The Eagle Eye
May 26, 2022 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 18 | Issue 17
Upcoming Events
Friday, May 27
- Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Final Exams Day 1
- TWO-HOUR EARLY RELEASE
- School of Rhetoric Nostalgia Night
Monday, May 30
- NO SCHOOL and Office Closed due to Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 31
Wednesday, June 1
- Last Day of School Grades K-5 - Students released at 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 2
- Last Day of School Grades 6-12 - Students released at 11:00 a.m.
- Eighth Grade Celebration
Friday, June 3
- NO SCHOOL due to Summer Break
- Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony
Wrap-Up on 2021-22 School Year - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Families,
While we wrap up the 2021-2022 school year, we are already preparing for next year. We have identified what went well and are working toward a few important improvements, especially as our Board of Directors begins their strategic planning. Strategic Planning was delayed for more than a year because, unfortunately, Covid-19 took center stage. The Board will engage with staff, students, and families over the next few months to begin dreaming about our next five to seven years. Topics they are excited to discuss include academics, finance, equity, staff retention, and the constant pursuit of Classical Education. While we patiently wait for the strategic planning to start, there are a few key improvements already in process:
- Implementation of a K-5 Literacy Program: Amplified CK. This program is aligned with our Core Knowledge program and is considered a balanced literacy program. Reading is fundamental in order to access the great literature our students read.
- Finding employees is an issue across all occupations and industries, including education. Mrs. Bloomgren will present the Grow Your Own Program to the Board of Directors on June 14. This program will set ERA up for long-term success. While many schools have an approximate 75% retention rate, ERA has a retention rate of 96% for teachers and 92% for operations and assistants. This is well beyond education standards and is on par with our annual retention rate.
This year, we have witnessed many schools exhibit division and a lack of civility to the point of negatively impacting student learning. While there has been much disagreement within the ERA community, the way it was handled was healthy. I want to thank you for choosing civil discourse. The professionalism, patience, and empathy we have demonstrated has been truly remarkable.
Thank you, and have a great summer!
Jason Ulbrich
Please Complete Annual CISA Parent Satisfaction Survey 2021-2022 by Friday, June 3
The Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement (CISA) task force of the Board of Directors in seeking parent feedback via our annual parent satisfaction survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ERACISA22.
The purpose of the annual parent survey is to seek feedback from parents in order to continuously improve the educational experience for our students. The survey includes four different sections: demographic information, Classical Education, changes, and ratings. This survey contains up to eighteen questions and will take approximately seven minutes to complete.
Please note: if you have more than one child at Eagle Ridge Academy, use a general sense of all of their experiences to answer the questions below. You do not need to fill out a survey for each child.
Please contact Academic Director Susan Bloomgren with any questions at sbloomgren@eagleridgeacademy.org.
New School Uniform Vendor and June Uniform Sale
Need school uniforms? We're excited to announce School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger as an approved uniform provider for Eagle Ridge Academy families! Visit www.globalschoolwear.com to find their school store using school code EAGL03. You can also sign up for their free newsletter to get sale information sent right to your inbox
Additionally, ERA's other approved uniform vendor Educational Outfitters is running a June Uniform Sale. See details below.
All Lost and Found Items to be Donated at End of School Year
Potential Coop for Boys and Girls Hockey with Providence Academy Survey
Greetings ERA Parents,
We are collecting data on a potential coop for boys and girls hockey with Providence Academy. Please help us collect data on interest here:
https://forms.gle/RqsWYzwRyhpxKa736.
Go Gryphons!
Community Updates: School of Grammar
One School, One Book Family Literacy Initiative
We are excited to launch our One School, One Book (OSOB) family literacy initiative for the School of Grammar this summer!
Reading aloud to your child is the single most important thing you can do to help them succeed! The process of families reading together helps children build larger vocabularies, sharpens imagination, creates healthy dialogue, and cultivates a lifelong love of reading. Reading experts recommend that families read aloud to children even when they are able to read by themselves. Sign up here.
Less Than 20 School of Grammar Yearbooks Available!
Eagle Ridge Academy Choir Club Performs National Anthem at Target Field May 11, 2022
School of Grammar Holds First-Ever Schoolwide CIPHER Party
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Extra Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Yearbooks Available
Upper School yearbooks will be distributed by homeroom teachers on the last day of school, June 2. There are a few yearbooks left. If you would like to purchase a yearbook, they are $60 cash or check, payable to Eagle Ridge Academy. Please contact Ms. Emma Conner, with your student’s full name, grade, and homeroom teacher. There are only a few left, so contact Ms. Conner soon to reserve a yearbook!
If you know your students will be gone before the end of the school year, please email Ms. Conner to let her know to deliver the yearbook sooner.
Class of 2022 Award and Scholarships Winners
Eagle Ridge Academy celebrated the Class of 2022 this morning at our annual Senior Breakfast and Awards Ceremony. After a welcome from Executive Director Mr. Ulbrich, Schools of Logic and Rhetoric principal Mrs. Johnson presented the Pins of Perseverance, which are awarded to students who have completed the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric (Grades 6-12) at Eagle Ridge, as well as the following awards:
The Legacy Award & Scholarship is awarded for leaving a legacy at Eagle Ridge Academy. This student will have excelled in academics, service, leadership, character, and presence within the school. The legacy student is one whose presence is missed long after they leave Eagle Ridge Academy due to the contributions they made while they were here: Erik T.
The Marilyn R. Strand Award & Scholarship is awarded to the student who embodies the values and spirit of Marilyn R. Strand. Marilyn was an employee of Eagle Ridge Academy who was known for her love for others and genuine joy she possessed. She led with a servant’s heart both in the Eagle Ridge Academy and outside community. Intuitive to other’s feelings and needs, she made everyone she met feel valued and loved in her presence: Erik T.
The Director's Award is awarded for personifying, typifying, symbolizing, and representing one or all of the ERA Pillars: Muthu M.
The Athens Award is awarded for academic excellence and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge: Gretchen H.
The American Spirit Award is awarded to the student who embodies the principles of our country’s founding fathers and excels academically: Erik T.
The Eagle Award is awarded to the student who consistently demonstrates the Academy’s core values of citizenship, integrity, perseverance, honor, excellence, and respect: Erik T.
Salutatorian: Gretchen H.
Valedictorian: Khaia K.
Congratulations, Cast & Crew of Wizard of Oz!
Thank you for following Eagle Ridge Academy's theater department down the yellow brick road on May 13, 14, and 15! The spring musical Wizard of Oz, directed by Mr. Gabriel Berg and assistant director Ro Feitl, featured students in grades 3-12.
Schedule Changes, AP Exams, and PSEO - Mary Johnson, College & Academic Advisor
2022-2023 School of Rhetoric Students
After your 2022-2023 schedules are released to you, the only reason that a schedule change will occur is if you have been placed into the wrong core class. For example: being placed in Modern World without having taken Renaissance World. We will not be changing schedules because you want to take the same class during a different hour or a different teacher. You may have been placed in a different class than what you requested due to other classes you are taking. We have many classes that are only offered once a day in only one semester.
A few of you may see that your advisory teacher has changed. This was done to even out the advisory sections based on the number of graduating seniors and incoming freshmen. Do not request to be reassigned to a different advisory teacher, as your advisory will not be changed.
If you were placed in the wrong core level course, the Schedule Change Request form located on this web page will be live on August 1, 2022. Requests will begin to be reviewed on August 9, 2022. Requests submitted by email will not be reviewed. You must use the Schedule Change Request form for your schedule change request to be reviewed.
School of Rhetoric Students Who Took AP Exams
Your AP Exam scores will be available in July through your College Board My AP account.
School of Rhetoric Students Who Plan to Participate in PSEO for the 2022-23 School Year Your ERA PSEO Application was due on Monday, May 16, 2022. You are now officially late in applying for PSEO. You may access the ERA PSEO Application here under Forms or see me for a copy. You should have your PSEO application materials (participating college/university PSEO application, official transcript, MDE NOSR form and ERA PSEO application) submitted to the appropriate people no later than June 21, which is my last day before summer break. After June 21, I will not be available until August 2 to assist with official transcripts and MDE NOSR forms which have to be signed by me.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
Register for Summer Sports Camps/Clinics - Kris Babler, Activities Director
Registration is now open for summer sports camps and clinics! Register today as there are limited spots available for each program. Listed grades are for the grade your child will be entering in the 2022-2023 school year. Please note: registering for Varsity Prep Basketball Grades 7-12 includes Boys V/JV & Girls V summer league team registration.
Gryphon Youth Soccer K-1 Summer Camps
Description: Small group workouts introducing the sport to early learners.
Coach: Kodjo Kounoundji
Dates and Times: Session 1: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, June 14-17; Session 2: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, July 12-15; 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $20
Gryphon Youth Soccer 2-3 Summer Camps
Description: Small group soccer sessions that introduce basic skills.
Coach: Kodjo Kounoundji
Dates and Times: Session 1: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, June 14-24; Session 2: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, June 28-July 1 and July 12-15; Session 3: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, July 19-29; 4:40-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $60
Gryphon Youth Soccer 4-5 Summer Camps
Description: Small group soccer workouts that introduce team concepts and skills.
Coach: Kodjo Kounoundji
Dates and Times: Session 1: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, June 14-24; Session 2: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, June 28-July 1 and July 12-15; Session 3: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, July 19-29; 5:40-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $60
Gryphon Soccer 6-8 Summer Camps
Description: Small group soccer workouts that apply team concepts and introduce advanced skills.
Coach: Kodjo Kounoundji
Dates and Times: Session 1: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, June 21-July 1; Session 2: July 19-29; 6:40-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
Gryphon Youth Basketball K-1 Summer Camps
Description: Small group workouts introducing the sport to early learners.
Coach: Kris Babler and Kenny McGee
Dates and Times: Session 1: June 20-22, 12:00-12:50 p.m.; Session 2: July 11-13, 4:00-4:50 p.m.; Session 3: July 18 and 20, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Cost: $45
Gryphon Youth Basketball 2-3 Summer Camps
Description: Small group basketball sessions that introduce basic skills.
Coach: Kris Babler and Kenny McGee
Dates and Times: Session 1: June 20-22, 1:00-1:50 p.m.; Session 2: July 11-13, 3:00-3:50 p.m.; Session 3: July 18 and 20, 7:20-8:35 p.m.
Cost: $60
Gryphon Youth Basketball 4-6 Summer Camps
Description: Small group basketball workouts that introduce team concepts and skills.
Coach: Kris Babler and Kenny McGee
Dates and Times: Session 1: June 20-22, 2:00-2:50 p.m.; Session 2: July 11-13, 2:00-2:50 p.m.; Session 3: July 25 and 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
Gryphon Strength & Conditioning
Description: Age-appropriate strength programming. Objectives are injury prevention and baseline strength for cross sport improvement.
Coach: TBD
Dates and Times: Beginning Strength Grades 7-9: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:30-9:00 a.m.; Varsity Prep Strength and Conditioning Grades 10-12: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Cost: $25
Varsity Prep Boys Basketball Workouts
Description: Annual team workouts with a focus on shooting and ball handling. All incoming students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to join regardless of skill level.
Coach: Kris Babler and Rich Berkley
Dates and Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday June 13-July 1 and July 11-29, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Cost: $60
Varsity Prep Girls Basketball Workouts
Description: Annual team workouts with a focus on shooting and ball handling. All incoming students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to join regardless of skill level.
Coach: Jenny Swartout and Kenny McGee
Dates and Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 13-July 1 and July 11-29, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
Varsity Prep Volleyball Workouts
Description: Annual team workouts with a focus on development. All incoming students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to join regardless of skill level.
Coach: Stacy Meger
Dates and Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 14-July 1 and July 11-29
Cost: $30
10,000 Shots Basketball Club
Description: A structured shooting program proven to improve shooting ability for grades 3-12.
Coach: Kris Babler
Dates and Times: Self-paced
Cost: Free
ERA Booster Club Holds 2nd Annual Activities and Athletics Awards Celebration
A HUGE thank you from your Booster Club Board to all who attended last night’s Annual Awards Celebration! It was so fun to see and hear the kids in the building, cheering each other on and stomping their feet! Big energy! The kids are why we do what we do, so thank you for making last night a success!"
View photos from the event, including award-winner photos, here.
Booster Club-Sponsored Social Hour at Hopkins VFW Wednesday, June 1
If you weren't able to attend the 2nd Annual Activities and Athletics Awards Celebration and want to learn more about Booster Club and how they harness energy for ERA activities and athletics toward a united goal of increasing school pride and community spirit, check out this video.
The ERA Booster Club is also hosting a Booster-Sponsored Social Hour at Hopkins VFW (100 Shady Oak Road) on Wednesday, June 1, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Come join them to learn more about Booster Club while socializing with other members of the ERA community!
Developing Connections
Thank You for Attending Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night 2022
On Tuesday, May 17, Eagle Ridge Academy held a Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night to celebrate the more than 300 volunteers who donated close to 4,500 hours of their time this year. This was a record year for volunteerism at ERA and the entire community is so grateful to those who stepped up to the task this year. As Eagle Ridge Academy grows, the need for volunteers becomes abundant. In the words of Eagle Ridge Academy's Classroom Parent Lead Volunteer Karen Oglesby, who spoke during the presentation: “In addition to being volunteers, one thing we all have in common is that we have chosen a Classical Education for our children. We have chosen a model that’s not just about academics but aims to grow up good citizens who will build a good society. This is a big goal and it isn’t just the job of the school, but must be a cooperative pursuit… We work hard for that which we value, and your investment of time, love, and energy not only shows how much you value Eagle Ridge, but also adds value to the Eagle Ridge experience. It builds the culture of Eagle Ridge Academy and communicates our values in a way that both benefits and inspires others.”
Thank you to the ERA PTO and the ERA Booster Club. Thank you to everyone who helped out in the classroom, on field trips, on the grounds, in the library, and everyone in between. Thank you to the ABC Board, the ERA School Board, and the Friends of Education Board. Thank you to ALL Eagle Ridge Academy volunteers. Eagle Ridge Academy is grateful to you for creating a culture of joy and giving at Eagle Ridge Academy. View photos from the event here.
9th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament on June 21
This year's annual golf tournament will be hosted at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park for the first time! The event will take place on Tuesday, June 21. Edinburgh USA is a public course and is one of only two courses in Minnesota designed by world renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II, who also designed Chambers Bay, site of the 2015 U.S. Open. Prizes this year are from the Edinburgh Pro Shop. All golfers will receive an Edinburgh golf hat (pictured below)!
The annual golf scramble is a fun event that brings people together for a day to benefit the students of Eagle Ridge Academy. The event includes 18 holes of golf, cart and green fees, lunch and social hour by D’Amico Catering, raffle, complimentary drink ticket, and golfer gift.
Last year, proceeds supported the Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project at Eagle Ridge Academy, bringing outdoor learning and enhanced play to our students. This year, proceeds will support a new Grow Your Own Teacher Program at Eagle Ridge Academy.
For more information and to register online: Golf Brochure / Online Registration
Registrations are non-refundable.
Event Agenda
11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. — Check-In, Lunch, and Driving Range
1:15 p.m. — Be ready in your carts
1:30 p.m. — Shotgun
5:30 p.m. — Social Hour and Awards
To sponsor the golf tournament, please view our Sponsorship Flyer for various options and opportunities. Contact: Mrs. Kelly Schiffman, ERA Director of Development; 952-746-7760, ext. 1107; kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Volunteer at the Gryphon Garden This Summer!
Thank you to everyone who helped us prep and plant the Gryphon Garden for this 2022 season! We are looking for people to adopt a week or more from now through the summer to weed, water, and harvest (when ready), and generally maintain the garden over the summer. Weekly reminders will go out with instructions for whatever week you are signed up. Sign up here today!
We appreciate the help of the community in nurturing our garden. We use the harvested produce in the meals that our food service prepares.
We look forward to seeing how our garden grows this summer, and thank you for your help!
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 department 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 SCRIP
Eagle Ridge Academy offers SCRIP, 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 SCRIP donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Friday, with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
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Message from the PTO
Thank you, parents (and guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family) teachers, and staff, who do so much for our children here at Eagle Ridge Academy. We couldn’t provide funding if it wasn’t for your support and volunteer time at these events and programs:
· Back to School Night
· Battle of The Books
· Book Fair
· Donations
· Eight Grade Moving Up
· Field Trips
· Fifth Grade Moving Up
· Library Equipment
· Meet The Teacher Night
· NHS Support
· Rocking the Ridge
· Roller Skating Disco
· Spirit Wear Sales
· Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
· Teacher/Staff Conference Meals
· Theater Funds
· Used Uniform Donations and Sales
· Volunteer Appreciation Event
· Year-end Ice Cream Trucks
Without the volunteering and financial support of all of us through the Parent Teacher Organization activities, none of this would be possible! Thank you!!
Feedback and Suggestions
Please reach out to PTO via email to submit your feedback or suggestions for the next year. If your business would like to sponsor some of the next year activities, please reach out to Elena Ryabinin via the PTO email (pto.eagleridge@gmail.com).
PTO Board 2022/2023
Welcome Cassie Bruski, Doris Momanyi, Elena Burgett, Ifrah Dualeh, Lincy Paul, Lindsey Wu, Manohar Perumal, Sarah Sindelarand, and Surekha Kabra to the 2022/2023 PTO Board!
They will be joining Carolyn Sommers Tillotson, Elena Ryabinin, Gretchen Stone, Lindsay Thomas, Resmy Kurian, and Tina Loutsch for another year of awesomeness!
Thank you to our departing PTO member Poornima Pelluri for her hard work in building relationships with families. We wish her the best of luck and will miss her!
Our next meeting to welcome the new PTO board and plan next year's events is on June 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Starbucks located at Barnes & Noble in Eden Prairie (8251 Flying Cloud Dr. #3000, Eden Prairie, MN 55344).
We would like to wish you all a happy, sunny, safe summer. Enjoy time with your families, friends, and pets!
So we can continue to support our Eagle Ridge Academy students in the best way possible, we are asking all of our ERA families to please donate towards Annual Family Contribution.
PTO Kickoff and Used Uniform Sale July 28, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
The PTO Kickoff and Used Uniform Sale is a gathering for ERA families to learn about the PTO, make annual family contributions, purchase spirit wear, and buy and sell used uniform items. Families can donate used uniform items to benefit the PTO or tag and sell items to receive profits themselves.
To donate uniform items, just drop them off at school at Door 2, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Proceeds from donated uniforms benefit a long list of PTO events and services. If you would like to sell your items, please click here to view our updated instructions. Uniforms will be accepted through Friday, July 22 for this sale. Anything received after this time will be placed in our next sale. If you would like to volunteer to help us set up, run the sale, or clean up, please stay tuned for a sign up link.
Thank You for Coming to School Skate Night!
The ERA PTO held their annual School Skate Night for grades K-8 last Thursday at Skateville in Burnsville. The theme was Disney/Marvel, with six students winning prizes for best-dressed. Over 130 students came out for the community building event! Thank you to everyone for joining the PTO for a night of fun! We hope to see you at more PTO events this summer, including the PTO Kickoff and Used Uniform Sale on July 28, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Click here to view more pictures from School Skate Night!
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions to the PTO fund that have brought us halfway to our goal for the year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to PTO at the school's address. The donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Share Your Contact Information in the Family Directory
Since our school is unable to publish or otherwise share family contact information, we want to encourage families to share their contact information in the school directory via Membership Tool Kit. Doing so makes it much easier to communicate between families, share classroom opportunities, publicize grade level get-togethers, and assist one another with homework and uniform questions.
Membership Tool Kit gives you control over what information you share and is available both online and as an app. Create an account here.
If you already have an account, use the same link to access it through your mobile app or computer and update your family information including teacher or advisor name.
Stay Connected!
Sincerely,
Your 2021-2022 PTO Board
President – Elena Ryabinin
Vice-President – Poornima Pelluri
Treasurer – Tina Loutsch
Teacher Liaisons – Lindsay Thomas (1st grade teacher) and Jessica Bergeron (9th grade Latin teacher)
Community Engagement – Gretchen Stone; Carolyn Sommers Tillotson
Feel free to reach out to PTO via email pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE Programs
See It… Save It!
Did you know that you can support Eagle Ridge Academy through your everyday purchases with the Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE programs? These programs are free and simple to use. Not only that, but anyone can participate—grandparents, neighbors, and friends—so check out these programs today, and while you’re at it, get a couple of friends on board too!
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education (BTFE) helps families earn money for Eagle Ridge Academy with products they already buy. It only takes minutes to get the Box Tops app through the app store on your phone and follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school. Once you have the app set up, it’s a snap to use it to scan your receipt every time you buy groceries. 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. Email seeitsaveitera@gmail.com if you have any questions about either program.
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