The Eagle Eye
November 9, 2023 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2023-24 Issue 5
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 10
- Last Day to Register for 11th Annual Gala for the Gryphons
- Veteran's Day Assemblies
- Veteran's Day Speaker Presentation and Roundtable, 6:30 p.m.
- Fall Play The Frugal Repast, 7:00 p.m.
- Fall Play The Frugal Repast, 2:00 p.m.
- Fall Play The Frugal Repast, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, November 13
- Two-Hour Late Start, 10:00 a.m.
- PTO Meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- School Board Workshop and Board Meeting, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 16
Friday, November 17
- 11th Annual Gala for the Gryphons, 6:00-11:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24
- No School due to Thanksgiving Break
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.
Eagle Ridge Academy Veterans Day Celebration Friday, November 10
Saturday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Eagle Ridge Academy will recognize the holiday next Friday, November 10. All students are required to wear Formal Dress on Veterans Day. Part of the Eagle Ridge Academy vision statement is that Eagle Ridge Academy will offer an academically rigorous, time-tested, Classical liberals arts curriculum that fosters an appreciation for the United States of America and her unique role in the world. On Veterans Day, we want our students to understand what it means to be a Veteran and to honor the selfless sacrifice that so many have made for our freedoms.
Grades 2-12 will attend Veterans Day assemblies in the ERA Auditorium. Each celebration will include a musical performance from our students and speeches given in honor of the occasion. We will have capacity for visitors during the grades 4-5 ceremony (8:15-8:40 a.m.) if you would like to attend. Please check in at the main office beginning at 8:00 a.m. Please see the complete assembly schedule below:
- Grades 4-5: 8:15-8:40 a.m.
- Grades 2-3: 8:50-9:15 a.m.
- Grades 6-8: 9:25-9:50 a.m.
- Grades 9-12: 10:00-10:25 a.m.
Additionally, Eagle Ridge Academy will welcome guest speaker Richard Middleton for his History of the American Flag presentation in the Eagle Ridge Academy Forum on Friday, November 10, 6:30-7:00 p.m. A veterans roundtable will follow, featuring community speakers. Coffee and cookies will be provided at the event. All are welcome. Please enter through the main entrance starting at 6:00 p.m.
The Patriotic Journeys flag presentation has on display thirteen rare and unique flags representing 242 years of American flag history including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and modern-day flags. We will learn about the intriguing, often little-known details about the evolution of the American flag, design, canton and field element descriptions; background stories; origin of our national anthem; summary of rare locations where the flag has been flown; and a tribute to veterans.
Richard Middleton received his Distinguished Military Graduate officer commission in the United States Army and was selected to be an instructor at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He is a member and chaplain of American Legion Post #580 in Chanhassen and a member of the Fort Snelling Rifle Squad.
Upper School Fall Play Performances November 10 & 11
Join us for ERA’s Upper School fall play: The Frugal Repast by Ron Hirsen, directed by Betsy Bixby. It is 1913 in Paris, where renowned art dealer Ambroise Vollard has just published The Frugal Repast, an edition of etchings by Pablo Picasso, the rising young star of the Paris art world. The two impoverished circus performers depicted in The Frugal Repast see the etching on display in the window of Vollard’s gallery and determine to steal it for ransom.
Performances will take place in ERA’s auditorium on Friday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 11, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10. Please note that the box office can only accept cash or check.
Congratulations, CLT10 Regional Scholars!
Silas Bixby, Susanna Good, Karolina Kozlovska, and Graysen Lee have been recognized as Regional Scholars for their outstanding performance on the 2023 CLT10 assessment. Each year, Classic Learning Test recognizes top performers on the CLT10. Regional Scholars landed in the top 5% of their respective region.
Of the thousands of students who take the CLT10 every year, these students have attained a remarkable achievement, and Eagle Ridge Academy is incredibly proud of their accomplishment.
Support New Teacher Mentoring and Scholarship Programs on Give to the Max Day November 16
Join us for Give to the Max Day on November 16, and you could help us receive $500, $1,000 or $10,000. Just make an online donation on 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 16 on 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!
Grow Your Own and New Teacher Mentor Program
Recruiting and hiring excellent, diverse, and Classical teachers for all our Gryphons has been a challenge! To increase the diversity of Classical teachers available to our students, Eagle Ridge Academy has a Grow Your Own (GYO) teacher program and has expanded our teacher mentoring program.
The programs are supported by the New Teacher Mentor Coordinator who recruit a diverse population of non-licensed teachers, equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for high-quality teaching, and develop their teaching skills through coaching and mentoring which will allow Eagle Ridge Academy to retain empowered educators who positively impact student learning. The New Teacher Mentor Coordinator supports aspiring teachers in navigating the state certification system. Eagle Ridge Academy assists in covering costs associated with obtaining a license and/or degree. Through mentorship, financial assistance, and support in maneuvering the complexities of state procedures, Eagle Ridge Academy removes the cultural, economic, and linguistic barriers that may otherwise prevent future Classical educators from pursuing a career in teaching.
Student Scholarships
We hope that one day every ERA graduate will receive a scholarship for post-secondary education.
Currently there are four $1,000 scholarships. We are starting the funding process to add four additional $1,000 scholarships and two $25,000 scholarships. By building up our endowment, our goal is to have the $1,000 scholarships added in the 2024-25 school year and the two $25,000 scholarships in 3-5 years.
What We've Done and Numbers
We are happy to report that we currently have 12 staff members participating in the Teacher Mentor Program: 10 in classroom positions and two apprentice teachers.
The Teacher Mentor program not only allows for a hands-on training and mentorship program but pays for all testing and licensing fees and materials for testing. When these participants enroll in higher education courses for licensure, they will be eligible for reimbursement up to $10,000 per year for up to four years.
Apprentice teachers are paid for their year-long learning experience.
To date we have awarded $21,000 in student scholarships, helping offset the cost of post-graduate studies.
Thank you! With your support, we can continue building on the future of our Eagle Ridge Academy scholars.
Executive Director Jason Ulbrich on Classical Education
Since the years of COVID, academia has discussed and researched the learning that students sacrificed during this difficult time. I recently read the EdWorkingPaper, The Unintended Consequences of Academic Leniency (Bowden, A. Brooks, Viviana Rodriguez, and Zach Weingarten. (2023). The Unintended Consequences of Academic Leniency. (EdWorkingPaper: 23-836). Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: https://doi.org/10.26300/m6sa-m733.) The paper addresses the question of why student GPA and graduation rates have increased since COVID, yet attendance rates and ACT test scores have lowered. The answer is that schools have lowered the standards for students in both behavior and academics.
In schools across America, academic leniency has been taken to the extreme. This poses a multifaceted challenge to educational systems. While a degree of flexibility can accommodate diverse learning styles and circumstances, an overemphasis on leniency can result in significant drawbacks for students, especially students who have been traditionally underserved.
Academic leniency can lead to a pervasive issue of grade inflations. When grading standards are consistently relaxed, a higher proportion of students receive grades that are not reflective of their content mastery. These inflations, though seemingly positive in the short term, ultimately undermine the value of academic achievement. Employers and higher educational institutions may struggle to distinguish exceptional performers from those who have merely benefited from lenient policies.
Academic leniency can inadvertently breed a sense of complacency among students. If students perceive that they can succeed in a school like Eagle Ridge Academy with minimal effort, their motivation to engage deeply in our liberal arts education diminishes. This lack of intellectual curiosity can hinder the student’s overall growth and development. Intellectual curiosity is at the foundation of Classical education.
An over-reliance on academic leniency can lead to a systemic failure in adequately preparing students for challenges in their career and postsecondary education. Graduates find themselves ill-equipped to meet the demands of their chosen profession, resulting in potential setbacks and difficulties in securing stable employment.
In some fields, such as medicine, engineering, or law, leniency in education can have serious consequences. These professions require a high level of precision and expertise, and a lax approach to education can compromise public safety and professional integrity.
Ultimately, an excess of academic leniency erodes the credibility, reputation, and public trust of academic institutions. Over time, a school known for lenient policies may struggle to attract high-caliber faculty and students.
Eagle Ridge Academy has found the right balance between flexibility and maintaining academic rigor. Eagle Ridge Academy will stand apart from this trend by doubling down on our rigor while, at the same time, providing students the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
#ThrowbackThursday
The 11th annual Gala for the Gryphons, celebrating twenty years of Eagle Ridge Academy, will take place on Friday, November 17. Registration for the Gala closes TOMORROW, November 10. Several members of the Academy's past and present will be in attendance, including Eagle Ridge Academy co-founder Dr. Kenneth D. Greener (pictured right), who will be the guest speaker at the event. Three more special guests are Art Teacher Lisa Johnson (pictured above at the pit fire circa ~2012 and in Greece in 2007) and School Librarian Carolyn Sommers Tillotson (pictured above in the staff band), who all started as teachers at Eagle Ridge Academy twenty years ago! Register for the Gala TODAY to celebrate the Academy's twenty years with these special guests!
Gala for the Gryphons Silent Auction Opens Friday, November 10
The Gala for the Gryphons silent auction will open this Friday, November 10, and feature over 200 items! The link will be shared with the community on Friday and the silent auction will stay open until Friday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. Want to see the silent auction items in person? Make sure to register for the Gala for the option to see all the online silent items AND bid on the incredible live auction items at the event. If you are unable to attend in person, you may assign a proxy bidder to bid on the live auction items at the gala.
Proceeds from this year's Gala will help fund the Eagle Ridge Academy's Teacher Grow Your Own Teacher and Teacher Mentor programs, helping to recruit and sustain quality teachers. Having excellent, diverse, and Classical teachers for all of our Gryphons has been a challenge. In addition, the Gala will continue to support scholarship funds for our graduating seniors, creating opportunities for future generations of Eagle Ridge Academy scholars. Unable to attend this year's gala but still want to support the students and staff of Eagle Ridge Academy? Contact Kelly Schiffman to donate a Gala ticket to an Eagle Ridge Academy staff member or make an online donation to Eagle Ridge Academy.
Featuring Live Music and DJ Entertainment
Attend this year's Gala to hear live acoustic music from Trick, featuring Todd Epley and Rick Blomquist. The evening will conclude with dancing to DJ entertainment from Midwest Sound.
Karen Sorbo Returns as Gala Emcee and Auctioneer
As a leading benefit auctioneer, Karen Sorbo’s dedication, effusive energy, commanding yet elegant stage presence, and precision techniques have engaged audiences across the country and internationally. Karen has raised over $900 million dollars conducting more than 2,900 auctions since 1993.
In addition to being a benefit auctioneer, Karen is a speaker, author, mentor, resilience coach, humanitarian, documentary film producer/director, and travel enthusiast.
Classical In-Action Parent Night Wednesday, January 10
Dear Families,
As we took time to review the different survey data collected over the last year, we noticed that parents value our Classical model of education, but that many are eager to see it in action. In order to give parents a glimpse into what our excellent teachers do every day while educating your children, we are bringing our classes to you!
Join us Wednesday, January 10, at 5:30 p.m. for a night of Classical classes, where you as the parent simply sit in on one of our classes. You become the student! From working through mental math strategies to responding in seminars, learning Latin to applying oracy skills, you’ll have a front row seat to Classical education. At the end of each session, teachers will share simple ways to extend this learning at home.
Interested parents: please review the show-cased classes below. Then register for the event and choose your top classes to attend. Please note: you must register ahead of time for this event. Don’t miss this opportunity to see our mission and vision in action. Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Suzannah Toso
Classical Enrichment Teacher K-2
Classical Coordinator K-12
Community Updates: School of Rhetoric
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Scholarship Opportunities
- Florida State University’s Service Scholar Program - $4,500 per year for up to four years.
- NACME Scholarships - $5,000 - 100 Awards (Deadline: December 16, 2023). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic-American, or Native/American Indian. B) Be planning to study in the fields of engineering or computer science.
- Concordia College Moorhead Visual Art Scholarship - $2000-$5000 per year for four years - Interested students must be accepted for admission to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, by the application deadline (January 15) to be eligible.
- Navy ROTC Scholarship Program - Receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees, and other financial benefits OR room and board at many of the country's leading colleges and universities.
Kind regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Congratulations, National Honor Society Inductees!
The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Last month, the Eagle Ridge Academy National Honor Society inducted seven new members. Congratulations to Ananya M., Nikhil H., Oliver K., Sierra F., Evan H., Bryan A., and Kseniya M. (not pictured) on this accomplishment!
Congratulations to MSHL State Cross Country Championship Runners Greta and Ava!
New Grades K-12 Winter Activities Added!
LAST CHANCE to register for Boys Youth & Middle School Travel Basketball (Grades 4-8), Girls Youth Travel Basketball (Grades 4-8), Boys Varsity/Junior Varsity Basketball (Grades 7-12), and Girls Varsity/Junior Varsity Basketball (Grades 7-12).
Additionally, new winter activities have been added, including Gryphon Youth Basketball (Grades K-4), Inquisitive Artistry (Grades 4-6), and Boys Hockey (Grades 9-12). Learn more about these new offerings below and register today at https://era-ar.rschooltoday.com.
Gryphon Youth Basketball (Grades K-4)
Who: Introductory level of basketball skills.
When: Six Saturdays - December 2, 9, & 16 and January 6, 13 & 20
Where: Eagle Ridge Academy Main Gym
Cost: $90
Directors: Kris Babler and Kenny McGee
Inquisitive Artistry (Grades 4-6)
Who: This club is for the students whose curiosity and/or skills go beyond what can be covered in class. We will seek to explore new methods and techniques in making art, as well as discovering new ways of expressing oneself through art. Let's learn and create together--like the artists of old--knowing that iron sharpens iron.
When: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Ms. Gaskins' Room 1602
Cost: $25
Director: Jenny Gaskins
Boys Hockey with Providence Academy (Grades 9-12)
Who: Competitive hockey players looking for a Varsity or JV experience with a highly-competitive program.
When: Monday-Friday, 3:45 p.m.
Where: Plymouth Ice Center
Cost: $750 plus fees; No financial aid available for this program.
More information here: https://providencelions.com/teams/3451999/boys/hockey/varsity.
NOVEMBER 16: Please join us - FOOD & GAMES!
The ERA Booster Club supports more than 20 activities and athletic programs at ERA. This is a fun group and we would love to get to know you!
What: ERA Booster Club November Meeting
When: November 16, 6:00-7:00 p.m. (You are welcome to come late or leave early.)
Where: West Tech Business Center - Dristeem Training Center (15151 Technology Drive, Suite C. Eden Prairie, MN 55344)
RSVP: None needed! Please come!
BASKETBALL SEASON PASSES available soon!
Join the PTO for the Annual Festival of Treats!
Eagle Ridge PTO warmly invites you to participate in our cherished tradition - the Festival of Treats! This event is all about celebrating kindness, peace, love, and the joy of wonderful snow days by sharing your culinary talents with our incredible staff at the school.
Event Dates:
- Tuesday, December 12: Sweet Treats Monday
- Thursday, December 14: Savory Treats Day
We're excited to create memorable moments for our hardworking teachers and staff. To make this event a success, we need your help!
How You Can Contribute:
Check our Amazon Shopping List: Explore our Amazon Shopping List for ideas and inspiration. Don't have time to drop off treats? No worries! You can conveniently use Amazon to have items shipped directly to the school.
Plan for Our 160+ Staff: With more than 160 staff members, we encourage you to plan your contributions accordingly to ensure everyone gets a treat.
Donation Drop-off: You can drop off your donations at the school office. Whether you choose to bake homemade goodies or pick up store-bought treats, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Delivery Options: If it's more convenient for you, you can also use services like DoorDash to have your treats delivered directly to the school.
Financial Contributions: If you'd prefer to contribute financially, you can do so through this link: Financial Contribution.
Have Questions or Need More Information? Feel free to reach out to us at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com. We're here to assist you with any queries you may have.
Your support and contributions help make our school community even more special. Thank you for your generosity!
Warm regards,
PTO Meeting Monday, November 13
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 Nov. 17, Dec. 8, Jan. 18 (Thursday), Feb. 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 2022-23 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
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