| Snapshot from the Ridge | |
Each week, Pacific Ridge School invites you to enjoy a spontaneous view of school life.
8th graders go face to face while studying the theme of identity in
Lord of the Flies.
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Bulletin Board
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Instructional Technology Survey Seeks Data
Parents, please fill out the Instructional Technology survey that was emailed to you this week. Your input will help the school determine how to best support future student learning through the use of technology tools. Please check your email for access to the survey. Questions or comments? Please contact Ms. Ruiz at pruiz@pacificridge.org.
Arts at Pacific Ridge: Join a Parent Harkness Discussion!
Parents are welcome to come to the Harkness table as we explore the arts at Pacific Ridge School. Two sessions are available on October 22nd, with space for up to 20 participants in each. Come share your creative ideas and valuable perspectives as we map out the future of our programs. RSVP to Jean Nassif at jnassif@pacificridge.org. Date: Monday, October 22nd
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., and 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Athletic Center Conference Room
Middle & Upper School Social Events on September 28th
Students are invited for an evening of fun!
Middle School Game Night: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., East Reading Room & Lawn
Upper School Gym-mania: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Athletic Center
Science Olympiad Information Meeting on September 29th
Students and parents: Come learn how you can be a part of the highly successful Pacific Ridge Science Olympiad program. Contact Ms. Mudaliar at rmudaliar@pacificridge.org for more information.
Date: Saturday, September 29th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (breakfast provided!)
Place: East Reading Room
The Science Olympiad coaches are ready. Are you?
Admissions Applications Available on October 1st
Families interested in applying for the 2013-2014 school year: applications will be available beginning October 1st. We encourage families to complete the online application on the Pacific Ridge website, but paper applications are also available upon request. The first Admissions Open House for Middle and Upper School applicants is on Saturday, October 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Interested in attending an Open House event? Please contact Monique Velde at mvelde@pacificridge.org to RSVP. Click here for all Open House dates and for more information about the application process.
Be a Parent Ambassador During Admissions Season
We are looking for parents of current students and alumni to help families learn about Pacific Ridge School during admissions events. Come to one of two Parent Ambassador meetings to kick off the season. Ms. Nassif will give a brief overview of the admissions process and explain how you can be an important part of admissions events. Please RSVP to Monique Velde at mvelde@pacificridge.org.
New Evening Date: Wednesday, October 3rd, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Morning Date: Thursday, October 4th, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Place: Athletic Center Conference Room
Picture Day Re-Takes are on Wednesday, October 3rd
Parent Teacher Conferences - Schedule Your Time!
Parent Teacher conferences provide a great opportunity to discuss student progress and goals, and we invite parents to take advantage of this chance to speak with teachers early in the year. An email was sent to parents today, with information on how to schedule your conference online. The deadline to request a conference is Friday, October 5th, at 5:00 p.m. If you have not received the email or have any questions, please contact Jamie Diaz-Orosco at 760-448-9882, or JDiaz-Orosco@pacificridge.org. Conferences will take place over three days:
Wednesday, October 10th: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 11th: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 12th: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. (NO SCHOOL)
Reminder - Michael Gelb on Leonardo Da Vinci
Don't forget to RSVP for How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, presented by Michael Gelb, on October 18th. He will teach and inspire your children during the school day. Don't miss this opportunity to share the experience by coming to school in the evening for his energizing presentation. Interested in attending? RSVP to prsfirebirds@gmail.com.Date: Thursday, October 18th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
The Case of the Missing Forms and Waivers...
Parents: We are still in need of numerous signed forms and waivers. Mr. Bray sent emails this week to families who have not returned one or more of the following: Technology Agreement Form, Offsite Learning Activity/Field Trip Form, Photo/Video Release Form, and the Student Parent Handbook Agreement. Printable versions of these forms can be found in Mr. Bray's email, or on the school website. Go to My Pacific Ridge and look in the Academic Downloads section. Completed forms can be returned to the front desk in either Building A or the Upper School. Thank you for your cooperation.
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| New & Noteworthy | |
New Global Travel Information for 11th and 12th Grades
Two new destinations have been added to the list of school-designed trips for 2013: Taiwan and Arizona/Mexico. In addition, all students on school-designed trips will travel between May 26th and June 7th. These dates will allow athletes who qualify for regional post-season championships to select from all 14 trips. This year's list of school-designed trips also includes: Argentina; Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas; Costa Rica; France; Italy; New Orleans; New York City; South Africa; South Korea; Spain; Turkey and Utah. Questions? Contact Ms. Furlong at sfurlong@pacificridge.org. Trip Commitment Due Date: Monday, October 1st, 8:00 a.m.
Audio Books Available in the Library
Pacific Ridge students can now enjoy audio versions of books assigned in class, other than textbooks. When combined with a traditional reading of the text, listening to an audio book can increase comprehension, add nuances of meaning, and greatly enhance enjoyment. Interested? Stop by the library, or send an email to Assistant Librarian, Ms. LeMasters at plemasters@pacificridge.org.
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| Service Learning in the Field |
Middle Schoolers Eager to Learn by Serving 7th and 8th graders are already connecting with our community through multiple Service Learning projects. Here are a few examples of their contributions:
The Seniors group has been visiting Active Care at Bressi Ranch and Sunrise at LaCosta, two senior living communities in Carlsbad. Students have engaged in organized activities with residents and visited seniors living in memory care units. The Sustainability group prepared for its work at Robertson Ranch in Carlsbad with some help from John Minchin, P'11 & '14, who spoke to students about his work as a habitat restoration specialist and taught them how to identify invasive species. Meanwhile, at two nearby Head Start facilities, students have spent valuable "buddy" time with preschoolers, working on art projects and playing outdoor games.
Look for more updates on both the Middle School and Upper School Service Learning programs in upcoming issues of A View From the Ridge.
Teaching tricycle safety at Head Start
Mr. Minchin quizzes students about native and invasive species.
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| Sports on the Ridge | |
There's Still Time to Fill Out the Athletic Survey
Thank you to the many families who have already filled out the online athletics survey. If you haven't had a chance to give your opinion, you can still do so. The survey will be open until Friday, September 28th, so please check your email.
Girls Varsity Volleyball Wins First Firebird Classic
The Girls Varsity Volleyball team brought down the house on Saturday, September 22nd, at Pacific Ridge School's first tournament hosted in the Athletic Center. Nine schools participated, and the Firebirds won four straight matches to take the tournament.
Join the Fun - Support Our Firebirds!
Come out and cheer for our Pacific Ridge athletes during all their season matches. For team schedule information, game locations, and driving directions, visit Pacific Ridge's page on Schedulestar.com. Click on the event you are interested in for detailed information.
Scores:
Cross Country
9/22/12 Dana Point Invitational, 3 miles
Medal winners (top 50):
Division II Boys Freshman Race
Travis Headapohl, 12th
Thomas Peterschmidt, 29th
Division II Girls Senior Race
Sabrina Harb, 34th
Division II Girls Junior Race
Delaney Miller, 2nd
Eva Loeser, 41st
Boys Middle School A Flag Football
9/18/12 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 0 22 L
9/21/12 Army Navy Academy 28 21 W
Boys Middle School B Flag Football
9/18/12 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 7 6 W
Girls Varsity Tennis
9/18/12 Escondido Charter 11 7 W
9/20/12 San Diego Jewish Academy 13 5 W
Girls Varsity Volleyball
9/19/12 Escondido Charter 3 0 W
9/21/12 Calvin Christian School 3 2 W
Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball
9/19/12 Escondido Charter 2 1 W
9/21/12 Calvin Christian School 0 2 L
Girls Frosh Volleyball
9/18/12 Classical Academy 0 2 L
9/19/12 Escondido Charter 0 2 L
9/21/12 Calvin Christian School 0 2 L
Girls Middle School White Volleyball
9/21/12 Francis Parker 2 0 W
Girls Middle School Blue Volleyball
9/21/12 Francis Parker 2 0 W
Girls Middle School Black Volleyball
9/21/12 Francis Parker 2 0 W
Girls Middle School Silver Volleyball
9/21/12 Francis Parker 2 0 W
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| Parents Association News |
Dr. Michele Borba to Speak on October 16th & 17th
The WeCare San Diego Consortium proudly presents Dr. Michele Borba, an internationally recognized author, speaker and educator on parenting and character development. Her work aims to help strengthen children's character and resilience, reduce peer cruelty, and create compassionate learning cultures. To learn more, click here. These events are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, October 16th: 6:30 p.m., The Bishop's School, 7607 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla
Wednesday, October 17th: 9:30 a.m., Warren Walker School, 2111 Camino Del Rio S., San Diego
FALL FEST 2012 - Save the Date
Fall Fest is a once-a-year opportunity for Pacific Ridge students to raise funding and awareness for their Service Learning groups and clubs. Students generate enthusiasm for their programs by sharing information, selling goods and services, and showing their entrepreneurial spirit throughout the day. Food and entertainment are also available for the whole Pacific Ridge community to enjoy. Parent volunteers are still needed to help with various activities. If you are interested in supporting this important event, please sign up on-line at the Fall Fest Volunteer Spot, or email the Parents Association at parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Date: Saturday, October 20th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Pacific Ridge campus
Parent Grade-Level Parties
7th Grade: Sunday, September 30th, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
9th Grade: Sunday, October 7th, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
8th Grade: Saturday, November 3rd, time TBD
Locations for these parties and other grade-level dates will be announced shortly. Interested in hosting the 12th grade party Questions? Please email the Parents Association at parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Parent Walking Group on October 2nd
The Pacific Ridge Parent Walking Group will meet at Peet's Coffee in Bressi Ranch on Tuesday, October 2nd, at 8:00 a.m. Join us for a loop past the Pacific Ridge campus and back to Bressi Ranch for coffee afterwards. Bring suggestions for future meeting dates and times that work for you. Questions? Contact the Parents Association at parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Donate Your Used Uniforms to the Parents Association
Used uniforms will be for sale during Fall Fest on October 20th. Outgrown uniforms cluttering your closets? Donate them! All proceeds support Parents Association events and programs. You can exchange your clothing with items available the day of the sale, or drop donations off at school. A collection box is available by the front desk in Building A. Questions? Email parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
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| Beyond the Ridge | |
PSAT For Juniors and Sophomores
All juniors and sophomores will take the PSAT at Pacific Ridge School on Wednesday, October 17th, at 8:00 a.m. Juniors' test scores will potentially qualify them for National Merit consideration; sophomores are taking the test for practice. Questions? Contact Ms. Laughlin at blaughlin@pacificridge.org.
Interested in Attending College in the UK?
Come to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) meeting on October 11th. This evening program is designed for parents and students who are considering colleges/universities in the United Kingdom - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Guest speaker Rose Matthews will present information on completing the UCAS application, testing requirements, types of colleges & majors, and much more.
Date: Thursday, October 11th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: East Reading Room
Upcoming College Representative Visits
All meetings will begin in the College Counseling Office. Visit your Naviance Family Connection account or the school portal for dates and times. Representatives from the following colleges will be visiting Pacific Ridge School:
Week of October 1st
Carleton College; Dartmouth College; New York University; Pitzer College; Santa Clara University; University of Southern California; Western New England University
Week of October 8th
Amherst College; Cardiff University; Champlain College; Hofstra University; Lafayette University; Loyola University, Chicago; Syracuse University; UC Santa Barbara; University of Chicago; University of the Pacific; University of Rochester
Week of October 15th
Bates College; Beloit College; Colgate University; Furman University; High Point University; Saint Mary's College; Sarah Lawrence College; Skidmore College; Stanford University; University of Pennsylvania; University of Richmond; University of San Francisco; University of South Carolina; Vanderbilt University; Wake Forest University; Whittier College; Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Off-campus:
October 10th
Discover Duke University - Francis Parker School, 7:30 p.m.
Exploring Educational Excellence: Brown, University of Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Rice - Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 7:30 p.m.
October 13th
Gettysburg College - see Naviance for more information
October 14th
University of Pennsylvania - San Diego Marriott, Mission Valley, 4:00 p.m.
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| Faculty Notes |
A Summer of Celebrations!
It was a busy summer for faculty members, several of whom celebrated marriages and births:
Justin McCabe married Paige Wilkens on March 31st in Coronado, CA; Wendy Lemon exchanged vows with Mike Moore on June 23rd in Carlsbad, CA; Nina Dodge and Matt Liebowitz were married on July 2nd in Pala, CA; Sarah Peeden wed Jagannathan Venkatesh on July 5th, in Seattle, WA; Melissa Sullivan became Melissa Symington when she and Justin Symington married on August 4th in Waitsfield, VT; and Don Collins and Nicole Cannis tied the knot on September 1st in Encinitas, CA.
Pedro Afan and his wife, Angela, welcomed their daughter, Estela, on June 1st; Matt & Kim Kraynyak celebrated the birth of their daughter, Lucia, on July 2nd; Rachel Ching and Jerry Yang welcomed their son, Marcus, on July 22nd; and Megan and Joe King cheered the arrival of their daughter, Nora, on August 18th.
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| Faculty & Staff Snapshot |
Christine DeHaven, MathFavorite Book: The Same Kind of Different As Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore Favorite Movie: Casablanca Favorite Sport: Swimming, but she watches anything!
Greatest Indulgence: Watching How I Met Your Mother and eating bananas If You Make Her Breakfast: Her dad's pancakes that spell out her name
In Her Free Time: Enjoys running, water skiing, swimming and baking Dream Vacation: Ziplining in New Zealand Home Town: Gig Harbor, WA
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In a community that fosters academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and global engagement, Pacific Ridge School prepares students for college and a purposeful life.
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Schedule of Events
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September 28th
Upper School
Gym-mania
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Athletic Center
Middle School
Game Night
East Reading Room
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
September 29th
Science Olympiad Information Meeting
9 - 11 a.m.
East Reading Room
September 30th
7th Grade Parent Party
4 - 7 p.m.
October 2nd
Parent Walking Group
8 a.m.
Meet at Peet's Coffee
October 3rd
Picture Day Re-Takes
October 7th
9th Grade Parent Party
4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
October 10th
Parent/Teacher Conferences
4 - 7 p.m.
October 11th
Parent/Teacher Conferences
5 - 8 p.m.
October 12th
No School
Parent/Teacher Conferences
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
October 15th
No School
October 17th
PSAT for Juniors and Sophomores
8 a.m.
October 20th
Fall Fest
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
November 3rd
8th Grade Parent Party
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A View From The Ridge
