In This Issue - March 31, 2016
Snapshot from the Ridge

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


Tie-dye Tuesday: Middle School students are counting down to Spring Break with a week of Spirit Days and corresponding activities including a crazy hair contest and a decades dance.

Bulletin Board
NO SCHOOL April 2nd - April 10th, Spring Break  
Enjoy your vacation!

Possible Addition of Northern Bus Route: Please Respond to Survey
Pacific Ridge is examining the feasibility of opening a northern school bus route coming down El Camino Real from Oceanside to campus for the 2016-17 school year. The route would run in the morning and leave campus at 3:30 p.m in the afternoon. It is unknown whether this line would have a late route. We expect fees for the route to be in line with this year's annual rates. If your family would consider utilizing this bus option, please complete a brief interest survey by clicking here. 

Don't Miss Your Chance For Yearbook Pre-sale Pricing 
Save money on your yearbook by ordering early! This week, the "Awesome 80" sale means that any yearbook purchased between March 28th - April 3rd, costs just $80. In June, the yearbook cost will go up, and yearbooks often sell out, so don't wait. More than 60% of this year's books have already been sold! To order online via credit card, please visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com, and use the PRS order number: 8269. Please check your email for instructions on paying by check.

California Scholarship Federation Applications Due Friday
Attention Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors: Applications for the California Scholarship Federation for Trimester 2 are due tomorrow, April 1st. 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.

Buy Your The Curious Savage Tickets Today!
Tickets are on sale now for this year's Upper School spring production, The Curious Savage. Written by John Patrick, the comedic and heart-warming play tells the tale of Ethel P. Savage, an elderly woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately ten million dollars. With their eyes fixed on the fortune, Ethel's stepchildren scheme to have her committed. What follows is an entertaining take on family, sanity, and the human condition. Showtimes are 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15th and Saturday, April 16th at the Avo Playhouse in Vista. Click here to purchase tickets.  


Summer Programs and Sports Camps at Pacific Ridge
From June 20th to early August, Pacific Ridge will be offering a number of summer programs available to all students in San Diego's North County. Choices include non-credit academic and other classes for middle and high school students, the Firebird Program for rising 5th through 7th graders, and sports camps for children in elementary school through high school. For more information and to register, please visit the 2016 Summer Programs page on the Pacific Ridge website.




Host an International Exchange Student!
Interested in a truly global experience? Every year Pacific Ridge enrolls an international exchange student and seeks a host family for the school year. The exchange is coordinated by AFS, a leading international exchange organization that operates in more than 50 countries. Questions? Contact Jean Nassif at jnassif@pacificridge.org.

New & Noteworthy

Seniors Present Their Signature Projects 
On the evening of Tuesday, March 22nd, the Class of 2016 presented Senior Signature Projects at an expo for family and friends. Each year, seniors are asked to develop a "cumulative" project as a way to leave their unique legacy at Pacific Ridge. Last month, a group of students who chose to write and deliver speeches for their Senior Signatures addressed topics including conflict and peace, teaching as a profession, overcoming depression, and the pitfalls of political correctness. At Tuesday's expo, seniors showcased their individualism and creativity through a variety of projects including videos for prospective students, a photo timeline of school history, a "mini-library" of mental health resources, a records board for the athletic center, a metal Firebird sculpture, and more.  


A photo map displaying the many destinations the Class of 2016 has traveled to during their time at Pacific Ridge 


A "living wall" for Mullady Hall, and a hand-crafted musical instrument

New Course Offerings for 2016-2017! 
Upper School students perusing course lists for next year will find several new offerings to choose from. New to the course catalog are Principles in Design & Engineering, Robotics, Introduction to World Religions, Social Action: Theories & Practice, Spanish for Spanish Heritage Speakers, World Cinema, and Photo 4: Post AP 2D Design. Returning after a one-year hiatus are World Literature, Middle Eastern Diplomacy & History, and Latin American Politics. Single trimester STEAM electives are also returning: 3D Printing, Entrepreneurship, Surfing, Sustainability & the Sea, Landscape Architecture & Design, Video Game Design and Zombiology. There's something for everyone - students' biggest challenge will be choosing! Full descriptions of new Upper School course offerings can be found in Haiku.

Technique and Talent On Display at Spring Dance Concert 
On March 24th, Pacific Ridge dance students showcased their skill during an evening concert held at the Avo Playhouse in Vista. The concert covered a variety of genres from ballet to hip-hop, and featured solo and group pieces - many of which were choreographed by the students themselves. Congratulations to all the dancers on their hard work and impressive performances!  





Curricular Adventures 

Zombie Expert Brings Cognitive Science To Life 
This trimester, students in the Upper School STEAM elective Zombiology are exploring everything from the aesthetics of "The Walking Dead" graphic novels to the biology of infectious disease. Last week, the class welcomed Dr. Brad Voytek, an Assistant Professor of Computational Cognitive Science and Neuroscience at UCSD, and one of the world's premiere zombie brain experts...seriously. Dr. Voytek, co-author of Do Zombie's Dream of Undead Sheep? uses popular culture's fascination with zombic mythology to start conversations about modern neuroscientific principles. For example, according to Dr. Voytek, a zombie's insatiable hunger and trademark rage could be explained by a dysfunctional orbitofrontal cortex, overly dominant limbic system, and massively disturbed hormonal system. Phew! 



Classroom Guest Helps Add Perspective to Persepolis
Students in Mr. VanSant's 7th-grade English class have been reading Persepolis, an autobiographical graphic novel depicting the life of a girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. 
Last week, Pacific Ridge parent Elham Tabatabaii visited the class to share her experiences growing up in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war and offer a personal perspective on students' questions about the country's political and cultural landscape during that time. When the class finishes the book, students will embark on a project sharing their own family history in the form of a comic strip. 


 
Service Learning In The Field

Service Learning Group Makes a Splash With First Graders
On Tuesday, March 29th, Upper School Service Learning group Educating Near & Far visited a first-grade class at Cardiff Elementary School. As part of their mission to empower children through STEM education, group members led the students through several simple, hands-on science experiments involving water. Using fun, tactile materials including hydrobeads and magic sand, the group demonstrated the concepts of hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic molecules. The lessons were such a hit that the group is already planning to return with new material in a few months. 



Help a Passionate Athlete Play Sports Again
Upper School independent service learning group Opportunities for Athletes is partnering with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to help an athlete with physical challenges return to sports. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. With a contribution of $5 from everyone in the Pacific Ridge community, a rugby wheelchair can be purchased to help an athlete continue to play the sport he or she loves. Please click here for more information and to donate.



Parents Association 

 Parents Association Informational Coffee on April 13th
New and current Pacific Ridge parents are invited to join the Parents Association for an informational coffee on Wednesday, April 13th to learn more about the role of the Parents Association and its available board positions for the 2016-2017 school year. Parents are also welcome to attend the board meeting immediately following the coffee. Please RSVP to parentsassociation@pacificridge.org if you are interested in attending the coffee or if you would like more information about becoming involved. New parents are especially welcome.
Date: Wednesday, April 13th
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Location: Community Hall

Parents Book Club Meeting on April 25th
The Book Club will discuss Too Much of a Good Thing: How Four Key Survival Traits are Now Killing Us, by Lee Goldman at its April 25th meeting.  All parents are welcome to attend.
Date: Monday, April 25th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Pacific Ridge School Library

Save the Date: Parents Association General Meeting May 12th
Back by popular demand: the Parents Association's May meeting and coffee will feature a panel of graduating Pacific Ridge seniors who will discuss their experiences with the college application and decision-making process. Rachel Petrella, Director of College Guidance, will discuss the support, resources, and programs offered through the College Guidance department. The presentation will include practical information and suggestions to help students and parents navigate the college process, as well as information that will be helpful even if your student is not yet in high school. Space is limited, so please RSVP by Monday, May 9th to parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Date: Thursday, May 12th
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Community Hall

Sports on the Ridge

Mark Your Calendar: Start Dates for Fall Sports
Families of Pacific Ridge student-athletes should be aware of the following start dates for Fall Sports. Student-athletes intending and/or hoping to play at a varsity level must start practices on these dates: 
  • Girls Volleyball - Monday, August 8th
  • Cross Country - Monday, August 8th
  • Boys Water Polo - Monday, August 15th
  • Girls Tennis - Monday, August 15th
Carlsbad United Hockey Open House on April 4th
On Monday, April 4th, high school-aged hockey players and their families are invited to attend an Open House for the Carlsbad United Hockey Program. Carlsbad United Head Coach Todd Cadieux, Pacific Ridge Athletic Director Hans Richter, and Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Commissioner Matt Blanchard will discuss information and changes for the upcoming season, coaches for the JV and Varsity Teams, and the program's long-term plans. The event will end with a Q & A session.
Date: Monday, April 4th
Time: 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Location: Pacific Ridge School Athletic Center  

Basketball "Buddies" Program Encourages Mentorship  
To provide positive mentorship for younger athletes and to encourage connection throughout the Firebird Girls Basketball program, Coach VanderHorst has launched a "Basketball Buddies" program that pairs varsity athletes with middle school athletes. On game days, the varsity players deliver encouraging notes and treats to their buddies. Though the middle school players aren't expected to reciprocate, many do. "My buddies are always energetic, cheering me on, giving me advice, and are the first ones to give me a hug or make me laugh," said 8th grader Kimberley Cheung. "It means a lot to have their support on and off the court."



Coach Collins, Coach Elsdon Compete in Jam By The Sea 
Proving just as valuable on the field as on the sidelines, Boys Varsity Lacrosse Coaches Don Collins and Graham Elsdon helped lead their Men's Over-30 Lacrosse Team, "Dub C," to a Jam By The Sea Lacrosse Tournament Championship on March 22nd. Both Collins and Elsdon had multiple goals and assists over the course of the tournament and the duo had a great time playing with, and off of, one another. Congrats Coaches!


 The duo celebrates after an assist by Coach Elsdon leads to a goal by Coach Collins at the Jam By The Sea Lacrosse Tournament.

Upcoming Home Games
Schedules are subject to change. Please check Schedulestar 
regularly for the most accurate information.

4/5/16
4:00 p.m. - Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. Valley Center

4/12/16
4:00 p.m. - Boys JV Volleyball vs. St. Augustine High School

4/13/16
3:30 p.m. - Girls Middle School 'A' Basketball vs. Maranatha Christian 
4:30 p.m. - Girls Middle School 'B' Basketball vs. Maranatha Christian  

4/14/16
5:00 p.m. - Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs. Westview High School

4/15/16
3:30 p.m. - Boys Middle School 'A' Volleyball vs. Bishop's
4:15 p.m. - Boys Middle School 'B' Volleyball vs. Bishop's

4/16/16
10:00 a.m. - Boys Middle School 'A' Lacrosse vs. Mira Mesa 







Boys Varsity Tennis
3/22/16 La Jolla Country Day School 0 18 L
3/24/16 La Costa Canyon High School 6 12 L

Coed Middle School Tennis
3/22/16 Santa Fe Christian Schools 6 0 W
3/24/16 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 6 0 W

Coed Varsity Track
3/24/16 League Meet # 2
Cole Hardin - 1st place, Long Jump; 2nd place, 100M
Lenny McCline - 1st place, High Jump; 2nd place, 800M
Travis Headapohol - 1st place, 1600M, 3200M
Adrian Chang - 1st place, 110M Hurdles - 39''
Olivia Carter - 1st place, 100M; 1st place - 100M Hurdles - 33''
Isabelle Church - 1st place, 200M
Hannah Maerowitz - 1st place, Long Jump and Triple Jump
Lynnlee Duck-Reynolds - 1st place, 1600M and 3200M

3/26/16 Calvin Christian Small Schools Invitational 
Cole Hardin - 1st place, 100M; 1st place, Long Jump 
Travis Headapohl - 1st place, 1600M; 4th place, 800M
Kent Snodgrass - 2nd place, Triple Jump; 3rd place, Long Jump 
Anna Bae - 5th place, 100M
Lynnlee Duck-Reynolds - 5th place, 1600M
Olivia Carter - 1st place, Long Jump; 2nd place, 100M Hurdles - 33''
Gianna Bacher - 3rd place 100M Hurdles - 33''
Katja Reich - 4th place, 100M Hurdles - 33''
Hannah Maerowitz - 4th place, Long Jump 

Coed Varsity Golf
3/22/16 La Jolla Country Day School 276 228 L
3/24/16 Tri City Christian Schools 227 228 W 

Coed Middle School Tennis 
3/22/16 Santa Fe Christian Schools 6 0 W
3/24/16 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 6 0 W

Boys Varsity Lacrosse
3/22/16 Colorado Academy 10 15 L
3/25/16 Wheat Ridge High School 7 12 L 

Boys Varsity Volleyball
3/23/16 Mission Hills High School 3 2 W 

Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball
3/23/16 Mission Hills High School 0 2 L 

Boys Middle School 'A' Lacrosse
3/26/16 Norco 2 12 L 

Girls Sand Volleyball
3/24/16 Escondido  3 0 W 

Boys Middle School 'A' Volleyball
3/23/16 Christian Junior/Senior High School 1 2 L 

Girls Middle School 'A' Basketball
3/21/16 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 22 26 L
3/23/16 Horizon Prep 23 22 W

Girls Middle School 'B' Basketball
3/21/16 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School 18 2 W
3/23/16 Horizon Prep 38 21 W

North County Happenings



Save The Date: Hands of Peace Spring Benefit on May 1st 
On Sunday, May 1st, Hands of Peace will host "Under the Middle Eastern Sky," an event celebrating the music, culture, and cuisine of the Middle East. Guests will enjoy cultural food, local craft beer and wine, and music from San Diego based musician Todo Mundo, as well as a performance by the Luminaries, a widely-acclaimed hip-hop group that has traveled to Israel and Palestine to spread the message of peace. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
Date: Sunday, May 1st
Time: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: World Beat Cultural Center in Balboa Park
Tickets: $125 by April 15th, $150 after April 16th


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

April 1st
Spring Fest
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

April 2nd - April 10th
NO SCHOOL
Spring Break

April 13th
Parents Association Informational Coffee
8 - 8:45 a.m.

April 15
The Curious Savage
7:30 p.m.

April 16th
The Curious Savage
7:30 p.m.

April 22nd
Student-Led Conferences
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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