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Dear Sequoia Families,

This Thursday night, September 3rd, we are opening our doors for Back to School Night.

For new families, if you wonder what it feels like to navigate 35 acres of historic campus in a brisk seven-minute passing period, this is your night. Our ASB students will be on-hand looking for folks who might not know the difference between the A-Wing and the LL-wing. But to help prepare you to engage the event like a seasoned campus veteran, here is your updated, unofficial Insider’s Guide to Back to School Night:

1. Arrive early to learn about club, activities, and organizations

First Period kicks off at 6:50 PM, but the strategic move is arriving by 6:20 PM to take it all in. Our student clubs will be lining the main walkway selling treats and talking up their activities for the year. Likewise, our Alumni Association, Education Foundation, Sports Boosters, and PTSA. Say hello and introduce yourself to the reps of our amazing organizations

2. Take a screenshot of your student’s schedule

Before leaving the house, have your student screenshot their schedule and text it to you.  Ask them which periods will require the longest walk between rooms. Watch for ASB ambassadors who might be able to tell you a more efficient  path. Five minutes of preparation can save you from a tardy arrival, or a sprint across the quad.

3. Add a scavenger hunt between classes

As you walk your student's schedule, keep your eyes open for some of the small details that make Sequoia unique:

• Alma Mater Spotting: Scan the walls around for college pennants and posters. Maybe you’ll spot your alma mater (or the one your student has been eyeing).
• The Digital Arts Academy Wing: Check out the visual media, photography, and design work displayed in the corridors outside the DAA spaces.
• The Word Unaliyi: Keep an eye out for our historic school motto ("Place of Friends" in the Cherokee language) carved, painted, or displayed around campus grounds.
• Specialized Classrooms: Peek into the biotech lab, the woodshop, the instrument-packed music rooms, or the art studios to see where the hands-on magic happens.
• Plaques and Historical Markers: They’re everywhere. Ask our Alumni Association representatives to share some of their favorites to get you started.  

4. Name tags in first period

In your student’s 1st-period class, your teacher will have a blank name tag waiting. Write your student’s full name clearly! It serves as an instant cheat sheet for teachers trying to connect 150 new faces to the families sitting in those desk chairs.

5. Think "Big Picture" instead of "Parent-Teacher Conference"

Our faculty have put together rapid-fire presentations to give you a sense of who they are and what the experience of their classroom is like. Because the periods fly by, teachers won't have individual grades posted or time for 1-on-1 progress checks. If you have specific questions about courses, start by asking your student after the event.

6. Dress for the Terrain

Between the brick pathways, the sprawling lawn, and staircases, your step count will get a boost after walking your students schedule. Wear comfortable shoes.

At its core, Back to School Night is about connection: laughing with friends with whom you’ve been attending these events since kindergarten, saying hi to the teacher of an older sibling, or the principal! Back to School Night is, first and foremost, a celebration of the partnership between home and Sequoia that allows our young people to thrive over their four years here.

Review the full schedule and details on our Back to School Night Flyer, lace up your walking shoes, and come ready to experience Sequoia through your student's eyes.

Have a great week. See you all on Thursday!

Best,

Sean

PTSA

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 first-hand 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 on Zoom. (Meeting ID: 985 1857 6591)

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!

📅 Key Date to Kick Off the School Year

Thursday, September 3 – 🏫 Back-to-School Night

• 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• On campus for all parents and guardians

PTSA Membership

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!

Reflections Art Program Presents: “What My Culture Means to Me!”

Calling all students to create original works of art inspired by this year’s theme. Winners may advance from the school level to district, state, and even national recognition!

• Submission Deadline: November 9, 2026
• Contact for Questions: Isila Oliver (sequoiareflections@gmail.com)

Every participant is recognized for their effort and creativity via:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature 
• Music Composition (with or without lyrics)
• Photography 
• Visual Arts 

El Programa De Reconocimiento Artístico “Reflexiones” Presenta: “¡Lo Que Mi Cultura Significa Para Mí”

Se invita a todos los estudiantes a crear obras de arte originales inspiradas en el tema de este año. ¡Los ganadores pueden avanzar del nivel escolar al distrital, estatal e incluso recibir reconocimiento nacional!

• Fecha límite de entrega: 9 de noviembre de 2026
• Escriba sus preguntas a: Isila Oliver (sequoiareflections@gmail.com)

Cada participante recibe reconocimiento por su esfuerzo y creatividad mediante:

• Coreografía de Baile/Danza
• Producción Cinematográfica
• Literatura
• Composición Musical (con o sin letra)
• Fotografía
• Artes Visuales

Stay Connected with PTSA

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. 

Follow us on Instagram

Looking for a way to get your SHSEF information and news and engage with our community? Follow us on Instagram: @SequoiaEdFoundation 



Upcoming Schedule Modifications

• September 4: Minimum Day

This week’s schedule on the school calendar: https://www.sequoiahs.org/calendar 

Transform the trajectory of a Sequoia student and become a Sequoia Academy Mentor!

For less than two hours a month from November through May, Sequoia Academy Mentors work one-on-one with students from the Digital Arts Academy or Health Careers Academy on career-related skills. Adults can support a student by sharing their knowledge and experience about how to take steps towards a successful and rewarding career.

Join our team! Whatever stage of your career you are in, our students can benefit from your journey. To learn more and sign up, contact shsmentor@seq.org

ATHLETICS

Join Boosters and Meet the Ravens on Friday 9/18 at Sequoia’s home football game against South San Francisco! 

Athletes from all SEQ fall sports teams will be recognized, the Jr. Ravens will join Sequoia Cheer on the sidelines, and the Sequoia Dance Team will perform at halftime. All Sequoia students get free game entry!

FOOD TRUCKS • LAWN GAMES on the small turf • JV 4 PM • VARSITY 7 PM against SSF  

Boosters Platinum, Gold, and Silver member gifts will be available for pickup at the game, Sequoia swag will be for sale, and the Snack Shack will be open! 

Próximo Partido de Fútbol en Casa

¡Únete al club de apoyo (Boosters) y conoce a los Ravens este viernes 18 de septiembre en el partido de fútbol americano de Sequoia contra South San Francisco!

Se reconocerá a los atletas de todos los equipos deportivos de otoño de SEQ, los Jr. Ravens acompañarán al equipo de porristas de Sequoia en la cancha y el equipo de baile de Sequoia realizará una presentación durante el medio tiempo. ¡La entrada al partido es gratuita para todos los estudiantes de Sequoia!

CAMIONES DE COMIDA (food trucks) • JUEGOS AL AIRE LIBRE en el campo de césped artificial pequeño • JV (EQUIPO JUVENIL) A LAS 4 P.M. • VARSITY (EQUIPO PRINCIPAL) A LAS 7 P.M. contra SSF

Los regalos para los miembros Platino, Oro y Plata del club de apoyo estarán disponibles para recoger durante el partido; además, habrá artículos de Sequoia a la venta y el puesto de refrigerios (Snack Shack) estará abierto.

Volunteers needed!

Help feed hungry fans as home football games begin this Friday, 9/4. Sign up to help sell concessions throughout the season.

¡Se necesitan voluntarios!

Ayudar a alimentar a los aficionados hambrientos ahora que los partidos de fútbol americano en casa comienzan este viernes, 4 de septiembre. Inscríbase para ayudar a vender alimentos y bebidas durante la temporada.

Go Ravens!

Both home and away games have been added to the Sequoia High School Calendar – and don't forget to follow @seqboosters on social media.

PARENT EDUCATION

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.

Your Role in Disrupting Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)

Jeremy Latta, MSW, San Mateo County Children & Family Services

Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, Virtual Event (Live)

Register: https://jeremylatta2026.eventbrite.com

In this presentation, Jeremy Latta, MSW, will help parents and educators understand Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), including warning signs, recruitment tactics, and the prevalence of CSEC in San Mateo County.

Su papel para combatir la explotación sexual comercial de niños (CSEC)

Jeremy Latta, MSW, Servicios para Niños y Familias del Condado de San Mateo

Jueves 17 de septiembre de 2026 - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, evento virtual (en vivo)

Registro: https://jeremylatta2026.eventbrite.com

En esta presentación, Jeremy Latta, MSW, ayudará a padres y educadores a comprender la Explotación Sexual Comercial de Niños (CSEC), incluyendo señales de alerta, tácticas de reclutamiento y la prevalencia de CSEC en el Condado de San Mateo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Media Center Newsletter

Ms. Snow, the Library Media Specialist, sends a newsletter to students on the first of each month filled with book highlights, research links, and more. Click here to read the current newsletter.