The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
February 29, 2024 | 2023-24 Issue 11
Tuesday, March 5
Friday, March 8
Monday, March 11
Wednesday, March 13
- Board Candidate Forum
- Board Elections Opens
Please Note: No Gryphon Activities information is included on the calendar this issue. To see a list of Gryphon games, matches, and practices, please view the Activities Calendar.
IMPORTANT: Academic Calendars Amended; New Start Date for Fifth Grade
The Academic Calendars for the next two school years have both been amended. Please note the changes below. Academic Calendars can always be viewed on the school Parent Resources page.
- Changed the start date for 5th grade from August 19 to August 20.
- Changed the dates for Fall Break from October 16-18 to October 15-18.
- Changed the dates for Fall Break from October 15-17 to October 14-17 to align the format with the previous year’s calendar.
2024 Board of Directors Candidate Forum Wednesday, March 13
On January 24, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a two-year plan to reduce the number of seats on the Board of Directors. The 2023-2024 Board of Directors was reduced to nine seats made up of five teacher seats and four parent/community member seats. The 2024-2025 Board of Directors will be reduced to seven seats made up of four teacher seats and three parent/community member seats. The 2024 Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors Election Guide is now available to view.
The 2024 Board Candidate Forum will be held in the ERA Auditorium on Wednesday, March 13, at 6:00 p.m. The official election will open on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. All eligible voters will receive an individualized ballot passcode and login information as well as further directions via email. All votes must be cast no later than Monday, March 18, at 12:00 p.m. Official results will be announced at the Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m.
- Please read the full announcement for more information regarding the election process.
- All Board of Directors information can be found at www.eagleridgeacademy.org/board.
- Please contact the Board with questions at board@eagleridgeacademy.org.
District Updates
March Breakfast and Lunch Menus Now Available
The March food service menus are now available. View the March Breakfast Menu here and the March Lunch Menu here. On March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law, taking effect this school year. Each student in attendance will receive one reimbursable breakfast and one reimbursable lunch per day at no cost to the child. Additional meals and à la carte items can be purchased for an additional cost. See all food service information here.
Proposed Grades 3-5 Latin Change Updates
Greetings Eagle Ridge Academy Families,
In an effort to continue current information regarding proposed changes to our Latin program for grades 3-5, here is a brief summary from the past few weeks and what to expect in the days ahead. We are committed to providing the most effective and valuable educational experience for our students in alignment with our Classical Model and Vision for Eagle Ridge Academy.
Board-approved Recommendation for the 2024-2025 School Year
Fifth Grade:- Students will begin formal Latin instruction in fifth grade using a program aligned to the needs outlined.
- Students will continue Classical Enrichment with integration of Latin into the learning scope and sequence beginning, at a minimum, in third grade. This includes integrating learning Latin content through the current scope and sequence provided which includes writing, oration, vocabulary building, exploration of virtue, and takes a Classical pedagogical approach by infusing a love of learning across content areas.
Plan for the Remainder of the 2023-2024 School Year
Third Grade:- Students will continue to receive Classical Enrichment focused on oracy, recitation, and writing from Mrs. Toso. This is a continuation of the learning they received from her last year.
- Students are receiving vocabulary instruction that aligns to reteaching needs and helps build background knowledge in Latin derivatives which will prepare them for Latin instruction moving forward. In addition, they will receive their library time during this period to allow the classroom teachers more one-on-one opportunities to work with students.
Communication Timeline Published in February 1, 2024 Eagle Eye:
January- The Latin department and CISA (Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement) reviewed curriculum goals and evaluated the optimal mode and method of language instruction as aligned to a time-tested, Classical pedagogy; liberal arts focus; reinvestment in current programming; a logical transition into subsequent grades; and staffing and scheduling viability.
- Eagle Ridge Academy held a virtual Gryphon Conversation. Parents received an update regarding the process and were able to ask questions.
- The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors held a virtual Board Listening session (5:30-6:00 p.m.) and combination workshop and meeting (6:00 p.m.)
Should you have questions, please contact Susan Bloomgren, Director of Academics.
Donate Books to the Library During National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month! In honor of this, please consider donating a book or even a series of books to our ERA library. A wish list including the most needed additions and replacements can be found here. If you would like to have Donated by (your name) included in the book(s), please include this information in a note with your purchase. You will put smiles on the faces of the more than 800 students that visit the library every week!
Fourth Grader Itisha B. Wins Eden Prairie Words in Action Contest for Second Year in a Row
For the second year in a row, Eagle Ridge Academy fourth grader Itisha B. has won the Words in Action contest organized by the City of Eden Prairie in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Her entry was chosen as the winner in her age group and she presented her work to the Eden Prairie Mayor and City Council Members on February 20. Watch the livestream of her presentation below (beginning at 6:00).
"As always, her experiences at school serve as a launching pad for her ideas and for the desire to uphold strong, fair values. This time it was her experience of participating in the Battle of the Books that provided her with the idea for her art piece," shared her mom Amruta.
In her artist statement (pictured), Itisha wrote: "The kids in my artwork are thinking of America as the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’. To me, this means everybody has a voice and they should be able to share their story. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his ‘I have been to the Mountaintop’ speech (Memphis, Tennessee, 1968), “Somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.” I think we should all try to respect other opinions, even if we disagree. Having books of all kinds helps us know more about different opinions and stories. We can stop reading the book if we do not like it. But we cannot force our thoughts on others. Protecting free speech is the right thing to do and we should all try to do our part in it."
Congratulations on this accomplishment and good luck presenting this evening, Itisha! We are so proud of you.
Pillar Week March 18-21
Each year, we celebrate Pillar Week at Eagle Ridge Academy. During Pillar Week, the ERA community is encouraged to recognize the six ERA Pillars (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, and Respect) and be intentional about putting them into action regularly. Pillar Week is planned by our Upper School Student Senate, with some small tweaks for School of Grammar students. It is school-wide and teachers may participate if they wish. (If teachers or students don’t wish to participate - they may wear their professional dress or student uniform.) Please see the planned days below.
- Monday, March 18 (Citizenship) - School of Grammar: Curriculum Character Day / Schools of Logic & Rhetoric: Culture Day
- Tuesday, March 19 (Integrity/Respect/Honor) - Team Day (Gryphon activities and professional sportswear allowed)
- Wednesday, March 20 (Perseverance) - College Day
- Thursday, March 21 (Excellence) - Future Career Day
Upper School Play Performances April 26-28
Join us for the Upper School production of Pride and Prejudice! Based on Jane Austen's famous book from 1813, the play follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner as they overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love.
Come see the show in the ERA Auditorium on Friday, April 26, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the door.
Don't Forget to Register for 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids!
The entire community is invited to Eagle Ridge Academy on Saturday, May 18, for the 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids! Whether you are a runner, a walker, or a donut enthusiast, this is the event for you. Leaving and finishing at Eagle Ridge Academy, this Minnetonka route is an accurately measured 5K course, is chip- and mat-timed, and takes you on a picturesque run or walk just north of Bren Road. There will be complimentary chair massages, rock tape applications, DJ music, giveaways, fun youth activities, post-race refreshments, and DONUTS! All 5K registrants will receive a commemorative 2024 Donut Dash tech shirt (100% cotton, unisex and youth sizing), post-race refreshments, and DONUTS! Mini-dashers will receive a 2024 Donut Dash shirt (100% cotton), a participation medal, and a bag of mini-donuts.
Online registration ends May 15 at 7:00 p.m. All registrations are nonrefundable. To register via mail with cash or check (made payable to FERA), please download the registration brochure and return with your payment to Eagle Ridge Academy. Your participation will help support Eagle Ridge Academy, offering a time-tested, Classical Liberal Arts education to students in grades K-12.
Schedule
- 7:15 a.m. - Packet Pickup at Eagle Ridge Academy
- 8:00 a.m. - Mini-Donut Dash Start Time
- 8:45-9:30 a.m. - Youth Activities
- 8:45 a.m. Donut Dash 5K Shotgun
- 10:00 a.m. - Awards
5K Pricing
- $35 Student and Alumni 5K (Through May 15)
- $40 Student and Alumni 5K (Same Day Registration: May 18)
- $40 Adult 5K Registration (Through April 17)
- $45 Adult 5K Registration (April 18 - May 15)
- $50 Adult 5K Registration (Same Day Registration: May 18)
Ages 10 and Younger Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Pricing
- $20 Mini-Donut Dash Pricing (Through April 17)
- $25 Mini-Donut Dash (April 18 - May 18)
*Shirt orders will be placed on April 24 to ensure timely delivery of shirts. Registrations placed after April 23 are not guaranteed a shirt. We will do our best to accommodate requests based on limited overages ordered.
Don't wish to run or walk on May 18? Volunteer! Did you know this kind of event takes more than 70 volunteers to ensure success? If you'd like to volunteer, there's a job for everyone! Volunteers are welcome to choose as many spots as they want as the times vary. Kids 14 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will receive a Donut Dash Volunteer T-shirt to wear the day of the event and keep as a thank you for your time.
Learn more about this beloved event, view pictures from previous years, and REGISTER TODAY at eagleridgeacademy.org/donut-dash-5k. See you there!
Think Ahead: Register Now for the 11th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, June 17
Save the Date: Volunteer Appreciation Event Tuesday, April 23
Save the Date for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 23. More information to come in March!
Classical Corner
New Family Classical Conversation Wednesday, March 13
Dear Families,
As we continue connecting in meaningful ways, we are once again looking forward to our upcoming New Parent Classical Conversation–an informal gathering where parents can connect with one another, while also learning a bit about what we do throughout the day. The event will be hosted by faces that are likely familiar to our new families–Janice Gerheart, Admissions Specialist; Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development; and Suzannah Toso, Classical Coordinator; as well as a number of established parents who are always eager to meet new families and connect. This event is intended for families new to ERA in the last two years. Come connect with other ERA parents in a casual setting over coffee and tea. This is a great way to meet other parents and discuss elements of Classical Education that are helping to enrich your child. We look forward to gathering in scholé together as a community!
We will meet the morning of Wednesday, March 13, by the ERA Forum Fireplace, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Sign Up HERE
Sincerely,
Suzannah Toso, Classical Coordinator and Classical Enrichment Teacher
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Information on Share Your Talent Day Change
Eagle Ridge Academy School of Grammar Families,
For the last several years, our two School of Grammar Music teachers have planned a Share Your Talent Day and a School of Grammar evening Talent Show in addition to the Fine Arts Festival held each spring. Due to the amount of time these events take to coordinate and oversee, the increase in our activities and sports offerings, and it not being directly connected to our curricular programming, the School of Grammar will no longer hold a Share Your Talent Day or evening Talent Show going forward. We will instead focus our time and energy on performances during the Fine Arts Festival.
While we have certainly enjoyed seeing the talents all the students have shared over the years, it’s a good time to refocus our staff’s efforts into the spring performances. If there might be any parents who have a passion for this and might like to plan this kind of event going forward, please reach out to Ms. Mellgren, School of Grammar Principal.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mellgren & School of Grammar Music Team
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Congratulations to our Fall 2023 Olympus Club Members! - Missy Madigan and Mohamed Ali, School of Logic & Rhetoric Assistant Principals
Congratulations to the 181 students in grades 6-8 and 150 students in grades 9-12 listed below for admittance into the Fall 2023 Olympus Club. Admittance into the Olympus Club appropriately reflects the endless hours these students have spent securing a 2023-24 first semester grade point average of a 3.33 or above, along with embodying the CIPHER pillars on a daily basis. Olympus Club recognition is more than an honor roll, it also acknowledges students who display The Gryphon Way through a commitment toward regular and timely attendance and honorable character.
Our scholars are recognized in grade-level assemblies and presented with a certificate suitable for framing. They are permitted to wear spirit wear during the three days of finals.
First Official Meeting of School of Logic Senators Held February 24 - Michael Pelofske, School of Logic Principal
The School of Logic Senate elections have been tallied, and the first official meeting of the Senators took place on February 23! We're very excited for Mr. Evan Johnson and our Senators as they start a new chapter for the School of Logic, and help build a better experience for our 5th-8th grade students in the weeks ahead. Our first Senators are:
6th Grade
- Salah A.
- Jacob H.
- Eddie R.
7th Grade
- Ivy B.
- Aminata K.
- Safwan S.
8th Grade
- Cameron Foster
- Abdi M.
- Sriyansh P.
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Dear Families,
Sophomore College and Career Search Boot Camp will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, in the Upper School Computer Lab (Room 2132). This boot camp will be a time to self-assess interests, skills, and personality types and search for careers and colleges. Sophomores may register here by Friday, March 8.
ERA Scholarships for the Class of 2024 have opened and the deadline for applications is Thursday, March 21, at 9:00 p.m. More information can be found under the School of Rhetoric Resources within the College Scholarship link on the ERA website.
PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Opportunity) registration for the 2024-2025 school year has opened. Students are registered as full-time Eagle Ridge Academy students until their participating institution accepts them into the PSEO program. Once accepted, the students will meet with the academic and college counselor to adjust their 24-25 schedule. For more information and resources regarding PSEO, please visit the following links.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Math League Member Sai P. Heading to State Tournament in March
School of Logic seventh grader Sai P. has qualified for the 40th annual Minnesota State High School Mathematics League (MSHSML) Invitational Event and State Tournament on Monday, March 11, at Spring Lake Park High School.
Eagle Ridge Academy Math Team Coach Ethan Martin has selected the individual events Sai will compete in in the tournament. One way to automatically qualify for the All State Math Team is to be among the top 10 individual scorers in the state tournament.
"[Sai's] work ethic, intelligence, and good humor this year continues to impress me and everyone around [him]. I have no doubt this will the last time [he] gets to go," said Coach Martin.
Congratulations to Sai and the entire ERA Math League for this accomplishment. The entire ERA community wishes him luck in his events in March. Go Gryphons!
Mock Trial Wraps Season
Congratulations to Eagle Ridge Academy's two Mock Trial teams on a great season! Team 1 earned the 4th highest overall score of the Hennepin Region during the regular season and Team 2 advanced to and competed in the Super Regional round based upon their exceptional point differential over the regular season. Super Regionals were held at the Hennepin County Government center on February 22.
"Both teams demonstrated substantial growth in legal knowledge, public speaking, and responding calmly to high pressure situations," said Mock Trial Parent Advisor Katheryn Cranbrook.
Shoutout to Mock Trial members Dulce, Aishwarya, Bhavik, Edhita, Dylan, Vivaan, Maren, Paige, Kevin, Kaiya, Arjun, Kaitlin, Muhammed, Roman, Sirad, Sahra, Eva, Quinn, Claire, Everette, Jason, Daniella, Tanni, and Sana for their hard work and perseverance this year and Mock Trial Coach Peter Guzulaitis for his leadership. We can't wait to see you continue to learn and excel next season. Go Gryphons!
Register Now for Grades 7-12 Badminton, Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, and Ultimate Frisbee
Registration is now open for Spring Baseball, Softball, and Track & Field. (Registration for Badminton and Ultimate Frisbee coming soon.) Learn more about the offerings below and register today.
Girls Badminton (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students in grades 7-12 are invited. The program is increasing the number of competitions and is looking to make it more competitive.
Where: ERA Aux & Main Gym
When: Practices will run Thursdays 3:30-5:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings 8:30-10:30 a.m. starting March 20
Head Coach: Abhi Das
Cost: $150
Baseball (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV baseball teams
Where: Varsity - Dred Scott Field; JV - Franlo Park; Transportation to the field is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 20; 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Evan Johnson
Cost: $235
Girls Softball (Grades 7-12) via Blake
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV softball teams
Where: Blake Middle School in Hopkins; Transportation to the field is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 20; 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Kristi King
Cost: $225
Track & Field (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV track teams
Where: ISM Track when weather permits; Transportation to ISM is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 11; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Head Coach: Rob Economy
Cost: $235
Ultimate Frisbee (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the Ultimate Frisbee program; we hope to field a Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity.
Where: ISM Field
When: Practices begin when weather permits, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Head Coach: Zac Larson
Cost: $235
THANK YOU!!!
- The stands were packed - what a fantastic turn out!
- Special thanks to the Pep Band, Dance Team, and Robotics Team for their performances!
- A HUGE thank you to all our dedicated VOLUNTEERS! We couldn’t do events like this without you!
ATTEND the LAST Regular Season Boys Basketball Games on Thursday, February 29
- Support Boys Basketball at their last home games of the season on Thursday, February 29.
- Games at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- The theme is CAMO OUT - wear camouflage to support Eagle Ridge!
- Come hungry to take advantage of the Hot Meal Deal!
PTO Meeting Monday, March 11
Purchase PTO Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear Days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combinations. The remaining 2023-24 Spirit Wear dates are March 8, April 26, and May 10. Learn more and purchase PTO Spirit Wear here. All spirit wear proceeds benefit PTO events, services, and teacher support.
Share your opinions on this year's spirit wear by completing this quick survey.
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions that have already been made to the PTO fund this year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to the PTO at the school's address. Donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Stay Connected!
- Follow the ERA PTO on Facebook!
- Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register. Create an account here: eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- Email the PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Developing Connections
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift, broken down into smaller amounts, which makes giving easier, and allows a predictable revenue source for Eagle Ridge Academy. Click here to pledge your annual support.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a Matching Gift Program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR departments to ask about their community support and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100% (essentially doubling the impact of your gift to the Academy), donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations. Search this website to see if your workplace matches.
Be informed by asking today!
Shop with RaiseRight
Eagle Ridge Academy offers RaiseRight, a gift card program that gives back to Eagle Ridge Academy with purchases on everyday items such as groceries, restaurants, retail, and gas. Buy gift cards at face value from more than 750 retailers, and RaiseRight donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Fridays, with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE Programs
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education helps families earn money for Eagle Ridge Academy with products they already buy.
- Download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
- Follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school!
- Scan your grocery store receipts in the app. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA! You can even see in the app how much money has been given to our school this year and what products have special Box Tops promotions going on.
- Visit boxtops4education.com for more information.
Coca-Cola GIVE
- To contribute through Coca-Cola GIVE, simply look for a code on Coke products. It can be found under screw tops or inside the boxes of 12- and 24-packs.
- When you see one, head to us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/ and search for Eagle Ridge Academy.
- Enter or scan the code and you’re done!
- Visit us.coca-cola.com/give/ for more information.
Eagle Ridge Academy
Website: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/
Location: 11111 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: 9527467760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRidgeAcademy/