On Tuesday, students in the Fifth Grade Performing Arts Foundation class entertained the audience with a musical rendition of Margery Williams' book, The Velveteen Rabbit. This poignant performance, a celebration of the season, showcased the talents of our Performing Arts Foundations actors and singers, supported seamlessly by our dedicated Gr. 8-12 Student Tech Crew. Bravo to all involved for bringing the magic of this beloved tale to life!

Third grade students embarked on a field trip to the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum where they delved into the fascinating history of the Chumash people and their resourceful ways of living off the local land in Santa Barbara. To enhance their understanding, the students engaged in a scavenger hunt, actively seeking items that the Chumash might have utilized for various aspects of their daily lives.

Congratulations to our first-place winners of the Sixth Grade French Class Eiffel Tower Building Contest: Luca Broeren, Carter Millington, and John Asher. The Eiffel Tower, crafted with precision from 10,000 pieces, took a staggering 35 hours to construct. Très bien! Merci to the 99 voters for their input.

We are thrilled to introduce co-chairs Melissa Henderson, Jen Drucker, and Cate Stoll for the 2024 Golden Oak Gala. Our gala dinner and auction will take place on Saturday, March 16 at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Thank you to those who attended the kickoff meeting at Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room on November 16. Volunteer positions are open. Join us!

The Upper School Student Council has lined up an exciting Winter Spirit Week for December 11-15. Get ready for some fun and showcase your creativity with the following themes:

Our heartfelt gratitude to Laguna Middle School families, faculty, and staff for your generous hearts in making Christmas wishes come true for 75 children living in foster care this December. This partnership and annual gift drive with CASA is one of our favorite traditions during this season of giving. Thank you so much!

Celebrate Owl pride this festive season with Laguna Wear gifts. Whether it's cozy hoodies, stylish t-shirts, caps, or comfy lounge pants, there's a perfect gift for every student and family member. Ensure your orders are placed by December 15 to spread the holiday cheer!

What a Wonderful World will feature alumna Sophie Bakaev '18; Adam Phillips, Director of the Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra; Laguna Blanca's Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Brianne Hwang; award-winning pianist Annabelle Zhang '32, and of course all Lower School students. All family, friends, and Laguna community members are welcome to attend this free event.

Reminder: the Parents' Holiday Party is this Saturday. Head of School Ron Cino looks forward to welcoming you for some festive cheer.

The Family Association Holiday Luncheon takes place on Monday next week for all parents and caregivers. Please join us for festive food, Lower School carolers, and holiday camaraderie. Limited spaces remaining! Kindly consider signing up to help with decor or drink donations.

The Family Association is excited to revive the festive Hot Cocoa Bar, bringing warmth and cheer to all Middle and Upper School students on December 14 during lunch. Join us in the Middle School Quad, where a table will be set up to treat our lucky students!

Join us for a leisurely walk down Mesa Lane Steps and the beach. The group will wait 5-10 min before heading off. No registration is needed. Any questions, please email Philippe d'Offay.

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).

Upper School Play Performance

of Emma For Laguna Community

LBS TEDx

For Laguna Community

Boys Varsity Basketball won 60-48 over Santa Clarita on Saturday. Charlie Sheldon '24 led the way with 28 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Carson Stewart '25 also added 16 points, and Granden Walker '24 and Drew Levinson '24 grabbed eleven and ten rebounds respectively. Go Owls!

The Owls kicked off league action with a solid victory over Santa Clara. Josh Hansen '24 broke the scoreless tie in the fifteenth minute to give the Owls a 1-0 lead. From there, the team cruised offensively. The following three goals were scored by Inak Philips '27, Mason Berg '24 and Niccolo D'Agruma '26. The team takes on Thacher this afternoon at 3PM.

Marshall Graham '27 won the Squash BU17 division at the San Diego Silver Open. He stepped up from the BU15s to get some tougher matches and test himself in the age group he will move into in February, and dominated the field winning four matches without dropping a game. Particularly impressive was the win in the final where he upped the pace and intensity after two close opening games that he won 11/7 12/10 to close it out 11/3. Go Marshall!

The Santa Barbara Winter Junior Tennis Championship took place last weekend, with 111 players competing from all across California. Siena Wyatt '25 and Jinling Wang '25 paired up for the Girls 16 Double tournament ending as the bracket's runner-up. Go Owls!

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If you're thinking about getting your kid their first mobile device for the upcoming holidays, Common Sense Media suggests there are many factors to consider. Age isn't as important as maturity, responsibility level, and ability to follow rules. With younger kids, you could also start with a smartwatch or a phone with limited features, instead of a smartphone.

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

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