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MEMORIAL DAY IS MONDAY, MAY 29
NO SCHOOL
SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
HAPPY RED NOSE DAY!
Today, Laguna's fifth grade class raised awareness and funds to end child poverty. Click here to learn more about Red Nose Day.
Dear Fellow Parents,

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generous community of parents who have helped us to raise nearly $450,000 for the Laguna Fund! We are honored to chair this year’s Laguna Fund and are grateful for your collective contributions to this important fundraising initiative. The Laguna Fund is critical, as it fills the roughly $2,500 gap between tuition and the cost of the resources necessary to educate each student.

Additionally, the percentage of families participating is an important metric with the National Association of Independent Schools – and thus when families do not participate, it shows up as a negative mark for our school. Every gift is incredibly important, regardless of size. 

Please help us head into summer with 100% parent participation. For those who haven’t yet made a gift, we encourage you to make your contribution today! Our goal is to raise an additional $50,000 by June 1. Each and every member of our community helps to impact both our present and our future.

We recognize that it is a busy time of year, but we ask you to please take 3 minutes to click here and give today!

YOUR GIFT MATTERS!
 
Sincerely,

Julia Rodgers & Dave Bradley ’99
Laguna Blanca Parents
 
P.S. Uncertain if you’ve given to the Laguna Fund? Please contact Director of Development Marcy Jacobs with questions.

LAGUNA FOURTH GRADERS HONOR SB COMMUNITY LEADERS AT ANNUAL CITIZENSHIP BREAKFAST
In celebration of their unit on citizenship and what it means to be a good citizen in our community, Laguna Blanca fourth graders invited local community members who exemplify good citizenship and  honored them at a special breakfast on Friday, May 19 at the Lower School campus.

The event kicked off with each student sharing what they appreciated about their special guest of honor as well as what being a good citizen means to them: voting, taking care of the Earth, standing up for the rights of others, providing medical help for those in need, serving in our military, adopting pets that need homes, being honest, obeying the law, helping others, and much more.


View photos of the breakfast here , and visit Mrs. Brown's blog here.
PARENT APPRECIATION LUNCHEON PHOTOS ARE HERE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AT #DOIT4DAVIES
Last Friday, community members gathered at Laguna to honor and remember the life of beloved soccer coach Davies Kabogoza at the #DOIT4DAVIES soccer tournament. The student-orchestrated event raised over $12,000, which will be sent to Davies' mother in Uganda. Thank you for your generous contributions!

Click here for photos of this unique celebration of life.
STUDENTS GIVE BACK ON MS SERVICE DAY
Students in grades 5-8 participated in a day of service last Friday. Fifth through seventh graders participated in beach clean-ups, and as per tradition, the eighth graders installed a class gift as a lasting legacy on the Middle School campus that has nurtured them for years.

Eighth graders decided together to improve the entrance to our Middle School to become an even more welcoming area. The class prepared for their day of service by meeting during lunch periods to organize the project, raising funds, and bringing in supplies.

On the big day, eighth graders painted the Gaga Pit; placed potted plants with quotes written on them near the fence; painted a Middle School welcome sign with each of their hand prints; and created a celebratory banner for their eighth grade class. Afterwards, they enjoyed a fun afternoon at Hope Ranch Beach.

Thank you for your contributions, eighth graders!

LAGUNA STUDENTS STANDOUT IN NATIONAL LATIN EXAM
Congratulations to Laguna’s Latin students for achieving high scores on the National Latin Exam (NLE), a test that covers Latin grammar and vocabulary, as well as Roman history, mythology, and culture. All of the Latin students at Laguna Blanca take the exam in March, which varies by level. The NLE promotes the study of Latin by allowing students to measure their personal accomplishments as they study the language year by year.  
 
INTRODUCTORY LATIN (Grade 7)
High Achievement (Certificate + ribbon): Catie Fristoe
 
Achievement (Certificate): Lauren Neubauer, Dare Fitzpatrick, Claire Tolles, Lauren Mills, Francesca Castellarin, Maura Jaye, George Nicks, Amelia Fowler, Freddie Russell, Nicole Khodabandehlou
 
OTHER LEVELS
Gold Summa Cum Laude (gold medal): Jacob Self ’20, Jackson Hurley ’18
 
Silver Maxima Cum Laude (silver medal): Emily Donelan ’21, Zachary Boyle ’21, Izzy Sabino ’19, Sophia Fay ’18
 
Magna Cum Laude (certificate): Ryan Purkait ’21, Gus Sabino ’21, Brando Cairone ’21, Vincent Vestergaard ’20, Sydney Hlavaty ’20, Bennett Coy ’19, Caitlin Gainey ’19
 
Cum Laude (certificate): Tara Woodard ’21, Conley Ball ’21, Aura Carlson ’18, Clara Hillis ’17
 
A special congratulations to Jackson Hurley ’18 for receiving the Maureen O’Donnell Oxford Classical Dictionary Award, a rare honor for earning the gold Summa Cum Laude four years in a row.
FOURTH ESTATE WRITERS AWARDED FOR CO-WRITTEN ARTICLE
Juniors Caylin Zimmerman and Julia Fay were awarded third place in the feature story category of the CA Press Women 2017 High School Communications Contest for their co-written article, “The Realities of Rape Culture.” This year, there were 526 entries from 32 different print and digital/electronic entries. Click here for The Fourth Estate, and turn to pages 16 & 17 to read the article. Congratulations, Caylin and Julia!
SULLY ISRAEL '18 PLAYS HIS 150TH PIANO PERFORMANCE FOR SENIORS
Sullivan Israel '19 just played his 150th gig at a local retirement home. He has played an impressive 52 gigs this school year alone. Playing Jazz piano for seniors has been a big part of Sully’s life for over the past four years. It all began at age 12 at Villa Santa Barbara when he had never before played for an audience. At first it was a bit intimidating, but then he got to know the residents and saw how much they appreciated it. Today--Sullivan is in high demand and plays at more than 13 local retirement homes and hospitals, where residents greet him like an old friend. Sully spends countless hours learning and practicing old standards which the seniors love, and even hosts sing-alongs! While he has been offered payment, he has always refused, feeling that helping others should be done because it is the right thing to do, especially when a person has all of the advantages and blessings he has. Sully invites other students to get involved, so they too can see how much joy they can bring into the lives of others through music. Interested students should find Sully on campus or email him at isrsul@lbsstudents.org.

Click here to watch Sully perform an old standard.
NEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM AT LAGUNA
Laguna is launching a Mentor Program! The Laguna Blanca Mentor Program aims to create leadership opportunities for Upper School students who demonstrate a positive regard for the Laguna Blanca School experience. Upper School students will serve as mentors to Middle School students in small group settings during advisory period. Mentors will be asked to lead from an experienced Middle School perspective as they share their wisdom in regards to academics, relationships with peers and teachers, and growing up in today’s confusing, exciting, and demanding world. Please talk with Mr. Lopes or Ms. Valentine for more information. 
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RESULTS ARE IN!
Congratulations to the Class of 2017 as they head off to the following colleges and universities this fall:

Barnard College
Boston University (College of Communication)
California Institute of the Arts
Chapman University (2)
Drexel University
Harvard University
Lehigh University
New York University (2)
New York University (Gallatin School)
Southern Methodist University
The New School - All Divisions (Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts)
University of California, San Diego
University of San Francisco (2)
University of Southern California
University of Southern California (School of Business)    
University of St. Andrews
Wake Forest University 
SOCK CLUB TOWN HALL MEETING: 5/31
Please join us on Wednesday, May 31, from 6-7:30 p.m. for a Town Hall Meeting in Laguna Blanca School’s Library, hosted by Sock Club members. Having joined the numerous community organizations that contribute to the 20-year-old Thursday evening Alameda Park Meal Sharings, the Sock Club is honored to host community organizers and advocates for the homeless—including Jeff Shaffer, Emily Allen, and Mimi Doohan—to brainstorm as a community how to ensure that the long-term goals of the Alameda Park Meal Sharing are protected.
 
We will discuss an evolving vision for establishing an Alameda Park Collective, made up of invested partners in the “meal sharing as outreach” program. Based on a model of “collective impact” as articulated in Stanford University’s Social Innovation Review, an Alameda Park collaborative entity would move from donations and relief to the active creation of empowerment programs.
 
All ideas will be on the table, from fundraising and Flexible Spending accounts that support reunification to the creation of an Alameda Park Collective website to a six-week “Art in the Park Empowerment” AmeriCorps summer internship for high school students (already in the works for June 15-July 20, 2017).
 
Laguna Blanca’s SOCK Club hopes you can join them!
PLAYING SPORTS IN 2017-2018? FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS ON CAMPUS: JUNE 1
WHO:  Students in Grades 6-12

WHAT: Free Sport Physicals for the 2017-2018 school year

WHEN: Thursday, June 1 from 3-6PM. No appointment necessary; exams will be on a first come, first served basis.

WHERE: Merovick Gymnasium Training  Room

WHAT TO BRING: A copy of the Medical History & Exam Form (click here)
FRIDAY, JUNE 2 | 6-8:30PM
RUSTON AMPHITHEATRE
HOPE RANCH CAMPUS

FIND YOUR DANCING SHOES AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A ROCKIN' GOOD TIME WITH LAGUNA FRIENDS!

- An event for parents, faculty, and staff -

Opening Band: The Caverns and Erland Wanberg

Featured Band: Minivan with Laguna Lower School Moms Nicole (Frank) Ball and Leslie Hucko-Comis

Complimentary CRAFT BEERS by Figueroa Mountain & WINE by Corks n’ Crowns

Complimentary DESSERT by Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

FOOD for Purchase from Beans BBQ and Catering
TEXTBOOK BUYBACK & RENTAL CHECK-IN EVENT
THURSDAY 6/8 & FRIDAY 6/9
8:00AM - 3:00PM
NINTH GRADE COURTYARD

Books have the most value when they will be used again next year at our school or at schools across the country. This is the best time of year to sell textbooks because demand is highest.
 
Reminder: Any books rented from the bookstore are due by Friday, June 9. You can check-in these books in-person at the buyback event, or log into your bookstore rental account at www.lagunablanca.bkstr.com, print a label and return by mail.

The book list for next fall will be posted over the summer.  Let the bookstore keep an eye on the calendar for you!  Sign up here for an email reminder alerting you of when the book list becomes available.

QUESTIONS?
Click here for a Q&A, or contact Follett Customer Service at 888-FVC-3383.
CLOSING CEREMONIES--JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
LOWER SCHOOL 
Thursday, June 8
LS campus
9-10:30AM
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Friday, June 9
Ruston Amphitheater
4:00-6:00PM
SR PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
Monday, June 12
Spaulding Auditorium
3:00-5:30PM

83rd COMMENCEMENT
Wednesday, June 14
Ruston Amphitheater
4:00-7:00PM
SUMMER 2017 READING LISTS ARE HERE
READY, SET, READ! At Laguna, there is required summer reading for students in grades 3-12, and suggested summer reading for students in early kindergarten through grade 2.

CLICK HERE for a list of summer reading by grade level. Seminar course reading lists coming soon.
START YOUR SUMMER SCREEN-TIME RULES NOW
Nip screen-time excesses in the bud with summer screen rules that start today.

Click here to read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
LOWER SCHOOL

FRI 5/26
All Library Books are Due

Dress Down Day (Theme: Anything Goes!)

Gr. 4 to Santa Cruz Island
(7:45AM-5:30PM)

Extra After School Musical Theatre Class Added (3:15PM)

MON 5/29
Memorial Day
School Offices Closed
NO SCHOOL

TUES 5/30
EK-4 Chess Club
LS TechLab (3:15-4:15PM)

WED 5/31
Gr. 3 to Lotusland
(8:55AM-12PM)

Gr. 1-4 Musical Theatre
LS Music Classroom & Pavilion (3:15PM)

FRI 6/2
Gr. 4 Poetry Reading
LS Campus

Kindergarten Dads & Dogs
LS Campus

Laguna Bowl
Ruston Amphitheater (6-8:30PM)

LS Musical Theatre Tech Rehearsal
HR Campus (3:30-5PM)

SAT 6/3
LS Musical Theatre Dress Rehearsal
Spaulding Auditorium

SUN 6/4
LS Musical Theatre Performance of The Aristocats in  Spaulding Auditorium (1-2PM)
MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRI 5/26
MS House Champions Celebration (12:30-3PM)

MON 5/29
Memorial Day
School Offices Closed
NO SCHOOL

WED 5/31
MS Math Club Members to South Coast Math Superbowl
SBCEO (7:30AM-2:15PM)

Gr. 5-12 Presidential Awards & Portfolio Distribution;  Gr. 5-12 Yearbook Distribution
Ruston Amphitheater (10:15-10:55AM)

THURS 6/1
Gr. 6-12 Free Sports Physicals for 2017-2018 in  HR Training Room (3-6PM)

FRI 6/2
Laguna Bowl
Ruston Amphitheater (6-8:30PM)

UPPER SCHOOL

FRI 5/26
H Period Spanish 1 to Los Agaves (11AM-12:45PM)

MON 5/29
Memorial Day
School Offices Closed
NO SCHOOL

TUES 5/30
Senior Projects Week 3

US French Students to Pacific Crepes
(11AM-12:50PM)

WED 5/31
Gr. 5-12 Presidential Awards & Portfolio Distribution; Gr. 5-12 Yearbook Dis tribution in
Ruston Amphitheater (10:15-10:55AM)

Town Hall Style Sock Club Meeting
Isham Library (6-7:30PM)

THURS 6/1
C Period Spanish to Los Agaves
(11AM-1PM)

Gr. 6-12 Free Sports Physicals for 2017-2018 in HR Training Room (3-6PM)

FRI 6/2
US French Students to Pacific Crepes
(11AM-12:55PM)

Laguna Bowl
Ruston Amphitheater (6-8:30PM)

SAT 6/3
SAT