The Eagle Eye
April 13, 2023 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 14
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 13
- Classical Education Series: Festina Lente - Make Haste Slowly, ERA, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
- Varsity Baseball at Dred Scott, 4:00 p.m.
Friday, April 14
- Free Dress Day - $6 Day of to Participate
Monday, April 17
- Girls and Boys Varsity Track Meet at ISM, 3:30 p.m.
- Varsity Baseball at Dred Scott, 4:00 p.m.
- Volunteer Appreciation Event, ERA Auditorium, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 19
- Math MCA Grades 3-4
- Battle of the Books Round 2, ERA Forum, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
- Varsity Baseball at Dred Scott, 4:00 p.m.
- Board Candidate Forum, ERA Auditorium, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 20
- Spirit Wear Day
- Girls and Boys Junior Varsity Track Meet at ISM, 3:30 p.m.
- Middle School Dance, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, April 21
- No School and Office Closed
- Prom (Grades 11-12), Granada Theatre, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Monday, April 24
- Choir Club Session 2 Performance, ERA Auditorium, 4:00-4:15 p.m.
- Varsity Baseball at Dred Scott, 4:15 p.m.
- Donate for Donuts Canned Food Drive Begins
Tuesday, April 25
- Math MCA Grades 7-8
- ACT Grade 11
- School of Grammar CIPHER Assembly Grades K-2 - Formal Dress Required
- Sixth Grade Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
- Junior Varsity Baseball at Dred Scott, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 26
- Math MCA Grades 7-8
- Reading MCA Grades 3-4
- Seventh and Eighth Grade Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
- Girls and Boys Varsity Track Meet at ISM, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 28
Please note: only home games and matches for Gryphon Activities are listed on this calendar. To see a full list of Gryphon games, matches, practices, and meetings, please view the Activities Calendar.
District News
Transportation Timeline 2023-24; Change in Transportation Forms Due by April 15
Transportation planning for 2023-24 has begun. Eagle Ridge Academy is happy to announce there will be no increase in transportation fees for the 2023-24 school year. In order to build the best routes, formally communicate the routes, receive feedback from families, and finalize the published routes, we need your timely participation.
The Academy offers a hub transportation system with centrally located stops within communities and does not guarantee a stop within walking distance of your residence. If you wish to be included in the routing for the 2023-24 school year and are not currently using Academy-provided transportation, please complete a Change in Transportation Form by April 15, 2023. We also ask that you complete the form if you wish to discontinue transportation for the 2023-24 school year. If there will be no change to your transportation, no action is required.
Transportation contracts for 2023-24 will be available on the Academy’s website on June 1, 2023. Signed transportation contracts with full payment must be submitted by July 1, 2023. Once the completed contract is signed and the full payment is received, your child will be assigned a bus route. We are unable to guarantee transportation for your child(ren) if the Transportation Contract and full payment are not received by July 1, 2023. Contracts and/or payments received after July 1 will be assessed a $50 per student late fee and students will be added to transportation as space allows.
For questions regarding transportation, please contact Karen Conner, Operations Manager, at kconner@eagleridgeacademy.org. Please see the following timeline for transportation for the 2023-24 school year.
Eagle Ridge Academy Transportation Timeline 2023-24
May 15: Building of initial routes. Initial routes will be built using data from students currently using Academy-provided bus service, data from Transportation Change Request Forms, and data from all new students who have requested transportation upon enrollment for the 2023-24 school year.
July 1: All families new and returning, including those who used Academy-provided transportation for the 2022-23 school year, must complete a 2023-24 Transportation Contract and pay in full to guarantee transportation for the first day of school. Transportation Contracts from the 2022-23 school year will not carry over to the 2023-24 school year. Contracts and payments received after July 1, 2023, will be assessed a $50 per student late fee and transportation will not be guaranteed for the first day of school. Contracts received without payment will not confirm transportation and bus placements will not be reserved.
August 1: Final routes will be published based on contracts received by July 1, 2023. Additional changes to routes will be made only for safety concerns, not for convenience in location. The Academy reserves the right to make changes to routes that might affect the timing or location of bus stops.
Board of Directors Candidate Forum Wednesday, April 19
The 2023 School Board Election Voter Guide is now available to view on the School Board web page. This election guide is a great way to familiarize yourself with the election candidates. Further, the 2023 Board Candidate Forum will be held at Eagle Ridge Academy on Wednesday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m.
The official election will open following the Board Candidate Forum on April 19 at 7:00 p.m. All eligible voters will receive an individualized ballot passcode and log-in information as well as further directions via email.
All votes must be cast no later than Monday, April 24, at 12:00 p.m. Official results will be announced at the Annual Board Meeting on April 25 at 6:00 p.m. Please contact the Board with any questions at board@eagleridgeacademy.org.
LAST DAY to Guarantee Your 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids Race Shirt!
The Donut Dash is only four weeks from this Saturday! Due to possible supply chain delays, we will place our shirt order on April 14 to ensure timely delivery. To ensure a shirt (and one in your size), please register by TODAY, April 13. More information and registration can be found here. Spend an enjoyable morning outside with us in the beautiful spring weather supporting the incredible ERA community!
Eagle Ridge Academy Sweatband Sets for Sale!
NEW: ERA-branded wrist and head sweatband sets are now on sale for just $12! Only 100 are available, so order soon to start repping ERA while working out! Order online through the Donut Dash registration site OR send your student to school with cash or check (written to FERA) and sets will be sent home with your student. Please enclose the payment method in an envelope marked Donut Dash Sweatband and include your child's name and grade. A limited number will also be available for purchase at the Donut Dash.
We Need Volunteers!
There are a VARIETY of volunteer opportunities available at this year's Donut Dash. We need at least 60 volunteers to help out at this event, so please join us if you’re able for a fun morning of coming together as a community to cheer on our runners/walkers. A major volunteer need is a Lead Parking Coordinator for offsite parking. Volunteers are welcome to choose as many spots as they want as the times vary. You will receive a Donut Dash Volunteer T-shirt to wear the day of the event and keep as a thank you. View all volunteer opportunities and sign up today here.
Ways to Participate in the 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Dash
- REGISTER someone over the age of 10 for the 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K!
- REGISTER a child 10 years of age or under for the Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Dash!
- VOLUNTEER for one of the many Donut Dash volunteer opportunities available!
- Sponsor: Sponsorship opportunities available – ask your employer!
- Donate products for the post-race event: snacks, beverages, etc. - contact Kelly Schiffman!
- Support financially: Donate to ERA!
- Promote: Share the event on your social media!
Last Chance to RSVP for Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night
Eagle Ridge Academy is fortunate to have an abundance of caring families and staff who donate their time and talents selflessly to make Eagle Ridge Academy a better place. Every single minute donated makes a difference in what we can do for students.
In appreciation for each moment given in volunteerism to Eagle Ridge Academy and its community, we are pleased to invite you to a Volunteer Appreciation Event next Tuesday, April 18, at Eagle Ridge Academy. All who have donated their time this year in any capacity are welcome to attend! The evening will include a program highlighting the wonderful work you have done this school year and honoring you for your many talents and time given. We will follow the program with a reception of hearty appetizers, desserts donated by A Forgetful Baker, and refreshments.
Please RSVP here as soon as possible.
Thank you for making an impact on everything Eagle Ridge Academy and for allowing us to deliver the best education and experiences possible to our students.
Save the Date for the Spring Musical!
Join us for the Upper School production of The Sound of Music! In Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power.
Come to see the show in the ERA Auditorium on Friday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Help Plan the Next Gala for the Gryphons!
Are you interested in event planning? Join our Gala for the Gryphons team and help plan the November fall gala, our largest fundraising event of the year. We will be gathering in late May to plan our theme, auctions, and entertainment. We’d love new faces, ideas, and energy. Email kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org for more information on how to get involved!
Order Spirit Wear Online 24/7
School of Grammar News
School Supply Replenishment Needed
You are invited to support teachers and equip classrooms by replenishing dwindling school supplies. Every year is different, and teachers often start to run low on certain items mid-year. Check out this Sign Up Genius to see how you can help. Please consider supporting teachers outside of your child's grade and class. Supplies can be dropped off in the office. Thank you!
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric News
School of Logic Dance Rescheduled for Thursday, April 20
ERA Masquerade Ball Junior and Senior Prom Friday, April 21
The ERA Masquerade Ball Prom is scheduled for Friday, April 21, 6:00-10:00 p.m. This year, prom will be held at the beautiful Granada Theater (3022 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408). Prom is an event for juniors and seniors; sophomores will be permitted if asked to the event by a junior or senior. Student guests from other schools require pre-approval. Please contact Principal Johnson to bring an outside guest. Prom tickets will go on sale during School of Rhetoric lunch on Tuesday, April 11. Tickets can be purchased via cash or check only and will include food and drinks. Parking at the venue will cost extra.
Ticket pricing is as follows:
- April 11-14: $40/ticket
- April 17-19: $50/ticket
- April 21 (Purchased at the event): $60/ticket
Adult volunteers are needed at Prom. Please sign up here. We hope to see you there!
Volunteers Needed to Discuss their Careers at Upper School Career Fair on April 25
Info for Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors - Linda Kaiser, College & Academic Counselor
Dear School of Rhetoric Families,
Hennepin County Technical College Open House
Hennepin Technical College is hosting an Open House from 3:30-6:30 on Thursday, April 27, in Brooklyn Center. Tour the campus, meet with advisors, and discover over 40 hands-on technical programs that lead to employment in high-demand careers! RSVP at this link to receive a free gift at check-in.
University of Wisconsin Badger Pre College
University of Wisconsin Madison Badger Pre College welcomes students completing grades 9-12 to pursue their academic passions and meet new friends this summer. Badger Pre College encourages students to:
Challenge their curiosity and expand academic interests
Learn from experienced educators, UW faculty, and other experts
Participate online or in person on the UW–Madison campus
Meet like-minded peers from around the world
Enjoy the resources and reputation of a top-ranked university
Explore their personal path to college
All interested students are encouraged to apply; scholarships are available. Program registration closes on May 1, 2023. Apply today!
Sincerely,
Linda Kaiser
Classical Corner: Finding Beauty
Dear Families,
As noted a couple months ago, many of our teachers ventured to Phoenix, Arizona for the National Symposium on Classical Education. After countless engaging sessions and now having had time to process and implement, those teachers are once more reflecting on what they walked away with. What stuck? What is proving to energize our students? What is breathing new life into what we do?
For many that I have talked with, one of the things that stuck was Dana Gioia’s opening plenary Poetry as Human Energy. A poet, a teacher, and one of California’s past poet laureates, Gioia spoke passionately about poetry as a central and indispensable human art. Indeed, you need only to look around the world to see its power in nearly every culture. For, as Gioia pointed out, poetry embodies something essential to human development, nourishes human potential, develops young people’s feelings and conceptions, and allows us to experience and respond to a variety of life events before we experience them in real life–expanding our world view, growing our empathy.
Until quite recently, Gioia noted, poetry had a central place in education at every level. It was not relegated only to analysis, but was rather practiced, studied, used to improve memorization skills. The assumption in Classical education was that students liked poetry–the pleasure of hearing the lyrical word and the opportunity to perform words of beauty. In many ways, schools across the country have lost this, he lamented.
If one doubts the power of poetry from the youngest to the oldest, I challenge them to visit see some of our classes. For it is poetry that, in part, is breathing life into these classes and the students: into the kindergarteners who happily skip up to you to share yet another poem they have memorized; into the first graders who, having been inspired by their study, regularly create their own chants to share; into fifth graders who, after reading the words of a national poet laureate, reference the power of her words over and over again; into our logic students who unravel, digest, and practice poetry through analysis, annotation, and recitation, and then put their own pens to paper as they create original works for a class book; into our rhetoric students whose world view is expanded exponentially with their study of poetry throughout the curriculum. Poetry is alive and well at Eagle Ridge Academy and, with reminders such as Gioia’s, is gaining momentum.
During this year’s Fine Arts Festival, our youngest students will add a Recitation Recital to the program. While two classes will recite a poem at a time for unified performance purposes, students are a bit disappointed by this reality. For their repertoire of memorized poems is ever-growing and they each want to do it all! They worked hard on every word, every stanza. They know and feel the power of every poem, and they want to deliver every last one. That is the power of poetry.
One of the greatest sins of education, Gioia notes, is that we condescend to students, we act like they are not capable. This, of course, could not be further from the truth. Our students are capable. Students need only to be given the opportunity, and then they will shine. On that note, I leave you with a poem by a second grade class who, after studying Sequoyah–a Cherokee Native American who created written language for his people–and filling out a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting Sequoyah the person and sequoia the tree, created this poem. Yes, our students are capable of taking in the beauty of poetry and creating beautiful poetry themselves. Indeed, their hearts and minds are better for it. Enjoy!
--------------------------Two Great Ones-------------------------
Big on the inside
With a helpful heart
Big on the outside
With helpful leaves
One named from the other
Remembering his importance
Both endangered from the outside world
But still stand out
Tall, strong, like a pillar
For the people
- By ERA Second Graders
Spring Classical Education Series Schedule
Our spring series offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Classical education, connect with other parents, and build a deeper understanding of the mission and vision of ERA.
Please follow THIS LINK to show your interest and receive email updates about the sessions. Sessions will be held at ERA on Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Festina Lente–Make Haste Slowly
Thursday, April 13, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Multum, Non Multa–Much, Not Many
Thursday, April 27, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Schole, Contemplation, & Leisure
Thursday, May 11, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Embodied Learning
Thursday, May 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
We are looking for new faces to join the ERA Booster Club. Please join us at our next meeting to find out more!
- An ERA Booster Club Board Meeting will be held at the Eden Prairie Library, Green Foxtail Room 137 (565 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie), on Wednesday, April 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- All are welcome to attend: parents, students, teachers, coaches, grandparents, and friends!
- Come see what the Booster Club is up to and how you can get involved.
- For more information and the meeting location, visit www.ERABooster.org.
COMMUNITY MEMBER IN NEED - PLEASE HELP:
- The LaFavor family needs your help! Laura LaFavor (mom of ERA students) was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2022 and has been going through many months of treatment which has made work and life very difficult.
- The family could use meals or, if preferred, gift cards (for gas, groceries, etc.). Not being able to work is causing some significant challenges, and they are very grateful for any support
- Click on this Meal Train link to help the LaFavor family.
Join the ERA Booster Club on Facebook for activities updates and check out ERABooster.org for more information and to register as a booster!
Save the Date: 3rd Annual ERA Activities and Athletics Awards Celebration
Gryphon Track and Field Youth Meet for Ages 12 and Under on Saturday, May 6
Gryphon Track and Field will be holding a Youth Meet for students ages 12 and under at the International School of Minnesota on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on May 6 and will cost $20 per athlete, with no limit on events. Gryphon Track and Field is looking for volunteer parents to help coordinate activities during the meet. Please see this registration form for more information.
Congratulations, tERAbytes!
Developing Connections
10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament Monday, June 19 - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
Don't forget to register for the 10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament! Here are ways to support this year's tournament.
- Register to golf: Register here.
- Ask your workplace to sponsor the tournament: View sponsorship flyer.
- Donate a golf item to the raffle: Contact Kelly Schiffman at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Kind regards,
Kelly Schiffman
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For more information on how you may participate in developing Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or by email at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Visit our website for online giving and other important information at https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/volunteer/.
Register Now: 10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament Monday, June 19!
Eagle Ridge Academy is proud to host its 10th charity golf tournament, a four-person scramble that brings the community together to raise important funds for the Academy! Enjoy an afternoon of golf and camaraderie on the course while playing for a good cause. The event includes 18 holes of golf, cart and green fees, lunch and social hour by D’Amico Catering, complimentary drink ticket, golfer gift, and social hour/dinner.
The golf tournament will once again be hosted at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park! Edinburgh USA is a public course and is one of only two courses in Minnesota designed by world renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II who also designed Chambers Bay, site of the 2015 U.S. Open. Prizes this year from the Edinburgh Pro Shop.
Last year’s proceeds supported Eagle Ridge Academy’s Grow Your Own Teacher and Teacher Mentoring programs—thank you for making these important programs possible! This year’s proceeds will continue to support these programs.
Whether you are an avid golfer, never picked up a club, or want to come out to volunteer, we welcome you to be part of our Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament.
Event Agenda
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. — Check-in, Lunch, and Driving Range
12:45 p.m. — Be ready in your carts
1:00 p.m. — Shotgun
5:30 p.m. — Social Hour and Awards
For more information and to register online: Golf Brochure / Online Registration
To sponsor the golf tournament, please view our Sponsorship Flyer for various options and opportunities.
Contact: Mrs. Kelly Schiffman, ERA Director of Development; 952-746-7760, ext. 1107; kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you have an hour or two to help? We have upcoming volunteer opportunities for which we are seeking assistance:
We have two more Volunteer Wednesdays, our monthly day for teachers and staff to be helped with their projects. Feel free to sign up for any or all of them.
Donut Dash 5K - Saturday, May 13
The Donut Dash 5K needs more than 60 volunteers for the event to run smoothly. You are welcome to sign up now. We will be sharing this often as we near the race.
Thanks for your great help and willingness to give back!
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift. Broken down into smaller amounts, it 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 (formerly known as SCRIP)
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.
Order 2022-23 Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combination. The remaining 2022-23 Spirit Wear dates are April 20 (Thursday) and May 12.
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. The 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 2022-23 PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
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.
Pillar Week 2023
Eagle Ridge Academy
Email: info@eagleridgeacademy.org
Website: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/
Location: 11111 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: 9527467760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRidgeAcademy/
Twitter: @eagleridgeacad