In This Issue - April 27, 2017
Snapshot from the Ridge

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

Students created their own bubble wands at SpringFest.

Bulletin Board

Upper School One-Act Plays Tomorrow April 28th at New Time
Join us tomorrow for an enjoyable evening of acting. Students in the upper school theater classes will present their one-act plays. There will also be an International Thespian induction ceremony. 
Date: Friday, April 28th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Community Hall

Final Blood Drive of the Year Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the final blood drive of the year. Donors who are 16 or 17 years old must provide parental approval which is available here. Appointments can be made here using sponsor code PARS.
Date: Friday, April 28th
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Athletic Center Parking Lot

9th-Grade Parent Coffee on May 2nd
Ninth-grade parents are invited to a morning of coffee and conversation about the upcoming China trip and supporting students through the end of the year. 
Date: Tuesday, May 2nd
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Community Hall

Prom Tickets Now Available
On Saturday, May 13, prom will be held on the Hornblower Cruise in Downtown San Diego. A shuttle bus will take students to and from the cruise boat, where there will be a D.J., photographer and a beautiful view of downtown. Hors d'oeuvres and a soda bar will be provided. Tickets are $57 and are available here.
Date: Saturday, May 13th
Time: Busses leave Pacific Ridge at 4:40 p.m.
Location: Hornblower Cruise, 970 North Harbor Drive
San Diego (meet at Pacific Ridge)

La Posada Service Learning Group Hosting Toiletry Drive
Students in the La Posada middle school service learning group are hosting a drive to collect mens toiletries. The community is encouraged to donate toothpastes, toothbrushes, mini shampoos and conditioners, shaving cream, razors, soap, face wash, sunscreen and combs. Orange boxes are located throughout the Middle School for donations through May 9.

Middle School Social Event May 5th
Middle school students are invited to an active hangout social event on May 5! There will be a photo booth, rails for skateboarding and snacks. The cost is $1. If students want to skateboard they will need to bring a helmet. 
Date: Friday, May 5th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Community Hall

Senior Art Show Celebrates Dedicated Artists
The Senior Art Show celebrates our seniors' accomplishments and commitment to the visual arts program at Pacific Ridge. This year's show features a wide range of media including drawing, painting, film, graphic design and photography. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Date: Thursday, May 11th 
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Community Hall 

Coastline Case Studies May 16th for Juniors and Parents
Juniors and their parents should save the date of May 16 for the mandatory Coastline Case Studies program. Cases to review are now available in the Documents Library in Naviance, and both Juniors and their parents should be prepared to discuss the applications with college representatives. Junior students have received a Candidate Ranking Form and tips for review, and they should bring these notes to the program. 
Date: Tuesday, May 16th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Mullady Hall and campus-wide

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. To check out all the great options and to register, please visit 2017 Summer Programs on our website.

10 Years Strong


Pacific Ridge Community Celebrated
The word "community" survived in every iteration of our school's mission statement because in order to achieve such a bold, expansive mission, we needed to expand the definition of "school" to incorporate all those who would be needed to deliver that mission: teachers, parents, faculty and students - the entire community that comprises a school. We were calling on each entity to commit to the ideals of the mission. In notes from the vision workshops of 2003: "In order to attain these goals in our school, we aim to create a culture that emphasizes integration and connection - across disciplines and among people." The word "community" comes from the Latin, "communis", which means "shared by all or many."  Referencing Pacific Ridge as a "community" instead of a school meant we were asking everyone associated to share in the ideals of the mission.
- Carrie Dederich, Founding Parent and Board Member

Pacific Ridge is so fortunate to have been led by two amazing educators, leaders and people. Without Dr. Mullady and Dr. Ogle, we just wouldn't be the community that we are. 

A big thanks to the Parents Association for all their hard work on popular events such as Gingerbread Breakfast, Fall Fest and the Spring Teacher Appreciation Lunch.

Grandparents Enjoy Their Own Special Day at Pacific Ridge
For the first time in Pacific Ridge's history, grandparents were invited to campus for a full day of activities on April 26. After a welcome reception, grandparents heard an overview of the school from Dr. Ogle and learned about the 10th-year celebrations. Then, it was off to a class with the grandkids to get a taste of what daily life is like at Pacific Ridge. Afterwards, grandparents got to see all the students in action, performing during SpringFest and hosting different sorts of STEAM activities.

Students and their grandparents enjoy lunch together!

Afternoon of Fun at SpringFest
Students, faculty, parents and grandparents put the fest in SpringFest all over campus. Combining the performing arts with culinary arts and STEAM, SpringFest offered something for everyone. The activity tent included henna designs, Hula hooping, slime-making, surfboard shaping and food stations featuring student and faculty creations. In the athletic center lobby, the A Capella Ensemble performed melodies from their recent performance at Carnegie Hall, while Jazz Rock and other student musicians and dancers performed for crowds in the gym. Actors presented student-written and directed scenes in Community Hall and attendees enjoyed wandering about campus, sampling the many activities and celebrating the arrival of spring.To view videos and many photos from the day, visit our Facebook page.

Mr. Kelso makes liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Faculty pause in the middle of their dance for a selfie.


There was even a petting zoo with baby ducklings, bunnies and goats!

Join us Next Week for Science and Technology Presentation
Next week we're highlighting Science and Technology at Pacific Ridge. On Thursday during Community Life, Vice President of Applied Genomics at Illumina, Dawn Barry, will examine the future of personal genomics and discuss some of the ways in which genomics may affect healthcare outcomes. All are welcome to attend.
Date: Thursday, May 4th
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Place: Athletic Center

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

Juniors and Seniors Pick Up Healthy Habits
Practicing mindfulness and finding time to breathe deeply isn't always easy to make a priority. During Magic Monday on April 24, juniors and seniors made time for some healthy habits by attending Wellness Day. Workshops touted the benefits of healthy stress-relief techniques, such as yoga and progressive muscle relaxation. Students also learned about finances, the health benefits of reading, the cost of addiction and how to decipher a food label. It was the second day in a series of workshops designed to introduce healthy habits into students' routines.

Reach!

Students Practice Language on Immersion Day
Hola, bonjour and Nǐ hǎo! On April 25, students and teachers participated in Immersion Day to practice their language skills. Everyone was encouraged to speak in their chosen language throughout the day and those overheard participating were rewarded with treats. During lunch, middle and upper school students competed in Lingo-Mania, in which t
eams of three answered questions about grammar, geography and more, in all different languages! In the 
afternoon, students participated a soccer match that rotated between Spanish, French and Chinese; breaches of language immersion earned penalties.

A student correctly answers a question in Chinese.

Mr. Stella's French 5 and A.P. students practiced their language skills at the French Corner cafe in Leucadia.

Good Reads

Ms. Cothran - The Baroque Cycle
Ms. Cothran - The Baroque Cycle

Ms. Cothran's Pick: Find out why Librarian Ellen Cothran's favorite book is The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson.

Curricular Adventures

Seventh Graders Create Prosthetic Hands
We've got to hand it to the seventh graders for their creativity! On April 19, Life Science students showed off prosthetic hands that they designed and created. Students discussed what they learned from earlier prototypes and how they settled on their final product. Ms. Frumovitz's students were tasked with being able to grab a cup of water with the prosthetic. Ms. Green's students each had a unique task the hand was meant for, such as gripping a football or a ballet bar. 

Students demonstrate their prosthetics.

Evofem CEO Discusses Female Leadership
"Sometimes your path is different than what you'd assume," CEO of Evofem Biosciences and WomanCare Global Saundra Pelletier told a group of students on April 24. Feminists United hosted Ms. Pelletier to learn more about her experiences in bioscience, especially as a female leader. She discussed her role in business and shared anecdotes from her 20+ year career. An informal Q & A followed.

Ms. Pelletier discusses female leadership.

Advanced Photography Students Learn Underwater Shooting
Ms. Pietrowski's Advanced Photography students were thrown into the deep end at Alga Norte on April 19. They sank... and swam... and they caught it all on camera as part of a lesson with underwater photographers Mike Lewis and Brian Wright from AquaTech Imaging Solutions. Students learned techniques for shooting underwater and learned how to use underwater housings for DSLR cameras. 

Mike Lewis demonstrates how he lightly taps swimmers heads to keep them from hitting the camera. Photo: Mike Lewis

Students review their underwater work.

Service Learning in the Field

Animal Allies Hosts Canine Visitors
Nothing gets students' attention quite like a cute puppy! On April 25, volunteers from Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs spoke to middle school service learning group Animal Allies. An active duty marine discussed how his three-year-old lab Saturn makes life easier for him after he suffered a brain injury in the Middle East. Students also learned how to interact with a service dog in public. TLC's dogs all go to children on the autism spectrum or people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.


Service-dog-in-training Lavender draws a big crowd!

Birds Nest Accepting Grant Applications
Service learning group Birds Nest is currently accepting grant applications from student-led service learning groups and clubs. Each year Birds Nest raises funds by selling spirit wear and then distributes the proceeds to different campus groups. Students in groups that would like to receive funding for the 2017-2018 school year must fill out this application and return it to the Birds Nest by May 3.

Parents Association 

Next Parent Walking Club is Friday, April 28th
Spring has sprung! Join fellow Pacific Ridge parents for some conversation, fresh air and exercise around Bressi Ranch.
Date: Friday, April 28th
Time: 8:20 a.m. 
Location: Peet's Coffee, Bressi Ranch

Used Uniform Collection and Sale on Saturday, May 6th 
Has your child gone through a growth spurt? Does he or she need some additional uniform items? The next used uniform sale will be held on Saturday, May 6th. Payments must be made in cash or by check. Please also consider donating gently used uniform items to the Parents Association by bringing them to the sale, dropping them off in collection bins placed on campus or leaving them with the reception desk in the Middle School Building year-round. 
Date: Saturday, May 6th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Athletic Center 

RSVP to Final 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 9 to parentsassociation@pacificridge.org.
Date: Friday, May 12th
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Community Hall

Book Club Meeting Monday, May 15th
As we start to wind down this year of great reading, join fellow parents to discuss Lincoln in the Bardo: A Novel, by George Sanders. Reviews suggest investigating the word "bardo" to reduce the potential for confusion, especially in the beginning of the book. Give consideration to listening to this book, as it breaks new ground in audio recording!
Date: Monday, May 15th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Pacific Ridge School Library

Reminder: Volunteers & Food Needed May 16th 
The Pacific Ridge Teacher Appreciation Luncheon is planned for Tuesday, May 16th. Teachers and staff always look forward to this wonderful spring luncheon event provided each year by the Parents Association. Please sign up here to help with decor, food and drink donations, set-up, clean-up, and other simple tasks related to this event. Thank you for your support! 

Save the Date! Year's Final Supper Club Social on May 21st
All Supper Club members are invited to attend the final Supper Club Social of the 2017-18 school year! Come enjoy a relaxed evening with other parents as the school year draws to an end. Evites will be sent out soon with event location and details. 
Date: Sunday, May 21st
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

 
Sports on the Ridge


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

05/01/17
3:30 p.m. Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse vs La Jolla Country Day

05/02/17
5:15 p.m. Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs La Jolla Country Day

05/05/17
3:30 p.m. Boys MS - B Volleyball vs Santa Fe Christian
4:00 p.m. Boys JV Volleyball vs Santa Fe Christian School
5:30 p.m. Boys Varsity Volleyball vs Santa Fe Christian

05/06/17
1:00 p.m. Girls MS Lacrosse vs United Blue



 

College Guidance

Save the Date: Senior & Parent Coffee on May 11th
Seniors and their parents are invited to the Senior Parent Coffee on May 11, where College Guidance will discuss the transition to college, as well as suggestions and tips for the remaining school year and into the fall.
Date: Thursday, May 11th
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Community Hall

Transition to College Tailgate for Senior Families  on May 23rd
On May 23, College Guidance is hosting the Transition to College Tailgate and Improv. It will be a light-hearted night of food and comedy for seniors and their parents to celebrate the next steps beyond Pacific Ridge.
Date: Tuesday, May 23rd
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
LocationAthletic Center

Camp College for Juniors  May 24th - 25th
Juniors are expected to attend Camp College on May 24-25.
Date: Wednesday and Thursday, May 24 - 25
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Admission Officer Panel on May 17th
College admission officers from various types of colleges and universities around the nation will be available to talk with all Pacific Ridge families on Wednesday, May 17. This event is recommended for parents of juniors and sophomores. This year, colleagues from Boston University, Stanford University, Trinity College and the University of Virginia will share the wisdom of their experience as the people who read applications and meet with high school students year in and year out.
Date: Wednesday, May 17th
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Community Hall

Local Information Sessions
Students and families who are interested in attending local information sessions hosted by various colleges and universities can find them listed as Key Dates on the College Guidance landing page of Haiku here.


Sports Scores

Scores:

Girls MS - A Basketball
04/18/17 Santa Fe Christian 41 24 W

Girls MS - B Basketball
04/18/17 Santa Fe Christian 38 12 W

Coed Varsity Golf
04/18/17 La Jolla Country Day 209 196 L
04/19/17 Horizon Christian School 233 352 W
04/20/17 Francis Parker 219 220 W

Boys Varsity Tennis
04/19/17 Vista High School 10 8 W
04/20/17 Tri-City Christian 18 0 W

Coed Middle School Tennis
04/18/17 Tri-City Christian 6 1 W

Boys Varsity Lacrosse
04/18/17 Santa Fe Christian 6 7 L
04/20/17 La Jolla Country Day 4 8 L

Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse
04/17/17 Santa Fe Christian 4 9 L

Boys MS - A Lacrosse
04/22/17 Poway B 7 8 L

Girls Varsity Lacrosse
04/19/17 Santa Fe Christian 15 3 W
04/20/17 Del Lago Academy 7 2 W
04/21/17 Del Lago Academy 14 5 W

Girls Middle School Lacrosse
04/22/17 La Jolla Country Day 2 13 L

Boys Varsity Volleyball
04/18/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 3 0 W

Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball
04/18/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 1 W
  
Boys MS - A Volleyball
04/19/17 Christian Jr/Sr High School 2 0 W

Girls Varsity Beach Volleyball 
04/18/17 Horizon Prep 2 0, 2 0, 2 1 W 

Girls Track & Field
04/19/17 Coastal League Meet #3 at Clairemont High School
Kimberly Cheung: 3rd place - 1600 Meters; 2nd place - 3200 Meters
Olivia Carter: 1st place - 110m Hurdles 33"; 2nd place - Long Jump
Jordan Lee: 2nd place - 110m Hurdles 33"
Anna Bae, Olivia Carter, Polly Ecke and Hannah Maerowitz: 3rd place - 4 x 100 Relay
Hannah Maerowitz: 3rd place - Triple Jump

North County Happenings

ARCC Offering Summer Trip Programs 
For over 30 years, Adventures Cross Country (ARCC) has offered extraordinary service and adventure programs for teenagers in some of the world's most spectacular locations.  If your child has been on the 9th-grade China trip or the 10th-grade Northern Sierra trip, then they have already seen the exceptional adventures ARCC can create. ARCC offers 18 trips on six continents full of authentic and varied service learning with opportunities for both middle and upper school students. This summer, one of our very own alumni, Kelsey Smith '11, is leading two trips with ARCC to Costa Rica from June through July. "I sure hope to see some friendly Pacific Ridge faces out there exploring the rainforest with me this summer!" she said. Learn more about the different programs 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 Schoolwww.pacificridge.org

April 28th
Upper School One-Act Plays
6 p.m.

May 1st-10th
A.P. Testing

May 2nd
Ninth Grade Parent Coffee
10 a.m.

May 3rd
7th and 8th Grade Global Parent Night
5:45 p.m.

May 5th
Middle School Social Event
7 p.m.

May 11th
Senior Art Show
6:30 p.m.

May 12th
Parents Association General Meeting
8 a.m.

May 13th
11th/12th Grade Prom
4:40 p.m.

May 16th
Coastline Case Studies for Juniors
6 p.m.

May 24th- 25th
Camp College for Juniors
9 a.m.

May 26th
Upper School Global Trips Begin to Leave

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