TEDxLBS IS NEXT WEEK!
HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR TICKETS YET?
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TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool
Wednesday, February 1
Merovick Gymnasium
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Have you always wanted to attend a TED Conference with all those short, powerful talks by the leading thinkers and doers who inspire you, who challenge you, and who open your eyes to new ideas? Next week is your chance!
Laguna is thrilled to present its fifth annual TEDx event. While the speakers are the focus of the event, it’s especially noteworthy that the event is produced and run entirely by Laguna Blanca upper school students who have managed every detail, from identifying this year's theme of Metamorphosis and selecting speakers to creating and managing a complex budget, securing event partners/sponsors, and organizing professional-level audio and visual coverage so the event can be shared around the world.
The conference features 15 speakers and performers, each presenting 10-minute talks that embrace the theme of Metamorphosis. The event takes place on the school’s Hope Ranch campus in the Merovick Gymnasium and includes three speaker sessions with breaks, interactive exhibits, and lunch.
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Yesterday, an important Strategic Planning Update was emailed to the Laguna community. Your input will help shape our future directions. We not only welcome your input, we depend on it. Jenn Desjarlais and Ed Hudner, our consultants from Cambridge Hill Partners, will be on campus on February 13, 14, and 15 to conduct focus group and interview sessions. More detailed information regarding opportunities for participation in these sessions will be forthcoming. We encourage everyone to participate enthusiastically and thoughtfully in helping to shape a compelling future for Laguna Blanca School.
The purpose of the community sessions next month is to:
- Clarify perceptions of LBS including perspectives on the mission and vision of the school
- Understand concerns and issues
- Hear views on current and future strategies
- Discuss perceived strengths, challenges, and opportunities for LBS
The Strategic Planning Steering Committee
Melissa Alkire - Head of Upper School
Anna Alldredge - Interim Head of Lower School & Director of Teaching and Learning
Duncan Briggs - Latin Instructor & Word Language Department Chair
Ellen McDermott Charney - Trustee
Ron Cino - Head of School (SPSC Co-Chair)
Billie Fitzpatrick - Board of Trustees Chair (SPSC Co-Chair)
Brooke Green '97 -Third Grade Instructor & Learning Specialist 2-4
David Jackson - Trustee
Shane Lopes - Head of Middle School
Staci Richard - Science Department Chair & Biology Instructor
Jane Weaver - Trustee
The Advisory Group for Communication and Outreach
Tara Broucqsault - Director of Communications
Paul Chiment - Upper School Faculty
Ron Cino - Head of School
Courtney Guay - Lower School Faculty
Molly Morouse - Upper School Student
Steve Ortiz - Lower School Parent
Tiffany Pelletier - Trustee
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BE A GOLDEN OAK GALA EVENT SPONSOR |
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SATURDAY, MARCH 11 / 4-10PM
HOPE RANCH ATHLETIC FIELDS
Sponsor the spring benefit today to reserve your private table or exclusive seating! Your early support ensures a successful event, and every dollar raised helps directly benefit our students and teachers and enhances our nearly 90-year legacy.
Single Event Tickets will be available for purchase starting Monday, February 6, but reserve your spot and click here to be a sponsor!
We hope to see you there!
Jen Drucker & Melissa Henderson
Golden Oak Gala Co-Chairs
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PRIORITY CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS FOR LAGUNA PARENTS, FAMILIES, AND FRIENDS
FEBRUARY 24-27
OPEN REGISTRATION ON MARCH 1
Just around the corner is Summer @ Laguna, where learning and fun collide. Summer 2023 features eight weeks of Laguna's favorite summer camps, such as Arts @ Laguna and Laguna LEGO Masters—plus a whole host of new offerings, which come in all different shapes and sizes to satisfy a wide range of ages and interests. The majority of our camps take place on Laguna Blanca's Hope Ranch campus, with 35 acres of fresh air and green space for campers to run, explore, learn, and grow. Our hallmark Lower School camp, Camp Cito, as well as Laguna Explorers, is housed on our charming 2-acre Montecito campus.
All camps (excluding specialty camps, like The Great Outdoors) are $395/week and run from 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM DAILY with snacks and lunch provided. Summer @ Laguna provides complimentary early drop-off along with aftercare options on both campuses.
Click on the link below to learn more about our exciting camp offerings in ARTS, ACADEMICS, ADVENTURE & GAMES, LEGO, STEM, AND SPORTS & FITNESS.
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Fentanyl is currently the number one cause of death in 18-45 year olds in the United States. Join us on the Hope Ranch campus for a parent education evening with Dr. Beth Weinstock, Founder of BirdieLight and mother who tragically lost her son to Fentanyl poisoning.
Seating is limited and RSVP is required to attend this free event. Kindly click here to reply before Friday, January 27.
Please note that during community time on Friday, February 3, Dr. Weinstock will also present to the entire Upper School (Grades 9-12) community.
ABOUT BIRDIELIGHT
BirdieLight saves lives by educating young people about the danger of unintentional fentanyl ingestion, and by empowering them with tools to detect fentanyl before they ingest.
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UPCOMING YOUTHWELL VIRTUAL WELLNESS WORKSHOP |
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5
4:30-6PM
Kids need a balance of love and limits to thrive. Learn simple strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries that work for every age and stage.
This free workshop is designed for parents, teachers, and those working with youth. Youth are welcome to attend (ages 12-25) but it is more specific to the grownups in their lives.
Presented in partnership with AHA! Spanish interpretation provided.
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KEN BURNS' HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT UCSB CAMPBELL HALL
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 & WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 | 6:30PM
CAMPBELL HALL AT UCSB
FREE ADMISSION
From Ken Burns, Hiding in Plain Sight is a two-part documentary about the youth mental health crisis in America that presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles and the hope that many have found after that storm. Registration is suggested.
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RAISING RESILIENT GIRLS: FREE WEBINAR ON FEBRUARY 13 |
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 5PM PST
YOUR GIRL IS POWERFUL. Learn how to build emotional wellness together.
Join Girls Leadership Co-founder and Co-CEO, Simone Marean and Crystyn Wright, Girls Leadership Curriculum Developer, Trainer, Educator, New York Board Co-Chair for a 75-minute interactive webinar.
In this webinar, Simone and Crystyn will look at the gender expectations of girls and how living through a pandemic makes them more problematic than ever. Then they’ll invite families to reflect on how they might take advantage of this moment to model new habits that are the foundation of wellness, resilience, and voice.
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PERSONAL FINANCE CLASS LEARNS PRACTICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION |
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Last week, Mr. MacNaughton's Personal Finance students enjoyed a presentation by local insurance broker Kelly Weiser from The Weiser Agency. After studying various forms of insurance in class, Kelly provided some real-world expertise on how these markets function, answering questions like “What insurance policies are vital for freshly graduated high school students?” They learned why it is smart to have life insurance policies for babies and some helpful hints on what is and isn’t covered by renters insurance. They are grateful for her time and expertise! |
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BLAST OFF! EIGHTH GRADERS EMBARK ON
MISSION TO MARS
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For eighth grade students, the second quarter focuses on a real-world challenge that unifies their English, history, and science lessons. First, their teachers posed big questions: What is our mission as a species? What is your quest? What endures about cultures over time? How does humanity endure?
As students pondered the human elements of these questions, they were asked to begin planning a team-based Mission to Mars. They grappled with scarce resources, psychological challenges, and communications problems.
This week, each student team presented its mission overview to a squad of “investors” composed of administration, faculty, community members, and other students, all of whom posed challenges to the team. Students channeled their knowledge of science, human history, and human creativity to achieve our species’ path toward becoming interplanetary.
Over the course of the unit, they designed a 30-minute presentation, a company website, a company video, and individual speeches. They also have a variety of assignments in each of their courses that tie in with the overall theme of the Mars Mission.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winning team. Well done, eighth graders!
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SUPPORT LAGUNA STUDENTS AT LIGHTS UP! THEATRE'S UPCOMING PRODUCTION
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Laguna student Noah Olorin '24 will star in the upcoming Lights Up! Theatre Company's production of The Drowsy Chaperone! "A Musical Within a Comedy." Ada Green '25 is a member of the stage crew.
This fully-staged musical theatre performance takes place on Friday, January 27 at 7PM and Saturday, January 28 at 1PM and 7PM at the Marjorie Luke Theatre.
Way to go, Noah and Ada!
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INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT TEDxLBS? |
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The Family Association is looking for volunteers to help with snacks and drinks at TEDxLBS next Wednesday, February 1. Please click here to learn more and sign up. Thank you for your help!
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LBS MENTORSHIP SURVEY FOR LAGUNA FAMILIES AND ALUMNI |
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Would you like to highlight your business within the Laguna community? Are you interested in helping students with their college and career choices? Would you like to help build the Laguna network while supporting other Laguna business owners?
In an effort to create a resource for faculty, staff, and parents to use for curriculum support, speakers, mentors, college counseling, and senior projects, we would love your input via this community survey. Using the information gathered, we will also create an LBS Business Listing Resource that will be available to our internal community. Please note that every survey question is optional. We appreciate your help!
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WELCOME TO THE NEST, MR. A! |
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Charlie Aslesan (Mr. A) is our new seventh grade geography teacher and will also teach one section of English 9 in the spring semester. He comes to Laguna Blanca from St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Education & Family Studies from Saint Olaf College where he was also the Co-Captain of their basketball team. Mr. A has over five years of teaching experience in Middle and Upper School Social Studies and English courses, including seventh grade Geography. In 2021, he was the recipient of the Saintly Service Halo Award, which goes to two educators in the entire state of Minnesota, recognizing excellence in the development of students. Let's give Charlie a warm Laguna welcome! |
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GRADES 4 & 5 VOLLEYBALL BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 1 |
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Contact Coach Ray if you'd like your child to join the team! |
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GRADES 4 & 5 GIRLS BASKETBALL FINISHES STRONG |
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The fourth and fifth grade girls basketball team finished their season with 3 losses and 4 wins. The girls worked very hard and made huge amounts of progress throughout their season! "We had the help of Blakley's mom, Liz, and the girls had so much fun!" says Coach Jennifer Riley. GO OWLS! |
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THE LION KING CAST LIST IS HERE! |
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Congratulations to the cast & crew of The Lion King Kids! Click here for the full list .
Please note that there will be no rehearsal on Thursday, February 2 due to the Laguna Love Heart Art event taking place from 3:30-4:30PM on the Lower School campus. Regular rehearsal will resume on Thursday, February 9.
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THE LOWER SCHOOL BOOK FAIR STARTS NEXT WEEK! |
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January 30 - February 3, Lower School Pavilion
1/30-1/31: Students will pre-shop and create their wish lists
1/31: Families may shop on Tecolote Tuesday morning, 8:30-9AM
2/1: Open for shopping, 7:30-9AM, 2:30-4PM
2/2: Open for shopping with extended hours, 7:30-9AM, 2:30-6PM
2/3: Open for shopping, 7:30-9AM, 2:30-4PM, last day of book fair
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SAN YSIDRO ROAD IMPACTED BY OLIVE MILL ROAD CONSTRUCTION |
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During this first stage of construction, please expect flaggers at San Ysidro Rd. and N. Jameson Lane weekdays from 7:30-9AM and 3-5PM. Be sure to add extra travel time for drop-off and pick-up. |
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SPREAD THE LAGUNA LOVE AT OUR UPCOMING LOWER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS EVENT! |
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Current and prospective families are invited to join us for Laguna Heart Art at Laguna Blanca Lower School Campus!
Thursday, February 2
3:30 PM– 4:30 PM
260 San Ysidro Rd.
Led by Ms. Courtney Guay, Art Instructor
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LOOKING AHEAD AT THE LOWER SCHOOL |
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Fourth Grade Field Trip to Watershed Resource Center
Monday, January 30
Thursday, February 2
LS Campus, 3:30-4:30PM
Lower School Chess Club Begins
Tuesday, February 7
Chess Club will meet Tuesdays through 3/14
Dress Down Day, Valentine’s Day Theme
Tuesday, February 14
Fourth Grade Field Trip to Tajiguas Landfill
Wednesday, February 15
Professional Development Day – No School for Students
Friday, February 17
Presidents’ Day – School Closed
Monday, February 20
Trimester 2 Ends
Friday, February 24
100th Day of School
Tuesday, February 28
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UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETIC SCHEDULE |
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The following athletic events take place at home. Come cheer on the Owls!
UPPER SCHOOL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
Girls Varsity Soccer vs Beacon Hill, 3PM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Boys Varsity Soccer vs Coast Union, 3PM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Boys Varsity Basketball vs Dunn, 3PM
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UPCOMING WEBINAR FOR GRADES 9 & 10 |
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Thursday, February 2 at 6PM
Let’s Get Digital! Navigating the Future of College Admission Testing
Students in Grades 9 & 10 and their families are invited to hear from the experts at Compass Education Group as they lead a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion of the future of college admission testing.
Presentation topics will include:
- The evolving role of test scores in specific contexts
- Making sense of the subtlety and variety of testing policies
- Fresh admissions data from test score submitters and non-submitters
- Making an informed choice between the ACT and SAT
- The specs and design of the digital, adaptive PSAT & SAT
- Optimal timing and smart approaches to test preparation and testing
This presentation will be recorded for those unable to attend.
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LOYOLA MARYMOUNT PRE-COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY |
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Exploring Engineering, an exciting pre-college opportunity for high school students, is taking place on the Loyola Marymount University campus this summer.
This program is a four-week, credit-bearing course that will introduce important concepts about mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. The program is intended for academically strong juniors (rising seniors by summer) who will live on campus for the duration of the course, experience college academics (receiving college credit on successful completion), and network with supportive staff in the Undergraduate Admission, Financial Aid and Career and Professional Development offices to help prepare them for the college application process.
The deadline to submit an application is March 15, 2023.
If you need any additional information, please contact summer@lmu.edu or 310.338.7429.
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LOOKING AHEAD
IMPORTANT DATES FOR ALL DIVISIONS
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LOWER SCHOOL
Family/Teacher Conferences
No School for LS Students
Friday, January 27
LS Book Fair Begins
Monday, January 30
Ken Burns' Hiding in Plain Sight Documentary Screening
Tuesday, January 31 & Wednesday, February 1
TEDxLBS
Wednesday, February 1
LS Heart Art Event
For Current and Prospective Students
Thursday, February 2 (3:30-4:30PM on LS campus)
BirdieLight Parent Education Event
Thursday, February 2 (6-7PM in Spaulding Theatre)
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
Friday, January 27
Ken Burns' Hiding in Plain Sight Documentary Screening
Tuesday, January 31 & Wednesday, February 1
TEDxLBS
Wednesday, February 1
BirdieLight Parent Education Event
Thursday, February 2 (6-7PM in Spaulding Theatre)
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UPPER SCHOOL
US Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
Friday, January 27
Ken Burns' Hiding in Plain Sight Documentary Screening
Tuesday, January 31 & Wednesday, February 1
TEDxLBS
Wednesday, February 1
BirdieLight Parent Education Event
Thursday, February 2 (6-7PM in Spaulding Theatre)
College Counseling Webinar for Gr. 9 & 10
Thursday, February 2 (6PM via Zoom)
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