The Eagle Eye
May 25, 2023 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 17
Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 25
- Gryphon Track and Field Varsity Meet, ISM, 3:30 p.m.
- Baseball Varsity Section, Dred Scott Playfield, 4:00 p.m.
Friday, May 26
Monday, May 27
- No School Due to Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 30
- School of Grammar CIPHER Assemblies
- PTO Election Meeting, ERA Forum, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 1
Friday, June 2
Monday, June 5
Tuesday, June 6
- Last Day of School Grades K-5, School Ends at 11:00 a.m.
- Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Finals
- School Board Listening Session and Board Workshop, Zoom, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 7
- Last Day of School Grades 6-12, School Ends at 11:00 a.m.
- Class of 2023 Commencement Practice, Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 8
- Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony, Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 7:00 p.m.
Please note: only home games and matches for Gryphon Varsity Activities are listed on this calendar. To see a full list of Gryphon games, matches, practices, and meetings, please view the Activities Calendar.
District News
Order Art Xpo 2023 Shirts by Friday, May 26
Time to order your Art Xpo 2023 t-shirt designed by Eagle Ridge Academy student Alex Lin! Orders must be received by Friday, May 26. View sizing here. Order shirts here.
Latest Issue of The Link Alumni Newsletter Now Available
Highlights of this issue include:
- June events: June 17 All-Alumni Picnic and June 19 Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament
- News about Muthu Meenakshisundaram '22
- Spotlight on Maddy (Bradley) Hellevik '12 and her work as an artist
- 10 Questions with Sophrona LaVasseur '12
- New! Classical Corner - Instilling, not Filling: Ready. Aim. FIRE! by David Croson, ERA Board of Directors Treasurer/Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy Treasurer/ERA parent
Additional Information for Alumni:
- Share a story or a short life and/or professional update to the August newsletter's Class Notes by emailing abrady@eagleridgeacademy.org by July 28.
- We do not have contact information for all alumni. Please share this and encourage your fellow alumni friends to connect with us via this form.
Registration Ends Soon for 10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament Monday, June 19
Eagle Ridge Academy is proud to host its 10th charity golf tournament, a four-person scramble that brings the community together to raise important funds for the 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 green fees, lunch and social hour by D’Amico Catering, complimentary drink ticket, golfer gift, and social hour/dinner.
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 from the Edinburgh Pro Shop.
Last year’s proceeds supported Eagle Ridge Academy’s Grow Your Own Teacher and Teacher Mentoring programs—thank you for making these important programs possible! This year’s proceeds will continue to support these programs.
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.
Event Agenda
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. — Check-in, Lunch, and Driving Range
12:45 p.m. — Be ready in your carts
1:00 p.m. — Shotgun
5:30 p.m. — Social Hour and Awards
For more information and to register online: Golf Brochure / Online Registration
To sponsor the golf tournament, please view our Sponsorship Flyer for various options and opportunities.
Contact: Mrs. Kelly Schiffman, ERA Director of Development; 952-746-7760, ext. 1107; kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Thank You for Attending the 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Dash for Kids
Thank you again to The MinneDonut Company for serving our community unlimited donuts during the event, Chick-fil-A Knollwood for feeding our 5K dashers, DJ Chad with Trivia Stash for providing music and emceeing the event, HealthSource of Eden Prairie for giving chair massages and applying rock tape, Boston Scientific and Hopkins VFW Post #425 for their generous financial sponsorships and for providing games and prizes onsite! Thank you also to The Dental Specialists Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Stieg Strand of the Strand Group Real Estate RE/MAX, Universal Cleaning Services, MSI, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Kemmetmueller Photography, Rochon, Sam’s Club, and Construction Cost Consultants for generously sponsoring this event.
Click here to view the Donut Dash 2023 Photo Album.
Click here to view finish line photos from Gopher State Events.
Eagle Ridge Academy Launches New Family Program: Gryphon Greeters
In an effort to build community and welcome new families, Eagle Ridge Academy launched the Gryphon Greeter program this year. This pilot program is comprised of volunteer Eagle Ridge Academy parents who adopt new families by serving as their guide and resource to all things ERA.
The mission of the Gryphon Greeter program is to create a warm and inviting culture and climate for new families. This environment will foster immediate connections within the ERA community and deepen knowledge of and commitment to Classical education. We will achieve the mission by creating meaningful connections between new families and current champions of ERA who serve as their guides throughout the family’s first year.
This pilot year allows us to test the program with 50 new families, each assigned to a greeter, who works to positively impact their experience. Our hope is that the student and family experience will be enriched by the personal connection and support, thus increasing the level of student success and parent satisfaction.
We are looking to add an additional 20 greeters to the team. If you are interested in participating as a Gryphon Greeter, please review details and apply here. Applications will be reviewed over the summer with an invitation to join and a formal training in August. Our goal is to have enough greeters so that every new family is covered.
Thank you to our pilot group for their positivity, willingness to create a welcoming experience, and excellent collaboration to develop a successful program.
For additional information, please contact kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.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 favorite items (but not for everyone, so take a look to see your teacher's favorites).
Save the Date and Donate Uniforms
The PTO Kickoff and Summer Used Uniform Sale will take place at Eagle Ridge Academy Thursday, July 27, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Please consider donating your outgrown uniform items. We have lots of families who appreciate the Used Uniform Sale, and we'd love to build up our stock of quality items before our big summer sale.
To donate uniforms, please drop them off in the school office. Proceeds from donated uniforms benefit a long list of PTO events and services. If you would like to sell your items, please see our updated info flyer here. Want to volunteer? Find our SignUpGenius here.
Sign Up to Help Maintain the Gryphon Garden This Summer
Last Saturday was a perfect day for gardening! Volunteers showed up with shovels, wheelbarrows, and rakes to help weed, mulch, and plant this year’s Gryphon Garden. It was a strong group of dedicated gardeners who prepared the garden for this year’s crop of potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, and various herbs. We also planted a variety of flowers that attract our pollinating friends!
This year we’ll be partnering with PROP Food Shelf in Eden Prairie to serve those in need with our harvested produce. The Gryphon Garden needs volunteers over the summer to help weed, water, and harvest. Please consider adopting a week over the summer to help make our garden flourish.
Thank you to all of our volunteers for making our community garden a real community!
You're Invited to Join Our ERA Parent Volunteer Team
Our Eagle Ridge community is enriched when we come together to support one another. Serving as a Classroom Parent (School of Grammar: K-5) or a Parent Advocate (School of Logic: 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. If you have questions or want help to figure out how to participate as a working parent, please contact Karen Oglesby (karen@newmercies.org).
Thank You to Our Grounds Clean-Up Volunteers
Eagle Ridge Academy Sweatband Sets for Sale
ERA-branded wrist and head sweatband sets are on sale for just $12! Order online through the Donut Dash registration site OR send your student to school with cash or check (made payable to FERA) and sets will be sent home with your student. Please enclose the payment method in an envelope marked Donut Dash Sweatband and include your child's name and grade.
Order Spirit Wear Online 24/7
Southdale Library Building Project Community Survey
The Southdale Library in Edina is in the planning process of a new building and are gathering input from the community about what is important to have in the space. Knowing that many ERA students live in the neighborhood and use the Southdale Library Homework Help resource, the Southdale Library would like to share this survey with you.
At the end of the survey there is a chance to enter an email to get updates about this big project. These updates will include notification about a community meeting this fall. More information about this project can be found here.
School of Grammar News
Volunteers Needed for Classroom Parties and Moving Up Ceremonies
Reminder to Turn in Library Books
This past week, the ERA library was transformed into a campground. During their final library visit of the school year, students got to enjoy reading inside tents with flashlights and a s'more-style snack. Thank you to the volunteers that made this event so fun!
Students were expected to turn in their remaining checked-out books and pay fines on their account no later than their scheduled visit to Camp Read-a-lot. If your student has not returned their books, please have them do so tomorrow, May 26, or contact School Librarian Mrs. Sommers Tillotson.
Register for K-6 Summer Programs
Grades 2-7: Call for a Parent-Led Gryphon Youth Sports Commission
Greetings,
Over the past five years, I have been responsible for the launch of our Eagle Ridge Academy Gryphon athletic programs. We have seen significant growth in participation and have always been conscious of trying to open opportunities for students grades K-6 that mirror programs at the Varsity & Junior Varsity levels.
Our school district has grown quickly - along with the volume and competitive level of our teams. There is overwhelming demand for teams at lower levels. I believe building out more independent teams at grades 3-8 is critical to providing a well-rounded education and advancing the competitive goals of our varsity coaches.
One of our major constraints has been finding coaches, leaders, and coordinators for the lower levels. We do not have the decades of experience or volume of participants that larger community programs have, but I do believe that together we can build a superior student experience.
This is why I am writing to you today. We are making a call for a parent-led Gryphon Youth Sports Commission. The mission will involve planning, recruiting, and assisting in the coordination of youth sports teams. At this point, we need advisory council members to help refine a mission, develop goals, and build an organizational structure.
Please express your interest by filling out this short form. We will use responses to set a spring meeting this June in time to plan teams for soccer and volleyball this fall and organize training for parent youth coaches over the summer.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
Activities Director
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric News
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
Seniors
To the graduating class of 2023: thank you. It was an honor to work with you and a joy to know each of you. So until you need a tissue, a transcript, or a reference, go confidently in the direction of your dreams. I wish you every success!
2023-2024 School of Rhetoric Schedules
As the 23-24 schedules are released to students, please keep in mind the following:
Credit can only be obtained for a course once, unless stated otherwise in the ERA Course Catalog.
Some courses have prerequisites, so it may be necessary to take an initial class.
Many courses are offered once a day or only in one semester.
Credit recovery will take precedence over elective credit.
The schedule was built and instructors were hired around the courses students requested.
Reasons to request a schedule change:
Courses out of sequence (e.g., Latin III before Latin II))
Placed in a different course due to collapsed or closed course
Enrolled in a course for which credit has already been granted
Credit earned in the summer changes the 23-24 Schedule
In order to request a schedule change, a student must use the Schedule Change Request form. The deadline for a schedule change is June 7, 2023, and all requests will be addressed by June 8, 2023.
AP Exam Scores
AP exam scores will be available in July through a student’s College Board My AP account. Please contact Mrs. Kaiser after July 15, 2023, if you have not received your scores.
2023-2024 PSEO Participants
Please remember the ERA PSEO Application deadline is May 30, 2023. This link will provide you with the PSEO forms, or see Mrs. Kaiser for copies.
Enjoy your summer break!
Sincerely,
Linda Kaiser
Congratulations, Class of 2023 Scholarship and Award Winners
We celebrated the Class of 2023 on Wednesday morning at the annual Senior Breakfast and Awards Ceremony.
After presenting Pins of Perseverance to students who have completed the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric (grades 6-12) at Eagle Ridge, Schools of Logic and Rhetoric Principal Mrs. Johnson presented Stoles of Strength and Truth for the first time. These were awarded to the first six students to attend Eagle Ridge Academy for 13 years, from kindergarten through graduation. The School of Grammar opened in 2010, and we hope to continue to present Stoles of Strength and Truth for every year to come.
Thank you to Riley D., Rein D., Karis T., Ella H., Joseph N., Luke W., and their families for all they have given to Eagle Ridge Academy over the past 13 years. We are so honored to have been part of your lives for so long.
The following awards were also presented to the Class of 2023:
Legacy Award & Scholarship Winner Lydia B.
Awarded for leaving a legacy at Eagle Ridge Academy. This student will have excelled in academics, service, leadership, character, and presence within the school. The legacy student is one whose presence is missed long after they leave Eagle Ridge Academy due to the contributions they made while they were here.
Fine Arts Award & Scholarship Winner Kirsten T.
Marilyn R. Strand Award & Scholarship Winner Tim K.
Awarded to the student who embodies the values and spirit of Marilyn R. Strand. Marilyn was an employee of Eagle Ridge Academy who was known for her love for others and genuine joy she possessed. She led with a servant’s heart both in the Eagle Ridge Academy and outside community. Intuitive to other’s feeling and needs, she made everyone she met feel valued and loved in her presence.
Athens Award Winner Saamiya M.
Awarded for academic excellence and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
American Spirit Award Winner Vijay G.
Eagle Award Winner Ella H.
Director's Award Winner Luke W.
Salutatorian and Valedictorian
7-12: Register for Summer Activities
Dear Grades 7-12 Families,
Registration is still open for summer activities. Learn more about the available opportunities below and register here today. Please note that there is grant funding available for these summer programs for a limited time. Please contact Activities Director Kris Babler at kbabler@eagleridgeacademy.org for more information.
Grades 7-9 Strength & Conditioning – Two Time Slots
What: Age-appropriate strength programming for multiple sports that will focus on body weight exercise, introduction to proper form, and injury prevention. The expectation is that you will attend all workouts. Only 25 slots per session.
Where: ERA Fitness Center
When: Mon./Wed./Fri., June 12 - July 28; Two time slots: 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 9:15-10:45 a.m.
Head Coach: Kenny McGee
Cost: $300 – 85% grant funding = $45
Grades 7-12 Boys Basketball
Who: All grade 7-12 students intending to participate in ERA Basketball
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: Tues./Wed./Thurs., June 13 - July 27, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Kris Babler
Cost: $200 – 85% grant funding = $30
Grades 7-12 Boys Soccer Workouts
Who: All grade 7-12 students intending to participate in ERA Soccer at any level
Where: ERA Soccer Field
When: Mon./Wed./Fri., June 19 - July 27, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Head Coach: Sam Weigand
Cost: $200 – 85% grant funding = $30
Grades 7-12 Girls Basketball
Who: All grade 7-12 students intending to participate in ERA Basketball
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: Tues./Wed./Thurs., June 13 - July 28, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Head Coach: Chad Flies
Cost: $200 – 85% grant funding = $30
Grades 7-12 Girls Volleyball Workouts
Who: All grade 7-12 students intending to participate in ERA Volleyball at any level
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: Tues./Thurs., June 13 - July 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Head Coach: Caityana Hanson
Cost: $200 – 85% grant funding = $30
Grades 10-12 Strength & Conditioning
What: Performance lifting with a certified strength coach. This program is designed for varsity athletes to prepare them for competition and will focus on proper training form and building strength and resilience from injury. The expectation is that you will attend all workouts. Only 25 slots per session.
Where: ERA Fitness Center
When: Mon./Wed./Fri., June 12 - July 27, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Head Coach: Mike Schmidt
Cost: $300 – 85% grant funding = $45
Skyhawks Hiring School of Rhetoric Students for Summer Programming
Thank You For Attending the 3rd Annual ERA Activities & Athletics Celebration
We had a great turnout and a fun night. We wish to extend a special thank you to our numerous volunteers for your time, dedication, and talents. We couldn’t do this without YOU!
Attend the Booster Club Meet and Greet on June 7
- Join us at the ERA Booster Club Board Meet & Greet June 7, 4:00-5:30 p.m., at Tuttle's in Hopkins.
- Come see what the Booster Club is up to and how you can get involved with this fun group!
- Free food and beverages, plus door prizes!
Join the ERA Booster Club on Facebook for activities updates and check out ERABooster.org for more information and to register as a booster!
Developing Connections
Thank You for More Than 4,500 Hours of Volunteerism This Year
We appreciate our volunteers!
As we wrap up another year, it’s important to acknowledge and thank the hundreds of parents, grandparents, staff, students, and community members who give selflessly of their time and talents. A mere thank you to those who volunteer doesn’t seem enough, but it is a sincere, heartfelt debt of gratitude.
Last month we celebrated our volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation event, recognizing the many volunteers who make Eagle Ridge Academy flourish. Due to your dedication and commitment to volunteering, more than 4,500 hours of time has already been donated by more than 350 volunteers. That number will be closer to 4,900 hours after year-end celebrations. We could not function as we do without you. The Gryphon community is stronger and better because of your involvement.
Thank you to our Parent Teacher Organization and Booster Club for countless hours of planning and execution of events and activities.
Watch for your Summer Launch Packet for information on volunteer opportunities for the 2023-24 school.
My heart is full and gratitude is plentiful...thank you and enjoy your summer!
Kelly Schiffman
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For more information on how you may participate in developing 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/volunteer/.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference … it does.” ~William James
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift. Broken down into smaller amounts, it 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 (formerly known as SCRIP)
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.
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. The donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Stay Connected
- Follow the ERA PTO on Facebook!
- Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register. Create an account here: eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- Email the 2022-23 PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE Programs
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education helps families earn money for Eagle Ridge Academy with products they already buy.
- Download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
- Follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school!
- Scan your grocery store receipts in the app. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA! You can even see in the app how much money has been given to our school this year and what products have special Box Tops promotions going on.
- Visit boxtops4education.com for more information.
Coca-Cola GIVE
- To contribute through Coca-Cola GIVE, simply look for a code on Coke products. It can be found under screw tops or inside the boxes of 12- and 24-packs.
- When you see one, head to us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/ and search for Eagle Ridge Academy.
- Enter or scan the code and you’re done!
- Visit us.coca-cola.com/give/ for more information.
Eagle Ridge Academy
Email: info@eagleridgeacademy.org
Website: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/
Location: 11111 Bren Road West, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: 9527467760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleRidgeAcademy/
Twitter: @eagleridgeacad