The Eagle Eye
May 12, 2022 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 18 | Issue 16
Upcoming Events
Friday, May 13
- Spirit Wear Day
- Spring Musical Wizard of Oz Opening Night, ERA Auditorium, 6:00 p.m.
- Pack the Theater and Senior Night, ERA Auditorium, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 14
- Spring Musical Wizard of Oz, ERA Auditorium, 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 15
- Spring Musical Wizard of Oz, ERA Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 16
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Dodge Nature Center, 8:50 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
- Annual Red Cross Blood Drive, ERA Parking Lot, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Fourth Grade Field Trip to Minnesota State Capital, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 17
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Dodge Nature Center, 8:50 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
- Sixth Grade Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
- Volunteer Appreciation Event, ERA Auditorium, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18
- Senior Symposium, ERA Auditorium, 1:10-3:10 p.m.
- Seventh and Eighth Grade Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
Thursday, May 19
- School of Rhetoric Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
- PTO Disney/Marvel Themed School Skate Night for Grades K-8, Skateville, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- National Honor Society Career Fair, School of Rhetoric, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Upper School Spring Choir Concert, ERA Auditorium, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 20
- NO SCHOOL due to Staff Development
Sunday, May 22
- Second Annual ERA Activities & Athletics Awards Celebration, ERA Gymnasium, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24
School Board Meeting, ERA Conference Room 1114, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Update on Covid-19 Restrictions - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Families,
On Tuesday evening, the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors held a Special Board Meeting in order to discuss and update our Covid-19 restrictions. The Board voted to:
- Give all people who enter our facility the option to mask.
- Require staff and students who are symptomatic or have a confirmed positive Covid-19 test to stay home. This is in line with how we address the flu, colds, and other illnesses. In the case of a positive Covid-19 test, the individual will stay home for five days, then mask for five days when at school. This is in line with current CDC recommendations.
- Not require the household members of a person with a positive Covid-19 test to quarantine.
- Continue with our enhanced cleaning schedule.
- Continue to use an enhanced HVAC system.
- Encourage individuals who test positive for Covid-19 or have any other contagious illness to report to the school nurse so we may track the data.
The updated Covid-19 restrictions will begin next Monday, May 16. Every decision has pros and cons. ERA believed that the restrictive measures put in place over the past two years were worth the disruption to the educational environment because of the possible severe health and safety ramifications to our community. The significant reduction in health risk now allows us to greatly decrease these restrictive procedures so that we may offer the highest quality Classical Education.
Every Thursday, the Covid-19 Incident Team will continue to monitor the positive Covid-19 Case Rate onsite. If there is a significant increase in onsite positive cases, the Covid-19 Incident Team may recommend increased restrictions. We appreciate the input that we have received from families and staff and we ask for further support by staying home if you have symptoms. The reduced restrictions only work if we reduce onsite spread.
Thank you,
Jason Ulbrich
All Lost and Found Items to be Donated at End of School Year
Last Chance to Return Library Books
Please return all library books and pay fines for damaged or missing library books by this Friday, May 13. Payment can be delivered to the library with the student’s name and grade. Some library fines can be paid on Infinite Campus. If you pay online, please notify School Librarian Mrs. Tillotson. The library will be closed after May 13 to prepare for reopening in the fall.
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Children's Choir Performs National Anthem at Target Field
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Eagle Ridge Academy Presents Wizard of Oz on May 13, 14, and 15
Follow the yellow brick road to Eagle Ridge Academy this weekend to see the ERA theater department put on "The Wizard of Oz"!
The spring musical features students in grades 3-12 and will be performed in the Eagle Ridge Academy auditorium on Friday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m., and Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets for Friday's performance will go on sale outside of the auditorium at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. Come early to guarantee your spot for opening night! Tickets may be purchased for $10 each.
The ERA Booster Club invites you to Pack the Theater opening night and stay after the performance for Senior Night, where senior activities and athletics participants will be recognized and celebrated.
Pack the Theater for Senior Night on May 13
Enjoy a wonderful performance, cheer on our spring seniors, show your school spirit, and have a chance to win giveaways!
Congratulations, Upper School Art Xpo Award Winners and Participants
The Upper School Art Xpo, ERA's annual juried exhibition of middle school and high school student art, took place last Friday, May 6. Over 700 student-submitted art pieces were featured in the 14th annual Xpo! Congratulations to senior Khaia Kulus and seventh grader Graysen Lee for winning Best in Show in their age groups and to all of our School of Rhetoric and School of Logic award winners, honorable mentions, and participants! View all 2022 Art Xpo award winners and honorable mentions here.
Thank you to ERA art teachers Emma Conner, Haley Thompson, and Lisa Johnson for organizing this event and to judges Corinne Gatesmith, Andrew Tomten, and Jason Ulbrich for their time.
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 you want 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 try and 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 2022-2023 PSEO Participants
Please remember that your ERA PSEO Application is due no later than 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16. You may access the ERA PSEO Application here under Forms or see Ms. MJ for a copy.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
Register for National Honor Society Career Fair on May 19
Dear Families,
The Eagle Ridge Academy National Honor Society is hosting a career fair for students in grades 6-12 on Thursday, May 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. This event will be hosted at ERA and all Upper School students and parents are welcome! Students will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from various career fields throughout the event, allowing them to explore occupations that interest them or learn about a field that they are unfamiliar with. the gym. Please use this form to register your student for the Career Fair.
The National Honor Society is still looking for parents to volunteer and/or present at the Career Fair. Please consider signing up to help Upper School students explore future career opportunities. Thank you to those who have already volunteered to help out!
If you are interested in being one of the presenters or volunteering at the event, please complete this form. You may contact NHS members Abdirashid Abdi and Lydia Blatzheim with any questions or concerns.
Summer Sports Camps/Clinics Registration Now Open - 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
Volunteers Needed for Second Annual Eagle Ridge Academy Activities and Athletics Celebration
This is your FINAL chance to register for the Second Annual Eagle Ridge Academy Activities and Athletics Celebration on Sunday, May 22, 4:00-8:00 p.m. at ERA. Come prepared for a fun night of celebrating the incredible accomplishments of the 2021-2022 ERA varsity activities and athletics participants, delicious food provided by four food trucks, awards ceremony, dessert, and more! RSVP by May 15 - space is limited, so don't miss out! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Sign up here.
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) or by joining the Facebook group today!
Chess Success
The School Chess Association conducted the 2022 Statewide Chess Championship for elementary students on May 7 and 8. Aarti K., Aditi K., Sashvanth G., Sourish M.,
Joshini S., Vinay M., Arnav S., and Archakov Z. represented Eagle Ridge Academy in the tournament. The students competed in over seven rounds, eventually winning first place in the elementary section! Aarti K., who came in sixth place overall, and Aditi K., who came in eighth place, were in the top sixteen finishers who will participate in Champion Tournament on May 28. Congratulations, chess players!
The School Chess Association (https://schoolchess.org/) also conducted a statewide tournament last week in the memory of Lawrence Lampert. Lawrence Lampert, the "Godfather of Minnesota Chess," passed away March 15, 2007. He was the president of the School Chess Association since its founding in 1968, and a key in the development of scholastic chess in Minnesota. This tournament is one of the prestigious tournaments of the School Chess Association.
Seventh grader Arjun V. secured first place in the tournament! This was a very tough tournament and he won 4 out of 5 games with the highest tiebreaker score. Congratulations, Arjun!
New Program Records Set in Track & Field
The Gryphon Track & Field team set new program records in the Girls 4x200 and the Boys 4x400 at the Section 4A True Team Meet held at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winstead High School on Tuesday, May 10.
Congratulations to Seraiah L., Frantzie S., Elsa D., and Ayayo O. of Eagle Ridge Academy and Aaden R.-S. of The International School of Minnesota, Cade L. and Eddie C. of Eagle Ridge Academy, and Bram R. of Groves Academy for setting these program records!
Developing Connections
Thank You for Attending the 8th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids
Thank you to all who joined us this past Saturday for the first Donut Dash to start and finish at Eagle Ridge Academy! It was beautiful, sunny morning of practicing excellence and perseverance with the Eagle Ridge Academy community. The 8th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids raised $18,500 to benefit student enrichment at Eagle Ridge Academy and featured over 500 runners and countless supporters. Whether you were dancing with our Zumba instructor, cheering our mini dashers, volunteering to make our morning run smoothly, or racing on the course, we are grateful you could be back with us in person and hope you will mark your calendar for next year’s 9th annual Donut Dash 5K on Saturday, May 6, 2023!
Thank you again to The MinneDonut Company for serving our community unlimited donuts during the event, Chick-fil-A Knollwood for feeding our dashers, HealthSource Chiropractic for giving chair massages and applying rock tape, ERA parent and Zumba®/HIIT instructor/Certified Personal Trainer Eryn Stennes for leading our dashers in a Zumba warm-up, DJ Chad with Trivia Stash for providing music and emceeing the event, Stieg Strand of the Strand Group Real Estate RE/MAX for his annual sponsorship of the Mini-Donut Dash, and Hopkins VFW Post #425 for being onsite and providing coupons to our runners! Thank you also to Bester Bros. Transfer & Storage, Boston Scientific, Burn Boot Camp, Costco, The Dental Specialists Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Holaday Circuits, JB Realty, KwikTrip, Richfield Blacktop, Sam’s Club, TC Running Company, and Universal Cleaning for generously sponsoring this event.
Click here to view finish line photos from Gopher State Events.
Click here to view the event photo album.
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.
End of Year Volunteer Opportunities!
We have several opportunities available for volunteers. There’s a job for everyone – let us know if you can help. Sign up to volunteer today.
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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Thank You, PTO, for an Incredible Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week!
Last week was Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at Eagle Ridge Academy! To celebrate, the Eagle Ridge Academy PTO planned special treats planned for teachers and staff each day of the week.
On Monday, PTO members traveled from classroom to classroom and prepared iced drinks to teachers and staff. They also decorated the lounges and left snacks to bring some sunshine to a gray Monday morning. On Tuesday, the PTO left sweet and salty treats in the staff lounges. On Wednesday, teachers and staff were treated to lunch from Wingman Matt's food truck. Wingman Matt, located in Eden Prairie, gives a portion of their profits directly to families struggling with cancer-related medical bills. On Thursday, the PTO decorated the staff lounges with gifts and notes of appreciation for our teachers and staff. Due to generous donations from families and the community, each teacher and staff member was able to choose a gift card, school supplies, and a fun sticker. Teachers and staff were also given personal notes of gratitude and appreciation written by families and students. On Friday, administration celebrated teachers and staff by providing breakfast and declaring the day an all-school FREE Free Dress Day.
Thank you, teachers and staff, for supporting our students daily and ensuring that they achieve their highest academic potential. Thank you, ERA PTO, for organizing this fun week of appreciation.
Grades K-8 Invited to Disney/Marvel-Themed School Skate Night on May 19
The PTO is excited to bring back their grades K-8 school skate! Join them at Skateville (201 River Ridge Cir. S, Burnsville, MN 55337) on Thursday, May 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for skating, games, prizes, and music! Roller skate rental is $6/person, inline skate rental is $3/person. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult. It is not a drop-off event. Come dressed in your favorite Disney or Marvel costume and you might win a prize for best dressed!
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.
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
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