View from the Ridge: Winter 2016

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Gaining STEAM

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FROM THE RIDGE |

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Setting the Stage

WINTER 2016

ALL IN STRIDE 12 Annual Fund 13 Alumni Highlight 14 The Making of Global Vantage Photography by Alison Behr

Meet Dr. Smith

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GAINING

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS MATHEMATICS

In learning, as in life, there is magic in connections.

Brain researchers have confirmed what most of us figured out while trying to memorize the periodic table for a chemistry test or struggling to remember the name of a newly introduced acquaintance—memory is organized into networks of connected ideas. In other words, the concepts that stay with us, the ones that impact us the most, are the ones that have a link somewhere else in our lives.

At Pacific Ridge School, we have always aimed for interconnectivity, not only across academic disciplines, but also throughout our service learning, global travel, athletics, and arts programs.

In this newsletter you will read about the ways we connect science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) into core courses for 7th-10th grade students and specialized opportunities for our 11th and 12th graders. You will read about students with high-level artistic talent and aspirations connecting their experience across genres. You will read about a Middle School athletics team that integrates geography, a little math, some construction, and a whole lot of fun into exercise.

I hope you enjoy exploring these examples of connected, compelling learning at Pacific Ridge School — and can imagine the magic the connections inspire.

Innovative electives and a collaborative curriculum reflect Pacific Ridge School’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math education WHAT DOES STEAM LOOK LIKE AT PACIFIC RIDGE? It looks like 7th-grade Life Science students learning programming, and coding their own, interactive, dichotomous key applications.

It looks like Zombiology, an Upper School elective with a multidisciplinary curriculum covering everything from the biology of infectious disease to the aesthetics of The Walking Dead graphic novel.

It looks like filmmaking in language classes and laser cutting in photography classes.

And for STEAM facilitator Richard Masland, it looks like a calendar packed with rich and varied projects.

When he’s not giving middle school students a rundown on 3D Design in Skills Class, or teaching the finer points of Broadcasting during the After-School Extension Program, Masland spends most of his time collaborating with colleagues to create STEAM projects that align with and complement the curriculum.

At Pacific Ridge, there is no shortage of STEAM opportunities for students seeking them out. The list of Upper School STEAM electives for this year alone includes Nanotechnology, Video Game Design, Tiny House Design, Music Production and Technology, Landscape Architecture and more. There are Service Learning groups dedicated to filmmaking and radio production; clubs for students interested in everything from scientific research to robotics; and this year’s 14 Global Travel Program trips include an urban-design themed exploration of Northern Europe, and an astronomy and ecology focused expedition to Chile.

But what excites Masland most about his new role is the opportunity to cast STEAM’s net even wider, through integration with core academic disciplines.

Dr. Bob Ogle Head of School 4 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE 2

“The idea is that STEAM comes to the students without them necessarily having to seek it out,” Masland said. “They don’t have to take a filmmaking class to be exposed to filmmaking.

They don’t have to take a programming class to be exposed to programming. It gives them a chance to discover a passion for things they wouldn’t have even known they were interested in.”

Such was the case this fall, when Masland brought broadcasting to world language students. French, Spanish, and Chinese students came together to produce a live morning show. Spanish students, who had been studying food vocabulary, conducted a cooking segment. Chinese students used their knowledge of clothes vocabulary to create a fashion show. French students presented a “Je Suis Paris” segment in tribute to victims of the country’s recent terrorist attack. The students wrote their own scripts, directed rehearsals, and learned how to operate cameras, microphones, and the video mixer, all while developing their language skills.

STEAM also played an important role in 9th-grade English students’ exploration of Homer’s Odyssey.

This year, in addition to standard essay responses to the text, students were asked to consider the broader concept of lore by using modern methods of storytelling to create their own personal mythologies.

Their completed “Muse Projects” demonstrated creative, and often, sophisticated applications of STEAM. Students used filmmaking, photography, social media, design, and more to support their narratives.

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The idea is that STEAM comes to the students without them necessarily having to seek it out.

One student used his programming knowledge to create an application that functioned as a Choose Your Own Adventure game, where each choice directs the user to a different epic story in his mythological life. Another student designed, laser cut, and 3D printed an original chess set, with the game pieces and board serving as myth-supporting artifacts.

And the examples of STEAM integration go on.

Already, Masland has plans to produce podcasts with Ancient World History and Ethical Thinking classes, launch a video production project in 7thgrade Social and Community Studies class, and lead sophomores in the creation of design-thinking inspired business pitches. With its array of diverse projects and interdisciplinary initiatives, STEAM at Pacific Ridge is, by design, difficult to define. The outcomes, however, are easy to identify—innovative, inquisitive students prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

Winter 2016 3

SETTING THE Four students, and one alumna, talk self-expression and self-discovery in the realm of Performing Arts

Senior Sarah Tatsumi’s introduction to poetry wasn’t exactly love at first verse.

“I thought it was boring,” she said. “I didn’t know how to write it, and every time I tried to write a poem it would just turn into a short story anyway.”

It took her a while to realize that underneath all the rhyming and word play, most poems were just that—stories. And storytelling, in all its forms, has always come naturally to Sarah.

She loves the theater arts, and has been involved with Pacific Ridge’s annual musical productions behind-thescenes as well as on-stage. She also loves creative writing.

So when Sarah heard about Spoken Word Poetry Club her sophomore year, she jumped at the opportunity I felt like I to combine her passions.

The club has given Sarah a new outlet for creative selfexpression and has made her a more fearless performer.

“There’s a difference between performing someone else’s work and performing your own,” she said. “It’s a whole different kind of nervous.”

But it’s also a whole different kind of rewarding.

shared a part of myself with the audience that day,” she said. “That’s what I love about spoken word poetry.

Last year, the club performed for all students and faculty during a Community Life presentation and, after much internal debate, Sarah decided to read a very personal poem she’d written about her identity as a mixed-race individual.

“I felt like I shared a part of myself with the audience that day,” she said. “That’s what I love about spoken word poetry.”

4 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

SARAH TATSUMI ’16

JOON-HA BAE ’16

Usually in an orchestra, the violin is the soloist,” said Joon-ha. “Having the main melody on the cello…it’s unique and it’s challenging, but that’s what I like about it.

He can play Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1 in G” flawlessly with no sheet music.

until recently that Joon-ha fully realized what the cello is capable of.

He performed for, and was complimented by, Boston Philharmonic conductor Benjamin Zander during a presentation the maestro gave at Pacific Ridge.

Upon discovering 2Cellos, a Croatian duo of classically trained cellists who have gained international fame for hard-hitting pop and rock covers, Joon-ha became intrigued by the idea of a cello taking center stage.

But the piece Joon-ha has most enjoyed playing over the course of his cello career? “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses.

In many ways, senior Joon-ha Bae is the epitome of a classically trained cellist.

He was introduced to the instrument at age 10 and earned a spot with the San Diego Youth Symphony by age 12.

He played the song during a school concert two years ago, and the reaction to his unconventional choice was overwhelmingly positive.

“I think everyone was surprised that I could do that…that a cello could do that,” Joon-ha said.

And though he’s played the instrument for seven years, it wasn’t

Since then, he’s traded classical for classic rock, swapped rote memorization for jazz improvisation, and enjoyed “jamming out” in Honors Jazz/Rock Ensemble.

He’s also discovered a renewed passion for his instrument.

“Usually in an orchestra, the violin is the soloist,” said Joon-ha. “Having the main melody on the cello… it’s unique and it’s challenging, but that’s what I like about it.”

Winter 2016

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SETTING THE STAGE Samuel Canseco has never met a stage he didn’t like.

He is, first and foremost, a singer. Though he dances, too. Honestly, he’d probably stand on his head or pull a rabbit out of a hat if it meant getting the chance to entertain. And if you take Sam to an event, well…

“I always want to sing,” he said. “So I just go up and ask the band if I can join them for a song.”

That innate confidence and enthusiasm for performing has served the Pacific Ridge junior well as he has navigated his way through grade school talent shows and Mariachi performances, earned a reputation for himself as a go-to performer on the Quinceañera circuit, and improved his technique as part of the award-winning Pacific Ridge Vocal Ensemble.

Currently, Sam sings with a Regional Mexican band that he met during one of those gutsy, stagecrashing performances he’s known for.

The band plays the style of music that Sam grew up listening to with his parents, a style that, just years ago, wouldn’t have interested Sam.

GRACE HOFER ’17

But through his love of the stage, Sam has fallen back in love with the music of his roots.

“Performing has helped me connect with my culture and my family,” he said. “I feel like I’ve found my true self.”

SAM CANSECO ’17

When it comes to dance, junior Grace Hofer wants to try it all.

So in 9th grade, when the demanding pace of competitive, studio dance had lost it’s luster, Grace found herself asking “what’s next?”

She found her answer in the many dance opportunities available at Pacific Ridge.

This February’s production of “All Shook Up” marked Grace’s fourth year as a member of the Upper School Musical Dance Troupe, and her second year as dance captain. Mastering Broadway-style dance has been an exciting new challenge, and has exposed her to new arts disciplines.

“I’ve definitely grown as a dancer, but I’ve also learned how to read music, and I’ve gained a basic understanding of acting,” she said.

In dance courses, Grace has learned about the history of the art and continued to refine her technique; she’s gotten to choreograph and perform

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JENNIFER CURIEL ’15

The internationally acclaimed Old Globe theatre has staged the work of William Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams…and, as of January, Pacific Ridge alumna Jennifer Curiel ’15.

Not bad company for an 18-year-old, firsttime playwright.

I’ve definitely grown as a dancer, but I’ve also learned how to read music, and I’ve gained a basic understanding of acting.

original dances at school events and, most importantly, she’s had the opportunity to use dance to give back.

Grace is a student leader for On Pointe, an Upper School Service Learning group that performs at local schools, humanservice agencies, and senior living communities. The group’s mission is to spread joy through dance, and if row after row of smiling audience members are any indication —they’ve been quite successful.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to use the art form that I love to bring joy to others,” Grace said.

When Jennifer started writing her script last year, as part of a Playwrights Project program in Pacific Ridge’s Theater Arts Honors, she couldn’t imagine it would be selected among the best in her class, let alone selected as a finalist for the 31st annual Plays by Young Writers festival. Just four plays, out of 269 statewide submissions, were chosen to receive full professional productions.

Her play, “Fronteras Hechas del Dinero,” tells the story of a Mexican-American teenager struggling to reconcile her desire to pursue an education with her responsibilities to family.

While the story isn’t autobiographical, it is deeply personal. So Jennifer was thrilled that everyone involved in the production, from the director, to her Playwrights Project writing mentor, to the cast, “understood and connected with the story.”

It was a struggle, she says, balancing her first semester at Whittier College with script re-writes and creative approvals, but the experience of seeing her work come to life on the Old Globe stage was unforgettable.

“It was exactly as I envisioned it,” she said. “I’m so grateful and so proud to be able to share a little bit of my culture and myself.”

Winter 2016 7

Pacific Ridge’s Middle School Cross Country team combines teamwork, hard work, and a whole lot of fun!

The members of Pacific Ridge’s Middle School Cross Country team seem to be in perpetual motion.

expectations, and celebrating small improvements. Oh, and Otter Pops. Lots and lots of Otter Pops.

Pre-run…mid-run…post-run, you’ll find them testing their balance on curbs, jumping up and down with anticipation, or gesticulating wildly among friends. The team is a blur of well-worn sneakers, bouncing ponytails, and wide grins.

“The team would actually ask to run more laps so that they could meet their next distance milestone and get a freezie,” Coach VanderHorst said. “It’s amazing what those things can do. I’m telling you, they’re the secret to Cross Country.”

In long distance running, that kind of boundless energy is a good thing, so long as it’s harnessed and directed. That’s where Coach Sara VanderHorst comes in.

Ask the runners, though, and they’ll admit that while they love a freeze pop as much as the next kid, the real secret to middle school Cross Country is Coach VanderHorst’s ability to make everything fun.

In her second year as head coach, VanderHorst— who also serves as Assistant Coach for the Upper School Coed Cross Country team and Head Coach for Girls Varsity Basketball — managed to inspire 40 middle school students to spend fall mornings doing hill intervals, time trials, and agility training.

The key, she says, is focusing on attitude and effort, setting clear 8 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Case in point: hill repeats. The traditionally monotonous, difficult exercise is great for building speed and strength, but not great for building team morale. So VanderHorst added Legos to the mix. A pile of blocks was placed on top of the hill, and students, split into two relay teams, retrieved one block per completed interval. The team with the most blocks won the advantage of having more material for the final phase of competition—a five-minute Lego build-off lightning round, complete with teamwork, creativity, and lots of laughter.

Coach had us running at least three miles on most practice days— but she made it so fun we didn’t even realize we had run a mile.

Cross Country is not about beating anyone else’s time. It’s about focusing on getting better for ourselves, and making the team better as a result.

Each aspect of practice encompassed that same balance of hard work and fun.

Long distance runs were broken up with random bouts of Red Light, Green Light; the team made its own upbeat playlist for tough sessions in the weight room, and during weekly “adventure runs,” Coach VanderHorst led the team off-campus for runs to surprise destinations.

“Coach had us running at least three miles on most practice days,” said 8th grader Zoe Erturk.

“But she made it so fun we didn’t even realize we had run a mile.”

And just as those 3-mile days breezed by while the team was busy having fun, so too did the 3,000 mile season, thanks to a bit of ingenuity from Coach VanderHorst.

With Washington D.C. in its sights, and the promise of Otter Pops at each state capital along the way, this year’s Cross Country team ran… cross country.

All season long, they logged their miles during practice and meets, hoping to cover the distance between Carlsbad and the U.S. Capital— site of the 8th-grade year end global trip. The idea is as clever as it is creative. It encouraged attendance (if a student skipped a practice or meet, the team missed out on his or her miles), promoted teamwork (the day’s miles had to be finished by all students present in order to count), and provided the group with a visual representation of the small milestones along the way to their large goal.

“Cross Country is not about beating anyone else’s time. It’s about focusing on getting better for ourselves, and making the team better as a result,” said VanderHorst.

“And I believe they won’t get better unless they’re enjoying themselves and having fun.”

The team’s progress, on and off the map, was nothing short of impressive.

One athlete shaved more than five minutes off his mile time this season.

A member of the girl’s team came in first place in every single meet.

Many more runners set new personal records, stepped into leadership roles, built their endurance and developed a lifelong hobby.

Winter 2016 9

MEET DR. SMITH

Getting to know Pacific Ridge’s Assistant Head of School

1999

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2006

07-11

11-15 s Ac a C a m D e a n d e mi c a b r id g e S t T he of W chool esto n.

o n e C o mp -yea l r ex eted a pr Gha ogram change dep na, in th in Accr a, ar e Inte tment English a rnat iona t Ghan a l Sc ho o l.

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One of the things that attracted me to Pacific Ridge is that it’s continually evolving.

S er v ed a

1994

Sp e nt a y pro English ear tea sp e ctiv , inter v ching e wor i king stude ewing in a nts, a pro gra mento nd S c h m a t W r in g o ol in B in s o r osto n.

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1993

Or the one about her realization during an uninspiring internship…

“My colleagues at the University of Denver used to say ‘why are all these students waiting for you?

Why is there always someone in your office?’ and I would say ‘why isn’t there ever anyone in yours?’

Rec e und ived an e in E rgradu n a Am glish an te degr e e d We rican S Africa e tud sley i an U e s f r n nive om r si t y .

“Ghana is an English speaking country.

My students in the ESL program were international students, and the school was British. So there were things I was teaching the kids

Then there’s the one about her reputation at the University of Denver…

I like research and writing and scholarship, but it doesn’t drive me. I don’t want to sit in my office all day alone doing research. I like knowing my students and their families.”

S er v e an d d a s p r o A C ur s s i s t a n f e s s o r ri t in A c u l u m D e a n fo a r Soc ts, Hum nd Adv r ial S i s in g a n i t c U ni vers iences ies and it y o at t h f De e nve r.

There was the time after college, during a stint teaching ESL at an international school in Ghana, when a British-ism threw her for a loop…

Rec eiv in E e d a P h Tuf t nglish f .D s Un rom iver si t y .

When asked about her career history she answers with anecdotes, not bullet points. Every response begins with, “Let me tell you about…” or “This one time…”

that were wrong. For example, they [The British] call the sidewalk the pavement. So we had this question in our ESL handbook that said ‘You should walk on the pavement: true or false?’ and I said false…why would you walk on the pavement?”

S er v e teac d as En h er g a n d li s h Div e i Ken rsit y Di naugur re t a in C Denve ctor a l t r olo r a d o S ch o o l .

Dr. Sidra Smith is a storyteller.

STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY

FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

“I had an internship working in marketing at a gas company, and it was not particularly interesting, and a lot of people I met were actually counting the years until they retired. So I decided then that I always wanted to have a job that I liked.”

Fortunately, Dr. Smith has found a lot to like at Pacific Ridge. The values of the school reflect her values as an educator. She has felt a genuine connection to the students and faculty members with whom she interacts, and she is impressed by the authenticity of the mission.

Now, halfway through her first year, Dr. Smith is thinking about the stories she will tell, and help write, as a Firebird.

“One of the things that attracted me to Pacific Ridge is that it’s continually evolving,” she said.

“I’m really enjoying learning who we are and what we need, and I hope to continue doing work for the good of the students and the good of the school.”

The Pacific Ridge students who attended the 2015 Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) represent different cultures, ages, ethnicities and religions. They went to the conference in December with different expectations, trepidations, and hopes. But after two days of intense dialogue, self reflection, and community-building activities, those six students and their four faculty chaperones, left the Tampa, Florida Convention Center using the same adjective to describe their experiences: incredible.

“I can confidently say that SDLC changed the way I see the world,” said junior Simmi Israni.

In “judgment-free” small groups referred to as family groups, students spent their days exploring eight social identifiers: age, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, and family structure. Students participated in a series of activities and discussions that helped them come to terms with, develop pride in, and form relationships among those that shared their own identifiers, while also learning about and empathizing with those who identify differently.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have gone to the conference and to be able to take what I learned at the conference and bring it back to the Pacific Ridge community,” said junior Gabi Burkholz.

This is the fourth year Pacific Ridge has sent a group to the conference, and the fourth year attendees have returned inspired, empowered and equipped with a better understanding of effective strategies for social justice. Past SDLC attendees have gone on to implement activities, organize presentations, and create the affinity groups that serve as cornerstones in Pacific Ridge’s extensive DIME (Diversity, Inclusivity, Multiculturalism, and Equity) programming.

This year’s group is already finding ways to use what they’ve learned to benefit the community. Sophomore David Wiesley has plans to implement a one-on-one peer “buddy” system, while sophomore Ashly Chavez is forming a Pacific Ridge women’s affinity group.

“The trick is to educate gently,” said Simmi. “Instead of social justice warriors we can be social justice non-violent protesters, and, slowly but surely, I think it will lead to a more accepting world.”

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS

TOGETHER

GENEROSITY | ENRICHMENT | INSPIRATION | SUPPORT

The 2015-2016 Annual Fund Campaign is going strong with 63% parent participation to date. Each year our goal is to achieve full participation by our community, and your support matters! To make a gift or pledge your support to the Annual Fund, please visit pacificridge.org/giving or contact Nisa Conway at 760-448-9883 or nconway@pacificridge.org.

Thank you for being a part of the Pacific Ridge community and for making a difference to every student, every day.

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ALUMNIHIGHLIGHT Two members of Pacific Ridge’s first graduating class share college experiences, future plans, and how their time at Pacific Ridge still influences them today.

Casey Tirschfield ’13 COLLEGE: NYU Abu Dhabi University, Class of 2017 STUDYING: Double major in mathematics and philosophy OUTSIDE OF CLASS YOU’RE LIKELY TO FIND HIM: Studying for the LSAT’s, taking a break on Saadiyat Beach, or training jiu-jitsu WHEN WE SPOKE HE WAS: In Prague, where he is spending a semester abroad

On choosing Abu Dhabi…

Sarah Merrifield ’11 COLLEGE: Syracuse University, Newhouse School of Public Communication, Class of 2015 CURRENTLY: Sports Reporter/Anchor for KTXS in Abilene, Texas ON HER BROADCASTING RESUME: Student media reporter for the Syracuse Athletics Department, Production Assistant at the NFL Network WHEN WE SPOKE SHE WAS: On her way to Waco, Texas to cover a local football team in the semifinals of the Texas State playoffs

On doing it all as a multi-media journalist…

I write. I edit. I shoot my own packages, and sometimes I film the games. I anchor on the weekends and do the on-air newscasts—three to five minute segments—live at 6 and 10. During the week I do sports reporting on local teams.

I was looking for a small, international, liberal arts school.

NYU Abu Dhabi is actually a lot like Pacific Ridge in that the students are academically driven, the small class sizes allow for greater interaction with professors, and the Socratic style of learning is encouraged.

On the diversity of the student body…

As of this year, NYU Abu Dhabi has 880 enrolled students, and those students represent 113 nations. Many of my most remarkable learning opportunities have come from my peers. I have a roommate from Turkey, so I got to hear his perspective on the political protests that took place in Gezi Park. I also have a friend who decided to join forces fighting in the region of Donbass, Ukraine after finishing his undergraduate degree, so I get to hear a firsthand account of that conflict as well.

On how the PRS mission resonates with him…

The global-mindedness at Pacific Ridge is probably what got me interested in looking to attend an international school in the first place, and I credit Pacific Ridge with preparing me for an education as rigorous as the one I’m currently receiving. Pacific Ridge’s mission still subconsciously informs not only how I approach my academics, but also my vision of life.

On her West Texas football initiation…

My first live segment at KTXS was my first real experience with West Texas football, and I was covering the big crosstown rivalry game. I remember standing in front of the camera and being so nervous, but afterwards, I got an adrenaline rush and it was one of those moments when I knew I was doing what I really wanted to do.

On how Pacific Ridge helped shape her….

I was part of Pacific Ridge’s first graduating class, and I think going to school in a completely new environment gave me a good sense of how to connect with people, make friends, and step out of my comfort zone. My ability to form relationships has been key in getting people to open up and share their stories.

Winter 2016 13

THE MAKING OF GLOBAL VANTAGE Founded at Pacific Ridge, and run collaboratively with students from Kibera Girls Soccer Academy and Canyon Crest Academy, Global Vantage magazine serves to expand reader’s perspectives by sharing stories across international and cultural boundaries.

The triannual magazine has received highest honors from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and is consistently recognized among the nation’s top studentproduced publications.

At Pacific Ridge, a staff of 29 students contributes to every aspect of the process; from selecting a theme and sourcing content, editing copy and selecting photos, to layout and marketing.

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1. Guidance, Conflict, Resonance, Discovery. Each issue’s articles and photographs are grounded in a central theme. Selecting the theme is careful work, and all staff members are called on for input.

2. Cold-calling bloggers, Facebook messaging renowned photographers, utilizing the networks of family and friends…anything goes when sourcing compelling content.

3. A striking cover is key in marketing the magazine. Practical factors, including color composition and scale, are weighed against more abstract considerations, including how well each image fits the Global Vantage brand.

4. With all articles and photos collected, edited, and complete, the design team gets to work on layout.

The process requires, patience, skill, and a keen eye for detail.

5. Three weeks after the files are sent to the printer, 1,000 copies of the new issue are delivered to campus. Students package, label, and send copies to subscribers and contributors. The remainders are distributed on campus and at small businesses throughout the community. The web editors publish a digital copy to www.globalvantagemagazine.org.

6. “Global Vantage has helped me develop practical skills and given me confidence,” said senior Nick Marr, Editor-in-Chief. “In a lot of ways, it has opened up the world to me. I hope that’s what it does for our readers too. I hope that through these pages, readers experience new perspectives, explore different parts of the world, and realize that everyone has a story to tell.”

Winter 2016 15

6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009

IMPORTANT DATES MARCH 17 DESIGNING NEW PERSPECTIVES APRIL 2 – 10 SPRING BREAK APRIL 15 & 16 UPPER SCHOOL SPRING PLAY APRIL 29 SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL MAY 6 & 7 NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT CELEBRATIONS MAY 14 PROM MAY 20 SCIENCE EXTRAVAGANZA MAY 20 & 21 MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL: ZOMBIE PROM MAY 30 – JUNE 10 SCHOOL-WIDE GLOBAL TRAVEL JUNE 14 AWARDS CEREMONY AND GLOBAL REFLECTIONS JUNE 16 COMMENCEMENT

GLOBAL TRAVEL 2016

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7TH GRADE Naturalist Trip to the Santa Monica Mountains 8TH GRADE Civics Trip to the Nation’s Capital: Washington, D.C. 9TH GRADE Cultural Exploration of The People’s Republic of China 10TH GRADE Teamwork & Leadership Development in the Northern Sierras 11TH AND 12TH GRADE Under the Southern Constellations: Astronomy and Ecology in Chile | Battling Food Insecurity on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua | Marine Conservation on Eleuthera, The Bahamas | Bringing the Light of Education to Remote Himalayan Communities | Urban Design & Architecture: Copenhagen, Hamburg & Berlin | Wilderness Medicine: Into the Wilds of the San Juan Mountains | Cultural & Language Immersion Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina | Rainforest Conservation in the Osa, Costa Rica | A Rural & Urban Adventure: Sights & Sounds of South Africa | Social Justice, Peace, and Development Studies in Cambodia

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