In This Issue - September 24, 2015 
Snapshot from the Ridge

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


All Sewn Up: Mrs. Nattrass introduces students to the many uses of sewing in one of the new After-School Extension Program classes.

Bulletin Board

Middle and Upper School Social Events on September 25th
Middle School: The Middle School student council 
invites 7th and 8th graders to an evening of laser tag, games, food and fun.
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: The campus lawn, between Mullady Hall and the Middle School Building
Cost: $5 

Upper School: Upper School students can look forward to a "Night O' Fun" that will include open gym, laser tag, a video game room, movie room, food, music and more.
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Athletic Center 
Cost: Free

9th-Grade Parent Coffee on September 29th
Parents of 9th-grade students are invited to attend a "9th-grade 101" coffee talk on September 29th. Upper School Co-Head Allegra Molineaux, 9th-Grade Dean Sarah Peeden, members of the student support staff and College Guidance will present and facilitate discussion on the social-emotional development of adolescents, the academic needs of Pacific Ridge freshmen, and the best way to support students as they begin their high school careers. This will be the first of a five-part coffee talk series. Please mark your calendars for future talks on November 18th, January 13th, February 1st, and March 4th.   
Date: Tuesday, September 29th
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Community Hall 

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 September 29th for an overview of the admissions process and to learn how you can be an important part of admissions events. If you are unable to attend the meeting but are still interested in serving as an ambassador, please contact Jean Nassif at jnassif@pacificridge.org.
Date: Tuesday, September 29th
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Place: Middle School/Administration Building Conference Room

Science Olympiad Information Meeting on October 3rd
Students and parents are invited to attend an informational meeting about this year's Science Olympiad program. 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 coordinator Jug Venkatesh at jvenkatesh@pacificridge.org or Liz O'Brien at lobrien@pacificridge.org.
Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (breakfast provided!)
Place: West Reading Room

Performing Arts Showcase Auditions Underway 
Middle and Upper School students are encouraged to audition for the annual Performing Arts Showcase. This year's showcase takes place on Saturday, November 7th on the Pacific Ridge campus and is sure to sell out! All performers must submit an audition form by October 8th, and schedule an audition with the appropriate teacher (Dance: Mrs. Moore or Ms. Clark; Vocals: Dr. Mitchell; Instruments: Mr. Morell; Theater: Ms. Irvine; Anything Else: Mr. Dziekonski) or submit a video audition no later than October 16th. For more information about showcase auditions, click here.
Fall Fest Will Be Here Soon!
Fall Fest, one of Pacific Ridge's favorite family events, is right around the corner! The annual celebration will take place on Saturday, October 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fall Fest is a once-a-year opportunity for students to raise money for their service learning groups and clubs by offering a day filled with activities, education, and treats. This year's event will include the renowned Parents Association bake sale, music and entertainment, food trucks, basket raffles, the ever-popular living succulent pumpkin centerpiece sale and more!
  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you wish to help out at Fall Fest and have not already signed up to do so, click here to see the volunteer opportunities.
  • 3 VS. 3 BASKETBALL: Students interested in participating in the Fall Fest 3-on-3 tournament can sign up electronically on the survey sent to students by the Athletics Department, or by contacting Coach Burman (cburman@paciicridge.org) or Coach VanderHorst (svanderhorst@pacificridge.org).
  • SEEKING PERFORMERS: Students who are interested in performing on the Fall Fest entertainment stage can sign up through the link found on the Haiku School Information Hub under the "At Your Fingertips" tab. If you have questions, contact Mr. Dziekonski sdziekonski@pacificridge.org.
Admissions Open House on October 24th 
Families interested in learning more about Pacific Ridge School are encouraged to attend the first Fall Open House on Saturday, October 24th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Open House program, which is intended for prospective students and their parents, begins with presentations by teachers, followed by a campus tour and time to meet members of our community. Families may RSVP by phone at (760) 579-4901 or online, via the link on this page.   

Reminder: California Scholarship Federation Deadlines
Attention juniors and seniors: Applications for the California Scholarship Federation for Trimester 3 of the last school year (2014-15) are due by October 15th. Please return your forms to Ms. Serafini at the attendance desk in the Middle School/Administration Building. Parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors, please check your email for more information about CSF requirements and deadlines.

New and Noteworthy

Jake Ducey Encourages Students to Follow Their Dreams 
On Thursday, September 17th, students and faculty gathered in the Athletic Center to kick off another year of educational and inspirational Community Life presentations. The year's first guest speaker was Jake Ducey, a 22-year-old motivational speaker and three-time author, who used his infectious energy and charismatic storytelling to encourage students to pave their own trail. At 19-years-old, the La Costa Canyon alumnus set off for a six-month solo backpacking trip around the world. His adventures and misadventures in Guatemala, Indonesia, Australia, and Thailand helped cement his purpose - encouraging others to follow their hearts - and inspired him to write his first book. Jake spoke of the many obstacles he faced on the path to success, and taught students how to handle rejection with optimism. 



Curricular Adventures 

Life Science Students Help Stuart Little Stay Dry
This week, 7th-grade Life Science students followed the design thinking process (empathy, define, prototype, ideate, test) to build boats for Stuart Little, the beloved fictional mouse from the children's book of the same name. Using only recycled materials, students were challenged to develop a prototype and a method of propulsion that would carry the boat two meters down a rain- gutter track. To succeed, groups had to adopt a design thinking mindset that included collaboration, a bias toward action, iteration, and failing fast. Thanks to balloon sails, rubber-band rudders, a bit of ingenuity, and a whole lot of trail and error, students came up with designs that would make any mouse proud. Click the image below to watch a video about the project.   


Service Learning In The Field

9th-Grade Students Engage in Service Education  
This year, students in 9th-grade service learning are developing practical skills, expanding their understanding of communities outside their own, and exploring the rewards and challenges of non-profit work through the new, yearlong program, "Learning Service." The program includes four dynamic modules - Making a Difference, Social Justice, Design Thinking, and Leadership - that will prepare freshman to become productive members of existing service learning groups or confident leaders of new groups. Already, students have been busy analyzing non-profit mission statements, interviewing Upper School service learning students, completing self-reflection and personality assessments, and diving into a case study about racial privilege. 

New Ocean Blue Lends a Hand to Coastal Cleanup 
Members of Upper School Service Learning group New Ocean Blue were among the 7,000 local volunteers to participate in the 31st Annual Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19th. Thanks for helping keep our beaches beautiful, girls!  



Parents Association 


Succulent Donations Needed for Fall Fest
The Senior Events Committee is looking for donations of ornamental succulents for the Fall Fest pumpkin succulent sale. All proceeds from the sale will go toward expenses for Senior Grad Night. Succulent donations will be collected Monday, September 28th through Friday, October 2nd, and can be dropped off with Ms. Bledsoe at the reception desk in the Middle School Building. Please contact Lydia Lipman at lnlipman@4lipmans.com with any questions. Your help and generosity is much appreciated!

Save The Date for Grade-Level Parent Parties
Grade-level parties are a great opportunity to meet and get to know other parents in your child's grade. A detailed email invitation will be sent soon. Until then, please mark your calendar for the following parties that have already been scheduled. 
7th Grade: Saturday, October 24th, early evening (TBD)
8th Grade: Sunday, September 27th, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
9th Grade: Saturday, September 26th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
10th Grade: Sunday, December 6th (TBD)
11th Grade: Friday, October 23rd (TBD)
12th Grade: We are still in need of a host for the 12th-Grade Parent Party! If you are interested, please contact parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
 
Join The Pacific Ridge Walking Club 
Exercise and socialize with Pacific Ridge parents! 
When: Thursday, October 1st
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Moonlight Beach in Encinitas - meet at the parking lot (up the hill from the beach)

WeCare Presents Author Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair
Pacific Ridge School will host the first WeCare speaker of the school year on October 5th. All families are invited to hear from Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a clinical psychologist, internationally recognized public speaker and acclaimed author of The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age. Dr. Steiner-Adair's presentation will include how to balance the benefits of technology while reducing the risks, nourishing healthy relationships in the digital age, and developing a thoughtful approach to technology in school and life. She will also be available to sign her book! More information about Dr. Steiner-Adair and her presentation can be found here. 
Date: Monday, October 5th 
Time: 6:00 p.m. Social Reception, 7:00 p.m. Presentation 
Location: Community Hall

Sports on the Ridge

Volleyball Home Opener/Fan Event Tomorrow!
Calling all Firebird fans: Let's pack the bleachers on Friday, September 25th to cheer our Varsity and JV Girls Volleyball teams to victory! The Red Oven Pizza food truck will be on campus beginning at 3:00 p.m., and Pacific Ridge students will receive vouchers for free pizza while supplies last. Club Firebird, a student group dedicated to promoting Pacific Ridge athletics, will be on hand with face paint for those fans looking for extra Firebird flair. Don't miss out on this "huge division showdown" that Coach Dahl expects to rival a CIF Finals matchup!
3:30 p.m. Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Mission Vista
5:30 p.m. Girls JV Volleyball vs. Mission Vista

Girls Varsity Volleyball Hosts Firebird Classic
On Friday and Saturday, September 18th and 19th, Girls Varsity Volleyball hosted 25 teams for the fourth annual Firebird Classic. Tournament competitors included both familiar, local teams and teams traveling from as far away as Canada. Members of the Canadian team, Seaquam, were hosted by members of the Pacific Ridge volleyball team for the second year in a row, and players enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new ones. The Firebirds finished the tournament in 7th place, losing to Division 1 teams Point Loma and Whittier Christian, but defeating Sequam, Liberty Charter and Calvin Christian. The Firebird's biggest victory, however, took place off the court - by hosting the tournament, the team was able to raise $6,000 for its upcoming trip to the Nike Tournament of Champions. 


Pacific Ridge Volleyball and Seaquam Volleyball 
(British Columbia, Canada) bond during a team dinner.

Home Games, Week of September 28th
Schedules are subject to change. Please check Schedulestar 
regularly for the most accurate information.

10/1/15 
3:30 p.m. - Girls Middle School "Black" Volleyball vs. Girls Middle School "Silver" Volleyball
4:00 p.m. Girls JV Volleyball vs. San Diego Jewish Academy 



Scores:

Coed Varsity Cross Country
9/18/15 Woodbridge Invitational 
Medalists: Lynnlee Duck-Reynolds, Travis Headapohl

Girls Varsity Tennis
9/14/15 University City High School 16 2 W

Girls JV Volleyball
9/16/15 Academy of Our Lady of Peace 0 2 L

Girls Varsity Volleyball
9/16/15 Academy of Our Lady of Peace 1 3 L 

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 28th
Boston College; Carleton College; Fairfield University; Fordham University; Gettysburg College; Haverford College; Loyola Marymount University; Lynn University; New York University; Northwestern University; Quest University Canada; Santa Clara University; The Ohio State University; Tufts University; University of Glasgow; University of Michigan; Whitman University 

Week of October 5th 
Barnard College; Bates College; Boston University; Chapman University; Colgate University; Colorado State University; Duke College; Eckerd College; Emmanuel College; Georgia Institute of Technology; Johns Hopkins University; Marist College; McGill University; Pitzer College; Queens University of Charlotte; Salve Regina University; Savannah College of Art and Design; Skidmore College; Texas Christian University; Trinity College; University of Aberdeen; University of Connecticut; University of Denver; University of Kansas; University of New England; University of Utah; Washington College; Whittier College

Regional Programs
 
Boston College
Date: Sunday, September 27th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Pacific Ridge East Reading Room 

Fordham University
Date: Monday, September 28th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Pacific Ridge Community Hall

San Diego Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
Date: Wednesday, September 30th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: San Diego Convention Center
Registration and more information 

NACAC College Fair
Date: Sunday, October 4th
Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: San Diego Convention Center
Registration and more information 

Boston University
Date: Monday, October 5th
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: San Diego Marriott La Jolla
Registration

Duke University 
Date: Wednesday, October 7th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: San Diego Marriott Del Mar
Registration

Harvard, Princeton, University of Virginia, and Yale
Date: Thursday, October 8th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Chula Vista School for Creative and Performing Arts
Registration

New Faculty & Staff Snapshot
  

Danielle Pietro, History 

Favorite or most recent, book? Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling
Favorite movie? The King's Speech
Favorite sport? Taekwondo
Greatest indulgence? Chocolate cake
If you make her breakfast? Waffles
In her free time? Reads, writes, swims, draws, does taekwondo
Dream vacation? Australia
Home Town? Sutton, MA


In a community that fosters academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and global engagement, Pacific Ridge School prepares students for college and a purposeful life.

Pacific Ridge School | www.pacificridge.org

September 25th
Middle School Social Event
6 - 8:30 p.m.

Upper School Social Event
6 - 9 p.m.

September 26th
9th-Grade Parent Party
6 - 8 p.m.
 
September 27th
8th-Grade Parent Party
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

September 29th
9th-Grade Parent 
Coffee Talk
5 p.m.

October 1st
Parent Walking Group
8:30 a.m.

October 3rd
Science Olympiad Information Meeting
9 - 10:30 a.m.

October 5th
WeCare Speaker
6 p.m. social reception/
7 p.m. presentation

October 10th
Fall Fest
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

October 14th
PSAT
8 a.m.

Parent/Student/Teacher
 Conferences
4 - 7:25 p.m.

October 15th
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
4:50 - 8:15 p.m.

October 16th
NO SCHOOL

Camp College for Seniors
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
8:20 - 11:55 a.m.

October 19th
NO SCHOOL

October 23rd
Field Day

October 24th
Admissions Open House
1 - 4 p.m.

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