LAGUNA LINKS 2.25.21

8TH GRADE STUDENTS LAUNCH ROCKETS "TO MARS"

Eighth grade science students finished up their Mission to Mars unit by engineering and launching rockets that must not only fly as high as possible, but also crash a payload (egg, tomato, or apple) safely to mimic how supplies might be sent when colonizing Mars. Students used inclinometers to determine rocket height through similar triangles and Mr. Moore verified their math by attaching a pressure based altimeter to each rocket. This was the first multi-parameter engineering challenge for the eighth graders this year.

WATCH THE ROCKETS BLAST OFF

PARENTS' AUXILIARY LUNCH & LEARN RECORDING

Couldn't attend today's Lunch & Learn Meeting? We've got you! Check out the Zoom recording below.

WATCH TODAY'S MEETING

THE VERDICT IS IN ON MOCK TRIAL COMEPETITION

ABOVE PHOTO: Prosecution Team pictured left to right: Claire Kellett '23; George Nicks '22; Aden Meisel '23; Frances (Dare) Fitzpatrick '22; Jacqueline Richardson '23; Jackson (Jack) Andrews '23; Attorney Coach Shelly Mossembekker; Attorney Coach Sarah Barkley; Robert (Robbie) Dunn '23; and Kent Dunn '23. Defense Team not pictured: Dylan Charney '24; Magdalena Amezaga '24; Hanna Masri '22, Jaleya Calloway '23; Victoria Campbell Goldman '23; Fiona Hernandez '23; Ally Jacobs '24; Jade Silva '23; Sarah Woodhouse '24, and Attorney Coach Neil Levinson

After nearly five long months of legal preparation and working with local attorneys who volunteer their time, Laguna Blanca’s Mock Trial Team—an Upper School student club—competed on Zoom last Saturday in the annual all-day Santa Barbara County Mock Trial competition. Students served as defenders, prosecutors, witnesses, clerk, and bailiff in a trial regarding Burglary, Aiding and Abetting, and Accessory After the Fact: featuring a pretrial argument on the 5th Amendment.

Congratulations to the entire team on a successful Mock Trial season–Pretrial Arguments and trials were won and awards received! The Mock Trial students did a fantastic job adapting to incredibly challenging restrictions as they competed in their first-ever Mock Trial Competition via Zoom. Teacher-Coach Jessica Tyler is beyond proud of the team who participated during this unique Zoom year. “Everyone exhibited dedication and concentration to ensure a successful trial,” she adds.

After a full day of trials, the following students received award recognition for their performance in the competition. (below are screenshot images from the awards ceremony)

CLERK AWARD

Jacqueline Richardson '23

DEFENSE TRIAL ATTORNEY AWARD

Jaleya Calloway '23

DEFENSE WITNESS

Dylan Charney '24

HONORABLE MENTION

George Nicks '22

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS TEAMS HOPE TO GET IN A SEASON OF COMPETITION

By Barry Punzal, Noozhawk

Competition for high school girls tennis can begin under the CIF’s two-season sports calendar, but most schools in Santa Barbara County won’t be playing for a few weeks, as they’re just starting to form their teams and do conditioning workouts.

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UPPER SCHOOL LOS PADRES WORKING TRIP TAKES PLACE MARCH 29 - APRIL 2

Laguna Blanca is once again partnering with the Los Padres Forest Association for this year's Upper School working vacation from March 29 - April 2. Beginning at Cold Spring Saddle, the mission will be to backpack into Cottam Camp and to perform trail maintenance in the nearby area. Although the work will be hard, safety, friendship, and fun are the priorities!

Two Laguna staff members will accompany the group: Matt Struckmeyer and Michelle Finck. The group will be additionally supported by at least one staff member of the LPFA, a person with Wilderness First Aid certification, and who will carry a satellite phone for emergencies.

COVID safety procedures for this trip resemble those already in place at Laguna Blanca, with additional provisions that are specific to camping in the wilderness.

This trip is open to all interested Upper School students. Space is limited, so those interested in participating must submit a deposit check of $100, payable to Laguna Blanca, at the Main Office as soon as possible. A small waiting list will be maintained.

Questions? Reach out to Matt Struckmeyer.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

Contact Cynthia McClintock in the Office of Development

805.687.2463

PARENT & GUARDIAN WORKSHOP SERIES

FOR GRADES 5 & 6

Monday, March 1, 8:45-9:45AM

This session focuses on balancing life and technology. Learn about how to manage screens in a digital world.

Host: Kim Valentine

Monday, March 8, 8:45-9:45AM

What do I do when _________? Q & A with guest Lynn Stadler, LMFT

Host: Kim Valentine

Is there a particular topic you would like to talk about? Please email Kim with your questions or topics you’d like to address during our time together.

THIS WEEK'S GRATITUDE GRAM

This week's Gratitude Gram goes out to Tina Braniff, our Assistant to Middle and Upper School Division Heads! Tina's kind heart and consideration for others shines through in all that she does at Laguna. Her organization and attention to detail make everything she touches look effortless. We are so lucky to have her on our team! Thank you, dear Tina!

Read more about what her colleagues have to say about her below!

"Tina Braniff is such a super star!"

"Tina Braniff always does so much for all of us. Most of her work happens quietly "behind the scenes" — but we know how hard she works and we love her for all she does! Thank you!!!"

"Tina Braniff is just amazing!"

"Tina Braniff has the purest of hearts and is one of Laguna’s greatest gifts. Her warm and nurturing spirit is her super power and is treasured by students, faculty, and parents alike."

WHOOO ARE YOU?

NAME: Al Silva

POSITION AT LAGUNA: Faculty & Academic Services

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Turn off my alarm and hop in the shower.

What is your go-to song of the moment?

"Wake Up Everybody" by Tobe Nwigwe (& the original by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, of course)

What is something that most people don't know about you?

I'm half Greek (my mom is from there)

Describe Laguna in three words.

Close-knit, caring community

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