Under the direction of Lower School Music Instructor Ms. Markstrum, our entire Lower School sang their hearts out Thursday last week during their winter concert. What a Wonderful World also featured alumna Sophie Bakaev '18, Adam Phillips Director of the Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra, Laguna Blanca's Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Brianne Hwang, and award-winning pianist Annabelle Zhang '32. The new venue at the Music Academy of the West was a stunning space that enabled many more family and Laguna community members to attend.

The Winter Showcase sparkled this week with festive performances by Sixth Grade Performing Arts Foundations (PAF 6), Vocal Ensemble, Pop & Rock Ensemble, and Honors Stage Band at Laguna's community celebration. Bravo, Owls!

We are thrilled to welcome Daisy Altamirano to our Social Sciences faculty team. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Daisy earned her BA at UC Berkeley in Political Science with a minor in History, and her MA at Loyola Marymount in Educational Policy and Administration. Having been selected for the Teach For America Rising Leader Fellowship, Daisy brings strong experience to Laguna as a K-12 educator and leader. She has taught both history and English for multiple years in the Bay Area, and most recently, served as the After School Program Coordinator at The Turner Foundation. Daisy is passionate about designing student-centered curriculum, building community, and helping students develop their potential. She is taking over Mr. Guay’s current classes, which include all three sections of World History I, as well as one section each of World History II and US History.

Tomorrow, December 15, the Student Leadership team will be offering a variety of treats, including freshly popped popcorn, Gatorade, chips, Pop-Tarts, and more in the quad during Community Time and lunch. Item prices are $1 or $2. Please note that only cash will be accepted. Bring your money and indulge in a delicious treat!

Middle and Upper School students enjoyed dressing up with different themes every day this week. From pajamas, apres-ski, and formal wear to flannel versus denim! Looking ahead, the grand finale awaits with the much-anticipated "Ugly Sweater Day" tomorrow!

Thank you to the Family Association for treating the Middle and Upper School students to some delicious hot cocoa today during lunch. Our parent volunteers couldn't make them fast enough! What a treat!

Anyone wishing to place their student's portrait order or get additional copies, may do so using the following link.

Join us tomorrow—only two spots remaining! Come socialize and have fun playing a friendly pickleball game, which is open to all levels. A coach will be on hand for instruction. Registration required ($35).

Wishing everyone a winter break full of cozy moments and relaxation.

Classes resume on Tuesday, January 2.

LAGUNA BLANCA THEATRE PRESENTS UPPER SCHOOL PRODUCTION EMMA

Directed by Theater Instructor & Performing Arts Department Chair Dana Caldwell, Upper School students bring Emma to the stage, a highly theatrical adaptation of one of Jane Austen's greatest novels. The story revolves around Emma Woodhouse, a clever young woman whose misguided assurance in her matchmaking skills leads to numerous romantic mishaps. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission.

Alumni College Panel

For US Students

LBS TEDx

For Laguna Community

Congratulations to our Upper School fall athletes for earning Tri-County Athletic Association All-League honors. Your performances contributed to resounding team successes. Special acclaim for Jayla Provance '24 (Girls Golf) for earning league Player-of-the-Year honor!

Cross Country: Kira Rameson '26 (First Team).

Football: Spencer Hlavaty '24 (First Team), Gabriel Lea '24 (First Team), Carson Stewart '25 (First team), Ganden Walker '24 (First Team), James Couvillion '24 (Honorable Mention), Eka Nayak '24 (Honorable Mention).

Girls Volleyball: Sarah Woodhouse '24 (First Team), Natalie Bianchi '24 (Second Team), Ginger Finney '26 (Honorable Mention), Sophie Otte '26 (Honorable Mention), Danica Rux '25 (Honorable Mention).

Girls Golf: Jayla Provance '24 (Player of the Year and First Team), Dionne Peterson '25 (First Team), Luz Schubert '25 (First Team).

Girls Tennis: Caroline Kenny '25 (First team), Lucia Camp '24 (Second Team), Grace Trautwein '24 (Second Team).

The Owls, playing with only one substitute, turned in a great offensive performance for a league-opening win 6-2 against Villanova last Thursday. Jordyn Garcia '24 scored two goals, while Milla Hirsch '25, Paloma Lujan '24, Regina Lujan '24, and Natalie Bianchi '24 found the back of the net once each. Go Owls!

During the Crossover Tournament on Saturday, the Owls won 52-31 against San Luis Obispo Classical and 54-34 against Coastal Christian. Shout out to Carson Stewart '25, Ganden Walker '24, Charlie Sheldon '24, Eka Nayak '24, John Mayfield '24, and Josh Hansen '24. On Monday, the Owls played Orcutt Academy and although they had an advantage at half-time, they fell just short of a comeback effort with a five-point loss at 56-51.

The Owls and Orcutt were tied the majority of the game with the first goal coming from our Owls with two minutes to spare. Baylor Wilson '24 crossed in a corner kick and Beckett Smythe '24 rose up and completed it with a header. The opposing team then equalized with 30 seconds left on the clock!

The Owls pulled out a thrilling win of 40-38 against Thacher on Wednesday. This is the first win over their rival in eight years. What a tight game! Shout out to Eka Nayak '24, Carson Stewart '25, Charlie Sheldon '24, and Josh Hansen '24. Go Owls!

4:30PM

Upcoming dates, deadlines, reminders, and important logistical information by division.

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