The Eagle Eye
Jan. 28, 2021 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 17 | Issue 9
There is NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Jan. 29, due to Staff Development. Eagle Ridge Academy will switch to IN-PERSON LEARNING FOR GRADES K-5, DISTANCE LEARNING FOR GRADES 6-12, on MONDAY, FEB. 1.
Students in grades K-5 who have not opted into distance learning will return to in-person learning on Monday, Feb. 1. All students in grades 6-12 must stay at home in distance learning at this time.
The Minnesota Department of Health data updated today shows that Hennepin County is currently at 35.03 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people. This past Tuesday, the ERA Board of Directors approved the new Learning Model Decision Making Matrix for grades 6-12. The Decision Making Matrix (DMM) includes and prioritizes data from within our facility versus the Hennepin County case rate alone. Please see Executive Director Jason Ulbrich's contribution below for more information.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Jan. 29:
- NO SCHOOL due to Staff Development.
- Take-Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Join us for a Gryphon Conversation at 2:00 p.m. to ask questions and hear updates from our administration.
Monday, Feb. 1:
- Students in grades K-5 who have not opted into distance learning will return to in-person learning.
- All students in grades 6-12 must stay at home in distance learning.
Friday, Feb. 5:
- All students (K-12) at home in distance learning.
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 2 (School of Grammar) & Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Take-Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 8:
- Students in grades K-5 who have not opted into distance learning will be in in-person learning.
- All students in grades 6-12 must stay at home in distance learning.
List of Materials Pick-Up Days for the Remainder of the 2020-2021 School Year
February 5
February 19
March 5
March 19
April 9
April 23
May 7
May 21 (last pick-up, June 4 is graduation)
Coronavirus Information
Technology Information
If you need help with Canvas or have another technology issue, you can visit https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/canvas/ to troubleshoot your issue and see who to contact for help.
You can also call the Academic & Technology Hotline Monday-Thursday at 952-746-7760, ext. 1704 or email helphotline@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Semester One Report Cards are available for viewing on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
To view the Report Card:
- Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
- In you have more than one child, choose the child you wish to view from the drop down at the top of the page.
- Choose Documents from the left index.
- Choose the Semester One Report Card.
- Questions about your child’s grades should be directed to the teacher issuing the grade.
- Please print copies of the reports from the 2020-21 school year for your records. Reports will be visible in the portal until June 30, 2021.
Community Updates
Safe Learning Plan Updates - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
This past Tuesday, the ERA Board of Directors approved the new Learning Model Decision Making Matrix for grades 6-12. The Decision Making Matrix (DMM) includes and prioritizes data from within our facility versus the Hennepin County case rate alone.
The rates of positive cases have dramatically decreased in the last three weeks and the vaccine is being rolled out. Fifty-seven ERA staff members will have received the vaccination by Monday of next week and we are expecting to receive a similar number of vaccination for each of the next two weeks.
Please click here for an explanation of how the new matrix works. Every Thursday we will collect data from the school nurse, University of MN, MN Department of Health, and the operations department to determine the learning model while using the matrix. Using data from Jan. 27 as an example, our situation would be:
Area 1:
ERA Staff and Student COVID-19 Rates (35 points): Goal of 3% or fewer current positive COVID-19 among staff and students.
- 0%-1.0% = 35 points: One staff member on protocol
- 1.1%-2.0% = 25 points
- 2.1%-3.0% =15 points
- More than 3.0% = 0 points
Area 2:
Safety Protocols (30 points): An unannounced inspection of safety protocols by our safety consultant will be conducted once per week. The expectation is 95% adherence.
- 95%-100% = 30 points: All safety protocols followed
- 90%-94% = 20 points
- 85%-89% = 10 points
- 84% and below = 0 points
Area 3:
State Regulations and Restrictions (20 points): The current state restrictions will factor into the decision-making process.
- No restrictions (mask only) = 20 points
- Some restrictions (max. cap. 25% or higher) = 10 points: Restaurants, bars, stores, activities open with some restrictions
- Full restrictions = 0 points
Area 4:
Hennepin County and ERA Zip Code Rates (15 points):
- 0-19 per 10,000 = 15 points
- 20-29 per 10,000 = 10 points: U of M count data is 27.0 cases/10,000 and MDH Hennepin County count is 30.3 cases/10,000, average of 28.7
- 30 and above = 0 points
With 100 points possible, below are the various learning scenarios and their point values:
In-Person (both cohorts attend daily): 75-100 points. Total point for 1/27/2021 is 85
Hybrid (cohorts separated): 60-74 points.
Distance: 0-59 points
Our K-2 students love being in school and we know that 3rd-5th grade students are getting excited to return. If the data holds, grades 6-12 will be in-person, with both cohorts attending daily, starting Feb. 15. Mrs. Johnson will begin communicating next steps and specifics this week. The Lower School forged a path for us and has provided us with great learning and the knowledge that this is possible.
Thank you,
Jason Ulbrich
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
Dear Families,
“You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals.” –Booker T. Washington.
This school year has been full of obstacles—distance learning, new platforms to learn, technology glitches, safety protocols, and the list goes on. Yet, here we are, at the start of a new semester, with half of the school year already behind us. Our ERA community continues to amaze me. Students live the Pillars daily, and this year, the highlighted pillar remains perseverance. I often think about how much students had to learn at the beginning of the year in order to learn—new technology, new platforms, and new apps, just so they could learn new content. This inspires me and helps me put things into perspective.
Some information to note:
- Conferences are coming up in February. Please plan to attend and look for more information. Conferences will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18, 4:00-8:30 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Grade appeals are available; information was sent via email on Monday to School of Rhetoric families.
- Course requests will begin next week for grades 9-11. Please note: this is not registration. This is a request for information so that we can build the master schedule. Once that is done, course registration will begin. Please contact Academic Counselor Mrs. Mary Johnson (majohnson@eagleridgeacademy.org) with questions about course requests and registration.
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
School of Grammar Notes - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
School of Grammar Families,
Hello! In some ways our year of 2021 feels similar to 2020. Large and small-scale change continues to be a predictable part of our society and lives. Humans don’t tend to like everything that comes with change, even when those changes are good. Change requires us to say goodbye to the former state of things, process the newness of the current state, and adjust our way of doing things. Each of these steps takes time, emotional energy, and physical energy.
I’ve found it to be particularly helpful if I look more closely for truth, beauty, and goodness as I navigate all of the change we’ve been experiencing for almost a full year now. I’m grateful that one of the goals of a Classical Education is to help us hone the way we look for these. The strong foundation of caring educators, a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, and students who seek to learn and put CIPHER into practice helps us all build our capacity for seeking truth, beauty, and goodness throughout the changes that come our way. Hopefully along the way, we can reach out to others as well and support their journey.
One change we’ve had recently is the ability to bring back into the building some of our students who have chosen the in-person learning option. Our kindergarten, first, and second grade students have been expressing how happy they are to be back in the building. We are looking forward to welcoming some of our third, fourth, and fifth graders back into the building on Feb. 1. We continue to be grateful for our distance learning students at home, as well as everyone's creativity as we continue to educate our children. Soon, each class will be participating in a school-wide community building activity. Look for photos on the ERA Facebook page toward the end of February. We’re looking forward to celebrating our whole student community, no matter how things might change. Thanks, as always, for your partnership and support.
Kind Regards,
Janelle Mellgren
Enrollment Lottery Held on January 19 - Janice Gerheart, Admissions Specialist
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
Thank you to all of the families that applied to Eagle Ridge Academy during our 2021-2022 open enrollment period. We held our enrollment lottery last Tuesday, Jan. 19. The lottery results will be shared with families on Monday, Feb. 1.
All applications received at or after 12:00 a.m. on Jan. 16, 2021 will be added to the grade level waitlist in the order that they are received.
Thank you for your interest in Eagle Ridge Academy. We look forward to providing your student with a traditional Classical Education that demands their best in academic achievement, behavior, and attitude and challenges them to attain their highest potential.
Sincerely,
Janice Gerheart
Scholarship Opportunities - Mary Johnson, Academic Advisor
Dear Families,
Please see the scholarship opportunities below:
Allina Health Orthopedics Sports Medicine scholarship for Student Athletes
Allina Health Orthopedics is proud to continue its effort to advance sports medicine and orthopedic care throughout Minnesota with the 14th Annual Allina Health Orthopedics Sports Medicine scholarship for student athletes. We are excited to continue offering this award as exemplification of our commitment to provide unsurpassed patient care and community education. Allina Health Orthopedics will be offering two $2,500 scholarships, which will be awarded annually to one female and one male student athlete who intends to attend college to pursue a career in sports medicine. Please click here for more information about this scholarship or to apply.
Application Deadline: Must be postmarked by March 1, 2021. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Allina Scholarship Representative Mr. Brent Millikin at brent.millikin@allina.com.
Eden Prairie Optimist Club Essay Contest
No minimum age to enter. Please see the flyer below for more information. View the application here.
Please check out this page for helpful college prep information: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/college-prep/. This page has recently been updated with current scholarships and tools to help with researching different degrees and college programs. You will also find tips for applying to college, information on different types of aid (including need-based aid and the FAFSA), career resources, personal assessment tests, and more. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
Gryphon Youth Basketball is Back! - Kris Babler, Activities Director
Dear Families,
We are opening a 2021 session of Gryphon Youth Basketball beginning on February 20 and running every Saturday morning until March 27. Students in 1st-3rd grade can register for the 8:55-9:55 a.m. time slot. Students in 4th-6th grade can register for the 10:00-11:25 a.m. time slot.
Space is limited. Under current state guidelines, masks are required on the court for students in 1st-6th grade. One parent will be able to observe from the walking track above the court. Students are expected to bring their own water bottle and have clean shoes upon as they enter the gymnasium.
No playing experience is necessary.
The cost is $80. Please register here by next Wednesday, February 3, or a late registration fee will be added: https://era-ar.rschooltoday.com/home. We’re excited to be back!
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
February Family Session (All Grades) - Zac MacLean, School of Grammar Counselor & Jean Soule, Schools of Logic and Rhetoric Counselor
Dear Families,
You are all invited to another Family Session with the ERA Counselors. This session will be called “Helping Children Deal with Transition.” Children and parents have had to go through several transitions this year, whether your child is transitioning back to in-person learning or not. We plan to provide resources and discussion to help children navigate those transitions. The format will be 20 minutes of information followed by 10 minutes of open question and answer time.
Helping Children Deal with Transition
Tuesday, Feb. 16
12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Both sessions will be held at this Zoom link. Please reach out if you have any questions prior to the sessions.
Zac MacLean
K-5 Counselor
zmaclean@eagleridgeacademy.org
Jean Soule
6-12 Counselor
Developing Connections
Register Now for this Year's Gala for the Gryphons! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
For more information on how you may participate in helping to develop Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or by email at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Visit our website for online giving and other important information at https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-give/.
Gala for the Gryphons – A Night of MaskERAise!
Join us as the Gala for the Gryphons goes VIRTUAL! With our changing world, we are adapting to the existing environment and taking our largest fundraiser of the year online. We hope you will join us by registering today!
Though we cannot be together to celebrate in person this year, our primary goal to raise funds for the students of Eagle Ridge Academy remains the same. We’ve created various levels of support for everyone’s preference. Every person who registers will receive a Zoom link to the live event on Feb. 26, which will include a warm welcome, testimonials and videos, live musical performances from the ERA Band and Choir, our Live Auction, and Fund-a-Need. Just an hour long, we hope you choose to support us with some virtual fun and stay connected through technology, knowing that your registration will support the Playscape and Grounds Beautification project and will continue to support the ERA Scholarship Program for our graduating seniors.
Gala for the Gryphons – A Night of MaskERAise!
Friday, Feb. 26
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Via ZOOM: Link will be sent out to all registrants
While the virtual portion of the evening will be held on Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m., we hope that you continue to celebrate on your own throughout the evening. Wondering what to wear? Anything you want! Dress to impress or wear what’s comfortable. Good news – if you are at home, you don’t have to wear a mask… but for fun, you could make your own. You will be on Zoom for an hour during the program, but otherwise will enjoy the various aspects of the event from the comfort of your home. There’s no need for a babysitter – so have the kids join in.
We are offering five (5) levels of registration this year:
- Suggested Donation: $25 to enter the Live Event and show your support for the school
- Just a Mask, Please: $50 per person (Includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus snacks and a beverage)
- Mask and All: $100 per person (includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus dinner [Pizza Lucé certificate], dessert, and wine/beverage)
- Sponsored “Table” of 10: $1,200 (includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box for 10, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus dinner [Pizza Lucé certificate], desserts, bottles of wine or sparkling cider)
- Students Can Participate, Too!: *$20 per student (Includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box filled with fun and snacks) Available only with a registered Adult (Capped max of $60 per family, but more than three can participate)
The Silent Auction will be online this year and will be open Feb. 19 – March 3 to allow for a wider audience to enjoy and bid. We will still have Live Auction items, which will be incorporated into the auction site.
Other Ways to Participate in the 2021-2022 Gala for the Gryphons:
*Share the event on your social media.
*Ask your employer to sponsor the event or match your registration gift.
If you would like to pay by cash or check, please download the RSVP Card and mail to:
Eagle Ridge Academy
Attn: Gala
11111 Bren Rd. W
Minnetonka, MN 55343
For more information, please visit this page: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/gala/. For questions, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or email kschiffman@eagleridgecademy.org.
Please note that once tickets are purchased, no refunds will be issued.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Please check weekly for new volunteer opportunities, both at school and at home. We still have our monthly Volunteer Day opportunities through the end of the year.
Please visit this link for more information and sign up today: bit.ly/volunteerERA. Thank you for your continued help and support!
Double Your Impact with Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a matching gift program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR department to ask about their community support, social responsibility, and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100%, essentially doubling your donation to the Academy, donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations.
Be informed by asking today!
AmazonSmile
Tomorrow is the Last Day to Order Yearbooks!
The Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (K-5) Yearbook is available to purchase here. Please email jkruschke@eagleridgeacademy.org with questions.
The Eagle Ridge Academy Upper School (6-12) Yearbook is available to purchase here. Please email econner@eagleridgeacademy.org with questions.
Grades K-5: Submit Fun Photos for the 2020-21 Yearbook!
The Student Citizen is Back!
After months of preparation, the team at Eagle Ridge Academy's student newspaper The Citizen is proud to deliver this school year's first issue!
Volume 3 Issue 1 features:
• An exclusive interview with Principal Johnson
• A brand new senior-focused section, "Sincerely a Senior"
• Photos from this year's volleyball season
• Long-awaited Sortascopes
Please find the current issue at this link: https://adobe.ly/38X61Z4.
If you're a high schooler and you want to contribute content for The Citizen, please reach out to eracitizen@gmail.com. Your news is your voice. Help with The Citizen, and be heard!
Go Gryphons!
The Student Citizen Team
Pennies for Patients Fundraiser Feb. 16 - 26
Eagle Ridge Academy will be participating in Pennies for Patients (also known as Hero Squad) the weeks of Feb. 16-26. Pennies for Patients raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia and Lymphoma’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The two Lower School classes and one Upper School first-hour class that raises the most money will get classroom parties.
Take-Home Meals Information and February Menus - Brittany Radtke, Chef
As a reminder, take-home meals will be available for pick-up from Door 2 tomorrow, Jan. 29, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This will be a 5-day take-home meals bundle. If you intend to pick up take-home meals, please fill out the Take-Home Meals Order Form early each week to help our Food Services team prepare. Please note that grades K-5 will be back at school in in-person learning next Monday-Thursday. If your child will be in in-person learning next week, please do not order take-home meals for them, as free breakfast and lunch will be available to them at school.
If your child is in in-person learning Monday-Thursday, you may fill out the Take-Home Meals Single Day Form each week to receive a breakfast and lunch meal bundle for distance learning Fridays. Each Thursday afternoon, single day meal bundles will be sent home with the students who have ordered one that week. There is no single day meal bundle available to grades K-5 this Friday, Jan. 29, as it is a No School Day. The next single day meal bundle will be available to in-person learning K-5 students on Friday, Feb. 4.
The February Take-Home Meals Menu, Breakfast Menu, and Lunch Menu are now available below and on ERA's Food Services page.
Sincerely,
Chef Brittany Radtke
Quarterly PTO Meeting on Monday, Feb. 8
The next quarterly PTO meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, 6:00-7:00 p.m. More information will be available soon.
Stay Connected!
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.
See below for instructions on how to connect through 'My School Anywhere' App
Step 1:
- Create an account at eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- If you already have an account from last year, using My School Anywhere, you can use the same email and password to login. You can then confirm or edit your information.
Step 2:
- Click “verify my email” and check your email for a link to complete the process.
Questions? Please contact Anu at anu.philip@gmail.com.
PTO Spirit Wear for Spirit Wear Fridays!
PTO Spirit Wear is available for purchase online! During this school year, every Friday is a Spirit Wear Day and we've got you covered with this year's fun t-shirts and sweatpants. Items can be ordered here and picked up every other Friday during distance learning materials pick-up.
All Spirit Wear proceeds benefit PTO's events, services, and teacher support. Show your school spirit and order your fresh spirit wear today!
Winter Gear Order Update!
The quarter-zip pullover orders have been distributed and we have a few extras. If you order a pullover in a size that we have available, you will be notified and your order will be distributed with your student's school materials on the following Friday materials pick-up date.
Three Things You Can Do to Support ERA Athletics
1. Register on the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) so the ERA Booster Club has a way to communicate with families based on the sports and activities they choose.
2. Become a Booster (erabooster.org/packet/33) and choose from a variety of support levels, including the FREE Patron level.
3. Order your own ERA Booster Club winter gear, face masks, and mask-keepers (erabooster.org/merchandise) to show your school spirit every day!
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website erabooster.org or by joining the Facebook group today!
School of Grammar student Noah in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
Shop now at erabooster.org/merchandise!
School of Rhetoric student Nathan in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
See it... Save it!
Two of the easiest ways to support ERA are the Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE programs.
To get started, download the Box Tops app on your phone, set up your account with Eagle Ridge Academy as your school, and use it to scan the receipt every time you buy groceries. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA! It’s that easy, and anyone can do it—parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends!
To contribute through Coca-Cola GIVE, simply look for a code on Coke products. When you see one, head to https://us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/ and search for Eagle Ridge Academy. Enter or scan the code and you’re done! ERA will receive these contributions automatically.
Thanks so much for supporting ERA with your everyday purchases!
Educational Outfitters is running a Used Uniform Sale during the entire month of February!
Bring in used uniform items (fleece, jumpers, pants, shirts, shorts, skorts, and sweatshirts) to receive 15% off each new item purchased. All items brought in will be donated to a nonprofit organization.
View Eagle Ridge Academy uniform information here: https://bit.ly/3lg0Abh.
Shop Educational Outfitters here: http://www.minnesota.educationaloutfitters.com/.
Classroom Creations
Every Friday, students in Ms. Larson's third grade class have the opportunity to attend optional art classes.
"Each week, I have many students who choose to participate to further their artistic and drawing skills. I think these show the excellence and perseverance of our students during distance learning," shared Ms. Larson.
Beautiful work, Gryphons! Thank you for taking the time to express your creativity every Friday.
Distance Learning Spotlight
Follow Eagle Ridge Academy on Social Media for More Content!
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