The Eagle Eye
Oct. 29, 2020 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 17 | Issue 4
Upcoming Events
Friday, Oct. 30:
- No school due to Staff Development.
- Take Home Meals Pick-Up for Team Eagle & Distance Learners from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1:
- Starting this day, you can schedule your gift to help support the Eagle Ridge Academy Playscape & Grounds Beautification project at www.givemn.org/story/Playscape!
Monday, Nov. 2:
- No school due to Grading Day.
Tuesday, Nov. 3:
- Team Lion School Portrait Day. Formal Dress is required for school portraits. View requirements on our Uniforms & Spirit Wear page.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Thursday, Nov. 5:
- "A" Week: Team Lion is in the building while Team Eagle is in distance learning.
Friday, Nov. 6:
- All students are at home in distance learning.
- Materials Pick-Up for Distance Learners from 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 for Team Lion & Distance Learners from 11:00-2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7:
- Prospective families may join us for our Virtual Fall Enrollment Extravaganza! Learn more about this event and register here.
Monday, Nov. 9 - Thursday, Nov. 12:
- "B" Week: Team Eagle is in the building while Team Lion is in distance learning.
Tuesday, Nov. 10:
- Team Eagle School Portrait Day. Formal Dress is required for school portraits. View requirements on our Uniforms & Spirit Wear page.
Updated Letter to Community Regarding Changing Learning Scenarios - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
I hope each one of you were able to relax during MEA week! It feels like COVID came in like a tsunami. Weekly, we are learning more about COVID and how to manage our lives in this environment.
Since the first day of school, Eagle Ridge Academy has had two positive cases of COVID and there has been no spreading of the virus at school. As you may have read, the number of new cases has been increasing in Minnesota and Hennepin County. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the number of confirmed cases per 10,000 tested has risen from 16.97 on September 17 to 28.88 on October 29. Looking at the trend data, that number is expected to increase to the point of needing to modify our learning scenario to distance learning for grades 6 through 12 within the next two weeks.
If the case rate increases to 30.0 or more, Eagle Ridge Academy will adjust our learning scenario to Lower School in Hybrid and Upper School in Distance Learning. All Upper School activities will be postponed until further notice.
Eagle Ridge Academy has an Incident Response Team comprised of health professionals and Board members. Each Thursday, as we receive the updated case rate for the counties, the team reviews the data in order to determine the current learning scenario. If the case rate requires our learning scenario to change, we will announce this information by Thursday afternoon and implement the change to the learning scenario the following Monday.
We have had numerous students and staff impacted by quarantine guidelines under the MDH’s COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Programs. The need to quarantine and be away from school impacts Eagle Ridge Academy staffing (teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, etc.). We rely on all of our staff in order to function each day. If we do not have enough staff members present to perform the essential responsibilities of the Academy, we may be forced to switch to a different instruction scenario.
While we will be as proactive as possible with our communication if we should need to alter school days, please be aware that a lack of staffing may cause us to switch scenarios quickly. If a shift in school scenario is necessary, families and staff will be provided with some transition time, with the school being closed for a period of time. The Academy has prepared for all instruction scenarios, but time is required in order to implement a change in scenarios.
Once a change is made, Eagle Ridge Academy will remain in that Learning Scenario for a minimum of two weeks in order to provide consistency. We will communicate all Learning Scenario changes via email, text, Facebook, and our website.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me through email at julbrich@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Eagle Ridge Academy Severe Weather Closure, Late Start, and Communication Protocol
As snow season is here, we want to share important information regarding Eagle Ridge Academy’s decision making process for school closings and late starts, as well as how we communicate these unexpected changes with families. During the 2020-2021 school year, inclement weather days will become distance learning days. Students and staff will stay at home during inclement weather and attend school as usual online.
Q: Who decides if school will start late or close?
A: The Executive Director collaborates with transportation officials, MNDOT, and surrounding school districts to determine if the conditions are safe to attend school.
Q: What happens when it is severely cold?
A: For cold weather, most school districts use a wind chill chart to determine the danger zone of the wind chill. If the predicted wind chill is to be below -35 degrees F, then you will see schools start to cancel. Every district has individual circumstances to consider. For example, Eagle Ridge Academy does not have students who walk to school and our bus riders generally do not wait for the bus outside but in a warm vehicle. This would make some assume that Eagle Ridge Academy students would have less exposure and risk. However, if a bus breaks down, it would take a minimum of 45 minutes to replace the bus. That is too long for our students to be in the cold.
Some schools, especially outside the metro area, will often run a two-hour late start. We do not generally use late starts, but realize we may need to use this strategy from time to time. The two-hour late start is effective if the temperature warms between 6:00 am and 8:00 am.
Q: What happens if there is snow accumulation or poor road conditions?
A: For snow accumulation and poor road conditions, many factors go into a school closure or late start decision. These factors include total accumulation, time of the accumulation, progress of snow plows according to the MNDOT, and continued weather forecast. Generally, southwest metro schools collaborate with each other to make decisions. Eagle Ridge Academy is in a special circumstance in that we have students from many cities. While Eden Prairie and Edina may receive little snow, Shakopee and Chaska may receive large amounts. In cases like these, we may hold school as usual; however, we will excuse the absences of students who were not able to safely travel to school. Students will also have the option to stay home and do distance learning that day if they determine that it is unsafe to travel to school.
The two-hour late start is effective if the road conditions improve between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Q: What happens if it starts snowing heavily in the afternoon, once my child is already at school? Does ERA do early releases related to weather?
A: Eagle Ridge Academy does not do unscheduled early dismissal because of our hub busing system. Instead, on heavy afternoon snowfall days, ERA will excuse early pick-up if parents deem this is the safest option for transportation. If you choose to pick up your child early, we ask that you do not call our main office prior to pick up to keep phone lines clear. Your child will be called from the classroom when you arrive in the office. This keeps students in class and learning as long as possible.
Afternoon activity clubs and athletics may sometimes be canceled due to weather. Communication about activity club or athletics cancellation will be sent to families through the email address on file with the Activities Department.
Q: How will I hear about school late starts or closures? What are your communication methods?
A: All cancellations and delays will be reported on WCCO, Facebook, the school website, direct email, and via call and text to the cellphone you have on file through Infinite Campus. We ask that families make a habit of checking all of these places on cold or snowy mornings so you receive up-to-date information.
All families are automatically opted in to receive emergency texts from Eagle Ridge Academy. We will only text in cases of emergency, which include school closings or delays and busing delays. Please note that text message and data rates from your cell carrier may apply. If you do not wish to receive emergency texts from Eagle Ridge Academy, you must opt out using this form. Please note that if you opt out, you will not receive emergency texts from Eagle Ridge Academy.
Our goal is to have the information communicated by 6:00 a.m. for the convenience of families, yet give the Administrative Team time to make the best decision. We truly understand the inconvenience of school cancellations to a family, student learning, and scheduling. Know that the decisions we make place student safety first, and we are willing to accept the inconvenience because we know that your children are out of harm’s way.
Q: Who should I contact if I have more questions about this protocol?
A: If you have questions about the severe weather decision making process, you may contact Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director: julbrich@eagleridgeacademy.org
If you have questions about receiving severe weather communications, believe you are not receiving them, or need to update your communication preferences with the school, you may contact Franchesca Castro, Communications Manager: fcastro@eagleridgeacademy.org
Community Updates
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric families,
Congratulations on completing the first quarter of a truly unusual school year! Today is the last day of First Quarter. We are very proud of our students and teachers who have overcome hurdles and moved with grace during this unconventional start to the year. Despite these obstacles, we have high expectations for the students this year and they continue to amaze us.
Conferences
Thank you for attending conferences this month. This helps reinforce to students that parents and teachers are on the same page and want the same goal-to have the students succeed. Holding our students to high standards is the responsibility of the student, teacher, and parent, and working as a team is the way to accomplish this. Checking in regularly with your child and taking a quick glance at grades in Infinite Campus or Canvas can help parents know whether to raise the amount of challenge or provide more support. Please ask them questions about homework, as this helps you, as a parent, get a pulse on how your student is doing in school.
Grades
This is a reminder that you are able to check grades throughout the year on Infinite Campus and Canvas. In order to access grades through Canvas, please be sure to use the Observer Account for your child(ren) so you can see their portal. Infinite Campus is where official quarter grades will be posted. The portal will be closed until the afternoon of Nov. 4 to allow for grades to be updated and finalized.
Go Gryphons!
Erin Johnson
School of Grammar Notes - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
School of Grammar Families,
It was good to connect during Parent/Teacher conferences just a few weeks ago. I also want to say a quick thank you to those of you who took some time to complete surveys sent home by grades K-5 just prior to that. I know not everyone was able to complete them, which is very understandable, but we were able to get good information to use as we continue to monitor how things are going and make some adjustments.
I’m currently working with one of our counselors, Mr. Zac MacLean, on support groups for students and parents. These are in direct response to the survey data we collected and analyzed from each grade level. As we all continue to care for one another in these unique circumstances, please know that we are here to help!
Small Group Counseling Opportunity
This fall has been a time of change and adaptation for families as well as students. We hope to provide support to hybrid and distance learning students through a few small virtual group opportunities. A typical group consists of 4-8 students and runs 6+ weeks. Please reach out to Mr. Zac MacLean, K-5 Counselor, if interested or with any questions.
K-5 Student Groups:
- Family Change (Divorce, Separation, Other)
- Executive Functioning (Organization, Study Skills, Focus)
- Worry/Anxiety
Parent Sessions (these will be virtual and presented in a 20 min. presentation, 10 min. open to questions format):
- Childhood Mental Health
- Parent/Child Relationship Building
Kind Regards,
Ms. Janelle Mellgren
Abruptly Into the Winter - Kris Babler, Director of Activities
I had the pleasure of taking in Roadhouse in Arden when it was still fall. The one-week, outdoor theatrical production put on by Sylvia Michels and Betsy Bixby was a half-hour comedy featuring players ranging from 7th to 12th grade. The play was written around Shakespearian legend and it reminded me of one of my favorite Shakespearean characters, Falstaff.
In Henry the IV, Falstaff says, “Can Honour set to a leg? No. Or an arm? No. Or take away the grief of a wound? No. Honour hath no skill in surgery then? No. What is Honour? A word. What is that word ‘honour’? Air.”
So, too, is the season of fall this year. Abruptly, we bid adieu to our eight senior soccer players, graduating on the heels of a 1-8-1 season that was much more competitive than their record indicates. They won their conference the year prior. Girls soccer closes out the year 4-5-1 with most of the group returning. Cross country saw Henry Long qualify for state with a 5th place Section finish–with no state meet being held this year.
Volleyball, Robotics, Math Team, and Mock Trial are all up and running–some virtual, some in-person. Basketball registration will open this week.
As I watch our students miss out on a “normal” student experience, I think of Falstaff and his quote. I try to bring myself back to Arden and laugh at the joke.
Notes: Our ERA Booster Club recently launched their website: https://erabooster.membershiptoolkit.com/. They have ERA-branded masks available. Also, the next Activities Advisory Committee meeting with be held on Nov. 4, 5:00-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Email kbabler@eagleridgeacademy.org if you are interested in joining.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
Academic Advising Notes - Mary Johnson, Academic Advisor
AP Registration
The AP registration window is open now through Nov. 5, 2020. AP has changed its registration deadline to the fall to encourage students to commit to taking the test in the spring, ensuring they stay focused on their studies throughout the year. Eagle Ridge Academy will pay for the first exam for all juniors and seniors. Registration will be online only. Registration is not complete without a submitted form and payment. Register using these forms:
Online payment is expected with registration. For alternative payment options, please contact Academic Counselor Mary Johnson at majohnson@eagleridgeacademy.org.
All 37 of Minnesota's state colleges and universities will be waiving their application fee during the week of Oct. 25-31. Now is the time to apply and save some $$!!
Interested in Artificial Intelligence?
Follow this link to learn more about an AI Camp for high school students being offered by Stanford University during their Winter and Spring Breaks.
Grades Available in Infinite Campus on Wednesday, Nov. 4
The parent grading view in the Infinite Campus parent portal will close on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 8:00 am for teachers to enter Quarter 1 grades. The grading view will open again at end of day on Wednesday, Nov. 4 with Quarter 1 progress reports available for viewing in the parent portal.
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.
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.
Support the Playscape & Grounds Beautification Project During Give to the Max - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I officially announce the new Playscape and Grounds Beautification project at Eagle Ridge Academy. Earlier this summer, our parent-led playground committee reconvened with a new mission: to reimagine, redesign, and renovate our existing outdoor space for a natural playscape and learning environment for the children of Eagle Ridge Academy. Through hours of research, surveys, and work with our construction management company, a comprehensive project has been put into place, reimagining the outdoor space with five main area goals: Safety, Lower School, Upper School, Educational Use, and Beautification. Detailed information on the project, including the specific areas to address, can be found here: www.eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/give-to-the-max/.
Eagle Ridge Academy is fortunate to have outdoor space surrounding the building. The goal of this project is to make that space available and beneficial for all K-12 students, staff, and community to enjoy. In doing so, we will utilize the natural beauty of the outdoors, to not only enrich education but inspire students to engage with the outdoors, become more active, and relax in the space. Research supports the fact that hard-working people need breaks throughout the day to reinvigorate their minds and body. Having outdoor venues that can help clear one’s mind, activate the body, and reduce stress levels will benefit every member of our community.
The Eagle Ridge Academy Affiliated Building Company has provided ERA with base funding of $100,000 to start the project, but this will not be sufficient to address all the needs. In addition, the Commission has required that the monies awarded be spent within two years. With the ability to match funds, we will be able to move forward with a majority of the projects this year and early next year, thus allowing the use of these enhancements in the 2021-2022 school year. The school needs an additional $100K in order to complete the entire three-phase project.
On Nov. 19, Eagle Ridge Academy will be joining thousands of Minnesotans on Give to the Max Day, when donors will rally around their favorite nonprofit charities by making gifts through GiveMN to increase the wellbeing of our communities. Please be part of this important movement to support the students of ERA and help us achieve our goal of $100,000 this year to help with this incredible project that will lift spirits, inspire creativity, and reimagine learning in nature.
As a school of choice, you have selected this fine educational institution for its academics, but we believe that not only is each student's educational growth important, but having safe places to play and gather will enrich their education. When given the choice, we believe most kids would rather play outside. Increasing outdoor play for kids of all ages isn't a question of desire but, rather, a question of priorities, resources, and support.
Learn more about the project and schedule donations starting Nov. 1 here: www.givemn.org/story/Playscape. Together, our community can focus on the future wellbeing of our students, staff, and community.
Watch for more information, including videos and renderings, in the next few weeks.
Yours in education,
Jason Ulbrich
Executive Director
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!
School Portraits Rescheduled for November 3, 10, & 13
The school portrait days originally scheduled for September 15 & 16 have been rescheduled. Cohorts will take school portraits on separate days in order to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Team Lion will take school portraits on November 3.
Team Eagle will take school portraits on November 10.
Distance learners will take school portraits on November 13.
Retakes will take place on December 1 & 8.
Formal Dress is required for school portraits. View requirements on our Uniforms & Spirit Wear page.
Click here for the Lower School event code.
Click here for the Upper School event code.
Instructions for Distance Learners
Distance learners can either choose to take school portraits in the school building on their designated day (Friday, Nov. 13) OR may submit their own photos for the yearbook.
To schedule a school portrait on Nov. 13:
- Students must sign up for a time slot here.
- Parents must bring their student(s) to Door 4 (by the buses) at their designated time. We cannot guarantee your portrait will be taken if you miss your designated time.
- Students must be in formal dress.
- Masks must be worn by all that approach the building.
- Physical distancing must be practiced.
- Staff will walk the student to the photographer. Parents will wait at Door 4.
- Staff will return the student to their parent after the portrait has been taken.
To submit your own photo for the yearbook:
Grades K-5: Please wait for more information, coming soon.
Grades 6-12: Please scroll down to the yearbook section below to learn how to submit your own portraits for the yearbook. You will need the Login ID sent via email on Oct. 29.
The Eagle Ridge Academy Grades 6-12 2021 Yearbook is available for $50 through Jan. 31, 2021!
To purchase the yearbook, please go to jostens.com and choose Eagle Ridge Academy Upper School Yearbook.
We are also asking our families to send in pictures of their students through the Replayit website. You are able to directly upload any Upper School candid or event pictures to the yearbook staff to be considered for the 2021 ERA yearbook. Please follow the directions on the flier below. The Login ID was sent out in an All School email on Oct. 29.
DISTANCE LEARNERS: If you choose not to get your school portrait taken at school on Nov. 13, then please follow the steps in the flier below to submit your own portrait for the yearbook. The Login ID was sent out in an All School email on Oct. 29.
Questions? Please email Ms. Emma Conner at econner@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Lunch Updates & November Menus - Brittany Radtke, Chef
Eagle Ridge Academy families,
Last Wednesday, Oct. 21, we transitioned to all students eating in the Forum & Solarium. Previously, School of Grammar students were eating in their classrooms at their desks. After extensive planning, we were able to welcome grades K-5 back to the lunch room while ensuring their safety. Seats are assigned during lunch, and we are rotating the location for the students to eat so each seat has adequate time to sanitize and dry.
The November breakfast, lunch, and take-home meals menus have been added to the Eagle Ridge Academy Food Services web page.
Tomorrow, Oct. 30, is a Take-Home Meals Pick-Up Day. Team Eagle and full-time distance learning families may pick up take home meals tomorrow, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
To order Take-Home Meals for pick-up next week, Nov. 6, please fill out this form.
Sincerely,
Brittany Radtke
PTO News Update
We are excited to welcome an addition to our PTO Board. Alice Tompkins is our new Co-Vice President.
Our 2020-2021 PTO board members are:
Elena Ryabinin - President
Resmy Kurian - Co-Vice President
Alicia Tompkins - Co-Vice President
Tina Loutsch - Treasurer
We would like to recognize our departed board members Christie Willis, Samantha Hudson, Penny Teder, Amanda Weidner, Sabhia Khandwala, and Shilpi Khare who served wholeheartedly and made 2019-2020 a memorable year. Thank you for all your hard work!
ERA PTO Annual Family Contribution
We kindly ask all Eagle Ridge Academy families for a yearly contribution to the PTO. This money goes to support events throughout the year that benefit teachers, students, and families. Your financial contribution funds many community and teacher events throughout the year, including:
- Back To School Picnic
- Staff Development and Conference Meals
- Staff Winter Party
- Teacher Appreciation Week – meals & gift
- K-5 Grade Level Get-togethers
- Microphones for School Productions
- Last Day of School Ice Cream Truck
- Senior Dinner following Graduation
- Refreshments for school events
The suggested tax-deductible donation is $25 or more per family. The PTO Annual Contribution (formerly called dues) can also be paid online via Square Pay, or if you prefer, you may print our Mail In Donation Form.
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. The next materials pick up day is scheduled for Nov. 6.
All Spirit Wear proceeds benefit PTO's events, services, and teacher support. Show your school spirit and order your fresh spirit wear today!
Stay Connected
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.
Remember, this is the only way to connect with other families at Eagle Ridge Academy!
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!
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