The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
February 1, 2024 - 2023-24 Issue 9
Saturday, February 3
- School of Rhetoric Winter Formal - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, IS LAST DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Tuesday, February 6
- CLT Exam for Grades 9 & 10
Monday, February 12
Tuesday, February 13
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.
Happy Minnesota School Board Recognition Month
Eagle Ridge Academy students and families benefit every day from the leadership and vision of our School Board members. February is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, so please take time to thank these dedicated school leaders. Board members devote hours of their time each week to provide leadership for our school district!
Interested in joining the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors and making a difference in the lives of students? Nominations will be accepted until Friday, February 2, at 4:00 p.m. Find more information below.
2024 Board of Directors Nominations Due Friday, February 2
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.
Board Listening Session Tuesday, February 13
It was requested by the parent community that the Board of Directors hold a behavior-focused Listening Session. The Board of Directors will hold it’s regularly scheduled combined meeting and workshop on February 13. Prior to this meeting, at 5:30 p.m., there will be an added Board Listening Session focused on student behavior concerns. The assistant principals will be present at this Listening Session to answer questions. They will also be presenting to the Board following the Listening Session during the regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m.
You may join the Listening Session using the information here and the Board Meeting using the information here.
District Updates
Information on Grades 3-5 Latin Change
The Curriculum Instruction Student Achievement (CISA) group in collaboration with the Latin department is researching and exploring curriculum changes to the 3-5 Latin program. This is the final stage of the Latin curriculum review process that has taken place over the past several years. It began with the initial adoption and implementation of the Cambridge textbook and was followed by researching practices in Classical schools across the nation as well as examining the overall purpose of Latin instruction. The review process also included increasing the instructional minutes of 6th grade by removing Latin instruction for grades K-2. The purpose of the change was to better align with the recommended pacing provided by the Latin Cambridge curriculum as well as provide students with integrated Latin and grammar instruction. The current challenges identified are the limited public-school curriculum available for School of Grammar and the difficulty of staffing elementary-level Latin.
We invite you to join us for a Gryphon Conversation to answer any questions you might have regarding the change in instruction for grades 3-5. Please submit any questions here, so we can direct them to the appropriate staff for timely answers.
The timeline is as follows:
- The Latin department and CISA (Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement) will review curriculum goals and evaluate the optimal mode and method of language instruction as aligned to a time-tested, Classical pedagogy; liberal arts focus; reinvestment in current programming; a logical transition into subsequent grades; and staffing and scheduling viability.
- Eagle Ridge Academy will hold a virtual Gryphon Conversation, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
- This will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions and provide feedback on the recommended change.
- You may join the Gryphon Conversation using this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 876 9690 6636 | Passcode: 623349).
February 13
- The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors will hold a virtual Board Listening Session (5:30-6:00 p.m.) and combination workshop and meeting (6:00 p.m.)
- This is an opportunity for parents to share additional thoughts on the change with the Board.
- You may join the Board Listening Session using this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 812 4214 0622 | Passcode: ERA2020).
Spring Spirit Wear Now Available
The Spring spirit wear shop has opened! Spirit wear will be available to order until February 12. Browse the exciting new options and order here today!
Winter Conference Scheduler Opens Next Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 8:00 a.m.
Winter Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday, February 15, 4:00-8:00 p.m., and Friday, February 16, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. **Please note that conferences will take place in person at Eagle Ridge Academy unless they are scheduled during the slots reserved for virtual conferences only on Friday, February 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The online conference scheduler will open Wednesday, February 7, at 8:00 a.m. and will close Wednesday, February 14, at 10:00 p.m. The master password to log into the online conference scheduler will be sent via email.
Families may request a translator by going to Change My Account Info. If you need assistance with the conference reservation system, please email Janice Gerheart at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org. Teacher virtual conference links will be sent via email the morning of Thursday, February 15.
Lost & Found Will Be Cleared Out February 16
Don't forget to collect Lost & Found items during conferences! Items in Eagle Ridge Academy's Lost & Found will be cleared out February 16. 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.
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.
Volunteers Needed for Scholastic Book Fair February 15 & 16
You are invited to shop the Scholastic Book Fair in the ERA library during conferences February 15-16! Students will be coming to the library with their classes the week of February 12 to peruse the books that will be available to purchase at the Book Fair. (Watch for information coming home soon.) Families will have the opportunity to do the same during conferences Thursday evening and Friday. To make this event a success, we need your help! Duties will include assisting students/families, handling purchases, and restocking books. Please review the available volunteer positions and sign up here. Thank you!
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!
Classical Corner
Celebrating 20 Years: Voices of Founding Teachers
Over the month of December, first and second grade students worked to learn more about the school as we celebrate its 20th year. In order to do this, students transformed into reporters to interview a variety of individuals that have been instrumental in creating, growing, and sustaining the school. This shared effort was accomplished partly in class and partly during choice time, as many students came together to write interview questions, decide the method of gathering responses for each individual, conduct interviews, and pick out their favorite responses to share. There were so many beautiful things that came out of this endeavor that we are continuing to share excerpts of their interviews in installments. Our second installment: Founding Teachers. As we celebrate 20 years of ERA, here are a few of the gems that came from this set of student interviews with teachers who have been here since the Academy first opened its doors. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Founding Teachers (interviews conducted in person)
What is your favorite memory from working here?
"That’s really hard, because I have many good memories. I think it is a lot of experiences all pulled together…I love it when my old students come back and they say how much they learned at Eagle Ridge Academy and how much it’s helped them. One memory I have is of a former student…who came back to talk to families and he said that when he went to college Eagle Ridge made it so that college was really easy for him. He did really well because of all the things he learned here. So I think that is my favorite memory because then I know that what we’re doing here at Eagle Ridge Academy is really valuable for our students." - Ms. Erin Johnson, School of Rhetoric Principal
Has the school changed in 20 years?
"Oh, yes. Very, very much. We’ve gotten a lot bigger and we’ve seen different people come and go. Our mission and vision of the school has stayed the same, but we’ve seen lots of changes to make it better." - Ms. Tillotson, Librarian
"Yes, the school has changed a lot in 20 years. When I first started at Eagle Ridge Academy, we had only about 100 students…and now, we have about 1,400 students. We have many more students, more families, more classes. The way that it has changed the most is that we have a lot more students, so we have a lot more kids that get to have Classical Education, and that makes me happy." - Ms. Erin Johnson, School of Rhetoric Principal
What are some great things the school has done in 20 years?
"I think that the greatest thing that the school has done has been to help form some great people. So all the graduates we’ve had since 2008–I think that is our greatest accomplishment. - Ms. Lisa Johnson, Art Teacher
"We were the first school in this area of our state that got to have Classical education for students that was a public school…I think one of the great things we do for our students is teaching them how to work through really hard things and how to work through really challenging schoolwork. I think one of the best things we can do for our students is teach CIPHER." - Ms. Erin Johnson, School of Rhetoric Principal
If you’ve been here for 20 years, then you probably really like it. What is your favorite thing about Eagle Ridge?
"I would say the people, the people I get to see every day." - Ms. Tillotson, Librarian
"The people! My friends become my family." - Ms. Lisa Johnson, Art Teacher
"That one is easy for me! You know what my favorite thing about Eagle Ridge is? The students! All the students who are here and then all the things you get to learn and the teachers you get to work with. But my students at Eagle Ridge? ALL my students at Eagle Ridge are my favorite thing about Eagle Ridge!" - Ms. Erin Johnson, School of Rhetoric Principal
What are the most important things you want all your students to know?
"I think the most important thing in a Classical school is I want students to know how to be their best selves, to develop scholarly habits, and to go on and be the best people they can be–people of virtue, knowing how to discern truth, beauty, and goodness." - Ms. Lisa Johnson, Art Teacher
"I would say the most important thing I want all my students to know at Eagle Ridge Academy is how important it is to always live by CIPHER. Always do everything that you do in your life with how good it will be for you to listen to things about Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, and Respect. And if you listen to those things in your life, when you’re doing new things or going to new places, or when you get to college, if you’re doing those six things, then you’re going to be successful. I think every student at Eagle Ridge needs to live by CIPHER." - Ms. Erin Johnson, School of Rhetoric Principal
"That they are loved and that they are important." - Ms. Tillotson, Librarian
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
January 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 January Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
Eagle Ridge Academy Theater Will Compete in One-Act Sections Saturday, February 3
Congratulations to the Eagle Ridge Academy Theater department and the outstanding cast and crew of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, directed by Sylvia Michels, for placing second in the Subsection One Act Competition this past Saturday! They will compete against five other schools at Sections this Saturday, February 3, at Providence Academy. Their performance will begin at 3:45 p.m. Awards will be granted at 5:00 p.m. Admission to the performance is free. Please note that it is not recommended that young children attend, and audience members should NOT wear anything that identifies the school.
Want to get involved in theater this spring? Auditions for the grades 7-12 spring play Pride and Prejudice will be held after school Monday, February 5, and Wednesday, February 7. Please check the Auditorium doors for more information and to sign up for an audition.
Register for Driver's Education Classes at ERA March 4-15
Sane Lane Driving School will be conducting Driver's Education classes at Eagle Ridge Academy March 4-15, Monday-Friday, 3:15-6:15 p.m. Students aged 14.5 years and up may sign up for $420 - this includes the required 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel lessons. Sign up today at sanelanedrivingschool.com.
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
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!
COME HUNGRY - CONCESSION STAND IS STOCKED!
- Offering a variety of food & beverage options!
- Hot, delicious pizza & hot dogs!
- Sweet & salty snacks!
- Cold beverages!
- Cash, credit cards, and mobile payments accepted!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Concessions & Admissions!
Many dates/times available. Fun way to get involved and help support ERA Activities & Athletics! Sign up here: www.erabooster.org/volunteer.
YOU’RE INVITED… PACK THE STANDS / WINTER SENIOR NIGHT - FEB 15
- ALL ERA students, families, staff, and friends are invited! Fun night out for the whole family!
- Chances to win prizes and giveaways!
- Hot meal deal, while supplies last!
- Basketball Games start at 4:30 p.m.
- Senior Recognition at 8:30 p.m.
- Theme: Dress like a Senior Citizen!
PTO Meeting Monday, February 12
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/