The Eagle Eye
February 9, 2023 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 10
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 9
- Gryphon Senior Night Basketball Games, ERA Gymnasium, 4:15 p.m.
Friday, February 10
- Two-Hour Early Release
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. North Lakes Academy, JV - 6:00 p.m., Varsity - 7:30 p.m.
Monday, February 13
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. St. John's Prep, JV - 5:30 p.m., Varsity - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 13 - Friday, February 17
- Scholastic Book Fair, School Library, School Hours & During Conferences
Tuesday, February 14
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. Breck, JV - 5:30 p.m., Varsity - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15
- Monthly Volunteer Wednesday - HELP STILL NEEDED
- Fifth Grade Field Trip to Minnesota History Center, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Online Conference Scheduler Closes, 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 16
- Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 17
- No School
- Parent Teacher Conferences, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- PTO Winter Used Uniform Sale, ERA Forum, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. Twin Cities Academy, JV - 4:15 p.m., Varsity - 5:30 p.m.
- Boys Basketball at ERA vs. Twin Cities Academy, JV - 5:30 p.m., Varsity - 7:30 p.m.
Monday, February 20
- No School and Office Closed
- Boys Basketball at ERA vs. Legacy Christian Academy, JV - 6:00 p.m., Varsity - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21
- Sixth Grade Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. Nova Classical Academy, JV - 5:30 p.m., Varsity - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 22
- Seventh and Eighth Grade Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
- Boys Basketball at ERA vs. Nova Classical Academy, JV - 4:30 p.m.
- ERA Booster Club Zoom Meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Girls Basketball at ERA vs. Nova Classical Academy, Varsity - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 23
- School of Rhetoric Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
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.
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.
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 opened on February 8 at 8:00 a.m. and closes February 15 at 10:00 p.m. An email with instructions for scheduling conferences, along with the master password to access the conference scheduler, was sent Wednesday, February 8.
Used Uniform Sale During Conferences Friday, February 17
Collect Lost & Found Items by February 17
Items in Eagle Ridge Academy's Lost & Found will be cleared out after Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences. 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.
Design ERA's 20-Year Anniversary Logo 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.
2023 Board of Directors Nominations Due February 24
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 will be 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 Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors is issuing a call for nominations for the 2023 Board of Directors election. Four teacher seats and two parent/community members seats are open for the 2023 Board of Directors election. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, February 24, by 4:00 p.m.
- Nominations may be submitted using this form.
- 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.
Light the Night Virtual Fundraiser February 27 - March 3
Light the Night raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, whose mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Eagle Ridge Academy will be holding a Light the Night fundraiser February 27-March 3. The two Lower School classes and one Upper School Advisory that raise the most money will get classroom parties. Donate to the fundraiser here.
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, with starting and finishing lines at Eagle Ridge Academy. (VIEW RACE MAP HERE.) This route is an accurately measured 5K course, chip- and mat-timed, that 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 will receive 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 on 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 Pickup 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.
Classical Corner: Listening and Learning
If one thing stands out to me as I walk around the school and into different classrooms, it is the way our students are taught to speak. From an early age, students learn to expand on their answers, cite evidence, and explain their mathematical reasoning. As they grow, students grapple with difficult questions and learn to form sound arguments backed by a solid understanding of the facts behind them. Their speaking skills are being developed in every grade level.
And yet, it is not just the speaking that stands out. When you walk into these classrooms, you notice something else–listening. It is the way that students are being taught to not talk at each other but rather with each other. So often people are simply waiting to throw their voice into the conversation, talking over one another. Our students are learning not only how to speak and use their voice but also how to listen to others–how to truly build on the thoughts of others, to disagree with others by citing facts, to ask questions for clarification, to keep a discussion moving forward. Ultimately, they are gaining an understanding that you learn more when you listen. It is easy to walk into a room and hear students talking, but it is quite another experience to witness a discussion where students are openly examining, questioning, and considering how points come together to deliver us closer to the truth.
As you receive communication from teachers about your child’s studies at school, consider them Table Topics. Start a discussion about them around the table and see what happens. Chances are you’ll not only gain a great deal of insight into what they are learning, but you’ll simultaneously be developing your child’s voice–empowering them to use their voice to uncover truth, to do good, and to highlight beauty in this world.
Sincerely,
Suzannah Toso
Classical Enrichment Teacher K-2
Classical Coordinator K-12
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric News
Congratulations, January Pillar Award Recipients! - Missy Madigan, Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Assistant Principal
CIPHER (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, Respect) is more than a motto, it’s what we strive to follow in our actions with our fellow Gryphons.
The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies, in which six students from each of the Upper School grades are recognized for displaying CIPHER throughout the month. Each student is nominated for a Pillar Award by one of their teachers. A short paragraph describing how the student exemplified the pillar is written by the teacher and shared with the student body.
Congratulations to our January Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
6th Grade
Thank You, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center!
The sixth grade team braved the brutal cold last week for their annual field trip to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota. While at the center, the sixth graders challenged themselves, took risks, and learned new ways to support one another.
The group participated in many different classes, such as the high ropes course, winter survival skills, group challenges, ice age, settler's life, and more. At night, they learned about some pretty incredible creatures in their naturalist program and held their annual sixth grade variety show.
Thank you to Eagle Bluff for hosting us and to our sixth grade team for planning and chaperoning this unforgettable trip! View the full photo album here.
Preparing for College - Linda Kaiser, College & Academic Counselor
Dear Families,
View college information below.
College Fair
ERA is invited to attend the free Minnesota Education Fair at Eden Prairie High School (17185 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346) on Tuesday, February 21, 6:00-7:30 p.m., sponsored by the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling.
The event is expecting nearly 110 representatives from public and private universities and colleges, community and technical colleges, and trade and career colleges. A list of the participating schools can be viewed here. 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 and register ahead of time. Register your personal information and create a personal barcode to be scanned at the fair by colleges that students are interested in.
Scholarships
ERA’s Scholarships for the class of 2023 have opened and the deadline for applications is Friday, March 24, at 9:00 p.m. More information can be found here.
View external scholarships below.
Military Benefits Association Scholarship
$2,000 (20 Awards)
Deadline: February 23, 2023
For Eligibility: Click Here
OKC National Memorial Essay Scholarship
$1,000 (12 Awards)
Deadline: February 27, 2023
For Eligibility: Click Here
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Scholarship
$1,500 (7 Awards)
Deadline: February 28, 2023
For Eligibility: Click Here
American Chemical Society Scholars Program
$5,000 (350 Awards)
Deadline: March 1, 2023
For Eligibility: Click Here
Kind regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Financial Aid Webinars
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC's The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are launching a series of financial aid webinars for students and families as they prepare for the college-going process. All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Students who attend a session or watch one of the recordings will be eligible to win a $500 scholarship.
The series, which runs through February 28, will focus on a variety of topics including general financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college.
February 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m. — Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
February 16, 2023, 7:00 p.m. — Apply for Financial Aid (MN Dream Act)
February 21, 2023, 7:00 p.m. — Understanding Your Offer Letter
February 28, 2023, 7:00 p.m. — Scholarship Search
To register for any of the webinars using Zoom, visit this Minnesota Goes To College website. Questions can be directed to the state's financial aid hotline: (651) 642-0567.
Registration for Spring Activities Now Open
Registration for Spring Activities is now open. Learn more about the activities available below and register here today.
Track & Field (7-12)
Who: All 7th-12th grade students 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 13, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Head Coach: Rob Economy
Cost: $225
Baseball (7-12)
Who: All 7th-12th grade students are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV baseball teams
Where: Dred Scott Field; transportation to the field is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 20, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Evan Johnson
Cost: $225
Girls Badminton (7-12)
Who: We are growing the Badminton program this year and will be rostering as many as want to participate
Where: ERA Aux & Main Gym
When: Practices will run Mondays & Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m. & Saturday mornings 8:00-10:00 a.m. starting March 20
Head Coach: Abhi Das
Cost: $150
Ultimate Frisbee (7-12)
Who: All 7th-12th grade students are eligible to try out for the Ultimate Frisbee program; we hope to field a Boys Varsity, Girls Varsity, and MS team this year
Where: ISM Field
When: Practices begin when weather permits, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Head Coach: Jim Kittleson
Cost: $225
Girls Softball (7-12) via Blake
Who: All 7th-12th grade students 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: TBD
Cost: $225
Girls Synchronized Swim (7-12) via Blake
Who: All 7th-12th grade students are eligible to try out for the Blake Synchro Team
Where: Blake Middle School in Hopkins
When: TBD
Head Coach: TBD
Cost: $225
Advanced Competitive Chess Session 3
Who: 3rd-12th graders
When: Thursdays, April 13-May 25, 3:20-4:45 p.m.
Where: Room 1227
Director: April Grabanski
Cost: $125
The Sound Of Music Spring Musical
Who: Grades K-12, $125/student
When: March 13-April 30
- Auditions: March 6-7, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Callbacks: March 8-9, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Rehearsals (TBD) Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Performances: April 28, 7:00 p.m.; April 29, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.; April 30, 2:00 p.m.
Where: ERA Auditorium
Additional notes: K-5th grade students must email an audition video to the director by March 6 at 6:00 p.m. In the video, students should say their name, grade, why they want to be in the show, and sing a short song. There are LIMITED roles for K-5th grade students. A select few will be invited to attend callbacks in person.
6th-12th grade students must sign up for an audition time on the auditorium door. Come prepared to act and sing! Acting and singing material will be provided in folders next to the audition sign-up sheet. Dancing ability will be assessed at group callbacks.
Director: Sylvia Michels, smichels@eagleridgeacademy.org
Impart Art Club Session 2
Who: 3rd-5th graders
When: Thursdays, January 26-April 13, 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Where: Room 1510
Supplies: All supplies are provided
Director: Jamie Kruschke
Cost: $110
Improv Club
Who: 9th-12th graders
When: Mondays and Thursdays, February 27-May 25, 3:30-5:00 p.m.Where: Room 2107
Director: Betsy Bixby
Cost: $60
The Booster Club NEEDS YOUR HELP - Come Join the FUN!
- You can make a difference!
- Fun, easy volunteering!
- 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!
You are Invited to these ERA Booster Club Events!
February 9 - Winter Senior Night / Pack the Stands
- Everyone is invited to Pack the Stands to celebrate our Winter Activities & Athletics seniors!
- Basketball games start at 4:15 p.m.
- Davanni's Hot Meal Deal 5:00-7:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
- 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!
February 22 - ERA Booster Club Board Meeting
- All are welcome to attend - come see what the Booster Club is up to and how you can get involved with this fun group!
- The Board Meeting will be held via Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Visit www.ERABooster.org for the link to the Zoom meeting.
ERA Spirit Wear Store Open 24/7 Online
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
Do you have an hour or two to help? We have upcoming volunteer opportunities for which we are seeking assistance:
Winter Used Uniform Sale - Friday, February 17
This sale is a huge undertaking and important for families to restock their uniforms in an affordable way. There is a large need for help in setup, sales, and cleanup – any and all help is welcome and much appreciated.
Scholastic Book Fair - February 10-17
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to ERA, taking place during conferences. Help is needed with setup and sales each day, February 10-17. Our librarian, Mrs. Tillotson, would be most grateful for the help.
Volunteer Wednesdays - HIGH PRIORITY FOR FEBRUARY 15
We have four more Volunteer Wednesdays, our monthly day for teachers and staff to be helped with their projects. Feel free to sign up for any or all of them.
Donut Dash 5K - Saturday, May 13
Although not until May 13, our Donut Dash 5K needs more than 60 volunteers for the event to run smoothly. You are welcome to sign up now. We will be sharing this often as we near the race.
Thanks for your great help and willingness to give back!
Register Now: 10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament Monday, June 19!
Eagle Ridge Academy is proud to host its 10th charity golf tournament, a four-person scramble that brings the community together to raise important funds for the Academy! Enjoy an afternoon of golf and camaraderie on the course while playing for a good cause. The event includes 18 holes of golf, cart and green fees, lunch and social hour by D’Amico Catering, complimentary drink ticket, golfer gift, and social hour/dinner.
The golf tournament will once again be hosted at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park! Edinburgh USA is a public course and is one of only two courses in Minnesota designed by world renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II who also designed Chambers Bay, site of the 2015 U.S. Open. Prizes this year from the Edinburgh Pro Shop.
Last year’s proceeds supported Eagle Ridge Academy’s Grow Your Own Teacher and Teacher Mentoring programs—thank you for making these important programs possible! This year’s proceeds will continue to support these programs.
Whether you are an avid golfer, never picked up a club, or want to come out to volunteer, we welcome you to be part of our Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament.
Event Agenda
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. — Check-in, Lunch, and Driving Range
12:45 p.m. — Be ready in your carts
1:00 p.m. — Shotgun
5:30 p.m. — Social Hour and Awards
For more information and to register online: Golf Brochure / Online Registration
To sponsor the golf tournament, please view our Sponsorship Flyer for various options and opportunities.
Contact: Mrs. Kelly Schiffman, ERA Director of Development; 952-746-7760, ext. 1107; kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
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.
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