The Eagle Eye
Jan. 14, 2021 - Eagle Ridge Academy - Volume 17 | Issue 8
Eagle Ridge Academy will switch to IN-PERSON LEARNING FOR GRADES K-2, DISTANCE LEARNING FOR GRADES 3-12, on TUESDAY, JAN. 19. There is NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, JAN. 18.
Students in grades K-2 who have not opted into distance learning will return to in-person learning on the first day of Quarter 3, Jan. 19. All students in grades 3-12 must stay at home in distance learning. Essential childcare for students in grades 3 and above (up to age 12) will remain open for Tier 1 Critical Care Workers.
The Minnesota Department of Health data updated today shows that Hennepin County is currently at 31.23 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people. Executive Director Jason Ulbrich proposed a DRAFT updated Learning Model Matrix to the ERA Board of Directors this past Tuesday, Jan. 12. The new model will assist ERA in determining the appropriate learning model for grades 6 through 12. The model includes multiple data points and strongly weights ERA’s implementation of our safety protocols, as well as the presence and spread of COVID-19 within our building. Please see Executive Director Jason Ulbrich's contribution below for more information.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Jan. 15:
- All students (K-12) at home in distance learning.
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY).
- Join us for a Gryphon Conversation from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. to ask questions and hear updates from our administration.
- Take Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 18:
- NO SCHOOL due to grading day/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Tuesday, Jan. 19:
- First day of third quarter.
- Students in grades K-2 who have not opted into distance learning will return to in-person learning.
- All students in grades 3-12 must stay at home in distance learning.
Friday, Jan. 22:
- All students (K-12) at home in distance learning.
- Materials Pick-Up at Door 2 (School of Grammar) and Door 3 (Schools of Logic & Rhetoric), 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Take Home Meals Pick-Up at Door 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 25:
- Students in grades K-2 in in-person learning.
- Students in grades 3-12 at home in distance learning.
List of Materials Pick-Up Days for Remainder of 2020-2021 School Year
January 15 (Upper School only)
January 22
February 5
February 19
March 5
March 19
April 9
April 23
May 7
May 21 (last pick-up, June 4 is graduation)
Coronavirus Information
Technology Information
If you need help with Canvas or have another technology issue, you can visit https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/canvas/ to troubleshoot your issue and see who to contact for help.
You can also call the Academic & Technology Hotline Monday-Thursday at 952-746-7760, ext. 1704 or email helphotline@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Community Updates
Safe Learning Plan Updates - Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
Welcome back from winter break and to the 2nd semester of the craziest year ever in education! Over the next few weeks we will transition from distance learning in the Lower School to in-person learning. This change was orchestrated in response to the new Executive Order and Safe Learning Plan that was issued by Governor Walz prior to winter break. The new Safe Learning Plan encourages schools to use multiple data sets to determine the learning model for schools and allows K-6 students to come back in-person as soon as Jan. 18.
- ERA K-2 students begin in-person learning on Jan. 19.
- ERA 3-5 students begin in-person learning on Feb. 1.
This past Tuesday, I proposed a new decision making model draft to the ERA Board of Directors that will assist us in determining the appropriate learning model for grades 6 through 12. The model includes multiple data points and strongly weights ERA’s implementation of our safety protocols, as well as the presence and spread of COVID-19 within our building. At the beginning of the school year, schools across the state looked only at their county’s COVID numbers to determine their learning model. Slowly, schools started to change that approach by including additional data that scientists and public health officials recommended.
I believe it is time for ERA to use a holistic approach in determining our Learning Model. Listed below are the main reasons I am recommending a new model to get all students back to school as quickly and safely as possible:
- Experts state that schools have been safe, especially schools with the protocols that we have in place.
- Students are struggling academically, socially, and emotionally.
- ERA staff have been working with students onsite in child care since March of 2020 and have experienced no spread. Additionally, over the past couple months ERA has expanded service to many students receiving ELL services and SPED services, without spread.
- The Lower School will have approximately 290 students onsite when in-person and the upper school about 320.
- Other schools (public, private, and charter) have remained in or will move to hybrid/in-person learning and have provided engaging academics in a safe environment. Many private schools have safely been in-person all year.
Please know that the attached is a DRAFT proposal only and the Board may recommend changes prior to their consideration on Jan. 26. Please join us for a Gryphon Conversation tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the DRAFT proposal and other updates. You may also reach out to me or your child's principal if you have any questions.
Looking forward to having students back in the building,
Jason Ulbrich
Textbook Change Process - Susan Bloomgren, Director of Academics
Dear Families,
As first mentioned in the December Eagle Eye, the Upper School department and The Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement group (CISA) are in the process of reviewing textbooks in certain departments to replace textbooks that are out of print. Starting in the 2020-2021 school year, Physics will use Conceptual Physics by Hewitt. Eagle Ridge Academy will receive early access to the textbooks in January. Teachers may use segments of the newly adopted textbooks to supplement learning during the current school year.
The information below regarding the process for textbook review was previously printed in the Dec. 17 issue of the Eagle Eye. If you are already familiar with the process, then you do not need to continue reading. As we continue to review textbooks that are out of print, we will keep the community updated through future Eagle Eye issues. If you have any questions about the process or would like to view the textbook, please contact me.
Textbook review is a process that typically happens within departments during a five-year curriculum review cycle. However, there are several textbooks that are more than ten years old and we are no longer able to find these printed books in good condition. Additionally, digital options are not available for these books.
Below is the process that is followed when exploring a textbook change:
1. During the first phase, teachers examine their course textbooks to ensure they still align with MN standards and course content, as well as compare the text to new versions that might exist. The versions of science textbooks that are currently used are out of print, which required the team to look at new versions.
2. The Director of Academics works with publishers to receive the latest version of our current textbooks as well as other available options.
3. Teachers evaluate the textbooks using a rubric. The top-rated textbooks have the following characteristics: align to Eagle Ridge Academy, state, and Core Knowledge standards; meet an appropriate reading level for students; use quality visuals to support learning; and offer digital resources.
5. CISA reviews all textbooks. The 2020-21 CISA group recently reviewed all considered textbooks and found them to meet the above criteria.
Sincerely,
Susan Bloomgren
Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Notes - Erin Johnson, Principal
Dear Families,
As we start a new year, I’ve heard many comments along the lines of “2021 HAS to be better than 2020.” Despite the challenges we faced in 2020, one of the key pillars our students and staff show me over and over again is that of perseverance. This pillar is powerful: it sharpens our minds, strengthens us, and holds us accountable. It shows us who we are, what we can overcome, and what talents we have. It helps us set and achieve goals. In fact, Aristotle wrote, “Man is a goal-seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals.” Eagle Ridge Academy staff and students continue to persevere. Even though this school year does not look like it used to, or how we want it to look, it does continually show us the power of perseverance. We appreciate the opportunities to partner with you as we work with our students to help them grow and learn.
We start a new semester on Tuesday, Jan. 19. We remain vigilant in our quest for perseverance, and, as always, our students will rise to the challenge. Next month we have the opportunity for parents to engage with the teachers through conferences, which are held on Feb. 18 in the evening and Feb. 19 in the morning. Sign-up information will be coming shortly. We look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
Congratulations to our Spring 2019-20 Olympus Club Members! - Romelle Pornschloegl, Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Assistant Principal
On behalf of Principal Erin Johnson and myself, we would like to congratulate the students listed below for being admitted into the Spring 2019-20 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).
Traditionally, our scholars would be recognized in an all-school assembly, presented with a certificate suitable for framing, and permitted to wear their spirit wear for the entire week of finals. Unfortunately, we cannot have an all-school assembly, but Olympus Club students are permitted to wear their spirit wear for the entire week of January 11-15. Certificates are available for pick-up now.
Congratulations!
Romelle Pornschloegl (Mrs.P)
Open Enrollment Period Ends Tomorrow! - Janice Gerheart, Admissions Specialist
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
Thank you to all of the families that joined us at our Virtual Winter Enrollment Extravaganza last Thursday. It was wonderful to connect with prospective families over Zoom, share about Classical Education at Eagle Ridge Academy, and answer your questions.
As a reminder, our 2021-2022 open enrollment application period will close after 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021. If your current ERA student has a sibling or foster sibling that you wish to enroll for the 2021-2022 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 Tuesday, January 19, at 1:00 p.m.
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. 16, 2021 will not be included in the lottery. They will be added to the grade level waitlist in the order that they are received.
You may apply at this link: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/enrollment-application/. Thank you for your interest in Eagle Ridge Academy; we look forward to providing your student with a traditional, Classical education that demands their best in academic achievement, behavior, and attitude and challenges them to attain their highest potential.
Sincerely,
Janice Gerheart
Academic Advising Notes - Mary Johnson, Academic Advisor
Please make sure to check out this page for helpful college prep information: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/students-and-families/college-prep/. It has recently been updated with current scholarships and tools to help with researching different degrees and college programs. You will also find tips on applying to college, information on different types of aid (including need-based aid and the FAFSA), career resources, personal assessment tests, and more.
As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. MJ
School of Grammar Grades 3-5 Lunch Bunches - Zac MacLean, K-5 School Counselor & Jean Soule, 6-12 School Counselor
Dear Families,
Does your child miss the social time around a lunch table? Your grade 3-5 student is invited to join us for "Lunch Bunch" each Monday at their scheduled lunch time. It will be an open Zoom call chaperoned by School Counselor Zac MacLean (Mr. M), with the goal of allowing students free conversation time with peers. No registration needed, just have your student show up at this Zoom link if they would like to participate.
Monday Lunch Bunch times:
3rd Grade: 11:50 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
4th Grade: 12:20 - 12:45 p.m.
5th Grade: 11:20 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
Sincerely,
Zac MacLean
Let's Go! - Kris Babler, Activities Director
Dear Families,
Jan. 4, 2021, marked the return of in-person school activities at Eagle Ridge Academy. Things look different with a mask mandate, but I have yet to hear a complaint from any student participants. Boys and Girls Basketball is off and running with our first Girls Basketball game scheduled for Friday evening.
Even One Act Play is back! Auditions have concluded and rehearsals have begun for a fast-moving drama competition. I have been amazed at the speed in which our coaches and theater department have moved to put together these opportunities with compressed lead time. Girls Basketball Coaches Jenny Swartout and Hannah Robinson; Boys Basketball Coaches Aaron Duske, Greg Crowley, and Sam Weigand; and Theater Directors Gabe Berg, Sylvia Michels, and Betsy Bixby deserve recognition.
We will be live streaming all home basketball games here. Look out for Gryphon Youth Basketball offerings to hit your inbox in the coming days too. It is a joy to have students back on campus and participating in activities. This is one small step toward a more normal experience for students. We are excited about opening up additional opportunities in the coming months.
Go Gryphons!
Kris Babler
Developing Connections
Register Now for this year's Gala for the Gryphons! - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
For more information on how you may participate in helping to develop 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/giving/ways-to-give/.
Gala for the Gryphons – A Night of MaskERAise!
Join us as the Gala for the Gryphons goes VIRTUAL! With our changing world, we are adapting to the existing environment and taking our largest fundraiser of the year online. We hope you will join us by registering today!
Though we cannot be together to celebrate in person this year, our primary goal to raise funds for the students of Eagle Ridge Academy remains the same. We’ve created various levels of support for everyone’s preference. Every person who registers will receive a Zoom link to the live event on February 26, which will include a warm welcome, testimonials and videos, live musical performances from the ERA Band and Orchestra, our Live Auction, and Fund-a-Need. Just an hour long, we hope you choose to support us with some virtual fun and stay connected through technology, knowing that your registration will support the Playscape and Grounds Beautification project and will continue to support the ERA Scholarship Program for our graduating seniors.
Gala for the Gryphons – A Night of MaskERAise!
Friday, February 26
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Via ZOOM: Link will be sent out to all registrants
While the virtual portion of the evening will be held on Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m., we hope that you continue to celebrate on your own throughout the evening. Wondering what to wear? Anything you want! Dress to impress or wear what’s comfortable. Good news – if you are at home, you don’t have to wear a mask… but for fun, you could make your own. You will be on Zoom for an hour during the program, but otherwise will enjoy the various aspects of the event from the comfort of your home. There’s no need for a babysitter – so have the kids join in.
We are offering five (5) levels of registration this year:
- Suggested Donation: $25 to enter the Live Event and show your support for the school
- Just a Mask, Please: $50 per person (Includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus snacks and beverages)
- Mask and All: $100 per person (includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus dinner [Pizza Lucé certificate], dessert, and wine/beverage)
- Sponsored “Table” of 10: $1,200 (includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box for 10, filled with everything you need to celebrate, plus dinner (Pizza Lucé certificate, desserts, bottles of wine and sparkling cider)
- Students Can Participate, Too!: *$20 per student (Includes a Mystery Party-in-a-Box filled with fun and snacks) Available only with a registered Adult (Capped max of $60 per family, but more than three can participate)
The Silent Auction will be online this year and will be open Feb. 19 – March 3 to allow for a wider audience to enjoy and bid. We will still have Live Auction items, which will be incorporated into the auction site.
Other Ways to Participate in the 2021-2022 Gala for the Gryphons:
*Share the event on your social media.
*Ask your employer to sponsor the event or match your registration gift.
If you would like to pay by cash or check, please download the RSVP Card below and mail to:
Eagle Ridge Academy
Attn: Gala
11111 Bren Rd. W
Minnetonka, MN 55343
For more information, please visit this page: https://eagleridgeacademy.org/gala/. For questions, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or email kschiffman@eagleridgecademy.org.
Please note that once tickets are purchased, no refunds will be issued.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Double Your Impact with 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, social responsibility, and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100%, essentially doubling your donation to the Academy, donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations.
Be informed by asking today!
AmazonSmile
TEL Survey - Please Complete if You Would Like TEL to Resume!
Will you need TEL services once ERA switches from distance learning to in-person learning?
Please fill out this survey so that we can evaluate the needs of our ERA families. Please submit this form by Jan. 22 to have it counted: https://eagleridgeacademy.wufoo.com/forms/wg8mppx017ebhp/.
Please contact Student Programs Specialist Isabelle Kofflin at ikofflin@eagleridgeacademy.org with questions.
Get Your School Yearbook Today!
The Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School (K-5) 2020-2021 Yearbook is available to purchase here. Please email jkruschke@eagleridgeacademy.org with questions.
The Eagle Ridge Academy Upper School 2020-2021 Yearbook is available to purchase for $50 now through Jan. 31, 2021 here. Please email econner@eagleridgeacademy.org with questions.
Two ERA Mock Trial Teams Competing in Regionals This Year!
ERA teams are showing well as Mock Trial season moves into regional competitions!
The Minnesota High School Mock Trial season is in full swing; regional competitions began last week and continue into early February. The Minnesota state tournament is slated for early March and the national high school championship will be held in mid-May.
Mock Trial is virtual this season, with teams competing from the comfort of home, albeit missing some of the camaraderie that comes from hanging out at competitions with one’s fellow mockers.
There are two ERA teams (ERA and ERA-White) competing in regionals. Each round consists of teams competing as either prosecution or defense for this year’s case: Payton Knox v Nixon Lodge & Catering, Inc., which is a civil case based on contract law, set in Hibbing, Minnesota. The teams spend countless hours studying the case, preparing their prosecution and defense, learning objections, and honing their arguments.
The teams are coached by Mr. Magnuson (ERA High School Humanities teacher), Harshita Kalidindi (ERA 2017 alumni and U of M Mock Trial team), Bruce Rivers (criminal justice attorney with Rivers Law Firm P.A. Minneapolis) and Anya Magnuson (Nova Classical Academy 2016 alumni and member of 3rd place 2016 national mock trial championship team).
Early season scrimmages saw a number of wins for both teams, as well as opportunities to practice Mock Trial by Zoom. One of the ERA teams took first place at the December Freeze Fest and both teams were undefeated at the recent Minneapple scrimmage. Team ERA also won their first regional competition last week against Breck School.
Best wishes to our ERA teams for another successful season!
Four Day Take-Home Meal Bundle Tomorrow - Brittany Radtke, Chef
Tomorrow, Jan. 15, is a Take-Home Meals Pick-Up Day. This will be a 4-day take-home meals bundle due to no school on Monday, Jan. 18.
PLEASE NOTE: K-2 students that are returning to in-person learning next Tuesday, Jan. 19, do NOT need to sign-up for take-home meals as free breakfast and lunch will be available to them at school.
Distance learning students: please remember to fill out the Take-Home Meals order form each week that you intend to pick-up meals. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Chef Brittany Radtke
Stay Connected!
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.
See below for instructions on how to connect through 'My School Anywhere' App
Step 1:
- Create an account at eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- If you already have an account from last year, using My School Anywhere, you can use the same email and password to login. You can then confirm or edit your information.
Step 2:
- Click “verify my email” and check your email for a link to complete the process.
Questions? Please contact Anu at anu.philip@gmail.com.
PTO Spirit Wear for Spirit Wear Fridays!
PTO Spirit Wear is available for purchase online! During this school year, every Friday is a Spirit Wear Day and we've got you covered with this year's fun t-shirts and sweatpants. Items can be ordered here and picked up every other Friday during distance learning materials pick-up.
All Spirit Wear proceeds benefit PTO's events, services, and teacher support. Show your school spirit and order your fresh spirit wear today!
Winter Gear Order Update!
The quarter-zip pullover orders have been distributed and we have a few extras. If you order a pullover in a size that we have available, you will be notified and your order will be distributed with your student's school materials on the following Friday materials pick-up date.
Three Things You Can Do to Support ERA Athletics
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 Booster (erabooster.org/packet/33) and choose from a variety of support levels, including the FREE Patron level.
3. Order your own ERA Booster Club winter gear, 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!
School of Grammar student Noah in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
Shop now at erabooster.org/merchandise!
School of Rhetoric student Nathan in his ERA face mask and mask keeper.
Classroom Creations
Our fifth graders have been working hard on an Ecosystem in a Box project and presentation over the past few weeks to apply what they have learned about ecosystems during their recent science unit. Below are some of the boxes from Mrs. Carlson's class. Great work, Gryphons!
Visit this link to see more boxes from Mrs. Carlson's class: http://bit.ly/CarlsonEcosystemBoxes.
Follow Eagle Ridge Academy on Social Media for More Content!
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