The initial rush of a new term has slowed this week as the routine for the first quarter has been established. Looking out of my office I see the ebb and flow of students as they head out for conditioning and back for class. It has a predictable routine.

Routine can lead to complacency. So going into September SBA thought through how we best support students throughout their day. 

We made a commitment to create spaces for staff to meet as an entirety to check in, reflect and share perspectives about individual students. The Dorm has established a consistent structure with clear expectations on engagement, respect and norms for a healthy community. SBA Leadership checks in across all disciplines daily to be updated with an eye to making proactive decisions, rather than reactive ones. 

Some of the ideas are new but most draw on successful approaches from the past. For me the key to any success remains keeping communication channels open across the campus -  students, parents, staff, board and SBC. Through those open channels great ideas have flowed. A Climbing club, a potential speaker series, coordination with local artists to share and talk about their work on the Summit. SBC has helped introduce SBA to an acoustic improvement in the Village Hall. 

Good things are happening. 

All the best,

moose mutlow

Executive Director & Head of School

This Week

College Admissions Info Session

Wednesday, September 23rd, 8:30am - 10:00am

College representatives will be speaking to students on competitive college admissions. Admissions representatives from Yale, Columbia, Northwestern, Colby, Cal Tech, Univ. Denver and UC Berkeley will be presenting.

2026 COPA SBA Soccer Tournament & International Food Fair

Thursday, September 24th 3:00pm - 4:45pm

COPA SBA Soccer Tournament

Parents are welcome to attend and cheer on our students in a mini World Cup Soccer Tournament! Students will represent a country of their choice and compete to earn points for their Homeroom/House.

International Food Fair
Following the tournament, we’ll celebrate with an International Food Fair! Volunteers are needed to bring a dish to share. Sign up here!

SBA Menu - Week of September 20

Athletics

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 

“Consistency wins. Because it’s not what you do once in a while that matters. it’s what you do everyday.”

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!

Upcoming Events

Parents Weekend & College Admissions Case Study

Friday, October 2, 2026

  • 9:00am - 3:45pm | Parent programming at the Academy Building, with lunch provided

  • New student-run SBA SwagShop will be on site with first-edition SBA team hats available for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to a local nonprofit. 

  • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Parent gathering at Donner Ski Ranch. Student supervision provided at the Academy.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 2:00pm

  • 10:00am - 12:00pm | 3 Mile Family Hike. Bring hiking shoes, water, and snacks. Further details TBD.

  • 2:00pm | College Admissions Case Study offers parents and high school students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the college admissions process. Registration opened September 1. 

SBA Mill Valley Info Session

Thursday, October 8, 5:00pm - 6:30pm, Mill Valley

Do you have friends, teammates, neighbors, or family members in the Bay Area who might be a great fit for Sugar Bowl Academy?

We’re hosting a Prospective Family Information Session in Mill Valley on October 8 from 5:00pm - 6:30pm, and we’d love your help getting the word out. This is a great opportunity for families who are curious about SBA to learn more about our academics, athletics, and community — and to hear directly about the SBA experience.

If you know a family who should know about SBA, please save the date and share this opportunity with them!

For more information and RSVP please visit: Mill Valley Info Session. For immediate questions, please contact Taylor Combs at tcombs@sbacademy.org.

Thank you for helping us introduce SBA to more Bay Area families!

PSAT

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

All 10th and 11th graders have now been signed up for the test. Every student must have a Windows or Mac laptop, Windows tablet, or iPad and download Bluebook in order to take the test. Karen will be meeting with students during English class on Monday, September 28th to give them further instructions. Students should have Bluebook downloaded on their computer prior to this date.

Community

Mahjong & Mingle

September 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Beginners welcome. Details see 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 

Save the Date

February 13, 2027

SBA Winter Gala: VEGAS, BABY! A night of Glitz, Glamour and Giving