On the evening of August 24th, Pacific Ridge parents and friends gathered on campus to celebrate the intersection of arts and technology and to get an insider's view of the soon-to-be-completed Middle School building and Arts Center. Guests participated in several arts and STEAM-related activities, ranging from trying the Pata Pata dance and creating abstract art, to learning about the chemistry involved in making ice cream and fermenting beverages. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about the Breaking Through Campaign, which is funding the new facilities. For more information about the campaign, please click here.

On target: 7th graders try their hand at archery in Julian.

How High Can You Go? 9th Graders compete collaboratively and creatively to build structures from dry spaghetti, tape and marshmallows. 

10th Graders Step Up To The Challenge 

On August 25th, Pacific Ridge 10th graders were joined by faculty, coaches and staff members for Challenge Day, a high-energy program designed to help students build a supportive and inclusive community. Several clubs and campus groups, such as the Be The Change club and the DIME (Diversity, Inclusivity, Multiculturalism & Equity) group will be working on themes related to Challenge Day throughout the year. For more information about Challenge Day, click here. 

On August 13th, the Girls Varsity Volleyball team traveled to Anaheim to observe a U.S. Women's National Team practice session. While there, the Firebirds helped shag balls, watched drills, listened to the coaches' feedback, and interacted with the team during downtime. This is the second year the team has had this opportunity, and it is a tradition Coach Aly Dahl hopes to continue. "This experience is priceless," Dahl said. "Getting to see volleyball played at such a high level and witness these players' commitment, teamwork, and enthusiasm helps us start our season with just the right attitude." 

Congratulations to Emma Price '17 for her recent participation in the Girls' Junior National Volleyball Championship in Minneapolis. Emma's club team, the Wave, qualified for the tournament after winning the Southern California Qualifier Tournament in straight sets, and placing second in the Big South Qualifier Tournament. Emma and her teammates earned a Bronze medal at Junior Nationals, placing 3rd out of the top 32 teams in their age division. Way to go, Firebird!