Thank you to our thoughtful families who provided a delicious meal on both campuses today as well as donated gift cards for our faculty and staff members. We feel the holiday cheer and we are so grateful!

Thank you to our community for your overwhelming support on #GivingTuesday. Nearly $65,000 was raised on this national day of giving! Your annual gifts impact our campus life daily. We are grateful to all our families who have contributed to the 2021-22 Laguna Fund!

The Lower School Winter Concert will take place in person on the Montecito campus this year! Mrs. Markstrum and Mrs. Guay will transform our pavilion into a beautiful winter wonderland where our talented students will perform an hour of festive music from around the world.

Come cozy with blankets, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, sweet treats, and festive tunes under twinkling lights!

If you have questions or want more information about potential partnerships, please email Business Team Lead Rymer Popovich '22 and Executive Producer Frances Carlson '22.

Every year the Middle and Upper School Sock Club puts on their Warm Things Drive to collect warm clothing, socks, blankets, and sleeping bags for those experiencing homelessness. The drive began this week and will end next Wednesday, December 8.

This year, there is a big focus on sleeping bags (new or used). These items are so important during the colder months of the year, so please make sure to donate in one of the designated drop-off bins on either the Upper School or Lower School campus!

Thank you!

By Luca D'Agruma '23, The Fourth Estate News Editor

Last year, Laguna’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program revised the dress code policy, instituted comprehensive sexual assault and harassment prevention education, held social justice lunches, and organized a Pride Celebration in June.

Now, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Ursula Chan hopes to further the progress she made.

“The Student DEI Committee would be available to meet throughout the year to amplify, discuss, and collaborate on student concerns,” Chan said.

The new student committee is a project of the larger DEI committee that aims to include students in the program’s initiatives, in addition to creating their own.

Thirteen members of Laguna's faculty and staff—a representative from each division, administration, the business office, and leadership—are attending this week's virtual NAIS People of Color conference. This is the largest number of participants sent by Laguna. See below for the participating faculty/staff members:

Owl Pride!

Laguna parent Tony Becerra was featured in this year’s issue of Santa Barbara Independent’s Local Heroes. Since 1986, the Indy has celebrated each Thanksgiving by honoring some of the many people who make Santa Barbara a true and whole community of neighbors. Their daily lives, at work or as volunteers, support the foundational belief that we are all here to help one another.

Tony Becerra began learning karate at Koei-Kan on Santa Barbara’s Westside in 1985, and more than 30 years later, he now runs the dojo, training hundreds of kids every year in the martial arts.

At Koei-Kan, and as head of the South Coast Youth Community Cultural Center, Becerra understands the importance of affordability in lower-income communities. Classes for the youth center are as low as $10 a month, and at the karate academy, Becerra works with families in need to provide discounts for training. Kids need a physical and mental outlet, Becerra said, and martial arts was the perfect fit for children who were pent up at home during the pandemic.

Congratulations, Tony!

Drop-off Begins at 4:45PM

Pick-up No Later Than 7:15PM

For the safety of you and others traveling on San Ysidro Road, please use the gate call key to reach the office if you arrive early and the gate is closed. Do not wait in front of the gate, as this leads to unnecessary traffic on the road. We will let you in early. Thank you for helping us to be good neighbors!

Our kindergartners are 50 days smarter! On Monday, the kindergarten class celebrated their 50th day of school in style. Students were invited to come to school dressed up in 1950s-style clothing, and Mrs. Delwiche planned a full day of “50” themed activities to commemorate this milestone.

Laguna Hiking Group has three events scheduled this month. Dogs on leash are welcome!

Please complete this form to receive more information about these hikes or to be added to mailing list.

For the first time ever, Laguna's Parents' Auxiliary is offering a store-wide discount of 20% off all Laguna-themed clothing and items. Order from the Spiritwear Store by Wednesday, December 15th and pick up from the Hope Ranch main office on December 16th or 17th. Enter coupon code "DECEMBER20" at checkout to redeem discount. 

Need to pick up from Montecito campus or have questions? Contact Wilma Barker. 

When? Every second Tuesday of the month, 3-4PM PST via Zoom.

Email questions to Tina Zorzi, Residential Manager of Precollege Programs or visit Smith's website.

What is “fit” and why does it matter?

Are students who attend higher-ranked colleges better off later in life?

What do college rankings really measure?

Once your child has been vaccinated, please remember to email your child's vaccination record to Matt Miller. Below is a list of vaccine provider pharmacies in SB County. If you have questions regarding this list, please reach out to Jan Chytilo at Santa Barbara Country Public Health Department.

Everyone should have received an email from Aptitude Clinical Diagnostics to register for free COVID testing through Laguna Blanca. If you have not received the email yet, please email Health Coordinator Matt Miller with your preferred email and telephone number and he will get you set up!

Thank you for continuing to monitor your child for the following COVID-like symptoms and swiftly report positive COVID test results to our Health Coordinator Matt Miller. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any additional medical questions.

•      Fever or chills

•      Cough

•      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

•      Fatigue

•      Muscle or body aches

•      Headache

•      New loss of taste or smell

•      Sore throat

•      Nausea or vomiting or diarrhea