The Eagle Eye
Oct. 14, 2021 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 18 | Issue 4
Upcoming Events
Friday, October 15
- FREE DRESS DAY: Students may participate by bringing $6 to their classroom or 1st hour teacher on this day.
- Third Grade Field Trip tp Dodge Nature Center.
Saturday, October 16
Cross Country MCAA Conference Championship Race, 9:00 a.m.
- Lower School Play - Snow White: The Queen's Fair Daughter, 4:00 p.m.
- POSTPONED: Upper School Play - Arsenic & Old Lace. More information, including the rescheduled date, coming soon.
Sunday, October 17
- Lower School Play - Snow White: The Queen's Fair Daughter, 12:00 p.m.
- POSTPONED: Upper School Play - Arsenic & Old Lace. More information, including the rescheduled date, coming soon.
Monday, October 18
- NO SCHOOL due to Parent Teacher Conferences.
- PTO Uniform Sale at ERA, 12:00-8:00 p.m.
- Usborne Book Fair at ERA, 12:00-8:00 p.m.
- School of Grammar Family Counseling Session at ERA, 12:00-12:45 p.m. and 7:00-7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, October 19
- NO SCHOOL due to Parent Teacher Conferences.
- Usborne Book Fair at ERA, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- School of Grammar Virtual Family Counseling Session, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 20 - Friday, October 22
- NO SCHOOL due to Fall Break.
Saturday, October 23
- ACT College Entrance Exam at ERA, 7:30 a.m.
Monday, October 25
- Varsity Volleyball Sections, time and location TBD
Tuesday, October 26
- School of Grammar Portrait Retakes
- IN-PERSON School Board Meeting, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 27
Thursday, October 28
- 2nd Grade Fire Safety Presentation at ERA, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, October 29
- TWO HOUR EARLY RELEASE due to Staff Development.
Monday, November 1
- NO SCHOOL due to Grading Day.
School Closing and Late Start Decision-Making Process - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Families,
We live in Minnesota and, on occasion, it will be necessary for Eagle Ridge Academy to cancel or start school late because of snow or severely cold temperatures. As an administrator for the past 17 years, I have had much experience with making the decision to stay open, close, or start late because of inclement weather. As we recognize and appreciate the fact that every family has a different situation, we realize that our decisions will not meet the needs of all. Therefore, I’d like to clearly communicate ERA’s decision-making process when cancelling or starting school late.
For cold weather, most school districts use a wind chill chart to determine the danger zone of the wind chill. If the wind chill is forecasted to be 35 degrees below zero, then you will see schools start to cancel. Every district has individual circumstances to consider. For example, ERA does not have students who walk to school and our bus riders generally do not wait for the bus outside but in a warm vehicle. This would cause some to assume that Eagle Ridge Academy students have less exposure and risk. However, if a bus breaks down, it would take a minimum of 45 minutes to replace the bus. That is too long for our students to be in the cold. Some schools, especially those outside the metro area, will often run a two-hour late start. I generally do not believe this to be a good option but realize we may need to use this strategy from time to time. For example, the two-hour late start is effective if the temperature warms between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m.
For snow accumulation, many other factors exist. These factors include total accumulation, time of the accumulation, progress of snow plows according to the DOT, and the continued weather forecast. Generally, southwest metro schools collaborate with each other to make decisions. Eagle Ridge Academy is in a special circumstance in that we have students from many cities. While Eden Prairie and Edina may receive little snow, Shakopee and Chaska may receive large amounts. In cases like these, we may hold school as usual; however, we will excuse students who were not able to safely travel to school.
All cancellations and delays will be reported on WCCO, Facebook, text, and email. Our goal is to have the information communicated by 6:00 a.m. for the convenience of families yet give the Administrative Team time to make the best decision. I truly understand the inconvenience of school cancellations to families, student learning, and scheduling. Know that the decisions we make always place student safety first and we are willing to accept the inconvenience, knowing that your children are out of harm’s way.
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich
Students Need to Wear a Mask Prior to Entering School Building Each Day - Celia Pearson, School Nurse
Dear Families,
I wanted to reach out to you all to remind you that all students need to be wearing a face covering prior to entering the building each day. We have noticed in the last couple weeks that many students are arriving to school without a mask. As a health care professional during a pandemic, my biggest concern is keeping all of our students safe while they are at school.
As many of you are aware, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases within the school as well as within our community and state. Our 2021-2022 Safe Learning Plan states: "ALL individuals over the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering while in the school building." Please make sure your student is adhering to this policy when the enter the building.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions.
Thank you in advance,
Celia Pearson RN, BSN, CPN, PHN, LSN
Today is the Last Day to Schedule Fall Conferences
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences will take place next Monday, October 18, 12:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, October 19, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The sign-up session for conferences will close at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14. You can find instructions and the link to the scheduler here: https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/teacher-conferences/. When signing up, you may choose whether you would like to meet teachers in person in their classrooms or virtually on Zoom. See below for teacher Zoom links. Please do not enter a teacher's Zoom waiting room until 5 minutes before your scheduled conference. An email with the password to the online conference scheduler was sent on October 4 and October 14.
Enroll Now for the 2022-2023 School Year!
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 am 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.
Do you know a family interested in learning more about ERA? Invite them to our Fall Enrollment Extravaganza on November 6, 9:00-11:00 a.m.! The Enrollment Extravaganza is an opportunity to learn what we’re all about! Hear from our teachers and current families, see the building, experience the curriculum, and ask your questions. Find more information and register here.
Please contact Admissions Specialist Janice Gerheart with questions at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Usborne Book Fair During Fall Conferences
A representative from Usborne books will be on-site at ERA in the 7th grade locker area on October 18 and 19 to make books available for families to purchase. Classroom teachers will provide book recommendations that support learning at home as well as classroom wish lists for parents who would rather donate books to the classroom. The Book Fair needs volunteers! Sign up here.
Used Uniform Sale - Monday, October 18, 12-:00-8:00 p.m. in the ERA Forum
Join us for an impromptu Fall Used Uniform Sale! To buy items, come and shop anytime during conferences, 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18. To donate uniform items for future sales, please drop them off in the office at school. 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. Uniforms will be accepted through Friday, October 15 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.
Community Updates: School of Grammar
School of Grammar Notes - Janelle Mellgren, Principal
Dear School of Grammar Families,
I have been appreciating the beautiful autumn weather these past few weeks and hope each of you have had the same opportunity. I love the visible change this time of year brings to our surroundings and the time it brings for us to connect with our families during Fall Parent Teacher Conferences. Whether you have chosen to attend conferences for your children in person in our building or virtually, we are glad for the time to pause, connect, and talk through your child’s school changes as the year progresses.
While this continues to be a school year like no other, it has been so important for our students to be here in person, growing and learning together. As we began this year, we weren’t sure what to expect in terms of the impact the previous year and a half had on students. We’ve noticed a few great things, as well as some areas of lag. One of the great things we’ve noticed is how much more empathetic our students are to one another. We’ve also noticed their eagerness for learning with their peers and better-than-expected academic skills.
An area of lag for some of our students has been getting used to being back in school, organizing items, and building back the amount of time that they are able to pay attention to instruction. In retrospect, this makes a lot of sense. Organizing yourself for school at home and receiving instruction via a screen or with a smaller group of students (in person) required different attention and organization skills from our students. What they’ve showed us is that they need more support and practice to build these skills back strongly. You may hear a little about this during conference time but, rest assured, these are things many students are experiencing. Our teachers have learned and shared new ways to support students in these areas and our students have responded very well.
Hoping you enjoy conferences and some time off,
Janelle Mellgren
Helping Your Child Face Challenges: Social-Emotional Learning Family Session with School Counselor Zac MacLean
Dear School of Grammar Families,
You are invited to a Social-Emotional Learning family session with Zac MacLean, School of Grammar counselor, during fall conferences. This session will be called Helping Your Child Face Challenges. Topics to be discussed include handling transition, parent-child relationship building, conflict, and more. There will be two in-person sessions as well as one on Zoom. The presentation will be 30 minutes followed by 15 minutes for questions and discussion.
In-Person Sessions:
Monday, October 18
12:00-12:45 p.m.
7:00-7:45 p.m.
Room 1419
Zoom Session:
Tuesday, October 19
5:00-5:45 p.m.
Please use this Zoom link.
Please reach out if you have any questions prior to the sessions.
Zac MacLean
Come See Lower School Play "Snow White: The Fair Queen's Daughter"!
Upper School play Arsenic and Old Lace has been postponed. More information on the rescheduled performances coming soon.
Collect Lost & Found Items by October 20
Items in Eagle Ridge Academy's Lost & Found will be cleared out after Fall Parent Teacher Conferences. The Lost & Found is located outside of the Solarium, across from Mr. Soule's classroom. Please make sure to look for any items your child may be missing.
Sign Up Your 3rd-5th Grader for the Battle of the Books Competition by Tomorrow, October 15!
Does your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader LOVE reading? Want them to read fantastic children’s literature, build reading comprehension, and enjoy healthy competition as part of a team? Sign them up for the Battle of the Books competition put on by Friends of Education!
Students will compete in two battles at the school level, with the winning team going on to compete against other schools this spring. More information and sign-up forms went home with students last weekend. Participation is free. Sign up by tomorrow, October 15! See more information here: https://www.battleofthebooks.org/what/.
Order Your School of Grammar Yearbook Today!
There’s nothing like getting your yearbook at the end of the school year and sharing memories with friends and family of the amazing, fun events that made the year special. Order your School of Grammar yearbook now for only $31 plus tax. Please contact Jami Kruschke with questions at jkrushchke@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Community Updates: Schools of Logic & Rhetoric
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Families,
We are just about one week away from the end of first quarter. This makes me take a second glance at the calendar to make sure I’m actually seeing things correctly! This first quarter has brought many wonderful events and conversations with staff, students, and parents. We recently celebrated Homecoming, an event that didn’t get nearly the coverage last year that it has in years past. The Student Senate, with help from the ERA Booster Club, put on a Homecoming Soiree that was worthy of the hype. Students enjoyed each other’s company, food from Famous Dave’s, a bonfire, a dance, and perfect weather. Thank you to the families who supported Homecoming and all our students for participating in an event-filled week.
Three events are upon us this month: conferences on October 18 and 19, the PSAT for juniors, and the end of the quarter. Please sign up for conferences if you have not done so yet; this is a time for parents to connect with teachers to discuss how students are doing, what is going well, and in what areas students can continue to grow. If you are unable to attend conferences but would still like to meet with your child(ren)’s teachers, please send them an email to get a meeting set up.
The PSAT for the junior class will be held on Tuesday, October 26 during the school day. Please have your junior sign up for the PSAT as this is the exam that may qualify them for the National Merit Scholarship. Students have been sent the information to sign up from Mrs. Mary Johnson and the information was also in the previous Eagle Eye.
Lastly, the end of the quarter is Friday, October 29. This is a two-hour early release day; please make any adjustments in your schedule to accommodate for this. Monday, November 1 is a grading day for teachers. Grades will be updated and we will send you a notice when they are finalized. Please check with your child to ensure they have all work completed and turned in. You can check this by using your parent observer account. If you need assistance setting up the parent observer account, please check your email from Friday, October 1 for instructions or see below:
“Your username is the primary email you have provided the school in Infinite Campus. You will set a password when you login to claim your account.
- NEW Parent users without a current Canvas account can find directions here.
- EXISTING Parent account users must update your account here.
Need help? Something went wrong? If you experience problems accessing your account, please email helphotline@eagleridgeacademy.org. Please be mindful you should only email this help hotline for problems related to accessing a Parent Observer account. Questions about your student's grades or assignments should go directly to your child's teacher."
Go Gryphons!
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
Upper School Yearbooks on Sale for $45 until October 29
A+ Driving School Offering Driver's Ed to ERA Students in November
Who: A+ Driving School is a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been teaching the vital skills required of young drivers in the Metro area for over twenty-five years.
What: A+ Driving School will perform the 30 hours of class and 6 hours behind the wheel required of novice drivers in order to qualify for a Minnesota driver’s license. Class is offered to students 14-17 years of age.
When: Class starts after school and runs from 3:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Class dates are the weeks of November 8 and November 15, Monday through Friday. If day(s) are missed, students can attend class at one of our other locations or online.
Where: Class will be held after school in Room 1228.
How: Sign up through our office by calling 952-469-4656 or online at www.aplusdrivingschool.net. Class size is limited, so call soon to reserve your spot!
Cost: The total cost is $390. Upon enrollment, students will mail a $100 deposit to reserve their spot to the address listed below. The remaining balance of $295 is due by the fifth day of class.
A+ Driving School
http://www.aplusdrivingschool.net
20908 Holyoke Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044 952-469-4656
Notes from the Academic Advising Office - Mary Johnson, College and Academic Advisor
Dear Students and Families,
Seniors: If you missed College Boot Camp for Seniors, stop by Ms. MJ's office to get the information that was handed out.
School of Rhetoric students (Grades 9-12) are invited to participate in the statewide Minnesota Virtual College Fair on November 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Students must register in advance to be able to participate. This is not a Zoom meeting. It is a live interaction with the college admissions representatives. Click this link to register.
The University of Wisconsin- River Falls admissions representative will be visiting Eagle Ridge Academy on Tuesday, October 26 during Advisory to meet with students. School of Rhetoric students may sign up with Ms. MJ to meet with the UW-River Falls rep.
The Minnesota State University - Moorhead admissions representative will be at Eagle Ridge Academy during Advisory on November 4 to meet with students. School of Rhetoric students may sign up with Ms. MJ to meet with the Minnesota State University-Moorhead rep.
Scholarship Deadlines, September 30-November 30:
- NACME Scholarships - $5,000 - 100 Awards (Deadline: October 30, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic-American, or Native/American Indian. B) Be planning to study in the fields of engineering or computer science.
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program - $20,000 – 150 Awards (Deadline: October 31, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be a current high school (or home-schooled) student who will graduate in 2022. B) Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee - based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education.
- Duckett Local Conservation Scholarship - $1,000 – 1 Award (Deadline: October 31, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be in good academic standing with their current educational institution with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. B) Be able to demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation using past and present volunteer, professional, or educational experiences.
- Pursuing a Positive Impact Scholarship - $3,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: October 31, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing. B) Submit a 1,000-word essay response to the prompt: In what ways do you try to activate positive change in your community and what inspires you to do so?
- Builders' Association Scholarships - $3,000 - 28 Awards (Deadline: November 1, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be a full-time college student in the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 semester studying in a construction-related program (construction management, engineering, or architecture).
- Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards - $3,500 – 180 Awards (Deadline: November 14, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring of 2022. B) Have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale.
- Concerto High School Musicians Scholarship - $2,500 – 3 Awards (Deadline: November 15, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be a high school musician (grades 9-12) enrolled during the 2021-2022 academic year. String, piano and harp players are eligible for this year's competition.
- Overachievers Student Grant - $12,500 – 1 Award (Deadline: November 15, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be in middle school or high school and be a person who is making a difference in others' lives outside of the classroom.
- Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship - $1,000 – 20 Awards (Deadline: November 30, 2021). To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be enrolled or accepted for early enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited institution in the U.S. B) Have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry and demonstrate financial need.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
Plays and Playoffs - Kris Babler, Activities Director
Dear Families,
It’s a big week for Gryphon Activities. The Lower School theater department is putting on Snow White: The Fair Queen’s Daughter this Saturday and Sunday, outside by the basketball court behind ERA.
Boys and Girls Soccer started Section tournaments this week. It’s been a fun season for both programs. They’ve been competitive in every match. We saw JV teams for both programs launch and 1 in 7 students at ERA played soccer this fall.
Finally, Cross Country and Volleyball are marching toward playoff time, both starting Section competition the week of October 25. Volleyball will settle somewhere in the 6th-8th seed out of 19 in the Section and Cross Country has a couple runners on the Girls team that will challenge for state qualification.
Broadly, participation in activities is way up. This fall, one in three ERA students is in a club, co-curricular activity or sport. As we cheer our Varsity teams on in this year’s playoffs, continued success is in our future for a long time.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
Register Now for K-12 Basketball!
Please see below for information on Gryphon Youth Basketball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Basketball. Register today at era-ar.rschooltoday.com/home. Please note that a Winter Eligibility/Mandatory Team Meeting will take place at ERA on Wednesday, November 3, 6:00-7:00 p.m. This meeting is for all aspiring 7th-12th grade Varsity, JV and C team boys and girls basketball players, with open gym time following the meeting.
Gryphon Youth Basketball
Who: K-6 students interested in learning fundamental basketball skills in a fun environment.
When and Where: 6 Saturdays: Dec 4-18 & Jan 8-22.
- Grades K-1: 9:00-9:45 a.m. on Court 3.
- Grades 2-3: 9:00-10:15 a.m. in Main Gym.
- Grades 4-6: 10:20-11:40 a.m. in Main Gym.
Coaches: Boys & Girls Varsity & JV players will be back to coach.
Director: Kris Babler; Please reach out with any questions: kbabler@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Cost: $80, which includes a shirt.
Boys Basketball (Grades 4-7)
Who: 4th-7th grade boys looking to play competitive travel basketball; 7th graders will be placed on these teams after Nov. 22-24 tryouts.
What: We are forming teams to participate in a LIST league that runs from Dec. 1 to Feb. 11. Teams will also participate in at least one weekend MYAS tournament; we are planning for two teams: one for grades 4-6 and another for grades 6-7.
When: Practices will run twice a week for the 4th-6th grade teams, 7:15-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays with games on Wednesday nights. The 6th-7th grade teams will practice Tuesday-Thursday evenings with games on Fridays.
Where: ERA Gym; Committing to the team means being at all practices.
Cost: $150 for 4th-6th grades until Oct 25; rates go up $50 each afterward.
Transportation: Parents will be responsible for transportation to games and players are expected to go home after the school day.
Coaches: We rely on parent coaches who will be trained at the appropriate grade level. Student participation fees are waived for parent coaches. Please reach out to the Director to volunteer.
Boys Basketball (Grades 7-12)
Who: 7th-12th grade boys looking for competitive team placement.
What: Varsity, Junior Varsity, and C team
When: Tryouts begin Nov. 22; practices will generally be 3:20-5:30 p.m., M-F, and we will also be meeting over breaks and on some Saturday mornings.
Where: ERA Gym; PLEASE review the game/practice calendar prior to committing to the team as practices are mandatory.
Cost: $230 for 7th-8th and $295 for 9th-12th until Oct 25; rates go up $50 each afterward.
Head Coach: Kris Babler; Please reach out to kbabler@eagleridgeacademy.org with any questions.
Girls Basketball (Grades 4-7)
Who: 4th-7th grade girls looking to play competitive travel basketball; 7th & 8th graders may be placed on these teams after Nov. 15-17 tryouts.
What: We are forming teams to participate in a LIST league that runs from Dec. 12 to Feb. 11; teams will also participate in at least one weekend MYAS tournament. We are planning for two teams, one for grades 4-6 and one for grades 6-7.
When: Practices will run twice a week for the 4th-6th grade teams, 7:15-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays with games on Wednesday nights; the 6th-7th grade teams will practice Tuesday-Thursday evenings, with games on Fridays. Committing to the team means being at all practices.
Where: ERA Gym
Cost: $150 for 4th-6th grades until Oct 25; rates go up $50 each afterwards.
Transportation: Parents will be responsible for transportation to games and players are expected to go home after the school day.
Coaches: We rely on parent coaches, who will be trained at the appropriate grade level. Student participation fees waived for parent coaches. Please reach out to the Director to volunteer.
Girls Basketball (Grades 7-12)
Who: 7th-12th grade girls looking to play competitive basketball.
What: Varsity & Junior Varsity
When: Tryouts begin Nov. 15; practices will generally be 5:30-7:00 p.m. M-F, plus some practices over breaks. Committing to the team means being at all practices.
Where: ERA Gym
Cost: $230 for 7th-8th grade and $295 for 9th-12th until Oct. 25; rates go up $50 each afterward.
Developing Connections
Register for the Gala Today! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
Invitations for Gala for the Gryphons Goes Old School: Progressive 70s, 80s, 90s Dance Party have all been sent out and registrations are coming in! (View digital invitation here.) Those registered for the gala will have their first included dance lesson with House of Dance this evening. To take advantage of the additional included dance lesson on October 28, make sure to register online today, or download the RSVP card and mail it in to pay with check or cash. Not interested in getting down with lessons? RSVP no later than Nov. 17.
- Are you interested in honoring a teacher or staff member? Consider purchasing a ticket in their name so they can attend compliments of your family! You may offer the ticket to specific people or else we’ll throw it into a lottery for interested staff.
- Do you own a business, work for an organization, do crafts, or have a connection to anyone that would like to donate an item or experience to our silent auction? We’d love to include as many items as possible and recognize our donors as supporters of education.
If you have questions, please contact me directly at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org or by phone at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107.
House of Dance instructor Joseph "Godsent" James
House of Dance instructor Jake "Boogie B" Riley
Volunteer
Eagle Ridge Academy views parents and students as integral contributors and active participants in our school. The Academy is most successful when parents and students work together with the teachers and staff to create and sustain the best possible learning environment.
We have several opportunities available for volunteers this fall: outdoor ERA grounds clean up, Gryphon Garden winterizing, Portrait Day retake assistance, and parent ambassador help at the Enrollment Extravaganza, in addition to our Volunteer Wednesdays! There’s a job for everyone – let us know if you can help. Sign up to volunteer today.
There are many opportunities for volunteerism for every taste, talent, and time-commitment. Consider “Giving 5” by signing up for the area(s) of your interest here.
For more information on how you may participate in the development of Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or by email at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Visit our website for online giving and other important information at https://eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-support-era/.
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
Save the Date! Eagle Ridge Academy is celebrating Give to the Max Day on November 18!
What if you could help our school receive $1,000 just by giving $10 or more?
Join us for Give to the Max Day on November 18 and you could help us receive $500, $1,000 or $10,000. Just make an online donation on GiveMN.org and your donation will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Golden Ticket every 15 minutes for Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy. Donations will help support the students of Eagle Ridge Academy. Last year, the ERA community helped us raise $22,000 on Give to the Max Day for our new Playscape Project.
Here’s the really exciting part: One donation made on GiveMN.org during the Give to the Max Day campaign will be randomly selected to receive a $10,000 super-sized GiveMN Golden Ticket. Starting in October, donors may "schedule" their gifts ahead of time. Please watch for more information.
Help us increase our odds and make the most of your gift by making a donation on November 18 on GiveMN.org. Search for Friends of Eagle Ridge Academy, then make your donation. Together, we hope to raise more than $10,000 on Give to the Max Day and you can help us reach our goal!
October Food Service Information - Brittany Radtke, Chef Manager
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Families,
Please see below for October menus and information on how to join our team of kitchen heroes!
Sincerely,
Brittany Radtke
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.
Four Easy Ways to Support ERA Athletics and Activities
1. Register on the ERA Booster Club website (erabooster.org) so the ERA Booster Club has a way to communicate with families based on the sports and activities they choose.
2. Become a Team Coordinator to support the students & coaches of a particular sport or activity.
3. Become a Booster (erabooster.org/packet/33) and choose from a variety of support levels, including the FREE Patron level.
4. Order your own ERA face masks and mask-keepers (erabooster.org/merchandise) to show your school spirit every day!
Learn more by visiting the ERA Booster Club website erabooster.org or by joining the Facebook group today!
Thank you to the ERA Booster Club and ERA Student Senate for Planning Such a Memorable Homecoming Week!
The Booster Club put on Gryphon Senior Night at the Homecoming Volleyball games on October 5 to celebrate all of our seniors involved in fall athletics. Our Volleyball and Soccer teams all won their Homecoming games and our Cross Country team held their home invitational at Gale Woods Farm. The Upper School Art Department lighted their 14th annual pit fire on Friday afternoon and, to finish the jam-packed week, we danced the night away at the Southern Soiree Homecoming Dance.
View more Homecoming Week photos here and Senior Night photos here.
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
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