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As we enter the month of May, it’s striking how quickly the school year is drawing to a close. With prom now behind us, IB exams in full swing, and graduation activities fast approaching, this is an especially meaningful time for our Sequoia community.
Welcoming our incoming 8th grade families to campus was a true full-circle moment. Sitting on those same bleachers three years ago feels like yesterday. Hearing Mr. Priest, Mr. Uhalde, and our student panel reflect on their Sequoia experiences was a powerful reminder of how quickly these years pass—and how important it is to stay engaged and connected within this community.
As IB exams continue, we encourage families to sign up to help if you have not yet done so. These exams rely heavily on parent volunteers, and your support truly makes a difference. To those who have already signed up, thank you—we are incredibly grateful for your time and commitment.
With graduation around the corner, we also invite you to support our dedicated graduation activities leads—Tammi Ng, Bernadette Lowitz, and Julie Wu—who are working tirelessly to create meaningful celebrations for our seniors. And to our seniors and their families: don’t miss Grad Night! Be sure to purchase tickets for this unforgettable cruise—a special opportunity to celebrate together and create lasting memories.
We also need support from our broader parent community. Parents of freshmen through juniors: Grad Night depends on chaperones to ensure a safe and successful event. Please consider volunteering, sign up here.
Senior parents, we have several exciting events coming up during 2026 Grad Week:
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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)
- Staff Luncheon – June 5
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SAFE & SOBER GRAD NIGHT – June 5 aboard the San Francisco Spirit (tickets available here)
Time at Sequoia moves quickly—freshmen become seniors before we know it, and soon they’re off to their next chapter. Now is the perfect time to give back to the school that has supported your student along the way.
Thank you for being part of this incredible Sequoia family. I hope you and your family make the most of these final weeks of the school year!
Warmly,
Francoise Monet
Sequoia High School PTSA President
| | Help Students Shine this IB Exam Season | |
- Want to help students feel calm and confident during IB exams?
- Wonder what IB exams are like for students?
Sign up here to assist during an IB Exam
3 reasons you’ll love it:
YOU’LL MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE: A friendly face quickly eases a student’s nerves.
YOU’LL BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG: Help over 430 students to conquer 1,600 exams. The IB requires a 1:20 adult to student ratio for exams. We really depend on our "village" to pull this off!
IT’S SUPER EASY: No prep, no expertise needed, no stress-- we’ll show you exactly what to do. Help pass out pens and exam materials, watch students' brains do awesome work, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
| | 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 | | Last chance to order a Class of 2026 yard or window sign! | Do you have a graduating senior in your home? Celebrate their accomplishments by ordering a Class of 2026 yard or window sign! Visit the Sequoia PTSA webstore to order one for $15, and please consider donating a sign to a student in our community. You will receive an email in early April for the pickup location and times. For questions, contact Amy Schwartz. | ¡Última oportunidad para pedir un cartel para el jardín o la ventana de la promoción de 2026! | ¿Tiene usted un estudiante de último año por graduarse en su hogar? ¡Celebre sus logros ordenando un letrero de la Generación 2026 para el jardín o la ventana! Visite la tienda en línea de PTSA de Sequoia (https://sequoiaptsa.myptezcentral.com/) para ordenar uno por $15 y siéntase con toda la confianza de donar un letrero a otro estudiante de la comunidad. Recibirás un correo electrónico con la información sobre la recogida a finales de esta semana. Para cualquier pregunta, contacte Amy Schwartz (ymaschwartz@gmail.com). | |
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 is 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.
| | Judy Carmona Memorial Scholarship | | |
Boosters is proud to offer up to six (6) $500 scholarships for seniors who participated in varsity-level sports at Sequoia this year.
Seniors should use the Judy Carmona Scholarship Google Form to submit their two-paragraph application highlighting their experience as a Sequoia Varsity athlete. Applications are due by Thursday, May 7.
| | May 7th: Raising Loving Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Help Your Kids Connect | | Sibling expert and family therapist Jonathan Caspi, PhD, knows that understanding why kids fight is the first step to restoring peace. Featuring clear principles, dos and don’ts, and real-life stories, Raising Loving Siblings shines a spotlight on family dynamics. Register here. | 7 de mayo: Criando hermanos que se quieren: cómo detener las peleas y ayudar a tus hijos a conectarse | El experto en relaciones entre hermanos y terapeuta familiar Jonathan Caspi, PhD, sabe que comprender por qué los niños pelean es el primer paso para restaurar la paz. Con principios claros, lo que se debe y no se debe hacer, y ejemplos de la vida real, Raising Loving Siblings pone el foco en la dinámica familiar Registro aquí. | May 13th: The Road to Middle School: How to Set Kids Up to Thrive | In this talk, author and acclaimed educator Chris Balme shows how we can prepare for and tap into the potential of the adolescent years. Register here. | 13 de mayo: El camino hacia la escuela secundaria: cómo preparar a los niños para que prosperen | En esta charla, el autor y reconocido educador Chris Balme muestra cómo podemos prepararnos y aprovechar el potencial de los años de la adolescencia. Registro aquí. | | |
What will you learn in the Media Center?
The Spring 2026 Sequoia Media Center Newsletter is here!
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