Host: Lexy Spett, LMFT, founder of Spett Consulting

Is there a particular topic you would like to talk about or questions you need answered during our time together? If so, please email Kim Valentine and we will respond during our time together.

We are thrilled to have Duncan Briggs (Latin Instructor & World Languages Department Chair) as the Head Coach of the program. Mr. Briggs came to us this summer from Connecticut with a range of experience and talents, including a championship record as a Head Track Coach at his former school. We look forward to running with you on Monday!

As we look forward to 2021 and back on the last year with all its challenges and lessons, we are touched by our community's generosity and strength during these difficult times. Thanks to gifts to the 2020-21 Laguna Fund, our teachers have triumphed with creativity and flexibility, allowing students to persevere, learn, and grow on our campuses. Enjoy this short clip to see how your investment is making a difference today!

We are inspired to continue Leading Through Change for our students, teachers, and families by reaching our goal of 100% family participation in the Laguna Fund. If you have already donated, THANK YOU! If not, you can make your gift online today or contact Associate Director of Development Danielle Sekurski at 805. 687.1372 or dsekurski@lagunablanca.org to pledge your support.

By Joanne Calitri, Montecito Journal

This year, Laguna Blanca presented an EK-12 Virtual Winter Concert titled, “Home for the Holidays,” in which the students performed from their homes or were masked and socially distanced outside at the school.

Highlights included the opening song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” dancing, singing, and playing bells to “Happiness,” folk songs on xylophone and electric piano, drumming on hand-painted bucket drums, a ukulele band playing “Octopus’s Garden” (The Beatles), and the Upper School students performing in bands with songs “Auld Lang Syne,” “Come Together,” and the Mariah Carey super hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” full on with violin, drums, electric guitars and piano, while the Lower School performed a dance outside.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their gingerbread creations over the holiday break! And special thanks to the PA for organizing such a fun and festive activity for our students. Click the button below to check out all of the submissions!

Upper School student Luna Martinez '23 was recently published in SB Independent's Self Care issue. The piece was originally written in Laguna's Humanities Foundation class. Congratulations, Luna! Read her piece below.

When I was 7, my dad tried to teach me to surf, taking me to Santa Claus Lane with a five-foot, soft-top board. But while paddling out, I’d complain that we should put the board back — I just wanted to play in the water. As waves approached, he’d push me into them, usually holding on as we rode to shore. As he got more confident with my ability to stand up and balance, he would let go of the board. 

Usually, I was fine surfing a few waves. But after wiping out once, I was done. The board would throw me off, tumbling me under the white water, with mouthfuls of sand and saltwater causing my ultimate frustration. Surfing became a boring and annoying routine of catching a wave, standing for a few seconds, and then crashing, with my life flashing before my eyes as I was pinned underwater. I felt like I was in a washing machine, a rag doll with whiplash.

The book selection for this year’s Challenge Success Book Club is Deviced! Balancing Life and Technology in a Digital World by Doreen Dodgen-Magee.

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Dodgen-Magee, award winning author, speaker, and psychologist, will join us for our discussion. Families of students in all divisions are invited to read and attend this informative and engaging evening.

You're encouraged to read the book selection before the book club meeting. Don't want to read? Click here for the Amazon Audible version.

You can register for this event by emailing Andra Wilson or Kim Valentine.

This week's gratitude gram is dedicated to Upper School English Instructor, Bojana Hill! We are so thankful for the kind spirit she brings to campus and for her unwavering commitment to her students.

Read a few words from her colleagues below:

“Bojana Hill!!! For all of your hard work and dedication to the Writing Center this year, and for the mindfulness you bring to all you do!”

“Bojana Hill, for always raising the bar!”

THANK YOU, Bojana!