View from the Ridge, Winter 2024

FROM THE RIDGE | WINTER 2024

4 Taking Center Stage 6 Biotech: Bridging

Education and Industry

12 Published at PRS 16 Math at PRS 18 Here Comes the Sun

REFLEC TING

ON THE JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Dr. Bob Ogle, Head of School

F

or years I have been telling Pacific Ridge School families that

one of the aspects I like most about our program is how it can help so many different kinds of adolescents discover more about who they are, who they want to

I see it every year. I feel it in the

people not just to memorize and repeat,

depth, diversity, and complexity of

but to listen, to hear, to synthesize, and

our program, and I hear about it from

to problem solve. We ask our students

families. However, this year, with

to dig deep on complex issues. In

three to four months left in my tenure

addition, our program is purposefully

as a Pacific Ridge School parent, I

diverse. In middle school, students take

can tell you that I have witnessed

part not just in math, English, history,

this profound discovery not just as a

science, and world language, but they

school leader, but as a PRS parent.

also take part in clubs, service learning,

You see, if all goes well (yes, I am a little superstitious!), on June 13 I will have the honor of handing my son, and the entire class of 2024, a high school

be, what they want to do next,

diploma. That day will mark the last

and prepare them for the known

of a nine-year journey for me and my

(and unknown) paths ahead.

family – a journey for which I will forever be grateful. Why? Because like so many parents, I have two very different

disciplines in the arts, and they travel with their teachers and classmates each year. I like to say that “all our middle school students dance and weld,” because they do, and because that illustrative example represents a unique array of programming at Pacific Ridge – an array of programming that matters.

children, and they have both found

In middle school, I watched both

a home, a path, and a sense of their

my children try out new sports,

young selves on this campus. How did

push themselves into new areas of

that happen? How does it happen each

performing and visual arts, interact

year at Pacific Ridge for young people

with communities they had never

who have very different goals, plans,

seen before, and grow as young

strengths, and desires? As I said above,

people during those incredibly

I believe it is in the depth, diversity,

formative early teenage years.

and complexity of our program.

2 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

multiple athletic teams, at least five

Then, in high school, our students take

Starting in middle school, the Pacific

the exposure they gained in middle

Ridge School program asks young

school, and begin to make choices.

They choose year-long arts courses and service learning groups. They become more specialized in athletics, and they take part in grade-level projects that help them identify and articulate a budding sense of self. The myth (or muse) project combined with orations and end-ofthe-year travel in the wilderness creates a series of coming-of-age moments at Pacific Ridge that both define who they are now and create variable paths for the future. A future that leads to greater choice in courses, co-curriculars, travel, and, ultimately college.

My children both carried passions they brought to PRS from their primary school years through senior year, they both dropped parts of their lives they thought were important to them before they arrived at PRS, and they both picked up new passions as a result of the exposure and depth in our program.

both advocate for themselves, work

And, they both took very different

hard, seek out interesting and caring

paths through Pacific Ridge School.

people, new experiences, and familiar

For so many reasons, I am incredibly grateful for the honor of sharing a school campus with my children for nine years.

However, I am mostly proud of the

traditions, and, they enjoy completely different kinds of activities. All traits they developed during their time in the Pacific Ridge School program.

young adults they have become – they

Winter 2024 3

4 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

TAKING CENTER STAGE The school year kicked off with two captivating productions from the Pacific Ridge Arts Department.

Sixth graders came together to put

The beginning of this year also

on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

brought the Upper School

by Rachel Teagle. The adaptation of

production of Blithe Spirit by

this beloved classic showcases the

Noël Coward. The play is about

wayfinder’s journey and the power

a remarried, fussy, cantankerous

of imagination as Alice discovers

novelist named Charles Condomine

that confidence and wit are powerful

who finds himself haunted (literally)

tools to get her through Wonderland

by the ghost of his late first wife.

and life – major themes of the sixthgrade experience at Pacific Ridge.

Winter 2024 5

Bridging Education and Industry:

DR. BURCKIN BRINGS NEW BIOTECH COURSE TO CAMPUS Biotechnology will impact us all more and more in the coming years, and we live in one of the largest biotech hubs in the world, so it’s relevant and it’s local! My hope is that this is a great addition to our science program that captures the interest of a variety of students.

– Dr. Burckin The Pacific Ridge science program emphasizes an integrated approach to help students realize the interconnected nature of science and the impact of science and technology on society.

Grades six through 10 students explore science through a phenomena-based inquiry and projectoriented curriculum that weaves together life, physical, earth, space, and computer science, much of it rooted in design and engineering practices. The science program fosters curious students who engage in investigation and

There is so much research and news about the field of biotechnology, and specifically innovation in medicine with genetics, which I learned about in my Science 10 class. Ever since then, I have wanted to learn more about the processes behind innovation in biology in general, which prompted me to take this course.

– Samira Seendripu ’25

6 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

collaboration of the many facets of science.

And as science continues to evolve, so too do Pacific Ridge School’s offerings. This year, Dr. Todd Burckin brought a new elective for juniors and seniors interested in further exploring the connection between science and technology.

students grew their own Wisconsin

We read an article about how DNA can now be pulled from thin air, and talked about the morals behind this, and if it was too much of a privacy concern with advanced technology becoming more accessible to the public. It is interesting to me how technology can be seen as

Fast Plants to mimic what many

both an asset and possible concern.

This course allows students to explore the many fields connected to biotechnology. Earlier this year

are researching to make plants

– Stella Witz ’24

and organisms more suitable and sustainable in different environments.

Students in the class are also

Along with the hands-on learning of

genetically engineering bacteria in the

what is possible in biotechnology,

Innovation Center’s Biotechnology

the students also discuss the ethics

Lab, expanding on what students learn

of science and research through

regarding DNA in Science 10. Recently,

Harkness conversations around a range

biotech students joined AP Psychology

of topics from reproductive cloning

students during a presentation

to privacy issues of genomic data.

from guest speaker, Sydney Smith,

Science is founded on exploration

a Ph.D. candidate in computational

of many different viewpoints,

neuroscience, specializing in neural

and Dr. Burckin hopes to use the

signal analysis and researching how

Biotechnology course to prepare

brain waves may change in patients

students for the interconnected

receiving treatment for depression.

world of science and technology.

Winter 2024 7

SUPPORTING IMPACTFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST-GEN SCHOLARS Pacific Ridge Opportunity Scholars have matriculated to the following schools over the past decade:

Every year, our school community proudly invests in the academic journeys of first-generation, college-bound students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. The Opportunity Scholarship program, rooted in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, celebrates each student’s unique identity and experience in our community. Since its inception in 2013, the program has evolved from supporting a single scholar to now providing full-tuition scholarships to up to 10 students each year.

With the generous support of the Pacific Ridge community, we have graduated 18 scholars through the PRS Opportunity Scholarship program.

These students bring diverse cultural experiences that enrich our school’s tapestry, fostering a

learning environment where every student's background is celebrated and valued. By nurturing a diverse group of future leaders, our program contributes to a more equitable and dynamic school community, enriching the educational experience for all.

For more information about supporting the Opportunity Scholarship program, please contact Allissa Thompson, Associate Director of Annual Giving and Major Gifts at 760-448-9883 or athompson@pacificridge.org.

Your gift to this impactful program is an investment in the future of our school community.

Pacific Ridge is not just about teaching, but about nurturing diverse perspectives and creating a collaborative world.

The Opportunity Scholarship underscores this belief. We believe our family’s support of the Opportunity Scholarship is an important investment in the future. We give because we have been given so much.

- Horton Family

Catching Up

WITH VALENTINA WATSON ‘21

Valentina attended Pacific Ridge from ninth through 12th grade and is currently studying computer science and software engineering at Harvey Mudd College.

In what ways did PRS prepare you for college, career, and a purposeful life?

What should people know about the Opportunity Scholarship program?

The Innovation Center is home to many of my technological creative endeavors.

Being a part of the Pyrobots Robotics team sparked my love of engineering and technology while the Biotech Lab furthered my love of the intersection between humanity and science.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Opportunity Scholarship program! The mentorship and guidance I received from the staff and faculty were instrumental in my journey from high school to university, empowering me to forge my path. While I was in high school, the Opportunity Scholarship helped me feel like I belonged while attending a school beyond what I thought possible. There is something so nerve-wracking about feeling like you have to fit in with a different demographic than what you grew up in, but because of the program, those feelings never stopped me from feeling a part of the community.

What advice would you give to students who earn placement in the Opportunity Scholarship program?

I would tell them to utilize all of the resources available to them. High school was essential in my discovery of what I wanted to do afterward and the scholarship gives you so much room to do that.

8 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

The Opportunity Scholarship gave me access to a supportive community and resources that prepared me to exceed expectations post high school.

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT: A FAMILY OF FIREBIRDS –The Bundogjis The Bundogji family has graduated three siblings from Pacific Ridge, Nour ‘11, Abdullah ‘13, and Danna ‘23. Nour is currently an ophthalmic fellow in Chicago, Illinois, after attending the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Abudallah works with Boeing as a propulsion engineer, and Danna is currently studying computer science at San Diego State University.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PRS MEMORY? Danna: Our 2022 trip to Barcelona!

The school's exceptional organization of the trip, complete with visits to museums and other enriching activities, not only connected me with fellow students but also provided me with an immersive experience in the rich and unique culture of Spain.

HOW HAS PRS PREPARED YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW? Danna: Participating in service learning groups and clubs at PRS was instrumental. These experiences laid the foundation for my leadership journey, providing opportunities to cultivate skills and build relationships with both peers and staff members.

The exposure to varied networking environments equipped me with the confidence to navigate diverse settings.

Additionally, with the support of the PRS community, organizing a traditional dance performance on campus fueled my passion for educating others about my Middle Eastern culture.

Abdullah: I'll be honest, PRS challenged me with curriculum that pushed me way past what I thought I could handle. But thanks to the awesome teachers and classmates who helped me figure out my learning style to do well in school, it made the college classes a lot easier.

Combine that with the mix of service learning and all those extracurriculars opened up a perspective beyond STEM, giving me a taste of things that molded me beyond just my career.

Nour: From the end-of-the-year trips and the Odyssey trial to Gingerbread Breakfasts and the senior project, many memories stand out. I don't think I can choose one memory as my favorite. Not to sound cheesy, but the four years I spent at PRS is a favorite memory of mine. I look back at those years so fondly, especially since I had the opportunity to help create PRS traditions as the first graduating class.

HOW DID HAVING A SIBLING AT PRS IMPACT YOUR EXPERIENCE? Abdullah: It was nice having my older sister at PRS while I was there and it was crazy to think we both took a class together. Having my younger sister Danna attend in a way made me feel like I was still a part of the school hearing about her classes and experiences.

Nour: I feel lucky that I was able to experience PRS from three different perspectives. With Abdullah just two grades below me and then seeing how my sister, Danna, was able to make her own memories from these PRS traditions, eight short years later, it was a treat. I look forward to seeing how PRS traditions like the ninth grade orations or the faculty versus students field day continue.

DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CLASS OR HAVE A TEACHER THAT MADE A STRONG IMPACT ON YOU? Danna: Mrs. Behr's AP Art History class not only fueled my passion for art history but also provided me with study techniques that I use in my undergraduate studies. Her encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic pursuits.

Nour: There isn't one teacher at PRS who did not have an impact on me.

However, if I had to choose, I would say the dynamic and brilliant duo, Dr. Burkin and Ms. Wasserman. Much of my success in undergrad and medical school was in small part due to how they always reminded me to remain curious. They are both an inspiration to me! Thank you so much for challenging me to always remain inquisitive.

Winter 2024 9

SETTING THE STANDARD FIREBIRD GIRLS VOLLEYBALL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK This team was at another level. In

teammates. You cannot bump, set,

At the beginning of the season, the

a high school setting, kids don’t

and spike the ball yourself; you need

senior captains, Nikki Patton and Cam

your team. So it is no wonder that the

Bolane, who are both committed to

connection and trust in a team is vital to

play Division I collegiate volleyball

the success of a season, and if you sat in

next year, approached Coach Jed

the bleachers of a home volleyball game

Stotsenberg with the desire to push the

this year, you would have seen just how

volleyball program further than they’ve

dedicated the PRS volleyball team is.

gone before. “This was the year in the

show up every day. But with this team, there was none of that. They all showed up. Even if someone was injured, they made sure they were at practice and at the games.

There was commitment and care

making,” Nikki explained, proud of her

for the entire team. It was really

final season. They wanted to compete

special.

- Coach Jed Stotsenberg

PRS volleyball is supportive and positive; it’s for everyone. It’s never just for yourself to get that

The Pacific Ridge Girls Volleyball team

kill or ace, or to get the crowd

had one of their strongest seasons,

hyped up. Club focuses a lot on

ranking 3rd in the Coastal Conference, soaring to the finals of CIF Regionals and causing an upset in the first game of CIF States, feats they credit to the commitment of their team.

Volleyball is a sport that requires a certain kind of dependability on 10 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

college recruiting and there can be competition within positions.

But, at PRS, we play with the idea that we want everyone on the team to succeed. We play for each other, to be there for one another.

– Nikki ‘24

with Division 1 teams and play in a tougher league. The team petitioned for a tougher schedule and rose to the challenge, even placing 5th in the San Diego Classic Invitational and 9th in the Division 1 SoCal Invitational.

Coach Stotsenberg, who has been coaching now seniors Cam, Nikki, and Maizy since they began their PRS athletic careers, knew the team was ready to push themselves.

THE THEYS” Great passers Ball is always in play Everyone can score Offense is spread out Great defense Serve tough Stay together Accountable Know needs Move on Any environment

TEAM VALUES Truth Passion Belief Teamness The Process Feed the Wolf E+R=Outcome The volleyball program begins each

she would give to any student-athlete

Prepare or Die

season at what they call “Day Zero,”

looking to continue their careers into

going over goals and values to set

Control the

college, Cam offered, “Be open to truth

the tone for the season. They discuss

and criticism. You cannot always be

Controllables

what it means to be PRS Volleyball

the best player on the court. There’s

and develop who they are as a team,

always something to improve and there

what they stand for, and how to come

isn’t a point that you’ll reach and say

back to that anytime they need.

‘this is it.’ Focus on that 1% each day.”

As co-captain, Cam keeps her team

Cam Bolane signed to play

values on a slip of paper in the back

middle hitter for Yale and Nikki

of her phone, referring to them as

Patton signed as outside hitter

“Jed'isms”. One side lists the values

for Marist College next year.

and affirmations for the team and the other side shows what the team hopes to be known for – what the girls call the “Theys” of the team. If someone said, “They’re great at passing,” or “They can play in any environment,” the team would know they’re sticking to their values and showing up.

With a personal motto of “keep grinding,” when asked what advice

Hype Number All on the Floor

“PRS sports are extra special because of how many faculty are involved in coaching and supporting our teams.

My coaching staff was greater than most college staff, and we would not be the team we were without this support,” said Stotsenberg.

Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a remarkable season.

Winter 2024 11

Creating

BRIGHT FUTURES

PUBLISHED

AT PRS

Lucas Pierce ‘25 Lucas’s most recent project, “The Yanitza Morales '24 presents Dr. Ogle and PRS faculty with the A Step Beyond award.

Pacific Ridge was honored in September for its unwavering commitment to education, empowerment, and partnership by the Escondido-based non-profit organization, A Step Beyond.

A creative youth development organization, A Step Beyond provides free after-school dance classes, academic support, and social services to students.

Baseball Cap,” won the San Diego International Kids Film Festival and the Lake Travis Film Festival.

The short advocates for the early diagnosis of dyslexia and highlights the skills people with dyslexia have in multiple areas including the arts.

“It is based on a true story about my younger brother who was diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade. I was inspired to create this film after witnessing my brother struggle in his early education prior to his diagnosis,”

The organization integrates arts and humanities to

said Lucas. “After my brother was

inspire creativity, critical learning, and life skills in

diagnosed with dyslexia, he was

young people. Pacific Ridge School has partnered with A Step Beyond over the past five years to help North County students create lasting relationships that will ensure our youth's academic and social-

homeschooled by my mom using a completely different curriculum that was geared toward dyslexic students.

I saw firsthand how much my brother improved following his diagnosis

emotional development through middle school, high

and after receiving the appropriate

school, and beyond.

educational interventions.”

12 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

We spoke to current students who have recently published books or participated in film festivals. Join us in celebrating the work of these accomplished Firebirds!

Arwan Shrivastava ‘25

Ethan Huntington ‘24

Shanti Hershenson ‘26

Arwan’s short film, “Parallel Lives,”

Ethan published a book, “Origami

Teen author, Shanti Hershenson has

premiered at the San Diego Asian Film

Alive!” this past fall. Ethan has been

written 29 books and published 16!

Festival. The short takes a look at the

folding since he was seven years old

She’s been creating stories since early

difficulties of being an immigrant in

and designing his own models since

childhood and published her first two

the United States, the never-ending

ninth grade. He hopes to continue

novellas as a sixth grader. She writes in

desire for peace and overcoming the

making origami books and spreading

a variety of genres, including Science

trauma of prejudice by embracing

awareness of the craft, and its benefits

Fiction, Fantasy, and Contemporary,

one’s own culture and beliefs.

as not only a fun hobby, but one with

although she mostly sticks to Sci-

potential in advancing technology

Fi. Shanti also advocates for anti-

“I focused predominantly on religion

bullying and says you may find her

since it applies to many groups outside

“I’ll be majoring in mechanical

of my own. I found it interesting to

engineering in college. There are a

talk about since it's a big part of my

lot of origami applications, especially

family's heritage. I also wanted to

recently in engineering and biomedical

“My all-time favorite author is Leigh

use the opportunity as a learning

engineering. For instance, satellites,

Bardugo, I love the way she writes her

experience to get me out of my comfort

can now be made to sort of unfurl in

characters. She inspires my writing

zone and see how others responded

space, they’re more space efficient,”

and for the most part, I try to focus

to similar issues,” said Arwan. “As a

says Ethan. “There are also medical

on my character development and

filmmaker, my goal is to broaden the

applications, like medical devices that

how they grow through the story,”

role of Asian Americans in Western

can be implanted in the body, and then

says Shanti. “I love the way a story

media by building bridges through

they unfold. So this is something I like

comes to life because there’s always

storytelling that brings understanding

to explore more beyond just an art, but

a point toward the end of the book

and dialogue into all spaces.”

in college and maybe even my career.”

when I realize how everything will

doing volunteer work or performing powerful poetry at open mic nights.

connect. I don’t outline my books, so the ending feels like a surprise.”

Winter 2024 13

On October 28th, the Parents Association hosted Pacific Ridge School’s annual Fall Fest, an event to showcase student clubs, alliance groups, and service learning groups, and the roles each is serving across the school and in the community.

FA L L F E S T 2 02 3

SUPPORTING STUDENT-LED GROUPS AND CLUBS

Each year, this celebrated event fills the campus with booths of

passionate students advocating

The middle school came together to

over $8,000 for their service work

“Fall Fest offers clubs and service learning groups a place to promote all the amazing things we students do on campus. My service learning group, Global Vantage, got to sell Kenyan Chai to raise money for the senior retreat for KGSA.”

and upcoming school presentations.

– Colton Mullen ‘24

for their projects and echoing the purpose that Pacific Ridge strives to instill within the student body.

This year, over 35 student-led clubs, affinity/alliance groups, and service learning groups presented their work and future opportunities for the community to be involved.

Through engaging games, arts and crafts activities, and selling cultural food items, student groups raised

From the Asian Student Union selling boba to raise money for their school events to bring awareness to Asian culture, to SWENext offering witch’s brew to help empower girls in STEM through presentations and internships, students are offered a way to step into leadership and focus on causes and groups that are meaningful to them.

14 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

build a haunted house and carnival games, while the Parents Association put on a bake sale, a wine raffle, and helped seniors create their yearly pumpkin succulent sale. There were performances, food, and a myriad of ways to donate to different causes that the upper school students presented throughout the day.

Fall Fest is one of the many ways the entire community of Pacific Ridge comes together to create a positive impact in our community.

Through the school’s service learning program, Pacific Ridge offers students the tools and opportunities to participate in social change. Service learning allows students to learn about their relationships with the communities they wish to engage in, their capacity for serving others, cultural differences, and ultimately what it means to be a responsible citizen.

“Service learning is an opportunity for students to step out of the academic checklist and develop who they want to be in their communities and how both students and adults on campus can identify the needs of that community and collaborate with local partners. Service Learning is as much about giving back as it is discovering what is gained when we participate.”

– Germaine Jackson, Director of Service Learning

Scan QR code to watch our video from Fall Fest

Winter 2024 15

algebra, geometry, and finally trigonometry, in the third course of the algebra/geometry sequence.

Once students have completed the sequence, they have the opportunity to explore precalculus and calculus, in addition to data science and statistics.

Rounding out our math curriculum, our most advanced students can challenge themselves with accelerated courses on differential equations, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra.

MATH AT PRS:

Our curriculum is designed to help

Igniting a Passion for Problem Solving

one of the math program's primary

students view their math classes as a vehicle for becoming better problem solvers. Some students may see math as black or white or right or wrong, but goals is for students to take risks and attempt problems, learn from their mistakes, and build foundational

“Thriving in math is not about how

gain the confidence and skills to ask

skills that will help them persevere

quickly you can arrive at answers

questions, explore, and demonstrate

through their math classes.

or memorize algorithms, it's about

their knowledge. The result is that we

the steps you take when you don't

have students who are analytical problem

immediately know the answer to

solvers willing to make mistakes, take

a problem,” says Amy Wasserman,

risks, and want to learn more about the

chair of the PRS Math Department

mathematics they see around them.”

and founding faculty member.

“I have always been interested in math and have been in the advanced track for math at PRS,” says Ruby Belt ‘24.

“But it was a constant struggle as I didn't understand the value of getting

Students’ voices in math classes are

math problems wrong. PRS has taught

This concept is fundamental to the

crucial. The more students grapple with

me that all answers (even wrong

math program at Pacific Ridge, where

mathematical concepts and relationships

answers) can teach you something.

our student-centered, discovery-

together, the more opportunity

Being encouraged to present incorrect

based curriculum motivates students

they have to better understand the

solutions has taught me that even

toward mathematical inquiry. Students

mathematical principles involved.

if my answer is wrong, I always have

are encouraged to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and bouncing back with new

Middle school math classes at PRS prepare students for their high school math

something valuable to share. PRS has reignited my love for math.”

experience by providing a solid algebraic

We support students as they do

and geometric foundation. The courses

this by encouraging them to write

that middle school students typically

their thoughts down and working

“Our math program allows students

take are Math Foundations, Introduction

with them in and out of class as they

to find connections between algebraic

to Algebra, and Algebra/Geometry 1.

strengthen their foundational skills. In

ideas so that every student realizes their ability to problem solve.

and geometric thinking, patterns, and problem solving. Students experience math in our classrooms by diving deep into the "why" of what we are studying,” says Wasserman. “From there, they 16 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Our algebra/geometry sequence allows students to experience an integrated math curriculum where they see the connections in each course between

many of our advanced math classes, we are encouraging students to think on their own, utilizing lessons and activities as students work to discover mathematical theorems and proofs.

I love that we are encouraged to present our math work, even if it is wrong, to help us strengthen our reasoning. I also love the focus on teamwork and building solutions as a class. My math classes have not only made me a better mathematician, but they also made me a more creative and critical thinker.

— Ruby Belt '24

We’d like to extinguish the idea that there is such a thing as a "math person" or a “non-math person.”

Everyone does some kind of math, and everyone problem solves. The PRS math program builds confidence, provides challenge, and allows students to recognize that they can become great problem solvers.

Q & A WITH MS. WASSERMAN What’s the equation for becoming a successful math student at PRS?

Is there a math class you are really excited about this year?

Or one you love to teach?

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

growing from them. 2) Be an active

I love all my math classes! When I first

I love who I work with - it's my students

participant in class. 3) Always attempt all

started at PRS, I taught almost every math

and my colleagues that make me feel

your homework and come to class ready

class we offered. This meant I taught both

like I am living my professional dream!

to ask questions. 4) Be a self-advocate

middle and upper school students for

and reach out to your teachers when

the first four years of the school. Then,

you don't understand something or

for quite some time, I only taught high

you are struggling (though the teacher

school math. It wasn't until last year,

has probably already reached out to

that I started teaching a middle school

you if you are struggling). 5) Be up for

class again - I forgot how much I LOVE

a challenge! 6) When preparing for an

it! The students have so much energy

assessment, redo problems that you

and excitement, and it feels nice to focus

originally found challenging in class

on helping budding mathematicians

and/or on your homework. 7) Focus

build strong mathematical foundations.

more on growth in the class, rather

To be able to teach both book ends of

than a grade – this will be far more

our math program, namely Introduction

effective as a lifelong learner of math!

to Algebra and AP BC Calculus, is an

1) Be open to making mistakes and

We have an amazing math department.

absolute pleasure that I look forward to continuing for the rest of my career.

Winter 2024 17

THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION: CULTIVATING COMMUNITY Upcoming PA Events & Activities

From hosting grade-level parent parties to organizing Fall Fest, Gingerbread Breakfast and the Staff Appreciation luncheon - the Pacific Ridge Parents Association (PA) works hard to

LOOK FOR DETAILS IN UPCOMING EMAIL NEWSLETTERS!

organize events that bring our community together.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19: Spring Parent Party

members of the PA. The PA’s purpose is to support school

SPRING TBD: PA Board of Directors Applications Open THURSDAY, MAY 2: PA Parent Meeting: PRS Senior Reflections

All parents of Pacific Ridge School students are automatically programming, provide enrichment and social opportunities for parents, and help organize special school events – all of which enable families to stay connected to the school community.

Joining the PA Board or volunteering at one of our many events is a great way to engage in the life of the school and enhance our school community.

PA Events & Activities PARENT SOCIALS

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Welcome Coffee: Hosted on the first day of school as a great opportunity to meet or re-connect with parents

Used Uniform Sale: A parent-managed used uniform program hosting sales several times per year

Fall Grade-Level Parties: Socials for all parents to get to know other families in their child’s grade

Firebird Tailgates: Barbecues for students before athletic events, held several times per school year

Parent Meetings: Held three times per year for parents to learn information from staff, alumni and students about school initiatives, programming and experiences Supper Club: Small gatherings of parents who meet three to four times during the school year at a restaurant or a participant's home Book Club: Meets four to six times per year to socialize and discuss books selected by the club iking Club: Meets monthly with various H hikes around North County Yoga Club: Meets most Fridays to practice a healthy mind-body connection Spring Parent Party: A fun party held the night before prom for parents to socialize and dance

PA-SPONSORED SCHOOL EVENTS Fall Fest: An autumn-themed school festival at which students promote and raise funds for their service learning groups and clubs Gingerbread Breakfast: PRS transforms into a winter wonderland for this annual event, which features student performances and brings together students, teachers and alumni the day before winter break Staff Appreciation Lunch: A special meal held in the spring to celebrate and acknowledge school employees

HERE COMES THE SUN —

Pacific Ridge Flips the Switch on Solar Energy

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORTING THE EFFORT, TO OUR FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION TEAMS FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN, AND TO OUR BOARD FOR THEIR FORESIGHT IN SEEKING OUT THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE PACIFIC RIDGE WITH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

Charged with supporting Pacific Ridge

Once the system was operational,

School’s mission and protecting its

representatives from DSD Renewables

future, the Board of Trustees began

and Baker Electric also joined service

a search to provide solar energy at

learning group Eco-friendly this year

Pacific Ridge School. Our goal was to

to educate students on the solar

identify a plan that would control the

project and what it means for Pacific

costs the school will pay for electricity

Ridge and a sustainable future.

for at least the next 15 years, provide nearly all of the current power usage, and create a path to becoming a facility that utilizes 100% renewable energy.

Across Pacific Ridge School’s five buildings, Baker Electric installed 1,043 solar panels that are projected to generate over 723,000 kilowatt

And after working with Baker and

hours in the first year; or 86% of the

DSD on the solar plan that worked

projected annual electrical use.

with the needs of the school, on September 8th, Pacific Ridge School electrified our rooftop solar panels to complete a project more than two years in the making.

According to the EPA calculator, every year the system is in operation, the environmental impact is equivalent to removing 114 vehicles from the road.

SUSTAINABILITY STARTS WITH SMALL STEPS: Turn off lights when leaving a room Keep temperature between 69-72 degrees Unplug energy vampires when not in use Winter 2024 19

RIDGE SC

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O L

PA C

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For Grades 3 and up Hands-on Camps Academic Enrichment Courses Interactive Workshops

EXPLORE WITH US

6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009

IMPORTANT DATES MARCH 14 Middle School Spring Snapshot MARCH 23

Showcase of the Arts

APRIL 6 - 14

Spring Break

APRIL 19

Parent Party

APRIL 20

Prom

APRIL 25 - 27

Upper

School Musical Performance

MAY 2

Upper School Awards

MAY 25 - JUNE 9 Global Travel Period JUNE 11

8th

Grade Promotion & Middle School Awards

JUNE 13

Commencement

GLOBAL TRAVEL PROGRAM SPRING 2024: 2023: 6th GRADE Outdoor adventures in Pali Mountain

7th GRADE Marine biology and stewardship in Catalina Island 8th GRADE Understanding U.S. government in Washington, D.C. 9th GRADE Teamwork and leadership in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest 10th GRADE Immersive exploration in Costa Rica 11th & 12th GRADE Croatia: Sailing adventure on the Adriatic Sea; Czechia & Austria: Arts & Advocacy in Central Europe; The Galapagos Islands: Biological Wonderland; Japan: Technological Innovation in the Land of the Rising Sun; Namibia: The “Place of No People”; Patagonia: Outdoor Adventure; Vietnam: Cultural Immersion in the Land of the Blue Dragon

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