we accomplished together this year, preview exciting projects for next year, thank our incredible volunteers, and meet the new crew helping keep the Raven spirit going strong.
Current members, incoming leaders, and future volunteers are all welcome. Come connect, celebrate, and help us close out a great year!
Email boostersequoia@gmail.com for location details.
Please spread the word! 💜
| | May 27: Not So Sweet: Concerns Over Adolescents’ Use of Tobacco Pouches (including Zyn) | Nicotine pouches like Zyn are rapidly gaining popularity among adolescents and young adults. Join Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, Stanford School of Medicine, for an important conversation on nicotine pouches and adolescent health. Register. | 27 de mayo : Not so sweet: preocupaciones sobre el uso de bolsitas de nicotina entre adolescentes (incluyendo Zyn) | Las bolsitas de nicotina como Zyn están ganando popularidad rápidamente entre adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Acompáñenos a una importante conversación con Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, de la Facultad de Medicina de Stanford, sobre las bolsitas de nicotina y la salud adolescente. Registro. | |
May 28: Beyond the Checklist: Strategies to Help Students Thrive in College, Work, and the Age of AI
| | Join Ana Homayoun — author of Getting In Is Not Enough — and colleague Brandon Williams for a candid conversation about the gap between what schools measure and what colleges, employers, and the modern world actually demand. Register. | | 28 de mayo: Más allá de la lista de verificación: estrategias para ayudar a los estudiantes a prosperar en la universidad, el trabajo y la era de la IA | | Acompañe a Ana Homayoun — autora de Getting In Is Not Enough — y a su colega Brandon Williams para una conversación sincera sobre la brecha entre lo que las escuelas evalúan y lo que realmente exigen las universidades, los empleadores y el mundo actual. Registro. | | |
What will you learn in the Media Center?
The Spring 2026 Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!
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