The Eagle Eye
October 13, 2022 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 4
Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 13
- Gryphon Senior Night, ERA Gymnasium, 4:15-9:00 p.m.; Senior Recognition at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 14
- HOMECOMING WEEK - FLASHBACK FRIDAY: All students and staff may wear an outfit from a decade of their choice!
- Kindergarten Fire Safety Visit, ERA Door 4, 8:00-10:45 a.m.
- Annual Pit Fire, ERA, 6th Period
- Lower School Play Hansel and Gretel, ERA Auditorium, 5:00 p.m.
- School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance, ERA, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 15
- Lower School Play Hansel and Gretel, ERA Auditorium 12:00 p.m.
Monday, October 17
- NO SCHOOL and Office Closed due to Fall Conferences (SoG 1:00-7:00 p.m.; SoLR 12:00-8:00 p.m.)
- Fall Used Uniform Sale, ERA Forum, 12:00-8:00 p.m.
- Usborne Book Fair, ERA 7th grade locker area, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18
- NO SCHOOL and Office Closed due to Fall Conferences (SoG 7:30-11:30 a.m.; SoLR 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
- Usborne Book Fair, ERA 7th grade locker area, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19
- NO SCHOOL and Office Closed due to Fall Break
- Girls C Team and Varsity Volleyball vs. Shattuck St. Mary's at ERA, 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
- Classical Education Parent Night, Marriott Hotel in Bloomington, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 20 - Friday, October 21
Tuesday, October 25
- School Board Meeting, ERA, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 26
- K-12 School Portrait Retakes at ERA - Formal Dress Required for School Portraits
Friday, October 28
- Free Dress Day at ERA; Students may pay $5 in advance or $6 on this day to wear free dress to school
Monday, October 31 - Tuesday, November 1
Please note: only home games and matches for Gryphon Activities are listed on this calendar. To see a full list of Gryphon games, matches, practices, and meetings, please view the Activities Calendar.
Enroll Now for the 2023-2024 School Year!
Eagle Ridge Academy's 2023-2024 open enrollment period began on October 1. If your current ERA student has a sibling or foster sibling that you wish to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year, please make sure to fill out an application for each child you wish to enroll before the deadline to ensure that they will be included in the Enrollment Lottery on January 17.
All ERA student siblings will receive sibling preference in the lottery as long as the application is submitted in a timely manner. All applications received at or after 12:00 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2023, will not be included in the lottery. They will be added to the grade level waitlist in the order that they are received.
Do you know a family interested in learning more about ERA? Invite them to our Fall Enrollment Extravaganza on November 5, 9:00-11:00 a.m.! The Enrollment Extravaganza is an opportunity to learn what we’re all about! Hear from our teachers and current families, see the building, experience the curriculum, and ask your questions.
Please contact Admissions Specialist Janice Gerheart with questions at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Online Conference Scheduler Closes October 13 at 9:00 p.m. - Zoom Links will be Sent to Families Friday, October 14
Fall conferences will take place on Monday, October 17, and Tuesday, October 18. Please see the conference schedule below.
Monday, October 17
- School of Grammar: 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Schools of Logic & Rhetoric: 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18
- School of Grammar: 7:30 - 11:30 a.m.
- Schools of Logic & Rhetoric: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The sign-up session for fall conferences will begin on Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 a.m. and will close on Thursday, October 13, at 9:00 p.m. The master password to log into the online conference scheduler was sent home to families via email.
When signing up for conferences, families will be able to choose whether they would prefer to meet teachers in-person in their classrooms or virtually over Zoom. Families who want to request a virtual conference can check off that option either when creating their account on the online conference scheduler or by going to Change My Account Info. You may also request a translator in this section. The Special Request selections will then be shown on the teacher's schedule for each student. PLEASE NOTE: If you select an in-person conference, you must attend in-person. Teacher virtual conference links will be sent to the community on Friday, October 14.
If you need assistance with the conference reservation system, please email Janice Gerheart at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors Strategic Planning Parent Participation Survey
The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors is in the middle of Strategic Planning in collaboration with the Minnesota School Board Association and Ahart Solutions, and we want to hear from you! Parents may participate through Listening Sessions and may even join the Strategic Planning Committee. Please take a few minutes to read through and complete this survey to express your interest in joining the Strategic Planning Committee.
The survey will remain open through the end of the week. Your participation is a valuable component of the Strategic Planning process. If you have questions, please contact Board Chair Clare Murray at cmurray@eagleridgeacademy.org.
PTO Fall Used Uniform Sale October 17, 12:00-8:00 p.m.
To donate uniform items, please drop them off in the main office during school hours. If you would like to sell your items, please click here to view updated instructions. Uniforms will be accepted through Friday, October 14, for this sale. Anything received after this time will be placed in our next sale.
If you would like to volunteer to help the PTO set up, run the sale, or clean up, please click here. Proceeds from donated uniforms benefit a long list of PTO events and services.
Collect Lost & Found Items by October 19
Don't Miss Out: Classical Education Parent Night Wednesday, October 19
Join Eagle Ridge Academy, Great Oaks Academy, Liberty Classical Academy, Nova Classical Academy, Seven Hills Preparatory Academy, St. Croix Preparatory Academy, and Veritas Academy for the 2022 Classical Education Parent Information Night on October 19! A social hour with food will take place from 6:00-6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We're excited to introduce you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Anika Prather. This event will provide an opportunity to hear her speak about her own lens with the Great Books of the Western World. Her research focus is building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the Canon.
The title of Dr. Prather's Parent Night talk is Why Classical Education is the Best Education for our Children: My Personal Testimony. We are honored to have Dr. Prather at the 6th annual conference.
Join us and Dr. Prather to learn more about the importance of Classical education and meet other parents and school leaders during the social hour. RSVPs preferred but not required. RSVP here today!
ERA School Counselors Looking for Parent Volunteers to Speak About Their Careers
Dear Families,
In hopes to encourage college and career development among our middle school students, we are looking for parents in our ERA community to come and share about their careers.
This 25-minute presentation would give students a background on:
- how you selected your career
- what specific schooling, if any, was needed
- what a typical starting salary is
- what earning potential can be
- how your personality aligns with your job
- what a typical day at work looks like
- the pros and cons of the job
- and anything else you might like to add!
Presentations will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during advisory (2:40-3:10 p.m.). Please reach out if you have questions or are interested.
Thank you,
Jean Soule - jsoule@eagleridgeacademy.org
Jenn Scott - jscott@eagleridgeacademy.org
952-746-7760 ext. 1208
Eagle Ridge Academy Reviewing Safety and Security Plans
Every few years, the Academy reviews its safety and security plans. We have partnered with school safety consultant Paul McCullough as well as the Minnetonka PD and FD to review the safety and security plans we currently have in place, make any necessary changes, and implement best practices. Mr. McCullough has a background in law enforcement and a passion for school safety. Minnetonka has provided an active School Resource Officer and the Assistant Fire Chief to assist with this process. Please contact Operations Manager Karen Conner with any questions at kconner@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Invitations Sent Home for 10th Annual Gala for the Gryphons - "A Night of Glitz and Glamour ~ Honoring Traditions"
This year's Gala for the Gryphons, A Night of Glitz and Glamour ~ Honoring Traditions, will take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Friday, November 18, 6:00-11:00 p.m. Registration is now open! RSVP today at www.eagleridgeacademy.org/gala.
The silent auction is a favorite part of the gala and we’d love your help! Consider a few ways to participate:
- Pull friends or classroom parents together to create a themed basket.
- Ask your place of employment for a gift or experience.
- Do you have a timeshare or Airbnb, airline miles, or other unique experience to donate?
- Do you have season tickets to Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, etc.?
- Do you own a business and would like to sponsor the event?
Please email Kelly Schiffman at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org to learn more.
Honoring Traditions with Eagle Ridge Academy Graduate Sri Guntipally
We are pleased to welcome 2021 ERA alumna Sridhatri Guntipally as our guest speaker, who will perform a Thillana from Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance that originated in Southern India almost 2000 years ago. This piece was choreographed by the reknowned Bharatanatyam exponent Smt. Alarmel Valli for Sri’s teachers, Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy.
Sri was the co-valedictorian of her graduating class and grateful recipient of the Marilyn R. Strand Memorial scholarship. She was also a U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate and National Merit Scholar. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, majoring in human physiology and minoring in environmental sciences policy and management, and a touring apprentice at Ragamala Dance Company.
Classical Corner: When Knowledge Comes Alive
Dear Families,
As we head into Fall Break, we prepare to reflect on all the learning that has taken place over the past couple months. Teachers are eager to sit down with families at conferences and share the growth they have seen from students, just as parents are eager to hear how their children are doing in school. But one of the best measures we might have is how we see the knowledge taught coming out in our children’s lives. Where does this knowledge come alive? Can you tell in the way your child responds to others? In the vocabulary they use? In their reasoning skills?
Here are a few ways we’ve seen and delighted in knowledge coming alive in the lower school. While this is just a smattering of observations from our youngest students, we’ll continue to collect such gems throughout the year from our whole student body. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
While flipping through a book during rest time, a kindergartener notes, “Wow! Those dinosaurs are colossal!”
After seeing a student move quickly to get a supply, a first grader interjects, “You don’t have to lunge!”
Upon seeing it is raining outside, a kindergartener comments, “Oh boy! It’s raining cats and dogs!”
A second grader applies synonymia independently noting they are, “so tired, so sleepy, so exhausted.”
A new nightly routine of looking up miniscule animals one night, massive animals another night, immense animals another night is born.
When explaining how they solved the math problem, a student comments, “Well, I am a student of excellence.”
A kindergartener makes up their own joke: “Which animal is the biggest and the smallest? An elephant–get it? An elephant is gigantic, but it has the word ant inside it!”
A first grader, inspired by the study of the systems of the human body, comes to school sporting the skeletal system, complete with a well-placed heart sticker.
Thank you to all the teachers and parents who shared these moments with us! No doubt you have your own examples where you have seen knowledge come alive in your child. It is in this way, when the lessons we teach become an integral part of our students–reflective in how they carry themselves, how they speak, how they reason–that we can truly see the fruits of our labor as they grow. This is beauty! This is Classical education!
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Usborne Book Fair During School of Grammar Fall Conferences
Lower School Play Performances October 14 & 15 - Now in ERA Auditorium
All are invited to Eagle Ridge Academy’s Auditorium to watch the Lower School’s performances of Hansel and Gretel! Performances will take place on Friday, October 14, at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 15, at 12:00 p.m.
Tickets will be sold at Door 4 (Activities Entrance) for $5 – cash or check only. Admission is free for ERA staff and students.
Thank You for Attending Rockin' the Ridge 2022!
The Eagle Ridge Academy PTO held their annual Rockin’ the Ridge Lower School Carnival on Saturday, October 8. We had so much fun playing carnival games, getting crazy hairstyles and face paint, running around on the inflatables in the gym, and enjoying all of the delicious food options. View the entire photo album here.
Thank you to the ERA PTO for continuing this beloved tradition, thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who donated their time to help make this event a success, and thank you to all of our families - those new to ERA and those who have attended multiple Rockin' the Ridge events over the years - for coming out to the school on a Saturday to connect with others and support the students of ERA. We are so appreciative of the entire ERA community for all you do and the joy you bring to the school. We can’t wait until next year’s event!
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Congratulations, Spring 2022 Olympus Club Scholars! - Missy Madigan, Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Assistant Principal
“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation: we do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather have these because we have acted rightly; …we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." – Aristotle
Olympus Club is an honor bestowed upon students in the Schools of Logic & Rhetoric in recognition of their commitment to being both wise and virtuous scholars. Students achieving a grade-point average of 3.33 or higher and receiving no detentions or suspensions for a given semester are awarded the honor of Olympus Club.
On behalf of the administration and staff of the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric, it is my pleasure to present to you the Olympus Club scholars from the Spring 2022 semester. Congratulations! You make us proud.
A+ Driving School Offering Driver’s Education in November
A+ Driving School is offering driver's education to School of Rhetoric students ages 14-17 in November. A+ Driving School will perform the 30 hours of class and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons required of novice drivers in order to qualify for a Minnesota driver's license. Class will be held after school Monday-Friday the weeks of November 7 and November 14 in Room 1228, 3:15-6:15 p.m. If days are missed, students can attend class in one of A+ Driving School's other locations or online.
The total cost for the class is $420. The balance is due by the fifth day of class. Sign up by calling 952-469-4656 or online at aplusdrivingschool.net. Reserve your spot as soon as possible as class size is limited. A+ Driving School is a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been teaching the vital skills required of young drivers in the metro area for more than twenty-five years.
School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance, Friday, October 14
The School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance will take place in the Eagle Ridge Academy auxiliary gym on Friday, October 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m. This year's theme is Black & White (semi-formal attire). Tickets will be sold during high school lunch October 10-14 and at the door for $15. Students must pay with cash or check.
Register for Winter Basketball!
Learn more about activities and register here today. All grades 7-12 sports are eligible for fee reduction (scholarship) based on free and reduced lunch standing or circumstance. This form should be submitted if you are requesting fee reduction.
Boys Varsity/JV Basketball (9-12)
Who: All grades 7-12 boys are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV teams. If you love basketball and want to compete, sign up.
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: November 21-March - Tryouts November 21-23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Practices generally are early Mon./Tues., late Thurs./Fri. and alternate with the girls on Wed., plus Saturday mornings.
Coaches: Kris Babler and Rich Berkley
Cost: $295
Girls Varsity/JV Basketball (9-12)
Who: All grades 7-12 girls are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV teams. We need girls that want to learn and improve!
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: November 14-March - Tryouts November 14-16, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Practices generally are late Mon./Tues., early Thurs./Fri. and alternate with the boys on Wed., plus Saturday mornings.
Coaches: Chad Flies and Kenny McGee
Cost: $295
Boys 7th-8th Grade Basketball
Who: Boys in grades 7 & 8 that will either be placed on the V/JV teams or a middle school team.
Where: Tryouts in the main gym, November 21-23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
When: Practices will be in the auxiliary gym at 6:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri, November 21-mid February.
Coaches: Kalvin O’Neal and Justin Ervin
Cost: $225
Girls 7th-8th Grade Basketball
Who: Girls in grades 7 & 8 that will either be placed on the V/JV teams or a middle school team. All 7th-8th graders are expected to play JV, though a MS team is possible with numbers.
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: November 14-March - Tryouts November 14-16, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Practices generally are late Mon./Tues., early Thurs./Fri. and alternate with the boys on Wed., plus Saturday mornings.
Coaches: Chad Flies and Kenny McGee
Cost: $225
Boys 3rd-6th Grade Travel Basketball Teams (3-6)
Who: Beginner, novice, or experienced basketball players that want to play for ERA teams
Where: ERA Auxiliary Gym
When: Grades 3-4: Mondays & Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Grades 5-6: Wednesdays & Fridays 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Practices begin January 2 and run through early March.
Coaches: Parent Volunteers
Cost: $125
Girls 3rd-6th Grade Travel Basketball Teams
Who: Beginner, novice, or experienced basketball players that want to play for ERA teams.
Where: ERA Auxiliary Gym
When: Grades 3-4: Mondays & Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Grades 5-6: Wednesdays & Fridays 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Practices begin January 2 and run through early March.
Coaches: Parent Volunteers
Cost: $125
Gryphon Youth Basketball Saturdays (K-6)
Who: Introductory level basketball for K-6 on Saturday mornings.
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: Saturdays - December 10, 17, 24 & January 7, 14, 21
- K: 9:00-9:30 a.m. (in auxiliary gym)
- 1st/2nd: 9:00-9:45 a.m.
- 3rd/4th: 9:55-10:55 a.m.
- 5th/6th: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Coaches: Varsity head coaches and players
Cost: $80. T-shirt provided.
Join us at the following FUN events sponsored by the ERA Booster Club:
- Senior Night/Pack the Stands at ERA - see flyer below for more information
- Everyone is invited!
Tuesday, October 25
- Join us for the next ERA Booster Club Board Meeting at the Hopkins VFW, 5:30-6:30 pm.
- All are welcome to attend - come learn how you can get involved!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
- Volunteer at Senior Night TONIGHT (October 13) and during the upcoming Winter Basketball season, starting soon!
- Sign up at www.ERABooster.org/volunteer.
Join the ERA Booster Club on Facebook for activities updates and check out erabooster.org for more information and to register as a booster!
Don't forget: Live Streaming made possible by the ERA Booster Club and your generous donations!
Donate here to help provide support for Gryphon activity livestreaming: http://www.erabooster.org/Donate.
Developing Connections
Ways to Get Involved and Give Back - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
There are several ways to participate in giving at Eagle Ridge Academy. Creating additional revenue sources and building community is important as we strive to create the best possible educational experience for our students while staying true to our mission. Enjoy giving from the heart for a good cause with the benefit of receiving a tax deduction.
For more information on how you may participate in developing Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or by email at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Visit our website for online giving and other important information at https://eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-support-era/.
Volunteer Opportunities
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.
We update our volunteer opportunities weekly at the community opportunities link. Within this link is a separate sign-up for our monthly Volunteer Wednesdays, an opportunity to come in once per month to help with teacher and school projects.
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift. Broken down into smaller amounts, it makes giving easier and allows a predictable revenue source for Eagle Ridge Academy. Click here to pledge your annual support.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a Matching Gift Program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR departments to ask about their community support and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100% (essentially doubling the impact of your gift to the Academy), donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations. Search this website to see if your workplace matches.
Be informed by asking today!
Shop with RaiseRight (formerly known as SCRIP)
Eagle Ridge Academy offers RaiseRight, a gift card program that gives back to Eagle Ridge Academy with purchases on everyday items such as groceries, restaurants, retail, and gas. Buy gift cards at face value from more than 750 retailers, and RaiseRight donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Fridays with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
AmazonSmile
Save the Date: Eagle Ridge Academy is celebrating Give to the Max Day on November 17!
What if you could help our school receive $1,000 just by giving $10 or more?
Join us for Give to the Max Day on November 17, and you could help us receive $500, $1,000 or $10,000. Just make an online donation at GiveMN.org, and your donation will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Golden Ticket every 15 minutes for Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy. Donations will help support the students of Eagle Ridge Academy.
Here’s the really exciting part: One donation made on GiveMN.org during the Give to the Max Day campaign will be randomly selected to receive a $10,000 super-sized GiveMN Golden Ticket. Starting in October, donors may "schedule" their gifts ahead of time. Please watch for more information.
Help us increase our odds and make the most of your gift by making a donation on November 17 at GiveMN.org. Search for Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy, then make your donation. Together, we hope to raise more than $10,000 on Give to the Max Day, and you can help us reach our goal!
Order 2022-23 Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combination. The remaining 2022-23 Spirit Wear dates are Nov. 18, Dec. 9, Jan. 19 (Thursday), Feb. 24, March 10, April 20 (Thursday), and May 12.
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions that have already been made to the PTO fund this year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to the PTO at the school's address. The donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Stay Connected!
- Follow the ERA PTO on Facebook!
- Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register. Create an account here: eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- Email the 2022-23 PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE Programs
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education helps families earn money for Eagle Ridge Academy with products they already buy.
- Download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
- Follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school!
- Scan your grocery store receipts in the app. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA! You can even see in the app how much money has been given to our school this year and what products have special Box Tops promotions going on.
- Visit boxtops4education.com for more information.
Coca-Cola GIVE
- To contribute through Coca-Cola GIVE, simply look for a code on Coke products. It can be found under screw tops or inside the boxes of 12- and 24-packs.
- When you see one, head to us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/ and search for Eagle Ridge Academy.
- Enter or scan the code and you’re done!
- Visit us.coca-cola.com/give/ for more information.
Homecoming Week 2022
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