Laguna Blanca welcomed 34 new students to join the parliament of Owls this year. The freshman class saw the biggest growth with a total of 23 new students. Five students joined the tenth grade, two joined the eleventh grade, and four seniors joined the class of 2016.
Freshman year is traditionally a challenge for students as the transition from being an eighth grader to a ninth grader is a big change. To assist freshmen as they navigate the first year of high school, Laguna provides several programs for support.
Freshman begin the year with a week-long school trip to Yosemite, providing an opportunity for both returning students and new ninth graders to bond.
The newcomers were welcomed excitedly as their class size doubled. “It’s great having new students come into our grade because it gives us a chance to make new relationships,” freshman Sophie Henderson said.
Freshmen are grouped together in the advisory program, which helps with bonding new and returning freshman as all are not only getting to know each other, but they are also starting high school together. “We feel that ninth graders are more comfortable when placed together in advisory,” said advisory coordinator Trish McHale.
Changing schools for senior year is rare and can be challenging. The senior class welcomed four new students: Gabby Campbell, who attend middle school at Laguna and left, returned for senior year; Ruby Haber joined us from boarding at Besant Hill, Sarah Dillemuth joined us from China, and Charis Monrose from France.
When asked how she feels about the addition of new seniors, senior Phoebe Madsen said, “I’m really excited to start to get to know my new senior classmates.”
Our sports teams are especially excited by this new string of students. The tennis team took on 10 new players, two of them freshmen. The girls junior varsity volleyball team added seven freshmen.
When asked about how she liked being a freshman on the junior varsity team Maddy Walker said, “I love how close of a team we are. All of the the players are supportive and want the best for each other. Each player contributes something great and I look forward to playing with them everyday.”
Also excited about the increase in the number of students is the performing arts department. The drama department will be putting on its fall production of “Harvey” three new students are part of the cast.
Five freshmen have become members of the band. Freshman Jack Stein shared that sophomore Spencer Rycroft’s advanced guitar playing skills encourage Jack to get better. “I love being pushed everyday to be more advanced.”