In This Issue - October 22, 2015 
Snapshot from the Ridge

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

Talk about home court advantage! Several hundred student fans helped cheer their classmates on to victory during a faculty vs. student showdown in the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Finals.

Bulletin Board



Join Our Admissions Open House This Saturday!
Applications are now available for families interested in applying to Pacific Ridge for the 2016-2017 school year. The first Admissions Open House is on Saturday, October 24th, 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. Or, click here to RSVP online and to learn more about the application process.   

Upper and Middle School Social Events on October 30th
Middle School: Middle School students are invited to a Halloween-themed dance, movie, and activity night featuring pumpkin bowling, mystery boxes, and a photo booth! Pizza, snacks and drinks will be provided. This event is free.
Date: Friday, October 30th 
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Middle School Reading Room

Upper School: Upper School students are invited to a Halloween dance! School-appropriate costumes are encouraged. Food and candy will be provided.
Date: Friday, October 30th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Mullady Hall
Cost: $7 pre-sale, $10 at the door
 

Performing Arts Showcase Tickets On Sale Now!
Come celebrate the arts at Pacific Ridge at the annual Performing Arts Showcase on November 7th. Prepare to be impressed by Pacific Ridge's talented singers, actors, dancers, musicians, and more. Click here to purchase tickets and reserve your seats today!
Date: Saturday, November 7th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Athletic Center Court Theater

Pacific Ridge at San Elijo Community Expo November 7th
On Saturday, November 7th, SHARE San Marcos and the San Elijo Hills Foundation are hosting a Community Business Expo at San Elijo Hills Town Square. More than 50 local businesses will be represented at the event, Pacific Ridge School among them. Prospective families are encouraged to stop by the Pacific Ridge information booth from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to learn more about the school and meet Admissions Director Jean Nassif. The free, family event also includes food trucks, live music, shopping, and raffles. 

Global Vantage 
Issue 11 is Hot Off the Press!
The theme of Pacific Ridge's Global Vantage Issue 11 is Conflict, and includes articles about political strife in Northern Ireland, Mali, and Greece, a photo story about the recent protests in Ukraine, and personal essays on using yoga and nature to remain grounded in a conflicted world. The student-run magazine, with articles written by authors both within the Pacific Ridge community and across the world, can be picked up free of charge on-campus, but regular readers are encouraged to support Global Vantage by signing up for an annual subscription. Subscription funds help cover printing costs and support this year's Global Vantage social action project in Papua New Guinea.

Global Vantage Issue 11 includes a photo story with images
from the front lines of the Ukraine conflict.

STEAM Courses Still Accepting Enrollment for Trimester 2
Seniors and juniors interested in studying the manipulation of matter or the craft of catching waves are in luck; two STEAM courses - Topics in Nanotechnology, and Surfing, Sustainability, and the Sea - have extended their enrollment. It's not too late to sign up for these unique, Trimester 2 learning experiences! Interested students with 6th-period free are encouraged to reach out to Dr. McCabe and Dr. Burckin (Nanotechnology) or Mr. Nagler (Surfing).   
  • Topics in Nanotechnology: This capstone course asks students to develop an integrated approach to understanding science in the context of core concepts that bridge disciplines, such as size and scale, structure of matter, forces and interactions, quantum effects, size-dependent properties, self-assembly, tools and implementation, models and simulations, and science, technology and society.  
  • Surfing, Sustainability and the Sea: In this course, students are challenged to take a closer look at one of San Diego's most distinctive cultural landmarks: surfing. In various texts, films, and field trips, students will examine the intersection of San Diego history, craftsmanship, industry, and environmental stewardship. 
Educational Insights



Dr. Ogle Discusses Education and the Brain
Click here to read Dr. Ogle's latest blog post - a reflection on Independent School Magazine's Fall 2015 theme, "Education and the Brain." Then, be sure to join Dr. Ogle on Twitter (@PRSBobOgle) next week as he continues the conversation about how school-based research on the brain informs Pacific Ridge and other independent schools' approach to education.    

New and Noteworthy

Students Selected to Southern California Honor Choir
Congratulations to juniors Anurag Aiyer, Rachael Bell, and Christopher Ong for being selected to perform with the Southern California Vocal Association High School Honor Choir. Of the more than 650 students who auditioned for the choir, only 270 were selected. Bell, Ong, and Aiyer will represent Pacific Ridge School during the choir's November 21st concert at the University of Redlands. Professional choral directors Angel Vazquez-Ramos (CSU Bakersfield) and Dr. Christopher Peterson (CSU Fullerton) will direct the women's and men's choirs respectively. 



3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Finals  
Last week's 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Finals had it all: students vs. faculty match-ups, last second buzzer beaters, humorous color commentators, and bleachers packed with cheering fans. The tournament began during Fall Fest with more than 16 teams, but just six teams earned a spot in the Community Life playoffs. In the end, it was juniors Noah Kuo, Kyle Ramsay, and Brett Edwards who walked away with the bragging rights, narrowly edging out Firebird basketball coaches Mr. Burman, Mr. Jones, and Ms. VanderHorst for the big win. Congratulations to all the Firebirds who participated!




Curricular Adventures 

Intro to Algebra Students Dress Up for the Occasion
Mrs. Mudaliar's Intro to Algebra class put a twist on rapid-fire quiz studying on Thursday by turning it into a social gathering. Students, who added a few dressy touches to their uniforms, rotated study partners in the style of speed dating. Each pairing had two minutes to tackle a math problem, then two more minutes to help each other if needed and to answer questions devised to help them get to know one another. Snacks and fancy decor turned the quiz preparation into an event to remember!
 


Service Learning In The Field

9th-Grade Class Combines Celebration and Service 
On Wednesday, the entire 9th-grade class participated in a beach cleanup and celebration at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. The Pacific Ridge Service Learning Program adopted Moonlight Beach through "I Love A Clean San Diego" several years ago, and the afternoon was a great opportunity to honor that commitment while celebrating the end of the first rotation in the year's "Learning Service" program. Students will continue rotating through the program's four dynamic modules - Making a Difference, Social Justice, Design Thinking, and Leadership - throughout the year.



Parents Association 

Parents Association General Meeting & Coffee
Come join the Pacific Ridge Parents Association for its first General Meeting & Coffee of the school year.  The meeting will include an introduction of the Parents Association Board and will feature a presentation by Dr. Ogle about the mission-driven principles that guide the school. More details to follow in an upcoming email.
Date: Wednesday, November 4th
Time: Coffee, 7:45 a.m., meeting, 8:15 a.m.
Location: Community Hall

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. Invitations have been sent out for the 7th and 11th-grade parties. If you did not receive one, please email parentsassociation@pacificridge.org. An invitation to the 10th-grade party will be sent a few weeks prior to the event. The 12th-grade parent party date will be announced soon.
11th Grade: Friday, October 23rd , 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
7th Grade: Saturday, October 24th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
10th Grade: Sunday, December 6th, TBD 

Walking Club on October 30th
The Walking Club's next walk will take place on Friday, October 30th in the San Dieguito Park area. Please contact Karen McLoughlin at karenmd760@gmail.com for the exact meeting location.  

Supper Club Kick-Off Event on November 1st 
Supper Club participants will receive their group assignments soon. In the meantime, please mark your calendar for a special social event to celebrate the start of Supper Club.
Date: Sunday, November 1st
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Wine Loft at the Forum: 911 Calle Barcelona, Suite 151, Carlsbad

Parent Book Club Meeting on November 16th
On November 16th, the Pacific Ridge Parent Book Club will meet to discuss The Children's Crusade, by Ann Packer. The Book Club is open to all parents,and we hope to see you there!
Date: Monday, November 16th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Pacific Ridge School Library

Sports on the Ridge

 
"Fight Night" Athletics Spirit Event this Friday 
Wanted: Loud and proud Firebird fans ready to cheer varsity and junior varsity volleyball on to victory during October 23rd home matches against La Jolla Country Day! Bring family, friends, and your appetite - Craft Your Own will be on hand selling pizza and salad, and the first $500 worth of food purchases will be on the house, compliments of Pacific Ridge Athletics. Don't forget to deck out in Firebird black and blue - Fight Night shirts will be sold during lunch next week for $15, The Birds' Nest will be selling spirit wear during the games, and Club Firebird will set up spirit stations with face paint and temporary tattoos. The junior varsity game starts at 4:00 p.m., with the varsity game to following at 5:30 p.m. 

Coach Dahl Shares "The Perfect Passing Drill"
Earlier this month, The Art of Coaching Volleyball, an international volleyball coaching clinic and website, stopped by the Pacific Ridge Athletic Center to film varsity volleyball practice. The first video, featuring an explanation and demonstration of one of the Firebird's regular passing drills is online now. Click here to check it out. 

A Day in the Life of a Middle School Cross Country Athlete
With no cross country meets on the schedule last week, Coach VanderHorst and her middle school athletes had extra time during practice for a fun and creative video project. Students were filmed completing drills, doing cheers, and, of course, running. The brief, documentary-style videos give a glimpse into the boundless energy, humor, and spirit of the close-knit squads. Click play on the images below to get a glimpse of life as a Firebird distance runner.

Day in the Life- 7th Grade XC
7th Grade Coed Cross Country

Day in the Life- 8th Grade Cross Country
8th Grade Coed Cross Country

Home Games, Week of October 26th
Schedules are subject to change. Please check Schedulestar 
regularly for the most accurate information.

10/27/15
3:30 p.m.
Coed 8 "Blue" Flag Football vs. Horizon Prep
Girls Middle School 'A' Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian 
Girls Middle School "White" Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian

4:30 p.m.
Coed 7 "White" Flag Football vs Coed 8 "White" Flag Football
Girls Middle School 'B' Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian 
Girls Middle School "Blue" Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian 

10/29/15
3:30 p.m.
Coed 8 "Blue" Flag Football vs. Tri-City Christian Schools 
Girls Middle School 'A' Volleyball vs. Maranatha Christian 
Girls Middle School "Black" Volleyball Santa Fe Christian

4:30 p.m.
Coed 7 "Blue" Flag Football vs. Tri-City Christian Schools
Girls Middle School 'B' Volleyball vs. Maranatha Christian
Girls Middle School "Silver" Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian







Scores:

Coed Varsity Cross Country
10/15/15 Coastal League Cluster #1
Lynnlee Duck-Reynolds - 6th place
Lauren Lipman - 12th place
Travis Headapohl - 4th place
Thomas Peterschmidt - 8th place

Coed 8 'Blue' Flag Football
10/13/15 Tri-City Christian Schools 20 15 W

Girls Varsity Tennis
10/13/15 Francis Parker School 7 11 L
10/15/15 La Jolla Country Day School 9 9 T

Girls Varsity Volleyball
10/13/15 Tri-City Christian Schools 2 3 L
10/15/15 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 3 L

Girls JV Volleyball
10/13/15 Tri-City Christian Schools 2 0 W
10/15/15 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 0 W

Beyond The Ridge

Performing Arts College Fair at UCLA on October 24th
Students will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from colleges, universities, conservatories, festivals and other educational institutions with specialized programs in the visual and performing arts. Hosted by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). Registration prior to the event is encouraged.

College Night For Juniors and Parents on November 2nd
The College Guidance office looks forward to seeing all juniors and their parents at this informative overview of the college search and application process, including: key dates and programs, navigating Naviance, and advice for anticipating and managing the second-half of junior year. Juniors and at least one parent each are expected to attend.
Date: Wednesday, November 2nd
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad

College Representatives Are On The Way: 

Week of October 26th
Arizona State University; Boston University; Davidson College; Drexel University; Hendrix College; Kenyon College; Miami University, Oxford; Pomona College; Rutgers University - New Brunswick; Southern Methodist University; University of Notre Dame; University of Southern California; Wellesley College

Week of November 2nd
American University; Connecticut College; Elon University; Franklin University Switzerland; Hofstra University; Macalester College; University of Alabama; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Rochester

Faculty & Staff News

Mr. Burman Recognized in Stanford Teacher Tribute Initiative
Upper School Spanish teacher and Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Chris Burman was recently honored by Stanford University for his dedication as an educator. Mr. Burman was nominated by Stanford freshman and Pacific Ridge Class of 2015 alumnus Sebastian Green, and was subsequently recognized by the university for his teaching and mentorship. As part the Teacher Tribute Initiative, all member's of Stanford's incoming class are given the opportunity to acknowledge a former teacher who played a significant role in their intellectual, academic, social and personal development. Sebastian, who got to know Mr. Burman both in the classroom and on the basketball court, writes, "I will clearly remember Mr. Burman's inspiring sincerity. He had a way of commanding respect through humble and compassionate action."



New Faculty & Staff Snapshot
  

Emily Moscol, Associate Director of College Guidance

Favorite or most recent, book? The Little Friend, by Donna Tartt
Favorite movie? Ghostbusters and Wayne's World 
Favorite sport? Lifelong Patriots fan
Greatest indulgence? A good, rare steak
If you make her breakfast? Pancakes
In her free time? If she had any free time, this busy mom would read, garden, and listen to loud rock n' roll
Dream vacation? "Sitting on a beach somewhere without anyone eating sand, crying, pooping, or asking questions for the day." 
Home Town? Boston


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

October 23rd
Field Day

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

October 30th
Middle & Upper School
Social Events
6 p.m.

November 2nd
11th-Grade Parent Night
6:30 - 8 p.m.

November 4th
Parents Association
General Meeting
social reception, 7:45 a.m.
presentation, 8:15 a.m.

November 7th
Performing Arts Showcase
7 p.m.

November 9th
NO SCHOOL
Veterans Day 

November 21st - 29th
NO SCHOOL
Thanksgiving Break

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