The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
April 18, 2024 | 2023-24 Issue 14
**During the month of April, students in grades 3-11 will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA). The testing schedule is available here and on the School Calendar. If you have specific questions about testing, please contact your child’s teacher.
Thursday, April 18
Friday, April 19
Week of April 22
- Upper School Pillar Assemblies - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
Monday, April 22
Tuesday, April 23
Wednesday, April 24
Friday, April 26
Saturday, April 27
Sunday, April 28
Monday, April 29
Tuesday, April 30
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
Pack the Park Thursday, April 18
TIME TO PACK THE PARK! Everyone is invited to Dred Scott Field (10820 Bloomington Ferry Road, Bloomington) Thursday, April 18, at 4:00 p.m. to cheer on Gryphon Baseball at this FREE ERA Booster Club event! Come hungry - concessions will sell hot dogs, snacks, and drinks during the baseball game.
K-12 Gryphon Conversation on Behavior Wednesday, April 24
Eagle Ridge Academy will hold a Gryphon Conversation on behavior for K-12 families on Wednesday, April 24, 9:00-9:40 a.m. Gryphon Conversations are a way for the ERA community to hear the latest Academy information and ask questions of our administration.
During the April 24 Gryphon Conversation, Executive Director Jason Ulbrich and the Schools of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric Principals and Assistant Principals will review national data trends on behavior, give brief summaries of updated legislation and its impact, and provide an overview on supports in place for students at the Academy. There will also be time for questions. You may join the Gryphon Conversation at this link (Meeting ID: 856 0990 8143; Passcode: 214782). This conversation will be recorded for those unable to attend.
Newest Issue of The Link Alumni Newsletter Now Available
The Link is a quarterly alumni newsletter meant to help Eagle Ridge Academy alumni get and stay connected with fellow alumni and the Eagle Ridge Academy community. The goal of the Eagle Ridge Academy Alumni Association is to facilitate ways to connect, share wisdom and experience with past and current students, and provide opportunities to connect professionally and socially through events and volunteerism.
The April 2024 issue of The Link is now available! This quarter’s Spotlight on Alumni focuses on Mariah Colby ’14 as she fills us in on her post-ERA journey living abroad in South Korea. Check out this issue to read an interview with Eagle Ridge Academy alumnus and current Art Teacher Emma Conner ’10, learn about an upcoming alumni opportunity at Whirlyball in Bloomington, find out various ways to get involved at Eagle Ridge Academy this spring, and more.
Family Literacy Night Friday, April 19
Families are invited to join the ERA Literacy Team in the ERA Forum this Friday, April 19, 4:00-5:30 p.m. for a Family Literacy Night! At this event, the whole family will have the opportunity to play literacy based games and enjoy reading together. The ERA Literacy Team will be on hand to provide parents with tools to support children at home and help them become more successful readers. These photos are from last year's Literacy Night, hosted by Ms. Gordon.
National Honor Society Hosting Culture Event Friday, April 19
The Eagle Ridge Academy National Honor Society (NHS) is hosting a culture event open to all ERA students and families in the Upstairs Commons on Friday, April 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Please RSVP for this free event here.
On display will be various cultural booths, cultural clothing, and a religious discussion at 7:00 p.m. The dress code for this event is cultural clothing or dressy-casual. Dinner will be provided.
LAST CHANCE TO RSVP for Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night on Tuesday, April 23
Eagle Ridge Academy is fortunate to have an abundance of caring families and staff who donate their time and talents selflessly to make Eagle Ridge Academy a better place. Every single minute donated makes a difference in what we can do for students.
In appreciation for each moment given in volunteerism to Eagle Ridge Academy and its community, we are pleased to invite you to a Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Night on April 23 in the Eagle Ridge Academy Forum. The evening will include a program highlighting the wonderful work you have done this school year and honoring you for your many talents and time given. We will follow the program with a reception of appetizers and refreshments.
All who have donated their time this year in any capacity are welcome to attend! Please kindly RSVP by Friday, April 19. Thank you for making an impact on everything Eagle Ridge Academy and for allowing us to deliver the best education and experience possible to our students.
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 help 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.
Please 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!
Upper School Play Performances April 26-28
Opening night of the ERA Theater production of Pride and Prejudice is NEXT Friday! Based on Jane Austen’s famous book from 1813, the play follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner, as they overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love.
Come see the show in the ERA Auditorium on Friday, April 26, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. (stay afterwards for the Spring Senior Recognition Ceremony hosted by the ERA Booster Club!), and Sunday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the door. Shoutout to the incredible cast and crew and Director Emma Richards for all their hard work on this production, as well as Kaia Nygord for taking photos of play rehearsal.
Fine Arts Festival, April 30 and 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 will be Tuesday, April 30. The schedule is as follows:
- 5:30 p.m. – Kindergarten Informance
- 6:30 p.m. – Grade 2 Informance
- 7:30 p.m. – Grade 4 Informance
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
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.
Snack Donations Needed for Donut Dash
Do you have a connection to a grocery store or know someone who might? Eagle Ridge Academy is in need of snack donations for runners in the upcoming Donut Dash on May 18. We are looking for donations of granola bars, chips, cheese sticks, and additional fueling snacks. Please contact Director of Development Kelly Schiffman with donation leads or questions at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Thank you!
Volunteers Needed for Donut Dash
Don't wish to run or walk on May 18? Volunteer! Did you know this event takes more than 70 volunteers to ensure success? If you'd like to volunteer, there's a job for everyone! Volunteers are welcome to choose as many spots as they want as the times vary. Kids 14 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult. 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.
Still Time to Register for 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids
The entire community is invited to Eagle Ridge Academy on Saturday, May 18, for the 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids! Whether you are a runner, a walker, or a donut enthusiast, this is the event for you. Leaving and finishing at Eagle Ridge Academy, this Minnetonka route is an accurately measured 5K course, is chip- and mat-timed, and takes you on a picturesque run or walk just north of Bren Road. There will be complimentary chair massages, rock tape applications, DJ music, giveaways, fun youth activities, post-race refreshments, and DONUTS! All 5K registrants will receive a commemorative 2024 Donut Dash tech shirt (100% cotton, unisex and youth sizing), post-race refreshments, and DONUTS! Mini-dashers will receive a 2024 Donut Dash shirt (100% cotton), a participation medal, and a bag of mini-donuts.
Online registration ends May 15 at 7:00 p.m. All registrations are nonrefundable. To register via mail with cash or check (made payable to FERA), please download the registration brochure and return with your payment to Eagle Ridge Academy. Your participation will help support Eagle Ridge Academy, offering a time-tested, Classical Liberal Arts education to students in grades K-12.
Schedule
- 7:15 a.m. - Packet Pickup at Eagle Ridge Academy
- 8:00 a.m. - Mini-Donut Dash Start Time
- 8:45-9:30 a.m. - Youth Activities
- 8:45 a.m. Donut Dash 5K Shotgun
- 10:00 a.m. - Awards
5K Pricing
- $35 Student and Alumni 5K (Through May 15)
- $40 Student and Alumni 5K (Same Day Registration: May 18)
- $45 Adult 5K Registration (April 18 - May 15)
- $50 Adult 5K Registration (Same Day Registration: May 18)
Ages 10 and Younger Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Pricing
- $25 Mini-Donut Dash (April 18 - May 18)
*Shirt orders will be placed on April 24 to ensure timely delivery of shirts. Registrations placed after April 23 are not guaranteed a shirt. We will do our best to accommodate requests based on limited overages ordered.
Learn more about this beloved event, view pictures from previous years, and REGISTER TODAY at eagleridgeacademy.org/donut-dash-5k. See you there!
Help Prep and Plant the 2024 Gryphon Garden on Saturday, May 11
Eagle Ridge Academy is looking for community members to help 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!
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.
Wine and Canvas Night Led by Emma Conner Held at Eagle Ridge Academy
Eagle Ridge Academy’s administration and art teacher Ms. Emma Conner donated a Wine and Canvas event for the 2023 Gala for the Gryphons live auction in November. ERA parents Denise and Lance H. were the winning bidders of this fun auction item and enjoyed their experience this past week with eight of their friends. Donned in colorful aprons with their own personal art kits, the crew was led in a group art instruction by Ms. Conner. They completed their own versions of Minnehaha Falls in autumn while they enjoyed delicious appetizers, desserts, wine, and fun conversation. Thank you for supporting Eagle Ridge Academy while creating special memories!
Classical Corner
Upcoming Event: Classical in the Community Night - Tour MIA with Art Teacher Lisa Johnson!
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 start taking 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: School of Grammar
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Junior and Senior Prom Tickets on Sale Through April 16
Secret Garden Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 7:00-10:00 p.m. This year, prom will be held at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (501 W 78th Street, Chanhassen, 55317).
Prom is an event for juniors and seniors; sophomores will be permitted if asked to the event by a junior or senior. Student guests from other schools require pre-approval. Please contact Principal Johnson to bring an outside guest.
Prom tickets will go on sale during School of Rhetoric lunch on April 15. Tickets can be purchased via cash or check only and will include food and drinks. Ticket pricing is as follows:
- April 15-19: $45/ticket
- April 22-26: $50/ticket
Adult volunteers are needed at Prom. Please contact Kalvin O'Neal to volunteer. We hope to see you there!
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Dear School of Rhetoric Families,
Freshmen and sophomores who completed the 2024 CLT10 Exam on February 6 can access the results in their CLT Accounts. The results are best viewed on a desktop computer but can be accessed on a mobile device. Account information and directions were sent to parents and students through email. The CLT10 is a college preparatory exam comparable to the PSAT. Learn more about the CLT10 here.
The ACT for all registered juniors will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23. Students have received their information packet and student codes. Before the assessment, they should log in to MyACT and complete the non-test information. Students are able to send their scores—free of charge—to four score recipients (colleges or scholarship agencies).
Advanced Placement Exams for AP Students
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 done. 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
Eagle Ridge Academy Robotics Wraps Season
On April 6, Eagle Ridge Academy Robotics competed in the regional competition with 54 robotics programs from the Midwest. Eagle Ridge Academy started off in first place and ended the first day in second. One of the greatest moments of the day was when ERA won a match against a very highly ranked team by just one point! In another match, ERA overheard a member of the opposing team say they were worried about the match since they were up against the "number one team". (Us!)
During the second day, there were a couple of issues with the robot leading to the loss of a couple of games, bringing ERA's overall rank down to eighth place. This was still a really good placement and put the team in the finals. While the team ultimately lost in the playoffs, they finished the season with a strong performance.
"The team did really well! They have a lot to be really proud of," said Robotics Coach Derek Lutz. Congratulations, ERA Robotics, for a wonderful season! Thank you to ERA parent Steven Hong for taking pictures of the event.
Chess Team Places Second in Statewide Tournament
Congratulations to the Eagle Ridge Academy fourth grade Chess Team for placing second in the School Chess Association Statewide Grade Level Tournament in Burnsville last month. We're so proud of you!
Gryphon/Husky Track and Field Youth Meet (Grades K-6) on Saturday, May 4
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.
ATTENTION FAMILIES OF JUNIORS AND YOUNGER:
The Boosters are looking to fill open positions and committees for next school year - no experience necessary! Explore open positions and indicate your interest on this short Google form.
Get Involved With the Booster Club!
There are many ways to get involved with the Booster Club this spring - please sign up for a volunteer opportunity here!
SAVE the DATES: THREE Fun Events this Spring!
- Pack the Park - Thursday, April 18: Pack the baseball park to cheer on our Gryphons!
- Spring Senior Night - Saturday, April 27: Pack the Theater and celebrate our spring seniors!
- 4th Annual Awards Celebration - Sunday, May 19: Watch for your invitation in the mail!
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 remaining 2023-24 Spirit Wear dates are 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 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/