The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
May 2, 2024 | 2023-24 Issue 15
Saturday, May 4
Wednesday, May 8
Friday, May 10
Monday, May 13
Tuesday, May 14
Wednesday, May 15
- Coffee and Conversation with Principal Johnson
- Spring SoR Symphonic Orchestra and 8th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert
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.
District Updates
Eagle Ridge Academy Only Charter School to Have All Schools Ranked as "Best Schools" in Minnesota
Eagle Ridge Academy has again been named one of the best high schools in the state and the country by earning the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Medal and Charter Medal. This year marks the twelfth year in a row U.S. News & World Report has honored Eagle Ridge Academy.
The 2024 report ranked Eagle Ridge Academy's School of Rhetoric as the ninth best high school in the state out of 475 public high schools and 636th in the country out of 17,660 schools. Eagle Ridge Academy's School of Logic was ranked as the thirteenth best middle school out of 478 public junior highs and middle schools in Minnesota. Eagle Ridge Academy's School of Grammar was ranked fifteenth out of 1,002 public elementary schools in Minnesota. Read more about Eagle Ridge Academy's ranking here.
U.S. News & World Report determines their school rankings using six indicators of school success—college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates. Using this methodology, schools earned an overall percentile score between 0 and 100 at two decimal places. Eagle Ridge Academy's overall score this year was 96.4/100.
Gryphon Conversation on Science Changes Monday, May 13
Eagle Ridge Academy prides itself on providing a robust high school science program and sequence. ERA students graduate with a rigorous 4-year exploration of all areas of science including the required courses of chemistry, biology, physics, and additional coursework in forensics, anatomy, and several AP courses. This path will ensure students have a well-rounded understanding of their world from a scientific perspective.
Due to a long delay because of COVID, the new Minnesota Science Standards will officially be in effect for the 2024-2025 school year. As part of this change, students must complete one credit to satisfy all the earth and space science standards for grades 9-12, one credit to satisfy all the life science standards for grades 9-12, and one credit to satisfy all the chemistry or physics standards for grades 9-12.
As a K-12 school, Eagle Ridge has some flexibility in the presentation order of these standards to our students. This creates an amazing opportunity for our 8th grade students! Earth and Space concepts are best explained and understood with Physical Science concepts. Both sets of standards were integrated during this school year. This ultimately means that approximately 50% of the high school Earth and Space credits will be earned by successfully completing 8th grade science! As previously seen with the completion of Latin 2 in 8th grade, students receive high school credit. This credit will NOT affect their future high school GPA, however.
Much of the course curriculum outlined in 8th grade science will remain unchanged. This new integration, however, will allow students to explore Earth and Space Sciences more deeply. This will be positively affected by the innate School of Logic nature of curiosity and wonder about the world around them.
Understanding the value of integration in science, the remaining 50% of the Earth and Space science high school standards will be split and earned in chemistry and physics. This means that successfully passing chemistry and physics will add an additional .50 total of a credit due to the extra standards covered.
While this redistribution of credits will be unique to ERA, it will provide the best opportunity for our students to experience well beyond the 3-4 years of science credit most students are typically offered in traditional public schools. Our students will be afforded the opportunity to really explore their physical world in 8th grade with rigor and wonder while setting them up for success in the School of Rhetoric.
The proposed change in credits requires a vote from the Board of Directors. Prior to the May 28 Board meeting, Eagle Ridge Academy will hold a virtual Gryphon Conversation on Monday, May 13, 8:00-8:45 a.m. This will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions and provide feedback on the recommended change. You may join the Gryphon Conversation using this Zoom link. (Meeting ID: 814 5721 0656; Passcode: 231632)
The following change was proposed by the science department, reviewed by CISA, and presented to the Board on April 23:
Beginning with the graduating class of 2028 (current 8th graders), students will receive .5 science credit in 8th grade science which satisfies high school earth and space requirements.
The remaining .5 credit needed to satisfy earth and space requirements will be dispersed between biology and physics.
The exact credit change will be presented to the Board in the 2024-2025 school year.
K-12 Gryphon Conversation on Behavior Recording
Eagle Ridge Academy held a Gryphon Conversation on behavior for K-12 families on Wednesday, April 24. During the Conversation, Executive Director Jason Ulbrich and the Schools of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric Principals and Assistant Principals reviewed national data trends on behavior, gave brief summaries of updated legislation and its impact, provided a overview of supports in place for students at the Academy, and answered questions from attendees. View the Gryphon Conversation recording here.
May Menus Now Available
View the May Breakfast Menu here and the May Lunch menu here. On March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law, taking effect this school year. Each student in attendance will receive one reimbursable breakfast and one reimbursable lunch per day at no cost to the child. Additional meals and à la carte items can be purchased for an additional cost. See all food service information here.
Fine Arts Festival Night 2 Thursday, May 2
The Fine Arts Festival will be a combined event featuring the work of School of Grammar and fifth grade students in art and music. Presented over the course of two evenings, audience members will have the opportunity to hear songs prepared in music class, view art works created in art class, and hear poetry prepared in their Classical Enrichment course (K-2).
The first evening of the event was Tuesday, April 30. The second evening of the event will be Thursday, May 2. The schedule is as follows:
- 5:30 p.m. – Grade 1 Informance
- 6:30 p.m. – Grade 3 Informance
- 7:30 p.m. – Grade 5 Informance
Last Chance - Register for Youth Track Meet by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3
Gryphon/Husky Track and Field is holding a Youth Track Meet for students ages 12 and under at the International School of Minnesota on Saturday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. The entry fee per athlete is $20 for unlimited events. You may pay with check or exact change on the day of the meet. Register for events here by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3.
High school and adult volunteers are needed to make this event happen! Sign up to volunteer here.
Please view this flyer for more information about the Youth Track Meet.
Prom Volunteers and Donations Needed - Tickets Still Available Through May 3
Eagle Ridge Academy's Secret Garden Prom for juniors and seniors will be held at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (501 W 78th Street, Chanhassen, 55317) on Saturday, May 11, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Last chance prom tickets can be purchased from Mr. O'Neal for $60/ticket cash or check through this Friday, May 3. No tickets will be sold at the door; tickets must be purchased by the end of this week.
Adult volunteers and decoration donations are still needed! Sign up to help with set-up, photography, or clean-up here. Sign up to bring AA batteries, button/circle batteries, tea lights, pillar candles, or command strips to school here. Questions can be sent to koneal@eagleridgeacademy.org. THANK YOU!
Sign Up for Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 8
Eagle Ridge Academy National Honor Society will host a Red Cross Blood Drive for students, staff, and families ages 17+ (or 16 with parental consent) outside the District Office on Wednesday, May 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sign up for an appointment here. Please bring an ID to your appointment. You may contact National Honor Society Advisor Derek Lutz dlutz@eagleridgeacademy.org with questions. See blood donation resources below.
Help Prep and Plant the 2024 Gryphon Garden on Saturday, May 11
Eagle Ridge Academy is looking for community members to prep and plant our 2024 Gryphon Garden! Planting day is Saturday, May 11, at Eagle Ridge Academy from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (If the weather is bad, this event will be moved to Sunday, May 25.) Garden volunteers will pull weeds, spread mulch and dirt, prepare water barrels, and plant garden beds with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. We welcome all ages. Sign up here today!
Camp Read-a-lot, May 13-28 - Donations and Volunteers Needed!
May 13-28, the ERA Library will be transformed into a campground! To close out library visits for the year, students will get to read books in tents with flashlights and have a campfire snack!
In order to run this annual event, volunteers are needed to help host each class. Hosts will serve snacks, read with the students as they wish, and assist with cleanup. Per ERA policy, volunteers must pass a background check. Sign up to volunteer here. Unable to host this year? Snack donations are also needed! View the list of donations needed here. Students can drop donations off in the library. Cash donations provided to the librarian the week prior to the event will also be accepted to purchase the snack items.
Contact School Librarian Mrs. Sommers Tillotson with questions. Please note that students are expected to turn in their remaining checked-out books and pay fines on their account by their scheduled visit to Camp Read-a-lot. Thank you for your time and support of the ERA students and library!
Donut Dash Parking Lot Attendants and Course Marshalls Needed for May 18
While early registration is now closed, there is still time to register for the 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Dash for Kids coming up on Saturday, May 18! Online registration is open until May 15, though a limited number of special ten year anniversary shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not want to miss this beloved community event! Register now here.
Don't wish to run or walk on May 18? Volunteer! Did you know this event takes more than 70 volunteers to ensure success? We are in critical need of CROSS WALK GUARDS and PARKING LOT ATTENDANTS. In order to ensure a quality event with over 1000 people, we cannot compromise safety. PLEASE consider signing up for one or more of these ESSENTIAL positions! Volunteers will receive a Donut Dash Volunteer T-shirt to wear the day of the event and keep as a thank-you for your time.
Volunteers Needed for Classroom Parties and Moving Up Ceremonies!
Join the 2024-2025 ERA Classroom Parent Volunteer Team
Our Eagle Ridge community is enriched when we come together to support one another. Serving as a Classroom Parent (grades K-5) or a Parent Advocate (grades 6-8) is an important and tangible way to support grade level teachers and families. Volunteers should have a child in the grade-level for which they sign up but may sign up for more than one grade level. Sign up here! If you have questions or want help figuring out how to participate as a working parent, please contact Karen Oglesby (karen@newmercies.org).
Teacher Favorites Reminder
Earlier in the year, parent volunteers asked Eagle Ridge Academy teachers and staff to tell us some of their favorite things. If you'd like to see what your child's teacher included, check for their form here. Spoiler alert: mugs, teacher trinkets, and fragrances are among the least favorited items (but not for everyone, so take a look to see your teacher's favorites).
Greeters Still Needed for Gryphon Greeter Program
One year ago, Eagle Ridge Academy launched a pilot program, the Gryphon Greeter Program, as a welcome initiative for families new to Eagle Ridge Academy. It was a test program to determine if families brand new to the Academy would benefit from having a dedicated ERA parent assigned to them as a liaison and guide. The purpose of the Gryphon Greeter Program is to create a warm, inviting culture and climate for new families that fosters immediate connections within the ERA community and deepens knowledge of and commitment to Classical education.
The program was piloted following last year’s lottery by 12 seasoned parent and/or teacher champions of ERA who served as guides for randomly chosen families during their first year at ERA. While not every family felt the need to have extra support, a significant number found it extremely valuable. Therefore, we will continue the program going forward. This year we hope to offer a Gryphon Greeter to every family new to Eagle Ridge Academy. With your help, we can do it.
We are looking for 5-10 additional greeters to join our team as we welcome new families for the 2024-25 school year. If you are passionate about Eagle Ridge Academy and Classical education, are engaged in the community, have been here for two or more years, and would like to serve as a champion of Eagle Ridge Academy by positively encouraging new families, answering questions, and serving as a general resource, you are welcome to apply here.
Any questions may be directed to Kelly Schiffman at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Thank You for Attending Family Literacy Night
Thank you to all of the families who joined the ERA Literacy Team on April 19 for Family Literacy Night! During the event, families played literacy-based games, read together, and were provided with tools to support children at home to help them become more successful readers.
Thank You For Attending the National Honor Society Culture Event
The Eagle Ridge Academy National Honor Society (NHS) hosted a culture event open to all ERA students and families on April 19. Attendees could browse a number of cultural booths, attend a religious discussion, and try different cultural foods. Thank you to all who shared their culture, participated in the discussion, and attended the event!
Thank You for Attending Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night
Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Gryphons! On April 23, Eagle Ridge Academy held a Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night to celebrate the more than 325 volunteers who have donated nearly 4,500 hours of their time this year. Attendees enjoyed speeches from Director of Academics Susan Bloomgren, ERA Teacher and Board Chair Clare Murray, Director of Development Kelly Schiffman, and Activities Specialist Kalvin O'Neal. They also enjoyed wonderful food provided by Taher Catering, Karibu Restaurant, and Nacho's Mexican Grill, beautiful piano music from ERA senior Teddy R., and conversation with friends.
It's so important to take the time to honor those who do so much behind the scenes at the Academy. 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 Board of Directors, and the Friends of Education Board. Thank you to ALL Eagle Ridge Academy volunteers. Eagle Ridge Academy is grateful to you for helping create a culture of joy and giving at Eagle Ridge Academy.
As Eagle Ridge Academy grows, the need for volunteers becomes abundant. You can continue to strengthen our Eagle Ridge Academy by encouraging more parents and friends to become engaged. When parents, teachers, staff, students, and our outside community partners give their time and talent, Eagle Ridge Academy culture becomes that much richer. We are grateful for you! View current volunteer opportunities here. View more photos from the event here.
Thank You for Supporting ERA Theater
Thank you to everyone that came to ERA Theater's production of Pride and Prejudice this past weekend! Special shoutout to the cast and crew, play director Emma Richards, photographer Kaia Nygord, and the ERA Booster Club for all their work this spring.
Register Now for the 11th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, June 17
Eagle Ridge Academy is proud to host its 11th charity golf tournament, a four-person scramble, bringing the community together to raise important funds for the Academy. Nearly 1,600 students in grades K-12 attend the Academy and directly benefit from the generosity of our partners who support Eagle Ridge Academy. Enjoy an afternoon of golf and camaraderie on the course while playing for a good cause. The event includes 18 holes of golf, cart and greens fees, lunch and social hour by D’Amico Catering, complimentary drink ticket, golfer gift, and social hour/dinner. Register online today!
The golf tournament will once again be hosted at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park! 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 will be from the Edinburgh Pro Shop.
Proceeds will support Eagle Ridge Academy’s Scholarship, Grow Your Own Teacher, and Teacher Mentor Programs—thank you for making these important programs possible!
Whether you are an avid golfer, never picked up a club, or want to come out to volunteer, we welcome you to be part of our Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament.
Classical Corner
Upcoming Event: Tour MIA with Art Teacher Lisa Johnson - Less Than 10 Slots Left!
In December of this year, Eagle Ridge held its first Classical In Action Parent Night. Teachers from all three schools opened their classrooms to give parents a taste of Classical education. Parents sat in on School of Grammar literacy and mathematics lessons, School of Logic history and Latin classes, and around a table for School of Rhetoric seminars, just to name a few. The event was a hit, with families gaining more of an understanding of the Trivium and an appreciation of the different expectations of their children as scholars at Eagle Ridge.
The event was so popular that we have decided to take it out into the community through an upcoming Classical In the Community Night. Join art teacher extraordinaire Lisa Johnson as she tours the Minnesota Institute of Art. She is delighted to guide parents through the museum with a Classical eye! Her wealth of knowledge, positivity, and sense of humor is the perfect combination to make a night at the museum not only educational but also memorable. Join one of our founding teachers the evening of May 23 at 4:30 p.m. for Ms. Johnson’s Art Tour of the MIA! We hope to see you there! SIGN UP HERE.
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Congratulations, April Pillar Award Winners!
CIPHER (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, Respect) is more than a motto, it’s what we strive to follow in our actions with fellow Gryphons.
The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies in which six students from each grade level in the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric are recognized for displaying CIPHER throughout the month. Each student is nominated for a Pillar Award by one of their teachers, who writes a short paragraph describing how the student exemplified their pillar, which is shared with the student body.
Congratulations to our April Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Dear School of Rhetoric Families,
Advanced placement exams for AP students begin next week. Please note that the afternoon sessions for the Advanced Placement Exams run after the buses have left for the day. Therefore, students may need to plan alternative transportation to ensure they can fully participate in these exams.
Further details are being emailed directly to students and parents, but feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Linda Kaiser
Sign Up for Varsity Summer Workouts
Greetings Gryphons,
We are extremely excited about our summer programs this year. We have received a grant that will cover the entire cost of participation for students in our summer programs.
Participation this year includes skill development sessions with our varsity head coaches as well as strength and conditioning sessions. The expectation for varsity athletes is that both are atteded. We have a goal of 100 students in strength and conditioning this summer.
Students are welcome to sign up for as many skill development workouts as they want - but only one of the strength & conditioning sessions. In lieu of any fees, we encourage families to donate to the ERA Booster club or volunteer your time to our activities next year. Sign up here today.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler, Activities Director
ERA PTO Meeting Monday, May 13
Purchase PTO Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear Days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combination. The last Spirit Wear date of 2023-24 is May 10. Learn more and purchase PTO Spirit Wear here. All spirit wear proceeds benefit PTO events, services, and teacher support. Share your opinions on this year's spirit wear by completing this quick survey.
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions that have already been made to the PTO fund this year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to the PTO at the school's address. Donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Stay Connected!
- Follow the ERA PTO on Facebook!
- Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register. Create an account here: eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- Email the PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Developing Connections
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift, broken down into smaller amounts, which makes giving easier, and allows a predictable revenue source for Eagle Ridge Academy. Click here to pledge your annual support.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a Matching Gift Program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR departments to ask about their community support and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100% (essentially doubling the impact of your gift to the Academy), donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations. Search this website to see if your workplace matches.
Be informed by asking today!
Shop with RaiseRight
Eagle Ridge Academy offers RaiseRight, a gift card program that gives back to Eagle Ridge Academy with purchases on everyday items such as groceries, restaurants, retail, and gas. Buy gift cards at face value from more than 750 retailers, and RaiseRight donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Fridays, with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education
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.
Eagle Ridge Academy
Website: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/
Location: 11111 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: 9527467760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRidgeAcademy/