The Eagle Eye
Feb. 10, 2022 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 18 | Issue 10
Upcoming Events
Friday, February 11
Wednesday, February 16
- Online Conference Scheduler Closes, 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 17
- Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 18
- NO SCHOOL due to Conferences
- Parent Teacher Conferences, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- PTO Used Uniform Sale, ERA Forum, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 19
- Winter Formal, Turtle's Event Center, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Monday, February 21 - Friday, February 25
- Light the Night Virtual Fundraiser (FKA Pennies for Patients), Online
Tuesday, February 22
- Sixth Grade Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
- School Board Meeting, Zoom and ERA Forum, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 23
- Seventh and Eighth Grade Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
Thursday, February 24
- School of Rhetoric Pillar Assembly - FORMAL DRESS REQUIRED
Happy National School Counselor Week!
Happy National School Counselor Week!
2022 Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors Election - Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors
On behalf of the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors, we are issuing a call for nominations for the 2022 Board of Directors election. Please read on for more information regarding the election process.
Board of Directors Composition:
Currently, the Board is made up of six teacher seats and five parent/community member seats. For the 2022 election, the following seats will be open for election:
- Three teacher seats
- Two parent/community member seats
The Nomination Process:
The Board of Directors asks that you nominate yourself or other individuals with the competence and vision to provide skilled leadership for the Academy. Any member of the corporation, parent or staff, may submit a nomination. To submit a nomination, please complete the Nomination Form. This form is also available on the Eagle Ridge Academy website. Nominations are due on or before Friday, March 25, at 4:00 p.m.
Board Member Election Process:
Once nominations are received, the election process will follow this sequence:
- All nominees will receive an information packet containing a detailed description of the requirements of Board service as well as details for accepting the nomination, including a candidate questionnaire.
- A completed questionnaire, submitted by April 5 at 4:00 p.m., is the individual’s official notification that they accept the nomination.
- An Election Guide with information on all candidates, their qualifications, and their views as stated in the candidate questionnaires will be available on April 8 on the official election site as well as posted on the Eagle Ridge Academy website for review.
- A Candidate Forum will be held on April 21 at 6:00 p.m. (location TBD). This forum will provide an opportunity to meet and question all the candidates who are running for election. All candidates are encouraged to take part in this forum.
- The official election will open on April 21 at 7:00 p.m. All eligible voters will receive an individualized ballot passcode and log-in information as well as further directions via email.
- All votes must be cast no later than April 25 at 12:00 p.m.
- Official results will be announced at the Annual Board Meeting on April 26 at 6:00 p.m.
Masking Decision Model Update - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
In December, the Board of Directors voted on the following Masking Decision-Making Model:
- For grades K-5, masking is required when the Case Positivity Rate is above an average of 1% for 10 days (9 students).
- For grades 6-12, masking is required when the Case Positivity Rate is above an average of 3% for 10 days (18 students).
- Universal masking is required when the 14-Day Hennepin County Case Positivity Rate is over 100/10,000 (1%).
- Optional masking applies to learning spaces. Administration will determine non-learning spaces where masking is required (mixed-school situations).
- Staff and students will be held to the same requirements.
- Masking is required for all visitors to Eagle Ridge Academy during the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
ERA tracks the corresponding data on a daily basis. This data can be viewed on the home page of the ERA website. Every Thursday, a team of four people (Board members, Executive Director, and School Nurse) reviews the data to determine the masking status for the next week. We announce any changes by Friday for the following week.
Currently, the Hennepin County Case Rate is trending downward and we predict that masking will be optional within two weeks. Thus, we want to explain the procedures should we move to optional masking:
MASKING OPTIONAL PROCEDURES
- Masking would be optional for ALL students and ALL staff in ALL spaces within the building. There may be special events where the COVID Coordinator determines that masking will be required.
- Bullying because of one’s choice to mask will not be tolerated.
- ERA will continue to follow quarantine procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at school.
- All visitors must mask during the school day, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- After-school extra-curricular activities are masking optional.
- All students and staff MUST mask on all transportation as federally mandated.
ERA will announce the Masking Status for the upcoming week each Friday via email, social media, ERA website, and signage at each entrance of the building. Masking IS required for the week of February 14. Thank you for continuing to follow the Masking Decision-Making Model as voted on by our Board of Directors.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
Winter Conference Scheduler Open Through Wednesday, February 16
Winter 2022 Parent Teacher Conferences will take place Thursday, February 17, 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, February 18, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The sign-up session for winter conferences will be Feb. 9 at 8:00 a.m. through Feb. 16 at 10:00 p.m.
When signing up for conferences, families will be able to choose whether they would prefer to meet teachers in person in their classrooms or virtually over Zoom. Families who want to request a virtual conference can check off that option when creating their account on the Online Conference Scheduler or by going to Change My Account Info. You may also request a translator in this section. The Special Request selections will then be shown on the teacher’s schedule for each student.
REGISTER BY FRIDAY, FEBURARY 25: Classical Parent Engagement Sessions - Missy Madigan, Classical Coordinator
The Eagle Ridge Academy Classical Co-op is now gathering contact information for parents interested in joining this spring’s Classical parent education and engagement sessions. At Eagle Ridge Academy, we firmly believe that the strength of the partnership between school and home has a profound impact on a student’s education. Whether you are brand new to Classical Education or are a fierce advocate yourself, we have sessions tailored to meet you where you are and to share more about what is true, good, and beautiful in a Classical Education. Preview the options listed below and add your name to the invite list by Friday, February 25. All sessions are open to current and prospective parents.
Classical Connection Series: This five-session series is designed for parents newer to Classical Education that want to learn more about how a Classical, liberal arts education is presented to our students throughout their kindergarten through 12th grade education. Join for one session or all six. CLICK HERE to be added to the invite list.
Eight Essential Principles of Classical Education: This six-session series is designed for parents who understand the basics of Classical education. Over six sessions, participants will learn about the Eight Essential Principles of Classical Education and what these principles might look like in your family life. Each session builds on the last; therefore, it’s best (but not required) to follow all six sessions. CLICK HERE to be added to the invite list.
Plato: The Great Philosopher Educator: This five-session series is designed for parents who desire to deeply know Classical Education through the study of Plato. In this series, participants will be guided through a discussion of Plato’s background and context, some of his key insights on curriculum and pedagogy, and his educational legacy. Each session builds on the last; therefore, it’s best to follow all six sessions. CLICK HERE to be added to the invite list.
“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.” – Jane D. Hull, former educator and politician
Sincerely,
Missy Madigan
Light the Night Fundraiser February 21-25
Community Updates: School of Grammar
School of Grammar Yearbooks Nearly Sold Out!
Yearbook orders are still being accepted online until they are sold out. Personalized yearbooks with names and icons are no longer available to order. To purchase a School of Grammar yearbook for only $31 plus tax, please click here. Yearbooks will be distributed at the end of May. You may contact Jami Kruschke with Lower School yearbook questions at jkrushchke@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Notes from the Schools of Logic & Rhetoric - Erin Johnson, Principal
Dear Families,
We are well under way with our second semester. The new semester offers a fresh start, new courses, and new friendships. I have truly appreciated seeing the students engaged in their classes, teachers diving in with the students on new material, and the sense of determination I see throughout our building.
I highly encourage parents to attend the spring conferences to connect with teachers about your child’s courses. Conferences are February 17, 4:00 - 8:30 p.m. and February 18, 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Remember to check your child’s grades via Canvas to have the most up-to-date information going into conferences.
Students have met with Mrs. Mary Johnson, our College and Academic Advisor, to register for courses for next year. She works individually with each student on their four-year plan to ensure a smooth course of study leading to graduation. Please discuss with your child which courses they are registering for and contact Mary Johnson with any questions about courses, graduation, graduation requirements, or college planning.
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
January Pillar Award Recipients - Romelle P., Assistant Principal
CIPHER (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, Respect) is more than a motto, it’s what we strive to follow in our actions with our fellow Gryphons.
The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies, in which six students from each of the Upper School grades 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 the student body.
Below are photos of our January Pillar Award recipients. They each received a certificate suitable for framing. Congratulations, Pillar Award winners! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
Sixth Grade Gym Night Friday, February 11
Join the 6th grade team for Gym Night on Friday, February 11, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 and there will be concessions for sale. All proceeds go towards 6th grade field trips.
Notes from the Academic Advising Office - Mary Johnson, College and Academic Advisor
Dear Families,
Financial Aid Webinars
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC's The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are launching a series of financial aid webinars for students and families as they prepare for the college-going process. All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Participants who attend 4 out of 5 sessions will be eligible to win a $500 scholarship.
The series, which runs February 8 - March 1, will focus on a variety of topics, including general financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college.
- February 15, 2022, 7:00 p.m. — Complete the FAFSA
- February 17, 2022, 7:00 p.m. — Complete the MN Dream Act
- February 22, 2022, 7:00 p.m. — Understanding Your Offer Letter
- March 1, 2022, 7:00 p.m. — Scholarship Search
To register for any of the webinars using Zoom, visit https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6hrjIqG4mCsdrn5Tv. Visit https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ for information about each of Minnesota's financial aid programs. Questions can be directed to the state's financial aid hotline: (651) 642-0567.
Scholarship Information
- The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors: The Sallie Mae Fund will award 25 $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to enroll in a two- or four-year degree professional certificate or vocational training program. Seniors who excel inside and outside of the classroom and demonstrate financial need can apply NOW through Feb. 28 at www.salliemae.com/landing/bridging-the-dream.
- The Completing the Dream Scholarship: The Sallie Mae Fund will award 185 gap scholarships worth up to $2,500 each to minority students and those from underserved communities who are on track to graduate but are at-risk of not completing due to financial emergency or unpaid school bill. Students can apply NOW for the Completing the Dream Scholarship at www.salliemae.com/landing/completing-the-dream.
Sincerely,
Mary Johnson
Class of 2022: Graduate Name for Diploma Form and Graduation Fee Due February 25
The Class of 2022 must provide the requested information in the Graduate Name for Diploma form. This form, along with the $70 graduation fee, is due February 25. You may edit information regarding your fall of 2022 plans until May 25. As is tradition, we will be presenting a slide show of the senior class prior to and after the ceremony. Photos may be uploaded to the Graduate Name for Diploma form until May 1. See more information about graduation in the email sent home to seniors and families Thursday, February 9.
Spring Activities Registration Now Open!
Spring activity registration is NOW OPEN: https://era-ar.rschooltoday.com/home. Please note that some activities are listed under Spring and some are listed under All Year. Early registration is available until February 18. Make sure to register before rates go up $50 on February 18. The fee reduction form is available here.
Gryphon Track & Field
- Highly competitive co-op team with ISM, Chesterton & Groves Academy
- Grades 7-12
- Location: ISM
- Monday-Friday, 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Transportation provided to ISM
- Head Coach: Rob Economy
- Begins March 14
- $200
ThunderGryph Baseball
- United Christian Academy – Eagle Ridge Academy Baseball
- Grades 7-12 Varsity & JV
- Practices in Bloomington or Eden Prairie
- Monday-Friday, 3:45-5:30 p.m.; Transportation provided to practice
- Head Coach: Evan Johnson
- Begins March 14
- $200
Blake (& ERA) Softball
- New this year: we will co-op with Blake for V/JV Softball with the intent of launching ERA Softball spring 2024
- Grades 7-12 V & JV, no cuts
- Practice at Blake campus: https://www.blakebears.org/softball
- Monday-Friday, 3:45-5:30 p.m.
- Head Coach: Jenna Privette
- Begins March 14
- $200
Ultimate Frisbee
- Ultimate returns to ISM for 2022. It will remain a coop with Chesterton and ISM.
- Grades 7-12 Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls, and Middle School levels planned
- Practice at ISM
- Practices Monday/Wednesday 5:30-7:00 p.m.; No transportation unless participating in track
- Head Coach: James Kittleson
- Begins April 4
- $200
Gryphon Girls Badminton
- Girls Badminton returns with a 12 person roster in 2022
- Grades 7-12 Varsity
- Practices in ERA Auxiliary Gym
- Practices Wednesday/Friday, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Head Coach: Abhi Das
- Begins March 16
- $110
Golf
- Golf will be offered through United Christian Academy
- Grades 7-12 Boys and Girls
- Practice location TBD – in Bloomington area
- Practices Monday-Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Begins March 16
- $250
Blake Synchronized Swimming
- Grades 7-12 Girls
- Practice at Blake School
- Practices Monday-Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Begins March 7
- $250
Note: We will add a Boys Volleyball club that meets outside practice times for varsity sports. Look for registration to open in March.
Go Gryphons!
SUPPORT ERA ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES!
- Volunteers needed for volleyball tournaments at ERA this weekend (February 12 and 13) and next weekend (February 19 and 20). Volunteers are needed in concessions. Please go to www.ERABooster.org, click on the volunteer tab, then click on the Volleyball Tournament links to sign up.
- Come on out to Gryphon Senior Night on February 24 to cheer on our Gryphon athletes and celebrate all our winter activities and athletics seniors!
- Become a Booster Club Member! Memberships range from a free Patron member to a Gryphon member that provides access to all home games, a free concession snack, a free ticket to the end-of-year awards ceremony, and more. Show your school spirit and become a member today. Go to www.ERABooster.org and look for the "Become a Booster" button on the home page.
- Join the ERA Booster Club Board! The ERA Booster Club is looking for parents interested in contributing to the growth and excellence of letter-eligible activities. Leading a committee for the Booster Club takes 7-10 hours per month. We currently need parents with an interest in fundraising, sponsorship, or communications. Email us at erabooster@gmail.com.
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) or by joining the Facebook group today!
Come Ski with the Gryphon Cross Country Ski Club on Mondays!
Upper School Theater Department Performs Student-Written One-Act Play
On Saturday, January 29, our Upper School theater students performed their one-act play Hey There, Delilah at St. Paul Academy's Huss Center for Performing Arts as part of the MSHSL Sub-Section 4A One-Act Play Competition.
The play, written by ERA senior Ro Feitl and directed by Theater Director Mr. Berg, deals with the struggles of switching friend groups in high school. It featured Molly D., Zahra A., Audry C., Nuala F., Bee C., Thorn K., Theo H., and Ben M. Though our talented group of students did not advance to the next round of the competition this year, they did an incredible job and we are proud of their work!
The Upper School theater department will soon hold auditions for the spring musical. Stay tuned for more information. The Lower School theater department will perform their musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Eagle Ridge Academy on February 26 and 27.
Developing Connections
Register Now for 8th Annual Donut Dash 5K and 1/2 Mile Mini-Donut Dash! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
We are back IN PERSON this year for the 8th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile for Kids with a whole NEW 5K COURSE, leaving and finishing at Eagle Ridge Academy! Whether you are a runner, a walker, or a donut-enthusiast, this is the event for you! Each 5K race registrant receives a 2022 race shirt, post-race refreshment, and DONUTS! Children ages 10 and younger that participate in the Mini-Donut 1/2 mile each receive a race shirt, medal, and mini-donuts. There will be Zumba warm-ups led by a certified instructor before the race, complimentary chair massages, rock tape applications, music, and fun youth activities. The event will take place on Saturday, May 7, starting at 8:00 a.m. Visit www.eagleridgeacademy.org/donut-dash-5K to view the race map, see fun photos from previous years, and for more information.
Online registration is NOW OPEN! 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. All registrations are non-refundable.
5K Pricing:
$35 Adult 5K Registration (on or before April 21)
$30 Student and Alumni 5K Pricing
$40 5K Registration (after April 21 to race day)
Kids Mini Donut Dash 1/2 Mile Pricing:
(Kids 10 and younger)
$15 Mini-Donut Dash Pricing (on or before April 21)
$20 Mini-Donut Dash (after April 21 to race day)
All proceeds from the event will benefit student enrichment at Eagle Ridge Academy. If you do not wish to run but would like to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy to help support student enrichment and Classical Education, please click here.
We cannot wait to have everyone together again for one of our favorite annual events AND to welcome everyone to the new course. We hope to see you there! Questions? Please contact Kelly Schiffman at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
For more information on how you may participate in the development of Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact me 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/.
Save the Date: 9th Annual Gryphon Classic on June 21 at NEW COURSE!
It’s cold out, but it's not too soon to start thinking about golf! The 9th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, June 21, at Edinburgh USA Golf Club in Brooklyn Park. Watch for more information and golf registration to open end of February!
If you are interested in helping with this annual golf event or sponsoring, please contact Kelly Schiffman at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Volunteer this Winter!
We have several opportunities available for volunteers this winter. There’s a job for everyone – let us know if you can help. Sign up to volunteer today.
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 department 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 SCRIP
Eagle Ridge Academy offers SCRIP, 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 SCRIP donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Friday, with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
AmazonSmile
Used Uniform Sale During Winter Conferences
Join us for the Winter Used Uniform Sale! To buy items, shop in the ERA Forum during conferences on Friday, February 18, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The next Spirit Wear Day is coming up on Friday, February 25. Attend this sale to make sure you've got all the Spirit Wear you need to show off your school spirit this month!
To donate uniform items for this sale, just 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 click here to view instructions.
Uniform items will be accepted through Monday, February 14, for this sale. Anything received after this time will be placed in our next sale.
If you would like to volunteer to help us set up, run the sale, or clean up, please click here to be taken to our SignUpGenius. Thank you!
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions to the PTO fund that have brought us halfway to our goal for the year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to PTO at the school's address. The donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Share Your Contact Information in the Family Directory
Since our school is unable to publish or otherwise share family contact information, we want to encourage families to share their contact information in the school directory via Membership Tool Kit. Doing so makes it much easier to communicate between families, share classroom opportunities, publicize grade level get-togethers, and assist one another with homework and uniform questions.
Membership Tool Kit gives you control over what information you share and is available both online and as an app. Create an account here.
If you already have an account, use the same link to access it through your mobile app or computer and update your family information including teacher or advisor name.
Stay Connected!
Sincerely,
Your 2021-2022 PTO Board
President – Elena Ryabinin
Vice-President – Poornima Pelluri
Treasurer – Tina Loutsch
Teacher Liaisons – Lindsay Thomas (1st grade teacher) and Jessica Bergeron (9th grade Latin teacher)
Community Engagement – Gretchen Stone; Carolyn Sommers Tillotson
Feel free to reach out to PTO via email pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE Programs
See It… Save It!
Did you know that you can support Eagle Ridge Academy through your everyday purchases with the Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE programs? These programs are free and simple to use. Not only that, but anyone can participate—grandparents, neighbors, and friends—so check out these programs today, and while you’re at it, get a couple of friends on board too!
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education (BTFE) helps families earn money for Eagle Ridge Academy with products they already buy. It only takes minutes to get the Box Tops app through the app store on your phone and follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school. Once you have the app set up, it’s a snap to use it to scan your receipt every time you buy groceries. 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. Email seeitsaveitera@gmail.com if you have any questions about either program.
Life at Eagle Ridge Academy
School of Rhetoric Service Project
School of Grammar Students Celebrate 100th Day of School!
Send-Off for Betty Lewandowski
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