Santa Barbara Independent Education Issue, 11/9/16

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THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT PRESENTS

THE 2017 EDUCATION ISSUE

MONTESSORI CENTER SCHOOL (805) 683-9383 | mcssb.org

At Montessori Center School, the Montessori philosophy is at the heart of everything we do.

We look at the needs of the whole child and offer an individualized curriculum, providing the environment and the tools each student needs to thrive. We pay careful attention to academic, social, behavioral and moral development. Our faculty and staff are fiercely dedicated to this philosophy because they have seen it work firsthand with so many students throughout the years.

“MCS taught me the importance of working together and working alone, finding new ways to solve problems and taking responsibility for myself. A child can learn how to conjugate verbs and divide fractions anywhere, but at MCS, that child will learn how to be the best version of his or her self.”

— Nina, MCS class of 2010; Dos Pueblos World Championship Mock Trial Team President and Freshman at University of Washington We teach our students to be respectful, understanding and curious about all cultures. Our students learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully,

collaborate solutions together and become productive citizens of the world. Our 5-acre campus allows each classroom to have their own garden. We also have large, grassy fields, climbing structures, sandboxes and stone paths for exploration. It is a tranquil, expansive space.

“I didn’t realize how unusual it was to have such freedom in the classroom, which involves a lot of trust, and that freedom made me more selfconfident. The camping and backpacking trips our classes took involved some of my most memorable elementary school moments, and they showed us how independent we could be.”

— Daniel, MCS class of 2005; Senior at MIT in Electrical Engineering

areas starting at preschool age. These materials then build on one another as the child advances to the next level, adding onto their foundational knowledge, and then slowly moving towards abstraction. We call this a spiraling curriculum, and it provides a wonderful thread of learning that continues throughout each child’s Montessori journey.

We have Specialist teachers and programs for Art, Music, Spanish, P.E., Library, Computer, and Drama. Extra-Curricular Classes are offered in a range of subjects such as yoga, chess, foreign language, and more.

We are an American Montessori Society – affiliated school that serves children from ages 18 months to 12 years. Classrooms have three-year age spans to match each plane of development. Mornings consist of 2 to 3 hour work periods, working with Montessori materials to encourage a deep understanding of reading, math, language and science.

“Growing up at MCS, my teachers set me up to love learning by allowing me to go at my own pace and by letting my interests guide my education. As an adult, I see my strong decision-making skills, passion for pursuing my interests and care for the world around me as products of my education at MCS.” — Sarah, MCS class of 2005; Scripps College graduate and currently in Montessori Teacher Training program

Our curriculum connects all the levels to each other by starting with concrete, hands-on materials to teach concepts in various curricular

We believe that the Montessori Method provides an excellent foundation for academic and social success, and invite you to contact us to learn more.

Montessori Center School — Serving children 18 months through 6th grade —

Since 1965, Montessori Center School has provided Santa Barbara families with a high quality, challenging education. A beautifully designed campus and inviting classrooms convey a sense of order and harmony. With teachers committed to understanding the whole child, students develop intellectual skills alongside the emotional and social skills needed to thrive in today’s global community.

Join Us for an Open House!

Guided by experienced credentialed teachers using the Montessori Method, a dynamic learning environment inspires creativity, productive thinking and a lifelong love of learning.

Sat, Dec. 2 • 11am-1pm

• Students become self-directed learners through participation, leadership and active decision-making.

• Individualized and small group instruction in multi-age classrooms promote cooperative learning opportunities at all levels and enable students to learn from one another.

• Children freely select work during uninterrupted blocks of time across the curricular areas, developing tools for intellectual exploration and learning.

401 N. Fairview Ave, Goleta CA 93117 | www.MCSSB.org | 805-683-9383 2

THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT | 2017 Education Issue | November 9, 2017 | PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

ought There are many schools of th regarding education.

Different philosophies and theories, likes and dislikes.

From preschool to collegeprep and every grade in between, the schooling options in our community abound. We asked local educators to tell us what sets their schools apart. What they — and their students — are excited about, engrossed in, and looking forward to. It is our hope that this concentrated look at learning choices raises your awareness, answers your questions, and serves as a guide to the diverse educational offerings available right here in our own backyard.

Montessori Center School ...............................................2 Santa Barbara Unified School District......................3 Santa Barbara Middle School ........................................3 Bishop Garcia Diego High School ......................... 4-5 Rancho Palomino .................................................................6 Providence School ..............................................................7 Laguna Blanca School .................................................. 8-9 Marymount of Santa Barbara ......................................10 Anacapa School ..................................................................10 Rainbow School ..................................................................10 Progressive Learning Academy ..................................11 Heather’s Country Cottage Preschool ................... 12 Garden Street Academy ................................................. 12 Individualized Educational Services ....................... 12 After School Languages................................................. 12 Bennett’s Educational Materials ................................ 12

SANTA BARBARA MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE

Be brilliant. Be bold. Be you.

EXPLORE ACADEMY, CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION, AND SPECIAL PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

EN R S R D A N W U L O R GR EA W @ HO S

NOVEMBER 29 TH 5:00 PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SBUNIFIED.ORG

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 3-5 PM Program begins promptly. We also invite you to take a family tour or spend a day as a student. Applications due February 5, 2018.

We specialize in the junior high school years ● Grades 6-9 1321 Alameda Padre Serra ● Santa Barbara, CA 93103 805.682.2989 ● www.sbms.org ● Financial Aid Available

PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | November 9, 2017 | 2017 Education Issue | THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

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BISHOP GARCÍA DIEGO H.S. (805) 967-1266 | bishopdiego.org

goals and set new ones. Whether they are seeking admission to an Ivy League school or growing to become one of our many alumni entrepreneurs, Bishop Diego graduates are inspired to succeed. In fact, many businesses local to Santa Barbara have a Bishop Diego alumnus at the helm. Our students thrive in an environment that offers exploration, discovery, and inspiration.

Did you know that Bishop Diego has one of the only state-of-the-art, student-run broadcast studios in Southern California? Students experience hands-on learning that focuses on developing the 21st century skills necessary to be successful in college and the workplace.

FAITHFUL TO GOD AND OUR COMMUNITY

served Bishop García Diego High School has l you know Santa Barbara since 1914. You may fee k! us, but we invite you to take another loo

At Bishop Diego, our students are...

DEDICATED TO OUR MISSION We are an independent Catholic co-educational secondary school that welcomes students of all faiths and provides them with the spiritual, personal, and intellectual knowledge to meet the enduring challenge of realizing their God-given potential in a multi-cultural society.

Through our rigorous academic program, extensive extra- and co-curricular opportunities, service learning activities, and faith-based education, students are free to explore their interests, discover their gifts, and live their purpose. Bishop Diego graduates are lifelong learners and responsible citizens who are well prepared for college and life.

PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE We have a longstanding tradition of academic excellence, including a 100% college acceptance rate and admission to prestigious schools such as Notre Dame University, Purdue, University of Southern California, UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, Wellesley, Vanderbilt, and Villanova, just to name a few.

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them and mentor each student through the college and scholarship application process.

ARTISTS ON MANY STAGES The visual and performing arts offer opportunities for students to develop their skills and reach their fullest potential by enhancing their technical, practical, and creative techniques so they may communicate in effective and meaningful ways.

The Performing Arts Collaborative integrates classes that allow students to collaborate and create feature films entirely produced and scored by student writers, actors, film editors, and musicians. Students in Drama, Creative Writing, Advanced Multimedia, and Advanced Sound work on projects that include dramatic performances, fiction writing, film production, and recording of original music.

At Bishop Diego, our campus is infused with Catholic tradition. Students from all faiths participate in daily prayer, school masses, a 4-year retreat program, service learning, and Theology classes. They can also enjoy our onsite chapel, be a part of Campus Ministry, lead and facilitate donation drives, and much more. Each Bishop Diego student completes 100+ hours of service to others by graduation, affirming our core values of Respect, Perseverance, and Compassion.

IT’S MORE THAN AN EDUCATION — IT’S AN INVESTMENT We strive to make a Catholic education affordable and offer a Personalized Tuition model that assists families in making the gift of a Bishop Diego education possible. Thanks to our generous donors, nearly $1.6M in need-based tuition assistance was awarded this year.

We believe that education goes beyond academics and requires developing a joyful respect for others, the ability to persevere through life’s setbacks, and young men and women with compassionate, merciful, and empathetic hearts.

CHAMPIONS ON AND OFF THE FIELD Athletics at Bishop Diego are characterized by strong Catholic values. We place great emphasis on the physical, psychological and social benefits that students gain from participation. The athletic program provides opportunities for personal development of mind/body awareness, competitive spirit, skills, and character applicable to life beyond high school.

Bishop Diego also has an average class size of 18 students and offers College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses, providing opportunities to acquire college credit while still in high school. STEAM emphasis is also available.

Bishop Diego offers 20 sports and 30 teams.

All students, regardless of experience or ability, are invited to participate and 80% of our students play at least one sport.

Guidance counselors are available for academic, personal, and college counseling. They help students learn about the resources available to

Bishop Diego’s exceptional faculty and coaches inspire students to reach their

INSPIRED TO SUCCEED

THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT | 2017 Education Issue | November 9, 2017 | PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

We are Bisho p García Dieg o High School and we invite you to take another look!

B D

ishop garcia

AT BISHOP DIEGO

iego High school

Serving Santa Barbara since 1914

WE ARE…

Dedicated to our mission Prepared for the future Inspired to succeed Artists on many stages Champions on & off the field Faithful to God & our community

Join us!

Or call to schedule a private tour or Shadow Visit Day!

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.

4000 La Colina Road ∙ Santa Barbara ∙ 805.967.1266 ext. 118 ∙ www.bishopdiego.org PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | November 9, 2017 | 2017 Education Issue | THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

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RANCHO PALOMINO (805) 570-5075 | RanchoPalominoSB.com world. It is the opposite of video games. Youths learn to become part of nature by working with rescue animals, witnessing where food is grown, and understanding what it takes to grow their own dinner. Rancho is a gift to the community because this nonprofit works very hard to insure that all who come to visit, not only wish to return, they usually start to volunteer, teach, contribute and become part of the extended community of the farm.

a jewel in Rancho Palomino is bara. the hills of Santa Bar Rancho Palomino is a nonprofit founded

by Sadie Stern and George Bustillos with the mission to bring to our city a place that truly celebrates the principals of our compassionate community. Rancho Palomino inspires and strengthens youth and families by offering a sanctuary in the middle of our busy world.

Personal enrichment programs, art workshops,

instruction, and active hands-on experience in sustainable farming, world class archery, and horseback riding are a few of the treasures that await all who visit the Rancho.

Research in human development has indicated that youthful interaction with and learning in natural settings helps develop lifelong relationships with the out-of-doors. Hands-on experience that keeps children inspired, centered, and focused encourages them to grow up caring for the natural

Rancho started as a family farm full of promise by individuals with enough kindness and compassion to rescue horses and other homeless animals.

With time, Rancho Palomino, like the orchards on the property, has grown enough to now house a nonprofit side that offers scholarships to youth, rescues animals, and embraces projects that teach and revere nature. Come and see Stormy, the miniature horse run past, while a bunch of children chase him and laugh their heads off.

We believe wholeheartedly that once you spend time in our community, enjoy the farm, and meet our beloved animals, you too will believe that there are still places where all is right with the world.

We welcome you to join us and become part of our dream; to share community, art, sustainable farming, camaraderie, and a good laugh.

C E L E B R A T I N G ThREE YEARs of AfTER sChooL PRoGRAms We would like to extend a warm thank you to all the families for their ongoing support.

moNdAY-fRIdAY • dECEmBER 18-22 • 9Am-4Pm • AGEs 6-13 full week program includes daily horseback riding, archer y, clay snowman making, workshops for gift making, singing silly songs, baking, holiday decorating and more.

rancho palomino Sant a Barbara R ANChoPALomINosB.Com • 805.570.5075 •fINd us oN

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THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT | 2017 Education Issue | November 9, 2017 | PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Shannon Mercier photoS

Winter Break Sign-UpS noW availaBle!

PROVIDENCE (805) 563-4770 (PreK-6) | (805) 962-4400 (7-12) | providencesb.org

What Is the Providence Difference?

Providence is an independent school providing high-quality Christian education, Preschool Grade 12.

What sets Providence apart is the way in which it nurtures children in the faith and values important to their families.

Providence works alongside families for the optimal development of each child’s special talents, interests, and emotional needs. Providence students develop both their intellect and character, graduating prepared for success at the nation’s finest colleges—and for life.

EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION Providence students experience a rich academic program, including science, math, humanities, music, art, and Bible, delivered with an appropriate combination of traditional pedagogy and innovative technology. The high school curriculum is complemented by AP and college dual-credit courses, an Engineering Academy focusing on solving real-life problems, and a Libertas Scholars program exploring freedom and society. Socratic discussion begins in kindergarten.

Students actively participate in Providence’s small classes. “There is no back row in our classrooms,” says Dr. Scott Lisea, head of school. “Every student receives individual attention and no one slips through the cracks.”

about making connections and helping students find their place in God’s created world,” says Bruce Rottman, humanities department chair. “Faith provides a foundation for engaging academic learning, pursuing all truth as God’s truth.”

RICH EXPERIENCES

Providence students enjoy many intentional opportunities for spiritual growth, such as chapels, retreats, service opportunities, and Christian worldview courses.

Outside the classroom, Providence offers a competitive CIF athletics program, extensive visual and performing arts, outdoor education and leadership adventures, and comprehensive college counseling. Elementary students travel to Sacramento and Catalina Island, 8th-grade students visit Washington, D.C., and high school students paddle the Colorado River, serve at a Mexican orphanage, and go on unique senior-year trips.

OUTSTANDING FACULTY Providence teachers are among the finest in the country. They are chosen not only for their proven ability to teach but also for their passion to mentor and challenge young people. They respect and respond to questions, help students discover truth, and guide them to seek lives of purpose and significance.

INTEGRATION OF FAITH IN LEARNING

PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES Providence welcomes a diverse group of students regardless of their religious affiliation. Parents choose the school because they desire a common set of character traits in their children: love, grace, integrity, humility, compassion for others, desire to serve, and a passion for truth, beauty, and excellence. Providence students and their parents find community and develop lasting friendships.

Tuition assistance is available to make a Providence education accessible for families.

To learn more about the exciting Providence difference, drop in for a Snapshot Tour any Thursday morning, or visit providencesb.org to schedule a personal tour, or register to attend an Open House. We want to meet you!

“Engaging the mind and shaping the heart is PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | November 9, 2017 | 2017 Education Issue | THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

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LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL (805) 687-2461 | lagunablanca.org

WHAT TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool WHEN January 31, 2018, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

LAGUNA BLANCA STUDENTS T HOST FIRST-EVER TEDx EVEN At Laguna, our teachers provide students with real-world experiences that relate to their learning.

Whether it’s solving real problems faced by local business owners in our entrepreneurship and innovation class, building and programming a robot, or exploring the complexity of urban life in New York City, Laguna students graduate with the ability to face life in the only way that truly matters — hands-on.

This fall, Laguna students are embracing the challenge of hosting — and for some, presenting — at their own TEDx event. The semester-long, project-based learning initiative is part of a student elective led by Humanities Instructor Anna Alldredge.

“As an English teacher, I’ve always valued the importance of public speaking,” Alldredge says.

“TEDx will allow our students to take that learning to an entirely new level.”

Both Alldredge and sixth grade instructor Allison Armstrong were trained and certified to oversee TEDxYouth events during TEDx Women Conference this past year, an experience made possible by Laguna’s continuing education fund.

Though they will provide the foundation and structure for the students to grow and learn, the students themselves will be running the show, all to the same standards as any other TEDx event. That means identifying a meaningful theme, selecting speakers, creating and managing a budget, and organizing professional-level audio and visual coverage so it can be shared around the world.

“Essentially, the students will be running their own non-profit organization, top to bottom,” Alldredge says. “And the final project will be a daylong TEDx event open to the entire Santa Barbara community on January 31, 2018.”

The event will feature 10 to 15 speakers, all of whom will be vetted through a tight application process and selected by the class members. With TED’s focus on “ideas worth spreading,” the speaker lineup 8

will include a mix of Laguna students, alumni, and professionals from a variety of fields.

While some schools may struggle with getting kids interested in public speaking — one of the world’s greatest phobias — Laguna has not had that problem. Public speaking is part of the education process starting in kindergarten, when students have the chance to recite poems, recite lines, and perform in front of large groups of people. The goal is to get students comfortable serving as leaders in their own classrooms, and eventually their own communities. That’s why, in addition to planning the TEDx event, all participants in the elective will present a minitalk of their own within the class, collaborate with a professional mentor, and lead weekly board meetings.

“At Laguna, we value strong communication skills and provide ample public speaking opportunities so students are able to stand up and deliver information confidently to any group,” Alldredge says. “TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool provides an exciting opportunity to emphasize the power of public speaking, innovation, and collaboration to all of our students.”

One of the most exciting things about organizing the event, according to Alldredge, has been the support and excitement among Laguna teachers and students, all of whom have expressed a willingness to help and be part of the larger TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool process. “As a teacher, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing that enthusiasm.”

WE ARE EAGER TO SHARE OUR CAMPUS AND PROGRAMS WITH YOU TO ENSURE THE BEST FIT POSSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY. TO SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR, VISIT LAGUNABLANCA.ORG

THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT | 2017 Education Issue | November 9, 2017 | PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

WHERE Laguna Blanca’s Hope Ranch Campus ABOUT In the spirit of “ideas worth spreading,” TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

WHO Organized by Laguna students, Grades 9-12 FOR MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS, AND SPEAKER LINE-UP, VISIT tedxlagunablancaschool.com

QUICK FACTS ABOUT LAGUNA Laguna Blanca is a not-for-profit EK-12 co-educational, college preparatory day school.

Building upon its nearly 85-year tradition of academic excellence with new and innovative teaching methods and programs, Laguna Blanca provides students with a supportive community that promotes deeper learning, and values life balance and well-being. With its thriving experiential learning; LEGO, STEM, and arts programs, and competitive athletics with state-of-the-art athletic facilities, the school offers a variety of ways in which students succeed.

LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL

OWLS IN WO N D ER L AN D C AR N I VAL S U N D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 7 11AM – 2PM 260 SAN YSIDRO ROAD FEATURING: Mad Scientist Cheshire Illusions Photo Booth Royal Croquet Art Stations Mad Hatter’s Workshop Tea Parties Live White Rabbits and Owls Alice!

FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 – 10

Free admission and valet parking REGISTER AT LAGUNABLANCA.ORG/WONDER

PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | November 9, 2017 | 2017 Education Issue | THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

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Come hear best selling author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and founder of Raising Digital Natives, Dr. Devorah Heitner Thursday, January 25Th 12:00-1:30 pm Light lunch served Marymount of Santa Barbara 2130 Mission Ridge Road Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Space is limited, so please RSVP to info@marymountsb.org or (805) 569-1811 x 117 2130 mission ridge road, santa barbara, ca 93103 jk-8 • independent • coeducational

Now ENrolliNg! SiNcE 1978

Prepare your child for learning in our award-winning programs Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Pre-Kindergarten After-School • Holiday Camp • Summer Camp

Well Qualified, Caring, Experienced Teachers Happy and Secure Environment for Children 5689 Hollister Avenue, Goleta • 805.964.4511 • Rainbow.school1@verizon.net License # 421710342

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THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT | 2017 Education Issue | November 9, 2017 | PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

PROGRESSIVE LEARNING ACADEMY (805) 705-0687 | Carrie@plaedu.org | Tami@plaedu.org

COMING SOON A TO SANTA BARBAR

The Progressive Learning Academy is a new, small private middle school serving grades five through eight that will offer a cooperative learning experience that promotes academic rigor through in-depth focus on the state and federal learning standards. While in our program, students will develop critical business, entrepreneurial, and life skills that will help them succeed not only in high school but also in their adult lives.

They will work hand in hand with teachers as they explore their curriculum, become fluid in using modern technology, and build both personal and academic independence.

Embedded into the curriculum of the program is also a strong sense of community and advocacy which includes annual

selection of an outreach program that students will work on for the duration of the year.

We incorporate modern technology and workplace skills to create school programs that incorporate independent, small group, and whole group learning. Our environment is not reminiscent of the classroom we spent our days in as kids, but is instead a variety of multi-use learning spaces which allow students to move from one area to another as their learning needs change. Students will learn how to share space and be part of a cooperative learning environment, much like they will experience when they join the workforce as adults. We will create a culture amongst students that encourages academic success and rigor, while also honoring the individuality of the student.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP FOR ONE OF OUR OFFERINGS You can also contact us by calling 805-705-0687 or emailing our teachers: Carrie@plaedu.org or Tami@plaedu.org.

We hope to get to know you and your family soon!

We are excited to be opening our doors in the Santa Barbara area soon.

Until we are settled into our permanent home, we are offering a menu of after school enrichment options, home school support and tutoring.

COM ING SOO N! Follow our startup story on social media Facebook@SBpla Twitter@PLAeducation thePLAcademy For more information about our school and other programs go to

www.progressivelearningacademy.org

PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | November 9, 2017 | 2017 Education Issue | THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

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Heather's y Cottage Preschoo r t n u l Co Now Enrolling/Open House

Heather's Country Cottage is a Waldorf-Inspired preschool for children ages 3-6, that includes academics and kindergarten preparation. Located in a magical woodland setting.

Come to our Open House!

Music, crafts... Fun for the whole family!

Saturday, November 18 Saturday, December 2 & 9 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

737 E. Victoria St. Santa Barbara, CA

(805) 453-2434

Heather Campbell has a B.A. in Psychology and is a credentialed teacher with over 20 years experience, teaching grades K-2 and preschool

heatherscountrycottage.net • hcampbell336@gmail.com • License #426215466

Helping Children GROW

Toys, Puzzles, Games, Science Kits, Learning Mtls Classroom Essentials

Early Learning

Visit us in our NEW location: 5148 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara -Magnolia Shopping Ctr 805.964.8998

Children’s drawings by: Betty Schmidt Bella DiBernardo Indiya Zubiate Diego Rockwell-Gonzalez Lola Rockwell-Gonzalez

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THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT | 2017 Education Issue | November 9, 2017 | PAID ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT