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

Eyewitness interrogation: Deputy City Attorney Paige Hazard questions the injured Cyclops (Mr. Bosc) while "Judge" Molineaux looks on. The mock proceedings are part of 9th graders' preparations for Pacific Ridge's annual Trial of Odysseus, which will take place later this month.

 

 

Admissions Open House Draws A Crowd

A record number of families came to campus on Saturday, November 2nd, to attend this year's first Admissions Open House. Visitors heard presentations by faculty and student panelists, participated in classroom activities and enjoyed student-led campus tours. Thank you to all the visitors who came to learn more about Pacific Ridge School and to all our student, parent and faculty volunteers who shared their enthusiasm for the school. Miss the event? Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 11th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information about applying to Pacific Ridge, visit our website.

 

Middle School Clubs in Full Swing

Pacific Ridge 7th and 8th graders are busy exploring a number of interests in their weekly Clubs meetings. Students are designing and building apps, playing flag football, working on a yearbook, practicing yoga and making creations with duct tape, just to name a few Clubs activities. Middle Schoolers will have the opportunity to continue with their selected club or try a new one in the second trimester.

 

Parent Steve Green provides expert advice to members of the Apps Club.

 

Duct tape footwear? Why not!

 

Yoga class brings serenity to a busy school day. 

 

Global Connections Close to Home

Read more about Pacific Ridge students' visit to Centro de Ense�anza T�cnica y Superior high school in Tijuana. Our latest faculty blog is authored by teachers Chris Burman, Scott Mattoon, Scott Silk and Pedro Af�n.

 

On Wednesday, November 6th, eight recipients of Travel Grant awards given for summer 2013 student-designed trips presented to the community. Eric Straw '14 and Andrew Poole '14 discussed their visit to Puerto Rico, during which they interviewed residents about the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. Rachel Brooks '14 shared stories from her travels in Havana and working on her family's farm in the Cuban countryside. Ian Geckeler '14 recounted what he learned from engineers at a sustainable farm and residential community outside of Chicago. Soren Schlassa '14 discussed his trip to Iceland, which included conducting field research for a sociological study on gender equality policies. Anny Huang '14, Carter Triana '14 and Emily St. Marie '14 described the five weeks they spent in South Korea working for a language institute. The students applied for travel grants last year by presenting detailed plans to a faculty committee and panel of community members. Applications for 2013 Travel Grant awards will be considered in January.

Travel Grant recipients bring the world to Pacific Ridge.

Students in Mr. Oakes' 8th-grade Studio Arts class recently learned how form and value can make objects look three-dimensional when they created animal collages from hand-torn pieces of magazine pages. The lifelike images inspired discussion and reflection among animal lovers in the class, and next trimester Mr. Oakes will integrate the project with the theme of service learning group Animal Allies. Students will be asked to select as their subject an endangered animal, and will pair their collage with a brief essay about how our society or environment is impacting the species.

On Tuesday, November 5th, students in Mrs. Moore's Dance 1 class attended a performance at the Escondido Center for the Arts. Members of contemporary dance company Backhaus Dance performed "Arrive: Connecting Literature and Dance," a work based on the poetry of Maya Angelou. In addition to observing the fluidity and strength of the dancers, students explored how literary expression can be illuminated and enriched when integrated with other art forms.

Backstage with the Backhaus Dance Company

Middle School students in the service learning group Animal Allies are spending time each week assisting the Department of Animal Services in Carlsbad. While working with shelter staff and animals, students learn about the homeless animal problem, responsible pet ownership and animal safety. Animal Allies is currently hosting a donation drive to support the Carlsbad shelter. Donations, including unopened bags of dog and cat treats, new or used pet toys, blankets, beds, and food or water bowls, can be dropped off in the East and West Reading Rooms, the Middle School workroom and the administration building until Tuesday, November 12th.

Middle Schoolers spend time with a cuddly service learning partner.

Reminder: 10th Grade Parent Party on November 16th

Questions? Contact the Parents Association at [email protected].

 

Pacific Ridge Walking Club

The Walking Club's first outing is on November 7th. Interested in joining? Contact the Parents Association at [email protected] to be added to the group's contact list. An email will be sent soliciting input about future meeting dates, times and locations.

Date: Thursday, November 7th

Time: 8:15 a.m.

Place: Peet's Coffee, Bressi Ranch

 

Join the Pacific Ridge Book Club!

Parents are welcome to join the Parents Association Book Club for its next meeting on November 25th. The selected text is Ancient Light, by John Banville. In February, the group will be reading and discussing Quiet, by Susan Cain.

Date: Monday, November 25th

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Library Learning Commons

 

College Counseling is hosting a representative from Oxbridge Academic Programs on November 13th. Oxbridge programs are aimed at academically advanced students in grades 8-12 who have the desire to enrich their studies through experiential learning. Programs are offered in England, France, Spain and New York.

Date: Wednesday, November 13th

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Place: College Counseling Office

Senior parents are invited to an optional Q & A session with the College Counseling team on November 19th. Bring any questions you may have!

Date: Tuesday, November 19th

Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Place: Middle School Commons

Final Week College Rep Visits:

Binghamton University; High Point University; Monmouth University; Oregon State University

Questions about College Counseling? Contact Ms. Bergmanis at [email protected].

On Sunday, November 10th, Emily Bazelton, author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy, will be discussing her research into the complex issue of bullying and sharing advice with parents. Her presentation is the closing night event for the 29th annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair.

Date: Sunday, November 10th

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Temple Solel, 3575 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff

 

Performing Arts Showcase

3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

NO SCHOOL

Veteran's Day

Middle School Challenge Day

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

End of First Trimester

Parent Book Club Meeting

7 p.m.

Upper School Movie Night

6-9 p.m.

Middle School Movie Night 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

NO SCHOOL

Thanksgiving Holiday