Dear Friends and Family,

I’m writing to raise money for the Santa Barbara Middle School capital campaign that will fund our move to the premier Brooks Campus on the riviera, overlooking the city.

As you know, I’ve been working at SBMS for six years now and it’s here that I hope to continue my career as an educator for as long as possible. SBMS is an incredible place to work because of the community and philosophy that allows me to work with such invested and creative kids, teach to my passions, work with some of my best friends, and have a great time doing it. Of course, I also really appreciate the chance to work outdoors on a regular basis. You'd have to see it to believe it, but the trips are transformational for these kids (and for me too, sometimes). Plus, what other school do you know that allows dogs in class?! Yup, it's truly a great place to work and go to school.

As we move to our new site, my hope is that our classrooms are equipped with the most innovative educational technology, flexible furniture, and a couple of small add-ons. I’m hoping for a “smart board” and computer network that will allow students to write on their laptops and then fluidly and immediately project their work to the board in front of the room for all to read. I’m also hoping that I’ll be able to replace my traditional classroom furniture with flexible tables and chairs that will allow me to easily configure the room that best fits the lesson for the day. Lastly, I’m hoping for a patch of “idea paint” in my room that will allow students to write their thoughts directly on to the wall, and a school telescope to explore the city, islands, and ocean from our campus perch on the riviera.

I hope you will consider sponsoring me in the "SBMS Pedal and Paddle" event. Any amount will be appreciated-- $20, $50, $100, or more. I will be riding my bike on an 8-mile loop around the More Mesa bluffs and will participate in a paddle up to Campus Point and back with some adventurous kids. All of the money I raise will be used for renovations and new programs at our new school site.  

Thanks in advance for your support!

Click here for more information about the First Annual "Pedal and Paddle" event. If you would like to learn more about our new school site then read this article.

Sincerely,