View From the Ridge: Winter 2021 by Pacific Ridge School

Alumni Highlight

New Innovation Center

FROM THE RIDGE | WINTER 2021

Bonus:

Special Parents Association Insert

2 Lessons from COVID 4 Moments to Momentum 6 Aiming to Thrive

THIS SECTION FPO TEXT To COME

To that 2020-2021 an unusual Onsay cuscienis molorumisfuga. Upta corion nem re volor assinus doluptate year at Pacific Ridge School would be pa necustrum as ea commolorios an understatement. Our classesdoluptatur are simet quiant licipic tem quiae enient liqui smaller, our campus is covered in tents num autempo reicil incim laut ea pelicabo. and handwashing stations, and pretty Ut eosseru ptatemabout quia core, volor much everything our lives is rero odionem esequae volorio rionsed quat. decidedly different. However, some things remain the same. Our teachers are Uga. Nequunt orrovid untorest, as passionate as ever and our students quam arciisimus. are curious and motivated – doing Dae et asitectorum theirprecatem best to take advantage ofcusdae what volesti cone posandu sandae sae. of the year has to offer. The strength Udipicabo. Quis exped eaquae pa vero our community is especially important volut ad estincidel illaut et officaepudae this year, as we all search for ways to lit et moluptatur alit quat et optia cope and ways to help others thrive. aciduciatur, ut fuga. Occae inventi untem. Nam excestio. Gendica turibus In the following pages you will read vitatent rest enis idis eaquas iusandi aut about how our Service Learning program occum seque sapis aboriatis qui odis is operating during thefaccull pandemic, how est, quamusam ratem uptam, our faculty recharge, and what some omnis aut voluptiunto delitas et explabo of our alumni are doing this rporae. Et ipienec ullatis during tiasperum unique families arefuga. also quidesttime. la nesCurrent inctur, to molum receiving a special bulletin fromrehent. our Nequas eum ent libusa doluptu Parents Association showing many of the Set quiantthey licipic tem quiae for enient resources can provide families. I liqui num autempo reicil incim laut encourage you to join our webinars and ea pelicabo. Ut eosseru ptatem quia virtual PA events, and to reach out to us core, volor rero odionem esequae individually if we can Nequunt help you in any way. volorio rionsed quat. Together We Can is not just a slogan. It orrovid untorest, quam arciisimus. is our journey as a community that will help all of us thrive in the present and Bob Ogle prepare our students for the future.

Head of School Bob Ogle Head of School

2 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Lessons

FROM COVID

The past year has challenged the world, our society, and our school in unprecedented ways. As we continue to respond to the obstacles posed by COVID, it has become clear that certain skills and mindsets make the difference between thriving and simply enduring. The future will routinely call upon these same qualities - rapid change is here and there is no turning back. Our own response to the pandemic has relied heavily on agility, collaboration, and perseverance. These feel natural to us, as they are part of our DNA as an institution and are also central to our educational program. We know they are necessary for thriving in today’s and tomorrow’s world, as the pandemic has so clearly illustrated.

AGILITY

Be prepared to act quickly but decide more slowly. Last spring’s shutdown required Pacific Ridge teachers to take on remote teaching with one week’s notice while the school scrambled to support them. Over the summer, class sizes were reduced, extra sections added, and tech-supported spaces created; the daily schedule was reshuffled, new teachers hired, and the campus transformed into a place where students could learn and interact safely. It goes without saying that none of us trained for this when we became teachers. But together we have learned, we have adapted. Agility requires being proactive, a willingness to change course, comfort with discomfort, and the capacity to rapidly assimilate information. It requires preparation to act, while not rushing into action before making solid decisions. From problem-based math to global travel, we have aimed to cultivate multiple kinds of agility in our students so they can respond to the curve balls life may throw at them.

COLLABORATION

Combine strengths to overcome challenge. Just as researchers worldwide have worked together to develop COVID treatments and vaccines, community leaders have formed teams to solve the problems that each moment has brought us. Collaboration has always been at the heart of innovation and problem-solving. Critical thinking, listening and effective communication are powerful skills in all aspects of life but are especially valuable when dealing with new or unforeseen challenges. Leveraging diverse perspectives and strengths must be part of any change management protocol. From Harkness to athletics, service learning to the dramatic arts, our students refine their collaborative skills at Pacific Ridge on a daily basis. COVID has made clear how valuable these skills are.

PERSEVERANCE

Don’t give up. Just don’t. When we first moved to remote learning, I am not sure any of us expected it to last more than a year. However, March 12, 2021 will be the one-year anniversary of our first remote classes, and each and every week tests our perseverance further. None of us wants to have to continue to restrict our movements, our social connections, and our lives, but that is exactly what we must do.

I so admire the resiliency our students and teachers have shown. This year has been grueling, to be sure, and it can be hard for us to feel that there is any long-term benefit to the experience. However, hardship can teach important skills for surviving and thriving, and I hope the support we are providing to our students is helping them build the kind of healthy resiliency they can call upon when needed in the future. I have always tried to lead by noticing and thanking individuals for the big and small moments that define an institution and a community. This year has yielded many such moments. Our school community has pulled together in remarkable ways over the course of this ordeal. Our faculty are giving so much each and every day and, because of our families’ patience, support, and constructive feedback, we continually improve. While it may not always seem like it, so many of our students are thriving, not just enduring, the crisis. I hope they can find gratitude in the present and carry its power with them going forward. Each new generation enters a different world than the one their parents inhabit. At Pacific Ridge, we try to arm our students with the skills and habits to face any challenge their world presents to them. We have always aimed to craft a school program that prepares our students, and ourselves, for anything. I am hopeful that one small gift that will come from all of this challenge will be just that – our students and school will be ready for whatever comes next. Thank you for your continued commitment to the mission and community of Pacific Ridge School. The support of our community is the foundation on which we have built the school. This year, it has meant everything. Winter 2021 3

MOMENTS TO MOMENTUM : With Covid safety protocols sidelining weekly middle school service trips and limiting upper school students’ ability to meet, 2020-2021 has been challenging for the Service Learning program. However, according to new Service Learning Director Germaine Jackson, it’s a perfect opportunity for students to both get back to basics and think about service in new ways. “I want students to reflect on the big moments that are affecting our lives and think ‘I’m a young person with the capability to contribute positively to my environment. What might I do?’” she said. Here’s a quick update on Service Learning in 2020-2021.

MIDDLE SCHOOL In the middle school, Ms. Jackson’s focus is helping students understand the fundamentals of service and reflect on its importance. “We’ve been talking about what it means to be a community member, assets that each person brings, and resources that exist in our community to serve needs,” she explained. In the fall, the North County Food Bank (NCFB) reached out to Pacific Ridge for help. Ms. Jackson thought a partnership with NCFB would be a terrific way for middle schoolers to serve during the pandemic. “There’s a myth that North County doesn’t have needs. However, the

SERVICE LEARNING UMBRELLAS Gender Equality Education Peace and Justice

director told me that the NCFB services

“I want middle school students to think

350,000 people each month. Due to

big about being a part of the creation and

COVID, that number is now over

the owning of something. That will

500,000,” she said.

translate well when they get to service

To respond, middle schoolers organized a physical and virtual food drive, collecting in monetary donations.

9 GRADE TRANSITION PROGRAM

In addition to the drive, students took

To help promote synergy among groups

2,495 food items and raising over $1,800

skill workshops, heard from upper school students about their groups, and are now

Social Justice

researching needs in the local

Environment

serve. Ms. Jackson has her eye on

Health/Medical/Poverty

learning in high school.”

community to find opportunities to T-Mobile’s Changemaker Challenge, a contest for young people with projects they believe will improve the world.

with similar interests, Ms. Jackson clustered upper school service groups under seven umbrellas, such as education, or the environment. This grouping is helpful during the pandemic when many groups are facing the same challenges and their recipient communities’ needs may have changed. Students in related groups can find ways to support one another.

Science and Innovation

Service is not about you and what makes you feel good – it’s about providing what someone needs. - Germaine Jackson, Director of Service Learning

4 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

SERVICE LEARNING In their transitional trimester, ninth

good, and if they listen to young people

graders selected an umbrella and

who are passionate, who have a well

explored how to serve that area in the

thought out plan, and who want to make

greater community. They then created

the world better - who’s going to say no

asset maps, listing all community

to that?” she said.

organizations doing work in their area. This exercise armed them with ideas and resources they could bring to an existing service group or to one they might start themselves.

An example of the kind of active work upper schoolers have been able to accomplish is Lunch Box. Previously supporting after-school programs, Lunch Box is now providing 200 sack

Ms. Jackson also worked with ninth

lunches every two weeks to Interfaith

graders on communication, helping them

Community Services and is developing

draft letters, develop email templates,

relationships with local grocery chains

and practice cold calls with potential

for food donations.

sponsors and community partners. “Their whole generation is about

Ms. Jackson is energized by the desire of Pacific Ridge students to do good in

technology, so young people sometimes

the world, even if their options are

don’t know how to look you in the eye or

currently limited.

give you a firm handshake, or when to email, make a phone call, or write a personal note. There’s an etiquette for communication that makes a difference,” she said. The final segment of the ninth-grade

“This year is about moments to momentum – creating positive energy

Germaine Jackson Director of Service Learning

and keeping that energy going. When I hear their ideas, I get so excited. Young people truly can be the driving force to make the world better.”

program focused on leadership and ownership. As of Trimester 2, freshmen are actively participating in existing upper school groups or forming new groups.

UPPER SCHOOL Most upper school service groups have seen their work interrupted by the pandemic. Those with local partners cannot visit, while groups that rely heavily on fundraising have been unable to hold events. To Ms. Jackson, this is an opportunity for students to think more deeply about service, while deliberately seeking community partners. Students use asset mapping to locate organizations that may have a focus similar to their service project. Students can tap into these resources, such as asking local businesses for support. “When there is so much going on in the world, people really want to do some

Winter 2021 5

AIMING TO THRIVE

Ever wonder how our faculty manage to teach remotely, teach in person, learn new technologies, keep students connected, take care of their families, and stay healthy, calm and kind – all at the same time? We asked, and learned that our teachers have many ways to unwind and replenish before or after busy days in the classroom and on Zoom. On these pages is a sampling of how our faculty recharge their batteries. Are you taking the time to recharge yours?

Ai-Lien Nielsen Alison Behr, Liza Neptune, Ceci Enge

Dr. Nielsen says that the unconditional love of her dog Magic keeps her going.

Ms. Behr, Coach Neptune, and Ms. Enge keep fit and connected with pickleball. Forgive the momentary photo op mask removal!

Allegra Molineaux

Ms. Molineaux got a lift from digging through her costume collection for Halloweek.

Allison Lahl It’s no surprise that Ms. Lahl replenishes her soul through reading great literature.

Amy Fu

Canine cuddling with Bagel does the trick for Ms. Fu. 6 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Ann Zerlaut

Ms. Zerlaut loves the extra time she’s had with kids Cole and Evie.

Anna Pietrowski

As might be expected, Ms. Pietrowski relaxes by playing with her camera.

Bob Ogle

Dr. Ogle joined the COVID puppy-adopting phenomenon and enjoys a good snuggle with Louie.

Brooke Hartley

Ms. Hartley and her fiancé Danny are hoping their wedding will be able to happen as planned!

Brook Haley

Missing listening to live music, Dr. Haley has been making some of his own. Winter 2021 7

Casey Wheel

Coach Wheel has enjoyed showing his son, Logan, the serenity of evenings at the beach.

Chris Burman

Señor Burman has been teaching his kids about the pleasures of sailing.

Jen Fenner

Family hikes do the trick for Ms. Fenner’s clan.

Dani Kim “Survival is not sub-par. Cope with cake.” - Ms. Kim

8 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Diane Sage

Ms. Sage finds contentment walking her dog and listening to local musician Phil Wickham.

PA R E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N Commitment to Community

The Value of Our Community We entered this school year with lots of uncertainty as to how it was all going to work. Our many, fun, engaging Parent Association events – from gradelevel gatherings to tailgates and Fall Fest – were on hold, while Zoom meetings, webinars, and on-line speakers became the norm. Finding ourselves a bit isolated and scrambling to keep in sync with our ever-evolving reality made many of us recognize more than ever that community and connectedness are incredibly important and a big part of the Pacific Ridge School experience. As challenging as this year has been, we have found more in our lives to value and cherish. We’ve embraced and developed skills that never seemed important or easily doable. Supporting each other and talking through our learning curves have become part of our dialogue, both in our homes and in our school. Constant change and the need to be flexible have brought us forward and forged a stronger sense of purpose to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Despite our worries, our discomfort, our disconnections, we are savvier and clearer about how to do many things - from technology to personal well-being to community support and volunteering.

The purpose of your Pacific Ridge School’s Parents Association is to support the school’s mission by providing educational, social, and enrichment programs for parents; holding school communitywide events; and supporting the faculty and staff. While much has been put on hold this year, we realized some pretty remarkable areas of growth and strength. In the following pages you will find key highlights on where the PA has been able to make a difference. As you read through these tidbits, keep in mind that this was all made possible by many in our community who stepped forward and partnered with others to make a difference. And, if you’re inspired to do so, please consider stepping forth and becoming part of the PA leadership to help make this difference continue. Calls for Parent Association Board Members for the 2021-22 school year are now launching. You can find out more on the Parents Association link in your Veracross Parent Portal! Most importantly, thank you. Thank you for caring for this remarkable community - for writing to teachers and staff, for volunteering your time, for doing all you’re doing to make this year work. Truly, we are able to do it all by doing it together. Together we can, indeed!

Laura Basanese Executive Director Pacific Ridge School Parents Association

Speaker Series Archive Teen Financial Literacy Power Up Your Parenting Vaping 101 Conscious Parenting Stress Management, Mental Health & Balance Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Your Family

SCAN to access archive in Veracross Parent Portal

The Speaker Series In its third year, the PA Speaker Series continues to bring education and insights to the community. While last year’s topics ranged from Financial Literacy to Vaping and Conscious Parenting, this year’s series is covering stress management, balance and healthy communication. The 350+ respondents to our fall survey requested these topics to support our roles as parents during the pandemic. In their October talk, “Stress Management, Mental Health and Balance,” Student Support Team members Juan Trevino and Erica Pike provided a toolkit for supporting students in these important areas. They also showcased the new Virtual Student Support Center, which provides resources and information for students. The center now also has a Parent Section, full of articles and resources specifically geared toward parents.

solving acumen, leading to healthy relationships. Her hope and humor went a long way to lightening the load for almost 60 attendees. The PA is partnering with Susan Woods, Director of Community and Inclusion, to host Rosetta Lee for “Talking to Youth About Heated Topics” on March 18. Ms. Lee is a trailblazer in the area of diversity and inclusion, and her presentation will help us navigate with our children the challenging, often traumatic, current events of our nation and the world. Past speaker event recordings are archived and available in your Veracross portal under Parents Association/ Speaker Series.

See page 6 for upcoming Parents Association Events.

In January, Sue DeCaro (Conscious Parenting) returned to PRS to present “Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Your Family,” highlighting how emotional intelligence builds resiliency and problem-

Navigating Increased Screen Time A Parent’s Perspective by Emily Fawcett, ‘P20, ‘23

According to both of my sons, I nag a lot. I don’t aspire to be a nag. In fact, I once promised myself I’d never become one. And yet, here I am. Nagging about screen time. It seems my sons are constantly, maybe even chronically, on some kind of screen. All this Zooming, gaming, texting, watching, meme-ing. It can’t be good, right? It makes me worry (another “parenting perk” I can’t seem to shake) that all this screen time will negatively impact their development. The last article I read threatened that screens will make my kids “unambitious, cranky, distracted, and lacking in social skills.” Great. But when I really look at my boys (subtracting out the normal teenage angst stuff), I see that both are well-adjusted, nice, capable, and communicative young men. Who happen to spend a ton of time on screens. Can I give the nagging and worrying a rest?

Technology and The Teenage Brain Teenage brains are not only unique, they’re fascinating. One of my go-to parenting resources has been Frances Jensen’s 2015 book, The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Teens. Although the title is imposing, the writing is accessible and approachable. Dr. Jensen discusses a real and direct correlation between excessive Internet use and low mood and poor academic performance. She talks about the “digital invasion of the teenage brain” and addiction – how technology can light up the brain’s pleasureseeking centers just like a drug. In a sociological study, kids were shown to experience real withdrawal symptoms, like irritability and anxiety, when asked to give up their devices for 24 hours.

Screen Time During COVID When the pandemic began, screen usage soared. Parents switched to working from home – on screens – and kids switched to remote learning – on screens. We “visited” with family and even close neighbors assisted by screens. Traffic to Zoom, well, zoomed. And, although experts gave us guidelines on social distancing and washing our hands, nobody provided guidelines on managing our increased dependence on screens. As a parent in a household where screen limits weren’t ironclad before COVID, I noticed that screen usage was slowly inching toward “almost always.” I didn’t mind the time for school – it was the other several hours a day I worried about. So I nagged. And then turned to science and our PRS community for help.

Adolescence is a unique time in brain development. The brain is the last organ in the body to mature and takes until the mid-to-late 20s to complete the process. Yes, the mid-to late 20s. So even after graduating from college, they’re still not quite done.

“The stresses of not being able to break away from mom and dad they way they want to and not being able to go hang out with friends are very real” - Dr. Harold Kopkewicz, President & Medical Director of Child Mind Institute.

Our Role as Parents

In researching this topic, I learned what I already knew deep down: in spite of the pandemic’s readjustment of rules, parents play an important role in monitoring our kids’ screen usage. We need to ask questions. Are they numbing out? Bored? Procrastinating? Being entertained? Does their screen activity make them happy, or sad, or irritable? Often teens don’t notice, or are unable to regulate, the amount of time they spend on screens. Sometimes they’re not sure why they’re using them. Gaining an understanding of screen behavior is important to determine if screens are the enemy, or not. Our role as parents also involves encouraging balance. Adequate sleep and regular sleep routines are important, as is exercise. Parents can brainstorm alternative activities and mandate screen-free periods – especially at mealtimes. A great tip, though difficult for many parents, is to model good screen behavior ourselves. Helping our kids maintain balance and good physical and mental health during the pandemic is so important. It’s important to the PRS team as well. Thankfully, there is support for parents and students through the Virtual Student Support Center on Veracross. There are also resources on the Parents Association page, such as Student Support’s presentation on Stress Management, Mental Health and Balance.

Welcome to Their World Kids are experiencing real loss due to school closure and social isolation. Thankfully, the learning continues, albeit not in the same way. The social connection with friends, critical to most teens, is tough to replicate — and, right now, it involves screen time. Lots of it. While there are plenty of articles stoking fear about screen time, not all acknowledge the differences in types of screen usage. Mindlessly watching videos and trance scrolling is a different experience than studying for class, or texting with a friend, or participating in a multi-player game. Each has a different potential effect on well-being. The part of the teen’s brain responsible for regulating judgment, self-awareness, and insight is not yet fully accessible to them. As parents, we need to help our teens become aware of their screen usage: the what, the why, and the duration of each interaction. Our frontal lobes are fully developed, so it’s our job to use the scientific data to reinforce the importance of “tech mindfulness” to our kids. We also need to remind them that adolescence is a unique and important time in brain development. This will mean explaining it to them, over, and over, and over again. And, if that constitutes nagging, maybe it just comes with the job.

QUICK TIPS

support sleep - have regular sleep and wake routines

3 model good screen behavior

encourage exercise

4 brainstorm alternative activities

5 have periods of no screens especially at mealtimes 5

Volunteering From tailgates to Fall Fest, Gingerbread Breakfast and supper clubs - our community filled more than 400 volunteer opportunities last year before the “COVID shut down.” Volunteerism looks very different this year, with safety and health as top priorities. Working with Tim Betzala and Peyton Bray, the PA created a volunteer portal showcasing opportunities for us to help with drop-off and health checks, afternoon pick-up, and library support. Our growing volunteer corps helps the school ensure the school community’s safety and health. For those interested in giving an hour or two - we still need you! As volunteer Alex Brown, a parent volunteer, said:

“Once more students can come on campus, we’ll need more volunteers to share the load.” Volunteering helps us feel better in these strange times, easing anxiety, feelings of helplessness and isolation. Being part of something bigger than ourselves and making a positive difference works on so many levels! Check out volunteer opportunities on Veracross. Additionally, if you would like to support the school through helping with PA programs and services, such as the speaker series, supper clubs, tailgates and more, consider joining the Parents Association Board. Opportunities for the 2021-22 school year are available on the PA Veracross page. Recruitment has begun and we would love to welcome you aboard!

Upcoming PA VIRTUAL Events March 9 * 5:30 - 6:30 PM

ALUMNI PANEL

Hear about life post-PRS College Guidance and Dr. Ogle moderate

March 13 * 6:00 - 7:00 PM

PA SOCIAL

March 17 * 6:00 - 7:30 PM

PA SPEAKER SERIES

Talking to Youth About Heated Topics Facilitated by Rosetta Lee

April 17 * 6:00 - 7:00 PM

PA SOCIAL

May 15 * 6:00 - 7:00 PM

PA SOCIAL

May 18 * 5:30 - 6:30 PM

PRS SENIOR PANEL

A look inside the senior journey!

Introducing PA Socials join us for Kahoot, Bingo, Karaoke, Movie Night and more!

Staff Appreciation Showing appreciation to our staff has meant more than ever this year. Our faculty have gone above and beyond, with many teaching extra classes and all having geared up on new technology and methods. Throughout these demanding times, students have experienced fairly seamless support and guidance. As Tim Betzala, Dean of Faculty, says:

“Folks are pushing themselves this year. Despite many bugs along the way, they are taking all the changes and challenges of teaching in hybrid mode in stride. Teachers are perfectionists and want to serve their students well, so they can be quite hard on themselves.”

we provided Thanksgiving gift mugs with treats and hand-written notes just to say “Thank You” to everyone for all their hard work. Our Annual Holiday Gift Drive in December was more successful than ever, thanks to PRS families and their extraordinary generosity. We have a larger staff than usual this year, so the extra amount raised was greatly appreciated. As we continue on this journey together, please keep letting the staff know how much you appreciate them by sending them notes and cards. Your voice means a lot and the written word goes a long way!

In response and recognition, the parent community has stepped up to honor these remarkable people. Despite our annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon being cancelled last spring, we sent online gift cards and messages of gratitude to all staff. In November,

KEEPING STUDENTS SAFE DURING COVID did you know?

800 160 200

6ft. physical distancing stickers

reminders of where to sit

door decals

placed across campus

120

200 air filters upgraded to MERV-13

gallons of hand sanitizer purchased

learning spaces modified to accommodate hybrid learning; docking stations, web cameras, document cameras, and microphones were installed

hours per day

every day, a person is dedicated to cleaning bathrooms

620

standard desk & chair sets purchased

Don Collins

Coach Collins (shown here with son MJ) and his kids get a big wow out of climbing hills.

Graham Elsden

Coach Elsden stays competitive with epic Battleship matches against his son Luke.

Hans Richter

Mr. Richter cycles through the countryside. He’s traveled far over the months!

Gabriela Nava-Carpizo

Profe Nava “stays sane” by getting on her bike whenever she can.

Hilaire O’Hallaron Ms. O’Hallaron says “Get outside and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather!”

Winter 2021 9

Hunter Pashkow

Mr. Pashkow chills out by lovingly restoring vintage VW buses.

Jackie Fremgen

Ms. Fremgen enjoys the serene moments with her two boys, Paxton and Keenan.

Jamie Kelso

It’s no surprise that Mr. Kelso feels best when diving into the waves.

Jed Stotsenberg

To Coach Stotsenberg, getting outside with his kids and “ensuring a good nap” is a recipe for well-being.

Christopher Simon

For Mr. Simon “Stevie Wonder station + Tempranillo + Manchego = Stress Reduction”

10 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Johnny Thieken For Dr. Thieken, this photo really says it all.

Jen Pashkow

Ms. Pashkow says a jump in the ocean helps her relieve stress and start fresh.

Julian Jones

Why not get married? Mr. Jones and his fiancée, Shannon, shared their vows with family and friends over Zoom.

Julie Gunther

Ms. Gunther and her family hit the trails for fresh air and fun.

Justin Symington

Mr. and Mrs. Symington love getting outside with daughters Anna and Courtney. They say it “helps our pandemic puppy – and the human puppies – burn off some energy!” Winter 2021 11

Justine Hansen

Ms. Hansen gets some of her most creative ideas for choir while in savasana on her mat.

Katy Cannata

Ms. Cannata has enjoyed nesting with daughter Junie and new baby sister, Maple.

Megan King

Ms. King, her husband Joe, and kids Nora and Patrick have been hitting the links as a family.

Preston Peeden

Mr. Peeden and his wife Lily enjoy hiking - almost as much as their dog Banana does!

Krista Tokarz

Krista Tokarz and her son have enjoyed exploring San Diego, including Balboa Park by scooter.

12 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

Sara Allard

More marriages! Coach V tied the knot with her fiancé, Clark, with their son Knox in attendance.

Tristan Green

Mrs. Green competes against other alumni parents in a highly competitive Fantasy Football league.

Spencer Burrows

Mr. Burrows has found tranquility hiking the hills of Southern California.

Tara Kheradyar

Dr. Kheradyar is spending lots of time baking in the kitchen. Glutenfree cookies, anyone?

Renee Bertken

Nurse Bertken knows that serenity is right in our back yard. Winter 2021 13

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT Matthew Cheung ‘18 COLLEGE: Loyola Marymount University,

Film Production CURRENTLY: Gap year, working on a business app and independent film projects

Kimberly Cheung ‘20 COLLEGE: Stanford University (gap year)

CURRENTLY: EMT for American Medical Response, volunteering for Feeding San Diego and the American Red Cross

While last year’s seniors were spending their final months sheltering in place, Matthew and Kimberly Cheung were keeping busy. Matthew, a budding filmmaker at LMU, was approached by Google to help film a documentary about high schoolers during COVID. The focus of his lens? Sister Kimberly and her experience during the shutdown. Produced by Stept Studios, the 30-minute documentary, Class of COVID, includes Kimberly’s thoughts, footage of Pacific

Matthew, you recently launched Compyle, an e-commerce app with Andrew Duca ‘17. What does it do? MC: It’s a way for consumers to support local food and beverage businesses and get group discounts. During the lockdown, we saw businesses and farmer’s markets shutting down. We wanted to create a way for people to support local brands safety from home. We’re also providing branded video content so their customers can learn about them and their values.

Ridge’s graduation, and other events. A preview

Kimberly, how do you feel about taking a gap year?

is available on Google’s Youtube channel.

KC: I’m definitely super grateful for this year. I’m stepping outside the area of academics and am excited to work as an EMT. It’s opening my

What was it like to make a film during the pandemic? KC: For me, it was a time with a lot of change, and the fact that Matthew and the producers

eyes so that when I go back to school I’ll know better how I can use what I learn.

What aspects of your Pacific Ridge experience have helped you handle challenges?

were sharing it with me felt special.

KC: I would say the communications skills that I learned at PRS

MC: I’ve done smaller projects before, but it was

and working, I’m interacting mostly with people who are older than

and how open adults were to talking with me. When I’m volunteering

cool to help make a film that masses would see.

me, but I feel totally comfortable talking with them and asking

It kept me busy.

questions. It’s opened avenues for me to learn from them as mentors.

MC: PRS definitely taught me how to reach out and find opportunities. At PRS there are tons of opportunities; if you just stay open-minded, you can do so much. Now, even though COVID is horrible, there are opportunities out there. You just need to stay positive and open.

14 VIEW FROM THE RIDGE

INNOVATION CENTER AND LIBRARY IS COMPLETED!

As this newsletter went to press, a formal ribbon-cutting marked the grand opening of Pacific Ridge’s newest facility. With high-tech labs, maker spaces, library and Student Support Center, the new Innovation Center and Library will serve as the heart of campus, a central gathering place for learning, experimenting, researching, creating, and connecting.

This beautiful, cutting-edge facility exists due to the generosity of hundreds of Pacific Ridge families who are committed to our mission and the educational opportunities we can provide to current and future Firebirds.

THANK YOU! To learn more about the Innovation Center and Library, contact Executive Director of Philanthropy Laura Dicovitsky at (760) 448-9849 or ldicovitsky@pacificridge.org.

Winter 2021 15

6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009

FPO Support the Annual Fund! 2020-2021 is definitely a year like no other at Pacific Ridge. The school has incurred myriad extra expenses such as hiring additional teachers and staff, purchasing new furniture, outfitting all classrooms with special equipment for hybrid learning, and making campus a safe place for our children to learn. To help offset these added costs, please consider donating to the Annual Fund. As always, the Annual Fund helps bridge the gap between what tuition provides and what it costs to educate our students. Please join the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff and help us reach 100% participation!

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.