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“It’s like a party out here!” I said as I approached PE teacher Lauren Cornell last Friday on the deck of the Sequoia pool. Students in her 7th-period class were splashing and laughing under the warm Redwood City sunshine (climate best!). “It’s the last day of the swim unit,” Ms. Cornell told me with a smile. “It’s a perfect day.” As I walked away, I wondered how many of those happy students knew exactly what it takes to get that pool ready for spring semester fun, or that Mr. Ramiro Macias was the man to thank.
Ramiro arrives on campus before almost anyone else each day to ready the pool—the first item on his daily task list, and almost never a simple one. Anyone who has ever owned a pool understands the hidden complexity of that chore. Still, before most staff and students have even turned into the parking lot, Ramiro circulates through campus, rain or shine, to empty the outdoor garbage bins. Despite the inevitable messes left behind by our scavenging crows and squirrels, no one has ever heard him grumble. He simply doesn’t have the time. He remains in a state of constant, purposeful motion throughout the day, responding to unexpected clean-ups large (clogged gutters) and small (burst milk cartons).
Because of his vigilance, graffiti is removed within minutes of being spotted, and the scattered remnants of brunch and lunch disappear long before students exit their subsequent class. In fact, I credit Ramiro’s model work ethic and quiet dedication to the beauty of our campus as one of the strongest motivators for our kids doing a pretty good job of cleaning up after themselves. They see the care he pours into the grounds, and they get it.
Off the clock, Ramiro is a passionate gardening enthusiast. If you visit his workspace on campus, you will likely find a bag of fresh produce harvested from his home garden, brought in purely to share with a colleague. I can tell you firsthand that some of my all-time best ragus were made with Ramiro’s tomatoes. Knowing the deep pride he takes in the square footage under his care at Sequoia, I can only imagine how beautiful his own backyard must look.
Special schools like Sequoia only exist because remarkable people like Ramiro go above and beyond their job descriptions each day. For many in our community, that extra effort might be hard to pinpoint from the outside. One of the greatest privileges of my role is that I get to see the exact ways in which our operational staff excel.
Take just one step onto our grounds, however, and the care becomes instantly visible. You understand immediately how much pride Ramiro, our Plant Manager Fine Lauese, and the rest of our grounds and custodial team take in their work. The ninth graders splashing in the pool last Friday may not yet fully appreciate what it takes to make things what they are around here. But as our graduating seniors walk past the blooming magnolia tree toward Terremere Stadium in two short weeks, I hope they look around and see the thread of care that has sustained them.
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 3 (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
| | We are SOOO close to the goal! | | |
As we enter the last weeks of school, we hope to cross the finish line on fundraising as our class of 2026 walks across the graduation stage. Please give your gift, of ANY size, now and join the community of SHSEF donors. If you have already given this year, THANK YOU! Our fundraising goal for the 2025-26 school year is $650,000. 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 | | The Junior Class Needs Your Help with Graduation Concessions | | |
The Class of 2027 is holding their last, big fundraiser of the school year -- we are running a concession stand during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony on June 5th. Please help by signing up to donate an item or work a shift.
Don't have time for a store run? Venmo any amount! All funds will be used to purchase concessions. All proceeds will go toward supporting safe and sober graduation activities for the Sequoia Class of 2027. Please contact Tina Hymer with questions.
| | La Clase de Penúltimo año Necesita tu Ayuda con las Concesiones de Graduación | | |
La generación de 2027 tendrá su última recaudación de fondos de este año escolar -- tendremos un puesto de comida y golosinas durante la Ceremonia de Graduación 2026 el 5 de junio. Por favor ayúdenos firmándose para donar artículos o tiempo de voluntario.
¿No tiene tiempo de ir a la tienda? ¡VENMO! ¡Mande cualquier cantidad por Venmo! Todos los fondos serán utilizados para comprar comida y golosina. Todas las ganancias serán utilizadas en apoyo de las actividades seguras y sobrias de la Generación 2027 de Sequoia. ¿Alguna pregunta? Por favor comuníquese con Tina Hymer.
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If you are completing credit recovery for graduation or A-G requirements, please note that all coursework must be completed by Friday, May 29th. Students completing Edgenuity or Subject online credit recovery are required to take all unit tests and cumulative exams in person in the Edgenuity/Subject Lab with Mr. Calles in Room B-8.
Additional lab hours will be available May 26th–29th from 4:00–6:00pm in Room B-8 with Mr. Calles.
Please also note that the Edgenuity/Subject Lab for the 2025–26 school year will close on May 29th. Sequoia’s Summer School Edgenuity/Subject Lab will reopen June 12th through July 23rd.
| | Recordatorio: Clase de 2026 | | |
Si están recuperando créditos para los requisitos de graduación o para los requisitos A-G, por favor tomen nota de que todo el trabajo del curso debe completarse a más tardar el viernes 29 de mayo. Los estudiantes que estén realizando la recuperación de créditos en línea a través de Edgenuity o Subject tienen la obligación de presentar todos los exámenes de unidad y los exámenes acumulativos en persona, en el Laboratorio de Edgenuity/Subject, con el Sr. Calles en el Salón B-8.
Habrá horas adicionales de laboratorio disponibles del 26 al 29 de mayo, de 4:00 p. m. a 6:00 p. m., en el Salón B-8 con el Sr. Calles.
Asimismo, tenga en cuenta que el Laboratorio de Edgenuity/Subject cerrará el 29 de mayo para el año escolar 2025-26. El Laboratorio de Edgenuity/Subject de la Escuela de Verano de Sequoia reabrirá sus puertas del 12 de junio al 23 de julio.
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Join the Sequoia H. S. Alumni Association for the price of your grad year – This year; $20.26 (instead of the usual $50 life membership). Register online or contact us. Email hsaa@sequoiaalumni.org or call (650-592-5822).
Offer good until August 15, 2026.
| | 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
| | Encourage your student to read & share, to contribute to our Sequoia Storytelling Society. The best entries will be featured in the Sequoia Storytelling Showcase at Open House in the fall. The best part is that students can choose a path to engage in ways that are meaningful and accessible from anywhere this summer. Click on all the ways to read! More information. | | Anime a su estudiante a leer y compartir, para contribuir a nuestra Sequoia Storytelling Society. Las mejores participaciones serán destacadas en la Sequoia Storytelling Showcase durante la jornada de puertas abiertas (Open House) en el otoño. Lo mejor de todo es que los estudiantes pueden elegir una vía para participar de maneras que resulten significativas y accesibles desde cualquier lugar durante este verano. ¡Haga clic para descubrir todas las formas de leer! Más información | | 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.
| | 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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