WE LOVE OUR TEACHERS!
Hooray for Teacher Appreciation Week!

If there is anything we’ve learned over the last couple months, it’s how much we value our educators! Laguna teachers always go above and beyond to support, inspire, and encourage our students—even at a distance. Our classrooms might look different now, but thanks to the creativity and adaptability of our faculty, the love of learning still shines bright.

THANK YOU LAGUNA TEACHERS!
LAGUNA PARENTS' AUXILIARY SHARE APPRECIATION AND PRODUCE WITH FACULTY MEMBERS
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Parents’ Auxiliary delivered 48 boxes of fresh vegetables to Laguna faculty along with personalized notes for each teacher. The produce was delivered by a local farm—Roots.

THANK YOU to our amazing PA! We appreciate you !
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL ROB HEREFORD
LAGUNA @ HOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK
THANK YOU, HEALTHCARE WORKERS!
Lower School students used the power of art to celebrate and honor local healthcare workers this week. The collection of colorful collages and paintings was used to create three banners for our local Cottage hospitals—SB, Goleta Valley, and Santa Ynez. And what a perfect time to deliver our love and support since it's National Nurses Week!

Slideshow by Lower School Art Teacher Courtney Guay.
KINDERGARTENERS BRING MUSEUMS TO LIFE IN MINI ART GALLERY PROJECT
When you can't visit a museum, create one yourself!

Lower School Art Teacher Ms. Guay assigned this adorable project to kindergartners this week. Ms. Svedlund joined in on the fun by asking students to incorporate LEGO builds into their museum crowds.

Great job, students!
FIFTH GRADERS SUIT UP AS SCIENCE SUPER HEROES
Carolina '27 as Super Carol
Maritza '27 as Cupcake Girl
It's a bird...it's a plane...it's a Middle School super hero!

Fifth graders were tasked with creating a super hero (or super villain) based on one of the scientific principles they are studying in Mr. Pagano's science class.

Carolina's "Super Carol" has the power of "Charging by Conduction,"which is why she needs to touch something to steal its electrons.

Martiza's "Cupcake Girl" harnesses the power of electrons by exploiting the scientific principle of "charging by friction" which is why her hero needs to go down the slide to charge up.

We love watching creativity in action!
EIGHTH GRADERS SEEK FRONTLINE VIEW OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Students in Ms. Alldredge's English 8 class completed a special interview project focused on COVID-19 and both the unique and universal ways the pandemic has affected us all. Each student interviewed a person who has a compelling “frontline” view of Covid-19— which could be anyone, since this pandemic has made an impact on all of our lives.

Click on the students' names below to read their interviews! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the portfolio page to find this project.
NINTH GRADERS PRESENT LONDON URBAN STUDIES PROJECTS VIA ZOOM
On Wednesday, the Class of 2023 joined together to celebrate and showcase their London Urban Studies unit projects. Even though the group could not travel to London this year, their projects and spirits were inspiring. Click on the video above to watch this special event.

“We closed a chapter last night," says Urban Studies Faculty Leader Ashley Tidey. "The trip couldn’t happen this year—but the kids just kept going. They labored to produce true scholarly essays on their topic, they put together incredible creative projects, and then delivered them in beautiful presentations. And if that were not enough, the Creative Project Team pulled off a Class of 2023 London Project website (usually this takes until June!) and a Zoom Night.  London Calling played, the selected presenters shared, and a `Kids with Pets, Real or Stuffed’ photo was pulled off. The full moon was out and smiling on the beauty of this class. I could not be more proud.” 

"This group created a London of the collective imagination," says Upper School English Teacher Charles Donelan . "This was so good in so many ways! Thanks, Dr. Tidey, and congratulations to the ninth grade. London owes you all a special reception someday!"
VIRTUAL TALENT SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Thank you to everyone who submitted musical acts for our virtual talent show!
Lagna's Got Talent!
ANNOUNCING THE 2020-21 PARENTS' AUXILIARY BOARD
Thank you to the Parents' Auxiliary Nominating Committee for their energy in putting forth the new PA Board for next year. If you have any questions regarding the selected names below, please contact Amal Zeini .

2020-21 Incoming President
Jane Weaver
                                                
Secretary/Communications
Janine Seymour

Treasurer
Elena de Meyer

VP/Sprit Wear
Wilma Barker

VP Hosted Events
Yumi Bollag

VP School Spirit
Michelle Damiani

VP Lower School Class Representative
Alex Koper

VP Middle School Representative
John Peltz

VP Upper School Representative
Debbie Popovich
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO VOLUNTEER!
We are better together because of our volunteers! Below are some additional volunteer opportunities that may be of interest. These are all great ways to get involved and immerse yourself in the Laguna Blanca community.

Spirit of Laguna Co-Chairs
10/23 - Jogathon & Family Festival - Lead this energetic all-school event

Laguna Fund Class Captains
Lead your class in obtaining 100% participation in the school’s annual fund
Contact dsekurski@lagunablanca.org if interested.

Laguna Spirit Wear Committee
Help to support the PA and sell spirit wear at various school events

Lower School Lunch Coordinator and Volunteers
Spend time at LS – help serve and facilitate lunch

Lower School Room Parents - EK, First, and Second Grades
Support classroom celebrations and parent social events

Middle School Room Parents - Sixth and Seventh Grades
Support classroom celebrations and parent social events

Upper School Room Parents – Eleventh Grade
Support classroom celebrations and parent social events

Spring Benefit Co-Chairs
Lead the theme, décor, and community in Laguna's largest fundraiser.

Contact development@lagunablanca.org if interested.
TIP FROM THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR
In general, writing about dramatic events isn't the best college essay material. But COVID-19 is truly life-altering. If the pandemic is the backdrop to your story, focus on the ways that you were forced to change and adapt. How did you become a more resourceful, grateful person?
HAVE LUNCH WITH DR. SURBER ON FRIDAY, 5/8!
FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS
Join Dr. Surber for Lunch on Friday, 5/8
Check out the New "Into Math" Program!
12:00-12:30PM

Catch a quick overview of the Into Math Program, which will begin on Monday, 5/11. This talk is geared more toward adults; however, students are welcome to attend if they wish!

Meeting ID: 987 9935 4841
SELF CARE TIPS FOR STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL COUNSELOR MS. VALENTINE
Start your day with affirmations, such as:
  • I am awesome.
  • Today will be a good day.
  • I can do hard things.
  • I can rest when I need to.

Get outside for a daily does of vitamin D and fresh air.

Do something to get your heart rate up - jumping jacks, go for a run, do an online exercise class, try Ms. Wilson’s 1-minute fitness challenges .

PLAY! LAUGH! SNUGGLE A PET!

Leave your electronics outside of your bedroom at night. You need at least 8-9 hours per night.
REMINDER: DIGITAL SANITY SUMMIT BEGINS MONDAY, MAY 11!
Are you ready to get a handle on technology in quarantine, setting reasonable expectations while still having some limits?  ImpactParents is hosting a free online event:  The Digital Sanity Summit: Navigating Technology in the Modern World of Parenting.
Interviews begin airing May 11-15, featuring 19+ internationally recognized thought-leaders on technology and parenting, guiding you to establish a healthy relationship with technology— now during the pandemic, and into the future. It's free and open to all parents everywhere.
ACTIVITY BOOKS FOR CREATIVE KIDS AND TEENS
Sure, kids like to text and scroll, but that's not all they can do with their hands. And eventually, even devices get boring when you're forced to stay home during a global pandemic. Spice things up (and, let's face it, keep kids busy) with activity books that offer inspiration for things to do, ranging from creative journaling to Tai Chi.
NAME: Audrey Murphy
CLASS: 2020

What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Turn off my alarm.

Describe the next to last photo on your phone's camera roll.
Its of a beach at sunset that I took the other night before jumping in.

What is your go-to song of the moment?
"American Kids" by Kenny Chesney (I love country!)