In This Issue - October 29, 2015 
Snapshot from the Ridge

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


Have You Met Jack ... O'Lantern? 9th-grade students worked in 
advisory groups to create classic, silly, and spooky designs 
during a pumpkin-carving competition on Monday. 

Bulletin Board

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
 

Buy Your Performing Arts Showcase Tickets Today!
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. 

No School on Monday, November 9th
Veteran's Day Observed

Taking Exceptional to Extraordinary Through the Annual Fund
From small classes and outstanding faculty to global travel, service learning, athletics and the arts, the Pacific Ridge Annual Fund helps make the extraordinary possible. Gifts to the Annual Fund enrich and enhance the Pacific Ridge experience beyond what would be possible with tuition dollars alone. This year, our Annual Fund goal is $585,000 with full participation from our trustee, faculty and staff, and parent communities. Please visit Pacific Ridge Annual Giving for more information. Click here to make an on-line donation or here to submit an on-line pledge agreement payable anytime through May 31, 2016. Please contact Nisa Conway at nconway@pacificridge.org with any questions. Thank you for your support! 

Global Vantage 
Issue 11 Now Available
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 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. 
New & Noteworthy

Field Day Inspires Firebird Spirit  
On Friday, October 23rd, Pacific Ridge's 9th annual Field Day had the campus buzzing with competition, fun, and Firebird spirit! Teams spent the afternoon rotating through stations including a three-legged race, shuffleball, basketball shoot, and human tic-tac-toe. The faculty emerged victorious in the traditional faculty vs. seniors tug o' war, and a final tally revealed Team Blue as the Field Day winners and keepers of the coveted Field Day trophy for the fifth consecutive year! For more Field Day photos, please visit the Pacific Ridge Facebook page. 

Members of Team Blue summon their strength for the tug o' war. 


Members of Team Black attempt to beat the heat and the competition 
at the Water Transport station.


While waiting for the official results, seniors from both teams 
keep their eye on the prize - the Field Day trophy. 

Curricular Adventures 

AP Spanish Students Visit Schools in Tijuana 
On Thursday, October 22nd, a group of AP Spanish students traveled to Tijuana, where they had the opportunity to practice their language skills and engage in cross-cultural dialogue while visiting two local schools. The students' first stop was a kindergarten in Colonia Fausto González, a community that formed amidst the refuse of the former Tijuana Dump. There, students led the children in art and music activities and games. Next, the group stopped at Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS), one of Tijuana's top high schools and universities. Students toured the campus and had conversations with their CETYS peers about life on both sides of the border.  


Students use their Spanish language skills to lead 
Tijuana kindergarteners in an art activity.

Service Learning In The Field

Middle School Students Get Crash Course in Desalination 
On Monday, middle school students in the Conservation service learning group were visited by Jessica Jones, Community Outreach Manager for Poseidon Water, the company behind Carlsbad's new desalination plant. Ms. Jones provided insight on the process of planning, permitting, and building the 10-mile pipeline and 5-acre facility. She also brought examples of the pipe membrane and filters that will be used to transform saltwater into 50 million gallons of clean drinking water per day. Students were fascinated by the implications of desalination and asked thoughtful questions about how the Carlsbad plant will create jobs, maintain a minimal carbon footprint, and reduce the impacts of drought.     


"Got Desal?" Students show off their Poseidon Water buttons after 
learning all about Carlsbad's new desalination plant. 


Help Stock the North County Food Bank for Thanksgiving 
Independent service learning group Students Supporting Charitable Organizations is hosting a food drive from November 9th to November 20th. The group is collecting non-perishable canned and packaged foods to help stock the North County Food Bank in preparation of the Thanksgiving holiday. Donation bins will be located near the entrances of both Mullady Hall and the Middle School building.  

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

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 karenmc1760@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

Home Games, Week of November 2nd
Schedules are subject to change. Please check Schedulestar 
regularly for the most accurate information.

11/3/15
4:00 p.m. - Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian Schools
6:00 p.m. - Girls JV Volleyball vs. Santa Fe Christian Schools

11/5/15
4:00 p.m. - Girls JV Volleyball vs. The Bishop's School
5:30 p.m. - Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. The Bishop's School 









Scores:

Coed Varsity Cross Country
10/23/15 Mt. Sac Invitational 
Medalists: Travis Headapohl - 13th place 
Lynnlee Duck-Reynolds - 14th place

Middle School Cross Country
10/21/15 North Meet at San Dieguito Park
Boys: Thomas Hughes - 6th place; Jake Arft-Guatelli - 7th place; Soren Engstron - 10th place; Harrison Torino - 11th place
Girls: Riley Bender - 1st place; Zoe Erturk - 3rd place; Ava Hetzel - 6th place; Mia Ogle - 13th place

Coed 7 'Blue' Flag Football
10/20/15 San Diego Jewish Academy 13 0 W
10/22/15 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 6 16 L

Coed 7 'White' Flag Football
10/22/15 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 21 L

Coed 8 'Blue' Flag Football
10/20/15 San Diego Jewish Academy 39 6 W
10/22/15 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 27 28 L

Coed 8 'White' Flag Football
10/22/15 Santa Fe Christian Schools 13 6 W

Girls Varsity Tennis
10/21/15 The Bishop's School 6 12 L

Boys Varsity Water Polo
10/23/15 Rancho Buena Vista High School 5 16 L

Girls Varsity Volleyball
10/20/15 The Bishop's School 1 3 L
10/23/15 La Jolla Country Day School 0 3 L

Girls JV Volleyball
10/20/15 The Bishop's School 0 2 L 
10/23/15 La Jolla Country Day School 2 1 W

Girls Middle School 'A' Volleyball
10/20/15 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 1 2 L

Girls Middle School 'B' Volleyball
10/20/15 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 2 0 W

Girls Middle School 'White' Volleyball
10/20/15 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 2 1 W

Girls Middle School 'Blue' Volleyball
10/20/15 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 2 1 W

Beyond The Ridge

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

Senior Parent Coffee on November 12th
Parents of current seniors are invited to join College Guidance for a check-in session that will address notification dates, interim deadlines through December 1st, what to anticipate over the Thanksgiving holiday, and more.
Date: Thursday, November 12th
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Place: Community Hall 

College Representatives Are On The Way: 

Week of November 2nd and 9th
American University; Connecticut College; Elon University; Franklin University Switzerland; Grand Canyon University; Hofstra University; Macalester College; University of Alabama; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Delaware; University of Richmond; University of Rochester


Class Notes



13 Seniors Named National Merit Commended Students  
13 members of the Class of 2016 have been named Commended Students in this year's National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations to Sarah Burris, Wayne Chong, Kristin Chow, Garrett Conway, Miela Gross, Elle Lefebvre, Maddie LeMasters, Nick Marr, Joe McGuire, Leah Nadir, Gabe Piscitello, Sasha Uchitel, and Skyler Walsh. Commended students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who took the 2014 PSAT. Between Pacific Ridge's 13 Commended Students and four National Merit Semifinalists, an impressive 20 percent of this year's senior class has received National Merit recognition.  

Faculty & Staff News

Coach Neptune Swims For Challenged Athletes Foundation 
Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach Liza Neptune recently served as a buddy swimmer at the 2015 Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Athletes of all physical ability levels competed in the event, which raised more than 3 million dollars for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Coach Neptune has participated in the event in the past as part of a fundraising relay team, but this was her first time participating as a buddy swimmer. She was paired with Kelly, a 13-year-old athlete from Connecticut, for the mile-long swim. Click here to watch a video of the inspiring event. 




New Faculty & Staff Snapshot
  


Jamie Kelso, Science

Favorite or most recent, book? Girl in a Band, by Kim Gordon
Favorite movie? The Royal Tenenbaums
Favorite sport? Anything live!
Greatest indulgence? Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips
If you make him breakfast? Two fried eggs and avocado
In his free time? Learns magic with his son and surfs
Dream vacation? Anywhere family friendly with good surf...like Hanalei
Home Town? Old Town, Florida 


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

November 2nd
College Night for Juniors and Parents
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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