The Eagle Eye
Feb. 11, 2021 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 17 | Issue 10
Eagle Ridge Academy will switch to full-school (grades K-12) in-person learning on Monday, Feb. 15. Fridays will remain distance learning days for all students. There will be NO SCHOOL next Friday, Feb. 19 due to VIRTUAL Parent-Teacher Conferences or the following Monday, Feb. 22 due to Staff Development.
The Minnesota Department of Health data updated today shows that Hennepin County is currently at 25.43 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people, while ERA zip code data is at 19.4 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people. In January, the ERA Board of Directors approved the new Learning Model Decision Making Matrix for grades 6-12. The Decision Making Matrix (DMM) includes and prioritizes data from within our facility versus the Hennepin County case rate alone. The DMM will be updated on Eagle Ridge Academy's website every Friday.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Feb. 12:
- All students in grades K-12 are at home in distance learning.
- Take-Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 15:
- Students in grades K-12 who have not opted into distance learning will return to in-person learning.
Wednesday, Feb. 17:
- The sign-up session for conferences closes at 9:00 p.m. Conferences for all grades should be scheduled using the online conference scheduler. As there are limited spots available, we ask that School of Grammar families schedule only with their classroom teacher and any specialists (music, Latin, art, phys ed) they would like to meet with. Please check your email for the password to log into the scheduler. If you have not used the conference scheduler in the past year, you will need to create a user account.
Thursday, Feb. 18:
- Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Zoom after school, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 19:
- NO SCHOOL due to Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences.
- Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Zoom, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 2 (School of Grammar) & Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Take-Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 22:
- NO SCHOOL due to Staff Development.
Tuesday, Feb. 23:
- Grades K-12 will continue in in-person learning.
List of Materials Pick-Up Days for the Remainder of the 2020-2021 School Year
February 19
March 5 & 19
April 9 & 23
May 7 & 21 (last pick-up before graduation on June 4)
Coronavirus Information
Technology Information
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.
Review of Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedures
With the return to full-school in-person learning, it is a good time to review Eagle Ridge Academy's pick-up and drop-off procedures. We ask for your cooperation to keep our students safe during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up each day. Below, we have highlighted some important points to remember.
- The school building does not open until 7:30 a.m. Please do not drop your child off prior to 7:30 a.m., as the vestibule is not large enough for students to physically distance while waiting for the doors to open.
- If you need to exit your car to assist your child, please park in a parking spot and walk your child to the crosswalk. Please do not park or exit your car in the drop-off lane.
- Please have your child put their face mask on prior to exiting the car and remember to wear a face mask if you are approaching the building.
- Have your child exit/enter the car on the sidewalk side of the lane.
- Please drive slowly in the parking lot and in the drop-off/pick-up lane.
- Please pull as far ahead in the lane as possible and do not cut in front of other vehicles.
Our staff is on hand to assist with student drop-off and pick up and to offer reminders about the safety procedures in place.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our parking lot a safe place for your children.
Community Updates
Distance Learning on Cold Weather Days - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
Welcome to February in Minnesota! I must personally accept responsibility for this subzero weather as I had just mentioned to a friend that I was so pleased with the mild winter we’ve been experiencing.
This cold snap makes for a great time to remind families and staff about our policy regarding inclement weather days and school cancellations. Eagle Ridge Academy normally cancels school because of two types of weather conditions: a wind chill below -32° F or snow-covered roads. Generally, when we wake up to one of these conditions, we cancel school or have a two hour late start. This year, however, if the wind chill is below -32° F, we will instead have a DISTANCE LEARNING DAY. All students will stay home, yet are expected to engage online. If we have a snow day, ERA will cancel school. The purpose of this decision is to truly allow the students to have traditional snow day family fun.
As we balance the need for instructional days and letting children be children, we would love to see pictures of your family’s snow day fun. Please submit them to Communications Manager Franchesca Castro at fcastro@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Take care,
Jason Ulbrich
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
Dear Families,
“All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” –Aristotle
Aristotle is right — children are the future and the education they receive is incredibly valuable. We are confident that the graduates of Eagle Ridge Academy will provide our world with truth, goodness, and beauty. We are excited to welcome students back into the building on Monday, Feb. 15. Teachers have been going through additional training, making sure all technology is working properly, and getting rooms set up again, while also preparing for the in-person instruction. We thank you for your patience as we made sure to have the most up-to-date and efficient protocols set-up for our students.
Conferences will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18, 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Please plan on attending to discuss your child(ren)’s progress with teachers. The conference scheduler has been opened. Please contact Karen Conner if you have trouble with access.
We are already in the works of planning the Master Schedule for the 2021-22 school year. Students have filled out a course request, which is different from course registration. Course requests help us understand demand and interest and guide us while we make the Master Schedule. When that is complete in early March, course registration will occur. Our College and Academic Advisor Mrs. Mary Johnson will meet with students individually to register them for courses, while also connecting with each student about his or her progress and goals.
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
School of Grammar Notes - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
School of Grammar Families,
I sometimes forget how ‘big picture’ children are capable of thinking, which is ironic, being that this is one of the things which drew me into the field of education more than twenty years ago. I was reminded of this truth as I read the ‘Hopes and Dreams’ of many of our students who returned to learning in the school building over the past few weeks. As I and other students and staff paused to read these in the Forum, I was inspired by the way they can hold these big ideas as they grow.
Over half of our fifth graders wrote about helping others and didn’t even reference themselves. Many of our other students wrote about hoping and dreaming of things which will make their lives and the lives of those around them better. There were both large and small goals, which is a good reminder to me. I have had such joy in reading and being inspired, once again, by the way children can hold big things and willingly share them with us.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, take time to ask your children about their hopes and dreams and listen to what they share. I’m guessing that they might surprise you, make you laugh, and possibly inspire you as well. I’m looking forward to our upcoming all-school activity where each class will have an opportunity to contribute something beautiful to show the beauty of our entire School of Grammar in yet another way.
Grateful to be part of the journey with you this year,
Janelle Mellgren
Winona State Information - Mary Johnson, Academic Advisor
Dear Families,
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to meet with Winona State Admissions Counselor Liz Schwanke on Thursday, Feb. 25, 12:30–1:00 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 this video for a virtual campus tour and this video for a Winona State housing tour.
Please check out this page for helpful college prep information: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/college-prep/. This page has recently been updated with current scholarships and tools to help with researching different degrees and college programs. You will also find tips for applying to college, information on different types of aid (including need-based aid and the FAFSA), career resources, personal assessment tests, and more. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
Activities Updates - Kris Babler, Activities Director
Dear Families,
Please see below for Activities updates.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
One Act Play Finishes Fourth at Sections
Congratulations to the cast and crew of this year's One Act Play for finishing fourth of 26 schools at Sections!
Carry On was written by School of Rhetoric junior Lydia Feitl and directed by Gabriel Berg. It features Muthuvignesh Meenakshisundaram as Nick, Violet Nus as Beatrice, Grace Soerens as Emma, Isabelle Castaneda as Theo, and Thomas Dudgeon as Mr. Delphine.
Watch Carry On below and subscribe to the Eagle Ridge Academy Activities YouTube channel for more content.
Mock Trial Team ERA Competing Tonight to Go to the MN State Tournament
ERA Mock Trial teams participated in Round 4 of the regional competitions last week.
Team ERA won their round and will be advancing to Round 5, which is composed of the top 12 teams in our region, all vying for the six spots in the Minnesota State Tournament in early March.
Team ERA White won their last two regional rounds and, while they are not advancing to Round 5, the team has developed their skills and are looking forward to even more success next season. Congrats to ERA White Mock Trial team on a great season!
Team ERA will compete against Chesterton Academy tonight, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m., with the winner going to the State Tournament in March. This is the first round where spectators are allowed to watch the virtual match. To watch, please use this Zoom link. The ID is 956 6534 5054, with passcode 963127. Good luck, Team ERA!
Math Team Updates
Eagle Ridge Academy's Math Team has continued to dominate this year! They recently competed in Meet 5, where the team tied for first in their division with 50 points and won their section. They won their division and section for the season.
The following International School of Minnesota/Eagle Ridge Academy Math Team members placed highly in the division: #1 Sri Guntipally, #4 Owen Hjerpe, #9 Henry Long, #10 Robin Liu, #11 Sam Peterson, #20 Aarya Batchu, #29 Max Peng, #30 Leo Lin.
We expect to hear official notice of a State Tournament invitation this Friday. Stay tuned for more information. Great work, Math Team!
February Family Counseling Session (All Grades) - Zac MacLean, School of Grammar Counselor & Jean Soule, Schools of Logic and Rhetoric Counselor
Dear Families,
You are all invited to another Family Counseling Session with the ERA counselors. This session will be called “Helping Children Deal with Transition.” Children and parents have had to go through several transitions this year, whether your child is transitioning back to in-person learning or not. We plan to provide resources and discussion to help children navigate those transitions. The format will be 20 minutes of information followed by 10 minutes of open question and answer time.
Helping Children Deal with Transition
Tuesday, Feb. 16
12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Both sessions will be held at this Zoom link. Please reach out if you have any questions prior to the sessions.
Zac MacLean
K-5 Counselor
zmaclean@eagleridgeacademy.org
Jean Soule
6-8 Counselor
Developing Connections
Register Today for the Feb. 26 Gala for the Gryphons! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
For more information on how you may participate in helping to develop 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/giving/ways-to-give/.
Gala for the Gryphons – A Night of MaskERAise!
Join us as the Gala for the Gryphons goes VIRTUAL! With our changing world, we are adapting to the existing environment and taking our largest fundraiser of the year online. We hope you will join us by registering today! To ensure receipt of your optional Mystery-in-a-Box, please register by Feb. 19. Registrants who opt for a Mystery Box will be sent information for pick-up on Thursday, Feb. 18, and all registrants will be sent the link and details for the live event on Wednesday, Feb. 24. We hope you join us!
Though we cannot be together to celebrate in person this year, our primary goal to raise funds for the students of Eagle Ridge Academy remains the same. We’ve created various levels of support for everyone’s preference. Every person who registers will receive a Zoom link to the live event on Feb. 26, which will include a warm welcome, testimonials and videos, musical performances from the ERA Band and Choir, our Live Auction, and Fund-a-Need. Just an hour long, we hope you choose to support us with some virtual fun and stay connected through technology, knowing that your registration will support the Playscape and Grounds Beautification project and will continue to support the ERA Scholarship Program for our graduating seniors.
Gala for the Gryphons – A Night of MaskERAise!
Friday, Feb. 26
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Via ZOOM: Link will be sent out to all registrants on Feb. 24
While the virtual portion of the evening will be held on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m., we hope that you continue to celebrate on your own throughout the evening. Wondering what to wear? Anything you want! Dress to impress or wear what’s comfortable. Good news – if you are at home, you don’t have to wear a mask… but for fun, you could make your own. You will be on Zoom for an hour during the program, but otherwise will enjoy the various aspects of the event from the comfort of your home. There’s no need for a babysitter – so have the kids join in.
We are offering five (5) levels of registration this year:
- Suggested Donation: $25 to enter the Live Event and show your support for the school
- Just a Mask, Please: $50 per person (Includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus snacks and a beverage)
- Mask and All: $100 per person (includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus dinner [Pizza Lucé certificate], dessert, and wine/beverage)
- Sponsored “Table” of 10: $1,200 (includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box for 10, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus dinner [Pizza Lucé certificate], desserts, bottles of wine or sparkling cider)
- Students Can Participate, Too!: *$20 per student (Includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box filled with fun and snacks) Available only with a registered Adult (Capped max of $60 per family, but more than three can participate)
The Silent Auction will be online this year and will be open Feb. 19 – March 3 to allow for a wider audience to enjoy and bid. We will still have Live Auction items, which will be incorporated into the auction site.
Just a sneak peak at some items up for bid this year:
- Arthur Murray dance lessons
- Hand crocheted winter hats by one of our ERA parents
Craft-in-a-box with 3rd grade teachers - Restaurant gift cards
- Two-night stay at Superior Pine Lodge
- Handmade craft items – notecards, magnets, upcycled dishware, mittens, key chains
- Big Sky condo in Montana
- Sheetrock art by ERA art teacher Jami Kruschke
- Clothing and hats
- Family fun packs
- Books
- Signed children’s book set by local author Stacy Bauer
- Themed baskets
- Custom Rudis sword
- Brooks running shoes
If you’d like to donate an item, please contact Kelly Schiffman.
Other Ways to Participate in the 2021-2022 Gala for the Gryphons:
*Visit our silent auction daily from Feb. 19 to March 3 to bid on items.
*Share the event on your social media.
*Ask your employer to sponsor the event or match your registration gift.
If you would like to pay by cash or check, please download the RSVP card and mail to:
Eagle Ridge Academy
Attn: Gala
11111 Bren Rd. W
Minnetonka, MN 55343
For more information, please visit this page: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/gala/. For questions, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or email kschiffman@eagleridgecademy.org.
Please note that once tickets are purchased, no refunds will be issued.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Please check weekly for new volunteer opportunities, both at school and at home. We still have our monthly Volunteer Day opportunities through the end of the year.
Please visit this link for more information and sign up today: bit.ly/volunteerERA. Thank you for your continued help and support!
Double Your Impact with 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 department to ask about their community support, social responsibility, 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!
AmazonSmile
ERA Existing Playscape and Grounds
ERA Conceptual Playscape and Grounds (A)
ERA Conceptual Playscape and Grounds (B)
ERA Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project Updates - Jodi Hogan & Ann Watanabe, ERA Playscape and Grounds Commission
Eagle Ridge Students, Families, and Staff,
We are excited to give you a visual update regarding the ERA Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project! While our current weather is not very outdoor-friendly, we have been busy thinking about many different outdoor features that Eagle Ridge could implement in the coming years.
We have partnered with Three Owls Play Consultants, LLC, experts in designing outdoor areas. They have created two conceptual designs for our consideration. THESE DESIGNS ARE NOT CONCRETE PLANS. They were created from hopes and dreams and are intended to propel the thought process for what we desire for our outdoor spaces. Once we have your input via the survey below, we will continue to navigate the design phase. We will integrate all design ideas with safety, our school's mission and vision, and financial feasibility.
We encourage you to take some time to look over the designs and descriptions:
Afterward, please complete this survey to let us know what aspects you are immediately excited about and what aspects have you concerned. Please be candid when describing how you feel about these CONCEPTUAL designs. One of the most important tenets of the ERA Playscape and Grounds Commission is with the collaboration of students, families, and staff. We want to hear from all of you so that we can be certain that the aspects we institute into the final plan will make us all proud!
We heartily thank you all for contributing to the Eagle Ridge Give to the Max Day in November 2020. We were overwhelmed with gratitude from all of your donations! Kelly Schiffman and the ERA Gala committee are now busy finalizing plans for this year's Virtual Gala for the Gryphons - "A Night of MaskERAise!" on Feb. 26, 2021. This is a fabulous annual fundraiser that will raise money for student scholarships and the ERA Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project. We would love for you to virtually join us!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the commission via email at eraplayscape@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for your time and thoughtful response,
ERA Playscape and Grounds Commission
Pennies for Patients Fundraiser Feb. 16-26
Eagle Ridge Academy will be participating in Pennies for Patients (also known as Hero Squad) Feb. 16-26.
Pennies for Patients raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
The two Lower School classes and one Upper School first-hour class that raises the most money will get classroom parties!
Lower School families: To participate, please contact your child's teacher for their class donation link.
Upper School families: To participate, please donate using this link.
Lower School (Grades K-5) Yearbooks Still Available
Take-Home Meals Information and Menu Update - Brittany Radtke, Chef
As a reminder, take-home meals will be available for distance learning families to pick up at Door 2 this Friday, Feb. 12, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This will be a 4-day take-home meal bundle due to no school on Friday, Feb. 19. If you intend to pick up take-home meals, please fill out the Take-Home Meals Order Form early each week to help our Food Services team prepare.
If your child is currently in in-person learning, please do not order take-home meal bundles, as free breakfast and lunch will be available to them while they are at school. *Please note that lunch on Feb. 15 has been changed from Pretzel with Cheese to Grilled Cheese.
If your child is in in-person learning Monday-Thursday next week, you may fill out the Take-Home Meals Single Day Form to receive breakfast and lunch for distance learning Fridays. Each Thursday afternoon, single day meals will be sent home with the students who have ordered one that week. There will be no single day take-home meals next Friday, Feb. 19, as there is no school that day due to conferences.
Sincerely,
Chef Brittany Radtke
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.
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.
PTO Spirit Wear for Spirit Wear Fridays!
PTO Spirit Wear is 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!
Winter Gear Order Update!
The quarter-zip pullover orders have been distributed and we have a few extras. If you order a pullover in a size that we have available, you will be notified and your order will be distributed with your student's school materials on the following Friday materials pick-up date.
Three Things You Can Do to Support ERA Athletics
1. Register on the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) so the ERA Booster Club 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 winter gear, face masks, and mask-keepers (erabooster.org/merchandise) to show your school spirit every day!
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website erabooster.org or by joining the Facebook group today!
School of Grammar student Noah in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
Shop now at erabooster.org/merchandise!
School of Rhetoric student Nathan in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
See it... Save it!
One way that ERA funds valuable programs and activities is the Box Tops for Education program. It’s easy (and FREE!) to help! Scan the QR code, download the Box Tops app, and start scanning grocery receipts today. ERA will receive a portion of the proceeds from eligible items.
Educational Outfitters is running a Used Uniform Sale during the entire month of February!
Bring in used uniform items (fleece, jumpers, pants, shirts, shorts, skorts, and sweatshirts) to receive 15% off each new item purchased. All items brought in will be donated to a nonprofit organization.
View Eagle Ridge Academy uniform information here: https://bit.ly/3lg0Abh.
Shop Educational Outfitters here: http://www.minnesota.educationaloutfitters.com/.
Classroom Creations
School of Grammar kindergartners, first graders, and second graders were recently asked about their hopes and dreams for 2021. They wrote about their career aspirations, their goals to improve at school, and other challenges, such as learning how to open the chocolate milk carton all by themselves.
Their answers are currently being displayed in the Eagle Ridge Academy Forum, so that students and staff alike can be inspired by these dreams and think about their own goals for this year and beyond. Gryphons, we believe in you and know that you can do anything that you set your mind to! We will be here supporting you every step of the way and will help you open your chocolate milk for as long as you need.
Distance Learning Spotlight
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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