In This Issue - March 30, 2017

Bulletin Board

10 Years Strong

New & Noteworthy

Good Reads

Curricular Adventures

Service Learning in the Field

Snapshot from the Ridge

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

Students put the final touches on their Senior Signature project.

Bulletin Board

Tomorrow is the Last Day for Lost & Found

Lost & Found items will be on display in the lobby of the Athletic Center until noon tomorrow. Unclaimed items will be donated to an orphanage in Mexico supported by one of our Pacific Ridge families.

Enjoy Spring Break!

Have a wonderful Spring Break from April 1 until April 9, 2017. Classes resume Monday, April 10 and the next newsletter will come out April 13.

NEW DATE for Orations Presentations

On Thursday, April 13, freshman orations finalists will be delivering their speeches to the Pacific Ridge community. Come support our eloquent 9th-grade speakers and hear the important ideas they have to share. RSVPs requested here.

Date: Thursday, April 13^th

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Place: Athletic Center

Tickets Available for Almost Maine!

Love can be messy as the residents of the fictional town called Almost, Maine, find out one cold winter night in February. Save the date for the upper school performance of Almost Maine on April 22 and 23. Tickets, $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors, are available here.

Date: April 22nd and 23rd

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St, Vista, CA 92084

Grandparents Day on April 26
^th!

Save the Date! Pacific Ridge is hosting its first ever Grandparents Day on Wednesday, April 26 before the start of SpringFest. We hope to see many smiling grandparents on that day, so make sure your child's grandparents receive an invitation by supplying their contact information here.

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.

Summer Programs and Sports Camps At Pacific Ridge!

From June 26 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 the Firebird Program for rising 5th through 7th graders, non-credit academic and other classes for middle and high school students, and sports camps for children in elementary school through high school. To check out all the great options and to register, please visit the 2017 Summer Programs page on the Pacific Ridge website.

10th-Year Anniversary Athletic Tailgate on April 18th

To celebrate Athletics Week during the 10th - year anniversary celebration, the Parents Association is hosting a tailgate on April 18. All are welcome to attend. Afterwards, cheer on the girls Middle School - A and - B Basketball teams and Boys Varsity Lacrosse against Santa Fe Christian.

Date: Tuesday, April 18th

Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Location: Athletic Center

10 Years Strong

A Reflection on the Past Decade of Purposeful Life

Through academic programming, global travel and service learning, students are given the tools to lead a purposeful life and improve their local and global communities. Maturation is a part of this process and Pacific Ridge helps students identify who they are and how to face adversity. When students graduate, they are no longer children, they are scholars, athletes, and better citizens ready to tackle problems and flourish beyond the Ridge. Here is founding parent Carrie Diedrich's memory of the early shape of what purposeful life looked like at Pacific Ridge:

I specifically remember conversation and debate about the true "purpose" of secondary school education - was it merely to prepare students for college? This appeared to be the "normal" purpose of this phase of education - but could it be more?

I think Pacific Ridge dared to make secondary school meaningful and memorable - what if the purpose was not merely to prepare students for college but to inspire lifelong learning? To somehow set our educational aspirations on one's quality of life after formal education ceases - to help students find their passion and purpose.

I remember Dr. Eileen Mullady's statement - "Education is not about what you know; it is about what you do with what you know."

So, purposeful life is about turning education into action - about doing - about sustaining joy and rigor for a lifetime and not just for one's formative educational years. If we set our mission on what follows college, perhaps we can counterbalance the "race to nowhere" to a race to somewhere... somewhere consequential, fulfilling, joyful, purposeful.

Through clubs like Model U.N., students explore their passions.

Pacific Ridge students collaborate with other local students as part of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference.

Seniors Present Their Signature Projects

On March 28, the Class of 2017 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. This year's projects reflected a wide range of interests and contributions, from Community Life performances, public service events and compiled historical records for the school's global travel program, to suggested curricular additions, services for future students, a recipe book, a fight song, and more.

A Firebirds Hall of Fame

A beautifully hand-carved Firebird

Planting a Seed Winners Announced

Winners of the Class of 2019 Planting a Seed competition have been announced. 4KI aims to change the income requirements for people who receive subsidized preschool education for their children, giving more access to low-income Californians. H.E.LL.O (Helping Everyone Out) is a group created to support Syrian refugees immigrating into the U.S. by providing a support package with needed supplies. Bridging the Gap members hope to create programming and provide resources for young women recently graduated from the foster care system. By meeting certain benchmarks set by the judges, these groups will have access to grant money to further their projects next year.

Jett Jacobs from 4KI discusses access to preschool education.

Academic Excellence Celebrated in Two Weeks

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of the Pacific Ridge experience. From Harkness discussions to co-curricular options, there are a multitude of ways students can learn. Help us celebrate Academic Excellence Week by attending the Freshman Orations Finals on April 13. More details are in the Bulletin Section.

Visit our website here to learn about more upcoming 10th-year celebration events. Want to volunteer? Contact Monique Benjamin at 760-448-9866 or mbenjamin@pacificridge.org.

New & Noteworthy

Varsity Academic Team Makes it to Playoffs

On Thursday, March 23, upper school students on the Varsity Academic Team beat Oceanside High School, solidifying their spot in the playoffs. Students are hosting their final home game tonight at 7:30 p.m. against Torrey Pines in Community Hall. Come cheer on our Firebirds!

First Day of Giving a Success!

Yesterday, Pacific Ridge School hosted the first ever Day of Giving for both parents and alumni with 2 challenge grants in play: $10,000 for 100 parent gifts and $10,000 for 100 alumni gifts by Friday, March 31st. As of today, we have received 86 parent gifts and 51 alumni gifts. Thank you to everyone who has supported the 2016-2017 Annual Fund and Alumni Fund campaigns! If you have not yet made your gift, please consider doing so by Friday, March 31st and help us earn up to $20,000! Visit the Day of Giving website to make your gift or pledge.

Good Reads

Mr. El Alam - The Alchemist

Mr. El Alam's Pick: Find out why mathematics teacher Noureddine's El Alam's favorite book is The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

Curricular Adventures

Astronomy Club Visits Anza Borrego Desert

While hordes of people are flocking to Anza Borrego to view the superbloom of spring flowers, the astronomy club camped there recently to see the stars. On March 25, 14 students went on an overnight camping trip to the desert, where they star-gazed under a clear night sky, free from light pollution. Students saw Jupiter and its moons and watched Mercury set. During the day, they enjoyed wilderness hiking and wildflowers.

Chicano Park Offers Inspiration

The murals that line Chicano Park are a beautiful representation of Chicano culture. Currently in English, students are reading A House on Mango Street which delves into Chicano culture. The murals represent many of the themes discussed in the book. On March 27, students visited the park to view the murals and get inspiration for a creative writing project. They have the choice of a photographic essay, a creative writing piece or a sketch drawing, based on their experience at Chicano Park.

Seventh Graders Prepare to Create Prosthetics

Pacific Ridge parent and two-time cancer survivor Craig Pollard helped students in 7th-grade Life Science with their design thinking for an upcoming project. Students will be building prosthetic hands and part of the process is understanding the direct needs of someone using a prosthetic. Mr. Pollard is a double-amputee and spoke to students with candor and humor about living with prosthetics. He started the non-profit Cancer for College which provides scholarships to students who are cancer survivors.

Mr. Pollard discusses different types of prosthetics.

Service Learning in the Field

TERI Students Visit for Kickball

Students from service learning groups F.A.S.T. and Sports Force hosted visitors from TERI's Country School yesterday for a friendly game of kickball. Music filled the gym as the students also played impromptu games of volleyball and basketball. TERI's Country School serves students who have autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADD/ADHD, and other forms of mild to moderate disabilities affecting learning, behavior, and social skills. It was apparent that many of the TERI students enjoyed their time on campus!

He shoots... he scores!

Parents Association

NEW DATE for Book Club Meeting: Monday, April 10th

The book club meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, April 10. Join fellow parents to discuss two interesting 'modern Shakespeare' stories: Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood and Nutshell by Ian McEwan. Join us for what promises to be a memorable literary discussion!

Date: Monday, April10th

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Place: Pacific Ridge School Library

Parents Association Informational Coffee on April 12th

Please join the Parents Association for an informational coffee on Wednesday, April 12 to learn more about the role of the PA and its available committee and board positions for the 2017-2018 school year. Please RSVP to parentsassociation@pacificridge.org if you are interested in attending the coffee or if you would like more information about becoming involved with the Parents Association.

Date: Wednesday, April 12th

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Location: Community Hall

Parents Association General Meeting, Friday, May 12th

Save the date! The Parents Association's May general meeting 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. Space is limited, so please RSVP by Monday, May 9th to parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.

Date: Friday, May 12th

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Location: Community Hall

Questions? Contact parentsassociation@pacificridge.org

Sports on the Ridge

Upcoming Home Games

Schedules are subject to change. Please check

Schedulestar regularly for the most accurate information.

04/06/17

3:30 p.m. Boys Varsity Volleyball vs The Bishop's School

4:45 p.m. Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball vs The Bishop's School

04/11/17

3:30 p.m. Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball vs Escondido Adventist Academy

4:45 p.m. Boys Varsity Volleyball vs Escondido Adventist Academy

6:00 p.m. Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs La Jolla Country Day School

04/13/17

4:45 p.m. Boys Varsity Volleyball vs Escondido Charter

6:00 p.m. Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs The Bishop's School

4/14/17

5:15 p.m. Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs San Marcos High School

Firebirds Supporting Firebirds!

The Girls Varsity Lacrosse team came out Friday afternoon to cheer on the Girls Middle School Lacrosse team at their game against North County Storm. The pep talk and pre-game cheers must have helped since the girls won the game!

Girls Varsity and Middle School Lacrosse teams

Parents! Help us feature your child's sport in the e-newsletter. If you like taking photographs and have images to share, please contact the Communications Office by clicking here.

College Guidance

San Diego National College Fair April 25th

Interact with admissions representatives at the San Diego National College Fair on April 25. National College Fairs is a program of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Pre-registration online recommended and is available here.

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, April 25th

Location: Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego

Johns Hopkins University Regional Info Session April 23rd

Prospective students and families are invited to learn about life at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, its academics and the campus community, at this hour-long Sunday afternoon session open to the public. In addition to introducing you to programs, admission officers will share general advice about the college application process. Reservations are required, so interested students need to register here. A Q&A will follow the presentation.

Date: Sunday, April 23rd

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive

Save the Date: May 16 and May 24-25

Several Mandatory junior programs are coming up, including Coastline Case Studies on May 16 at Pacific Ridge and Camp College, May 24 - 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. More details coming soon.

See upcoming key College Guidance dates here in Haiku.

Questions? email collegeguidance@pacificridge.org.

New Staff & Faculty

Phil Hua - HR Manager

Favorite or most recent, book? Actually, I really love radio. I'm a KPBS member and enjoy listening to Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me on Saturday mornings or the Moth Radio Hour on Saturday nights.

Favorite movie? My favorite movie is The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler. I enjoy watching documentaries like Planet Earth and the Nature series.

Favorite sport? My favorite sport to play and watch is football. I would say "Go Chargers" but they have left San Diego.

Greatest indulgence? It used to be Haagan-Dazs ice cream, but now it would be French-pressed coffee.

If you make him breakfast? I love chicken and waffles from Mama Kat's Caf� in San Marcos.

In his free time? I love spending time and playing with my 1-year-old Logan Ryu and working on my Subie (Subaru Impreza).

Dream vacation? Touring the National Parks

Home Town? San Diego native. Born and raised in Rancho Penasquitos. I went to Mt. Carmel High School and USD for undergrad.

Sports Scores

Scores:

Girls MS - A Basketball

03/22/17 Maranatha Christian 20 16 W

03/23/17 Horizon Prep 32 16 W

Girls MS - B Basketball

03/22/17 Maranatha Christian 34 5 W

03/16/17 Horizon Prep 41 6 W

Coed Varsity Golf

03/21/17 Francis W. Parker School 205 187 L

Boys Varsity Tennis

03/21/17 San Diego Jewish Academy 7 11 L

03/23/17 Scripps Ranch 1 17 L

Boys Varsity Lacrosse

03/22/17 Eastlake High School 8 7 W

03/24/17 Westview High School 4 9 L

Boys MS- A Lacrosse

03/21/17 Oceanside Al 6 10 L

03/25/17 Valley Center Al 6 10 L

Girls Varsity Lacrosse

03/22/17 Del Norte High School 5 18 L

Girls Middle School Lacrosse

03/24/17 North County Storm 9 3 W

Boys Varsity Volleyball

03/21/17 San Marcos High School 3 2 W

03/22/17 Del Norte High School 0 3 L

03/24/17 Serra High School 3 0 W

Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball

03/21/17 San Marcos High School 2 0 W

03/22/17 Del Norte High School 0 2 L

03/24/17 Serra High School 2 1 W

Boys MS - A Volleyball

03/21/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 0 W

03/23/17 Francis W. Parker School 2 0 W

03/24/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 0 W

Boys MS - B Volleyball

03/21/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 2 L

03/23/17 Francis W. Parker School 1 2 L

03/24/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 0 2 L

Boys Track and Field

03/25/17 Calvin Christian Small Schools Invitational

Cole Hardin: 3rd place - 100 Meters

Tennessee Cothran-Bray: 1st place - Triple Jump

Girls Track and Field

03/25/17 Calvin Christian Small Schools Invitational

Kimberly Cheung: 2nd place - 1600 Meters

Jordan Lee: 2nd place - 100m Hurdles

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