Dear SBMS Families,

With the arrival of heavy rains, we know there is great concern in our community right now. All of our March Expeditions are out on the road, with some of the trips having moved to "Plan B" to get out of the rain shadow and ensure the greatest safety of our students and staff.

Brian and the office have been in constant contact with all of the trips and are pleased to share with you this special update and photos to help concerns during this year of unprecedented events. Please know that your children are being well cared for. We hope this allows parents to tend to their needs in Santa Barbara this week. Your children are having a great time while strengthening relationships with each other and with their teachers.

Updates from our March Expeditions are as follows:

  • 6th Grade Backpacking - They are happy in the desert at Cottonwood Campground, doing day hikes to oases and rock formations. They are out of the rain shadow, with less than 20% chance of rain on Wednesday (1/4").

  • 7th Grade Bikes 'n' BOBs - After a great ride today from Dunn School to Sedgwick Reserve and back, the 7th grade will be staying at the Dunn School grounds in Los Olivos for the next 3 nights. They are comfortably set up on the softball field with access to classrooms and the gymnasium for activities. PA and Scott are keeping them warm and well-fed (please see Marco's note below).

  • 8th Grade Backpacking - They backpacked yesterday in Joshua Tree and are having a great time, with 68 degree weather! They are out of the rain shadow, with less than 20% chance of rain on Wednesday (1/4").

  • Mountaineering - They are located in the Whitney portal well below tree line with relatively little snow on the ground. They will be staying in the portal area with activities and are hunkered down for the next few days.

  • Catalina - They are happy and dry, getting ready for some expected rain on Wednesday night and Thursday (1/2"). They are monitoring conditions and can adjust plans if needed.

  • Kayaking - They had a great 10-mile paddle on Monday and hiked Gaviota peak today; a few even got in a surf session before the rains started this afternoon. They are at a great group campsite, well above Refugio drainage.

The office is open 10 am to 2 pm this week. If you need to reach your child, please call the main office.

Please see the important links below, which we we hope will help you and your family as you make decisions regarding safety and evacuations.

With love,
Your SBMS Family
Sixth grade backpacking
Mountaineering trip near Whitney portal
9th grade kayaking trip at Gaviota Peak
9th graders hiking
Enjoying Catalina
A NOTE FROM MARCO TO 7TH GRADE FAMILIES

Dear 7th Grade Families,

All is well on the 7th grade trip! We decided to adjust our itinerary for a safer and much more comfortable week in the rain. We will be staying at Dunn School for the remainder of the week. Dunn School is located near Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley. Located just off of Hwy 154, we are in full cell phone service and in much closer proximity to Emergency Services and general needs. The students will be able to play basketball and volleyball in the gym, and we will use their library for our “campfire” in the evening. Our tents will be set up in a open field. There are no trees near us. It's extremely safe, and we have many options for activities. Plus P.A. and Scott have an incredible kitchen set up for us so yummy warm food and hot drinks are constantly available...and hugs too! 

Today we were blessed with sunny weather, wild turkeys, horses and a perfect ride up into the Sedgwick preserve and back out. It was a perfect Middle School ride and we are feeling blessed to have done it. The rest of the week lies ahead of us, and we are ready to seize those wet days as well.

Communication protocols on the trip remain the same as my last email. Please go through the office if a communication needs relaying. If there is a very real and urgent emergency that needs to get to us ASAP, Lilli's cell is  805-448-8614 .

Please stay safe on your side of the mountains and know that your kids are safe, healthy, and happy with us. We will see you on Friday and send an update if there are any changes in pickup. As of now, pick-up remains scheduled at 2:00 pm at Goleta Beach.

Carpe Diem,

Marco Andrade
Dean of 7th Grade 
Spanish (6th & 7th)
Songfest/Music
Trip Kitchen Director