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Pacific Ridge School DotsA View From The Ridge
Weekly E-Newsletter
October 4, 2012 
In This Issue
Bulletin Board
New & Noteworthy
Service Learning in the Field
Parents Association News
Sports on the Ridge
Beyond the Ridge
Faculty & Staff Snapshot
Snapshot from the Ridge

Each week, Pacific Ridge School invites you to enjoy a spontaneous view of school life.

 
Ms. Moore's 8th Grade Art Wheel students stage an impromptu traveling tap show to share their dance enthusiasm with students and teachers.

Bulletin Board

 

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 last week, 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)

 

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

Instructional Technology Survey Still Open 

Parents, Pacific Ridge wants to know your opinion about instructional technology. There's still time to fill out the survey emailed to families last week. Parent 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, or contact Ms. Ruiz at pruiz@pacificridge.org.

 

Admissions Applications Available

Families interested in applying for the 2013-2014 school year: applications are now available. 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. 

 

Reminder: No School on Friday, October 12th, and Monday, October 15th 

Seniors should gather in the East Reading Room for Camp College at 8:00 a.m.

 

Michael Gelb on Leonardo Da Vinci - Time to RSVP!
Don't forget to RSVP for How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, presented by Michael Gelb, on October 18th. Interested in attending? RSVP to prsfirebirds@gmail.com.
Date: Thursday, October 18th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

FALL FEST 2012
Don't miss Fall Fest, when Pacific Ridge students raise funds and awareness for their Service Learning groups and clubs. Terrific food, entertainment, a pumpkin patch and an incredible bake sale make Fall Fest an event 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

Don't Buy Those Plane Tickets Yet!
Already making your mid-winter family vacation plans? If so, keep in mind that you won't want to miss the Pacific Ridge School annual musical. Performances will be held on Thursday through Saturday, February 7th - 9th. Details of the performance are still under wraps, but will be revealed by a troupe of enthusiastic faculty members at Community Life on October 10th. Stay tuned...!

A Page From the Handbook: Attendance Procedures
If your child is going to be absent or late to school, please notify us. Before hours, you can leave a message on the Attendance Line at 760-579-4902 or email Ms. Diaz-Orosco at jdiaz-orosco@pacificridge.org. During school hours, Ms. Diaz-Orosco can be reached at her direct line: 760-448-9882. Pre-notification for students leaving campus early is also required. Middle School students must sign out at the reception desk in Building A, and Upper School students must sign out at Ms. Diaz-Orosco's desk. Please refer to the recent email sent to parents from the Academic Office for more details.

Help Keep Pacific Ridge Healthy
The Nurse's Office would like to remind parents that flu season is approaching. Parents are encouraged to keep their sick children home from school until 24 hours after a fever has subsided. For more information about the prevention and treatment of the flu, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

New & Noteworthy

Upper School Clubs Abound
There's something for everyone in this year's 23 Upper School clubs. Choices cover a wide range - from tap dance and robotics to investment/finance and gardening. Are you a bookworm at heart? Join the Reading Club. Like to be spontaneous? Experience the Improv Club. Movie buff? Try the Film Club. Parents, ask your children which clubs they are selecting and the different ways they are engaging with the Pacific Ridge community. Questions about clubs? Contact Mr. Bray at pbray@pacificridge.org.

Middle and Upper School Social Events A Big Draw
Crowds of happy Pacific Ridge students filled the Athletic Center and East Reading Room on September 28th, for the first on-campus social event of the year. Middle Schoolers complemented their Game Night with plenty of loud music and dance, while Upper Schoolers dabbled in various sports, games and dance video competitions. All who attended appreciated the increased space and campus facilities in which students can relax and socialize.

 


Service Learning in the Field

Service Learning Group Interviews Community Members
The Middle School Service Learning group Biography has been busy visiting individuals in the local community who have stories to share about how work and life choices can both support the public good and bring personal satisfaction. 

The group first visited Art N Soul 101, an Encinitas-based art gallery owned by Cindy Blumkin. Ms. Blumkin explained to students how her non-profit business model promotes the work of local artists while simultaneously supporting the community. Art N Soul 101 utilizes a 100% volunteer work force, and donates all profits to local charities. Next, students interviewed Carlton Lund, of The Lund Team real estate company. Mr. Lund, Chairman of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, discussed his business's commitment to environmentalism, sustainability, and community outreach. Most recently, the Biography group visited with Pacific Ridge Co-Head of School, Dr. Eileen Mullady. Dr. Mullady shared stories from her childhood and career, and encouraged students to grasp the opportunities they have to lead purposeful lives. Carpe Diem!

If you know of an organization or community member who is having an impact and who might be interested in speaking with the Biography Service Learning group, please contact Mr. Richter at hrichter@pacificridge.org.

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

Seeking that Perfect Parking Spot on Campus?
Buy tickets for the Parking Space Raffle at Fall Fest! A prime parking spot on campus will go to the lucky winner (a real bonus for families with student drivers!). Look for an upcoming email from the Parents Association with more details.

Reminder: Parent Grade-Level Parties
9th Grade: Sunday, October 7th, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
11th Grade: Saturday, October 27th, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
8th Grade: Saturday, November 3rd, time TBD
Locations for these parties and other grade-level dates will be announced shortly. Questions? Please email the Parents Association at parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.

Donate Your Used Uniforms

Used uniforms will be for sale at Fall Fest on October 20th. All proceeds support Parents Association events and programs. You can exchange your clothing for items available at 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.

 

Sports on the Ridge




 
Scores:

Cross Country
9/28/12 Small School Invitational at Balboa Park
Medal Winners (top 40):

Varsity Boys, 3.04 miles
Henry Poole, 29th
Thomas Peterschmidt, 39th
Sean Straw, 40th

Girls Varsity, 2.75 miles
Sabrina Harb, 9th
Lauren Lipman, 10th
Gabrielle Clarke, 16th
Victoria Longhi, 23rd
Emily Chong, 27th

JV Boys, 2.75 miles
Ari Cohen, 20th
Wayne Chong, 36th

JV Girls, 1.04 miles
Katilyn Perry, 9th
Kate Peters, 10th
Maxine Richter, 14th
Lauren Stainback, 27th

Middle School Cross Country
9/26/12 Maranatha Christian Meet
(Low score wins):

Boys Team
Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 15
Maranatha Christian 44
Horizon Christian 46
Santa Fe Christian 51
Pacific Ridge 82

Girls Team
Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 31
Santa Fe Christian 32
Horizon Christian 38
Pacific Ridge 46
Maranatha Christian 82

Boys Middle School A Flag Football
9/25/12 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 14 0 W
9/27/12 Maranatha Christian 7 0 W

Boys Middle School B Flag Football
9/25/12 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 31 38 L
9/27/12 Maranatha Christian 12 12 T

Girls Varsity Tennis
9/25/12 Francis Parker 3 15 L
9/27/12 La Jolla Country Day 6 12 L

Girls Varsity Volleyball
9/26/12 The Rock Academy 3 0 W
9/27/12 Foothills Christian High School 3 0 W

Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball
9/27/12 Foothills Christian High School 2 0 W

Girls Middle School A Volleyball
9/27/12 Tri-City Christian 2 0 W
9/28/12 Santa Fe Christian 0 2 L

Girls Middle School B Volleyball
9/27/12 Tri-City Christian 1 2 L
9/28/12 Santa Fe Christian 0 2 L

Girls Middle School White Volleyball
9/27/12 San Diego Jewish Academy 2 0 W
9/28/12 Santa Fe Christian 0 2 L

Girls Middle School Blue Volleyball
9/27/12 San Diego Jewish Academy 2 0 W
9/28/12 Santa Fe Christian 2 0 W

Girls Middle School Black Volleyball
9/27/12 Tri-City Christian 0 2 L
9/28/12 Santa Fe Christian 0 2 L

Girls Middle School Silver Volleyball
9/28/12 Santa Fe Christian 2 0 W

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 8th

Amherst College; Cardiff University; Champlain College; Duke University; Hofstra University; Lafayette University; Loyola University, Chicago; Syracuse University; UC Santa Barbara; University of Chicago; University of the Pacific; University of Rochester; University of Southern California

 

Week of October 15th

Bates College; Beloit College; Colgate University; Furman University; High Point University; Loyola Marymount University; St. Edward's 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

 

Week of October 22nd

American University; Barnard College; Bennington College; Bentley University; California Institute of the Arts; College of Charleston; Columbia University; Connecticut College; Creighton University; Davidson College; Gonzaga University; Kalamazoo College; Marymount College; Occidental College; Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Ohio State University; Polytechnic Institute of NYU; Princeton University; Providence College; Salve Regina University; Seattle University; Swarthmore College; University of Puget Sound; Washington University, St. Louis; Whitman College

 

Off-campus:

 

October 10th

North County Coastal College Night - El Camino High School, 5:00 p.m.

 

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.

 

October 21st

Harvard, Princeton & University of Virginia Information Session - Westin, San Diego, 7:30 p.m.

 

October 23rd

Tulane University - San Diego Marriott, Mission Valley, 7:00 p.m.

 

October 25th

UCLA School of Arts & Architecture - Hilton, Mission Valley, 7:00 p.m.

 

Faculty & Staff Snapshot
 
  
 
Justin McCabe, Science 
 
Favorite Book: Motherless Brooklyn, by Jonathan Lethem
Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski
Favorite Sport: Surfing 
Greatest Indulgence: Mud Pie at the Chart House
If You Make Him Breakfast: Everything on the menu. Loves breakfast! 
In His Free Time: Surfs, golfs, plays music and tinkers on his classic VW
Dream Vacation: Bicycle tour of Belgium or surfing in the Maldives
Home Town: Santa Barbara

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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.


Schedule of Events
Schedule of Event Calendar
  
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.

Senior Camp College
8 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.

October 26th
Middle School Halloween Party
6 - 9 p.m.

October 27th
Admissions Open House for Middle and Upper School
1 - 4 p.m.

11th Grade Parent Party
7 - 10 p.m.
 
November 3rd
8th Grade Parent Party

November 10th
Pacific Ridge Showcase
AVO Playhouse, Vista
7 p.m. 
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