The Eagle Eye
April 27, 2023 - Eagle Ridge Academy - 2022-23 Issue 15
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 27
- Girls and Boys Varsity Track Meet at ISM, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 28
- Last Day of Donate for Donuts Canned Food Drive
- Reading MCA Grade 6
- First Grade Field Trip to Minnesota Zoo
- Spring Musical The Sound of Music Opening Night - Pack the Theater for Gryphon Senior Night!, ERA Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 29
- Spring Music The Sound of Music, ERA Auditorium, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
- Varsity Baseball vs. PACT Charter at Dred Scott, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
- Spring Music The Sound of Music, ERA Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.
Monday, May 1
- Math MCA Grades 5-6
- Reading MCA Grades 7-8
- ACT Make-up Grade 11
AP Exams: US Gov., Chem., and Spanish Lit.
Tuesday, May 2
- Math MCA Grade 6
- Reading MCA Grades 7-8
AP Exams: Chinese, Env. Sci., Psych.
Varsity Baseball vs. Brooklyn Center at Dred Scott, 4:00 p.m.
Board of Directors Special Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
School of Grammar Fine Arts Festival Night 1, ERA Auditorium, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 3
- Math MCA Grade 6
- Reading MCA Grades 7-8
AP Exams: Eng. Lit., Comparative Gov., Comp. Sci. A
Thursday, May 4
AP Exams: Human Geo., Macro Econ., Seminar, Stats.
School of Grammar Fine Arts Festival Night 2, ERA Auditorium, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 5
AP Exams:
Euro. Hist., US Hist., Art Hist., Microecon.
15th Annual Art Xpo, ERA Auditorium, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 6
- Gryphon Track and Field Youth Meet for Grades K-6, ISM, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 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
Board of Directors Election Results
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
On behalf of the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors, it is our pleasure to announce the following newly elected (or re-elected) members of the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors:
- David Croson (parent)
- Clare Murray (teacher)
- Betsy Bixby (teacher)
Continuing Board members are:
- Anne Bartow (teacher)
- Elliot Loutsch (parent)
- Farhiya Roble (parent)
View current Board member bios here.
We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge our departing Board members and thank them for their service to the Academy:
- Liz Longo (parent)
- Matthew Berg (teacher)
- Gail Hiatt (community member)
There is still an open community member position and open teacher position. Please contact board@eagleridgeacademy.org for more information on these open positions.
Lastly, we want to thank everyone in our community who participated in this year’s election. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration of each candidate. We also express our gratitude to all the candidates. Your willingness to serve demonstrates your commitment to our vision and mission. Together as one community, we will continue to pursue Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.
Respectfully,
Elliott Loutsch
Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors Election Coordinator
IMPORTANT: New PTO Members Needed in Order to Keep the PTO Running Next Year
Dear ERA Families and Staff,
Thank you for the wonderful support given over the years to our PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). Eagle Ridge Academy’s PTO has a long-standing reputation for creating fun events and experiences for students, families, and staff/teachers. It has been around for nearly 20 years and besides creating memorable events, it raises important funds for the school.
The PTO is seeking new members to take on responsibilities to continue the tradition of providing meaningful and interactive events, continue to support our teachers and staff, and partner with the school on endeavors to sustain the Academy into future years. Eagle Ridge Academy will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. What better time to join us, with new creative minds leading the charge? New ideas, innovative changes for what our families want, and sustainable duties.
A new team will need to be in place by July 1, 2023, in order to have a successful year.
What events does PTO organize?
* Rockin’ the Ridge
* Roller skating party
* Meet the Teachers Ice Cream Social
* Spirit Wear sales
* Used Uniform Sales
* Ice Cream trucks at the end of the school year
Sadly, older events like Ski Club, Party with a Purpose, and Summer Grade-Level Gatherings that have been on hold due to lack of help will not be reinstated.
The sale of PTO spirit wear, the Box Tops and Coca-Cola Redemption program, and collection of voluntary dues need manpower.
Rockin’ the Ridge is a large event as it creates important revenue that supports events like Festival of Treats, teacher grants, the senior party, ERA event support, conference meals for teachers, Teacher Appreciation Week, grade-level moving up parties, back to school events and ice cream social, the annual Staff Party, refreshments for school events like graduation, senior prom support, Gryphon Garden support, and ice cream trucks the end of the year.
The PTO is looking for your involvement, time, and execution of events. These positions can be done in pairs. A strong team with many hands can make a big difference. Joining forces with another person to co-lead helps build community and add additional voices and support. Full training on each position, sharing of files and important historical information, and transitional support will be provided. The current leadership is still here at ERA and is willing to do whatever it takes to make the transition successful and streamlined. If you would like to help keep the tradition of our PTO going, please consider joining forces to make a difference.
The PTO will hold a spring election meeting at Eagle Ridge Academy on Tuesday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. At this meeting, the PTO will elect a new Board and event representation for the 2023-24 school year. Nominate yourself or someone you know here. No experience is necessary, just a desire to have fun, meet others, and serve our community! Nominations are due by Tuesday, May 15.
For additional information on what each position entails and to get more information on the PTO in general, please contact Elena Ryabinin or Tina Loutsch.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Volunteer Appreciation - Still Time to Volunteer This School Year!
Volunteers gathered on Tuesday, April 18, to be recognized, honored, and celebrated for their many contributions to Eagle Ridge Academy. We are fortunate to have so many amazing volunteers who give selflessly all year for the good of the Academy. We see you and are grateful to you!
A big thank you to A Forgetful Baker for donating four different types of cupcakes, as well as Taher Catering and Nacho's Mexican Grill for providing a variety of delicious food. Learn more about volunteering at ERA and find out how you can make an impact at https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/volunteer/.
If you have not yet volunteered this year, or if you have and are looking for more ways to get involved, please consider volunteering in at least one of the several areas where help is needed during upcoming month. There's something for everyone! See a list of some upcoming volunteer opportunities below:
- Spring Senior Night, April 28 - Sign up here.
- Fine Arts Festival, May 2 & 4 - Sign up here.
- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, May 8-12 - Please contact Sarah Sindelar if interested.
- Donut Dash 5K, May 13 - Sign up here.
- Camp Read-a-Lot, May 15-19 - Sign up here.
- Volunteer Wednesday, May 17 - Sign up here.
- Gryphon Garden Prep and Planting, May 20 - Sign up here.
- Annual Grounds Clean-Up, May 20 - Sign up here.
- Gala for the Gryphons Planning Team (Event is in November) - Please contact Kelly Schiffman if interested.
Help Needed for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week May 8-12
We are currently gearing up for the 2023 ERA Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, which will take place May 8-12. It’s so exciting to be able to offer some form of appreciation every day of the week. We hope that the teachers and staff will feel the immense gratitude we all have for everything they do to keep our kids safe and flourishing. They dedicate so much time to enriching our kids’ lives with unparalleled education and character development. We are forever grateful! We would love to partner up with you to help make this week a rousing success. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Sign up to provide treats and snacks planned for that week.
- Donate money to help purchase these planned items.
- Write a note of appreciation to your teachers (past or present).
- If you are interested in volunteering with us sometime during the week, please e-mail Sarah Sindelar at sarah@silverlane.net.
The teachers love your notes of appreciation so much! If you can only do one thing, please consider writing a note to an ERA teacher, assistant teacher, or staff member. Students are encouraged to write notes of appreciation as well!
Volunteers Needed for Fine Arts Festival, May 2 & 4
The Fine Arts Festival committee is looking for volunteers for our School of Grammar spring event! This well-attended event takes place on two evenings. Tuesday, May 2, will showcase kindergarteners, 2nd, and 4th graders and Thursday, May 4, will showcase 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders. The events start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. We easily anticipate maneuvering over 600 guests every 45 minutes on each night.
There are many ways parents, grandparents, staff, and high school students can assist during this event. Pick a location and time that best suits your schedule. Questions should be addressed to Mrs. Kruschke, K-3 Art Teacher. The committee thanks you for giving your generous time for a successful event!
Spring Musical Performances Friday, April 28 - Sunday, April 30
Join us for the Eagle Ridge Academy Theater production of The Sound of Music! In Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power.
Come to see the show in the ERA Auditorium on Friday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 - cash or check only.
Pack the Theater for Gryphon Senior Night on Friday, April 28
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT
SUPPORT OUR ERA THEATER
RECOGNIZE OUR SPRING ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS SENIORS!
Join the ERA Booster Club for a fun night at the ERA Spring Musical: The Sound of Music! We will be recognizing all spring activities & athletics seniors!
- EVERYONE join us to Pack the Theater and celebrate our spring activities & athletics seniors!
- Friday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the opening night performance ERA Spring Musical: The Sound of Music
- Tickets for the musical will be sold for $10 at the door - cash or check only
- Spring Activities & Athletics Senior Recognition directly following the performance
- Concessions will be open at intermission and after the play
- Attend for chances to win giveaways
- Parent and student volunteers needed! Please sign up here.
Sign Up for Annual Grounds Clean-up - Organized by ERA National Honor Society
Eagle Ridge Academy’s National Honor Society (NHS) is inviting you to be part of the annual Grounds Clean-up at Eagle Ridge Academy. Please join us on Saturday, May 20, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. to clean up the grounds of ERA! ERA families and students are welcome! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers will meet at Door 4 by the bus lot and all supplies will be provided. Sign up here today.
We will be cleaning the parking lot, the borders of the school property along the road, the playground, the green spaces, and the ravine. Ravine volunteers must be 16 or older.
Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and are encouraged to wear clothes that can get dirty. Gardening or work gloves are optional, but encouraged.
Snacks and drinks will be provided at the event.
If there is bad weather on May 20, the event will be rescheduled to May 21, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Sophie Billadeau.
Eagle Ridge Academy Sweatband Sets for Sale!
ERA-branded wrist and head sweatband sets on sale for just $12! Only 100 are available, so order soon to start repping ERA while working out! Order online through the Donut Dash registration site OR send your student to school with cash or check (written 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. A limited number will also be available for purchase at the Donut Dash.
Ways to Participate in the 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K and Mini-Donut 1/2 Dash
- REGISTER someone over the age of 10 for the 9th Annual Donut Dash 5K!
- REGISTER a child 10 years of age or under for the Mini-Donut 1/2 Mile Dash!
- VOLUNTEER for one of the many Donut Dash volunteer opportunities available!
- Sponsor: Sponsorship opportunities available – ask your employer!
- Donate products for the post-race event: snacks, beverages, etc. - contact Kelly Schiffman!
- Support financially: Donate to ERA!
- Promote: Share the event on your social media!
Order Spirit Wear Online 24/7
Help Plan the Next Gala for the Gryphons!
Are you interested in event planning? Join our Gala for the Gryphons team and help plan the November fall gala, our largest fundraising event of the year. We will be gathering in late May to plan our theme, auctions, and entertainment. We’d love new faces, ideas, and energy. Email kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org for more information on how to get involved!
School of Grammar News
Register Today for K-6 Summer Programs
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric News
Congratulations, April Pillar Award Recipients! - Missy Madigan, Schools of Logic & Rhetoric 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 fellow Gryphons.
The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies in which six students from each grade level in the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric 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 with the student body.
Congratulations to our April Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
Sixth Grade Pillar Award Recipients
Citizenship: Levi L.
Integrity: Abdirizak I.
Perseverance: Avery V.
Honor: Sai P.
Excellence: Muna E.
Respect: Elizabeth W.
Seventh Grade Pillar Award Recipients
Citizenship: Krishay P.
Integrity: Mohamed S.
Perseverance: Ray S.
Honor: Paul R.
Excellence: Liila S.
Respect: Everett B.
Eighth Grade Pillar Award Recipients
Citizenship: Ana J.
Integrity: Sifan A.
Perseverance: Nimaa J.
Honor: Zoe B.
Excellence: Stella K.
Respect: Maria D. & Olivia D.
Ninth Grade Pillar Award Recipients (Pictured below)
Citizenship: Thomas M.
Integrity: Dominika K.
Perseverance: Bella W.
Honor: Olivia Z.
Excellence: Cadence L.
Respect: Jason B.
Tenth Grade
Citizenship: Nils J.
Integrity: Kiefer L.
Perseverance: Sierra F.
Honor: Aishwarya R.
Excellence: Theo H.
Respect: Xander C.
Eleventh Grade
Citizenship: N/A
Integrity: Thorn K.
Perseverance: Akeelah C.
Honor: Robert D.
Excellence: Zac H.
Respect: N/A
Twelfth Grade
Citizenship: N/A
Integrity: Ella H.
Perseverance: Justine P.
Honor: Maryam H.
Excellence: Nathan H.
Respect: Joe N.
15th Annual Art Xpo Friday, May 5
You're Invited to the Spring Music Concerts
The ERA Music Department would like to invite you to attend the spring music concerts. Below is a list of our upcoming performances. All concerts will last approximately one hour or less and are FREE. Mark your calendars now and invite friends and family!
Opportunity for School of Rhetoric Students - Linda Kaiser, College & Academic Counselor
Dear School of Rhetoric Families,
University of Wisconsin Badger Pre College
University of Wisconsin Madison Badger Pre College welcomes students completing grades 9-12 to pursue their academic passions and meet new friends this summer. Badger Pre College encourages students to:
Challenge their curiosity and expand academic interests
Learn from experienced educators, UW faculty, and other experts
Participate online or in person on the UW–Madison campus
Meet like-minded peers from around the world
Enjoy the resources and reputation of a top-ranked university
Explore their personal path to college
All interested students are encouraged to apply; scholarships are available. Program registration closes on May 1, 2023. Apply today!
Sincerely,
Linda Kaiser
School of Logic Spring Fling
Classical Corner: April 27 Classical Education Series Canceled
Dear Families,
Please note that the Classical Education Series Multum, Non Multa–Much, Not Many scheduled for Thursday, April 27, has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you at the next one on May 11. More information on the series can be found below.
Spring Classical Education Series Schedule
Our spring series offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Classical education, connect with other parents, and build a deeper understanding of the mission and vision of ERA.
Please follow THIS LINK to show your interest and receive email updates about the sessions. Sessions will be held at ERA on Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Schole, Contemplation, & Leisure
Thursday, May 11, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Embodied Learning
Thursday, May 25, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
SPRING SENIOR NIGHT / PACK THE THEATER APRIL 28:
- EVERYONE join us to Pack the Theater and celebrate our spring activities & athletics seniors!
- Friday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the opening night performance ERA Spring Musical: The Sound of Music
- Spring Activities & Athletics Senior Recognition directly following the performance
- Concessions will be open at intermission and after the play
- Attend for chances to win giveaways!
- Parent and student volunteers needed! Please sign up here.
CONCESSIONS AT THE BASEBALL DOUBLE-HEADER APRIL 29:
- ERA Baseball double-header at Dred Scott Field - first game starts at 10:00 a.m.
- Come cheer on our undefeated team and enjoy some ballpark food including hot dogs!
ATTEND MEET & GREET JUNE 7:
- Join us at the ERA Booster Club Board meeting Meet & Greet 4:00-5:30 p.m.
- More info to follow.
- Come see what the Booster Club is up to and how you can get involved with this fun group!
Join the ERA Booster Club on Facebook for activities updates and check out ERABooster.org for more information and to register as a booster!
RSVP by May 8 for $25 Tickets: 3rd Annual ERA Activities and Athletics Awards Celebration
Tickets are on sale for $25 until May 8, when they increase to $40 each. Price includes dinner, bottle of water, dessert and awards ceremony. Choose a meal from one of three delicious food trucks with each ticket purchase.
Watch for your invitation in the mail and purchase tickets here today.
Gryphon Track and Field Youth Meet for Ages 12 and Under on Saturday, May 6
Gryphon Track and Field will be holding a Youth Meet for students ages 12 and under at the International School of Minnesota on Saturday, May at 10:00 a.m. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on May 6 and will cost $20 per athlete, with no limit on events. Gryphon Track and Field is looking for volunteer parents to help coordinate activities during the meet. Please see this registration form for more information.
Developing Connections
10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament Monday, June 19 - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
Don't forget to register for the 10th Annual Gryphon Classic Golf Tournament! Here are ways to support this year's tournament.
- Register to golf: Register here.
- Ask your workplace to sponsor the tournament: View sponsorship flyer.
- Donate a golf item to the raffle: Contact Kelly Schiffman at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org.
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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/.
Register Now: 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you have an hour or two to help? We have upcoming volunteer opportunities for which we are seeking assistance:
We have one more Volunteer Wednesday, our monthly day for teachers and staff to be helped with their projects. Feel free to sign up for any or all of them.
Donut Dash 5K - Saturday, May 13
The Donut Dash 5K needs more than 60 volunteers for the event to run smoothly. You are welcome to sign up now. We will be sharing this often as we near the race.
Thanks for your great help and willingness to give back!
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.
Thank You for Attending Annual School Skate Night!
Order 2022-23 Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combination. The last 2022-23 Spirit Wear day is 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.
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