SHS/PGS Principal's Newsletter
π SHS Sunrise π
Principal's Message:
As the leaves begin to turn and the days grow shorter, our students are already making big strides into a new school year filled with learning, creativity, and connection. This fall has been a time of growth and renewal for our programs where we continue to celebrate every studentβs unique path to success.
We just completed the Instructional Review where we were able to spotlight the unique ALE programs that make up this campus. The staff and students of Sequoia were also recognized by winning the AWSL/AWSP Cultural Kickoff Award. The award stated, βYour application stood out for its intentional, inclusive, and student-centered approach to launching the school year. From the first day of classes to your sustained culture-building efforts, your team demonstrated how connection, collaboration, and belonging truly come alive when students and adults lead together.β
I hope in the upcoming weeks you can connect with friends and family enjoying the upcoming days off for Thanksgiving Break.
With gratitude,
Jack L. Roy
Principal
Sequoia/HS Online Options/PGS Partnership
Upcoming Important Calendar Reminders
Sequoia
Monday, November 3 - Appointment Day (schedule)
Tuesday, November 4 - Start of Term 3, SHS student calendar & New Onboarding students start classes.
Wednesday, November 5 - New Prospective Families Drop-in Meeting, 2:00-3:00 & SHS Drop-in Info Session for Prospective Families, 2:00-3:00
Friday, November 7 - Early Release, see bell schedule below.
Tuesday, November 11 - Veteran's Day, NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 18 - SHS/PGS PTSA Meeting in the gym, 9:30
Thursday, November 20 - Field Trip to EVCC, 9:10-11:15. See Tricia Schuldt for details.
Wednesday, November 26 - 28 - Happy Thanksgiving! NO SCHOOL
Port Gardner
Tuesday, November 11 - Veteran's Day, NO SCHOOL
Friday, November 14 - Overall Progress Evaluations
Tuesday, November 18 - SHS/PGS PTSA Meeting in the gym, 9:30
Wednesday, November 26 - 28 - Happy Thanksgiving! NO SCHOOL
Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11th
Honoring those who serve
The Month of Thankfulness
Happy Thanksgiving!
Celebrating the Heritage of our Indigenous Communities
November is Native American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of Indigenous communities. This month provides an opportunity to recognize the rich heritage and contributions of Native American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, from their ancestral knowledge and traditions to their resilience and ongoing influence on our society.
SNAP Program Update
With the uncertainties surrounding federal food benefits, we want our families to know that Everett Public Schools' meal programs will continue uninterrupted.
Breakfast, lunch, afterschool snacks and supper will continue to be served at eligible schools. Families may apply for Free & Reduced Meal benefits any time there is a change in economic status, or whenever they feel they may qualify. Meal applications can be found on the F&N website.
And, even though school meals are unaffected by the shutdown, loss of federal food benefits can create a significant concern for families and children dependent on that support for access to food on nights and weekends.
The following resources are available to support our students:
Preparing for Winter Weather
What to Know About Emergency Closures and Late Starts
Preparing for Winter Weather: What to Know About Emergency Closures and Late Starts
In the event of severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies, Everett Public Schools may adjust schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff. We aim to inform families and staff about any schedule changes by 5:30 a.m. using multiple communication methods. Make sure your contact information is up to date with your studentβs school.
How we notify families and staff
- Text
- Voice message (if no text message is received)
- Push notification (if you have the ParentSquare app)
- District social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)
- District and school websites
- Local radio and TV news
- FlashAlert.net: Subscribe for direct notifications or check for regional school information.
- Everett Public Schools website
- ParentSquare app: Calls to families begin at 5:30 a.m. (please keep your contact information up to date)
- Social media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)
School programs impacted during delays or closures
- Program Impact Chart: Shows how school programs and activities are affected during emergencies.
- School Bus Snow Routes: Information on 2-hour delay and regular start snow routes for buses is available. Drop-off and pick-up locations may change in emergencies; familiarize yourself with snow route details.
In rare cases, emergency conditions may require an early dismissal. Families will be notified via the same methods listed above. Authorized individuals (listed on the school emergency form) may pick up students if needed. School staff will stay on site until all students are safely picked up.
SHS & PGS Handbooks Available on Website or at the Links Below
SHS News
Early Release Day, Friday, November 7th
CTE Natural Leaders Parent Series Coming
November 7th
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department is excited to present our first 2025-2026 Natural Leaders Parent Series for EPS families in collaboration with the Career Technical Education department.
Join the Natural Leaders Program on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 10 am to 12 pm. Attendees will learn about the various opportunities for your child to explore in-demand career pathways. Interpretation services are available upon request. Due to limited space, please register at https://forms.office.com/r/5Hk5HEu5wE.
Why are we offering the Parent Series?
The Natural Leaders Parent Series aims to provide parents and guardians with professional development in collaboration with various EPS departments to support the needs of families and empower them to become leaders and advocates for their childβs learning.
How are these sessions chosen?
The sessions are chosen based on Natural Leaders familiesβ feedback.
SHS Term 3 Class Schedule Link
Click the schedule below for a digital copy
Appointment Day Schedule, November 3rd
Term 3 Begins November 4th
How the Appt Day schedule works for your student...
Term 2 ended on October 31st, so Appointment Day to schedule classes for Term 3 is taking place on Monday, November 3rd. There will be a special Appointment Day Schedule that day, and release time is dependent on a student's status on their Term 1 classes. Term 3 begins Tuesday, November 4th.
Students are scheduled and dismissed according to this rubric:
- Met Progress - students passed at least 3 scheduled classes.
- Limited Progress - students have incompletes on some assignments and have only passed 2 classes. Must stay later to work on those assignments.
- Unsatisfactory Progress - students have passed fewer than 2 classes in a term. Must stay to work on assignments and complete an intervention plan with their advisor.
PTSA News
If you haven't joined the PTSA yet, they would love to have you. Please join at this link.
This year's PTSA Team 2025/26
Abby Green - Co-President, Mary Fischer, Katie Peavey, Emily Yaw,
Angela Wiseman - Co-President, Rebecca Mbwilo
Thank you!
Port Gardner Family Partnership News
October was Full of Learning & Fun!
"M is for Monster" in Mrs. Johnson's Class
Learning Letters with Art
Mrs. Hinds' Class Experimenting with Balls & Ramps
Mrs. Bailey's Class Testing Suspension Bridges
Middle Schoolers in Mrs. Bailey's Science Class
Collision & Energy Transfer
And even a Visit from the Mayor of Everett,
Cassie Franklin
Mrs. Wight's ELA Dramatic Study of Science Fiction Novel,
Frankenstein
Spectacular Literary Pumpkins all Around!
Important Upcoming November Dates Calendar
At-a-Glance Fall Onsite Class Schedule
High School Online Options
Information on HS Online Options can be found in the Presentation Linked Below
Overview for Students/Parents: HS Online Options
Walk FITT, HS Online Options Health Class Log Pics taken by Students
Course Descriptions:
In Walk FITT 1, students will experience an increase in cardiorespiratory endurance, core strength, and stamina. These life-changing results will occur over a 12-week period of logging daily steps based on a personalized fitness plan which includes body weight movements to help facilitate a comprehensive approach to walking/step fitness along with a weekly increase in steps. Each student will be expected to track steps using their iPhone or Android step app of choice. Weekly log submissions along with Canvas module assignments are required.
In Walk FITT 2, students will develop a personalized fitness plan based on the number of steps they take a day, focused on their personal goals and log activity for 12 weeks. But before they do that, students will dive into the mechanics of muscles and flexibility. Additionally, students will work together with a group online to complete an ongoing project. This course will challenge students to improve their walk fitness. Tracking steps with a pedometer, weekly and consistent logging is required.