The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
January 18, 2024 - 2023-24 Issue 8
Friday, January 19
Monday, January 22
Tuesday, January 23
- First Day of Quarter 3
- School Board Meeting
Friday, January 26
Sunday, January 28
Monday, January 29
Please Note: No Gryphon Activities information is included on the calendar this issue. To see a list of Gryphon games, matches, and practices, please view the Activities Calendar.
Call for 2024 Board of Directors Nominations
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 was 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 2024 Board of Directors election. One teacher seat and two parent/community member seats (one of which MUST be a community member) are open for the 2024 Board of Directors election. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, February 2, 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.
District Updates
New Detention Process Will be Implemented January 30 - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Families,
Beginning January 30, Eagle Ridge Academy will implement a 90-minute after-school detention, supervised by Executive Director Jason Ulbrich, every Tuesday for grades 6-12. This is in response to the increased number of tardies and classroom disruptions since COVID-19. While the number of behavior incidents per day has decreased since November, we still have a lot of work to do. The purpose of the detention is to deter disruptive behavior and to talk with Mr. Ulbrich about the incident. Since COVID-19, schools across the nation have witnessed an increase in behavior and attendance concerns in students. This includes ERA!
Attendance:
ERA attendance rates have always been high as compared to other schools. We have averaged about 95% daily attendance , an attendance rate which is considered excellent. Our attendance rate continues to be excellent, however, we have seen a dramatic increase in tardies. This includes the increase in students being late for class and late for school.
Tardies per Day:
- 2019: 61
- 2023: 143
Behavior:
ERA has also observed an increase in student behavior issues. The greatest increase we have seen is in students not being kind to each other or to teachers.
Average Number of Discipline Referrals per Day:
- 2018: 7
- 2019: 7
- 2021: 7
- 2022: 14
- 2023: 11
- 15 incidents per day between August 2023 and November 2023
- 6 incidents per day in December and January
In order to reduce the number of tardies and behavior incidents, ERA is taking a three-pronged approach:
- ERA has started an Options Room , where a staff member helps struggling students regulate their emotions and process situations.
- ERA has started mentor groups with students who are struggling the most with behaviors.
- Increased focus on consequences for behavior and tardies.
- Students are being suspended for fighting or other safety concerns.
- Students receive In-School Suspension for repeated behavior problems, usually classroom disruptions.
- Students are assigned lunch detention for tardies and minor infractions.
- Starting second semester, ERA will implement a 90-minute after-school detention, that serves as both a consequence and a time to meet with Mr. Ulbrich to discuss poor behavior choices. We will run a pilot program for 30 days. If successful, we will expand to two days per week.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
One-Act Play Performances Friday, January 26 & Sunday, January 28
Join ERA Theater for a night of one-act plays! We will be presenting the high school MSHSL competition one-act The Legend of Sleepy Hollow alongside our 7th/8th grade one-act Pirates!, and our 4th-6th grade one-act Hoppily Ever After.
Performances will take place in the auditorium on Friday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, January 28, at 2:00 p.m.
Admission for all three shows is $10 at the door or $9 if you reserve your tickets ahead of time here.
Runtime for each performance will be approximately 35 minutes with a 10-minute intermission between each show. Please enter through the Activities Entrance.
Registration Open for 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids!
The entire community is invited to Eagle Ridge Academy on Saturday, May 18, for the 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids! Whether you are a runner, a walker, or a donut enthusiast, this is the event for you. Leaving and finishing at Eagle Ridge Academy, this Minnetonka 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 complimentary chair massages, rock tape applications, DJ music, giveaways, fun youth activities, post-race refreshments, and DONUTS! All 5K registrants will receive a commemorative 2024 Donut Dash tech shirt (100% cotton, unisex and youth sizing), post-race refreshments, a free Chicken Biscuit from Chick-fil-A (St. Louis Park), and DONUTS! Mini-dashers will receive a 2024 Donut Dash shirt (100% cotton), a participation medal, and a bag of mini-donuts.
Online registration ends May 15 at 7:00 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. Your participation will help support Eagle Ridge Academy, offering a time-tested, Classical Liberal Arts education to students in grades K-12.
Schedule
- 7:15 a.m. - Packet Pickup at Eagle Ridge Academy
- 8:00 a.m. - Mini-Donut Dash Start Time
- 8:45-9:30 a.m. - Youth Activities
- 8:45 a.m. Donut Dash 5K Shotgun
- 10:00 a.m. - Awards
5K Pricing
- $35 Student and Alumni 5K (Through May 15)
- $40 Student and Alumni 5K (Same Day Registration: May 18)
- $40 Adult 5K Registration (Through April 17)
- $45 Adult 5K Registration (April 18 - May 15)
- $50 Adult 5K Registration (Same Day Registration: May 18)
Ages 10 and Younger Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Pricing
- $20 Mini-Donut Dash Pricing (Through April 17)
- $25 Mini-Donut Dash (April 18 - May 18)
*Shirt orders will be placed on April 24 to ensure timely delivery of shirts. Registrations placed after April 23 are not guaranteed a shirt. We will do our best to accommodate requests based on limited overages ordered.
Don't wish to run or walk on May 18? Volunteer! Did you know this kind of event takes more than 70 volunteers to ensure success? If you'd like to volunteer, there's a job for everyone! Volunteers are welcome to choose as many spots as they want as the times vary. Kids 14 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will receive a Donut Dash Volunteer T-shirt to wear the day of the event and keep as a thank you for your time.
Learn more about this beloved event, view pictures from previous years, and REGISTER TODAY at eagleridgeacademy.org/donut-dash-5k. See you there!
Used Uniform Sale - Friday, February 16, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the ERA Forum
Join us for the Winter Used Uniform Sale! Here are some ways you can participate:
BUY: Shop in the ERA Forum anytime during conferences on Friday, February 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
DONATE: Drop uniforms off in the school office. Proceeds from donated uniforms benefit a long list of PTO events and services.
SELL: Click here to view instructions. Uniforms will be accepted through Tuesday, February 13 for this sale. Anything received after this time will be placed in our next sale.
VOLUNTEER: Help us set up, run the sale, or clean up. Sign up here.
Latest Alumni Newsletter Now Available
The Link is a quarterly alumni newsletter meant to help Eagle Ridge Academy alumni get and stay connected with fellow alumni and the Eagle Ridge Academy community. The ERA Alumni Association's goal is to facilitate ways to connect, share wisdom and experience with past and current students, and provide opportunities to connect professionally and socially through events and volunteerism.
The January 2024 issue is now available! This quarter’s Spotlight on Alumni focuses on Fiona Kaster (formerly Herbert) ’17 as she fills us in on her post-ERA journey of balancing science and creativity. Check out this issue to read interviews with folks from the ERA community who have been instrumental in ERA’s success over the last twenty years, view a recap of this year’s Gala for the Gryphons, find out information on coaching at ERA and participating in this year’s Donut Dash 5K, and more.
Check out everything ‘alumni’ at https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/alumni/. Any information can be sent to Allison Brady at abrady@eagleridgeacademy.org, Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy Board Chair and Alumni Coordinator.
LAST CHANCE: Yearbook Orders Due Friday, January 26
TODAY'S GOOD TIMES…ARE TOMORROW'S GREAT MEMORIES
The friendships. The achievements. The memories. What your student builds in these years can last a lifetime, and an Eagle Ridge Academy yearbook is a beautiful record of it all. Order TODAY to guarantee your copy!
LIMITED TIME FOR PERSONALIZATION
Make the yearbook exclusive to your student! Add their name and up to four icons representing their interests to the yearbook cover!
Yearbooks will be distributed to students in May. We cannot guarantee availability at yearbook distribution - yearbooks must be preordered.
Skyhawks After-School Care
Skyhawks After-School Care is open Friday, January 19! Register here.
Classical Corner
Event Review: Classical In-Action Parent Night
We had a wonderful turnout for our first Classical In-Action Parent Night! Classes were buzzing with parents sitting in as students, learning just as their children might on a normal school day. Likewise, conversation flowed at the PTO social following classes as parents connected on what they had experienced. Here is just some of the feedback from the night:
- “This event was amazing. I loved everything I was able to attend and then sharing with my child was a bonus. I most wish it was longer so I could attend more classes.”
- “The content was amazing and something I wish I could have attended sooner so I could help my child in ways I didn’t know of before.”
- “Attending the event was a delight to have a taste of the experience of being a student at Eagle Ridge Academy.”
- “From the two classes I attended I wouldn’t change the content. I only wish I could have attended ALL of the classes.”
- “I appreciate the teachers who came out to teach us and their passion for teaching our kids. They are amazing!”
- “Attended Latin class, was very interesting and will help with homework if the parents have a base knowledge of the topics in class.”
- “Very interesting insight in the daily life of students.”
- “Really enjoyed the night and thank you for hosting it! Would love to attend other classes in the future.”
- “I attended classes with Mrs. Richards and Mr. O’Brien. Both teachers were personal and professional, with a clear command of their subject matter that clearly went beyond what they were teaching. Mrs. Richards engaged the group in a beginning Socratic seminar, led us through questions about a nonsense poem, and emphasized the art of asking questions that inspire critical thinking. Mr. O’Brien had an infectious passion for the material he was teaching, and for teaching in general. He led the group through complex questions that demonstrated the substantive discussion being facilitated in the classroom. We learned about the Camino pilgrimage in Spain, but we also learned about each other. I left wanting to learn more and to get to know my ‘classmates’ better. These were both fantastic teachers and I am thankful they took the time to prepare a lesson for us parents.”
Thank you to all those who turned out for the event! We loved sharing with you what we do each day and helping you understand different ways that you can capitalize on your child’s education and bring different aspects of Classical education into your family life. We look forward to hosting similar events in the future!
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Impart Art Club Session 2 Now Taking Grades 2-4 Registrations.
Impart Art Club Session 2 is now taking grades 2-4 registrations and is filling up fast! This session will focus on 3D art: clay, weaving, sculpture, and/or collage.
- 25 SEATS AVAILABLE for School of Grammar grades 2-4
- AND NOW 25 SEATS AVAILABLE for School of Logic grades 5-7 * Excited to share Ms. Gaskins has joined Impart Art Club and is starting a School of Logic group!
- When: 10 Thursday sessions starting February 1, 3:20-4:30 p.m. (No club on February 15 and March 28)
- Where: Rooms #1510 and #1602
- Cost: $110 - ERA Spirit Wear included for new clubbers this year!
- Register and pay online here: https://era-ar.rschooltoday.com/node/42.
150 School of Grammar Students Competed in Battle of the Books Round One
One week ago, 150 School of Grammar students participated in Round One of the 6th Annual Friends of Education Battle of the Books competition. This is the highest number of students we’ve ever had compete in this competition!
The Battle of the Books is a voluntary, extracurricular reading incentive program in which students work in teams to read a list of books and then compete against other teams by testing their knowledge of the books they have read. The competition is usually formatted similarly to the game show Family Feud, with lots of quick, trivia-style questions about the books. The main benefits of the program are that it gets children engaged with a variety of great literature, fosters a love of reading, and promotes a spirit of healthy competition. There were twelve books in Round One of the competition. The five teams from Round One that answered the most trivia questions correctly will be moving on to Round 2 of the competition in April. The top team from Round Two will go on to compete against other Friends of Education schools in May.
While we are excited for our teams moving to Round Two of the competition, we are so proud of the other 19 teams for all their hard work preparing for the first round. It's so incredible to see our students be passionate about reading and thrilled to share the knowledge they've accumulated! We hope that you'll keep visiting the library and check out more books in second semester.
Thank you to Friends of Education, School Librarian Mrs. Sommers Tillotson for coordinating the competition this year, and to our parent volunteers for assisting with the competition. Good luck to our teams advancing to Round Two!
Community Updates: School of Logic
Notes from School of Logic Principal Mr. Pelofske
We thank you for your support and helping guide your students with us through the first half of the school year. As we finish up our final exams and look forward to the second semester, here are a few areas we can support together and help our students be successful through the rest of the year.
Our team is focusing closely on making sure students arrive on time and fully prepared. We're also taking time to refocus on following a teacher or staff member's directions the first time to prevent distractions or other disruptions that make it harder for other students to learn. Lastly, look through your child's social media and messages with their friends and peers. It's essential to have a full picture of what students say and do online, and how it can effect how students treat one another here at school. This is an age where rumors and the influence of peers can quickly spread and lead to very challenging issues here at school, especially if students talk about arguments or fighting with one another.
We appreciate your support. Please contact your child's teacher, Assistant Principal Ms. Madigan, or me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mr. Peloske
Congratulations to Patriot Pen Essay Author Sreshna P.
The Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) hold the Patriot's Pen youth essay contest annually. The VFW states: "Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief."
School of Logic eighth grader Sreshna P. entered the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriot's Pen essay contest this fall and answered the proposed question: How Are You Inspired by America? Sreshna was selected as the winner for her entry and moved on to the regional round where she claimed first place as well. At the 2024 Midwinter Conference, Sreshna was named the Minnesota Patriot Pen winner and has qualified for the national level competition in Washington D.C.!
Eagle Ridge Academy is proud of Sreshna for her hard work. We know she will do an amazing job representing Eagle Ridge Academy - and Minnesota - at the national competition. Good luck, Sreshna!
Students Recognized for Daily Acts of Honorable Character – Gryphon Gold
“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr. would have been a phenomenal student or staff member at Eagle Ridge Academy. He spoke and lived these wise words every day, never straying even in the face of adversity and hate. So, too, do we ask of our students. We’ve often shared updates on our students earning monthly Pillar Awards. Being recognized on stage in a formal assembly is quite an achievement. What we also recognize in our students is their daily commitment to honorable character.
School of Logic teachers and staff acknowledge and praise students each and every day for acts of citizenship, integrity, perseverance, honor, excellence, and respect. Students are given a Gryphon Gold card to turn in for a drawing of small rewards. Local businesses have generously donated certificates for complimentary ice cream, pizza, or a kids meal to also recognize excellence in their community. We sweeten the deal with a homework pass option and the ever favorite – open gym with Mr. Hoffman for grades 6-8. Parents, ask your children if they’ve earned Gryphon Gold and join us in acknowledging their daily commitment to honorable character!
Impart Art Club Now Open to Grades 5-7: Register Today!
Impart Art Club Session 2 now open to grades 5-7! Ms. Gaskins has joined Impart Art Club and is starting a School of Logic group. This session will focus on 3D art: clay, weaving, sculpture, and/or collage.
- 25 SEATS AVAILABLE for School of Logic grades 5-7
- When: 10 Thursday sessions starting February 1, 3:20-4:30 p.m. (No club on February 15 and March 28)
- Where: Rooms #1510 and #1602
- Cost: $110 - ERA Spirit Wear included for new clubbers this year!
- Register and pay online here: https://era-ar.rschooltoday.com/node/42.
Fifth Grade Kindness Retreat
On January 5, fifth graders attended the annual Kindness Retreat, a day-long workshop led by Youth Frontiers 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. They also played community-building games, sang songs, and interacted in small groups led by School of Rhetoric student volunteers. Thank you to Youth Frontiers, School of Logic Counselor Ms. Fletcher, School of Logic Principal Mr. Pelofske, our fifth grade team, and our School of Rhetoric leaders for working together to create this wonderful experience! We would also like to thank the Eagle Ridge Academy PTO for sponsoring this special event this year.
Community Updates: School of Rhetoric
Winter Formal Saturday, February 3 - PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The School of Rhetoric Winter Formal will be held at the Minnetonka Community Center on Saturday, February 3, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold in the cafeteria during lunch for $20 the week of January 15, $25 the week of January 22, and $30 the week of January 29. Please note: tickets will NOT be sold at the door.
December Pillar Award Winners
CIPHER (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, Respect) is more than a motto, it’s what we strive to follow in our actions with fellow Gryphons.
The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies in which six students from each grade level in the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric are recognized for displaying CIPHER throughout the month. Each student is nominated for a Pillar Award by one of their teachers, who writes a short paragraph describing how the student exemplified their pillar, which is shared with the student body.
Congratulations to our December Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Dear Families,
CLT10 Assessment
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. The CLT10 for grades 9-10 is a preparatory exam comparable to the PSAT. All students in grades 9 and 10 will be completing the CLT10 Assessment at school on February 6. The CLT Student Guide (3rd Edition) has been offered as a practice guide. Students are welcome to pick up a copy in the Academic Counseling Office.
Juniors: Register for the ACT
Eagle Ridge Academy will offer the ACT with Writing to juniors only during the school day on Tuesday, April 23. Registration and payment are due on Friday, February 16. Please use this link to register for the exam. Note: If your child receives free and reduced lunch benefits, the exam is free.
Seniors: Complete Your FAFSA
Seniors who need to complete the FAFSA, please do so to receive the maximum aid package from your college or university. The schools selected will receive the student’s FAFSA eligibility information starting in late January. Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to complete your FAFSA today.
Scholarship Deadlines - *Sign up here to receive the weekly Scholarship Newsletter.
$250 plus a medallion for first place
Advance to the District competition to compete for $2500 scholarship
Deadline: February 14, 2024
$1,500 for up to four academic years
Deadline: Feb 15, 2024
PLEASE NOTE: No response is needed for the section on the application that states, "To be considered for a scholarship, a student must be nominated by a chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc." It can be left blank.
Kind regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Come Cheer on Gryphon Basketball Teams this Season!
There are many opportunities to support Gryphon Basketball December through February. Take a look at our spirit wear themes chosen by ERA's Student Section and join the ERA community at a game!
Does your company or employer offer charitable contributions?
Corporate sponsors are critical in the funding stream for the ERA Booster Club (a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization).
The generous support from businesses in our community help ensure our ability to fund the needs of our letter-eligible activities and athletics.
Ask about sponsoring the ERA Booster Club at work today. For more information visit: www.erabooster.org/sponsors.
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
The ERA community came out loud and proud on January 5, showing tremendous support and school spirit! Shout out to our Gryphon Basketball teams (a successful sweep for all four teams), Dance Team, Pep Band, Girls Ultimate Frisbee Team (2nd in State in 2023!), Robotics Team (debuted their new t-shirt launcher robot!), record turn-out from our ERA Alumni, and a visit from our very own Gus the Gryphon!
The Booster Club would also like to thank the Boys & Girls Soccer teams for volunteering at admissions and concessions and to our premier sponsors: Concord and Jets Pizza.
Thank you to all that attended! You are making a positive difference at ERA and the Booster Club truly appreciates you!
JOIN US at Our Next Pack the Stands!
SAVE THE DATE! Winter Activities and Athletics Senior Night is Thursday, February 15!
- Double-header basketball games starting at 4:30 p.m.
- More info to follow - stay tuned!
PTO Meeting Monday, January 8
Purchase PTO Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear Days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combinations. The remaining 2023-24 Spirit Wear dates are February 23, March 8, April 26, and May 10. Learn more and purchase PTO Spirit Wear here. All spirit wear proceeds benefit PTO events, services, and teacher support.
Share your opinions on this year's spirit wear by completing this quick survey.
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. 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 PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Developing Connections
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift, broken down into smaller amounts, which 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
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.
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
Website: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/
Location: 11111 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: 9527467760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRidgeAcademy/