| Snapshot from the Ridge | |
Each week, Pacific Ridge School invites you to enjoy a spontaneous view of school life.
Alumni love: Ms. Balina heads to the Post Office with care packages prepared to boost graduates' spirits as they head into final exams.
|
| Bulletin Board | |
Save the Date for Into the Woods!
Before you plan your mid-winter vacation, make sure you check out Into the Woods! Pacific Ridge's 5th annual musical will be performed right before the February break. Performance dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 7th - 9th. The Thursday performance has graciously been added for the convenience of those vacationing out of town. Mark your calendars - more details to come in the next few weeks!
Admissions Open House on January 12th
Families interested in Pacific Ridge School are encouraged to visit the Open House scheduled for Saturday, January 12th, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Faculty and current students will present information about the school and its programs from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. Campus tours and exhibits will take place between 2:15 and 4:00 p.m. Interested in attending the Open House? Please contact Monique Velde at mvelde@pacificridge.org to RSVP. Click here for more information about the application process.
The Holidays are a Time for Goodwill... and Giving!
Eighteen months ago, we launched our $10 million Break A Sweat Campaign to help build the Athletic Center, and to date we have raised 92% of our goal! As you consider your end-of-year giving and your Annual Fund commitment, could you reach a little further to help us close out our campaign? All gifts are tax-deductible, and can be pledged to spread payments over three tax years. This holiday season, a generous donor has offered to match pledges or gifts of $1,000 or more, anywhere from 1 to 3 times (depending on the size of the pledge). For more information, contact Kari Perry at kmperry@pacificridge.org or 760-448-9845. Thank you!
Global Vantage Subscriptions Now Available
Pacific Ridge's Global Vantage Issue 5 is hot off the press! Readers may subscribe to receive all three of this year's issues by mail. As a thank you, subscribers will receive a Global Vantage t-shirt along with issue 5. The annual subscription costs $50, and you can purchase it online here. This beautiful 56-page magazine features the theme of Origins, with engaging stories from contributors worldwide. Support the work of the Global Journal Project by purchasing a subscription or picking up a copy on campus.
Reminder: Showcase DVDs Still Available No need to worry if you missed November's Arts Showcase or want to see all the wonderful performances again. DVDs are available for $15 each. Interested in purchasing one? Email Mr. Dziekonski at sdziekonski@pacificridge.org. Reminder: Holiday Gift Drive for Head Start! Want to make a child smile? Contribute to the Service Learning holiday gift drive supporting Head Start! Interested donors can pick up a star with a child's name and wish list on it in the A Building lobby. Gifts will be collected until December 14th, after which students in the Middle School Head Start and Upper School Building Blocks Service Learning groups will deliver them to Head Start. Thank you for your support!
|
| New & Noteworthy | |
Music Concert Launches Winter Season
On Thursday, November 29th, Pacific Ridge Upper School music students presented a concert of a cappella, classical, jazz and rock music. Some of the highlights of the evening were a rendition of Cold Play's Fix You, by a cappella, The Pokemon Theme by the jazz rock ensemble, and Clint Mansell's Lux Aeterna, by the orchestra. The Upper School music ensembles feature 65 students and are directed by Mr. Morell and Mr. Dziekonski.
Members of A Cappella celebrate the upcoming winter season.
Religious Practice and Tolerance Subject of Community Life
On Wednesday, November 29th, students in all grades heard from panels of students and faculty of different religious faiths and spiritual beliefs. Panelists discussed the role religion plays in their everyday life, and audience members were encouraged to ask questions. The program was designed to promote an atmosphere of open dialogue about issues of great personal importance, and to give students an opportunity to learn about faiths and practices with which they may not be familiar.
|
| Curricular Adventures |
Honors Visual Arts Class Observes Artistic Process Firsthand On Wednesday, November 28th, fourteen Honors Visual Arts students traveled to the LUX Art Institute in Encinitas for a tour and an opportunity to observe art being made by local artists. Students viewed figurative work by oil painter and LUX resident artist Alan Feltus, and heard him speak about his inspiration and creative process. They also viewed a large installation piece by artist Wes Bruce, then created original pieces inspired by his work. To learn more about LUX's unique approach to the museum experience, please visit the LUX Art Institute website.
Students contemplate part of Wes Bruce's two-room installation, "Structures Poetry Humans."
Student Speaks About Inclusivity at GSA Awards Program On Friday, November 2nd, Junior Nan Ash, representing the Upper School GSA Club, spoke at the Gay Straight Alliance Awards at Cal State San Marcos. Nan addressed the importance of having a GSA as part of a safe climate and inclusive high school culture. The GSA provides a non-judgmental environment for students, and for friends who want to show their support.
Upper School Robotics Teams Are Up to the Challenge On Saturday, December 2nd, Pacific Ridge's Upper School Robotics teams competed in the first of two qualifying tournaments for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). Both teams made it to the elimination rounds. In the semi-finals, Team 4262 played tough defense in a close match, but ultimately was eliminated. Team 4373 advanced to the final round and, together with their alliance partners from Canyon Crest Academy, won with a score of two matches to zero. According to Mr. Park, the group's faculty advisor, "Our students demonstrated the gracious professionalism that is a cornerstone of the best FTC teams. It was an exciting day of competition for Pacific Ridge!"
|
| Service Learning in the Field |
Food For Thought Helps Those Who Need it Most The Upper School Service Learning group, Food For Thought, is reaching out into the community to help eradicate hunger. The group recently collected and donated 250 cans of food to the North County Food Bank and will be volunteering at the facility this winter. In addition, students will be cooking at a local soup kitchen, directly engaging with the individuals and families who need their help. For more information about how the North County Food Bank is "Knocking the Edge Off Hunger," please visit its website.
|
| Parents Association News |
Show Your Appreciation for Pacific Ridge Faculty & Staff The Parent Association Holiday Appreciation Drive for faculty and staff has launched! As individual teacher gifts are not allowed, this is our once in a year opportunity to show how much we appreciate Pacific Ridge's faculty and staff. Simply make a donation to the Holiday Appreciation Drive and the funds will be used to purchase gift cards for all teachers and staff. Checks can be dropped off in the A Building lobby, or gifts can be made by using PayPal. Check your email for instructions from the Parents Association. Questions? Please contact parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Gingerbread Breakfast - Help Wanted! Pacific Ridge's traditional Gingerbread Breakfast is coming up on Friday, December 21st. The Parents Association asks that parents help out if they can by baking or bringing in items needed for this annual event. The Gingerbread Breakfast treats almost 600 students, faculty and staff to a fun, relaxed holiday breakfast on the last half-day of school before winter break. To pick a task or item to provide, please visit Sign-up Genius. Questions? Co-Chairs Cindy Morgan and Lesa Thode can be contacted at GingerbreadMan@pacificridge.org. Thank you!
Reminder: Holiday Shop with eScrip Are you an eScrip user? Please take a few moments to register your credit and debit cards by visiting My eScrip, then do your holiday shopping by visiting eScrip and selecting "At the Online Mall." Click on the merchant you want, and you will be taken to its site. Once there, use your registered cards to shop, and automatically earn important funding for Pacific Ridge School! Have eScrip questions? Please email parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Reminder: Still Space at the Supper 8 Club Table The new parent's Supper 8 Club is going strong, with over 80 families participating. There's still space available, with an immediate opening in 10th grade. New Supper 8 clubs can be formed by grade. Interested? Please email parentsassociation@pacificridge.org, with the following information: Parent name(s), child name(s), grade, and city of residence.
|
| Class Notes |
Akash Patel '13 Named Youth Representative of International Community Foundation Advisory Board
Senior Akash Patel has been selected to the Advisory Board of the International Community Foundation. The Board provides strategic counsel and advice to the Foundation to help further its mission of expanding U.S. charitable giving internationally, with an emphasis on Mexico and Latin America. Akash's selection stems from his instrumental leadership of the "Project Bus - San Ignacio" undertaking, which seeks to convert an abandoned school bus into a school library and learning center in the remote community of Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California. Construction is underway and a progress report on the bus's transformation is coming soon. Stay posted!
Tony Ibrahim '13 Wins VFW Scholarship Competition
On December 1st, senior Tony Ibrahim attended a banquet for winners of the scholarship competition hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He competed against high school students across San Diego, answering the question "Is our constitution still relevant?" The president of VFW Post 3795 awarded Tony with a journal to continue his writing career, a plaque, certificate, and scholarship money for college.
VFW Post 3795 President Shalyn Cyr and Tony Ibrahim '13
|
| Sports on the Ridge | |
Boys Varsity Basketball Excels For Home Team Crowd
On November 27th, the boys Varsity Basketball team showed its grit in the season's inaugural home game against Anaheim's Fairmont Preparatory. Fans lined the bleachers and cheered every basket. While the Firebirds led by one point entering the 4th quarter, their opponents eventually outpaced them 54 to 48. Luke Lango led in scoring with 34 points, while Elliot Abbey and Parker Lawlor hustled on defense, and Ethan Kuo and Scott Nalbandian landed big 3-pointers at critical moments of the game. Coaches Nick Levine and Casey Wheel were pleased with what they saw. Notes Coach Wheel, "The boys did a great job and the fan support was stellar. I'm very excited about the direction we're headed as a program."
Girls Varsity Basketball Off to Strong Start
To start its season, the girls Varsity Basketball team flexed its muscles in a November 27th scrimmage against La Jolla Country Day School's JV squad. The girls showed exceptional team coordination for a first match, with strong play execution and lots of positive energy. Their efforts paid off with a 40-27 win in front of cheering Firebird fans. Alex Hanlon showcased her accurate shooting with 10 points, while Kim Foss also scored 10 and dominated in the back-court. Way to go, Firebirds!
Scores:
Boys Varsity Basketball
11/27/12 Fairmont Preparatory 48 54 L
Boys JV Basketball
11/27/12 Fairmont Preparatory 19 58 L
Girls Varsity Basketball
11/27/12 Scrimmage - La Jolla Country Day JV 40 27 W
Boys Varsity Soccer
11/29/12 Scrimmage - Carlsbad High School JV 3 1 W
Girls Varsity Soccer
12/1/12 Serra High School 2 1 W
Girls JV Soccer
11/30/12 Escondido Charter 1 2 L
|
| Beyond the Ridge | |
Juniors Full Steam Ahead in College Counseling
Beginning in January, Mrs. Laughlin and Ms. Grossman will be meeting with all juniors and their parents to discuss next steps in the college search process. PSAT results, future testing timelines, senior courses, college planning and summer opportunities will be covered. Meetings will last approximately 1 hour and can be scheduled throughout the day, or before or after school. Juniors and their parents MUST have completed their Junior questionnaires at least two days prior to the scheduled conference. Questionnaires can be found in your online Naviance/Family Connection account. To schedule your conference, please contact Ms. Foresman at rforesman@pacificridge.org or 760-579-4905.
Student Alumni College Fair on January 9th
Upper School students and their parents are invited to the Student Alumni College Fair, when Pacific Ridge graduates return to campus to represent their respective colleges. Alumni will discuss academic preparation, courses, choosing majors, roommates, homesickness, budgeting and other topics. Attendees are encouraged to come armed with questions: about weather, college life, class sizes, travel costs - you name it. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about the college experiences of our Pacific Ridge grads!
Date: Wednesday, January 9th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: East Reading Room
|
| Faculty & Staff Snapshot |
Jessica Tanner Mills, English
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (she even named her dog Lizzy Benet!)
Favorite Movie: Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo
Favorite Sport to Watch: Basketball - Loves watching the L.A. Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.
Greatest Indulgence: Gelato
If You Make Her Breakfast: Huevos Rancheros
Dream Vacation: A month traveling through England, Ireland, France and Italy with her husband, AND a cruise from Italy to Egypt, Turkey and Greece!
Home Town: Marin County, CA
|
|
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
|  | |
December 21st
Gingerbread Breakfast
Half Day
December 22nd - January 6th
NO SCHOOL
Winter Break
January 17th
10th Grade Parent College Night
7-9 p.m.
January 18th
Parent Walking Group
8 a.m.
Bressi Peet's Coffee
January 21st
NO SCHOOL
Martin Luther King Day
|
|
|
A View From The Ridge
