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Pacific Ridge School DotsA View From The Ridge
Weekly E-Newsletter
October 9, 2014
In This Issue
Bulletin Board
Fall Fest News & Information
Article Headline
New & Noteworthy
Curricular Adventures
Service Learning In The Field
Parents Association
Sports on the Ridge
Class Notes
Beyond the Ridge
New Faculty & Staff Snapshot
Snapshot from the Ridge

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

 
 During Thursday's Global Expo Redux, Chemistry students met one of Mr. Emmerson's feathered friends - an example of the type of wildlife they can expect to encounter on the Costa Rica rainforest conservation trip.
Bulletin Board

No School on Friday, Oct. 10th & Monday, Oct. 13th

Parent Harkness Series: Talking About The Elements of Our Mission Statement

Throughout this academic year, parents are invited to participate in a series of discussions about the Pacific Ridge mission statement. Where has it taken us? Where is it leading us now? Where do we want it to take us from here? Come join Dr. Ogle at the Harkness table to discuss "Academic Excellence," "Ethical Responsibility" and "Global Engagement." Check your email for an invitation and a link through which you can sign up for the first Harkness topic: "Academic Excellence."

 

Admissions Applications Now Available 

Applications are now available for families interested in applying to Pacific Ridge for the 2015-2016 school year. The first Admissions Open House is on Saturday, November 15th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with presentations followed by campus tours. Interested in attending an Open House event? To RSVP, please contact Admissions Assistant Tiffany Murphy at 760-448-9841 or tmurphy@pacificridge.org. Click here for all Open House dates and more information about the application process.

 

Be a Parent Ambassador During Admissions Season

We are looking for parents of current students and alumni to help families learn about Pacific Ridge during admissions events. Come to a Parent Ambassador meeting on October 27th for an overview of the admissions process and to learn how you can be an important part of admissions events. Please contact Admissions Assistant Tiffany Murphy at 760-448-9841 or tmurphy@pacificridge.org.

Date: Monday, October 27th

Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Place: Athletic Center Conference Room

 

 

Upper School Musical Auditions October 14th-20th

Auditions for this year's Upper School Musical, Pippin, begin on October 14th. The Tony Award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, tells the story of a young prince's search for meaning and significance. Students interested in auditioning or participating in the crew can reference the Pippin Haiku page for more information. Parents, mark your calendar now for performance dates of February 5th - 7th. 

 

8 Weeks Down, 8 Months to Go!

Pacific Ridge parents are invited to a reception on Wednesday, October 22nd. Join Dr. Ogle and the Division Heads as they reflect on the first eight weeks of school and share plans for the remainder of the year. The presentation will be followed by an announcement of this year's Annual Fund and an update on The Breaking Through campaign. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. RSVP to events@pacificridge.org. 

Date: Wednesday, October 22nd

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Mullady Hall

Parking: 2765 Loker Avenue (see map), shuttles provided  

 

  

Reminder: STEAM Carnival on October 25th 

A limited number of complimentary student tickets are still available for the October 25th STEAM Carnival in Los Angeles. The carnival is designed for students with an interest in high-tech interactive games, unique robots, and carnival-style events that integrate S.T.E.M. with the arts. The bus will depart from Pacific Ridge at 8:00 a.m. and return at approximately 6:00 p.m. Interested students should contact Eva Schmidt ateschmidt@pacificridge.org to apply. 

 

Fall Fest News & Information

  

Fall Fest Coming Up on October 18th!

Fall Fest is a once-a-year opportunity for our students to raise awareness and funding for their service learning groups and clubs by offering a day filled with activities and treats. Here's just a sampling of what you will find at this year's event: a farmers market, games, obstacle course, cake walk, face painting, and the famous 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

 

Fall Fest Volunteers Needed

Fall Fest is the largest Pacific Ridge community event, and parent volunteers are always needed to help make it a success. Please click here to see how you can lend a hand.

 

 Succulent Donations Wanted      

At Fall Fest, seniors will once again make and sell beautiful pumpkin succulent centerpieces to raise money for Grad Night, and succulent cuttings of all sizes are needed. Donations can be dropped off in the 'A' building by October 15th. Please contact Lora Abbey at (760) 271-0321 with any questions. 

 

Win An On-Campus Parking Spot!

Don't miss your once-a-year opportunity to win an on-campus parking spot for you or your student driver for an entire trimester! Tickets for the opportunity drawing will be sold at Fall Fest. Those who cannot make it to Fall Fest or would like to purchase tickets in advance, may purchase tickets online via PayPal or pay by check. For details please visit the Parents Association tab on the Haiku School Information Hub.  

 

Educational Insights

Please click here to read Dr. Ogle's latest blog post, "Building (and maintaining) an Inclusive Community."

New & Noteworthy

 

The International Bank of Bob

Bob Harris, a former jeopardy winner, television writer, stand-up comedian and author, encouraged students to explore the world with an open heart during Community Life on October 8th. As a luxury hotel reviewer for Forbes, Harris found himself living the "billionaire lifestyle" even while visiting countries plagued by poverty. He began seeking ways to give back and became involved with Kiva, a non-profit that enables individuals to microfinance small businesses around the world. [Kiva is also used by Upper School service learning group NKT Connections.] Harris' new book, The International Bank of Bob details his experiences traveling the world to trace the impact of his loans. He shared stories demonstrating the powerful difference individuals can make in the world and the joy that can be found through helping others flourish.  
 

 


 

Curricular Adventures

 

Teaching The Age of Exploration in the Information Age

After completing a unit on the Age of Exploration, sophomores in Modern World History were asked to examine the way the topic is taught to elementary school students. Remembering the limited, Eurocentric way they first learned about the time period, students responded by developing creative lesson plans for elementary school students that approached the subject from a broader perspective, including discussions of the well-developed and peaceful Muslim trade routes and explorers such as Zheng He, who commanded fleets nearly one hundred years before Columbus. Using video, online learning technology and in-class games, students created imaginative lessons that may be shared with elementary school students in the future.

 

 

Comparing Zheng He's Treasure Fleet with Columbus's diminutive vessels

 

Seventh Graders Serve Up Fresh-Baked Fractions

This week, students in Mrs. Zerlaut's Pre-Algebra class put their knowledge of fractions to the test...the taste test! Students exercised their mathematical skills by converting the measurements of favorite cookie recipes to yield various quantities of delicious goodies. The final calculation? Convert the recipes to feed an entire class of hungry seventh graders. Students baked and brought their creations to class for a fraction cookie party where they designed the cover for a future class cookbook. 

 

Common denominator for all these delicious fractions? Yum! 

Service Learning In The Field

 

Middle School Students Put Compassion In Action at Arc

Nearly every week, middle school service learning students visit The Arc of San Diego, a non-residential facility for developmentally challenged adults in San Marcos. Students collaborate with consumers on craft projects, seasonal activities, music performances and games like Wii and Nerf bowling. The Arc experience challenges students to learn patience, compassion and acceptance of those with different abilities. 

 

 

Service Learning Groups Prepare for Fall Fest  

Upper School service learning groups and clubs participating in Fall Fest have registered for booths and are hard at work planning activities and treats for all to enjoy. Fall Fest gives students the opportunity to creatively fundraise, share information about important causes and engage the community.   
 

 

Students in Educating Near & Far learn to silkscreen t-shirts for Fall Fest.

 

Parents Association

 

Join the Parents Walking Club on October 16th

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

Date: Thursday, October 16th

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Place: Starbucks, 1560 Leucadia Blvd., Encinitas

 

Parent Book Club Meeting On November 3rd

The Pacific Ridge Parent Book Club will meet to discuss Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail, by Cheryl Strayed.  The Book Club is open to all Pacific Ridge parents and we hope to see you there. 

Date: Monday, November 3rd

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Place: Pacific Ridge library 

 

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. If you have not received an evite, please contact the Parents Association at parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.

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

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

  

Two Easy Ways to Support Pacific Ridge School 

e-Scrip

Sign up for eScrip, and earn money for Pacific Ridge by having a percentage of your purchase dollars donated to the school when you shop at Von's, Amazon, and more! When you register with eScrip, designate Pacific Ridge under "Group Selection," or use our Group ID number: 500017582. For more information please visit the " Parents Association" tab on the Haiku School Information Hub. 

 

Amazon Smile 

Amazon Smile, a service provided for Amazon Prime members, will donate 0.5% of all purchases to Pacific Ridge! Just go to smile.amazon.com instead of the regular Amazon homepage and register Pacific Ridge as your nominated charity. Then, just shop as you normally would. 

Athletics 






Scores:

Girls Varsity Volleyball
9/30/14 Calvin Christian School of ESC 0 3 L

Scripps Ranch Tournament, placed 5th out of 25 teams  
10/3/14 Mt. Carmel High School 2 0 W
10/3/14 San Marcos High School 2 0 W
10/3/14 University City High School 2 0 W  
10/4/14 Rancho Buena Vista High School 0 2 L
10/4/14 West Hills High School 2 0 W
10/4/14 Scripps Ranch High School 0 2 L

Girls JV 'A' Volleyball 
9/30/14 Calvin Christian School of ESC 2 1 W 

Girls JV 'B' Volleyball 
9/29/14 High Tech High 2 0 W 

Girls Middle School 'A' Volleyball
9/30/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 2 L
10/3/14 La Jolla Country Day 2 1 W

Girls Middle School 'B' Volleyball
9/30/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 1 W 

Girls Middle School "Blue" Volleyball
9/30/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 0 W
 
Girls Middle School "White" Volleyball 
9/30/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 1 W 

Girls Varsity Tennis
9/30/14 San Diego Jewish Academy 15 3 W 
10/2/14 La Jolla Country Day School 7 11 L 

Coed Middle School Cross Country
10/1/14 South Coast Middle School League Meet 
Leo Diaz, 2nd place
Nate McClymonds, 4th place
Megan Martindale, 1st place
Zoe Erturk, 3rd place 

Boys 8th-Grade Flag Football
10/2/14 San Diego Jewish Academy 20 13 W 
10/3/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 21 L

Coed 7th-Grade Flag Football
10/2/14 San Diego Jewish Academy 20 13 W
10/3/14 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 21 L 

Class Notes
                                         
12 Seniors Named 2015 National Merit    
Scholarship Program Commended Students 
Congratulations to the 12 members of the Class of 2015 who were named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Anthony Albright, Megan Chang-Haines, Finley Chow, Roxi Corbeil, Carter Embry, Thomas Lerner, Michelle Levitt, Claudia Naughton, Lindsey Sanderson, David Smith, Megan Thode and Margaret Zhao. Commended students' PSAT/NMSQT scores place them among the top five percent of nearly 1.5 million test takers.    

Beyond the Ridge

PSAT for Sophomores/Juniors on October 15th

The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered to sophomores and juniors on Wednesday, October 15th, in the Athletic Center. Students should come prepared with #2 pencils and a calculator, ready to begin testing at 8:00 a.m. 


College Representatives Are On Their Way: 


Week of October 6th
Bard College; Carleton College; Eckerd College; Elon University; Hofstra University; Macalester College; New York University; Pitzer College; Princeton University; Rutgers University-New Brunswick; Samford University; Temple University; Tufts University; University of the Pacific; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; University of Redlands; University of Utah; Whittier College; Whitman College; William Woods University

Week of October 13th
Beloit College; Bucknell University; Connecticut College; Emmanuel College; Gettysburg College; Grand Canyon University; Grinnell College; High Point University; Indiana University at Bloomington; Johns Hopkins University; Lehigh University; Loyola Marymount University; Merrimack College; Salve Regina University; St. Edward's University; Texas Christian University; University of British Columbia; University of Denver; University of Southern California; Washington University in St. Louis

Regional Programs:

University of Southern California 
Date: Sunday, October 12th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Place: Hyatt Regency La Jolla

Georgetown University
Date: Thursday, October 16th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Francis Parker Upper/Middle School

Loyola Marymount University
Date: Sunday, October 19th
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Loyola Marymount University Campus

University of Puget Sound
Date: Tuesday, October 14th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Bucknell University
Date: Sunday, October 19th
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Pacific Ridge East Reading Room

Washington University in St. Louis
Date: Sunday, October 19th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Hilton San Diego/Mission Valley

Duke University
Date: Tuesday, October 21st
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Francis Parker Upper/Middle School

 New Faculty & Staff Snapshot 

 

 

Will Brito, History 

 

Favorite, or most recent, book? The Art of Fielding, by Chad Harbach

Favorite movie? Inside Man, directed by Spike Lee

Favorite sport, to play or watch? Basketball

Greatest indulgence? A good, hot cup of coffee

If you make him breakfast? French toast and Eggs Benedict; not mixed together, but on the same plate

In his free time? Plays basketball, watches basketball, and reads (only sometimes about basketball) 

Dream vacation? Aruba

Hometown? Dallas, Texas

 


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
October 10th

NO SCHOOL

 

Camp College for Seniors

8:00 a.m.

 

October 13th

NO SCHOOL

Columbus Day

 

October 15th

PSAT Testing

8:00 a.m.

 

October 18th

Fall Fest

   11:00 a.m. 

 

October 22nd

Parent Event

6:30 p.m.

 

October 25th

11th Grade 

Parent Party

6:00 p.m.

 

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