The Eagle Eye
March 25, 2021 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 17 | Issue 13
Eagle Ridge Academy is currently in FULL-SCHOOL (GRADES K-12) IN-PERSON LEARNING. Fridays will remain distance learning days. There is NO SCHOOL and the office will be CLOSED next week, March 29-April 2 due to spring break.
The Minnesota Department of Health data updated today shows that Hennepin County is currently at 21.05 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people, while ERA zip code data is at 22.1 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people. In January, the ERA Board of Directors approved the new Learning Model Decision Making Matrix for grades 6-12. The Decision Making Matrix (DMM) includes and prioritizes data from within our facility versus the Hennepin County case rate alone. The DMM will be updated on Eagle Ridge Academy's website every Friday.
Upcoming Events
Friday, March 26:
- Last day of Quarter 3.
- Students in grades K-12 are at home in distance learning.
- No Take-Home Meals Pick-Up due to spring break, March 29-April 2.
Monday, March 29-Friday, April 2:
- No school due to spring break.
Friday, April 2:
- Take-Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, April 5:
- First day of Quarter 4.
- Full school (grades K-12) in-person learning.
- Donate for Donuts fundraiser begins.
Friday, April 9:
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 2 (School of Grammar) & Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Take-Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 10:
- ERA PTO 9th Annual Roller Skating Party at Roller Garden for Grades K-8, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 12:
- Full school (grades K-12) in-person learning.
List of Materials Pick-Up Days for the Remainder of the 2020-2021 School Year
April 9 & 23
May 7 & 21 (last pick-up before graduation on June 3)
Coronavirus Information
Technology Information
If you need help with Canvas or have another technology issue, you can visit https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/canvas/ to troubleshoot your issue and see who to contact for help.
You can also call the Academic & Technology Hotline Monday-Thursday at 952-746-7760, ext. 1704 or email helphotline@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Community Updates
Board of Directors 2021 Election Nominations Due TOMORROW, March 26, by 4:00 p.m.
On behalf of the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors, we are issuing a call for nominations for the 2021 Board of Directors election. Please read on for more information regarding the election process.
Board of Directors Composition
Currently, the Board is made up of six teacher seats and five parent/community member seats. For the 2021 election, the following seats will be open for election:
- One community member seat
- Three teacher seats
- Two parent/community member seats
The Nomination Process
The Board of Directors asks that you nominate yourself or other individuals with the competence and vision to provide skilled leadership for the Academy. Any member of the corporation, parent or staff, may submit a nomination. To submit a nomination, please complete the 2021 Board Election Nomination Form. Nominations are due on or before Friday, March 26, 2021 by 4:00 p.m.
Board Member Election Process
Once nominations are received, the election process will follow this sequence:
- All nominees will receive an information packet containing a detailed description of the requirements of Board service as well as details for accepting the nomination, including a candidate questionnaire.
- A completed questionnaire, submitted by the April 2, 2021, 4:00 p.m. deadline, is the individual’s official notification that he/she accepts the nomination.
- An Election Guide with information on all candidates, their qualifications, and their views as stated in the candidate questionnaires will be available on April 6, 2021 on the official election site as well as posted on the Eagle Ridge Academy website for review.
- A Virtual Candidate Forum will be held on April 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. This forum will provide an opportunity to meet and question all the candidates who are running for election. All candidates are encouraged to take part in this forum.
- The official election will open on April 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. All eligible voters will receive an individualized ballot passcode and log-in information as well as further directions via email. All votes must be cast no later than April 26, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
- Official results will be announced at the Annual Board Meeting on April 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Nomination Considerations
Please be mindful of the skills and attributes that are desirable for members of the Board of Directors. It is important to nominate people with these skills and attributes so that the Board has a broad range of expertise to call upon as it charts the school’s future.
These include:
- A Commitment to the Academy’s Classical Mission and Vision
- Development/Fundraising
- Non-Profit Management
- Education
- Facilities Management
- Finance/Accounting
- Governance/Law
- Human Resources
- Marketing/Public Relations/Advertising
- Strategic Planning
Additional points to consider:
- Board members can expect to spend roughly 12-15 hours per month contributing to Board efforts through meetings and assignments.
- If you are nominating someone other than yourself, please discuss the nomination with that person so that she or he is aware of the nomination.
Thank you for giving this election your careful thought and attention. Participating in this cornerstone of our country’s system of government is an excellent way to exercise and model true citizenship.
Election Communications
Please note that all communications regarding this year’s election will take place primarily through email. If you do not have access to email, please contact the school office at 952-746-7760 so that other arrangements can be made.
If you have any questions about the election, please contact Anne Bartow, Board of Directors Election Coordinator.
School of Grammar Notes - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
School of Grammar Families,
Greetings! We are almost ready to begin Quarter 4 in April and therefore are making a few small adjustments to the seven Fridays we have left with our students. In an effort to provide more dedicated math time, as well as to get students used to attending school for longer on Fridays, we’ll be making one hour of math instruction attendance required for all our students beginning Friday, April 9. This instruction might provide additional support to students who need it in specific areas of math and it might also provide them with math enrichment. Your children will continue to receive this instruction virtually unless they already come into the building on Fridays.
All students will continue to attend their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) sessions each Friday at the same time they have all year long. Each grade level will communicate the time of the new math hour, so please stay tuned for more information. We are grateful to be in a situation where we can add back a bit of academic time on Fridays as a School of Grammar community. We’re excited to see your children at both SEL and math instruction time on the following Fridays: April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14, and 21.
Looking forward to an amazing last quarter!
Enjoy your spring break,
Ms. Mellgren
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” –Aristotle
Excellence. It’s one of our pillars and often the one most people say they can most readily identify. We push our students for excellence and they rise to the occasion. We are so proud of them and their accomplishments this year. This is clearly a year like no other and they continue to amaze us.
Quarter 3 has just about come to a close. This quarter has seen a lot of change — full time distance learning turned into in-person learning; social interactions that haven’t happened in months; finding the best ways to adapt to multiple learning models. The students and staff have worked incredibly hard this school year and it shows. The quarter ends on Friday, March 26. The grading portal has been closed for teachers to enter in grades and the window for parents to view will open after spring break. We will begin Quarter 4 on Monday, April 5. In the meantime, I hope students and families are able to enjoy spring break with some relaxation and rejuvenation.
On Tuesday, April 13, Eagle Ridge Academy is hosting the ACT for the junior class. On this day, students in 9th, 10th, and 12th grade should attend classes online only (a distance learning day). The 11th grade students should plan to attend in-person, as the ACT is not offered online. The ACT organization still requires this test to be in-person. More information will be sent from Mrs. Mary Johnson, College and Academic Advisor.
Please remember that Fridays, although asynchronous, are still required school days. Teachers still schedule coursework, tests, quizzes, and other activities on Fridays and attendance is taken. Please ensure your child is attending on Fridays. If they cannot, you must notify attendance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
Important MCA 2020-2021 Testing Information - Missy Madigan, Interim District Assessment Coordinator
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Parents,
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) oversees annual administration of statewide assessments. They are designed to provide the state, districts, and schools with a snapshot of student progress towards meeting Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards.
Students participate in Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in the following grades and subject areas:
- Reading: Grades 3-8 and 10
- Mathematics: Grades 3-8 and 11
- Science: Grades 5, 8, and students currently taking Biology
MDE and Eagle Ridge Academy are aware of the concerns about the impact of the pandemic on learning and is expecting student results to look different from previous years. When the assessment is administered correctly, the scores will still represent an accurate snapshot of student learning of the grade-level content. Schools can use the results as an additional measure to evaluate their curriculum.
Per MDE guidance, MCA assessments can only be administered in the Eagle Ridge Academy building. All health and safety protocols currently in place at Eagle Ridge Academy will be followed. This includes physical distancing, masking, handwashing, and sanitizing/disinfecting. To view more complete plans about the health and safety measures we are taking to ensure students and staff stay safe and healthy during testing, please CLICK HERE.
In-person students will test during the regular school day Monday through Thursday. Distance learning students will test on scheduled Fridays in either a morning session or an afternoon session. If your child is in distance learning and you do not want your child to come in to the school to test because of concerns for health and safety related to COVID-19, you can choose for your child to not take the test. A survey was sent on Monday, March 22, 2021 for parents of distance learning students to communicate participation in MCA assessments. This survey closes on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Please reference the following schedule for MCA dates and session times. On Fridays, all “AM” sessions will run from 8:15-11:15 a.m. All “PM” sessions will run from 11:30-2:30 p.m.
For additional information (in several languages), visit the MDE website about this year’s test administration (from the MDE home page, select COVID-19, then in the left-hand menu, select Student Instruction COVID-19 Resources > Assessing Learning).
For additional information about frequently asked questions by families, visit the MDE site (from MDE home page, select, Students and Families from the top menu, select statewide testing under the program and initiatives section, then click the link below named “MCA Parent Fact Sheet – 11/30/20”.)
For any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Missy Madigan, Interim District Assessment Coordinator, at mmadigan@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Please Complete Change in Transportation for 2021-22 Form by April 15 - Karen Conner, Operations Manager
Transportation planning for the 2021-22 school year has begun. In order to build the best routes, formally communicate the routes, receive feedback from families, and finalize the published routes, we need your timely participation.
Please complete the Change in Transportation for 2021-22 form by April 15: http://bit.ly/3bSIJou. If your family does not need to make any transportation changes, then no action is required from you at this time. Please check your email for more information.
Notes from the Academic Advising Office - Mary Johnson, College and Academic Advisor
Dear Families,
Information from Michigan Tech
Campus tours are offered twice daily on weekdays and on multiple Saturdays during the semester. Tours have been modified and all visitors will be required to wear a face covering, as well as complete a COVID-19 symptom monitoring questionnaire 24 hours prior to the visit.
If coming to campus is not an option, students can join us for a virtual tour or a virtual college fair and live webcasts or watch recorded sessions on demand. You can find a list of all virtual events here.
If students would like to set up a time to chat with Ninette Carlson, Regional Admissions Manager or you would like to schedule a virtual visit, you can do so here.
Information from Drexel University
Drexel University will be hosting a virtual visit for ERA juniors and seniors from 10:39-11:05 a.m. on Monday, April 12. Use this link to join the virtual visit.
Intern for Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey
The Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, is looking for interns! Students interested in learning about and becoming involved in politics have the unique opportunity to intern with the mayor of Minneapolis’ office. This program is a great way for students to connect with their community.
Participants can make their own schedule and work from anywhere they choose. They must complete two, 2-hour shifts per week pf calling, texting and writing postcards to constituents. Students will learn about state and local government, what it takes to run a successful campaign, and have the opportunity to connect with elected officials and peers who share the same interests as them! All meetings and shifts will be virtual. Upon completion of the internship, participants will walk away with impressive experience for their resume, a certificate of completion, a letter of recommendation from Mayor Frey (upon request), connections and network opportunities, a goodie bag filled with a T-shirt, prizes, and so much MORE!
Interested applicants should email nia@jacobfrey.org expressing their interest; then an application link will be sent to them to fill out. Applications must be completed before April 1, 2021 at noon. Selected applicants will then go through a quick interview process through Zoom. Have questions? Email nia@jacobfrey.org.
Ashland University Summer Programs
Ashland University's Ashbrook Academy is offering their weeklong summer programs at the Ashbrook Center in Ashland, Ohio summer of 2021.This program is designed for high school juniors and seniors with a deep interest in American history, politics, and economics. It invites participants to consider the American experiment as a historical triumph that demands serious study. The Ashbrook Academy takes history out of textbooks and place it into your life, allowing you to understand that the choices made by those in the past affect us today and will continue to affect our future. For more information on the Ashbrook Academy or to apply, visit AshbrookAcademy.org.
College Prep Information
Please check out this page for helpful college prep information: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/college-prep/. On this page, you will find current scholarships and tools to help with researching different degrees and college programs. You will also find tips for applying to college, information on different types of aid (including need-based aid and the FAFSA), career resources, personal assessment tests, and more. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
Notes from the Nurse's Office - Kate Sullivan, School Nurse
Hello Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
As a reminder, whether you choose to travel for spring break or not, please continue to wear your mask, socially distance, and stay home if you are not feeling well.
We know everyone is looking forward to a much-needed break during a challenging year. Please enjoy yourself and stay safe!
Kindly,
Kate Sullivan
Spring Activities Eligibility Meeting Tonight - Kris Babler, Activities Director
Students in Grades 7-12 and Families,
Join us on Zoom this evening for the Spring Activities Eligibility Meeting.
Time: Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Link: https://bit.ly/3lrXS3C
Learn more about spring activities and register here: era-ar.rschooltoday.com.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
ERA Mathletes Finish Fourth in State Tournament
Congratulations to the International School of Minnesota/Eagle Ridge Academy (ISM/ERA) Math Team for finishing fourth in the Minnesota State High School Mathematics League State Tournament.
ISM/ERA competes in Class AA, the class for middle-sized schools, for which there are about 60 teams in the state. ISM/ERA scored an excellent 65 points, finishing close to the top three trophy zone. How close? Well, in the team event, for example, problems are 4 points each.
ERA School of Rhetoric seniors Sri G., Owen H., and Henry L. competed in the tournament. Excellent work, Mathletes!
Developing Connections
Call for Volunteers! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
We have need for parent volunteers to help with material pick-up on Fridays, as our Educational Assistants will be back in the classroom. We are looking for people to help between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the following Fridays: April 9, April 23, May 7, and May 21. Please sign up here.
Volunteers will sit at a table inside the main entrance and greet parents as they arrive to pick up materials. We would welcome any amount of time people are willing to give. When you sign up, please add in the comments box what hours you would be able to be at school. You will then be contacted to make arrangements.
Thank you!
For more information on how you may participate in helping to develop Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or by email at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Visit our website for online giving and other important information at https://eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-support-era/.
Join Us Virtually for the 7th Annual Donut Dash 5K... YOUR Way!
This year, you can DASH any way through the 5K! We’re taking the 5K virtual and accessible through other movement options. Whether you are a runner, walker, swimmer, biker, yogi, golfer, dancer, baller, fitness enthusiast – you name it – you can participate! Track your activity the first two weeks of May and know your sweat is going to a good cause. So run, walk, bike, swim, etc. any where and any how you like and let us know what you are doing to move your body!
Submit your activity in the form of photos, video, or time during the first two weeks of May to be entered into daily drawings for more than 50 prizes. Drawing prizes include a pair of Brooks Running shoes valued up to $150—courtesy of The Lakes Running Co. in Excelsior, Donut Dash water bottles, MN Science Museum passes, TC Running gift cards, Scheels gift cards, and gift cards to Pizza Lucé, Target, Chipotle, and Panera, with more added daily!
All registrants have the option to receive a commemorative 2021 Donut Dash t-shirt. Each registrant will receive a bag with t-shirt (optional), free donut certificate, beverages, snacks, and daily entry into prize drawings. No bibs this year. Mini-dashers will receive a medal!
Never done a 5K? There are apps out there to help you work your way up to a 5K: Endomondo, Runkeeper, Runtastic, Nike+ Run Club, Map My Run, Zombies, Run!
Proceeds will benefit Eagle Ridge Academy, offering an outstanding public, Classical education to students K-12. This year’s proceeds will help support a new Playscape and Grounds Beautification project at Eagle Ridge Academy.
5K Online Pricing:
$20 Adult 5K Registration (NO shirt)
$30 Adult 5K Registration (WITH shirt)
$20 Student 5K Registration (NO shirt)
$25 Student 5K Registration (WITH shirt)
Kids Mini Donut Dash 1/2 Mile Pricing:
(Kids 10 and younger)
$10 per child NO T-Shirt
$15 per child WITH T-Shirt
Please note: After April 20, you are not guaranteed a shirt in your preferred size. Online Registration ends May 5 at 4:00 p.m. All registrations are non-refundable.
To register via mail with cash or check (may payable to FERA), please download the registration brochure and return with your payment to Eagle Ridge Academy.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Please check weekly for new volunteer opportunities, both at school and at home. We still have our monthly Volunteer Day opportunities through the end of the year.
Please visit this link for more information and sign up today: bit.ly/volunteerERA. Thank you for your continued help and support!
Double Your Impact with Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a matching gift program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR department to ask about their community support, social responsibility, and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100%, essentially doubling your donation to the Academy, donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations.
Be informed by asking today!
AmazonSmile
Next Take Home Meals Pick-Up is Friday, April 2 - Brittany Radtke, Chef
Dear Families,
There will be no Take-Home Meals Pick-Up for distance learning families this Friday, March 26, as there is no school next week due to spring break. The next Take-Home Meals Pick-Up will be next Friday, April 2, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Door 2. If you intend to pick up meals on April 2, please fill out the Take-Home Meals Order Form as soon as possible to help our Food Services team prepare.
Please see the April Breakfast and Lunch menus below. Visit our Food Services web page for more information.
Sincerely,
Chef Brittany Radtke
RSVP for the PTO's 9th Annual Roller Skating Party at Roller Garden!
The ERA PTO is excited to announce the upcoming 9th Annual Roller Skating Party for grades K-8 on April 10, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Due to a low numbers of sign-ups for the second date, we are combining grades K-8 for a more fun experience!
- $6.00 per person – includes skate rentals.
- Face coverings must be worn.
- Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
- Maximum occupancy at this event is 194.
Sign up for the party here.
Stay Connected!
Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register.
See below for instructions on how to connect through 'My School Anywhere' App
Step 1:
- Create an account at eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- If you already have an account from last year, using My School Anywhere, you can use the same email and password to login. You can then confirm or edit your information.
Step 2:
- Click “verify my email” and check your email for a link to complete the process.
Questions? Please contact Anu at anu.philip@gmail.com.
PTO Spirit Wear for Spirit Wear Fridays!
PTO Spirit Wear is available for purchase online! During this school year, every Friday is a Spirit Wear Day and we've got you covered with this year's fun t-shirts and sweatpants. Items can be ordered here and picked up every other Friday during distance learning materials pick-up.
All Spirit Wear proceeds benefit PTO's events, services, and teacher support. Show your school spirit and order your fresh spirit wear today!
Easy Ways to Support ERA Athletics and Activities
1. Register on the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) so the ERA Booster Club has a way to communicate with families based on the sports and activities they choose.
2. Become a Booster (erabooster.org/packet/33) and choose from a variety of support levels, including the FREE Patron level.
3. Order your own ERA face masks and mask-keepers (erabooster.org/merchandise) to show your school spirit every day!
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website erabooster.org or by joining the Facebook group today!
School of Rhetoric student Nathan in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
Support ERA Athletics and Activities today at erabooster.org/merchandise!
School of Grammar student Noah in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
Support ERA by Downloading the Box Tops App
Thank you to all who use the Box Tops app to scan your receipts and give to ERA. Those nickels and dimes are adding up!
If you haven't used the Box Tops app yet, it’s never too late. Scan the QR code below to get started. It is a fast, easy, and free way to help our school!
Pillar Week
Thank you to everyone for dressing up this week and for demonstrating Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, and Respect daily!
Follow Eagle Ridge Academy on Social Media for More Content!
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