It has been a bit lonely up on the Summit for the last couple of weeks with students on the road or at home. They have not missed much, the Gondola continues to get closer to completion and the new SnowFactory has been churning out snow for the tubing area so it can open for Halloween. We have lacked laughter and chatter in the buildings and I am excited to catch up on people’s adventures. I wish everyone a safe trip back and look forward to seeing everyone on Monday.
All the best,
moose mutlow
Interim Executive Director & Head of School
This Week
PSAT
Wednesday, October 28 | 8:30am | 10th & 11th graders | Village Hall
No breakfast Wednesday October 28
Due to the PSAT in Village Hall, Sophomores and Juniors will not have a workout this day. All other grades should report to the Academy for Seminar Block. Breakfast will not be available at school, so please plan accordingly.
SBA Therapist Update
As many of you may know, our school therapist, Nikki Isbell, is heading out on maternity leave. In the interim, Anna Patterson, AMFT, will be providing services to SBA students. She also works part-time at TTUSD so is knowledgeable and experienced working with adolescents. Kristin Slye, LMFT, who is overseeing Nikki as clinical supervisor, will continue in this capacity with Anna. We are so glad Anna could step in, and we can continue to offer seamless mental health support for our students.
If you signed a consent form for therapeutic services at SBA, that form will stand while Anna is covering for Nikki. However, if you would like to rescind your consent at any time, please let us know.
SBA Menu - Week of October 25
Academics
As a reminder to all students: the independent work for October Projects must be completed and submitted before in-person class begins for Quarter 2 on Monday, October 26. There is no late credit available for independent work turned in after the due date. Thank you for being attentive to your assigned work and starting the year off in the right way!
Athletics
Ankle Sprain Exercises for a Safe Recovery
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. Gentle movement early on, followed by progressive strengthening and balance exercises, can help restore mobility, stability, and function.
Early Exercises: First Few Days
Focus on gentle movement and comfortable weight-bearing as tolerated.
Ankle Pumps: Point your toes away, then pull them toward your shin. Repeat 10–20 times.
Ankle Circles: Slowly rotate your ankle in both directions for 10 repetitions each.
Ankle Alphabet: Trace the alphabet in the air with your big toe to improve mobility.
Gentle Weight Shifts: While holding a stable surface, shift your weight side to side as tolerated.
Progression: 1–2 Weeks After Injury
As pain and swelling improve, gradually introduce strengthening and balance exercises.
Resistance Band Exercises: Move your ankle up, down, inward, and outward against light resistance.
Calf Raises: Rise onto your toes using both feet, then slowly lower.
Single-Leg Balance: Stand on the injured leg near a stable support for 20–30 seconds
Step-Ups: Step onto a low, stable step and lower with control.
Tips for Recovery
Begin gently and increase activity as symptoms improve.
Avoid exercises that cause sharp pain or increase swelling.
Seek medical assessment if you cannot take four steps or suspect a fracture.
Return to running and sports only when strength, balance, and functional movement have sufficiently recovered.
Remember: Recovery varies depending on the severity of the sprain. Progress according to your symptoms and consult your athletic trainer if you are unsure which exercises are appropriate.
SBA Clubs
Looking for something to do after school and training? Join one of our SBA clubs! Clubs are open to all students.
Climbing Club
Mondays | 5:00pm | High Altitude Fitness, Truckee
Come climb with the SBA community! Climbing Club will include bouldering and ropes and is open to SBA students and staff. Climbing gym fees apply.
Ceramics Club
Wednesdays | 5:00pm | SBA Ceramics Studio
Join us for Ceramics Club meeting Wednesday’s after training! If you have any interest in ceramics, come check it out.
Young Entrepreneurship Club
Wednesdays | 5:00pm | Academy Building
Develop confidence and experience in entrepreneurship, building a business, and the opportunities that come with thinking BIG!
Journalism and Media Literacy Club
Thursdays | 5:00pm | Academy Building
Support students who want to dissect hot-button issues, ask questions about the world around them, and share their findings with others.
Community
Special thanks to Suzanne Service and Kristin Swim for the Spooky Halloween Decorations at SBA!!
Annual Halloween Cookies Needed
October 30th | Volunteers needed | Please sign up here
SBA Community Committee Resources
Equipment Swap details see here
Looking for rentals or have a listing? See Housing Resources here
Want to connect? See WhatsApp Parent Groups see here
Upcoming Events
All Dorm Event: Dark Prison Haunted House
Friday, October 30 | 7:30pm sharp | Historic Nevada State Prison
Residential families, please be sure to send your waivers to hclark@sbacademy.org and reach out to her with any further questions.
Day families are welcome to join! For more information and to purchase individual tickets see here.
SkillsQuest
Monday, November 2 | 4:00pm | South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center
SBA will provide all student transport. More details coming soon.
Spirit Week
Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 6
Monday: Hawaiian Day | Break out your tropical prints, leis, and island vibes!
Tuesday: Yacht Club vs. Fishing Trip | Are you sailing in style or heading out for the catch of the day?
Wednesday: Twin Day | Find your partner in crime and coordinate your outfits!
Thursday: Class Colors & Homecoming
8th grade pink
9th grade green
10th grade white
11th grade blue
12th grade black
Friday: Anything but a backpack Day | Get creative and carry your school supplies in anything but a backpack.
Warren Miller’s “Days Off” Ski Movie
Wednesday, November 4 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Village Event Center
Dorm students and Day families are welcome to attend! See here for details and tickets.
Fall Formal - Homecoming
Thursday, November 5
To wrap up our week of SBA Spirit, following the school day, juniors and seniors will kick off the evening with our Homecoming Flag Football Game! Our 8th, 9th, and 10th graders will line the sidelines as the official SBA cheering section bringing plenty of energy, encouragement, and, a little good-natured heckling for the players.
Following the big game, the entire school will stay on campus to get ready for our Homecoming Dinner & Dance.
Dinner: 7:00 pm sharp
Dancing: Following dinner
Evening ends: 9:00pm - 9:30pm
Day students should be picked up at the Academy between 9:00pm - 9:30pm.
Homecoming Dress Code
Think dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, dress pants, slacks, button-down shirts, blouses, blazers, suits, or other formal/semi-formal attire. Please leave the denim, athletic wear, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other casual clothing at home.
Save the Date
February 13, 2027
SBA Winter Gala: VEGAS, BABY! A night of Glitz, Glamour and Giving