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In about two weeks, the sidewalk squares and paved section in front of campus will be brought to life by the colorful drawings of college and university logos. We have to order a full palette of chalk this year: UCLA baby blue, the cardinal red and steel grey for MIT, extra Mustang Green for Cal Poly, and Washington Husky Purple are just a few of the insignias that will be rendered proudly by this year’s Sequoia grads heading off to college next year.  It’s the graffiti of hope and promise – we’re proud to show it off during graduation. 

12th graders from Sequoia’s AVID program, most of whom are the first in their families to attend a 4-year college, celebrated their annual College “Signing Day” last week.  Seniors, standing before their 9-11th grade peers, shared where they will attend next year, what course of study they’ll pursue, and what factored into their decision.  It was inspiring and illuminating toggling back and forth between the students on the microphone and their younger classmates taking it all in.  

Our community’s investment in the highest aspirations of our students is once again paying out. 

This investment, in large part, is stewarded through the work of our Education Foundation.  The SHSEF funds major components of what makes Sequoia’s college-going culture possible: a full-time college counselor, 9th Grade College visits, PSAT for all, school day SAT, AVID college trips, and just a few of the direct services made possible by our community’s support of the Foundation.  

In 24-25, thanks to the strong ongoing support from our donors, we were able to subsidize the hiring of additional teaching staff to reduce class sizes.  Visual and Performing Art at Sequoia also receives a large boost each year through the purchase of consumable supplies and musical instrument maintenance.

We are rounding the corner into the homestretch of this year’s annual campaign to match the same level of support for 2025-26.  We are counting on the continued generosity and dedication of our community to reach our goal.  A big thanks to those of you who have already contributed to the annual campaign.  We are grateful.  As we are now deep into planning for next year, I encourage those of you who have yet to contribute to do so before May 30, including incoming families who are reading their first Sentinel -- welcome!

Thanks and have a great week!

Sean

PTSA

Freshman, sophomore and junior loved ones needed as Grad Night chaperones

The Class of 2025 is celebrating their Grad Night at Boomers Modesto and they can’t celebrate without a team of adult chaperones! Because the Seniors don't want their parents there, we hope you will help. We know it is a hard sell, but here are some reasons why you should consider chaperoning:

• You will have an amazing night with your bestie, spouse, or other family! 
• You get to see first hand what the hype is all about! 
• You get a preview for when your student is a Senior! 
• You are helping pay it forward!

Transportation, admission, food and beverages will be provided. Buses depart Sequoia at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, and return to Sequoia at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7. Sign up here and contact sequoiaptsa@gmail.com with questions.  

Donate or Volunteer for the Staff End of Year Luncheon June. 4th / Demuestre su apreciación para maestros y personal

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 4th. The event is hosted by the PTSA! Click here to sign up to donate items or volunteer during the event. Shifts are from 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Contact Katherine Schembri at kathandnora@aol.com with any questions. Thank you!

Demuestre su apreciación a nuestros fantásticos y al personal de Sequoia al donar comida, bebidas, tarjetas de regalo o bien, su tiempo durante el lunch que se llevará a cabo el miércoles 4 de junio. El evento será organizado por la PTSA, presione aquí para registrarse y donar artículos o ser voluntario durante el evento. Los turnos son de 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Contacte a Katherine Schembri kathandnora@aol.com con cualquier pregunta. ¡Gracias!

Congratulations to the 2025 PTSA Junior Achievement Award recipients! This is an impressive group of students who were honored for academics, community service and/or resilience. Here is a list of this year's award winners: 

Lucia Nino-Sears

Liliana King

Amaya Bijlani

Charlotte Finegold

Leila Berman

Zosia Kaufman

Nicholas Henderson

Isaiah Hahn Tapper

Paxton Ticoulet

Michael Long

Ariana Robinson

Sabrina Alvarez

Sara Driedger

Katie Lombera

Ben Schwartz

Genna Pravdin

Aditya Gupta

Erin Chow

Anika Keshavan

Katherine Kelly

Liam Lowitz

Mira Lowitz

Zoe Zemanek

Kate Dutton

Charles Hudson

Fynn Miller-Bowen

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.

Recruitment for VP of Special Projects

We're recruiting for next year's VP of Special Projects—a key PTSA board role at Sequoia! This position oversees a few well-established functions that already have dedicated volunteers in place. It's a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact with a manageable time commitment. Join us in helping shape exciting programs for our school community! Contact Karen Gebhart (karendonna@yahoo.com) with questions.

Special invitation to the Class of 2025 from the Sequoia High School Alumni Association

In honor of your graduation, the Sequoia High School Alumni Association (SHSAA) extends a special invitation to members of the Class of 2025 to join the SHSAA for the price of their graduation year—this year it will be $20.25. The normal price of lifetime membership (no annual dues) is $50, and this special membership offer will end Aug. 15.

This special membership would make a nice gift! For more information, see the flyer, go to the SHSAA website to join electronically, or email for questions.

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.

Your Partnership Powers Sequoia's Success - Donate Today!

At SHSEF, we’ve made progress toward our fundraising goal of $650k, but we still have more to go before the end of this school year. We’re counting on your partnership so Sequoia can continue to provide essential resources and opportunities that government funding does not cover. Your donation helps SHSEF fund after school math tutoring, supplies for music and arts, smaller class sizes, an additional college counselor and much more. Help us fund educational excellence for all our students. Donate Today!  

HIGHLIGHTS

Check out the Raven Report!

The Raven Report is Sequoia High School’s print and online news magazine, created entirely by students in the Journalism class. As a student-led, project-based learning experience, the class offers students the opportunity to be reporters, graphic designers, and editors. From conducting interviews to writing compelling stories and designing eye-catching layouts in Adobe InDesign, students bring each issue to life with passion and purpose.

The process of producing a professional publication on a deadline teaches more than just journalism—it builds teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills. With every edition, students know their work will reach a wide audience of peers, teachers, and the broader Sequoia community.

Whether in print or online, The Raven Report is a platform where student voices are heard, ideas take flight, and stories matter. Check out the most current version here!

May 19: Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education 

In her new book, Love to Learn, Isabelle C. Hau explores the cutting-edge science on how early relationships are key to healthy brain development, resilience, and lifelong flourishing. Register.

19 de mayo: Amar el aprendizaje: el poder transformador del cuidado y la conexión en la educación temprana (en español)

En su nuevo libro, Love to Learn, Isabelle C. Hau explora la ciencia de vanguardia sobre cómo las relaciones tempranas son clave para el desarrollo saludable del cerebro, la resiliencia y el bienestar a lo largo de la vida. Registro.

May 20: Knowledge is Power: How to Avoid Anxiety Around Immigration Topics (in Spanish

Knowledge is power! Join our parent education program in Spanish, where we will learn how to support our children when they feel anxious or fearful, especially when facing difficult topics such as immigration. Presented by Vanessa Ventura, LMFT, Bilingual Therapist, One Life Counseling Center. Register.

20 de mayo: Saber es poder: cómo evitar la ansiedad sobre temas de inmigración

¡El conocimiento es poder! Únase a nuestro programa de educación en español para padresl, donde aprenderemos cómo apoyar a nuestros hijos cuando se sienten ansiosos o temerosos, especialmente frente a temas difíciles como la inmigración. Presentada por Vanessa Ventura, LMFT, terapeuta bilingüe, One Life Counseling Center. Registro.