The Eagle Eye
January 26, 2023 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 9
Upcoming Events
Friday, January 27
- One Act Play Performances: Radium Girls and Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose, ERA Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 29
- One Act Play Performances: Radium Girls and Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose, ERA Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.
Monday, January 30 - Friday, February 3
Tuesday, January 31
- Marilyn Strand Memorial Games/Pack the Stands; Girls Basketball at ERA vs. PACT Charter JV - 4:15 p.m., Varsity - 5:30 p.m.; Boys Basketball at ERA vs. PACT Charter, JV - 4:15 p.m., Varsity - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 3
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. Liberty Classical, Varsity - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 6
- Gryphon Conversation: School of Grammar Amplify Language Arts, Zoom, 12:00 p.m.
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.
First Semester Report Cards Available to View Friday, January 27
First semester report cards will be available to view in the Infinite Campus parent portal at the end of the school day on Friday, January 27. Questions regarding your child’s grades should be directed to the instructor issuing the grade. Questions regarding accessing your parent portal should be directed to Janice Gerheart.
One Act Play Performances January 27 & 29
Come see the Eagle Ridge Academy theater department's One Act Competition Play Radium Girls at the ERA Auditorium on January 27 at 7:00 p.m. and January 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets will be available for $8 at the Activities Entrance (Door 4). The Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose (one act non-competition play) performance is included at no extra charge.
Final Call: Order School Yearbooks by Friday, January 27!
Don't forget! Friday, January 27, is the LAST DAY to submit 2022-2023 yearbook orders.
Design a 20-Year Anniversary Logo for ERA for a Chance to Win $250!
This fall, we will celebrate 20 years of Eagle Ridge Academy. Design a 20th anniversary logo and you could win $250! Anyone in the ERA community is invited to participate: students, staff, faculty, and families!
Submit your logo via this form by March 1, 2023. The top logos will be voted on by the ERA community. The winning logo will be used on ERA marketing materials and the winner will receive a $250 prize.
The logo must be submitted in a digital format. Please contact Ms. Conner with questions: econner@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Parent Teacher Conferences February 16 & 17
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held February 16, 4:00-8:00 p.m. and February 17, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The conference scheduler will open on February 8 at 8:00 a.m. and close February 15 at 10:00 p.m. You will receive an email with instructions for scheduling your conferences along with the master password to access the conference scheduler prior to the scheduler opening.
Eagle Ridge Academy Library Scholastic Book Fair February 13-17
- View Eagle Ridge Academy's Scholastic Book Fair page.
- Sign up to volunteer.
You can sign up for Book Fair eWallet—a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the Fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library. Learn more about eWallet.
Used Uniform Sale Friday, February 17
Help Needed: Health Office Looking for Substitute School Nurse
Help Needed: Music Department is Looking for Reliable Videographers
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!
Register Now for the 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids on Saturday, May 13!
We moved our race last year, introducing a 5K course in Minnetonka, leaving and finishing at Eagle Ridge Academy. (VIEW RACE MAP HERE.) This 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 Zumba warm-ups provided before the race, complimentary chair massages, rock tape applications, music, great food, and fun youth activities. Fun for all ages!
Each race registrant receives a tech shirt, post-race refreshment, and DONUTS!
- Online Registration ends May 10 at 4:00 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.
- Due to possible supply chain delays, we will place our shirt order in April 14 to ensure timely delivery. While we will order extras, please be sure to register no later than April 13 to ensure a shirt in your preferred size.
Schedule for Saturday, May 13:
7:15 a.m. – Packet Pick-Up at Eagle Ridge Academy
8:00 a.m. – Mini-Donut Dash Start Time
8:25 a.m. – Zumba Warm-Ups
8:45 – 9:30 a.m. – Youth Activities
8:45 a.m. – Donut Dash 5K Shotgun
10:00 a.m. – Awards
5K Pricing:
$35 Adult 5K Registration (on or before April 21)
$30 Student and Alumni 5K Pricing
$40 5K Registration (after April 21 to race day)
Kids Mini Donut Dash 1/2 Mile Pricing:
(Kids 10 and younger)
$20 Mini-Donut Dash Pricing (on or before April 21)
$25 Mini-Donut Dash (after April 21 to race day)
Proceeds will benefit Eagle Ridge Academy, offering an outstanding public Classical education to students K-12.
School of Grammar News
Join School of Grammar Faculty for a Gryphon Conversation on Amplify Language Arts Program on Monday, February 6
Eagle Ridge Academy will hold a Gryphon Conversation for School of Grammar families via Zoom on Monday, February 6, 12:00-12:45 p.m. Gryphon Conversations are a way for the ERA community to hear the latest Academy information and ask questions of our administration. Principal Janelle Mellgren, Academic Director Susan Bloomgren, and some School of Grammar teachers will facilitate a conversation regarding the new Amplify Language Arts Program, giving updates on this year's implementation of the program and answering questions.
If you plan to join this conversation and have a question to ask, please submit your question here so we can make sure to answer it. We hope to see you there!
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric News
Classic Learning Test - Linda Kaiser, College & Academic Counselor
Classic Learning Test
The Classic Learning Test’s suite of assessments provides a standard of testing that is intellectually richer and more rigorous than tests based on national standards. Its philosophy is one that matches our school and provides valuable insight into our instruction and practices. It can also be a piece of the college application and scholarship package for many private higher education institutions.
CLT10 Assessment is a preparatory exam for students in grades 9 and 10 comparable to the PSAT. All students in grades 9 and 10 will be completing the CLT10 Assessment at school on February 7.
CLT Assessment is a college entrance exam for students in grades 11 and 12, comparable to the SAT® and ACT®. Eagle Ridge Academy juniors and seniors are able to take the CLT at home (online and proctored), and it’s free for our students for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. Please contact me for further information regarding registration for the exam.
The assessment dates for the remainder of 2022-23 include:
February 25
March 18
April 15
May 27
June 22
For more information on either exam and practice materials, please refer to the CLT Parent Letter or contact me at lkaiser@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Scholarship Deadlines
If you would like to receive the weekly Scholarship Newsletter, please sign up here.
- Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship - $1,000 (12 Awards) - Deadline: February 1
Kind regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
You are Invited to the Following ERA Booster Club Supported and/or Sponsored Events!
January 31 - Marilyn Strand Memorial Games
- Everyone is invited to Pack the Stands for the Marilyn Strand Memorial Games!
- Hot Meal Deal 5:00-7:00 p.m. (while supplies last): Dominos Pizza, chips, and beverage for $9!
- Basketball Games start at 4:15 p.m.
February 9 - Winter Senior Night
- Everyone is invited to Pack the Stands to celebrate our Winter Activities & Athletics seniors!
- Hot Meal Deal 5:00-7:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
- Basketball games start at 4:15 p.m.
- During halftime of the Girls Varsity game, a 3-Point Shooting Contest will be held, with chances to win prizes. Bring your one dollar bills!
- Winter Activities & Athletics seniors will be recognized at 8:00 p.m.
- Attend for chances to win door prizes!
The ERA Booster Club needs your help!
Sign up to VOLUNTEER at these fun events throughout February. All proceeds go to support our students! Sign up here: www.ERABooster.org/Volunteer.
Join the ERA Booster Club on Facebook for activities updates and check out erabooster.org for more information and to register as a booster!
Thank You for Attending Pack the Stands on Tuesday, January 24
A big THANK YOU to the ERA community for the great turnout at the Pack the Stands event during the Gryphon Basketball games on January 24! Your support adds so much to the ERA experience! #GoGryphons
ERA Spirit Wear Store Open Online 24/7
Developing Connections
Ways to Get Involved and Give Back - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
There are several ways to participate in giving at Eagle Ridge Academy. Creating additional revenue sources and building community is important as we strive to create the best possible educational experience for our students while staying true to our mission. Enjoy giving from the heart for a good cause with the benefit of receiving a tax deduction.
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://eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-support-era/.
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
We update our volunteer opportunities weekly at the community opportunities link. Within this link is a separate sign-up for our monthly Volunteer Wednesdays, an opportunity to come in once per month to help with teacher and school projects.
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, bringing together community 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.
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.
AmazonSmile
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 February 24, March 10, 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.
Fifth Grade Kindness Retreat
On January 10, School of Grammar Counselor Mr. MacLean held the annual Kindness Retreat for our fifth grade students. The Kindness Retreat, led by Youth Frontiers, is a day-long workshop that teaches students why and how to make kind choices and builds community. During the retreat, fifth graders practiced using empathy and conflict-resolution skills to understand how their words and actions affect others. Students had the chance to play games, sing songs, and interact in small groups led by School of Rhetoric students. Thank you to Youth Frontiers, Mr. MacLean, our fifth grade team, and our School of Rhetoric leaders for working together to create this wonderful experience for our fifth graders!
Seventh Grade Courage Retreat
Together with the Youth Frontiers program staff and students from the senior class serving as volunteer leaders, our seventh graders were encouraged to play, laugh, and connect with one another through community-building activities and small-group conversations. Youth Frontiers program staff shared personal stories centered on the value of the day throughout the retreat and also gave students the chance at the end of the retreat to stand up and commit to how they will live out the value of courage at Eagle Ridge Academy.
Thank you to Youth Frontiers, Mrs. Soule, our seventh grade team, and our seniors for working together to create positive change in the seventh grade community.
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