In This Issue - May 4, 2017
Snapshot from the Ridge

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

10th graders compete to see who can put up a tent the fastest during Northern Sierra trip prep on April 28.

Bulletin Board

Middle School Social Event Tomorrow 
Middle school students are invited to an active hangout social event tomorrow, 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 
Aviary Builders Needed May 13th
Service Learning group Raptor Rehab is finishing building an aviary to rehabilitate injured birds in Ramona. Volunteers are needed to help assemble the pre-made panels. If you are able and would like to come out and help, the students in Raptor Rehab would really appreciate it! The times of arrival and departure are lenient so if you can make it for just part of the time that's fine. Email August Trees (atrees@pacificridge.org) with questions or to RSVP. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes to the event. Food and drinks will be provided.
Date: Saturday, May 13th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Ramona

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

Class of 2017 Parent Celebration Dinner 
Senior parents are warmly invited to a dinner honoring the wisdom, guidance, support, encouragement and love you have bestowed on this group of seniors, helping them become the amazing young adults that they are. Dinner and a special program will be provided. Please direct questions and RSVPs to Monique Benjamin at mbenjamin@pambencificridge.org. 
Date: Thursday, May 18th
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: West Reading Room

La Posada Service Learning Group Hosting Toiletry Drive
The Middle School Service Learning group working with the La Posada mens shelter in Carlsbad is running a drive to collect toiletries for the residents. They are collecting soap, razors, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, sunscreen and shaving cream. These items will go into making individual kits for new residents. Collection boxes are in the Middle School Reading room until May 15.

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
Sustainability: A Great Example of Science & Technology at Pacific Ridge
Sustainability is and always has been an essential part of Pacific Ridge School. In addition to student-led recycling on campus and educational outreach to local elementary schools, our Service Learning program includes tech-based groups such as Alternative Energy Solutions, which creates biofuel to power on-campus events. Each building on our energy-efficient campus contains an energy dashboard so students can view energy consumption in real time and yearly competitions challenge students and faculty to conserve. Pacific Ridge has received multiple awards for its commitment to sustainability and to the environment, including a gold-level California Green Ribbon Award for the past three years. Our campus ranks high in the nation for sustainable design: Mullady Hall is LEED Gold Certified and all other permanent buildings are LEED compliant. Want to see science and technology in action? Just check out sustainability at Pacific Ridge!

Students work on the first ever compost bin at Pacific Ridge.
Events such as Science Extravaganza! make learning fun!
Biotech Executive Highlights Importance of Genome
Being able to predict possible health problems is one of the major benefits of sequencing the human genome. Vice President of Applied Genomics at Illumina Dawn Barry spoke to the Pacific Ridge community today about the scientific advancements in genomics made since the connection between DNA and genes was first explored in 1953.The technology has come far in the years since the first human genome was sequenced in 1999, but, she cautions, it still has a way to go. Ms. Barry explained the potential genomics has for transforming the current medical system from one that addresses disease once it is present to one that can successfully focus on prevention and health promotion tailored to individuals. She urged students to educate themselves further about genomics and noted that numerous careers are available in the field for scientists and non-scientists alike.


Next Week Global Engagement is Highlighted
As we prepare to launch our end-of-year domestic and global trips, we're celebrating the different ways global engagement is woven into the curriculum. Stop by the Athletic Center lobby next week to see how Pacific Ridge's global program has evolved over the years. 
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

Mayor of Encinitas Discusses Leadership and Communication
Local government has the largest impact on its constituents compared to federal and state governments, according to Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear. On May 2, she spoke to students about her path to becoming mayor and what students can do to get involved. She also talked about tough issues the city is facing, such as homelessness and a controversial bike plan known as the rail trail. Students were interested in her insights on dealing with different constituent groups and having civil conversations on polarizing topics. She was hosted by the new Feminists United group. 

Mayor of Encinitas Catherine Blakespear
Mayor Blakespear talks with students.

Google X and Non-Profit Entrepreneur Discusses Passion
After meeting a boy in Tanzania, Africa who couldn't afford an education, Matt Severson decided to do something. He launched The School Fund, a non-profit website that links donors with students in need of scholarship funds. On April 28, Mr. Severson spoke to students about the dedication and teamwork needed to create the non-profit. He also discussed the different projects he's worked on with Google X, including balloons that relay Wi-Fi signals to remote areas and flying wind-turbine kites. He encouraged students to find their passions and figure out ways to incorporate them into work and personal life.

Matt Severson speaks about Google X's innovative projects.
La Jolla Playhouse Actors Host Workshop
Yelling insults at a student may not be the best teaching technique, although it has its place in theater. On May 2, 
La Jolla Playhouse
 
Artist Instructors 
James Pillar and Jeffrey Ingman held a workshop to help students tap into raw emotions. They asked students to find emotional triggers to be translated on stage in a scene. Honors Theater and Advanced Acting and Directing students did quick monologues during class and then improved upon them with emotional triggers. They also learned common mistakes actors make with their gestures.
Students learn to tap into raw emotions.

Good Reads
Mr. Wright - The Secret Knowledge of Water
Mr. Wright - The Secret Knowledge of Water

Mr. Wright's Pick: Find out why Head of Middle School Andy Wright's favorite book is The Secret Knowledge of Water by Craig Childs.

Curricular Adventures

10th Graders Cap Nuclear Unit at San Onofre Power Plant
After finishing up a nuclear energy unit in chemistry, 10th graders toured the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station on April 24. The strict security at the plant meant students didn't actually go inside during their tour, but they still saw plenty. The entire grade split up into small groups to tour the facility, which is in the process of being decommissioned. Engineers discussed challenges they face with federal and state legislation while biologists talked about measures they take to keep the wildlife and flora in the area safe. Students also got a look at the storage construction for the spent fuel cells and learned about electrical safety. 

Students tried on the safety gear required to enter the plant.
A group leader discusses intensive security protocols.

Middle Schoolers Program with Arduino
Arduino is an electronics platform that allows users to program interactive responses. On May 3, all middle school students had the chance to free-program the circuit boards during a workshop with Director of Science & Engineering Outreach Julie Gunther. STEAM Projects instructor Richard Masland also taught Arduino to seventh grade life science students. They learned how to program the boards to buzz or light up and will later use them to design their own experiments. Students have been studying nerve endings so will create experiments that test effects on human response time. A big thanks to Kent Meyer of Emcraft (and Pacific Ridge parent) for helping plan the project and putting the kits together!
Tinker time!
Theater Students Perform in Shakespeare Festival
All the world may be a stage according to Shakespeare, and Balboa Park is one of the world's more scenic venues. Over the weekend, theater students competed in the San Diego Student Shakespeare Festival at Balboa Park. Congratulations to Haitong Du who won best actor on the Swan Stage and 2nd place overall in the Bilingual Competition for his monologue in part English and part Chinese. Rachel Bell placed second and Hannah Le Beau third in the Buckingham Competition for advanced students. Nearly 30 schools from all over San Diego County competed.
Actors catch some shade during the competition.

Class Notes
 
Alumna Recognized for Academic and Athletic Achievements
Meghan Bacher '13 finished her collegiate lacrosse career at University of Puget Sound with the most goals and most assists for the season, which puts her at 10th in all-time assists for the team. At an athletics awards ceremony on April 25th, she was recognized with the Academic Achievement Award given to the graduating female athlete with the highest GPA in any sport during the 2016-17 academic year. With seven lacrosse players recognized as scholar athletes this year, her lacrosse team also earned the Phil and Gwen Phibbs Award given to the team with the highest combined GPA for the academic year. This was the second straight year the lacrosse team earned this award. Congratulations, Meghan!


Alumnus Visits For a Model United Nations Debate
On April 28, Josh Kahn '16 returned to Pacific Ridge to debate with members of the Model U.N Club. He and club president Alyssa Martindale had an informal and humorous debate about whose administration better served Pacific Ridge as Josh was the former president of the club. Alyssa agreed that Josh was a great mentor and Josh praised Alyssa for being the first female president in the club's history. Josh just finished his freshman year at the University of Michigan where he is pursuing his interest in international affairs.



Parents Association 
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 to get through the school year? 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 

Next Parent Walking Club is Thursday, May 11th 
Join fellow Pacific Ridge parents for some fresh air and exercise around Bressi Ranch!
Time: 8:20 a.m. 
Location: Peet's Coffee, Bressi Ranch

Save the Date: Final Walk of the School Year June 2nd
The final walk of the school year is planned for Thursday, June 2nd. More details will be coming soon!

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: Food Donations Still 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 food and drink donations. 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.

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.

05/13/17
9:00 a.m. Boys MS - A Lacrosse vs. LJCS A I
 




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.
Location: Athletic Center

Camp College for Juniors  May 24th - 25th
All juniors are expected to attend Camp College.
Date: Wednesday and Thursday, May 24th - 25th
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
04/25/17 Rancho Santa Fe MS 22 25 L
04/27/17 Horizon Prep 33 21 W

Girls MS - B Basketball
04/25/17 Rancho Santa Fe MS 36 10 W
04/27/17 Horizon Prep 39 6 W

Coed Varsity Golf
04/25/17 Horizon Christian School 207 313 W
04/26/17 San Diego Jewish Academy 220 316 W
04/27/17 The Bishop's School 206 213 W

Boys Varsity Tennis
04/24/17 San Diego Jewish Academy 14 4 W
04/25/17 Army & Navy Academy 15 3 W

Coed Middle School Tennis
04/26/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 3 4 L
04/27/17 La Jolla Country Day School 0 6 L

Boys Varsity Lacrosse
04/25/17 The Bishop's School 10 11 L
04/27/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 5 13 L

Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse
04/24/17 The Bishop's School 3 2 W

Boys MS - A Lacrosse
04/29/17 Mustang B I 11 5 W

Girls Varsity Lacrosse
04/25/17 Francis Parker 14 8 W

Girls Middle School Lacrosse
04/29/17 Nighthawks 8 6 W

Boys Varsity Volleyball
04/25/17 The Bishop's School 3 0 W
04/27/17 Escondido Adventist Academy 3 0 W

Boys Junior Varsity Volleyball
04/25/17 The Bishop's School 1 2 L
04/27/17 Escondido Adventist Academy 2 0 W
  
Boys MS - A Volleyball
04/26/17 Horizon Prep 2 0 W
04/28/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 1 W

Boys MS - B Volleyball
04/28/17 Santa Fe Christian Schools 2 0 W

Girls Varsity Beach Volleyball 
04/27/17 Knights 2 1 W

Coed Track & Field
04/26/17 Coastal League Meet #4 at Orange Glen
Cole Hardin: 1st place - 100 meters
Harrison Torino: 2nd place - 3200 meters
Kimberly Cheung: 2nd place - 800 meters 
Tanisha McCullough: 2nd place - 3200 meters
Savannah Streitman: 3rd place - 3200 meters
Olivia Carter: 1st place - 100m hurdles
Anna Bae, Olivia Carter, Polly Ecke, and Hannah Maerowitz: 3rd place - 4 x 100 relay

4/29/17 Dick Wilkins Frosh-Soph Invite
Kimberly Cheung: 2nd place 3200 meters

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 School | www.pacificridge.org

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 18th
Senior Parent Celebration Dinner
6 - 8 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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