| Snapshot from the Ridge | |
Each week, Pacific Ridge School invites you to enjoy a spontaneous view of school life.
Up in Lights: Star Theatre hosts Pacific Ridge School's 5th annual musical.
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| Bulletin Board | |
 Live a Language This Summer!
In June, Pacific Ridge School will offer a two-week language academy that draws upon Middlebury College's famed expertise in immersion language instruction. From June 16th-29th, local area students entering grades 5 to 8 can enroll in Middlebury's Summer Day Language Academy, a two-week intensive language program in Spanish, French or Mandarin Chinese. Introductory and intermediate levels of instruction will be offered by Pacific Ridge School world languages faculty trained in the Middlebury Immersion Method. Share the news with your friends and neighbors! For more information and to register, contact Middlebury Interactive Languages directly by clicking here.
Join the Harkness Table to Talk Technology
There are still a few spots available at Session II of this year's Parent Education Series. The discussion will focus on preparing our students for a future in which they will need to adapt to rapidly changing technological conditions. The group will also address the use and management of technological tools to enhance teaching and learning. Interested? Contact Pati Ruiz at pruiz@pacificridge.org.
Date: Wednesday, February 27th
Time: 8:15-9:45 a.m., or 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Place: Library Learning Commons
Support Global Vantage: Subscribe Now
Issue 6 of the award-winning Global Vantage magazine will be available this spring. Part of the Global Journal Project, Global Vantage is managed and edited by students at Pacific Ridge School, Torrey Pines High School and the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy in Kenya. The magazine showcases engaging stories, articles and photographs from contributors worldwide. To subscribe, please click here. Donations and sponsorships are also welcome. If you choose to donate, please specify at checkout that your donation is for Global Vantage.
WeCare Screening of Miss Representation on February 28th The WeCare Parent Education Consortium will present a special screening of the 2011 documentary, Miss Representation, on February 28th. The film explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America, and challenges the media's limited portrayal of gender roles. Following the film, Dr. Jackie Freiburg will lead a brief panel discussion with administrators and professionals from WeCare member schools. Date: Thursday, February 28th Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Place: Warren Walker Middle School, 2231 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego Reminder: 2013-2014 Academic Calendar Is Now Available To locate the 2013-2014 academic calendar, go to Pacific Ridge School's homepage, and select "News & Events." Choose "Calendar" and click on the link in the appropriate yellow box. You can also download next year's academic calendar from the school portal - the link is under the "School Information" section, below your child's assignments. |
| New & Noteworthy | |
It's a Win! Campaign Crosses the Finish Line
Congratulations and thank you to the entire school community -- parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, trustees and community supporters -- for your gifts to Breaking New Ground, Phase Two (code named: Break a Sweat). The campaign, which launched in October, 2010, has surpassed its goal of $10,000,000 for the new Athletic Center and for the tuition assistance program. This marks the completion of the second successful campaign our parents have supported to build and expand our campus. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to Pacific Ridge School.
Into the Woods: A Once-Upon-A-Musical Success
The Pacific Ridge School community was treated to four outstanding performances of Into the Woods on February 7th - 9th. The talented ensemble cast brought Stephen Sondheim's music and lyrics to life in a story of humor, human foibles, wishes questioned and wisdom gained. Staying one step ahead of the plot, the nimble set crew expertly guided the cast and audience through a complex and artful world full of angry giants, castle chambers, tower tops and murky, moss-filled swamps. The student-driven production was directed by Alison Trattner, with help from assistant directors Sasha Bechtler-Levin '13, Michaela Fischer '13 and technical director Alex Ryan '13. Heartfelt thanks go to all students involved in the production for their hard work and to the many parents who generously donated their time and energy to help make Pacific Ridge School's 5th annual musical a big success.
In other performing arts news, Ms. Trattner is pleased to announce Pacific Ridge School's first Upper School Spring play, William Inge's small-town American classic, Picnic. Performance dates for Picnic will be Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th at 7:30 p.m. Mark your calendars!
Science Olympiad Division C Brings Home Trophy
Congratulations are in order for Pacific Ridge School's Division C Science Olympiad team members who, for the fifth year in a row, brought home a trophy from the San Diego Science Olympiad competition. On February 17th, Pacific Ridge competed against thousands of students representing public and independent schools from all over the San Diego area, earning an impressive 10th place finish. Thank you to Science Olympiad advisor Raj Mudaliar and to the many parents and faculty members who donated their time and expertise as coaches. The following students earned individual event awards:
Touran Fardeen & Emily St. Marie: 20th Place, Anatomy
Ian Torbett & Radmer Van Der Hyde: 17th Place, Disease Detective
Max Jorgensen & Zafar Rustamkulov: 12th Place, Elastic Launched Glider
Bailey Bjornstad, Patrick Dillon & Soren Schlassa: 7th Place, Gravity Vehicle
Abdullah Bundogji & Katie Dillon: 9th Place, Robot Arm
Niraj Madhani & Tristan Saggese: 11th Place, Robot Arm
Voja Maric & Kevin Xu: 11th Place, Technical Problem-Solving
Voja Maric & Kevin Xu: 8th Place, Write It Do It
Science Olympiad team members represent Pacific Ridge with pride.
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| Curricular Adventures | |
The Mystery of the Human Brain
On February 3rd, Middle School students were treated to a Community Life presentation by Dr. Allison Komiyama, a local neuroscientist. Dr. Komiyama discussed the field of neuroscience; the parts, functions and diseases of the brain; neuroplasticity (how the brain changes); and her own research involving fruit fly brains and mouse brains. Students were also invited to examine a human brain specimen. Dr. Komiyama received her Ph.D. at Stanford University, and spent several years working for the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C.
Mind over matter: Dr. Komiyama explains the brain.
US History Students on Strike
To gain a broader understanding of one of America's most infamous labor disputes, US History students combined their study of the Homestead Strike of 1892 (Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick vs. Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers) with a debate about current-day labor issues facing Apple, Inc. in China. Students representing Apple executives and labor representatives faced off to debate and explore the relative needs and merits of efficiency, profit, wages and safe working conditions. Students used excerpts from a recent New York Times expose to provide facts and inform the debate. They also examined legal traditions in different countries regarding labor protections and recent court rulings concerning the rights of businesses and labor groups.
What Was Pygmalion's GPA?
AP Psychology students have been examining the role of the experimenter expectancy effect or the "Pygmalion effect" on IQ scores and academic grades. In readings and in lectures, students are exploring how their academic performance and day-to-day behaviors are affected by others' expectations of them. The group has also discussed the role of the self-fulfilling prophecy in bringing about success and failure, as well as cultural bias and stereotype threat in the context of intelligence testing. The study unit provided many opportunities for personal reflection, and reminded students of the benefits of maintaining a "growth mindset."
 Pacific Ridge Meets the Green Cup Challenge
AP Environmental Science class would like to congratulate the Pacific Ridge community for earning 5th place in the Green Schools Alliance California region Green Cup Challenge. By carefully monitoring energy use in and around campus buildings, our school reduced energy consumption by 4.4% during the period of the competition.
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| Service Learning in the Field | |
Duty, Honor, Country: Former Military Members Converse with Middle School Students
On February 19th, Middle Schoolers in Service Learning heard from several Pacific Ridge community members who have served in the United States military. Panel members Colleen and Bill Hensley served as Air Force jet pilots, Dave Caldwell served in the Marines and as a Navy corpsman, Ana Alba was a Marine platoon sergeant, Rick Bowen a Marine helicopter pilot and Ray Oakes a Navy fleet intelligence officer. Panelists spoke about what inspired them to join the military as well as the many challenges, opportunities and rewards of the experience. Topics covered included the increasing opportunities for women in the military, the intense conditions of military training and the gratification troops feel when serving and building relationships with citizens worldwide. Students asked thoughtful questions and came away with a greater understanding of military service and a deeper appreciation of the freedoms we enjoy due to the commitment of those in the armed forces.
Panelists discuss their military service.
Parallel Learning Promotes Character Building
Students in the service learning group Parallel Learning want to educate children about positive character traits and how to attain them. The group is creating a character-based educational unit for use in elementary schools. The unit will include a workbook for students as well as a curriculum of activities and games teachers can use to help students assimilate the information. Scattered throughout the workbook will be mini-essays about character written by members of the Pacific Ridge community. Parallel Learning plans to complete the workbook this spring, and is developing relationships with schools who may be willing to test the program next year.
Teens for Jeans Drive: The Results Are In
The Student Council would like to thank the Pacific Ridge School community for contributing 182 pairs of jeans to the Teens for Jeans campaign. Organized by DoSomething.org, the program provides jeans to homeless teenagers in San Diego and across the nation.
Jeans of every size and color were collected and delivered.
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| Parents Association News | |
Parent Book Club Meeting on February 25th
The Pacific Ridge Parent Book Club will hold its next meeting to discuss Angle of Repose, by Wallace Stegner. For more information or to be added to the Book Club mailing list, please email the Parents Association at parentsassociation@pacificridge.org. Date: Monday, February 25th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Library Learning Commons
Parent Association General Meeting and Evening with Dr. Mullady and Dr. Ogle
Date: Wednesday, March 13th
Time: 6:00 social, 6:30 general meeting and talks by Dr. Mullady and Dr. Ogle
Place: East Reading Room
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| Sports on the Ridge | |
It's Four for Four: Varsity Firebirds in the Playoffs!
The Pacific Ridge Athletic Department congratulates the members of all four Winter varsity Firebird teams -- Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer -- who earned spots in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 5 playoffs.
In their first round match on February 19th, Girls Basketball (5th seed) triumphed over San Diego Academy 58-32. They will face the winner of Maranatha Christian vs. Vincent Memorial in the quarter-finals on February 23rd. Boys Basketball (9th seed) faces 8th ranked Vincent Memorial in their first-round match on February 21st. Third-ranked Girls Soccer earned a bye in the first round and will host the winner of Vincent Memorial vs. The Rock Academy on February 23rd. First-ranked Boys Soccer also earned a bye and will host the winner of Mt. Empire vs. Christian on February 23rd.
Playoff game times and locations are subject to change. Check for up-to-date information here. Bring your school spirit to all playoff games and cheer on the Firebirds!
Winter Sports Celebration on March 11th
Families of Upper School winter sports athletes are invited to the end-of-season Sports Celebration on Monday, March 11th. The event will feature a slide show, awards ceremony and breakout sessions for individual team awards and dessert. Dinner will not be served.
Date: Monday, March 11th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Upper School Building
Scores:
Boys Varsity Basketball
2/05/13 Calvin Christian School 52 63 L
2/08/13 Tri-City Christian Schools 56 75 L
2/12/13 San Diego Jewish Academy 56 58 L
2/15/13 The Rock Academy 36 50 L
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball
2/05/13 Calvin Christian School 32 72 L
2/08/13 Tri-City Christian Schools 38 56 L
2/12/13 San Diego Jewish Academy 39 28 W
Girls Varsity Basketball
2/05/13 Calvin Christian School 30 28 W
2/08/13 Tri-City Christian Schools 45 67 L
2/12/13 San Diego Jewish Academy 46 15 W
2/15/13 The Rock Academy 39 20 W
Boys Varsity Soccer
2/06/13 Francis Parker 4 5 L
2/08/13 Santa Fe Christian Schools 4 2 W
2/13/13 La Jolla Country Day 1 2 L
2/15/13 Escondido Charter 3 2 W
Boys Junior Varsity Soccer
2/14/13 La Jolla Country Day 1 2 L
Girls Varsity Soccer
2/06/13 Francis Parker 0 8 L
2/08/13 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 6 L
2/13/13 La Jolla Country Day School 1 2 L
2/15/13 Horizon Christian School 0 2 L
Girls Junior Varsity Soccer
2/04/13 Escondido Charter 1 0 W
Boys Middle School A Soccer
2/05/13 Horizon Christian School (playoffs) 5 1 W
2/06/13 Coronado Middle School (final) 0 5 L
Girls Middle School A Soccer
2/05/13 Santa Fe Christian Schools (playoffs) 1 0 W
2/06/13 Bishops (final) 2 0 W
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| Beyond the Ridge | |
College Counseling Reminds AP Students of Deadlines
Students currently taking AP classes should be aware of two upcoming deadlines. By February 28th, students should confirm with Mrs. Foresman which tests they will be taking. By March 22nd, checks are due to College Counseling, made out to Pacific Ridge School. Each test costs $89. Questions? Please contact Mrs. Foresman at rforesman@pacificridge.org.
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| Class Notes |
Tony Ibrahim '13 Named Coca-Cola Scholar Over 111,000 outstanding high school seniors applied to this year's Coca-Cola Scholars program. Senior Tony Ibrahim has been selected as one of 250 Finalists and will travel to Atlanta, Georgia in April to participate in a series of interviews with the National Selection Committee and attend the Scholar's banquet at the Georgia World Congress Center. Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the program provides generous college scholarship opportunities for exceptional students. Congratulations, Tony! |
| North County Happenings |
Wu Man to Perform at Dove Library
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Photo by Stephen Kahn
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World-renowned musician and Pacific Ridge parent, Wu Man, will perform at a Global Journal Project benefit concert at the Dove Library auditorium on Friday, March 1st, from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. She will also be at the artist's reception beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the courtyard outside the auditorium. This unique concert will feature not only Wu Man's award-winning music, but also her incredible life story. Student interviewers will join her on stage for conversations between performances. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for high school students.
The Dance Department Suggests... For families who are interested in supporting the performing arts, dance instructor Wendy Moore suggests the following performances in North County:
Carlsbad Dance Centre Competition Team Showcase Date: Sunday, March 3rd Times: 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Place: Truax Theater, El Camino High School, Oceanside Tickets: $14, available at Carlsbad Dance Centre, $19 at the door
Studio 429 Friends & Family Dance Expo Date: Sunday, March 10th Time: 4:00 p.m. Place: California Center for the Arts, Escondido Tickets: $22, available here |
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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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February 22nd
Parent Walking Group
8:30 a.m.
Rancho Santa Fe Library
February 25th
Parent Book Club
7 p.m.
February 27th
Parent Technology Harkness
8:15-9:45 a.m. & 4:30-6 p.m.
February 28th
WeCare Screening
Miss Representation
9-11 a.m.
Warren Walker Middle School
March 11th
Winter Sports Team Celebration
7-9 p.m.
March 13th
Parent Association General Meeting
6 p.m. social,
6:30 p.m. meeting and talks
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A View From The Ridge
