The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
February 15, 2024 | 2023-24 Issue 10
Friday, February 16
- No School and Office Closed Due to Conferences
- Conferences (Reminder: Virtual Only 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
- Used Uniform Sale, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Scholastic Book Fair, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Friday, February 23
Monday, February 26 - Thursday, January 29
- Grades 6-12 Pillar Assemblies - Formal Dress Required
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.
2024 Board of Directors Election Guide Available Friday, February 16
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 School Board Election Voter Guide will be available to view on the Board of Directors page Friday, February 16. 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.
Academic Calendars Approved by Board of Directors
The Academic Calendars for the next two school years were both approved by the Board of Directors at their monthly Board Meeting on February 13. View the Academic Calendars on the school Parent Resources page.
District Updates
ERA 10th Grader Ananya Murugavel Wins Rep. Dean Phillips’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Minnesota’s Third District
Congratulations to School of Rhetoric 10th grader Ananya Murugavel for winning first place in Minnesota's Third District Congressional App Challenge with her volunteer hour tracking app act1on 4 chang3! act1on 4 chang3 easily and effectively tracks volunteer hours and events while also keeping track of how many hours are still needed. Her project will be displayed in the United States Capitol and she has been invited to Washington D.C. to showcase her app at the national computer science festival #HouseofCode in April.
According to the Congressional App Challenge website, the challenge is "an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives, where Members of Congress host contests in their districts for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. This resounding show of bipartisan support emphasizes the critical importance of STEM education in today’s rapidly evolving world." This year, 374 House of Representative Members hosted competitions and 11,334 students competed across the United States. The local competition, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, is open to all middle and high school students living or attending school in Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, which encompasses the suburbs of Hennepin and Anoka counties.
In her competition application, Ananya wrote about the inspiration for her app act1on 4 chang3, stating: “A big inspiration in not only this project but in my life in general are the people around me. A lot of my friends had started volunteering for their college applications and seeing that they had, I started as well. While I was volunteering, I had slowly fallen in love with helping others and volunteered more. This is also an added bonus to my college application. While my mother and I were calculating my total volunteer hours, she had complained about how hard it was to keep track of everything. That was the moment that I had gained this idea to make a volunteer tracker. Later in the month, I asked my friends if they had a similar problem to mine. They agreed and reiterated how hard it was to store hours and keep track of them. This had inspired me to make an app that made not only my life easier but also everyone’s life who had a similar problem to me as well. When I found out about this app challenge, I thought it was the perfect time to make this idea of a volunteer tracker come to life.”
The Eagle Ridge Academy community and the entire Third Congressional District is so proud of Ananya for her work on this incredible project! If you are interested in learning more about her app, please watch Ananya's video explaining act1on 4 chang3 here.
Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences February 15 & 16
Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday, February 15, 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, February 16, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. **Please note that conferences will take place in person at Eagle Ridge Academy unless they are scheduled during the slots reserved for virtual conferences only on Friday, February 16, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK TO CONFIRM IF YOUR SCHEDULED CONFERENCES ARE DURING THE IN-PERSON HOURS OR THE VIRTUAL HOURS. ALL CONFERENCES SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. WILL BE VIRTUAL CONFERENCES.
- During virtual conferences, classroom doors will be locked and teachers will be unavailable. Families must stay in the School Library or ERA Forum during virtual conference hours on Friday.
- Teacher virtual conference links were sent via email.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER CONFERENCE UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15:
Due to Gryphon Senior Night in the gym this evening, the physical education teachers will hold conferences in alternate locations on Thursday, February 15.
- Mr. Hoffman will hold conferences in Room 1215 in the School of Logic (from the Main Entrance: take a left, then another left into the hallway behind the School of Logic sign).
- Mr. Jensen will hold conferences in the ERA Forum.
- Ms. Megna will hold conferences in Mr. Clapero's classroom Room 1226 across from the Nurse's Office (from the Main Entrance: take a right down the 7th/8th grade hallway).
- Ms. Meyer will hold conferences in the Fitness Center both Thursday and Friday (go up the School of Rhetoric stairs to the second level and turn right).
Lost & Found Will Be Cleared Out February 16
Don't forget to collect Lost & Found items during conferences! Items in Eagle Ridge Academy's Lost & Found will be cleared out February 16. The Lost & Found is located outside of the Solarium in the hallway that leads to the school library. Please make sure to look for any items your child may be missing.
Shop the Scholastic Book Fair at ERA Feb. 15 & 16 and ONLINE THROUGH FEB. 19
The Scholastic Book Fair is in full swing! Students have been coming to the library with their classes this week to peruse the options and families are invited to shop the Fair in the library during conferences February 15-16.
NEW: Families may also shop the Fair online through February 19! At this link, you can also set up an eWallet for your child to shop the fair at school. All purchases through the Book Fair benefit our school. Thanks for supporting our kids! Happy reading!
Used Uniform Sale - Friday, February 16, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the ERA Forum
Join us for the Winter Used Uniform Sale! Shop in the ERA Forum anytime during conferences on Friday, February 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Please Complete the Food Service Survey Winter 2024
Eagle Ridge Academy food service provider Taher Inc. wants the food service program at Eagle Ridge Academy to be the best it can be, so they are asking for your input. Please complete this survey to help them better serve you. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Registration Open 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!
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!
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Candid Snapshots for Grades K-4 Clubs & Activities Requested
The School of Grammar K-4 yearbook needs your assistance in helping capture the activity of our wonderful clubs here at ERA. This could include Art Club, Choir Club, Lego League, Chess Club and Advanced Competitive Chess Club, Theater and Play Performances, Soccer, Basketball, or Flag Football. If you have photos that would showcase a club or sport and our ERA students, please email your best, maximum of 10, directly to Mrs. Kruschke jkruschke@eagleridgeacademy.org by Friday, February 23, to get them in this years yearbook. Thank you kindly!
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Notes from the School of Rhetoric
Dear School of Rhetoric Families,
February. We are more than halfway done with the 2023-24 school year. The seniors are nearing the end of their Eagle Ridge Academy career, and the freshmen are moving closer toward “upperclassmen” status. We are well underway in our second semester and looking forward to spring and all that brings.
In my past communications, I've talked about how to help students at various times of the year or through various upcoming situations. However, as we near the spring, there are other things for students and parents to think about that warrant discussion in your families.
As a Classical education school, we are proud that our students learn how to think, not what to think. This affords them the opportunity to truly engage with what makes them curious and dive into other ways of thinking. It also prepares them far more than traditional high school programming. I’ve lost count of how many times I have received compliments regarding my children and their ability to engage in conversation, hold intellectual discussions, and listen intently to others, even if they didn’t agree with the other person. While I would love to pat myself on the back and think it is due to my incredible parenting abilities, I have Classical education and the teachers of Eagle Ridge Academy to thank far more for that than myself.
I thought that even more this past weekend. I took my oldest son to an event hosted by the college he will be attending in the fall. One of the topics of conversation was how this college is a liberal arts school that engages in discussion and diving into great material through Socratic Seminar, writing, and experiential learning. This seemed to intrigue many parents and scholars, while my son just looked at me and said, “Well, this should be easy!” Ah, the beauty of Classical education at Eagle Ridge Academy!
One of the parents, during a parent session at the school my son will attend, asked, “What do you do for kids who have only one idea about their major? My son wants to go into education, but we think he should do law.” It was clear that there wasn’t a deep understanding of what the child wanted versus what the parents wanted. As we move through the spring, many people ask about what they should be doing regarding college searches. One of the most important things to do is to simply have an open conversation about what your child wants to do after finishing in the School of Rhetoric. Does your child want to go to a traditional, four-year college? Two-year community college? Vo-tech? Gap year? Armed Forces? This conversation can help guide not only the steps to take but also have a true understanding of what is important to you AND your child. Be sure to engage in civil discourse with your child, especially in cases where you might think differently than your child about their future. Ask questions. Listen intently. Once you gain understanding, make a plan. If your child is a freshman, look at opportunities for camps or summer jobs that can help them gain exposure in the area that interests them. If your child is a sophomore, start a list of potential colleges to explore. Ask how big your child wants the school to be, how far away, and be real about budgetary expectations. If your child is a junior, narrow it down to a couple places to visit or revisit. Make sure your junior is thinking about which teachers to ask for recommendations and get familiar with the Common App. Take advantage of the various bootcamps we offer at ERA through our Academic Counselor, Mrs. Linda Kaiser. And ask questions—lots and LOTS of questions.
As always, it is an honor to work with your children daily.
Best,
Erin Johnson
Principal, School of Rhetoric
Important Upcoming Events:
- February 27: Coffee and Conversation with Erin Johnson and Mohamed Ali
- February 29: Formal Dress: Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
- March 8: Two-Hour Early Release
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Dear Families,
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.
Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling is sponsoring free Minnesota Education Fairs throughout the metro area. Various locations and dates are available February 25-29, and listed below are the after school locations.
This is a great opportunity for students and their families to visit with representatives and explore a variety of options for continued education beyond high school. It is also a great learning tool for career exploration.
Save time at the college fair by encouraging your students to register ahead of time. They can register their personal information and create a personal barcode to be scanned at the fair by colleges that they are interested in. Students register at www.strivefair.com before coming to the MEF, print out the barcode or have it on your phone, and bring it to the fair.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
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
Math Team Wraps Season
Congratulations to Sai in seventh grade and Laki in tenth grade for placing second and fourth in the district of seven math teams! The Eagle Ridge Academy Math Team held their own this season despite competing with only four middle schoolers and one high school sophomore when the standard team size in the district is eight high school students. Shout-out to coach Ethan Martin for his guidance this season. We can't wait to see our Math Team continue to grow!
Come Cheer on Gryphon Basketball Teams this Season!
There are many opportunities to support Gryphon Basketball December through February. Take a look at our spirit wear themes chosen by ERA's Student Section and join the ERA community at a game!
URGENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS at Concessions & Admissions!
- Many dates/times available. Fun way to get involved and help support ERA Activities & Athletics (All profits go to support ERA Activities & Athletics!)
- Each family is asked to volunteer ONE time throughout the year (sign up for your team’s night or another date that fits your schedule).
- Adults, students*, staff, grandparents, family members, and friends are all welcome to volunteer! (*Students 14 yrs old and older; students under 14 yrs old must have an adult with them.)
- Sign up here: www.erabooster.org/volunteer.
YOU’RE INVITED… PACK THE STANDS / WINTER SENIOR NIGHT - FEBRUARY 15
- ALL ERA students, families, staff, and friends are invited! Fun night out for the whole family!
- Chances to win prizes and giveaways!
- Hot meal deal, while supplies last!
- Basketball Games start at 4:30 p.m.
- Senior Recognition at 8:30 p.m.
- Theme: Dress like a Senior Citizen!
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 February 23, 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/