PARTNER WITH LAGUNA ON #GIVINGTUESDAY

Get ready to inspire a wave of generosity on #GivingTuesday! Your generosity has the power to transform the educational landscape for our students, making it an exciting journey of growth and discovery. Picture the smiles, laughter, and joy your donation can bring as we come together to support our school. Whether it's fueling innovative projects, creating vibrant learning spaces, or sparking new opportunities, your contribution is a celebration of the incredible impact we can achieve when we join forces. Let's make Giving Tuesday a day to remember, filled with gratitude, joy, and the shared belief in creating an extraordinary learning experience. Thank you for being part of this day of giving!
FOURTH ESTATE MAGAZINE PUBLISHES THE FIRST QUARTER ISSUE

The Fourth Estate Magazine is written, edited, and produced by Laguna Upper School students as part of their Journalism elective. It is published four times a year and proceeds from subscriptions directly fund the magazine costs. Subscribe today and discover the students' amazing work.
SECOND GRADERS BOOST LITERACY SKILLS AT MONTECITO LIBRARY

Second grade students, accompanied by our dedicated librarian, Ms. Barker, explored the Montecito Library to enrich our literacy program. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding and appreciation for the wealth of knowledge libraries offer, making it a valuable addition to our curriculum and fostering a love for reading and learning.
SEVENTH GRADERS EXPLORE EVOLUTION AT ARROYO HONDO PRESERVE

Seventh grade students kicked off their evolution studies with a trip to Arroyo Hondo Preserve on Monday. They explored local history and checked out how plants and animals adapt, with the highlight being the capture of countless frogs in one of Santa Barbara's undeveloped watersheds. The trip showed the varied biodiversity of Santa Barbara in habitats like riparian, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland.
CATCHING UP WITH ALUMS AT UCLA & USC

On Monday, Head of School Ron Cino and Alumni Relations Manager Jen Trupiano '00 visited Laguna Alums at UCLA and USC. Four out of five alums at UCLA met for lunch at Tocaya, while ten out of eleven at USC gathered for coffee and connection at Ministry of Coffee - USC. Ron and Jen shared updates on Laguna, discussed college experiences, and learned about alums' involvement in clubs, internships, and future plans. This inaugural visit aims to set a precedent for future gatherings at more LA colleges and beyond.
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS POPULATE THE GRATITUDE WALL

One of our cherished traditions before Thanksgiving break is the Gratitude Wall. Upper School students take a moment for reflection, jotting down their expressions of appreciation for people and things in their lives. These heartfelt notes come together to form a vibrant display, fostering a sense of gratitude that resonates throughout our entire community.
DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA VISITS PERSONAL FINANCE CLASS

Concluding their tax-themed unit, the Personal Finance class hosted Keith DeMartini, Finance Director of the City of Santa Barbara. In an engaging session, he offered valuable insights into the factors influencing the creation and allocation of the city's annual budget. Thank you to Mr. DeMartini for generously sharing his expertise with our budding financiers!
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK ON LAGUNA WEAR

The Upper School Entrepreneurship class is teaming up with the Family Association to enhance Laguna Wear's marketing and product development. Please take a moment to fill out the students' brief survey—they value your input. Thank you!
SHOP LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY ORNAMENT

Get your hands on our exclusive Holiday Glass Ornaments by Laguna Wear, featuring an elegant etching of Laguna Blanca 2023. Each 3-inch ornament comes in a beautiful box, making it the perfect addition to any festive tree or bush. Act fast—limited stock available.
FA BOOK CLUB
NOVEMBER 29, 6PM
PRIVATE HOME

Join our new Book Club's inaugural meeting at Gina Nelson's home. Bring book suggestions and a small dish or bottle to share. Together, we will choose our first book and set a date and time for our next meeting. Email Gina for the address and to RSVP.
WINTER WONDERLAND GR. 7 & 8 DANCE
DECEMBER 1, 6:30-8:30PM
MEROVICK GYM, HOPE RANCH

Seventh and Eighth Grade students are invited to a Winter Wonderland with fellow students from Santa Barbara Middle and Riviera Ridge Schools. Dress up and come show off your dance moves! Enjoy an awesome DJ, pizza, a photo booth, and raffle prizes. Tickets ($20) will go on sale Tuesday, November 28 during lunch.
PARENTS HOLIDAY PARTY
HOSTED BY OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
DECEMBER 9, 4-6PM
GYM ENTRANCE, HOPE RANCH

Head of School Ron Cino invites all parents and caregivers for some holiday cheer. Please join us for drinks and light bites. Kindly RSVP by December 1.
FA HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
DECEMBER 11, 11:30AM
SANTA BARBARA UNIVERSITY CLUB

The Family Association is hosting a Holiday Luncheon for all parents and caregivers. Please join us for festive food, Lower School carolers, and holiday camaraderie. Kindly RSVP by December 4 (capacity is limited to 100 guests).
SAVE THE DATES
Details coming soon
December 5
Gr. 5 Holiday Musical
For all parents
6-7PM
December 7
Lower School Winter Concert
Music Academy of the West
6-7:30PM
December 12
Gr. 6-12 Winter Music Showcase
For all parents
6-7:30PM
December 14
FA Hiking Group
9AM
December 14
FA MS/US Hot Cocoa Bar
For students during lunch
December 15
FA Pickleball Social
11AM
FANTASTIC TURNOUT FOR GR. 4/5 SOCCER THIS FALL

Given the extraordinary response, Grades 4/5 Soccer formed two teams—coached by Ray Robitaille and Jen Riley. The teams had a great time competing with Crane, Riviera Ridge, Notre Dame, and St. Raphael's. The season finale, a thrilling match between Laguna Blue and Laguna White, ended in an exciting 3-3 tie. Kudos to all players for showcasing improved soccer skills this season!
KIRA COMPETES IN CIF PRELIMS FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING
Over the weekend, Kira Rameson '26 participated in the CIF prelims for the second year in a row. She delivered an impressive performance, showcasing determination and competitiveness as she tackled numerous hills to the end. Clocking in at 21:17, she secured the 17th position in a highly competitive race. Well done, Kira!
WHAT A SEASON FOR OUR OWLS

Laguna Blanca football wrapped up its season with a 56-32 loss to Milken Community in the CIF-SS Div. 2 8-Person Quarterfinals on Saturday. The team was on fire this year and all players deserve great recognition for their exceptional performance throughout the season!
REQUIRED ATHLETIC HOODIE FOR UPPER SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS

Laguna's Athletics Apparel Store is back! The "required" hoodie is crucial for Upper School basketball or soccer players who missed the fall season's pre-order. The store closes at midnight this Sunday, November 19 and orders are shipped to Laguna's Athletics Department. A $10 packaging fee replaces shipping. Tuition relief families, please contact Athletics Director Matt Steinhaus for discreet assistance.
SUPPORT THE OWLS ON HOME TURF
WEDNESDAY, 11/29
Girls Varsity Basketball vs Besant Hill
3:30PM
THURSDAY, 11/30
Girls Varsity Soccer vs Orcutt Academy
3PM
EXPLORING TIKTOK'S ROLE IN TEEN SELF-DIAGNOSIS

Could TikTok replace your doctor one day? Probably not, but it is increasingly popular as a platform for self-diagnosing mental health issues and neurodivergence—and that has raised concerns among professionals.
MISSED THE COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID WEBINAR?

College Counseling held a webinar on Tuesday focusing on College Financial Aid and FAFSA Completion Tips. Here is a recording for Upper School parents who may have missed it. Passcode: P+7czET+
OWL YOU NEED TO KNOW

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