Pacific Ridge School Header
Pacific Ridge School DotsA View From The Ridge
Weekly E-Newsletter
September 18, 2014
In This Issue
Bulletin Board
New & Noteworthy
Curricular Adventures
Service Learning In The Field
Parents Association
Sports on the Ridge
Class Notes
Beyond the Ridge
New Faculty & Staff Snapshot
Article Headline
North County Happenings
Snapshot from the Ridge

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


 Students trade cell phones and computers for puzzles, board games and books as part of the library's "Screen-Free Friday" lunch initiative.

Bulletin Board

California Coastal Cleanup Day on September 20th
Service learning group New Ocean Blue is coordinating Pacific Ridge's volunteer cleanup efforts at Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come help keep our shoreline pristine! Interested in participating? Contact Mrs. Symington at 

Parents Association General Meeting on September 23rd

Join Dr. Ogle and other members of the academic team to learn about 2014-2015 plans and programs at the first Parents Association General Meeting of the year. All parents are welcome to attend.

Date: Tuesday, September 23rd

Time: 8:15 - 10:00 a.m.

Place: Carlsbad Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane


Upcoming Middle and Upper School Social Events!
Middle School students: Come enjoy an evening of laser tag and games! A $5 fee will cover unlimited rounds of laser tag. Free food and drinks provided. Come wearing your game face!
Date: Friday, September 26th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Athletic Center

Upper School students:
Upper School students are encouraged to don their best black and white attire for an evening of dancing and fun. This will be the final dance to take place in the Commons! Tacos and dessert will be served. 
Date: Friday, September 26th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Middle School Commons 

It's Time for Science Olympiad! Information Meeting on September 27th

Students and parents are invited to attend an informational meeting about this year's Science Olympiad program. New students and parents are especially welcome! Come learn how you can be a part of the highly successful Pacific Ridge team. Visit the Science Olympiad website for more information about this national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting interest in science. Curious about Pacific Ridge's student teams or interested in volunteering as a coach? Contact Science Olympiad coordinator and Programming teacher Jug Venkatesh at jvenkatesh@pacificridge.org. 

Date: Saturday, September 27th

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. (breakfast provided!)

Place: West Reading Room


Performing Arts Showcase Auditions Begin October 2nd 

Middle and Upper School students are encouraged to audition for the annual Performing Arts Showcase. This year's showcase takes place on Saturday, November 8th at the AVO theater in Vista and is sure to sell out! All performers in each act must attend a live 10-minute audition to earn their spots in the show. Auditions will be held on campus October 2nd - October 9th. For more information about the showcase or to schedule an audition time, click here.

 

Birds' Nest Merchandise Available Online 

The Birds' Nest website is up and running! Show your school spirit with Pacific Ridge pullovers, lanyards, fleece jackets, license plate holders and more. Look for new products and colors in late October, and don't forget to check out all of the Birds' Nest products at Fall Fest on October 19th.

 

 

Reminder: California Scholarship Federation Deadlines 

Attention juniors and seniors: Applications for the California Scholarship Federation for Trimester 3 of the last school year (2013-2014) are due by September 30th. Please return your forms to Ms. Serafini in the library. Parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors, please check your email for more information about CSF requirements and deadlines.

 

Reminder: Family Directory Available Online

Two versions of the Family Directory are now available online. For a searchable directory, please go to My Backpack. For a downloadable print version, please go to Haiku. The directory can be found on the At Your Fingertips page of the School Information Hub.

 

New & Noteworthy

 

Construction Update!

Construction on the new Middle School/Administration building and Arts Center is moving right along, and visitors to campus can see rooflines, building contours and the in-between spaces the new facilities will create. In spite of the record-breaking heat, the Lusardi Construction team is working vigorously to complete the project in the beginning of the new year. Acoustic panels are being installed in the music practice rooms, interior finishings are being selected and furniture is being ordered. Many thanks go to all in the Pacific Ridge community for your patience during this final phase of construction. We're almost there, and it will be well worth the wait!

 

 

A Peek Over the Fence: Pacific Ridge's new buildings take shape.

 

 

The lobby of the Arts Center with a view to the Middle School

 

Some Like It Hot: Construction workers brave the scorching heat to keep the project on schedule.

 

Curricular Adventures

 

10th-Grade Chemistry Gets Heated 

Last week, students in Mr. Emmerson's 10th-Grade Chemistry classes got fired up about the physical and chemical properties of compounds. When Mr. Emmerson used glycerin solution and methane gas to create bubbles, students quickly noted that methane's density, relative to that of the air, caused the bubbles to rise. By adding a lit candle to the bubbles as they floated upward, Mr. Emmerson produced a satisfying combustion reaction, and a chemistry lesson students won't forget. 

 

 

Service Learning In The Field

 

Animal Allies Says Thanks to Cat Adopters

Middle School service learning group Animal Allies wasted no time getting to work at the County Animal Shelter in Carlsbad. During the group's first visit, after receiving a tour of the facilities, students decorated cat carriers with drawings and words of appreciation. The simple gesture is just one of many ways Animal Allies plans to support those who rescue and care for mankind's furry friends.  

 

Students leave notes for those taking home a new feline friend.

Middle Schoolers Help Make "Waves of Appreciation"
Middle school students showed their appreciation for those who serve by writing thank you notes to military members. In the notes, students shared personal stories of family members in the military, drew pictures of American flags and flowers, and expressed gratitude for the sacrifice and bravery of our servicemen and women. The notes will be packed alongside granola bars, beef jerky, dried fruit and other non-perishable food items in bags that will be handed out to all active-duty service members traveling through the San Diego Airport this holiday season. The Waves of Appreciation project is a collaboration between the San Diego USO and the San Diego Waves, a local alumni chapter at Pepperdine University. 


Parents Association

 

Used Uniform and Textbook Collection

Do you have textbooks or uniforms that you no longer need? The Parents Association is sponsoring a textbook drive and used uniform collection through September 29th. Current and past textbooks in at least fair condition, and gently used uniforms can be dropped off Monday through Friday at Building 'A' reception. You can also bring books or uniforms to the Parents Association General Meeting on September 23rd. 

 

Parent Grade-Level Parties

If you are looking to meet and get to know the parents of your child's classmates, these grade-level parties offer the perfect setting. You will receive an email invitation closer to the date of each party.

11th Grade: Saturday, October 25th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

9th Grade: Sunday, September 21st, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

7th Grade: Saturday, September 27th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

8th Grade: Saturday, November 1st, early evening (TBD)

 

  Book Club Meeting on September 22nd 

The Pacific Ridge Parent Book Club will meet on September 22nd to discuss A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. The Book Club is open to all Pacific Ridge parents. For more information, please email parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.

Date: Monday, September 22nd

Place: Pacific Ridge School Library

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

 

Join the Parent Walking Club 

Come one, come all for a bit of exercise and another chance to socialize with Pacific Ridge parents. Please join us for the first walk of the season.  

Date:  Wednesday, September 24th 

Time: 8:15 a.m. 

Place: Meet at Peet's Coffee in Bressi Ranch

 

 

Fall Fest Coming Up on October 18th!
Mark your calendar for one of Pacific Ridge's favorite family events! Fall Fest is a once-a-year opportunity for our students to raise funding and awareness for their service learning groups and clubs. Students generate enthusiasm for their programs by sharing information, selling goods and services, and showing their entrepreneurial spirit throughout the day. Here's just a sampling of what you will likely find at this year's event: a farmers market, obstacle course, cake walk, face painting, pumpkin patch, and the renowned Parents Association bake sale!
Date: Saturday, October 18th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Pacific Ridge campus
Parking: 2765 Loker Avenue (see map), shuttles provided

 

Sports on the Ridge

Coach Neptune Inducted Into Lacrosse Hall of Fame 

On September 13th, Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach and Athletics Programs and Services Administrator Liza Neptune was inducted into the San Diego County Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Coach Neptune has coached lacrosse for more than 15 years and is responsible for starting the Firebirds' Middle School and Upper School girls lacrosse programs. The ceremony was attended by several Pacific Ridge parents, coaches and students, including girls varsity lacrosse team captains Olivia Prendergast, Meredith Wislar, Noelle Reich, Britta Gullahorn and Natalie Dederich, who took the stage to offer a humorous and moving tribute to Coach Neptune's mentoring and "mothering." 

 

 

Girls varsity lacrosse captains pay tribute to Coach Neptune.

Upper School Home Games, Week of September 22nd
Schedules are subject to change, so please check Schedulestar regularly for accurate information.

9/23/14
4:00 p.m. - Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Guajome Park Academy
6:00 p.m. - Girls JV 'A' Volleyball vs. Guajome Park Academy
6:30 p.m. - Girls JV 'B' Volleyball vs. Guajome Park Academy

9/24/14
3:30 p.m. - 8th-Grade Boys Flag Football vs. Army & Navy Academy
4:30 p.m. - Coed 7th-Grade Flag Football vs. Tri-City Christian

9/25/14
4:00 p.m. - Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Mt. Carmel High School
6:00 p.m. - Girls JV 'A' Volleyball vs. Mt. Carmel High School
6:00 p.m. -  Girls JV 'B' Volleyball vs. Mt. Carmel High School

9/27/14
Girls JV Volleyball Firebird Classic Tournament - games played throughout the day




Scores:

Coed Cross Country 
9/13/14 Bronco Roundup Invitational 
Travis Headaphol, 25th place medalist
Lynnlee Duck-Reynolds, 29th place medalist 

Girls Varsity Tennis 
9/9/14 High Tech High 15 3 W
9/11/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 12 6 W

Girls Varsity Volleyball
9/9/14 The Bishop's School 0 3 L
9/10/14 Escondido High School 3 0 W
9/12/14 Horizon Christian School 3 0 W

Girls JV 'A' Volleyball
9/9/14 The Bishop's School 0 3 L
9/10/14 Escondido High School 2 1 W
9/12/14 Horizon Christian School 2 1 W

Girls JV 'B' Volleyball
9/9/14 The Bishop's School 0 2 L
9/10/14 Escondido High School 1 2 L
                                       
Class Notes



Next Generation to Play at Carlsbad Art Splash
Sebastian Green '15 and his bluegrass band, Next Generation, will perform at the Carlsbad Art Splash on Saturday, September 27th at 2:45 p.m. Bring the whole family to clap and groove along with Sebastian and fellow musicians Steve Green, Zachary Caplinger and Orion Johanning, then stick around to enjoy all the free arts activities, music and entertainment that Art Splash offers.  

Beyond the Ridge

College Representatives Are On Their Way

Admission officers from colleges and universities around the country will be visiting Pacific Ridge throughout the fall. Seniors know the process to register for visits, and juniors are invited to attend sessions that happen during their free periods. Visits are being added and updated daily in Naviance. Juniors can stop by the College Guidance Office for more information, or assistance with their Naviance login. All sessions are hosted in the College Guidance Office unless otherwise indicated. 


Week of September 22nd
American University; Bates College; Bentley University; Boston College; Claremont McKenna College; Colgate University; Hamilton College; Harvey Mudd College; Fordham University; Miami University, Oxford; Northeastern University; St. Mary's College of California; University of Nevada, Reno

Week of September 29th
Arizona State University; Babson College; Boston University; Lynn University; Skidmore College; The University of Arizona; University of California, San Diego; University of Chicago; Wagner College; Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Week of October 6th
Hofstra University; Pitzer College; Samford University; Temple University; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; University of Utah; Whittier College

Regional Programs:

UCLA Fall Open House
Date: Saturday, September 20th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Place: UCLA campus

Boston College
Date: Sunday, September 28th
Time: 2:00 p.m. 
Place: Omni La Costa Resort, Carlsbad

 

Boston University

Date: Monday, September 29th

Time: 6:30 p.m. 

Place: San Diego Marriott, 4240 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla

Registration & RSVP

 

 New Faculty & Staff Snapshot 

 

   

Randi Green, Associate Director of College Guidance

 

Favorite, or most recent, book? Most recent: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Favorite: Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Favorite movie? Guilty pleasures: Mean Girls, The Notebook and Wedding Crashers

Favorite sport, to play or watch? College football (Go Gators!)

Greatest indulgence? All things chocolate

If you make her breakfast? Greek yogurt parfait with fruit and granola

In her free time? Beach, spin class (or whatever fitness kick she's on at the time), trying out new restaurants, spending time with friends and family

Dream vacation? Too many options to list

Home town? Plainview, NY

 

Faculty & Staff News

Welcome to a New Firebird!
Congratulations to Coach Don Collins and his wife Nicole, who welcomed their first child, Michael John Collins, on September 12th. Michael weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces at birth. Mom, Dad and Michael are all doing well and are happily getting acquainted.



North County Happenings 

Carlsbad Music Festival September 19th - 21st

The 11th Annual Carlsbad Music Festival promises a weekend of "adventurous music by the beach" featuring world-class performers and composers. Free community events include the popular Village Music Walk on Saturday and Concerts in the Park on Sunday afternoon. Information about the artists, schedule and tickets can be found here.


Free Heart Screening for Teens on September 28th
The Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation is sponsoring free Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) screenings for teenagers on Sunday, September 28th. Screenings may reveal undetected heart abnormalities that could put teens at risk for SCA. The screenings are painless, non-invasive and can save lives. To register for a 30-minute appointment, please click here.
Date: Sunday, September 28th 
Time: By appointment, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: La Jolla High School, 750 Nautilus St., La Jolla 


Pacific Ridge School Logo 





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
September 21st

9th-Grade Parent Party

4:00 p.m. 

 

September 22nd

Parent Book Club Meeting

7 p.m.

 

September 23rd

Parents Association General Meeting

8:15 a.m.

 

September 24th

Parent Walking Club

8:15 a.m. 

 

September 26th

Middle School Social Event

6:30 p.m.

 

Upper School Social Event

6:00 p.m. 

 

September 27th

7th-Grade Parent Party

6:00 p.m.


Quick Links


Join Our Mailing List