The Eagle Eye
November 30, 2023 - 2023-24 Issue 6
Monday, December 4
- PTO Meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5
- Rescheduled Financial Aid Bootcamp for Seniors, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 7
- Winter Band Concert, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 8
- Spirit Wear Day
- Educational Assistant and Paraprofessional Job Shadow Day, 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Two-Hour Early Release Day - School of Grammar dismissed at 1:00 p.m.; Schools of Logic & Rhetoric dismissed at 1:10 p.m.
Monday, December 11
- Grades 3-5 Choir Club Session 1 Performance, 4:00-4:15 p.m.
- Winter Orchestra Concert, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
- School Board Meeting, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Please Note: No Gryphon Activities information is included on the calendar this issue. To see a list of Gryphon games, matches, and practices, please view the Activities Calendar.
District Updates
Message from Executive Director Jason Ulbrich
Dear ERA Families,
Every other year, the MN legislature makes statute changes that impact MN school policy. This year marks one of the biggest years of change in my 25-plus-year career. Usually there are three or four changes, however, in 2023, the MN legislature made at least 32 statute changes that impact MN school policies.
The goal of the ERA Board of Directors and the leadership team is to maximize the positive impact and reduce the possible negative impact of the new statute changes. At ERA our mission is clear in demanding "students do their best in academic achievement and honorable character while challenging them to attain their highest potential."
The 32 changes from the legislature take time to implement or to even figure out. We currently present three policies to the Board of Directors each month and our policy group meets monthly to translate statute into school policy, which is eventually implemented at the school level.
We will make mistakes along the way and are trying to minimize the disruption to the operations of the school and our mission. I encourage you to review these policies and share your concerns with me or your state legislator. We will be meeting with a state legislator in a couple of weeks to discuss the impact of their decisions on our school.
View the list of updated statutes here:
Thank You for Attending the 11th Annual Gala for the Gryphons
Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 17 for the 11th Annual Gala for the Gryphons! Our incredible community came together and raised an extraordinary $64,000 for Eagle Ridge Academy’s Grow Your Own and New Teacher Mentoring programs and our student scholarship program. Whether you joined us at the event, participated through the silent auction or sponsorship, donated an in-kind item or service, or donated an outright cash gift, we extend our thanks for pushing us to be better and achieve our goals.
We are grateful to Karen Sorbo for emceeing the event and auction, our keynote speaker Dr. Ken Greener for his historical insight and passion for building Eagle Ridge Academy, Taher Inc. and Patisserie Margo for their delicious desserts, Midwest DJ for getting everyone out on the dance floor, all of our spectacular volunteers, our in-kind contributors and generous donors, ERA parent and photographer Sridhar Thayur for donating his services to capture the magic of the evening (view the Gala photo album here), and to Mr. DeMarcus Williams, ERA parent and filmmaker, for donating countless hours and talent in creating our 20th anniversary video (watch above). We also need to say a special thanks to Rick Carlson of Carlson’s Llovable Llamas for bringing out his sweet llamas to the event for everyone to enjoy – a real treat for all! Enjoy the photos, video, and memories!
If you were unable to attend this year’s Gala, it’s not too late to support the staff and students of Eagle Ridge Academy! Consider a 100% tax-deductible year-end donation here. All gifts matter as we invest in the future of Eagle Ridge Academy.
December Breakfast and Lunch Menus Now Available
View the December menus below. On March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law, taking effect this school year. Each student in attendance will receive one reimbursable breakfast and one reimbursable lunch per day at no cost to the child. Additional meals and à la carte items can be purchased for an additional cost. See all food service information here.
Please note that on Friday, December 15, Chef Murray of Taher Inc., Eagle Ridge Academy’s food service partner, will be visiting the Academy for lunch to try out our featured lunch item. Each month, Eagle Ridge Academy highlights meals from different cultures in order to introduce more options to our students. The December 15 featured meal will be Lomo Saltado, a classic Peruvian stir-fry dish. Lomo Saltado combines marinated strips of sirloin beef with tomatoes, onions, French fries, and other ingredients, served over rice. It can also be made vegetarian. Please let your student know about this meal opportunity and have them keep an eye out for more featured dishes in 2024!
Educational Assistant and Paraprofessional Job Shadow Day Friday, December 8 - Full-time, Part-time, and Sub Positions Available
Eagle Ridge Academy will hold an Educational Assistant and Paraprofessional Job Shadow Day on Friday, December 8, 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Those interested will have the opportunity to attend an informational session, shadow a current Educational Assistant or Paraprofessional to see them complete the tasks of the position, and ask questions. Attendees will also have the option to apply and interview before the end of the session - no need to come back another day! RSVP for the Job Shadow Day here.
- What is an Educational Assistant? An Educational Assistant assists classroom teachers in grades K-5 to support the academic and social growth of students. Duties may include preparing and assisting with activities in the classroom, supporting individual or small groups of students to meet learning targets, providing feedback to the classroom teacher on student progress, and completing supervision responsibilities throughout the day.
- What is a Paraprofessional? A Paraprofessional collaborates and assists the supervising teacher to ensure a special education student’s needs are met throughout the day. Duties may include helping the student with class notes and assignments, adapting work to meet a student’s goals, monitoring a student for the purpose of providing a safe learning environment, and administering make-up tests or work.
Open Enrollment Ends January 15 - Applications MUST be Submitted for Siblings New to ERA
Eagle Ridge Academy's 2024-2025 open enrollment period will end at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2024. If your current ERA student has a sibling or foster sibling that you wish to enroll for the 2024-25 school year, please make sure to fill out an application for each child you wish to enroll before 12:00 a.m. on January 16 to ensure that they will be included in the Enrollment Lottery on January 18.
All ERA student siblings will receive sibling preference in the lottery as long as the application is submitted in a timely manner. All applications received at or after 12:00 a.m. on January 16, 2024, will NOT be included in the lottery. They will be added to the grade level waitlist in the order that they are received. Please contact Admissions Specialist Janice Gerheart with questions jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Please Share: Winter Enrollment Extravaganza Thursday, January 4
Do you know a family interested in joining the Eagle Ridge Academy community? Invite them to join us and learn what we're all about at our Winter Enrollment Extravaganza on Thursday, January 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Our Enrollment Extravaganza is an opportunity to hear from our teachers and current families, see the building, experience the curriculum, and ask questions. Register here.
Open enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is open now through January 15, 2024. Invite families to connect with us today to learn more: www.eagleridgeacademy.org/apply. Questions can be directed to enrollment@eagleridgeacademy.org / (952) 746-7760.
Yearbook Orders Due Friday, January 26
This year, give the gift of memories. Friday, January 26, is the LAST DAY to submit 2023-2024 yearbook orders, but you could win a $100 gift card for purchasing this week!
Yearbooks will be distributed to students in May. We cannot guarantee availability at yearbook distribution - yearbooks must be preordered.
Thank You for Attending Eagle Ridge Academy's Veterans Day Celebration
Eagle Ridge Academy celebrated Veterans Day Friday, November 10. Students in grades K-12 celebrations in the auditorium to learn what it means to be a veteran and to honor the selfless sacrifice that so many have made for our freedoms. The Veterans Day celebrations included a musical performance from the Eagle Ridge Academy Symphonic Orchestra, a reading from School of Logic student Nidhi Thayur's Patriot Pen essay, and a speech from guest speaker Racheal Robinson, a veteran with 16 years of service - six in the MN Army National Guard and 10 in the MN Air National Guard - featuring her service dog Terwilliger. Watch one of the four celebrations below.
A veterans roundtable followed the presentation, featuring community speakers Donald Fernstrom (U.S. Army 1964-1967), Laura J. Ludwig (U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserves 1975-2011), and Martin Adams (U.S. Army 1991-2012).
Thank you to the Eagle Ridge Academy community for coming out and celebrating Veterans Day with us; and to all veterans in the Eagle Ridge Academy community and beyond, thank you for your service.
Classical Corner
Join the Classical Parent Book Study
As we look forward to the new year, we have another way to come together as a community of learners. Join us for our upcoming Classical Parent Book Study. The book study will be on two works that complement each other–T.S. Eliot’s What is a Classic and Mortimer Adler’s How to Read a Book. This gives parents a great opportunity to not only come together in scholé, but also to consider how our understanding and practice of classic literature can help foster a love of reading and learning at home. We will distribute books in January and gather together in February to discuss. Sign up here to join the book study!
Sincerely,
Suzannah Toso
Classical Enrichment Teacher K-2
Classical Coordinator K-12
Classical In-Action Parent Night Wednesday, January 10
In order to give parents a glimpse into what our excellent teachers do every day while educating your children, we are bringing our classes to you!
Join us Wednesday, January 10, at 5:30 p.m. for a night of Classical classes, where you as the parent simply sit in on one of our classes. You become the student! From working through mental math strategies to responding in seminars, learning Latin to applying oracy skills, you’ll have a front row seat to Classical education. At the end of each session, teachers will share simple ways to extend this learning at home.
Interested parents: please review the showcased classes. Then register for the event and choose your top classes to attend. Please note: you must register ahead of time for this event. Don’t miss this opportunity to see our mission and vision in action. Hope to see you there!
Community Updates: School of Rhetoric
Notes from the Academic & College Advisor
College Financial Aid Boot Camp for Seniors and Parents December 5
It's here! 2024 marks the start of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This version represents the largest changes to the FAFSA in more than 20 years. There are distinct winners and losers with the new legislation. This presentation will provide education regarding how the FAFSA will now treat families with multiple kids in college, what assets to include on your FAFSA, what happens when divorce is part of the family structure, how do grandparent contributions impact the FAFSA and how does all of this impact the cost of college. Come join Cozy Wittman as she discusses the FAFSA and answers all questions related to financial aid. The College Financial Aid Boot Camp for Seniors and Parents will take place in the ERA Auditorium next Tuesday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. Please enter through the Activities Entrance.
PSAT Scores
Scores have been returned, and if students submitted an email address, they should have access to the scores online. If not, please contact lkaiser@eagleridgeacademy.org to have a printed copy delivered to your student.
Course Registration 2024-25
The School of Rhetoric will begin the process of registering for the 2024-25 school year on December 6 & 7 during the Grade 8 and Grade 9-12 assemblies. Please take time to review the course offerings and return the registration forms the week of January 23.
Upcoming Essay Contest
The 2024 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 12, 2024.
Scholarship Opportunities
Burger King Scholars Program - $50,000 - 10 Awards (Deadline: December 15, 2023). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent. B) Plan to enroll full-time, without interruption, for the entire 2024-25 academic year at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.
Path to Pro Scholarship - $2,000 - 125 Awards (Deadline: December 31, 2023). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be a high school senior, high school graduate, or have a GED equivalent. B) Plan to enroll, or be enrolled, in an approved trade-related program at an accredited two-year school (technical/vocational school or college) in the United States.
Kind regards,
Mrs. Kaiser
Thank You for Attending the Fall Play
The Eagle Ridge Academy Upper School fall play The Frugal Repast by Ron Hirsen, directed by Betsy Bixby, premiered on November 10. Thank you to the cast, crew, and parent volunteers for all their hard work preparing for the three performances, and thank you to all who came out to support the theater department!
FINAL CALL to Register for Gryphon Youth Basketball, Inquisitive Artistry, and Boys Hockey
This is the final call to register for Gryphon Youth Basketball (Grades K-4),Inquisitive Artistry (Grades 4-6), and Boys Hockey (Grades 9-12). Learn more about these offerings and register here TODAY.
Come Cheer on Gryphon Basketball Teams this Season!
There are many opportunities to support Gryphon Basketball December through February. Take a look at our spirit wear themes chosen by ERA's Student Section and join the ERA community at a game!
Basketball Season Passes Now Available
Basketball season passes for 2023-24 are available to purchase at the door of the first three home games. Passes cover both boys and girls basketball games.
- Family Pass: $165 Entry for all members of the household, including grandparents, to all regular season games.
- Individual Pass: $65 Entry for one adult to all regular season games
Regular Admission Prices
- Adult Passes: $7
- Non-ERA Student Passes: $5
- Senior Passes: $5
- ERA Students and Staff: FREE
More info at erabooster.org/admission. #GoGryphons!
Volunteers Needed for Basketball Concessions and Admissions
ERA Booster Club relies on income generated from admissions and concessions during home games to provide funding for ERA’s Athletics and Activities. Families, parents, and students ages 14 and up: please consider volunteering this basketball season. It is FUN and a great way to meet other parents and students in the community!
Join the PTO for the Annual Festival of Treats!
Eagle Ridge PTO warmly invites you to participate in our cherished tradition - the Festival of Treats! This event is all about celebrating kindness, peace, love, and the joy of wonderful snow days by sharing your culinary talents with our incredible staff at the school.
Event Dates:
- Tuesday, December 12: Sweet Treats Monday
- Thursday, December 14: Savory Treats Day
We're excited to create memorable moments for our hardworking teachers and staff. To make this event a success, we need your help!
How You Can Contribute:
Check our Amazon Shopping List: Explore our Amazon Shopping List for ideas and inspiration. Don't have time to drop off treats? No worries! You can conveniently use Amazon to have items shipped directly to the school.
Plan for Our 160+ Staff: With more than 160 staff members, we encourage you to plan your contributions accordingly to ensure everyone gets a treat.
Donation Drop-off: You can drop off your donations at the school office. Whether you choose to bake homemade goodies or pick up store-bought treats, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Delivery Options: If it's more convenient for you, you can also use services like DoorDash to have your treats delivered directly to the school.
Financial Contributions: If you'd prefer to contribute financially, you can do so through this link: Financial Contribution.
Have Questions or Need More Information? Feel free to reach out to us at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com. We're here to assist you with any queries you may have.
Your support and contributions help make our school community even more special. Thank you for your generosity!
Warm regards,
PTO Meeting Monday, December 4
Purchase PTO Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear Days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combinations. The remaining 2023-24 Spirit Wear dates are Dec. 8, Jan. 18 (Thursday), Feb. 23, March 8, April 26, and May 10. Learn more and purchase PTO Spirit Wear here. All spirit wear proceeds benefit PTO events, services, and teacher support.
Share your opinions on this year's spirit wear by completing this quick survey.
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions that have already been made to the PTO fund this year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to the PTO at the school's address. Donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Stay Connected!
- Follow the ERA PTO on Facebook!
- Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register. Create an account here: eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- Email the PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Developing Connections
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift, broken down into smaller amounts, which makes giving easier, and allows a predictable revenue source for Eagle Ridge Academy. Click here to pledge your annual support.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a Matching Gift Program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR departments to ask about their community support and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100% (essentially doubling the impact of your gift to the Academy), donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations. Search this website to see if your workplace matches.
Be informed by asking today!
Shop with RaiseRight
Eagle Ridge Academy offers RaiseRight, a gift card program that gives back to Eagle Ridge Academy with purchases on everyday items such as groceries, restaurants, retail, and gas. Buy gift cards at face value from more than 750 retailers, and RaiseRight donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Fridays, with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
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