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At a school with over 130 years of history, certain individuals become part of the very fabric of our campus. This week, we say a bittersweet farewell to one of those legendary figures: Principal’s Secretary Susie Bass, who is retiring after a remarkable career of service to the Sequoia High School community.
For nearly three decades, Susie has been a steady, reassuring anchor for our school. Generations of Ravens know her for her gentle, patient way with students, making every teenager feel seen, supported, and valued. Her colleagues know her as a trusted friend––someone who always meets you with a genial smile, an encouraging word, and authentic concern for the people around her.
Her final day on campus captured everything that makes Susie so special:
In the morning, she sat down for an interview with student journalists from The Raven Report, sharing wisdom and school history with the young writers. Susie, the consummate listener, was finally the one with an audience.
At the end of the day, as she walked out of the building for the final time, dozens of colleagues lined the hallway in a cheering "gauntle”. It was an emotional send-off filled with applause, hugs, and tears for a colleague who has influenced and inspired so many of us over the years.
Susie, your presence in our hallways will be deeply missed, but your legacy of kindness lives on in the thousands of lives you’ve touched. We wish you immense joy, relaxation, and countless happy memories with your grandkids as you begin this next wonderful chapter.
Thank you for 29 incredible years. Unaliyi is wherever you are!
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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💙 Join or Renew Your PTSA Membership | |
Your annual membership helps power so much of what makes Sequoia special – including mini-grants, junior scholarships, the Reflections art program, staff appreciation, and graduation activities.
But membership is about more than funding. It is about showing up for our students and our school.
Every parent who joins, every volunteer who gives an hour, and every voice in the room makes Sequoia stronger.
Join or Renew Your PTSA Membership!
| 🏈 Concessions + Grad Night Support | |
Come out to our home football games, cheer on our Ravens, and help support the Class of 2027 Safe & Sober Grad Night!
Our PTSA concessions stand will be serving up coffee, hot chocolate, Cup-O-Soup, popcorn, and plenty of school spirit. It’s a fun and easy way to connect with other families while helping make a memorable and safe graduation celebration possible for our seniors.
Grab a shift, bring your school spirit, and join us at the next home game!
| 🎨 Reflections Art Program | |
Reflections is still accepting applications! We encourage students to participate in this national arts program that gives them the opportunity to explore their creativity and share their unique perspectives through the arts.
This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.”
Students can participate across multiple artistic disciplines, with submissions due November 9, 2026.
Lean More & Apply Here
| | 🎓 Help Us Make Grad Night 2028 Great | |
Hey, Junior Parents! Interested in helping Sequoia become a more inclusive community?
We need your ideas and energy to help make Grad Night 2028 affordable and accessible. It seems like a long time from now, but we plan and raise funds for this event throughout the high school years!
Email Andy Kitt at vice-president@sequoiaptsa.org to learn more about the kinds of help we're looking for.
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💼 8th Grade Shadow/Tour Parent Volunteers NEEDED!
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Please volunteer to help with 8th grade shadow days and tours. We’re looking for current Sequoia parents to support prospective 8th grade families as they explore our school.
This role involves answering questions, sharing your experience as a parent, and helping new families feel confident about their transition to Sequoia. Sign up HERE!
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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
| | Beyond the Classroom: Supporting Student Clubs and Mental Health & Wellness | | |
SHSEF raises funds from parents, community members and grantors to close the gap in state and local funding. The funds raised touch each of our students.
- Sequoia is home to 70+ active clubs—and they can apply for mini-grants to help support their purpose.
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We invest in student wellness. SHSEF funding supports an additional, full-time therapist.
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!
| | 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 28: No School
- October 12: Holiday – Indigenous People's Day
| | Mentor a Student. Make an Impact! | | |
Have You Considered Mentoring?
Want to make a difference in a teenager’s life? Had a mentor yourself—or wish you'd had?
Sequoia High School is seeking career mentors to pair with juniors to support their academic and career goals. Students explore interests ranging from graphic design and marketing to health care and emergency services.
Commitment: 90 minutes per month, October 2026 – May 2027. Activities include SMART goals, elevator pitches, resumes, mock interviews, and a job shadow.
Interested? Contact shsmentor@seq.org.
| | Still Time to Join Boosters | | Did you know that for only $10, you can join Boosters and be part of the community to support all Sequoia athletes. All levels of membership will receive 2 Sequoia Boosters magnets. Look for us at the entrance of the Meet the Ravens game and we can sign you up on the spot. | | |
Visit our new Athletics site. All home and away games have been added to the Sequoia High School Calendar – and don't forget to follow @seqboosters on social media.
| Aún estás a tiempo de unirte a los Boosters | ¿Sabías que por solo 10 $ puedes unirte a los Boosters y formar parte de la comunidad que apoya a todos los atletas de Sequoia? Todos los niveles de afiliación incluyen dos imanes de Sequoia Boosters. Búscanos en la entrada del partido «Meet the Ravens» y podremos inscribirte al instante. | |
Visita nuestro nuevo sitio web de deportes. Todos los partidos, tanto en casa como fuera, se han añadido al calendario de Sequoia High School; y no olvides seguir a @seqboosters en las redes sociales.
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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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Suicide Prevention: What to Notice, What to Say, How to Help
Taylor Mannion-Coutts, ASW, Suicide Prevention Center Director, Felton Institute
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Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://taylorcoutts2026.eventbrite.com
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, join Taylor Coutts, ASW, of Felton Institute’s Peninsula Suicide Prevention for an important conversation about suicide prevention, awareness, and crisis support.
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Prevención del suicidio: Qué observar, qué decir, cómo ayudar
Taylor Mannion-Coutts, ASW, directora del Centro para la Prevención del Suicidio, Felton Institute
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Miércoles, 30 de septiembre de 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, evento virtual (en vivo)
Registro: https://taylorcoutts2026.eventbrite.com
En reconocimiento del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio, acompáñenos junto a Taylor Coutts, ASW, de Peninsula Suicide Prevention de Felton Institute, para una importante conversación sobre la prevención del suicidio, la concientización y el apoyo en situaciones de crisis.
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Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking
Kelly McGonigal, PhD, Psychologist, Educator, Author, Stanford University
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Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PT, Virtual Event (Live)
Register: https://kellymcgonigal2026.eventbrite.com
As Stanford psychologist and educator Kelly McGonigal, PhD, reveals in her new book, Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking, joy gives life meaning, sustains hope, and helps us feel close to others.
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La alergría es un riesgo que vale la pena correr
Kelly McGonigal, PhD, psicóloga, educadora y profesora de Stanford University
| | 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. | | | | |
