The Eagle Eye
January 18 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 8
March 14, 2024 | 2023-24 Issue 12
Friday, March 15
- Junior Classical League Murder Mystery Dinner - $10 for non-members
Sunday, March 17
Monday, March 18 - Thursday, March 21
- PILLAR WEEK
- March 18 (Citizenship) – School of Grammar: Curriculum Character Day / Schools of Logic & Rhetoric: Culture Day
- March 19 (Integrity/Respect/Honor) – Team Day (Gryphon activities and professional sportswear allowed)
- March 20 (Perseverance) – College Day
- March 21 (Excellence) – Future Career Day
- Upper School Pillar Assemblies - Formal Dress NOT required this month due to Pillar Week themed dress days.
Wednesday, March 20
Friday, March 22 - Monday, April 1
- No School and Office Closed
- March 22 – No School due to Staff Development.
- March 25-29 – No School due to Spring Break.
- April 1 – No School due to Grading Day.
Tuesday, April 2
- First Day of Quarter 4
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.
2024 Board of Directors Election Closes Monday, March 18, at 12:00 p.m.
On January 24, 2023, the Board of Directors approved a two-year plan to reduce the number of seats on the Board of Directors. The 2023-2024 Board of Directors was reduced to nine seats made up of five teacher seats and four parent/community member seats. The 2024-2025 Board of Directors will be reduced to seven seats made up of four teacher seats and three parent/community member seats.
The 2024 Board Candidate Forum was held in the ERA Auditorium on Wednesday, March 13, at 6:00 p.m. The official election opened on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. All eligible voters should have received an individualized ballot passcode and login information as well as further directions via email. All votes must be cast no later than Monday, March 18, at 12:00 p.m. Official results will be announced at the Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m.
- Please read the full announcement for more information regarding the election process.
- Please read the 2024 Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors Election Guide prior to voting.
- A recording of the 2024 Board Candidate Forum can be watched here.
- All Board of Directors information can be found at www.eagleridgeacademy.org/board.
- Please contact the Board with questions at board@eagleridgeacademy.org.
District Updates
Message from Executive Director Jason Ulbrich
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Families,
I hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather. As a Classical school, Eagle Ridge Academy works diligently to ensure the holistic development and well-being of your children. In today’s digital age, we strive to provide a school day that is free of unnecessary screen time. We use technology as a tool when needed. It is vitally important that our attention be placed on the use of social media and screen time for our youngsters.
Technology has many great benefits, yet it also presents certain challenges, especially for children and adolescents. It is essential for us, as parents and educators, to collaborate in the guidance of children as they form the habit of using social media and technology in a healthy manner.
The National Institute for Health has conducted studies that show children who view screens more than two hours per day are more likely to experience behavioral problems and have poorer language acquisition. At Eagle Ridge Academy, we set clear boundaries and guidelines around the use of cell phones and devices for educational purposes in our handbook and our paper Technology in the Classical Tradition. This document states, “Eagle Ridge Academy believes that technology can enhance and enrich learning, but it should not be used as the primary tool for instruction.” We have set boundaries! In the home setting, boundaries are imperative. There needs to be a balance between time spent on electronic devices and activities such as outside play, reading, and socializing.
Social media platforms expose children to various risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. As parents, we need to actively monitor our children’s online interactions, educate them about digital safety, and encourage open communication about their online experiences.
As partners in your child’s education and development, we are committed to supporting you in navigating the complexities of raising children in the digital age. Here is a great resource for families on digital literacy.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
Executive Director
Pillar Week March 18-21
Each year, we celebrate Pillar Week at Eagle Ridge Academy. During Pillar Week, the ERA community is encouraged to recognize the six ERA Pillars (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, and Respect) and be intentional about putting them into action regularly. Pillar Week is planned by our Upper School Student Senate, with some small tweaks for School of Grammar students. It is school-wide and teachers may participate if they wish. (If teachers or students don’t wish to participate, they may wear their professional dress or student uniform.) Please see the planned days below.
- Monday, March 18 (Citizenship) - School of Grammar: Curriculum Character Day / Schools of Logic & Rhetoric: Culture Day
- Tuesday, March 19 (Integrity/Respect/Honor) - Team Day (Gryphon activities and professional sportswear allowed)
- Wednesday, March 20 (Perseverance) - College Day
- Thursday, March 21 (Excellence) - Future Career Day
Lost & Found Will Be Cleared Out Over Spring Break
Don't forget to collect Lost & Found items prior to Spring Break! Items in Eagle Ridge Academy's Lost & Found will be cleared out after March 21. The Lost & Found is located outside of the Solarium in the hallway that leads to the school library. Please make sure to look for any items your child may be missing.
Order Your 2024 Art Xpo T-Shirt By March 20
It's time to order your annual Art XPO t-shirt! This year's design was created by School of Rhetoric senior Jay Jensen. Orders must be received by Wednesday, March 20. Order here today.
This year's Art Xpo, ERA's annual juried exhibition of grades 6-12 student art, will take place at Eagle Ridge Academy outside the gymnasium on Friday, May 17. Besides displays, there will be an awards ceremony to present prizes for works selected by the judges. Please enter through Door 4. Art will be displayed outside of the gymnasium, with the awards ceremony taking place in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
MCA Testing Begins in April
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.
2024-25 Transportation Information - Complete Change in Transportation Form by April 15
Transportation planning for 2024-25 has begun. Eagle Ridge Academy is excited to announce we will be adding a new tool for parents for transportation communication and route tracking. We have purchased an application called Here Comes the Bus. This application will provide real-time tracking of bus locations and faster communication of any delays directly from MTN dispatch. Parents can download the application to their phone and use the school code to connect to their child’s bus route.
The Academy has worked hard to keep transportation affordable for our families. Since the fall of 2018, we have absorbed the increasing costs of transportation and have not implemented an increase in transportation fees. However, as costs for transportation continue to rise, it is necessary to increase the transportation fee for the first time in six years. The transportation fee for the 2024-25 school year will be $450 per student, with a family cap of $1125. Many of the surrounding charter schools have higher per student transportation fees or limit bussing to the resident school district where their building is located.
The Academy offers a hub transportation system with centrally located stops within communities and does not schedule stops for individual home addresses. To build routes that will best serve the Academy, we need your timely participation.
If you wish to be included in the routing for the 2024-25 school year and are NOT currently using Academy-provided transportation, please complete a Change in Transportation form by April 15. We also ask that you complete the form if you wish to discontinue using the Academy-provided transportation for the 2024-25 school year. If there is no change to your transportation, no action is required.
Transportation contracts for 2024-25 will be available on the Academy’s website on June 1. Signed Transportation Contracts with full payment must be submitted by July 1. Once the completed contract is signed and the full payment is received, your child will be assigned a bus route. Final bus routes will be based on contracts received by July 1.
We are unable to guarantee transportation for your child(ren) if the Transportation Contract and full payment are not received by July 1. Contracts and/or payments received after July 1 will be assessed as a $50 per student late fee and students will be added to transportation as space allows.
For questions regarding transportation, please contact Karen Conner, Operations Manager, at kconner@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Upper School Play Performances April 26-28
Join us for the Upper School production of Pride and Prejudice! 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., and Sunday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the door.
Greeters 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 tested 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 10-15 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.
Register for 10th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids Prior to Price Increase on April 18!
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)
- $40 Adult 5K Registration (Through April 17)
- $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
- $20 Mini-Donut Dash Pricing (Through April 17)
- $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.
Don't wish to run or walk on May 18? Volunteer! Did you know this kind of 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.
Learn more about this beloved event, view pictures from previous years, and REGISTER TODAY at eagleridgeacademy.org/donut-dash-5k. See you there!
Think Ahead: Register Now for the 11th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, June 17
Save the Date: Volunteer Appreciation Event Tuesday, April 23
Save the Date for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on April 23. More information will be shared after spring break!
Classical Corner
Message from Classical Coordinator Suzannah Toso
Dear Families,
As my main job at Eagle Ridge Academy, I am the Classical Enrichment teacher in the School of Grammar. With the class now expanding into 3rd and 4th grade with the integration of Latin, it is a good time to pause and define the class for the community again. Classical Enrichment is a specialist class currently offered to all students K-3. We use the word enrichment because this extra time each week allows all students to dive deeper into their studies, doing more with the knowledge they are gaining in their homeroom classes. Indeed, it is enrichment for all.
The main goal of Classical Enrichment is to develop one’s voice through oracy and writing activities that expand vocabulary, develop copia in both written and oral language, and teach key listening and speaking skills. As we develop copia of vocabulary, we naturally work in word study focused on the Latin language. Indeed, about 70% of our words come from Latin and Greek, thus the study and understanding of Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots is key to building a robust understanding of the English language. With the expansion of Classical Enrichment into grades 3 and 4 and the incorporation of Latin, we have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this Latin aspect even more, with true integration enhancing the lessons we teach as we focus on key chants, vocabulary, and cultural pieces we know to not only be integral in future learning of Latin but also high interest to students. As they learn the intricacies of the English language, students learn to use that language to communicate in multiple ways–gaining an understanding of not only how to use their voice, but also how to use their presence to command an attentive audience.
While the course begins with learning done in homeroom classes to develop these lessons, we also look beyond–working in other high-quality texts that cultivate virtuous citizens. These parallel texts generally come from cultures around the world, further amplifying diverse voices and helping students see that no matter where we are in the world, humankind searches for the same truths, craves the same beauty, desires the same goodness in others.
So what does this look like in practice? Students learn a copia of words, complete variation exercises that work in robust vocabulary, and finally incorporate this new vocabulary into their own writing. At the same time students are developing their writing and speaking skills, they simultaneously develop their listening skills through class discussions and talk tasks where students learn to not only verbalize their thinking but also how to respect, respond to, and build on the ideas of others. We review established discussion guidelines, conduct mini-seminars, and then reflect on our discussion with a growth mindset. In these ways, we are truly preparing our youngest learners for their future studies in the schools of Logic and Rhetoric, building confident learners, and continually helping students to see that they as scholars are always seekers of truth, beauty, and goodness.
Sincerely,
Suzannah Toso
Classical Coordinator and Classical Enrichment Teacher
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Skyhawks Closed March 22-April 1
All programming resumes on Tuesday, April 2.
Happy Pi Day!
Pi Day on March 14 (3.14) is a tradition at Eagle Ridge Academy. For over a month, School of Grammar fourth graders have been practicing the memorization of pi. This morning, the eleven fourth graders who have memorized the most digits of pi showed off their amazing memorization skills by reciting pi in the auditorium in front of their entire grade. It was as easy as 3.1415!
This year's first place winner, Devna V. from Mr. Elkins' class, recited an impressive 191 digits of pi! Coming in at an honorable second and third place were Sathvik P. and Sriansh D.
School of Logic fifth graders enjoyed their day by solving area, diameter, and radius of pizzas in a class activity, reading the story About Sir Cumference and the Round Table, and bringing in circular objects and voting on the most creative, most colorful, most useful, and favorite circle.
Fourth and fifth graders continued to celebrate pi day by enjoying slices of pie in their classrooms at the end of the day. Happy Pi Day, scholars!
First Place Winner Devna V.
Second Place Winner Sathvik P.
Third Place Winner Sriansh D.
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Congratulations, February Pillar Award Recipients!
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 February 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 Families,
ERA's Scholarships for the Class of 2024 have opened, and the application deadline is Thursday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m. More information can be found under the School of Rhetoric Resources within the College Scholarship link on the ERA website.
Scholarship Myths
Millions of college scholarship dollars go unclaimed. Most scholarship dollars are claimed or awarded by financial aid offices.
All scholarship websites are safe. Be selective in where you provide personal information, as many sites are simply mining data.
Most scholarship dollars come from outside sources. While students may have greater opportunities with local scholarships, they tend to be lesser amounts. However, don't discount the fact that a $1000 scholarship is equivalent to approximately 100 hours worked, given the going rate for work-study is minimum wage. Check parents' work, credit unions, religious affiliations, etc., for local scholarships. Any scholarship is money you do not have to pay back. Regarding the myth, for most students, significant scholarship money comes directly from the college.
Scholarship deadlines can be up to nine months before the start of the academic year, so begin the search early. Take advantage of other resources available to help make education more affordable. Students may be eligible for a state grant, federal or state work study, low-interest student loans, community or military service awards, or federal education tax credits and deductions.
Kind Regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Congratulations to Math League Member Sai P. for Participating in State Tournament
School of Logic seventh grader Sai P. competed in the 40th annual Minnesota State High School Mathematics League (MSHSML) Invitational Event and State Tournament on March 11 at Spring Lake Park High School.
Sai finished the regular season in the top fifty of all students and received a perfect score on one of the two state tournament exams.
Congratulations to Sai and the entire ERA Math League for this accomplishment. Go Gryphons!
Spring Activities Registration Ends Monday, March 18
The spring season has started for Badminton, Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, and Ultimate Frisbee. REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY, MARCH 18. Learn more about the offerings below and register today.
Girls Badminton (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students in grades 7-12 are invited. The program is increasing the number of competitions and is looking to make it more competitive.
Where: ERA Aux & Main Gym
When: Practices will run Thursdays, 3:30-5:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings 8:30-10:30 a.m. starting March 20
Head Coach: Abhi Das
Cost: $150
Baseball (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV baseball teams
Where: Varsity - Dred Scott Field; JV - Franlo Park; Transportation to the field is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 20, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Evan Johnson
Cost: $235
Girls Softball (Grades 7-12) via Blake
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV softball teams
Where: Blake Middle School in Hopkins; Transportation to the field is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 20, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Kristi King
Cost: $225
Track & Field (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV track teams
Where: ISM Track when weather permits; Transportation to ISM is available via bus
When: Practices begin March 11, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Head Coach: Rob Economy
Cost: $235
Ultimate Frisbee (Grades 7-12)
Who: All students grades 7-12 are eligible to try out for the Ultimate Frisbee program; we hope to field a Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity.
Where: ISM Field
When: Practices begin when weather permits, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Head Coach: Zac Larson
Cost: $235
FAMILIES OF JUNIORS AND YOUNGER:
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!
OFF-SEASON SOCCER OPPORTUNITY!
Grade 6-12 students can join the soccer family today on select Saturdays and Sundays. Click here for details.
Order Spring Spirit Wear Online March 14-29
Order your PTO Spring Spirit Wear online for two weeks only! Orders will be available for pick-up before the next Spirit Wear Day on April 26. There are t-shirts in three colors, sweatpants, joggers, and flannel pants. Order here today!
PTO Annual School Skate Night for Grades K-8 Sunday, April 7
The ERA PTO invites you to their annual School Skate Night for Grades K-8! Join them at Skateville (201 River Ridge Cir. S, Burnsville, MN 55337) on Sunday, April 7, 4:00-6:00 p.m., for skating, games, prizes, and music. This year's theme is NEON, so wear your brightest colors! Children MUST be accompanied by adults. It is not a drop-off event. Roller skate rental is $14/person and will be collected at the door. Please email pto.eagleridge@gmail.com with questions about the event.
PTO Meeting Monday, April 8
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.
Eagle Ridge Academy
Website: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/
Location: 11111 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: 9527467760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRidgeAcademy/