The Eagle Eye
Nov. 12, 2020 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 17 | Issue 5
On Monday, Nov. 16, Eagle Ridge Academy will be switching to FULL SCHOOL IN DISTANCE LEARNING.
All students in grades K-12 must stay at home in distance learning until notified of a change in the learning scenario. Essential childcare will remain open for Tier 1 Critical Care Workers.
The Minnesota Department of Health data updated today shows that Hennepin County is currently at 51 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people. Please see the data below for the reasoning for the switch to full school distance learning.
According to the Eagle Ridge Academy Learning Scenarios based on 14-day case rate range (see page 4), 40 or more cases puts the full school in distance learning.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health Recommended policy options based on 14-day case rate range, the recommended policy option for 50 or more cases is full distance learning.
The current District Case Rate for Eagle Ridge Academy is 47.8 cases. The District Case Rate was found using the zip codes in which ERA students most commonly reside.
Please continue to monitor your email for updates.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Nov. 13:
- All students are at home in distance learning.
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 2 (School of Grammar) and Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Join us for a Gryphon Conversation at 9:00 a.m. here.
- Take Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00-2:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 16 - Friday, Nov. 20:
- ALL STUDENTS (K-12) AT HOME IN DISTANCE LEARNING
Friday, Nov. 20:
- All students are at home in distance learning.
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 2 (School of Grammar) and Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Join us for a Gryphon Conversation at 10:30 a.m. here.
- Take Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00-2:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23 & Tuesday, Nov. 24:
- ALL STUDENTS (K-12) AT HOME IN DISTANCE LEARNING
Wednesday, Nov. 25 - Friday, Nov. 27:
- NO SCHOOL due to Thanksgiving Break.
Monday, Nov. 30 - Friday, Dec. 4:
- ALL STUDENTS (K-12) AT HOME IN DISTANCE LEARNING
Technology Information
If you are using an Eagle Ridge Academy-issued tablet and are unable to download Zoom, you may have to update your tablet. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.
If you need help with Canvas or have another technology issue, you can visit https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/canvas/ to troubleshoot your issue and see who to contact for help.
You can also call the Academic & Technology Hotline Monday-Thursday at 952-746-7760, ext. 1704 or email helphotline@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Letter to the Community - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
Last week, the Eagle Ridge Academy Upper School shifted to distance learning because of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, specifically in Hennepin County. Starting Monday, the Lower School will also shift to distance learning for the same reason.
This year has been difficult for families and staff alike. I often get frustrated when I read the newspaper and see the negative reactions of groups in other districts regarding the difficult and complex decisions that schools are having to make during a pandemic. Therefore, I want to say thank you so much to the entire ERA community for:
- Supporting the teachers and staff. Our teachers and staff are truly dedicated to providing the best education possible during a pandemic. They are working tirelessly to learn a new model of instruction.
- Being engaged. You have kindly provided feedback and voiced concerns with ERA via email, phone conversations, and our Gryphon Conversation. At no time in my career have I had to compromise more. ERA strives for win-win situations.
- Standing in the gap. It is amazing, all that you are doing to support your child. They need you now to fill in for what we are not able to do.
I am saddened that we are all going through this and that we are not able to provide you with the high quality Classical Education that your children deserve. We can only strive to get better each day.
Lastly, while the ERA Learning Model Decision Making Process is solely based on the Hennepin County case number, we do analyze other data to stay informed. Some of the data includes:
- ERA specific case data based on our most common zip codes: 47 cases/10,000
- Number of total staff: 161
- Number of students enrolled: 1,430
- Staff positive to date: 8
- Staff recovered: 5
- Number of staff in protocol currently: 14
- Students positive to date: 3
- Students recovered: 0
- Number of students in protocol currently: 45
I do anticipate that we will be in Distance Learning through the holiday season. So, while we will not see you in the building, please know that you are in our minds and just a Zoom away.
Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Community Updates
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric families,
“Excellence is not a gift, but a skill that takes practice. We do not act rightly because we are excellence; in fact, we achieve excellence by acting rightly.” - Plato
Congratulations on the completion of first quarter! Though this has been a start to the school year like no other, we see excellence over and over again in our staff and students. And now that we have a quarter under our belts, conferences have taken place, and we all have more experience with the different aspects of technology, we can strongly move forward. Attempting Classical Education in this type of scenario is challenging, but our staff and students rise to the occasion again and again. We are so incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication we see on a daily basis. As we make a shift to distance learning, we know that there may be an adjustment period. However, since we have already been practicing distance learning within our hybrid learning model, we are confident that the transition will be an easy one.
The sync between Canvas and Infinite Campus is finished; however, as a parent, you can be an observer on your child’s Canvas account and can see how they are doing in real time. You will not have to rely solely on Infinite Campus. Please take advantage of this opportunity so you can see what your student sees in Canvas and can communicate with your child regularly about their education, classes, assignments, and grades. Students learn as a result of practice and guidance from teachers AND parents. Know that students need opportunities to try and fail in low-risk activities so as to learn from not understanding and receiving corrective help. A student who is comfortable making mistakes in the pursuit of knowledge continues to learn and grow.
Please remember the tips and hints Ms. Mellgren and I sent out on Sept. 23. These tips included:
During Synchronous Class Times
- Please try to have your children set up for the meeting in a space where there will be minimum disruption.
- Please do not use photography or any recording equipment (including Zoom recording) during the Zoom session.
- Once your children are set up for their Zoom meetings, please allow them to attend the session by themselves, as much as possible, as would happen with a classroom session.
- Be aware of what others might see behind your child, including things which might affect your family's privacy.
- Everyone who might appear on camera needs to wear clothing.
- If you decide to sit in on a class, let the teacher know via chat or an email prior to class that you will be there. Teachers like to know to whom they’re presenting that day.
Helping Your Child Be an Independent Learner
- Remind them to be on time.
- Let your child be the student. It’s important that teachers hear from youren child so they best understand what they’ve learned. The goal isn’t always a correct answer, but rather for the teacher to see what the children have learned and what else they may need.
- Respect the teacher and the classroom. Please don’t interrupt the teacher during their instruction or expect that they will be able to communicate with you while they are teaching.
- Your child is learning from home, but when they are logged in, they are in a real classroom.
- It’s okay to let your children struggle with their learning during class sometimes, this is a natural part of the learning process. If it’s continual and/or across many times of the day, let your children’s teacher know.
Go Gryphons!
Erin Johnson
School of Grammar Notes - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
School of Grammar Families,
Assessments (or tests) are a way for your child’s teacher to understand what your child did or didn’t learn. Assessments are used for different purposes. As parent at home supporting your children, it can be hard to know how to help when they are taking a test. We hope the information below will be helpful!
We do ask that parents don’t give their child hints or answers beyond what is mentioned above. It’s hard not to do; we struggle with that, as well! It’s important that we all send the message that a big part of learning is getting to know what we’ve learned already and that we need more time and practice to learn. Assessments help teachers, parents, and students understand this. All students will struggle with some sort of test in their school career. Helping them learn what tests are for and helping them build good testing habits will serve them well as they continue their school career.
Kind regards,
Janelle Mellgren
What Students Say About Activities During a Pandemic - Kris Babler, Director of Activities
I asked students about a potential halting of winter or spring activities due to a transition to distance learning. This is what they said:
“Being on a team makes me feel wanted and gives me a group of people to rely on. Even the [other] teams I am able to be friends with and create relationships with. My doctor recommends physical exercise to manage my ADHD symptoms and to prevent depression. I think there is a way for us to continue having our beloved sports in a safe and controlled environment.”
“Allow individual students to decide whether they are comfortable joining these activities. These activities provide important chances to build skills and relationships that last a lifetime.”
“This winter seems very harsh and not so well, so for this winter I believe some winter activites should be cancelled. But, I can't say so for the spring activities.”
“Please wait until Coronavirus gets better because right now it is only getting worse.”
“I have spent three years in our robotics program, and I would hate to have it shut down once again. Personally, I have really enjoyed our activities, and it would be a serious let down to see them go away again like last year.”
“I think that even if we go to full distance learning then there should still be winter and spring sports. Good luck with decision making.”
If ERA was in distance learning, 63% of student respondents said they would still choose to participate in an activity, 24% said they would not, and the remaining 13% were somewhere in between. We cannot predict what these coming months hold for us all; however, we can continue to seek out Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. I believe our students’ voices light the way.
Notes:
The Girls Volleyball team picked up two wins last week and won their first set in conference this week against a strong PACT program. They are 2-7 on the season.
Our ERA Booster Club recently launched their website here: https://erabooster.membershiptoolkit.com/ They have ERA-branded masks available.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
It is part of Eagle Ridge Academy's vision to help students foster an appreciation for the United States of America, and our Veterans Day Celebration is part of this goal. We thank all veterans for their service, and we hope that you are able to thank a Veteran today! #ClassicalEducation
Academic Advising Notes - Mary Johnson, Academic Advisor
Meet with Winona State Admissions Counselor Liz Schwanke Thursday, Dec. 3, 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom to learn about Warrior life and the admissions process. Can’t make it, but have questions? Connect with Liz at elizabeth.schwanke@winona.edu or text her at 507-858-6475.
Check out Winona State's Virtual Tour video and Virtual Housing Tour video today!
All Grades Family Counseling Sessions - Zac MacLean, K-5 Counselor
Hello Families,
For many parents and guardians, this has been a new and challenging year. To provide some possible assistance, I want to invite you all to a couple of short, 30-minute family sessions with topics that include Childhood Mental Health and Parent-Child Relationship Building.
These sessions will be held next Tuesday, Nov. 17, at two separate times to accommodate as many participants as possible. Below are the topics and times. The format will be 20 minutes of information followed by 10 minutes of open question and answer time. Please come to one or both.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
12:00 p.m. - Childhood Mental Health
12:30 p.m. - Parent-Child Relationship Building
6:00 p.m. - Childhood Mental Health
6:30 p.m. - Parent-Child Relationship Building
Please use this Zoom link to join the sessions.
Meeting ID: 912 9901 5183 Passcode: 996694
Please reach out if you have any questions prior to the sessions.
Sincerely,
Zac MacLean
K-5 Counselor
Developing Connections
Ways to Get Involved and Give Back - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
Volunteer
Eagle Ridge Academy views parents and students as integral contributors and active participants in our school. The Academy is most successful when parents and students work together with the teachers and staff to create and sustain the best possible learning environment.
Join the ERA Volunteer Support Team for a monthly scheduled day to support teachers and staff. Teachers will submit projects for volunteers to complete during the monthly event, and the community will come together to get them done. Projects may be on site (socially distanced) or done at home. Each month will depend on individual teacher and grade-level needs. Sign up now.
There are many opportunities for volunteerism for every taste, talent, and time commitment. Consider “Giving 5” by signing up for the area(s) of your interest here.
Questions? Contact Kelly Schiffman: kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
You can schedule Give to the Max donations now at https://www.givemn.org/story/Playscape. The students and staff of Eagle Ridge Academy thank you for your support! #GoGryphons #GTMD2020 #GivetotheMax
Why the ERA Playscape & Grounds Beautification Project is Important - ERA Playscape & Grounds Commission
Dear Eagle Ridge Community Members,
The Eagle Ridge Playscape and Grounds Commission is comprised of teachers and parents that chose to get involved in improving our outdoor campus. We are striving for outdoor spaces that align with the excellence in education and beautiful school building we already have.
Please take a moment to read some quotes from commission members about why they feel it is important to invest in this endeavor. Our hope is that you will then be inspired to donate to our cause through MN Give to the Max 2020 givemn.org/story/Playscape.
Emily Gilbertson, parent to four ERA kids from 2nd to 6th grade:
ERA is an incredibly special place to all of us! It’s such a unique school because we all CHOSE to be here! ERA is excited to invest in an outdoor space that will allow our kids to utilize large motor skills, interpersonal skills, and creativity. Here is the most exciting part…YOU can be a part of it! When we invest our time, talent, and treasure into something, it shows that we really value it! We have all chosen to be at ERA, let’s choose to be a part of this outdoor enhancement project! We NEED you! Would you please consider how your time, talents, and treasure could be best served in this endeavor?
Neal Boegel, physical education teacher at Eagle Ridge:
When I think of the most natural place for students to play and experience joy in activity, the playground is the first place that comes to mind. It is a place where a child's mind wanders free and experiences pure joy in the company of others, simply because they are together and sharing what the love doing: playing. A new playscape at ERA would give our students new and exciting experiences that the get to DISCOVER on their own.
Erin Schmitz, special education teacher at Eagle Ridge:
I feel all students should be able to enjoy every aspect of the playground/outdoor space. The playground we have now, some of my students cannot access due to physical barriers. I want them to be able to enjoy swings and climbing structures without the fear of falling and hurting themselves. To quote one of my students about swings: “Swings are really important. They help calm you when you are frustrated, upset, or anxious.”
Jodi Hogan, parent of an ERA 5th grader and 9th grader:
We have just begun to scratch the surface on the outdoor space hopes and dreams we could potentially fulfill for students, families, and staff at Eagle Ridge. We realize it takes a lot of time, money, and good judgement so we are encouraging all of our community members to get involved. We want this process and end result to be a source of pride, as well as a living legacy to all of us that are a part of ERA at this moment in time.
Ann Watanabe, parent of an ERA 5th grader:
We want our students and staff to enjoy and benefit from outdoor areas of the school as much as possible, but we need your help! The ERA Playscape and Grounds Commission is a group of dedicated parents, students, teachers, and staff that are working to expand our play area and green space to maximize our utilization of campus grounds and best serve students and faculty. Your generosity will help enhance the Academy's Classical Education focus with the use of nature, open areas outdoors, and increased physical play opportunities for all K-12 students. With your funds, we can immediately procure additional recess supplies, build basketball courts, plan for an expanded playground with additional equipment, and acquire benches that can be used for outdoor classrooms or simply great places to de-stress, find creativity, and renew spirits.
Clare Murray, third grade teacher at Eagle Ridge and mom:
I believe that investing in our outdoor school space will give lower school, upper school, staff, and community members a place that is unique to our school. Kids love to have special features at their school that they are excited about! I often hear my own Eagle Ridge son tell others, “At my school, there is a really cool spinning thing on the playground.” Having equipment and outdoor spaces that illicit enthusiasm for kids is very important to me and I am enthusiastic about what we can achieve here at ERA!
We now encourage you to take some time to ask your loved ones that attend school or work at Eagle Ridge to articulate why they think it is important to invest in the outdoor space at their school. We hope they enjoy what is available to them now AND we fervently hope that they are excited about some new ideas that we have to improve and beautify our school grounds. Show your support by donating at givemn.org/story/Playscape.
The hopes, dreams, and whys from this community are pinnacle to the success of the Eagle Ridge Playscape and Grounds! Please feel free to share any of your thoughts with us. Also, if you have any questions, please reach out as well. We want to hear from you, and we are grateful for any support you can give! Our email is eraplayscape@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for your time and thoughtful response!
Jodi Hogan and Ann Watanabe
Co-Chairs Eagle Ridge Academy Playscape & Grounds Commission
Save the Date: Eagle Ridge Academy is celebrating Give to the Max Day on November 19!
Just make an online donation, and your donation will be entered into drawings for Golden Tickets, which are random chance drawings. Each gift you make during Give to the Max enters you to win money for ERA ($500 Golden Ticket every 15 minutes, $1,000 Golden Ticket every hour, and the $10,000 Super-Sized Golden Ticket).
Corporate Match Programs
Don't forget that you may get your Give to the Max gift matched!
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 your donation to the Academy, donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations.
Be informed by asking today!
Distance Learning Students Can Sign Up to Take School Portraits Nov. 13 OR Submit Their Own Portraits for Yearbook
Team Lion students and Team Eagle students in grades K-5 should have already taken their school portraits in the school building.
As a reminder, all distance learning students (including all students in grades 6-12) have the option to sign up to get their portrait taken at school this Friday, Nov. 13, the School Portrait Day for distance learners. If you are comfortable with your child coming into the building to take their school portrait, please sign up for a spot here. Please read the instructions for families at the top of the page before signing up.
Distance learning students also have the option to submit their own school portraits for the yearbook if they choose not to get their school portrait taken at school on Nov. 13. Instructions were sent via email on Oct. 30.
The Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (K-5) 2020-2021 Yearbook is available to purchase here.
The Eagle Ridge Academy Upper School 2020-2021 Yearbook is available to purchase for $50 now through January 31, 2021 here.
Take-Home Meals Pick-Up Updates - Brittany Radtke, Chef
Tomorrow is a Take-Home Meals Pick Up Day. This week, Team Eagle students in grades K-5 and ALL students in grades 6-12 qualify for the take-home meal program.
All students in distance learning qualify for the take-home meal program weekly. Please fill out the Take-Home Meals Order Form if you intend to pick up meals.
Please select “Distance Learner” in the drop down box on the order form instead of “Hybrid Learner” if you are ordering for a 6-12 student that was formally in hybrid learning. If your family has both K-5 students and 6-12 students, please place two separate orders.
Take-Home Meals Order Form - Which Option to Select in Drop Down Box
Take-Home Meals Pick-Up on Nov. 13
- Team Eagle (Cohort B) Grades K-5 - Select “Hybrid student”
- All K-5 Distance Learning students and all students grades 6-12 - Select “Distance Learning student”
- Team Lion (Cohort A) Grades K-5 - No take-home meals available this week due to students being in school Nov. 16-19.
You may email head chef Brittany Radtke at bradtke@eagleridgeacademy.org with any questions.
Stay Connected!
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. Remember, this is the only way to connect with other families at Eagle Ridge Academy!
See below for instructions on how to connect through 'My School Anywhere' App
Step 1:
- Create an account at eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- If you already have an account from last year, using My School Anywhere, you can use the same email and password to login. You can then confirm or edit your information.
Step 2:
- Click “verify my email” and check your email for a link to complete the process.
Questions? Please contact Anu at anu.philip@gmail.com.
Get Your 2020 PTO Spirit Wear to wear on Spirit Wear Fridays!
PTO Spirit Wear is now available for purchase online! During this school year, every Friday is a Spirit Wear Day and we've got you covered with this year's fun t-shirts and sweatpants! Items can be ordered here and picked up every other Friday during distance learning materials pick-up.
All Spirit Wear proceeds benefit PTO's events, services, and teacher support. Show your school spirit and order your fresh spirit wear today!
Three Things You Can do to Support ERA Athletics
1. Register on the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) so the ERA Booster Cub has a way to communicate with families based on the sports and activities they choose.
2. Become a Booster (erabooster.org/packet/33) and choose from a variety of support levels, including the FREE Patron level.
3. Order your own ERA Booster Club Masks and Mask-keepers (erabooster.org/packet/33) to show your school spirit every day! (Keep an eye out for ERA Booster Club winter gear--coming soon!)
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website erabooster.org or by joining the Facebook group today!
See it, Save it!
Remember to keep scanning your receipts with the Box Tops app to earn money for ERA! This is a fast and easy way to help out our school.
For more information, check out boxtops4education.com or email Heidi Anderson at seeitsaveitera@gmail.com.
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