The Eagle Eye
November 17, 2022 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 6
Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 17
Friday, November 18
- Spirit Wear Day
- Two-Hour Early Release
- Gala for the Gryphons, Hazeltine National Golf Club, 6:00-11:00 p.m.
- Gala for the Gryphons Online Silent Auction Closes at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 20
- Wind in the Willows Fall Play, ERA Auditorium, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 21
- Wind in the Willows Fall Play, ERA Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.
Monday, November 22
- PTO Quarterly Meeting, ERA Forum, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 23 - Friday, November 25
- No School and Office Closed due to Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, November 29
- Sixth Grade Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
- School Board Meeting & Strategic Planning Session, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 30
- Seventh and Eighth Grade Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
Thursday, December 1
- School of Rhetoric Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
- Winter Band Concert, ERA Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 2
Monday, December 5
- Boys Basketball Games at ERA vs. Community of Peace, JV - 5:30 p.m., Varsity - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6
- Girls Basketball Games at ERA vs. Brooklyn Center, JV - 5:30 p.m., Varsity - 7:00 p.m.
- Winter Orchestra Concert, ERA Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Please note: only home games and matches for Gryphon Activities are listed on this calendar. To see a full list of Gryphon games, matches, practices, and meetings, please view the Activities Calendar.
Today's the day! Help ERA Recruit, Train, and Sustain Quality Teachers for Future Generations during Give to the Max Day 2022!
Happy Give to the Max Day 2022! On this national day of philanthropy, help Eagle Ridge Academy recruit, train, and sustain quality teachers for future generations. This year, Give to the Max donations will go toward ERA’s Grow Your Own and New Teacher Mentoring program. To participate in Give to the Max, please visit https://www.givemn.org/story/Gttm22. The money raised from Give to the Max Day 2020 allowed us to complete our Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project this fall. How much money can we raise this year toward quality teachers?
Each time you make a gift during Give to the Max, you could help ERA win part of the $100,000+ Prize Pool! If GiveMN randomly draws your gift, ERA will receive an additional prize grant. All you have to do is make a gift (or lots of gifts!) and it will be entered into the prize drawings for each associated prize grant. See the prize drawings below:
$500 Golden Tickets every 15 minutes on Give to the Max Day
$1,000 Hourly Golden Tickets on Give to the Max Day
$10,000 Super-Sized Golden Ticket
Every gift, no matter the size, makes an incredible difference in what we provide for our students.
Recruiting and hiring excellent, diverse, and Classical teachers for all our Gryphons has been a challenge! To increase the diversity of Classical teachers available to our students, Eagle Ridge Academy has received grants through the Minnesota Department of Education to begin a Grow Your Own (GYO) teacher program and expand our teacher mentoring program.
The programs will be supported by the New Teacher Mentor Coordinator who will recruit a diverse population of non-licensed teachers, equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for high-quality teaching, and develop their teaching skills through coaching and mentoring which will allow Eagle Ridge Academy to retain empowered educators who positively impact student learning. Additionally, the New Teacher Mentor Coordinator will support aspiring teachers in navigating the state certification system. Eagle Ridge Academy will assist in covering costs associated with obtaining a license and/or degree. Through mentorship, financial assistance, and support in maneuvering the complexities of state procedures, Eagle Ridge Academy will remove the cultural, economic, and linguistic barriers that may otherwise prevent future Classical educators from pursuing a career in teaching.
School Closing and Late Start Decision-Making Process - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Families,
We live in Minnesota and, on occasion, it will be necessary for Eagle Ridge Academy to cancel or start school late because of snow or severely cold temperatures. As an administrator for the past 18 years, I have had much experience with making the decision to stay open, close, or start late because of inclement weather. As we recognize and appreciate the fact that every family has a different situation, we realize that our decisions will not meet the needs of all. Therefore, I’d like to clearly communicate ERA’s decision-making process when cancelling or starting school late.
For cold weather, most school districts use a wind chill chart to determine the danger zone of the wind chill. If the wind chill is forecasted to be 35 degrees below zero, then you will see schools start to cancel. Every district has individual circumstances to consider. For example, ERA does not have students who walk to school and our bus riders generally do not wait for the bus outside but in a warm vehicle. This would cause some to assume that Eagle Ridge Academy students have less exposure and risk. However, if a bus breaks down, it would take a minimum of 45 minutes to replace the bus. That is too long for our students to be in the cold. Some schools, especially those outside the metro area, will often run a two-hour late start. I generally do not believe this to be a good option but realize we may need to use this strategy from time to time. For example, the two-hour late start is effective if the temperature warms between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m.
For snow accumulation, many other factors exist. These factors include total accumulation, time of the accumulation, progress of snow plows according to the DOT, and the continued weather forecast. Generally, southwest metro schools collaborate with each other to make decisions. Eagle Ridge Academy is in a special circumstance in that we have students from many cities. While Eden Prairie and Edina may receive little snow, Shakopee and Chaska may receive large amounts. In cases like these, we may hold school as usual; however, we will excuse students who were not able to safely travel to school.
All cancellations and delays will be reported on WCCO, Facebook, text, and email. Our goal is to have the information communicated by 6:00 a.m. for the convenience of families yet give the Administrative Team time to make the best decision. I truly understand the inconvenience of school cancellations to families, student learning, and scheduling. Know that the decisions we make always place student safety first and we are willing to accept the inconvenience, knowing that your children are out of harm’s way.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
Wind in the Willows Performances, November 19 & 20
Come see the Eagle Ridge Academy theater department's Upper School production of The Wind in the Willows! Join Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad on their adventures (and misadventures) along the riverbank and out in the Wide World. This show is enjoyable for all ages!
Performances will take place on Saturday, November 19, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m.
Gala for the Gryphons Silent Auction Closes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18
New items are still being added daily to the Gala for the Gryphons Silent Auction, so make sure to check back frequently before it closes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18: www.32auctions.com/2022GalafortheGryphons.
There are items for all tastes and ages. You will be notified via email if you are a winning bidder and may pick your items up starting Tuesday, November 22. Not attending the gala? That’s okay - you can bid right alongside the Gala attendees right up until close from the comfort of your home. The auction site alerts you if you are outbid, and you can set a proxy bid on any item, which means that you enter the top bid you would pay for an item and the website will automatically bid for you up until your top amount is capped. For your consideration for Live Auction, we have three items: Board of Directors Wine Selection, Weekend on the North Shore, and Sushi Class for Eight. You may bid on these even if you are not attending the event by being assigned a proxy bidding number and someone will bid in your stead.
Proceeds from this year's Gala and Silent Auction will fund the Grow Your Own Teacher program at Eagle Ridge Academy. Having excellent, diverse, and Classical teachers for all of our Gryphons has been a challenge. Eagle Ridge Academy will begin growing our own teachers right here at ERA in order to increase the diversity of Classical teachers available for our students. In addition, each year the Gala will continue to support scholarship funds for our graduating seniors, creating opportunity for future generations of Eagle Ridge Academy scholars. Thank you for supporting the students and staff of Eagle Ridge Academy!
Collect Lost & Found Items by December 16
Items in Eagle Ridge Academy's Lost & Found will be cleared out over Winter Break. 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.
Classical Corner: Gather, Feast, Reflect
As so often happens at this time of the year, the last month seems to have been a time to slow down. The seasons change. The days grow longer and colder. We relish each moment we can outside, but also turn inside, to our refuge. At this change of seasons, cultures across the world have always readied themselves to gather together, to feast together, to enjoy good company, and to reflect.
There is nothing quite like savoring a Minnesota fall and the beauty of its changing leaves, right up until the first snow that is now upon us. And there is nothing quite like the promise of good company during this time as one’s refuge. As I marvel at all the seasonal changes, I can’t help but connect this time with the gathering, feasting, and reflection I have witnessed of our staff over the past month. Over this last month, teachers have come together in many ways–during Fall Conferences, at the Minnesota Classical Conference, during Professional Development days, and informal gatherings. In each, we’ve feasted–on the successes of our students, on fresh ideas for implementation of our time-tested curriculum, on engagement tactics that energize and empower students. And in each, we’ve reflected–on student work as we create growth goals for the course of the year; on specific ways teachers are building an inclusive, respectful school culture for all; on what speaks, inspires, and motivates learners of all ages to strive for excellence.
I also can’t help but connect this to the gathering, feasting, and reflection that has and will continue to take place through our Strategic Planning Process. By listening closely to the voices of our families, we have gained much insight. When asked why they chose Eagle Ridge, parents responded overwhelmingly for academics and our Classical model. Likewise, when asked what they liked best about Eagle Ridge, student answers centered around their teachers and the education they were receiving. There is much to feast on here, and, as always much to reflect upon, to tweak and improve.
So as we turn in during this season, let us turn into one another. Let us gather, feast on our successes, and reflect on our practices. Join us for our first Classical Conversation–an informal gathering to connect and share what we are seeing at school and at home, centered around a specific tenant of a Classical Education. Our first session will focus on the Vigor of Learning and its place in providing Classical Education for all. Taking advantage of one of the newest hotspots in town, we will meet December 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Bober Tea of Eden Prairie’s new Asian Mall. Express your interest through this link. Looking forward to gathering, feasting, and reflecting together as a community!
Sincerely,
Suzannah Toso
Classical Enrichment Teacher K-2
Classical Coordinator K-12
Get Your Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Yearbook for $47 or School of Grammar Yearbook for $35
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Families: The yearbook club is hard at work creating this year’s edition. For the low price of $47 you can have memories to last a lifetime. Purchase a Schools of Logic & Rhetoric 2022-23 yearbook today.
School of Grammar Families: This holiday season, give the gift of memories! Consider ordering your student a School of Grammar 2022-23 yearbook. Cost is $35.00 plus tax. Yearbooks will be handed out in May.
Register for College Inside Track - Linda Kaiser, College & Academic Counselor
Dear Students and Families,
Few high school parents have discussed how they will pay for college; however, given the college cost today, one will want to be prepared when the day arrives. College Inside Track will provide an overview for ERA parents/students on how to develop a family philosophy regarding the budget for college and education on the workings of different student loans and scholarships.
Join national expert Cozy Wittman to learn valuable tips on one of life's most important financial decisions:
When: December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom webinar
Registration is required: Use this link to register in advance
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Upcoming Essay Contests
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education's Free Speech Essay Contest is now open for juniors and seniors. Entries are due by December 31, 2022. First prize is a $10,000 scholarship.
The 2023 Profile in Courage Essay Contest is now open for 9th-12th grade students. First-place prize is $10,000. Access curriculum materials, past winning essays, criteria for judging, and more online. Deadline for submission is January 13, 2023.
College News for Seniors
Seniors planning to attend college in fall of 2023 should be completing their Common App online, or starting the application process with the school of their choice.
The Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) has opened. Students are more likely to qualify for federal, state, and college-offered grants if the FAFSA is filed early. In fact, Saving for College reported that students who fill out the FAFSA between October and December receive twice as many grants, on average, as compared with students who file the FAFSA later.
Scholarship Deadlines
BigFuture Scholarship - $40,000 - 24 Awards (Deadline: November 30, 2022). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Attend a school in one of the fifty United States (plus additional locations) B) Must be a senior in high school.
Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship - $1,000 – 20 Awards (Deadline: November 30, 2022). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be enrolled or accepted for early enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited institution in the U.S. B) Have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry and demonstrate financial need.
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships - $7,500 - 5 Awards (Deadline: December 7, 2022). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be enrolled in an accredited educational institution (kindergarten through graduate school) in the US. B) Have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to their community by performing unpaid volunteer services.
Science Ambassador Scholarship - $40,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: December 13, 2022). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be a high school senior or an undergraduate student. B) Be a woman attending a school in the United States.
Kind regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Congrats to Gryphon Cross Country Athletes Greta L., Vivian S., and Ava K. for Placing in Top 100 in State!
With the conclusion of the MSHSL State Meet on November 5, the high school cross country season is officially over in Minnesota. A massive CONGRATULATIONS to the three Gryphon Cross Country State competitors!
• Greta L. (ERA) -- In her 3rd State Meet -- 19:26.21 -- 14th Overall and All State
• Vivian S. (ERA) -- In her 1st State Meet -- 20:56.92 -- 84th Overall
• Ava K. (ISM) -- In her 2nd State Meet -- 21:14.53 -- 96th Overall
We are proud of all our Gryphon Cross Country runners for an incredible season of growth and improvement. View more photos from the season here: https://xceagleridge.shutterfly.com/pictures.
We would also like to recognize Coach Rob Economy for growing the team from seven-eight cross country runners five years ago into a team of 40+ V/JV athletes and another 12+ 4th-6th grade youth runners. Thank you to Coach Economy, the ERA Booster Club, and our families for all of the work they have done this season to support Gryphon Cross Country and our industrious runners. We cannot wait to see what the team can accomplish next season!
Registration Now Open for Speech Team, Dance Team, One-Act Plays, and More
Learn more about each activity below and register here today.
Non-Competition One-Act Play: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose
WHO: Grades 6-12
WHEN: December 8-February 5, Mon./Thurs., 3:30-5:30 p.m. & Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Auditions required, December 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
- Callbacks required, December 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
- Students will provide their own costumes.
WHERE: ERA Auditorium
SHOW: February 3, 7:00 p.m. and February 5, 2:00 p.m. in the ERA Auditorium
COACHES: Betsy Bixby
COST: $100
One-Act Competition Play: Radium Girls
WHO: Grades 7-12 (max 20 students)
WHEN: Rehearsals December 12-16, 3:30-4:30 p.m., January 3-27 Tues./Wed./Fri. 3:30-5:30 p.m., January 20-February 2, 3:30-6:00 p.m.
- Auditions are December 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (info & sign-up is on the Auditorium door)
- Callbacks are December 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Cast list will be posted December 5.
- Students may get scripts & schedules from Ms. Michels office. Registration fees are due by Friday, December 9.
WHERE: ERA Auditorium
SHOWS: February 3, 7:00 p.m. and February 5, 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 to see both One-Act plays.
COACHES: Sylvia Michels
COST: $125
What to expect: Not all actors will be needed for all rehearsals in January. Costumes will be provided. Actors may wear their own clothing pending the directors approval. The Section contest will be held on Saturday, February 4, at St. Paul Academy and Summit Schools. The MSHSL State One-Act Play Festival for class A will be held on Friday, February 10, at St. Catherine’s University.
ERA Dance Team
WHO: 7-12 graders
WHEN: January 4-March 17, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m. (Plus some basketball games.)
WHERE: Lunch room (or gym when available)
ADVISOR: Emma Martin
COST: $100
What to expect: Tryouts are on January 4 (more information to come). The team results will be posted on January 5. All dance team registration fees are due January 6. Performance attire will be provided. Students need to provide athletic wear for practice including appropriate black dance shoes.
Speech Team
WHO: Grades 7-12
WHEN: January 10-March 28, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Room 1216
ADVISOR: Timothy Huston
COST: $80
What to expect: The purpose of the debate club is to engage in the art of debate - to strengthen public speaking skills and to be able to look at issues from multiple perspectives.
Yearbook Club
WHO: Grades 6-12
WHEN: Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
WHERE: SoR Computer Lab
ADVISOR: Jonathan Good
COST: Free
Math League
WHO: Grades 5-12
WHEN: September 19-March 20, Mondays, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Room 2102
WHAT IS NEEDED: Writing utensils, paper (lined and graphed)
ADVISOR: Ethan Martin
COST: $100
NOTES: Students can request/schedule additional practice on Fridays.
Impart Art Club Session 2
WHO: Grades 3-5
WHEN: January 26-April 13, Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m.
WHERE: Classroom 1510
WHAT IS NEEDED: All supplies are provided.
DIRECTOR: Jamie Kruschke
COST: $110
Gryphon Youth Basketball
WHO: K-6 introductory level basketball
WHERE: ERA Main Gym
WHEN: Saturdays - December 10, 17, 24 and January 7, 14, 21
- K - 9:00-9:30 a.m. (aux gym)
- Grades 1 & 2 - 9:00-9:45 a.m.
- Grades 3 & 4 - 9:55-10:55 a.m.
- Grades 5 & 6 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
COACHES: Varsity head coaches and players
COST: $80 (T-shirt provided.)
Join us at the following ERA Booster Club sponsored events:
- The entire ERA community is invited to the monthly ERA Booster Club Board Meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Edina Library in the Edina Meeting Room (5280 Grandview Square).
- All are welcome to attend - come learn how you can get involved with this fun group!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3
- SAVE THE DATE - Pack the Stands!
- Proudly sponsored by CHICK FIL A Knollwood: Hot Meal Deal CHICK FIL A Chicken sandwich, waffle chips, and beverage for $9!
- Volunteer at this fun event! Sign up here: www.ERABooster.org/Volunteer.
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
Ways to Get Involved and Give Back - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
There are several ways to participate in giving at Eagle Ridge Academy. Creating additional revenue sources and building community is important as we strive to create the best possible educational experience for our students while staying true to our mission. Enjoy giving from the heart for a good cause with the benefit of receiving a tax deduction.
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://eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-support-era/.
Volunteer Opportunities
Eagle Ridge Academy views parents and students as integral contributors and active participants in our school. The Academy is most successful when parents and students work together with the teachers and staff to create and sustain the best possible learning environment.
We update our volunteer opportunities weekly at the community opportunities link. Within this link is a separate sign-up for our monthly Volunteer Wednesdays, an opportunity to come in once per month to help with teacher and school projects.
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.
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Order 2022-23 Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combination. The remaining 2022-23 Spirit Wear dates are Nov. 18, Dec. 9, Jan. 19 (Thursday), Feb. 24, March 10, April 20 (Thursday), and May 12.
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.
Thank You for Helping Eagle Ridge Academy Honor Veterans Day
Part of the Eagle Ridge Academy vision statement is that Eagle Ridge Academy will offer an academically rigorous, time-tested, Classical liberals arts curriculum that fosters an appreciation for the United States of America and her unique role in the world. On Veterans Day, we want our students to understand what it means to be a veteran and to honor the selfless sacrifice that so many men and women have made for our freedoms.
Grades 2-12 attended Veterans Day assemblies in the ERA Auditorium, and grades K-1 honored Veterans Day in their classrooms. In Ms. Thomas' first grade class, they welcomed Mrs. Clapero, mother to first grader Norman. Mrs. Clapero read a book to the students, talked about her experience in the army, and allowed the students to try on some of her equipment.
To all of the veterans in the Eagle Ridge Academy community and beyond - thank you for your service. Thank you also to ERA Activities Director Kris Babler, guest speaker retired Staff Sergeant Eric Geesaman of the United States Marine Corps, the Eagle Ridge Academy Symphonic Orchestra, and conductor Rachel Finnes for participating in our Veterans Day assemblies this year. We also thank all of our students, staff, and guests for taking the time to show citizenship, honor, and respect this past Veterans Day.
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