Santa Barbara Middle School

On June 12, we celebrated the 9th Grade Class of 2026 as they completed their Rites of Passage journey.

This meaningful milestone honored the growth, resilience, self-reflection, and leadership demonstrated by each student throughout the process. Surrounded by family, mentors, and community members, the students' chosen speaker shared deeply meaningful stories, followed by beautifully crafted poems. This year, the honor of writing the poems was passed on to Joy Elizondo—something Whit Ingersoll has held close to his heart for many decades. Thank you, Whit, for your dedication and stewardship of this cherished tradition.

We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and grateful to everyone who helped support and guide them along the way. Congratulations on this important achievement—we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the years ahead!

Congratulations to our 2026 Diamond Award recipients: Luna, Brandon, and Hazel!

The Diamond Award is the highest honor a student can receive at Santa Barbara Middle School. Presented to outstanding 9th grade students, this award recognizes exceptional leadership and meaningful contributions across all four pillars of our Diamond Curriculum: Academic Excellence, Outdoor Education, Creative Arts & Sports, and Building Community.

Luna, Brandon, and Hazel have distinguished themselves as intrinsically motivated scholars, resilient leaders in the arts and athletics, and respected role models on our challenging Outdoor Education Expeditions. Through their dedication, character, and commitment to our community, they embody the very best of what it means to be an SBMS student.

Please join us in celebrating these remarkable students and their achievements!

Oregon’s Riders of the Rogue 2026 was an unforgettable end-of-year Upper School expedition. Over the course of nearly two weeks, students, teachers, parents, and friends experienced it all together—lightning and thunder, rain and sunshine, cold lakes, long rides, laughter, joy, tears, growth, and everything in between.

Through every challenge and triumph, this group became more than a team; they became a family. They shared adversity, supported one another, and forged bonds that will endure for a lifetime. The memories made, lessons learned, and relationships strengthened along the Rogue will remain long after the journey itself has ended.

What a show!

A Mermaid’s Tale was a joyful, magical, and wildly creative production that had audiences smiling from start to finish. From stunning sets and imaginative costumes to beautiful music, laughter, and unforgettable performances, our students truly brought the stage to life.

“This play will likely be her favorite memory from 6th grade,” one parent shared—and we heard that sentiment again and again. The energy, collaboration, and sheer joy radiating from the cast made this an experience no one will forget.

Bravo to our talented students and heartfelt thanks to the incredible team behind the scenes—your creativity and dedication made this masterpiece possible.

At the heart of our kitchen is a deep commitment to safely serve delicious food—food that helps our students build a meaningful relationship with what they eat, one they continue to define throughout their journey with us.

That journey wouldn’t be possible without our incredible parent community. This year alone, they’ve helped prepare, serve, and clean up after 17,000 lunches—and kept our deli running with 22,000 snacks served.

Simply put, our food program wouldn’t exist without them. Their generosity allows us to make nearly everything from scratch and nourish our students in a way that truly sets us apart.

With heartfelt gratitude: thank you.

Join us on Wednesday, May 20 (tomorrow) from 4–9 PM for a fundraiser at Lucky Penny ()! Enjoy great pizza while supporting SBMS—10% of all proceeds will be donated to our school.

Fiber Arts Camp is here! Get creative this summer with hands-on projects, new skills, and lots of fun.

Week 1: Quilting with Bee
Learn the art of quilting with award-winning instructor Bee, who brings years of teaching experience right here at SBMS.

Weeks 2 & 3: Fiber Art Fun with Amanda
Dive into crocheting, sewing, beading, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or building your skills, this camp is the perfect mix of creativity and fun, plus outdoor games to keep things active.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Ages: 9–12
Cost: $395 per week

Camp Dates:

June 22–26 — Quilting
June 29–July 3 — Fiber Arts
July 6–July 10 — Fiber Arts

For more information and to book, please visit sbms.org. Link in profile.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for SongFest!

It was an incredible showcase of talent, courage, and the strength of the SBMS community. Despite the cold and drizzle, students, parents, faculty, and friends took the stage and performed their hearts out—giving us a truly spectacular evening and more goosebumps than we could count.

We’re so grateful to hold this space for our students, and even more excited to see it continue to grow year after year.

Santa Barbara Middle School is seeking a part-time Librarian for the 2026–27 school year to lead and grow a dynamic, student-centered library program. This role collaborates closely with faculty to support literacy, research skills, and a lifelong love of reading in a vibrant middle school community.

$35–$50/hour
Start Date: August 1, 2026

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit?
Learn more: https://www.sbms.org/about/careers