Laguna Links: All School HootWire!

A FOND FAREWELL AT THE LOWER SCHOOL CLOSING CEREMONY

What a heartwarming ceremony that marked the end of the Lower School journey for our fourth graders! Though we'll miss their presence on the Lower School campus next year, we're excited to welcome many of them to our Hope Ranch campus in the fall. Keep an eye out for our upcoming Celebration Issue of Laguna Links for ceremony photos!

UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS PRESENT INSIGHTFUL PROJECTS AT THE HUMANITIES RESEARCH CAPSTONE SHOWCASE

Nine Upper School students presented their culminating Humanities Research projects last week at the Humanities Research Program Capstone Showcase. From unraveling the complexities of American education to shedding light on the challenges of mental health in student-athletes, students explored pressing societal issues. Insights into the current media landscape and the threat to factual reporting, as well as the American industrial prison complex, added to the discourse, among other critical topics. The presentations were capped by a mini theatrical performance!

The showcase was a true testament to the students' dedication to scholarly inquiry. Special thanks to Humanities Research Program Coordinator Dr. Ashley Tidey, as well as Alethea Paradis. Congratulations to these hardworking students for their vision and dedication to such meaningful projects!

WATCH PRESENTATIONS

UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE PRESENTATIONS

On Wednesday evening, nine second-year students from Laguna's Science Research Program captivated and inspired the audience in Spaulding Theatre as they showcased the culmination of their yearlong research projects. From analyzing spatial cognition data and soil health to investigating Spanglish code-switching on TikTok and gorilla behavior at the Santa Barbara Zoo, the presentations covered an array of thought-provoking subjects. Each project underscored the students' commitment to scientific exploration and their ability to tackle real-world challenges with creativity, enthusiasm, and curiosity. Thank you to Program Director Ms. Staci Richard for leading this meaningful program, and congratulations to our SRP students on a job well done!

PHOTOS

HARD BOILED EVER AFTER PHOTOS

Last weekend, the Lower School wowed a packed audience at Spaulding Theatre with their sold-out performance of Hard Boiled Ever After. Kudos to the talented students and Musical Director Molly Markstrum for their dedication to creating such a magical experience! A heartfelt thank you also goes out to our parents for all of their support.

PERFORMANCE PHOTOS

OLIVER, JR. IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM

Did you miss the sixth grade production of Oliver, Jr. or do you want to relive the magic again? No worries! Click the link below to watch the sixth grade class shine!

WATCH OLIVER, JR.

THE 2023-24 LA HONDA YEARBOOK IS DEDICATED TO STACI RICHARD

The 2023-24 La Honda Yearbook was unveiled this week during assembly. Congratulations to the hardworking and talented staff for a beautiful and fun issue that perfectly captures our 90th school year in a 90’s theme!

The senior class dedicated this year’s edition of La Honda to Ms. Staci Richard for her years of dedication to molding owls into scientists. “We love you and wish you the best in your retirement from Laguna!” the class says.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

INTRODUCING THE 2024-25 UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL

Congratulations to the elected officials for the 2024-25 Student Council!

Tenth Grade

Hadleigh Bolton, Keanu Christiansen, Camilla Joffrey, Cooper Green

Eleventh Grade

Evie Comis, Marvin Corona, Carter Plowman, Niccolo D'Agruma

They join rising seniors Eleanor Crafton, President and Liam Knezevic, Vice President (pictured here) as well as our incoming Twelfth Grade Representatives Jules Leclercq, Carew Rice, Jinling Wang, and Serena de Ponce.

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS CAPTURE NATURE'S BEAUTY AT LOTUSLAND

The Upper School Digital Photography Class had the opportunity to experience the spectacular Lotusland gardens on May 29. Students created a series of images using the compositional tools they learned throughout the spring semester. The class has studied the concepts of abstraction, like the work of Brett Weston, and macro images. Students experienced the Japanese Garden, the Cacti Garden, and many other exquisite botanical collections throughout the estate.

SEVENTH GRADE HOSTS INTERACTIVE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

On Tuesday, our amazing seventh graders hosted fourth and fifth graders at their second ever Leadership Conference! This event showcased their quarterly theme, “Take Action,” where students used their empathy and advocacy skills to make a difference. This year’s focus was on the UN Sustainable Development Goal “Zero Hunger.” They shared how they learned, planned, and took action to raise funds and deliver meals to Transition House. Afterwards, students ran interactive booths with activities like Hunger Skeet Ball and music and dance performances.

EVENT PHOTOS

EIGHTH GRADERS HARNESS THE POWER OF CHEMISTRY AND CREATIVITY

Our eighth graders recently rocked their Elemental Superhero Project, blending creativity and chemistry. From inventive names and catchy catchphrases to incredible costumes, they transformed their favorite elements into awe-inspiring heroes and villains.

DIVE INTO THE SENIOR ISSUE OF THE FOURTH ESTATE

Featuring recaps of Field Day, spring break adventures, and Spamalot alongside senior quotes, a spotlight on Laguna Lifers from the Class of 2024, and heartfelt farewells to departing teachers, this issue captures the essence of our extraordinary senior class and the vibrant spirit of Laguna.

Congratulations to The Fourth Estate staff on another stunning issue to round out the school year!

READ THE ISSUE

SUMMER READING LISTS ARE HERE!

Take advantage of the longer days and dive into a great book (or two) this summer. At Laguna, there is suggested summer reading for students in Grades EK-4 and required reading for students in Grades 5-12.

READING LISTS BY GRADE LEVEL

HELP US REACH 100% LAGUNA FUND PARTICIPATION!

We deeply appreciate your commitment to our students, faculty, and school. Your contribution, at any level, is a significant gesture from you and your family. As we approach the end of our fiscal year on Sunday, June 30, we are striving for 100% participation in the 2023-24 Laguna Fund, which supports all aspects of our school.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to those community members who have already made a gift this year. If you haven't participated yet, there's still time!

If you have questions about the Laguna Fund or giving, please contact Interim Director of Development Sarah Lustfield.

GIVE TODAY

LOOKING AHEAD

Friday, June 7

Gr. 5-12 Last Day of School (minimum day)

MS Closing Ceremony for Eighth Grade

Gr. 5-12 Bus Service Reminder

Bus from LS to HR campus departs at 8AM

Bus from HR to LS campus departs at 11:45AM

Monday, June 10

Senior Project Presentations in Spaulding Theatre

Tuesday, June 11

Senior Project Presentations in Spaulding Theatre

Senior-to-Alumni Lunch

Commencement Rehearsal

Wednesday, June 12

90th Commencement

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

LAGUNA CELEBRATES ATHLETES AT ANNUAL BANQUET

The Laguna Upper School student-athletes were celebrated last Saturday at the annual Athletics and Senior Recognition Banquet. The event saw a great turnout of students, families, and coaches, and featured an amazing spread of food orchestrated by the Family Association. This year's banquet was another excellent opportunity to celebrate all of the Upper School teams in one shared space.

Highlights of the event included the unveiling of five new or updated banners that will hang on the walls of Merovick Gym: two CIF-Southern Section banners for Boys Swimming, and league championship banners for Boys Basketball, Boys Volleyball, and Girls Beach Volleyball.

The evening also focused on honoring our graduating Owls. Ten seniors were recognized with the Owl Athletics Distinguished Senior Award, commemorating their dedication by competing in all three athletic seasons during their final year at Laguna. Reflecting on another great year, the banquet was a memorable celebration of the achievements and hard work of our student-athletes.

The ten senior honorees were: