WELCOME TO LAGUNA'S 91ST YEAR!
We hope your summer was filled with adventure and plenty of relaxation. As the excitement builds across both campuses, our teams are hard at work preparing for another incredible year with our students. We're thrilled to kick off the new school year with the first issue of Laguna Links where you'll find everything from schoolwide news and events to student achievements, along with a vibrant collection of photos and videos that capture the spirit of our community. Together, we are poised to thrive—so let's get started!
WELCOME TO THE NEST, NEW FACULTY AND STAFF!
Front Row L to R:

MICHELLE BERKOWITZ
Associate Director of Admissions, Lower School Coordinator

COLLENE PAVLICS
Academic Services Director

HANNAH ZUCKER
Grade 1 Associate Instructor

ANGELA DOERMANN '08
Upper School Latin Instructor

Middle Row L to R:
 
SUSANNA SEPPALA
Hope Ranch Library Assistant

ELANA MUZZY
Biology Instructor

HEATH TAO
EK Associate Instructor
BELLA SHANKEL
Lower School Counselor

Back Row L to R:

SIMON JANZEN
Physics Instructor
 
GREER ELLIS
Grade 2 Associate Instructor

ADEMOLA OYEWOLE-DAVIS
Grade 4 Associate Instructor

Not pictured:

JAYLEE JACKSON
Hope Ranch Main Office Coordinator

ALYSSA MORHARDT-GOLDSTEIN
Lower School Music Teacher Substitute

ARIANNA STERLING
Development Associate
SCHOOL FORMS ARE DUE BEFORE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
If you haven’t submitted your students' outstanding forms in MyLaguna yet, please make sure to do so before the start of the new school year on Tuesday, September 3. Students will not be able to attend school if their emergency and medical forms are incomplete. Thank you!
SUPPORT THE LAGUNA FUND!
The Laguna Fund is our school’s Annual Fund. It is the backbone of our community philanthropic effort and runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. These gifts are unrestricted and support all aspects of education at our two campuses.

Our Laguna Fund giving starts in the fall and is celebrated at our Family Festival on October 18. This event brings together our entire community and allows us to show the true spirit of Laguna and what your unrestricted dollars support, both in and out of the classroom. Early contributions from our current and alum families, faculty, staff, and board of trustees are vital in preserving Laguna's legacy. Your support allows us to navigate the future of our school and guarantee an exceptional education for generations to come.  

Thank you for your participation!
HOLIDAYS AND KEY DATES FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
MEET LAGUNA'S NEW FAMILY ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
We are delighted to introduce Raffaella Sutherland as the new Family Association President for the 2024-25 school year!

Learn more about Raffaella and her vision for her new role by following the link below.
JOIN IN ON THE FAMILY ASSOCIATION FUN!
The Family Association (FA) supports our vibrant Laguna Blanca community, and you are invited to join all FA events and volunteer if you wish. For new families, this is a great way to meet friends and build a supportive community. Feel free to explore the green FA tile in MyLaguna (under Resources) for further information.

LAGUNA WEAR
Laguna Wear is available year-round online! Find us under Resources in MyLaguna (blue tile named Laguna Wear Store), or at our pop-up tables at school and sports events in the coming weeks. Exchanges are easy if it doesn't fit!

STAY CONNECTED
Follow the FA on Instagram @LagunaBlancaFA to stay updated on all FA events, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and more.

GET INVOLVED
Want to help serve lunch, participate in the Family Festival, or join a Golden Oak Gala committee? This is a great way to meet other parents. Join us!
BUILDING CONNECTIONS AT THE FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEW PARENT SOCIAL
On Tuesday, the Family Association hosted a New Parent Social at the Waterline in the Funk Zone. It was a pleasure to meet the parents of our new Owls and for them to connect with families across different divisions and grades. We look forward to many more fun events throughout the year!
JOIN THE LAGUNA SAILING TEAM!
Did you know that Laguna participates in the sailing program through the Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation? Laguna’s sailors practice with other local high school teams through SBYSF, and race two person CFJ sailboats in a competitive regatta schedule. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with occasional weekend travel for regattas. If you have experience in sailing and would like to learn more about this Independent Sports option, Laguna is actively seeking crew to join their racing team! Students aged 13 and older are eligible to participate. Please contact Parent Coordinator Peggy Polos at 805-689-8985 for more information.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DOS AND DON'TS
As summer comes to a close, children and parents alike might feel anxious about the school year ahead. Planning for the transition and structuring the first few weeks can set the stage for success, especially for children with anxiety or other challenges. Our School Counselor Kim Valentine recommends these dos and don’ts to help families start the school year right.
OWL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Upcoming dates, deadlines, reminders, and important logistical information by division.
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