About Us

Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the Sequoia Union Elementary Agriculture Program gives TK–8 students opportunities to experience agriculture through classroom learning, hands-on projects, literacy, leadership, and real-world experiences.

Agriculture is an important part of the community that surrounds our school. Our goal is to help students understand where their food comes from, develop practical skills and responsibility, and discover the many ways agriculture connects to science, business, the environment, and everyday life.

As our program continues to grow, so do the opportunities we can provide our students.

Ciaira Machado leads the Sequoia Union Elementary Agriculture Program, bringing agricultural education to students through classroom lessons, hands-on activities, Ag Reads, outdoor learning, and the continued development of new opportunities throughout the program.

As Agriculture Program Director, Ciaira works alongside the Sequoia Union Elementary Agriculture Foundation and its Agriculture Advisory Board to align classroom needs with the program's long-term goals, including development of the 5-acre student farm.

Her role keeps students and education at the center of everything we are building.

Ciaira Machado
Agriculture Director & Agriculture Teacher
CMachado@SequoiaUnion.org

The Sequoia Union Elementary Agricultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the growth and long-term success of the Sequoia Union Elementary Agriculture Program.

Working alongside the school, the Foundation provides funding, resources, partnerships, and community support to expand agricultural education and create meaningful opportunities for students.

Foundation initiatives support the development of our 5-acre student farm, farm stand, classroom and hands-on agricultural education, equipment and materials, special projects, events, and other needs of the growing Agriculture Program.

The Foundation is governed by the Agriculture Advisory Board, whose officers oversee fundraising, sponsorships, community partnerships, and Foundation initiatives.

Foundation Board of Directors

Hannah Gill
President
Hannah@ArrowheadUSA.net

Anthony Ratekin
Vice President
Anthony@WesternAgIrrigation.com

Kelly Ratekin
Treasurer
Kelly@WesternAgIrrigation.com

Beth Bradford
Secretary
Beth@PanelClad.us

Our Agriculture Advisory brings together parents, agricultural professionals, local businesses, and community members to help support and grow the Sequoia Union Elementary Agriculture Program.

You do not need to be a Board member to participate! Attend Agriculture Advisory meetings to stay informed, share ideas, and discuss upcoming projects, or join a committee to contribute your time, skills, and expertise.

With development of our 5-acre student farm underway, community involvement is more important than ever. We need help with farm construction and planning, animal care, fundraising, events, sponsor outreach, and administrative support.

Whether you want to attend meetings, volunteer occasionally, or take an active role on a committee, there's a place for you to get involved!