If the conversation about 9th grade at SBMS has not come up in your household, I'm sure it will soon. SBMS has set up December, January, and February as a time to make this choice and encourage families to vet all of the different options through informational meetings and multiple open conversations with alums, family members, and local educators (we have also found that "pros and cons" lists and "value-based decision making" trees can bring clarity!). We recognize that this is a big decision for many families and want to offer as much support and information as possible as you navigate the process.

 

Here are some important upcoming dates:

 

- December 3, 7 pm in the Lotus Theater: Completing the Diamond. SBMS brings in a panel of SBMS alums and parents to discuss their 9th grade experience, followed by a Q&A. This is an incredibly informative event because it provides families the chance to hear about the 9th grade experience from those that went through the program. Parents and 8th graders are strongly encouraged to attend.

 

- December 4, Switch Day: 8th grade students will get the opportunity to take a class with each of the 9th grade teachers. It's a chance to get to know the 9th grade faculty and get a feel for the academic program. It will provide some fruitful topics for discussion as a family in conjunction with Completing the Diamond.

 

- December 19, 8th Grade Retreat: In the context of the 9th grade decision, this is a chance for families to get a sense of the power of the upper school honoring rites. Overall, it's a unique and wonderful community event and not to be missed.

 

- January 17: Financial Aid applications are due. There are extra financial assistance funds for 9th grade families provided by generous graduated families that believe in the 9th grade program and want to help others access it. Even if you are unsure of whether or not you are returning, we encourage you to still complete the FA application to secure your funding.

 

- January-February: This is the period of time when students are often weighing their decision to return. Brian, the staff, and I are all available to talk through or provide any information we can to help you and your child make the best choice. I am also able to connect families with alums or other educators which can be extremely helpful for the process.

 

Personally, recognizing that it's not for everyone, I am a true believer in the power of the 9th grade program to guide young adults toward a deeper understanding of themselves and how they learn while boosting them ahead of their peers in terms of academic skills and high school credits. It also provides the unique opportunity to lead at this formative age. Lastly, it often is an incredibly fun and adventurous peak experience of what education can and should be, setting up our graduates to approach their next chapter of education with intention and a strong sense of self.

 

I look forward to helping families navigate this decision. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jesse

9th Grade Dean/English

Santa Barbara Middle School

805.680.1549