FAMILY FESTIVAL IS TOMORROW 10/21!
The Laguna Blanca Family Festival kicks off with a pep rally TOMORROW, October 21 at 2:30PM! This is our biggest all-school event celebrating students, faculty & staff, and our parents! We need a ton of volunteers to make it a great success for our kids. There are supporting tasks large and small, before, during, or after the event. Please sign up to volunteer by clicking here. We need Class Station Captains and more. The festival ends at 6PM.

Our own Owls Football team is running a Dunk Tank! The brave souls signed up for the Dunk Tank are:
 
Melissa Alkire
Anna Alldredge
Tara Broucqsault
Mieke Delwiche
Shane Lopes
Grant McNaughton
Ray Robitaille

SPECIAL THANK YOU to co-chairs Colette Crafton and Cate Stoll and committee members Courtney Bianchi, Lindsay Ervin, and Debbie Popovich for all of their tireless work in planning, organizing, and executing this spirited event!

See you tomorrow!
Join us at the Laguna Fund Booth tomorrow at the Family Festival! Meet Class Captains, learn about the Laguna Fund, donate on the spot, and grab an owl cookie! Help get the school to 100% participation. Every gift counts!
HOMECOMING 2022 IS THIS SATURDAY!
Students in Grades 9-12 are invited to an evening under the sea on Saturday, October 22. Homecoming dance tickets can be purchased at this link or through the student store. See Mr. Dorfman for a guest invitation form.

Tickets are $25, however, if the cost presents a financial hardship, students may see Mr. Dorfman.
TEDXLBS 2022 THEME REVEAL
After an amazing 2022 event last year, the TEDxLBS team is happy to announce that they are once again bringing TEDx to our Laguna Blanca campus on February 1, 2023 (2.1.23)!

This year’s theme, Metamorphosis, emphasizes growth and transformation. It encourages us to see our world anew by noticing unique patterns and providing space for constant evolution for the better. Through this change, we can explore ourselves and grow stronger. Much like the butterfly’s stages of adaptation, we can all transform how we view ourselves and the world around us. The team encourages their guests, speakers, and team members to accept ideas and challenges that may be uncomfortable, as the benefit of progression and self-realization is exponential.

Have a TEDx speaker in mind that you would like to recommend to the TEDxLBS team? Click here to suggest a speaker today!
GRADES 5-12 CONFERENCES WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Conferences for Grades 5-12 will be held in person at the Hope Ranch campus on Tuesday, November 1. There is no school on this day.
 
GRADE 5: PARENT/GUARDIAN & TEACHER CONFERENCES
This is an opportunity to sit down with Ms. Carney to discuss your child's progress—both academically and socially. We value this day to meet with you, as good working relationships between teachers and families are essential to a student’s academic success. The student is not present at this conference.
 
GRADES 6-12: STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES
Students will lead the conferences with their parent/guardian and advisor. The conference is an opportunity for students to articulate and reflect on what they value most in their learning, where they excel, and where they can stretch themselves and grow. It’s a time when your child’s voice can be heard by two primary supporters, family, and advisor. Each conference will be 20 minutes in duration.
 
Please see the email from Tina Braniff (sent on October 18) for instructions on how to sign up for your conference time.
JOSH NARVA SHARES BUSINESS WISDOM WITH GRADES 10 & 11
A BIG thank you to our inspiring guest speaker and Laguna parent Josh Narva for addressing our 10th and 11th grade students last week on the power of creating your own personal network and one's own personal brand in the world. Josh is a talent advisor with Google and is a former executive at Sonos. With his many business connections, he mentors college students in networking and resume writing. He likes to encourage and instruct young people on how to start a strategy for future success while in high school. He also works with student-athletes at UCSB to help them look beyond athletics and into future careers.
SIXTH GRADE EXPLORES THE HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EIFFEL TOWER
Sixth Grade French learners had the opportunity to research one of the most visited monuments in the world—the Eiffel Tower! The dynamic project consisted of making a slide show presentation about the tower’s creator Gustave Eiffel; describing fun facts about the tower such as its ability to expand when the temperature rises; and creating a model of the tower with recycling materials or anything available around the house. All the students’ creative sculptures are stunning and will be exhibited in the library next week for a contest of the Best Tour Eiffel! Madame Maillard invites all students and staff to drop off their ballots before November 18!
UCSB PROFESSOR DIANE FUJINO VISITS AP LIT CLASS
On Tuesday, AP Lit students had a conversation with UCSB Professor and author Diane Fujino about Cathy Hong's book, Minor Feelings: The Asian American Reckoning (AP Lit summer reading). Professor Fujino focused on the experience of Asian Americans and Asian American activism and engaged students in the reflection of Hong’s text.
NICK MILLER '98 WINS ESTEEMED WINE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Congratulations to Laguna Alum and Parent Nick Miller, who was recently named Wine Executive of the Year in Wine Enthusiast's 2022 Wine Star Awards!

Now in its 23rd year, Wine Enthusiast's premier award is one of the most prestigious global wine industry recognitions, honoring those people, companies, and regions making outstanding contributions to the wine and beverage world. With nominations made across 15 different categories, Miller Family Wine Company's Nicholas Miller was one of six individuals from around the world in the running for Wine Executive of the Year.

Nick is recognized for his leadership, vision, and involvement in his family's business and the Central Coast wine community.

Way to go, Nick!
LAGUNA ALUMNA HONORED WITH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AT LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER
It warms our hearts to learn that 2008 Laguna alumna Kate Zitnik was selected as 2022 Volunteer of the Year at Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP Cats) in Santa Barbara. According to an ASAP representative, Kate exemplifies the dedication and spirit of ASAP Cats. She is positive and upbeat, inspiring all those around her, while also creating an atmosphere of joy and teamwork. As a lead volunteer, Kate trains new volunteers, fosters cats, and tames tiny lions. Congratulations, Kate!

If you're interested in helping a pet in our community, all adoption fees at ASAP are waived for the month of October. Click here to meet currently adoptable cats.

And don't forget about all the dogs looking for homes. SB County Animal Shelter is urgently seeking foster homes for dogs while renovation work is being done. Foster families are provided food, supplies, and vet support; you just provide the love. Click here to email the Foster Coordinator. If you prefer to adopt, the shelter is also waiving adoption fees through the end of October. Click to meet your new best friend.
SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE UPCOMING FAMILY ASSOCIATION EVENTS
Dia de los Muertos
Tuesday, November 1
4-7PM
All Ages Event
Limited Space16 Spots
Walking Tour, Taco Tasting, Drinks, and Dessert


Family Association Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, November 8

Complete this survey to tell us what you would like to hear about!

Family Association Holiday Luncheon
Wednesday, December 7
11:30AM
Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center at East Beach
 
23rd Annual Holiday Trolley of Lights Tour
Sunday, December 11
4:15PM

LOWER SCHOOL FAMILY FESTIVAL DETAILS
The Spirit of Laguna Fun Run and Family Festival event is tomorrow, Friday, October 21! We hope you plan to attend. Lower School will end at 2PM, and students will leave in school transportation to the Hope Ranch fields for the 2:30 Pep Rally. Students will stay with teachers during the pep rally and throughout the Fun Run. Look for your child’s class flag on the field where students, teachers, and families will gather for the run. The Fun Run begins at 3:00 and ends at 3:45 with students dismissed to their families at that time.
 
Early Departure for Third and Fourth Grades: To ensure that all Lower School students arrive in Hope Ranch by 2:30, these students and teachers will take the first round of school transportation and depart from Lower School at 1:15. Gr. EK-2 will leave at 2PM.
 
If you have alternate transportation plans for your child, please inform Ms. McDavid by 10AM on Friday.
   
Clothing for the Fun Run: On Friday, students should come to school dressed in the festival t-shirt, comfortable running clothing, and athletic shoes. We recommend that you take a change of clothing to the event for your child to change into after the run.
IMPORTANT
  • Please check in with the teacher immediately after the run to sign out your child and enjoy the rest of the festival.
  • There is no bus back to the Montecito campus. All students must be picked up at the Hope Ranch campus.
  • There is no after-school care on Family Festival Day.
  • If your child will be picked up by another family, please inform the teacher and Ms. McDavid prior to the day of the event.
ONLINE CONFERENCE SCHEDULER NOW OPEN
The online Conference Scheduler is now open for our Tuesday, November 1, Family/Teacher Conferences. Please be sure to log in and schedule your conference no later than Saturday, October 29.
 
There is no school for students on Family/Teacher Conferences Day. If necessary, you may bring your child, who will be supervised during your conference time period.
 
If you are unable to attend a conference during this time period, or if slots are not available, please contact your child's teacher to make arrangements for an alternative conference time.

If you have questions, please contact Ms. McDavid.
KINDERGARTNERS INVESTIGATE THE CASE OF THE MISSING LETTER
From Ms. Delwiche's Swoop Into Kindergarten Blog

Overnight, there was a crime committed in kindergarten...the letter D was stolen! When students arrived at school last Friday, they found crime scene tape covering the classroom door as well as displays of evidence around the classroom.

Detective Delwiche and Detective Barker were here to help the students crack the case!

On the students' desks were briefcases that had detective supplies inside as well as a special thinking cap...AKA fedoras...to help them get into their detective role for the day.

We gathered the evidence and worked together to identify six suspects. Students found bandaids, a red sweatband, a paintbrush, a boom wacker, a Dodgers pencil holder, the number 3 with multiplication facts on it, Clifford the Big Red Dog, a maraca, and a whistle. Who could the suspects be?!
MORE ROAD CONSTRUCTION COMING TO MONTECITO
OLIVE MILL ROUNDABOUT

Construction is scheduled on the Olive Mill Roundabout from mid-November 2022 through summer 2023. Please plan for additional commute time around these dates. If you would like to learn more, you can preview the upcoming Olive Mill Roundabout construction on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 4-5PM at the Montecito Inn. Inquiries can be sent anytime to info@SBROADS.com, 805.845.5112, or www.SBROADS.com.

SAN YSIDRO / N. JAMESON INTERSECTION

Montecito Sanitary District has work coming up near the intersection of San Ysidro and N. Jameson beginning Monday, October 24. Construction work will take place Monday through Friday from 9AM - 3PM and is expected to last through November 10, 2022. During the construction, there will be flaggers in the intersection and this may result in some traffic delays. Please plan for these delays as you travel to and from Lower School. For more information, click here.
Lower School is planning a spooky-good time of Halloween fun for students on Monday, October 31. You’ll receive more details soon, but now is a great time to get started with your child’s costume. Please note our costume guidelines below.

  • Students will wear only the basics of the costume to school
  • Send extra items in a labeled bag
  • Costumes and footwear should be comfortable and practical to wear throughout the entire school day.
  • Costumes that depict violence, gore, or weapons, or are culturally insensitive, are not allowed (When in doubt, leave it out!)
 
Parents are invited to attend, so please mark your calendars!
LOOKING AHEAD AT THE LOWER SCHOOL
Grade 4 Field Trip to SB Museum of Art
Thursday, October 27

Lower School Halloween Carnival
Monday, October 31

Grades EK-4 Family/Teacher Conferences
No School for Students
Tuesday, November 1

Grade 3 Field Trip to Disneyland Story Workshop
Friday, November 4

Grade 2 Field Trip to Canzelle Alpacas
Friday, November 4

Daylight Saving Time Ends
Sunday, November 6

Fourth Grade Field Trip to Middle School Showcases
Wednesday, November 9

Faculty/Staff In-Service Day
No School for Students
Friday, November 11

Dress Down Day: Fall Colors Theme
Friday, November 18

Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 21 - Friday, November 25
COLLEGE FUNDING WEBINAR ON ZOOM: TONIGHT, 10/20 AT 7PM!
We are pleased to announce our partnership with SMARTTRACK College Funding, a company that provides a full array of services to families about "how best to pay for college, how to pay less for college, and how to keep your retirement safe in the process."    
 
The webinar at 7PM on Thursday, October 20 is free to all Laguna families. Please use the link below to register.
NEXT WEEK'S COLLEGE REP SCHEDULE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24
Vanderbilt University & Ringling College of Art & Design 10:15AM

Wheaton College 12:15PM

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25
Davidson College 10:15AM

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26
Scripps College 12:15PM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
Xavier University & University of Richmond 10:15AM

Skidmore College 12:15PM

The above visits will take place in the College Counseling office. Students can sign up for these visits via SCOIR.
LAGUNA BLANCA WINS WITH STRONG DEFENSE, FUMBLE RECOVERIES, LONG SCORES AGAINST MALIBU
By Dennis Moran, Noozhawk Correspondent

Laguna Blanca gritted out a 16-14 win against Malibu High School in Frontier League 8-man football last Friday night.

“This game was a true dogfight,” Owls coach Matt Escobar said. “Our defense did a great job stopping Malibu’s offense and holding them to one offensive score. Sophomore DE Carson Stewart had a great game causing disruption and making plays in the backfield.”

Carson had eight tackles, five of them for losses, three sacks and a fumble recovery.

“Linebacker Carter Plowman '26 had his first game back after missing the last few weeks and his presence on the field was evident and secured the win for us with a huge fumble recovery,” Escobar said.

Junior wide receiver Gabe Lea came up big with two long scores, on a 65-yard punt return and a 55 yard pass reception.

“I thought Malibu did a great job with their defensive game plan,” Escobar said.

“They made things difficult for us up front for the majority of the game. But our offensive line and running backs found a way towards the end to keep the clock moving and secure our first league win since 2015,” Escobar said.

The Owls play their homecoming game this Saturday against Santa Clara at 1PM.
LAGUNA BLANCA GIRLS WIN TUESDAY TENNIS MATCH
By Barry Punzal, Noozhawk Sports Editor

Laguna Blanca’s No. 2 doubles team of Alexandra Siegel '23 and Lucia Camp '24 won a 7-5 tiebreaker to clinch a 10-8 team victory over Thacher in a Tri-Valley League girls tennis match on Tuesday.

"I am so proud of what this team did today,” said coach Santiago Segovia.

“They showed at their last home game of this season how much they have improved during the last few months. It was great to see the players supporting and cheering for each other.”

Caroline Kenny '25, Danica Damiani '24, and Natalie Schweitzer '25 earned six points in singles.

In doubles, Katherine Ball '23 and Grace Trautwein '24 went 2-1 at the No. 1 spot and the No. 3 team of Molly Morouse and Nikki Mielcarek won an important point.

The Laguna Blanca team also celebrated and recognized seniors Alexandra Siegel, Elli Westmacott, Katherine Ball, and Molly Morouse.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PHOTOS ARE HERE!
NEW VICTORY BANNERS IN MEROVICK GYM
This week’s assembly took place in Merovick Gym to allow the full US student body to be part of the official unveiling of the newest banners: 

  • Girls CIF-Southern Section Division 4 Individual Championship banner capturing the 2021-2022 championships of swimmers Catie Fristoe ’22 (now at Duke University), and Kendall Keshen '24
  • 2021-22 Boys Varsity Volleyball Tri-Valley League championship, undefeated in league play
  • 2022-23 Girls Varsity Volleyball Frontier League Championship that was secured last week, undefeated in league play
  • 2022-23 Girls Varsity Golf, who had their banner ready to be lifted after the 2021-22 Tri-Valley League championship, but locked in their repeat title last week for back-to-back perfect league seasons!

GO OWLS!
COME CHEER ON THE OWLS!
The following upcoming events are at Laguna unless noted otherwise.
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL / GRADES 4 & 5
 
Tuesday, October 25
MS Boys Soccer vs Santa Barbara MS, 3:45PM

MS Girls Volleyball – Team Valdez vs Santa Barbara MS, 3:45PM

  Wednesday, October 26
Gr. 4 & 5 Co-Ed Soccer vs Notre Dame, 3:45PM

 Thursday, October 27
MS Boys Soccer vs Crane, 3:45PM at Crane Country Day
(1795 San Leandro Lane, SB 93108)

MS Girls Volleyball – Team Dorfman vs Santa Barbara MS, 3:45PM

MS Girls Volleyball – Team Jacelin vs Mt Carmel, 3:45PM

MS Girls Volleyball – Team Deux-el vs Crane, 3:45PM

Friday, October 28
Gr. 4 & 5 Co-Ed Soccer vs Riviera Ridge, 3:45PM
FOLLOW LAGUNA ON INSTAGRAM!
Stay in the know about Laguna happenings by following us on our Instagram page!
LOOKING AHEAD
IMPORTANT DATES FOR ALL DIVISIONS
LOWER SCHOOL

October 21
Family Festival

October 31
Lower School Halloween Carnival

November 1
Grades EK-4 Family/Teacher Conferences
No School for Students

November 4
Grade 3 Field Trip to Disneyland Story Workshop

Grade 2 Field Trip to Canzelle Alpacas

November 6
Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 8
FA Lunch & Learn

November 11
In-Service Day for Faculty/Staff
No School for Students
MIDDLE SCHOOL

October 21
Family Festival

November 1
Gr. 5 Family/Teacher Conferences

Gr. 6-8 Student-Led Conferences

November 6
Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 8
FA Lunch & Learn

November 9
MS Quarter 1 Ends

November 11
In-Service Day for Faculty/Staff
No School for Students
UPPER SCHOOL

October 21
Family Festival

October 22
Gr. 9-12 Homecoming Dance

November 1
Gr. 9-12 Student-Led Conferences

November 6
Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 8
FA Lunch & Learn

November 9
US Quarter 1 Ends

November 11
In-Service Day for Faculty/Staff
No School for Students