Laguna's athletic fields and gym were packed the Saturday after Thanksgiving with enthusiastic and competitive alums and current students for our annual alumni soccer and basketball games. Soccer players ranged from John Adams '70 to current students Ganden Walker '24 and Gabriel Lea '24. The team without pinnies won 7-5. Basketball was a fierce match between current students and alums. Ganden Walker '24 won it for the student team with a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in the game with an ending score of 82-81.

On Tuesday, the first group of student council members River Markstrum '32, Shane Moore '32, Sawyer McCullough '32, Quincy Niksto '32, and Savannah Powers '32 were recognized for their outstanding leadership and service to our community. These students helped create and teach the school cheer, shared playground safety rules, gave tips on being inclusive during recess, performed a skit about standing up for others, started our campus cleanup routine, and modeled gratitude. These Fourth Grade leaders left us with the following words: “We want you to remember the importance of being kind and helping others. There’s always room for everyone to be included.” 

Head of Middle School Shane Lopes is always exploring ways to keep Middle School students engaged instead of resorting to their smartphones during late start mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After a successful chess program during quarter one, students have started a new tennis program led by a dedicated coach. Spaces are limited for these enrichment sessions, so be sure to look out for what will be offered in quarter three.

Congratulations to Santa Barbara's 2023 Philanthropist of the Year: The Ann Jackson Family Foundation, a Laguna alumni family with a decades-long commitment to Laguna Blanca School. The honorees were recognized on November 14 at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Ceremony at the SB Zoo for supporting a wide-range of local causes in SB County including Health and Human Services, The Arts, Civic and Community Infrastructure, and Education sectors. Celebrating with our honorees Jim (former Laguna Board Chair and Trustee) and Palmer Jackson were fellow Laguna community members Sue & Ed Birch (Emeritus Members and alumni parents), Leesa Wilson-Goldmuntz & David Goldmuntz (Emeritus Members and alumni parents), Ron & Nathalie Cino, Jen Trupiano, Marcy Jacobs, and Anna Alldredge (not present for photo).

Summer @ Laguna is looking for donations of old LEGOS, pokemon, beyblades, or Nerf supplies you no longer wish to keep. These can be dropped off at the Hope Ranch campus main office to the attention of Mr. Moore. The funds saved by using donations are applied to the scholarship program.

LAGUNA ART STUDENTS AND TEACHER FEATURED IN READY TO HANG FUNDRAISER

The annual Ready to Hang art show fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative was held on November 18. Laguna Visual Art instructor Mr. Uyesaka, Amelie Dalporto '24, and Mason Berg '24 all featured art pieces, which were sold. Go Owls!

Silo Gallery announced the exhibition INTERMUNDIUM: Space Between Worlds, featuring the work of three remarkable and established Santa Barbara artists including Laguna's Visual Art Instructor Dug Uyesaka. The exhibition will take place from November 28 to December 4, 2023, with a special reception on December 1, 4-8PM.

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 are $20 (cash or check) and can still be purchased during lunch tomorrow. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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.

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 tomorrow December 1. Please note time change above.

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. Limited spaces 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).

FA Hiking

For parents

9AM

FA MS/US Hot Cocoa Bar

For students

During lunch

Boys Varsity Soccer team won 7-1 against Coastal Christian on Tuesday on home turf. Congratulations to Beckett Smythe '26 for scoring two goals, and Andreas McClintock '24, Cole Murphy '24, Inak Phillips '27, Finlay Sutherland '26, and Baylor Wilson '26 for scoring a goal each! The next game is this Saturday, December 2 at 1PM at home.

On Wednesday, the Girls Varsity Basketball team won 27-8 over Besant Hill in their opening season game. Nikki Mielcarek '24 led the game in scoring. Carolina Duron Angeles '27 and Kate Becerra '27 collected seven and six points respectively.

3PM

11AM

1PM

2:30PM

3PM

5:30PM

3PM

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

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