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In his book Air Guitar, art critic Dave Hickey writes about the game of basketball. He argues that the court’s lines, rules, and strict structure of the game aren't designed to stifle freedom—they exist to engender creativity. Without the boundaries, it’s just people chasing a ball around a park. Because of its structure, when played at a high level, basketball becomes art.
As we kick off the school year, our district set the boundaries when it comes to mobile devices. In alignment with California’s Phone-Free Schools Act, the Sequoia Union High School District has updated its mobile device policy. Beginning this semester, all smartphones and personal mobile devices must be powered off and stored in designated classroom storage units during all instructional periods. As educators, we view structure as the catalyst for healthy habits, genuine focus, and creative thought.
Part of building that structure means ensuring an even playing field for every single student. That is why our commitment to school-issued Chromebooks is so critical. Equity in education isn't just about giving everyone access to a computer; it's about ensuring everyone has access to the same distraction-free environment.
When personal laptops and personal phones populate a classroom, an arms race of distraction begins. Students end-run rules by texting off personal screens, browsing unmonitored apps, and quietly opting out of the lesson unfolding right in front of them. It puts teachers in the exhausting position of playing tech police rather than doing what they love: delivering high-quality, engaging instruction.
Sequoia physics teacher Ben Canning puts this into practice every day. By utilizing embedded software on district-issued Chromebooks, Ben restricts personal computers in his lab, creating a secure digital environment where he can monitor progress in real time. It allows him to see who is thriving, who is stuck, and who needs a gentle nudge—without the noise of home-installed messaging apps running in the background. When tech is standardized, digital equity becomes a reality, and classroom energy shifts back to deep, collaborative problem-solving.
For this structure to work, however, we need a partnership between all the adults in our students' lives. We need parents and educators clear-eyed and facing the same direction. Understanding and supporting the ban on personal mobile devices during the school day is vital. A united front about healthy screen boundaries relieves our kids of the constant, anxiety-inducing pressure to be perpetually online. Supporting teachers who require students to use school-issued Chromebooks in class is, likewise, a key component of this initiative.
The clear lines we’re establishing on the court will help students become more focused learners, more confident collaborators, and creators at the highest possible level. We’re grateful to have such a strong partnership.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
| | Welcome to the New School Year, and Mark Your Calendar with these Dates! | |
Kick off the new year with a welcome from our principal and hear about PTSA events!
Join us on Tuesday, September 1, in the multi-purpose room (MPR)* at 7:00 p.m. for our PTSA/ELAC meeting featuring Principal Sean Priest’s Welcome and vision for the year. This is a great chance to meet other families and staff and hear firsthand about the priorities and opportunities ahead!!
All Sequoia families are welcome and encouraged to come!
*The Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) at Sequoia High School is located at the southern end of the historic main building, near the campus gym areas and close to the parking lot off James Street.
Can't attend in person? Join our meeting virtually; the Zoom link will be shared in the next Sentinel
Show Your Appreciation for Sequoia Teachers & Staff!
Sequoia Staff Appreciation Coffee & Breakfast on Friday, September 4 (the morning after Back to School Night), the PTSA will treat our staff and teachers to espresso drinks and breakfast. This is another opportunity to show your appreciation and support for our hard-working Sequoia Teachers & Staff by donating breakfast items or volunteering to help on campus on Friday, September 4.
Sign up here to contribute food or volunteer your time. It’s a great way to thank our staff in person!
Reach out to Stacie Ciraulo with any questions at 650-787-9589 or sncir2000@yahoo.com
Thank you!
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📅 Key Dates to Kick Off the School Year
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Wednesday, August 26 – 📸 Photo Day for 10th–12th Graders
- Students should have received an email from Mr. Uhalde with details.
- Seniors should still take their school photo, even if they are scheduling separate senior portraits through CADY Studios.
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Students who missed orientation can have their photo taken on Wednesday, August 26.
Tuesday, September 1 – 🎤 Principal's Welcome (see above)
Thursday, September 3 – 🏫 Back-to-School Night
- 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- On campus for all parents and guardians
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Want to support a strong and inclusive community at Sequoia? Join or renew with the PTSA!
Membership is $21 per individual per year. Signing up shows your commitment to making Sequoia a place where all students, teachers and parents are welcome and can feel the UNALIYI spirit!
PTSA parent volunteers...
- host hospitality events to appreciate our teachers and staff
- organize and raise money for graduation events, including Grad Night
- review and award mini-grant applications from students and new teachers
- produce the weekly Sequoia Sentinel and e-mail blasts to help you stay informed about what's happening at school
Whether you can be involved a little or a lot, we can't wait to meet you!
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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
| | Empowering Education at Sequoia | | |
SHSEF raises funds from families, the community, local businesses, and grant programs to bridge the gap for critical programs that are not covered by state and local funding. The funds support smaller class sizes, academic and arts enrichment, college and career preparedness, and mental health and wellness programs. Our fundraising goal is $650,000 for the 2026-27 school year, and our recommended ask per student is $1,800, or any gift that is meaningful to your family. Learn more and DONATE TODAY
Want to get involved? Have questions? Email SHSEF President Erica Carter ericacarter.seq@gmail.com.
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Looking for a way to get your SHSEF information and news and engage with our community? Follow us on Instagram: @SequoiaEdFoundation
| | Upcoming Schedule Modifications | | Fall Volunteer Opportunity | | |
Please consider joining the welcoming community of Tuesday morning volunteers who tutor EML (emerging multilingual learners) in ELD/ELA 2 (8:30-10:00 a.m. and/or 10:10-11:45 a.m.) this upcoming fall.
Volunteers support speaking, reading, and writing activities that are often but not always related to project based learning units.
Please use this link to view some projects that volunteers have supported in the past.
This volunteer opportunity requires flexibility and empathy. Please contact Stacy Schmidt Wenzel if you are interested.
Thank you!
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To sign up for the free Parent Venture newsletter, click here.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org.
¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con Charlene Margot, MEd, co-fundadora y Directora Ejecutiva de The Parent Venture, al correo electrónico cmargot@parentventure.org.
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The Role AI Should—and Should Not—Play in Education
Rebecca Winthrop, PhD, Global Education Leader, Author of The Disengaged Teen
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Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://rebeccawinthrop2026.eventbrite.com
Rebecca Winthrop, PhD, will explore how generative AI is reshaping learning and how parents and educators can help students maximize its benefits while reducing its risks.
Parents/caregivers, educators, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission.
This presentation is sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District, and Peninsula Health Care District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org.
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El papel que la IA debería —y no debería— desempeñar en la educación
Rebecca Winthrop, PhD, líder mundial en educación y coautora de The Disengaged Teen
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Jueves, 10 de septiembre de 2026 – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, evento virtual (en vivo)
Registro: https://rebeccawinthrop2026.eventbrite.com
Rebecca Winthrop, PhD, explorará cómo la inteligencia artificial generativa está transformando el aprendizaje y cómo padres, madres, cuidadores y educadores pueden ayudar a los estudiantes a maximizar sus beneficios mientras reducen sus riesgos.
¡Padres, madres, cuidadores, educadores y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! Habrá interpretación simultánea al español. Entrada gratuita.
Esta presentación es patrocinada por Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District y Peninsula Health Care District, en colaboración con The Parent Venture.
¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con Charlene Margot, MEd, cofundadora y directora ejecutiva de The Parent Venture, en cmargot@parentventure.org.
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Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
Dana Suskind, MD, Pediatric Surgeon, Professor, and New York Times Bestselling Author
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Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://danasuskind2026.eventbrite.com
Dana Suskind, MD, author of Human Raised, explores how parents and educators can protect the essential “human raised” elements of childhood that help children learn, grow, and thrive.
Parents/caregivers, educators, and community members welcome! Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Free admission.
This presentation is sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District, and Peninsula Health Care District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MEd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture, at cmargot@parentventure.org.
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Human Raised: Fomentando la conexión, la curiosidad y el aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida en la era de la IA
Dana Suskind, MD, cirujana pediátrica, profesora y autora superventas del New York Times
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Miércoles 23 de septiembre de 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, evento virtual (en vivo)
Registro: https://danasuskind2026.eventbrite.com
Dana Suskind, MD, autora de Human Raised, explora cómo los padres y educadores pueden proteger los elementos esenciales de una infancia “criada por humanos” que ayudan a los niños a aprender, crecer y desarrollarse plenamente.
¡Padres, madres, cuidadores, educadores y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos! Habrá interpretación simultánea al español. Entrada gratuita.
Esta presentación de Parents Under Pressure está patrocinada por generosos donantes de Sutter Health y la Oficina de Educación del Condado de San Mateo, en colaboración con The Parent Venture.
¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con Charlene Margot, MEd, cofundadora y directora ejecutiva de The Parent Venture,, en cmargot@parentventure.org.
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