The Eagle Eye
Jan. 13, 2022 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 18 | Issue 8
Upcoming Events
Thursday, January 12
Friday, January 13
- Finals Day 3
- Last Day of Quarter 2
Monday, January 17
Tuesday, January 18
- First Day of Quarter 3
- School Board Meeting, Zoom and in-person at ERA, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 20
- Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Student and Parent Panel, ERA Auditorium, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 21
Tuesday, January 25
Wednesday, January 26
Thursday, January 27
- School of Rhetoric Pillar Assembly - Formal Dress Required
- Sixth Grade Movie Night, ERA Solarium, 3:45-7:00 p.m.
Enroll Siblings for the 2022-2023 School Year by January 15!
Our 2022-2023 open enrollment period began on October 1. If your current ERA student has a sibling or foster sibling that you wish to enroll for the 2022-2023 school year, please make sure to fill out an application for each child you wish to enroll before the deadline 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 Jan. 15, 2022 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 at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Health Office Substitutes Needed - Celia Pearson, School Nurse
Dear ERA Families and Community Members,
We are looking for a substitute school nurse to occasionally help in the Health office. Please reach out if you are interested and have a valid MN nursing license.
Thank you,
Celia Pearson
Classical Parent Engagement Sessions Coming Soon! - Missy Madigan, Classical Coordinator
The Eagle Ridge Academy Classical Co-op is in the final stages of relaunching 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 meeting you where you are and sharing more about what is true, good, and beautiful in a Classical education. Look for more information in the next Eagle Eye.
“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
Message from Executive Director Jason Ulbrich
Dear Families,
We were hoping that after winter break we would be ready to start loosening COVID-19 restrictions at ERA. The Board of Directors developed benchmarks to help us better identify which restrictions should be used based upon the actual data. The benchmarks allow for optional masking when:
- for the School of Grammar, the K-5th grade student 10-day positivity rate is below 1%;
- for the Schools of Logic & Rhetoric, the 6th-12th grade student 10-day positivity rate is below 3%.
- Universal masking is required, however, when the 14-day Hennepin County case positivity rate is over 100/10,000 (1%).
As of today, January 13, none of the metrics for allowing optional masking have been met. In fact, we are at some of our highest levels of positivity rate to date.
Some schools are pivoting to distance learning, primarily because they cannot staff their schools sufficiently. Over the past two weeks, ERA has averaged a 9% absentee rate for staff, which is well below critical staffing issues. Thus, we are not considering a move to distance learning. However, we are preparing just in case. This week, all families will be provided with a signup link to request that a device be issued to your child. This proactive measure will help us to be prepared should we need to make a quick decision to move to distance learning. Again, we are not considering a school nor Academy-wide distance learning model at this time. We will continue to close classrooms as needed. We will only switch to online school if we are no longer able to offer a quality in-person education
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
Community Updates: School of Grammar
Notes from the School of Grammar - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
School of Grammar Families,
It’s so good to be wrapping up our first semester and beginning our second soon! It’s been such a joy to have a chance to hear from students what they enjoyed about winter break upon their return. I myself enjoyed some extended time with family, which included pulling some of my nieces and nephews around on an ice track on a lake. What’s not to love about Minnesota winters?!
As we return to our learning, I’ve been reflecting on how we as human beings are often creatures of contrast who continue to need to navigate a more visibly complex world. While there is much to be grateful for in terms of advances in understanding and materials available for combatting COVID-19, I think it’s safe to say we also continue to be confronted with additional complexities and uncertainty. We each experience this differently; thus, how we relate to and continue to support one another matters.
As I was supervising an indoor recess yesterday, a few students called me over to assist with a math problem they were working on together (that’s what they chose to work on during recess, I didn’t make them!). After hearing their question, I realized that they were attempting to answer a 3-part word problem all at once. The first thing I did was note that they might have more success if they broke it down and took it one step at a time. We continued that way through the problem and the result was that they felt able to tackle it on their own and didn’t need me very much anymore.
Across the board, I’ve noticed a trend of our students dealing with the complexity of our current situation quite well. I’ve taken a lesson from them these last few days, as I have found myself struggling with the complexity at times. I notice that when I speak with them, they are focusing on the here-and-now, essentially doing a good job living in and appreciating the moment. I think they are helping me focus on what is true, good, and beautiful in the small moments. This, in turn, has helped me ground myself in what’s real and within my control and what I can, and should, just let go.
I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to work with your students and learn from them, as they are hopefully learning from me!
Sincerely,
Janelle Mellgren
Last Chance to Order a School of Grammar Yearbook!
To purchase a School of Grammar yearbook for only $31 plus tax, please go to the Jostens website. Yearbooks will be distributed at the end of May. You may contact Jami Kruschke with Lower School yearbook questions at jkrushchke@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Fifth Grade Students Participate in Annual Kindness Retreat
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Notes from the Schools of Logic & Rhetoric - Erin Johnson, Principal
Dear Families,
Here we are, already halfway through the 2021-22 school year. Final exams are upon us; we have figured out how to navigate another unconventional year; and our students are still learning, growing, and furthering their minds. What we strive to do at Eagle Ridge Academy is to provide our students with the skills and knowledge they need to live a life of goodness and be outstanding contributors to society. We are grateful you have entrusted us to the care and education of your children.
We invite you and your children in grades 4-8 to attend a Welcome to the School of Rhetoric panel conversation next Thursday, January 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Listen as current students, graduates, and parents answer questions about being a student in the School of Rhetoric and what you can expect as well as the many reasons why staying at Eagle Ridge Academy is the best choice for your child's high school career.
Final exams are being administered for the rest of this week. Make-up testing times will be provided next week as needed for students who missed final exams. We wish our students the best as they show us what they have learned.
Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up in about a month. Watch for more information in upcoming correspondence. We highly encourage all parents to attend conferences as this is a great opportunity to connect with your child(ren)’s teachers.
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
Congratulations to our Spring 2021 Olympus Club Members! - Romelle P., Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Assistant Principal
Dear Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Families,
On behalf of Principal Erin Johnson and myself, we would like to finally congratulate the students listed below for being admitted into the Spring 2020-21 Olympus Club.
Admittance into the Olympus Club appropriately reflects the endless hours these students have spent securing a 2019-20 second semester grade point average of at least 3.33, along with embodying the CIPHER pillars on a daily basis. Olympus Club recognition is more than an honor roll, it also acknowledges students who display The Gryphon Way through a commitment toward attendance (fewer than 3 tardies all semester) and behavior (fewer than 3 pillar referrals, no detentions or infractions).
Our scholars have been recognized in grade-level assemblies and presented with a certificate suitable for framing. They have been permitted to wear spirit wear during finals.
Congratulations!
Romelle Pornschloegl (Mrs.P)
Order Your Upper School Yearbook Today!
Notes from the Academic Advising Office - Mary Johnson, College and Academic Advisor
Dear Families,
Course Requests 2022-2023
Course requests for the 2022-2023 year have begun in the School of Rhetoric. All current 8th-11th graders should have received their registration packets before winter break. If a student did not receive one, they can stop by my office (Room 2127) and pick one up. The 2022-2023 Course Catalog and registration packets are also available to view online and print here: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/school-of-rhetoric-registration/.
Message from Carnegie Mellon No Cost Pre-College Programs
Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Program has some exciting opportunities at no cost for rising juniors and seniors who demonstrate financial need, among other considerations. The experience can be life-changing!
Here's what a previous Pre-College student said:
Carnegie Mellon's program was a very valuable experience for me, and I learnt a lot about the field I want to pursue in college - Artificial Intelligence. AI4ALL at CMU was led by some of the best researchers and professors in the industry and I feel grateful for everything they taught me. ~Aryan, AI4All 2021
Here's what a Pre-College parent said:
A+ experience
As part of CMU Computer Science Pre-College program, our daughter was able to access help from both the professors and teaching assistants, even into the late hours as she worked on the project. The program has been both challenging and rewarding, a great learning experience. We are extremely humbled that she was picked for the experience. Thank you, Carnegie Mellon University!!! ~ Emma, Computer Science Scholars Parent 2021
Our No-Cost Pre-College Programs for the summer of 2022 are:
AI4All @ Carnegie Mellon: Provides opportunities for students who have been historically excluded in STEM to study artificial intelligence with full-time faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. (3-week program).
Computer Science Scholars: Provides students who have historically been excluded in the field of computer science an opportunity to explore the field of computer science with full-time faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. (4-week program)
Summer Academy for Math and Science: Allows students from underrepresented communities to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. (Rising seniors only, 6-week program.)
Use this application link to apply.
Sincerely,
Mary Johnson
Upper School Winter Clothing Drive Receives 340 Donations
During the month of December, the Eagle Ridge Academy National Honors Society held a Winter Clothing Drive. The School of Logic and the School of Rhetoric competed to collect as many donations as possible. In total, the schools received 340 donations, with School of Logic winning the competition with 185 donated items!
The National Honors Society donated the clothes to Sharing and Caring Hands, who were very grateful for the donation.
Thank you to everyone that donated winter clothing items last month and to our National Honors Society for organizing this drive.
SUPPORT ERA ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES!
- Volunteer at the Boys and Girls Basketball Home Games! Volunteers are needed in concessions and admissions/ticketing. Go to www.ERABooster.org and look for the volunteer links on the home page.
- 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.
- Attend the Marilyn Strand Memorial Games on February 4 to show your school spirit and cheer on all of our basketball teams. Proceeds and freewill donations from this game will go to support the Marilyn Strand Memorial Scholarship fund. Not able to attend the game? You may still support Mrs. Strand’s legacy scholarship! For information about the opportunity to donate, email Ms. Schiffman: kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. We hope to see you on this special evening to honor and remember Mrs. Strand’s legacy at Eagle Ridge Academy. See the flyer below for more information or visit www.ERABooster.org.
- Become a Team Coordinator to support the students and coaches of a particular sport or activity. See https://erabooster.org/form/m/164170 for more information or to volunteer as your student's sport/activity Team Coordinator. Currently, the Debate Team and Robotics Team are both in need of a Team Coordinator. If you have interest and/or questions, please email GaraStrot@gmail.com.
- 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!
Join Spring Choir Club!
Students in grades 3-5 are invited to register now for Choir Club, led by School of Grammar music teacher Ms. Freund. Choir Club allows students that like to sing to experience being part of an ensemble. Students will learn about concert preparation and performance etiquette and have the opportunity to perform as part of a large group.
Choir Club will run on Mondays in Room 1609 from 3:30-4:15 p.m., February 14 - April 18. The Session 2 performance will take place on April 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Alumni Return to ERA for 2021 State Championship Celebration
The Gryphon Girls Varsity basketball team won their game against Minnesota Math and Science Academy on January 6, 55-20. JV won 47-9.
During halftime of the varsity game, the Eagle Ridge Academy community was finally able to celebrate our 2021 State Champion Mock Trial and Robotics Teams! Thank you to our alumni for coming back to celebrate this great honor, thank you to the faculty, families, and friends of Eagle Ridge Academy for coming out to recognize our champions and cheer on our athletes, and thank you to the ERA Booster Club for organizing this celebration. We are so proud of our 2021 State Champions and can't wait to see what our teams accomplish this year.
Developing Connections
Volunteer this Winter! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
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.
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/.
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. The last order of the year will go in on December 13. Orders placed after this date will be processed after Winter Break. Learn more here. View the ShopwithScrip 2021 Holiday Gift Guide here!
AmazonSmile
January Food Service Information - Brittany Radtke, Chef Manager
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Families,
Please see below for January menus.
Sincerely,
Brittany Radtke
Spirit Wear
If you are looking to purchase spirit wear, we have received additional inventory. Please order online and pay an emailed invoice. You may pick up spirit wear items in the office.
Skiing Club
We are looking for 4-6 parent volunteers to run the Skiing Club. If you are interested in this, please reach out to the PTO and we will get you in touch with our contact at Hyland Park and the previous club manager for training. There are no skiing dates or classes set up currently for this winter.
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.
Eagle Ridge Academy Annual Door Decorating Contest
Eagle Ridge Academy held its annual Door Decorating Contest the week before winter break. This year’s theme, voted on by teachers and staff, was Gryphons Around the World. Each classroom and advisory decorated their door, interpreting the theme differently. On December 16, each Upper School student was paired with a Lower School student to tour the doors together. Pairs also completed activities together, such as a scavenger hunt or art project.
This year’s Door Decorating Contest winners are:
School of Grammar - Ms. Schmidt’s 3rd Grade Class
School of Logic - Art Teacher Ms. Conner’s Advisory
School of Rhetoric - Humanities Teacher Ms. Wegener Venema’s Advisory
Non-Advisory Class - Spanish Teacher Mr. Leyva’s Student Volunteers
Best Overall Door - Ms. Feitl’s 5th Grade Class
Thank you all for putting so much effort into your doors this year! View more photos of the doors here.
Best Overall Door
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