In This Issue - November 10, 2016
Snapshot from the 
Ridge


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


On vacation? No, it's just enthusiastic middle school students celebrating Spirit Week's "Tacky Tourist Day!"

Bulletin Board

 

Reach Higher - Annual Fund Campaign Is Underway!
Our Goals: $625,000 and Full Community Participation
Providing 4% of our operating budget, the Annual Fund supports the entire Pacific Ridge experience. Your tax-deductible gift helps sustain our curricular and co-curricular programs, global travel initiatives, service learning projects, faculty development and so much more. Every gift matters.  Every gift counts. Make your gift or pledge online today at pacificridge.org/annualgiving.
 
Family Community Service Projects: Support Our Veterans!
All Pacific Ridge families are invited to donate gently used men's, women's and children's clothing or sign up 
here to provide much needed toiletries and canine items to support the Veterans Village of San Diego and Canine Companions for Independence. Collection bins are available in the pickup area and both school lobbies. Middle School parents are invited to help sort and package items at a service party on December 4 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Join us during this season of giving!

Reminder: Middle School Food Drive
Donations will help support Feeding San Diego's backpack program. The recommended items to donate are 15 oz. cans of chicken, tomato, or vegetable soup, 15 oz. cans of vegetables or fruit and 1 lb. packages of whole wheat pasta. Students can bring their donations to school until November 16.

Theater Class Performances November 14th
Middle and upper school theater students will be performing scenes and vignettes from plays they've been studying. Can't attend? You can still watch! A live link will be available on the Pacific Ridge School YouTube page. Once broadcasting begins, a video will appear here.
Date: Monday, November 14th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Athletic Center
Come to the Education Today Series on November 16th!
Pacific Ridge launches a three-part education series with "The Art of Conversation: Why Face-to-Face Communication Still Matters in the Digital World." Join Upper School Co-Heads Allegra Molineaux and Tim Betzala, who will discuss why honing essential communication skills is vital for success, today and in the future. Take this opportunity to talk with Pacific Ridge educators and parents about important topics in education. Click HERE to RSVP.
Date: Wednesday, November 16th
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Community Hall

8th Grade, 9th Grade and Beyond: Special Dinner and Evening Program for 8th-Grade Parents 
Many exciting opportunities await your child in the next few years. Learn more about the high school experience from older students, parents, teachers, coaches and College Guidance while connecting with fellow parents. A delicious, light dinner will be served. Don't miss it! RSVP here.
Date: Thursday, November 17th
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Community Hall

Messages of Appreciation for Pacific Ridge School Faculty
Our faculty and staff touch our families and students in so many ways. Headed into the Thanksgiving break, we would like to share some messages of heartfelt thanks with them.  Please click here if you would like to share a personal message of gratitude. You may also email your message to Nisa Conway at nconway@pacificridge.org

Textbook Ordering and Purchasing: We Want Your Feedback!
It's time for us to start planning for next year. To help us make our process for ordering textbooks and literature clearer and more efficient for parents, please fill out this short, 5-minute survey. Thank you for your input!

Save the Date for 
The Little Mermaid, Jr.!
Take a journey "under the sea" by attending this year's Middle School musical, "The Little Mermaid, Jr." The production features Academy Award-winning music and show-stopping performances by the middle school cast and crew. Students have been working for months to bring this aquatic fantasy to life, so mark your calendars! Tickets will go on sale next week.
Date: Friday, December 9th and Saturday December 10th
Time: 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday
Place: Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside CA 



Educational Insights

Bob's Blog
Civil Discourse: On November 3, Dr. Ogle moderated a timely discussion about civil discourse at the New Village Arts Theatre following the play, God of Carnage. Click here to read his latest blog post.

New & Noteworthy


11th and 12th-Grade Global Trips Announced!
The 11th and 12th grade trips have been announced and there is no shortage of interesting expeditions. Students will be traveling to both foreign and domestic locales to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace the challenge of cross-cultural exchange. The trips selected include:

STEAM Teachers Present at SDCUE's Annual Tech Fair
Director of STEAM Projects Richard Masland and biology teacher Julie Gunther spoke to southern California educators at SDCUE November 5 about integrating technology in the classroom. They discussed ways students can amplify their unique voices to communities beyond the school setting by showcasing different lessons from science and humanities such as creating podcasts, TED-style talks and blogs.
 
 Students create a podcast during a lesson

Art Exhibit To Raise Awareness of Syrian Refugee Crisis
Katie Meitchik '19 is working with art therapist Massa Abujeib and the non-profit Kids for Peace to raise awareness about the plight of Syrian refugees. On November 30, Katie and Ms. Abujeib are hosting an exhibit and silent auction of Ms. Abujeib's art work. All of the proceeds will fund her efforts in Syria providing art therapy to homeless refugee children.
Date: Wednesday, November 30th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Community Hall

Massa Abujeib is the artist of a children's book and spreads her love of art through different therapy programs in Syria.

Curricular Adventures

Spanish Class Makes Cultural Connections in Tijuana
On November 2 and 3, students in AP Spanish traveled to Tijuana to make friends and practice their language skills with high school students at Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior Universidad (CETYS). Students from both schools participated in a bioethics activity focused on ecological land development and spent time discussing their daily lives, politics and the many topics teens have in common. A number of students have formed friendships they plan to continue from both sides of the border.


A Día de los Muertos performance


Sharing stories from daily life

Advanced Photo Students Go Behind the Scenes at Museum
On October 27, AP and Post-AP Photography students went behind the scenes at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. The students experienced the youth exhibit, Animals Among Us in which Luke Netzley '18 has a photograph (all of the student entries are here). The theme was in tandem with the San Diego Zoo's centennial celebration. 
 
 
 
Luke Netzley's entry, Emerge

Middle School Robotics Teams Compete Regionally
Two different middle school robotics teams, the Prototypes and GearSwitch competed on November 5 against ten other regional teams in the First Lego League. Students built and programmed their robots to complete tasks such as gently pushing a box or picking up and placing items elsewhere. The students in Prototypes placed high enough to move on to the championships December 3 at LEGOLAND California.   
 
  

Service Learning in the Field

TOSS Brings School Supplies to Students in Need
On November 8, upper school students in TOSS - Tools Organize Successful Students - brought lightly used school supplies to several middle and elementary schools in underserved parts of San Diego. Last year, the group served more than 3,500 students in San Diego and this year members hope to double that number. Members pick up the supplies from schools that would otherwise throw them out.

 

Middle School Students Tour Leucadia Waste Water District
Students in the middle school Conservation service learning group saw recycling in action on November 7, when they toured the Leucadia Waste Water District facility. Students learned the importance of recycling water in drought-stricken California and how it can be used for landscaping. Students viewed the water treatment process and asked plenty of insightful questions.


Upper Service Groups Join Forces for Flag Football Fundraiser
Students and faculty have been putting their blitzes, screen passes and play action fakes to the test in a flag football tournament hosted by two Upper School Service Learning groups. Sports Force raises awareness of autism and helps support the Autism Research Institute of San Diego. Opportunities for Athletes supports the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides physically challenged people with the tools they need to live healthy lifestyles. The community is invited to watch next week's championship matches. Stop by and cheer for some good causes!
Date: Friday, November 18th
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Place: Athletic field


Cheer on the flag football finalists next week!

Parents Association 

Reminder: Ron Leiber Speaking on Monday, November 14th
Ron Lieber will speak about his book, The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money at this free event. 
Date: Monday, November 14th 
Time: Doors open at 6:30; Talk starts at 7:00 pm
Location: The Bishop's School, 7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Walking Club Meets Thursday, November 17th
Those looking to exercise before the Thanksgiving holiday break are welcome join the Walking Club on our morning walk along the trails in and around Bressi Ranch.
Date: Thursday, November 17th
Time: 8:15 a.m. 
Location: Peet's Coffee, Bressi Ranch Shopping Plaza, 2641 Gateway Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Reminder: Oceanside Turkey Trot
Get a workout in before the big feast and support Pacific Ridge School. Donate $5 of your entry fee to the Parents Association when signing up online here. 
Date: Thursday, November 24th
Time: 6:45 a.m.
Place: Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside
Book Club Meets on Monday, November 28th
Enjoy your Thanksgiving week vacation finishing up A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. We welcome anyone new and past, now re-engaged readers to join us at this social gathering!
Date: Monday, November 28th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Pacific Ridge School Library

Reminder: Support Pacific Ridge School When You Shop and Dine
Amazon Smile
Amazon Smile 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, shop as you normally would!

e-Scrip 
Buy digital gift cards through a free app on your Android or iPhone and designate Pacific Ridge School as your beneficiary. The Parents Association will earn a portion of the proceeds to use towards Gingerbread Breakfast, Staff Appreciation and more. 

Alumni News

Dr. Ogle Visits Alumni in Colorado's Capitol
Lots of Firebirds have made their way to Colorado! On November 4 and 5, Dr. Ogle was able to visit with several alumni in the Denver area. He visited Juliana Sapp '16 at CU Boulder and took a tour of the University of Denver the following morning with Scott Nalbandian '15. He later enjoyed dinner and conversation with Firebirds attending both universities.



Sports on the Ridge

No Games for the Week of November 14th
Schedules are subject to change. Please check 
Schedulestar regularly for the most accurate information.

Firebird Window Decals for Sale
Firebird window decals and sports badges are available for purchase in the athletic office through Jennifer Wiedemeier. They're easily removable and have no sticky residue. The Firebird decal is $3.00 and the sport badge is $1.00.
 



Scores:
 
Coed Middle School Cross Country
11/02/16 Open Date @ San Dieguito Park
Boys placed: 1st of 5 teams
Jed Queen: 1st place with 9:43 
Girls placed 2nd of 5 teams
Riley Bender: 1st place with 9:29 
 
Coed 7 Blue Flag Football
11/01/16 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 14 L

Coed 8 Blue Flag Football
11/01/16 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 21 L
 
Coed MS - White Flag Football
11/02/16 The Bishop's School 21 7 W
 
Boys Varsity Water Polo
11/01/16 Oceanside High School 14 4 W
11/02/16 Mt. Carmel High School 6 13 L
 
Coed Junior Varsity Water Polo
11/01/16 Oceanside High School 6 5 W
11/02/16 Mt. Carmel High School 3 9 L
 
Girls Varsity Volleyball
11/02/16 Bonita Vista Senior High School (CIF First Round) 1 3 L
 
Girls MS - A Volleyball
11/01/16 Horizon Prep 2 1 W
 
Girls MS - B Volleyball
11/01/16 Horizon Prep 2 0 W

Girls League Individual Tennis
11/01/16 Julia Gonda played 3 matches (best of 3 sets) and came in 2nd.
Won 6-1 6-0 & 6-0 6-1

Girls Golf CIF Championship 
11/01/16 Angela Ding, First Round 76, T18
11/03/16 Second Round 82, missed cut by 2 strokes

Beyond the Ridge

Senior Parent Coffee Series Kicks Off
On Tuesday, November 15, College Guidance is hosting the first of six coffee conversations with senior parents about the various stages of the college process. Parents will learn about interim deadlines, portals and processing, and will have an idea of what to anticipate over Thanksgiving break. A brief Q & A will follow the discussion and will be posted online afterwards.
Date: Tuesday, November 15th
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Place: Community Hall

Junior Grade Level Time Begins
On Monday, November 28, College Guidance launches its monthly grade-level time with Juniors.

Fall College Visits Are Over
Colorado State University marked the close of a fall visit season that brought more than 150 college representatives to the Pacific Ridge campus to meet with students.  

Purpose Periods in November are for Seniors bringing last questions as they complete and submit UC/CSU applications before Thanksgiving Break.

Regional Programs: 
Please visit the College Guidance page on PowerSchool/Haiku for campus programming notes and a complete list of upcoming regional info sessions.

New Faculty & Staff Snapshot

   
Julie Gunther - Director of Science & Engineering Outreach

Favorite or most recent book? Last week I read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It's about tapping into the creative potential within each of us.
Favorite movie? 13 Going on 30 was my favorite movie in 2004,
and it's still my favorite! I love a joyful, feel-good flick.
Favorite sport? Is yoga a sport? What about walking? In a highly competitive world, I'm grateful for the opportunities to just breathe.
Greatest indulgence? Gluten free red velvet cupcakes from Sprinkles.
If you make her breakfast? Break out the blender.
In her free time? Hiking with my family or curled up with a good book.
Dream vacation? Anywhere new! I'd love to cross Thailand off my list.
Hometown? San Diego
Communications Corner


We're introducing a new section to News From the Ridge called Communications Corner. Look for articles in which Pacific Ridge School has been featured and ways to connect digitally. 

One new way to connect with the school is on Instagram!

Follow us here or find our handle: @PacificRidgeSchool.

North County Happenings



SCREENAGERS Documentary Movie
Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts children's development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance. Attend with your teenager to initiate a conversation about negotiating screen time.
Date: Thursday, November 17th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Solana Beach PTA, Solana Beach, CA
Location: Skyline Elementary School, 606 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Carlsbad Student Leader Academy Taking Applications
Carlsbad residents, grades 9-12 are invited to apply online for the Winter session of the Carlsbad Student Leader Academy. The 10-week program develops emerging youth leaders through civic education and community projects. The application process and program are free, and applications are due by November 28th. For more information click here.


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

November 11th
NO SCHOOL
Veteran's Day

November 14th
Theater Class Performances
6 p.m.

WeCare Speaker
Ron Lieber
7 p.m.

November 15th
Senior Parent Coffee
7:30 - 9 a.m.

November 16th
Education Today Series
9:30 a.m.

November 17th
Walking Club
8:15 a.m.

8th Grade, 9th Grade & Beyond 
Parent Dinner
6 p.m.

November 24th
Oceanside Turkey Trot
6:45 a.m.

November 28th
Book Club
7 p.m.

November 30th
Art Exhibit for Syrian Refugee Awareness
6 p.m.

December 4th
Middle School Family Service Project
2 - 4 p.m.

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