Eagle Ridge Academy https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org Dedicated to offering a demanding college preparatory, Classical, liberal arts curriculum. Serving grades kindergarten through twelve. Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:17:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.2 The Eagle Eye: 1/9/2020 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-1-9-2020/ Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:14:41 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=13171 The Eagle Eye: 1/9/2020 This week's copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press! Here's a preview of what you'll find inside the newest issue: Gryphons at the Target Center. Buy your tickets to support the boys and girls basketball teams at the Target Center on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Upper

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The Eagle Eye: 1/9/2020

This week’s copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press! Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside the newest issue:

  • Gryphons at the Target Center. Buy your tickets to support the boys and girls basketball teams at the Target Center on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
  • Upper School Finals Schedule. The schedule for Semester 1 finals is enclosed.
  • Meet the Aquarium Initiative. Check out our latest club spotlight with the group behind the new fish tank in the cafeteria — the Aquarium Initiative!
  • Early Release on Jan. 31. Mark your calendars for the next Staff Development Early Release Day. School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31.

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
The Aquarium Initiative

There is a new trout aquarium in the school cafeteria! Meet the Aquarium Initiative, team behind the tank, in this issue of the Eagle Eye. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SRI GUNTIPALLY

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]]> The Eagle Eye: 12/12/2019 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-12-12-2019/ Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:45:19 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=13077 The Eagle Eye: 12/12/2019 This week's copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press! Here's a preview of what you'll find inside the newest issue: 2020-22 Calendar Process. View the two draft calendars and share your feedback. Infinite Campus Portal Maintenance. The Infinite Campus Portal will be unavailable from 1:00 a.m.

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The Eagle Eye: 12/12/2019

This week’s copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press! Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside the newest issue:

  • 2020-22 Calendar Process. View the two draft calendars and share your feedback.
  • Infinite Campus Portal Maintenance. The Infinite Campus Portal will be unavailable from 1:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 for maintenance.
  • Upper School Finals Schedule. The schedule for Semester 1 finals is enclosed.
  • Spring 2019 Olympus Club. Celebrate with us as we honor all Schools of Logic & Rhetoric students who maintained a 3.33 GPA in Spring 2019 while also receiving less than three tardies and no detentions.
  • Free Dress Day on Dec. 20. Funds raised from the Free Dress Day will support field trip buses, a Pi Day celebration, an author visit, a concert accompanist, instrument repair, and refreshing the uniform bank!

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
Newsletter Dec. 12

Staff members celebrate at the Gala for the Gryphons on Nov. 22. | PHOTO COURTESY OF SRIDHAR THAYUR

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]]> 2020-22 Calendar Approval Process https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/2020-22-calendar-approval-process/ Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:04:18 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=13061 2020-22 Calendar Approval Process Update 1/3/2020: The Board appreciates all of the feedback regarding the calendar options for 2020-2022. Due to the overwhelming majority against the early-start calendar, we are no longer considering the early-start option. However, many have requested a full two-week winter break.  At this time, we are looking at several options to

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2020-22 Calendar Approval Process

Update 1/3/2020: The Board appreciates all of the feedback regarding the calendar options for 2020-2022. Due to the overwhelming majority against the early-start calendar, we are no longer considering the early-start option.

However, many have requested a full two-week winter break.  At this time, we are looking at several options to allow this to happen. Possibilities include:

  • Shortening Fall Break
  • Having school on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving
  • Combining Grading Days and Inclement Weather Days

Again, we would appreciate feedback regarding these options.  Feedback may be submitted through the Calendar Feedback Form.

Original Post 12/10/2019: The Board of Directors is seeking feedback regarding the 2020-2022 calendar drafts.  It is our intent this year to approve calendars for two school years, 2020-21 and 2021-22.

In addition, this year we are presenting the community with two calendar options: an early start and a regular start. The regular start calendar follows the same pattern as recent years.  The early start calendar allows for a longer winter break and a few extra days off within the school year.  Both calendars have the same number of school days and staff workdays.

The Board considers these parameters each year when drafting academic calendars.

We encourage you to look at the calendars and send feedback using this form.  In addition, the Board Listening  Session on Tuesday, Jan. 14  will be devoted to calendar feedback. The Listening Session will take place in the Library at 5:30 p.m. You are welcome to attend and give your feedback in person.  The Board intends to vote on the final calendars at the Board Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

*Note: a previous version of this post included an incorrect version of the “regular start” calendars. The regular start calendars have now been corrected. 

calendar

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]]> The Eagle Eye: 11/21/2019 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-11-21-2019/ Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:44:25 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12921 The Eagle Eye: 11/21/2019 This week's copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is short and sweet! Here's a preview of what you'll find inside the newest issue: Phase III Construction Planning Updates. If you are interested in learning more or joining the advisory committee for this project, please reach out to Mary Cornelius:

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The Eagle Eye: 11/21/2019

This week’s copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is short and sweet! Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside the newest issue:

  • Phase III Construction Planning Updates. If you are interested in learning more or joining the advisory committee for this project, please reach out to Mary Cornelius: mcornelius@eagleridgeacademy.org
  • Now Open: The Gala for the Gryphons Silent Auction! Even if you won’t be attending the Gala in person tomorrow night, you can bid on all of the amazing gifts and experiences available in the auction. Visit the auction website to get started.
  • Provide Lunch Feedback. Eagle Ridge Academy’s food service partner, Taher, Inc., is conducting a satisfaction survey during the month of November. Make sure to share your thoughts and ideas with them here!

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
Decorative

We are grateful for you, Gryphons. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 27-29! 

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]]> The Eagle Eye: 11/07/2019 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-11-07-2019/ Thu, 07 Nov 2019 14:05:06 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12808 The Eagle Eye: 11/07/2019 The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here's a preview of what you'll find inside this week's issue: Veterans Day Celebration. Information is enclosed about our annual Veterans Day Celebration assemblies, which will take place for grades 2-12 on Monday, Nov. 11. Formal

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The Eagle Eye: 11/07/2019

The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside this week’s issue:

  • Veterans Day Celebration. Information is enclosed about our annual Veterans Day Celebration assemblies, which will take place for grades 2-12 on Monday, Nov. 11.
  • Formal Dress Day. There will be a formal dress day for grades K-12 on Monday, Nov. 11 to honor Veterans Day. For formal dress guidelines, visit the Uniforms & Spirit Wear page of the website.
  • Congratulations to Henry and Greta Long! Henry and Greta competed at the State Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Nov. 2, becoming the first athletes to take part in a state competition while wearing a Gryphon uniform.
  • Twelve Angry Jurors premieres next weekend, Nov. 15-17! You may see Eagle Ridge Academy’s fall play on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:00 p.m., or Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 each and will be sold at the door.

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
Students competed at the state cross country meet

Ava Kletti (ISM), Greta Long (8th), and Henry Long (11th) competed at the Minnesota State High School League Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Nov. 2. Go Gryphons! | PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB ECONOMY

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]]> Severe Weather Closure, Late Start, and Communication Protocol https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/severe-weather-closure-late-start-and-communication-protocol/ Fri, 25 Oct 2019 18:45:05 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12774 Eagle Ridge Academy Severe Weather Closure, Late Start, and Communication Protocol As colder weather approaches, we want to share important information regarding Eagle Ridge Academy’s decision making process for school closings and late starts as well as how we communicate these unexpected changes with families. Q: Who decides if school will start late

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Eagle Ridge Academy Severe Weather Closure, Late Start, and Communication Protocol

As colder weather approaches, we want to share important information regarding Eagle Ridge Academy’s decision making process for school closings and late starts as well as how we communicate these unexpected changes with families.

Q: Who decides if school will start late or close?
A: We have a team that is responsible for the decision to stay open, close, or start late because of inclement weather. The decision ultimately is the responsibility of the Executive Director.  We do recognize and appreciate that every family has a different situation and our decisions will not meet the needs of all.

Q: What happens when it is severely cold?
A: For cold weather, most school districts use a wind chill chart to determine the danger zone of the wind chill.  If the predicted wind chill is to be below -35 degrees F, then you will see schools start to cancel.  Every district has individual circumstances to consider.  For example, Eagle Ridge Academy 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 make some assume that Eagle Ridge Academy students would 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 outside the metro area, will often run a two-hour late start. We do not generally use late starts, but realize we may need to use this strategy from time to time.  The two-hour late start is effective if the temperature warms between 6:00 am and 8:00 am.

Q: What happens if there is snow accumulation or poor road conditions?
A: For snow accumulation and poor road conditions, many factors go in to a school closure or late start decision. These factors include total accumulation, time of the accumulation, progress of snow plows according to the MNDOT, and 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 the absences of students who were not able to safely travel to school.

The two-hour late start is effective if the road conditions become better between 6:00 am and 8:00 am.

Q: What happens if it starts snowing heavily in the afternoon, once my child is already at school? Does ERA do early releases related to weather?
A: Eagle Ridge Academy does not do unscheduled early dismissal because of our hub busing system. Instead, on heavy afternoon snowfall days, ERA will excuse early pick-up if parents deem this is the safest option for transportation. If you choose to pick up your child early, we ask that you do not call our main office prior to pick up to keep phone lines clear. Your child will be called from the classroom when you arrive in the office. This keeps students in class and learning as long as possible.

Afternoon activity clubs and athletics may sometimes be canceled due to weather. Communication about activity club or athletics cancelation will be sent to families through the email address on file with the Activities Department.

Q: How will I hear about school late starts or closures? What are your communication methods?
A: All cancellations and delays will be reported on WCCO, Facebook, the school website, direct email, and via call and text to the cellphone you have on file through Infinite Campus. We ask that families make a habit of checking all of these places on cold or snowy mornings so you receive up-to-date information!

All families are automatically opted in to receive emergency texts from Eagle Ridge Academy. We will only text in cases of emergency, which include school closings or delays and busing delays. Please note that text message and data rates from your cell carrier may apply. If you do not wish to receive emergency texts from Eagle Ridge Academy, you must opt out using this form. Please note that if you opt out, you will not receive emergency texts from Eagle Ridge Academy.

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. We truly understand the inconvenience of school cancellations to a family, student learning, and scheduling. Know that the decisions we make place student safety first, and we are willing to accept the inconvenience because we know that your children are out of harm’s way.

Q: Who should I contact if I have more questions about this protocol?
A: If you have questions about the severe weather decision making process, you may contact Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director: julbrich@eagleridgeacademy.org

If you have questions about receiving severe weather communications, believe you are not receiving them, or need to update your communication preferences with the school, you may contact Mary Cornelius, Communication Specialist: mcornelius@eagleridgeacademy.org

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]]> The Eagle Eye: 10/24/2019 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-10-24-2019/ Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:30:49 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12725 The Eagle Eye: 10/24/2019 The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here's a preview of what you'll find inside this week's issue: Early Release Next Thursday, Oct. 31 (school will dismiss at 1:00 p.m.). Go to page 2 for details and reminders about this different schedule. End

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The Eagle Eye: 10/24/2019

The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside this week’s issue:

  • Early Release Next Thursday, Oct. 31 (school will dismiss at 1:00 p.m.). Go to page 2 for details and reminders about this different schedule.
  • End of Quarter 1. Quarter 1 will end on Thursday, Oct. 31. There will be no school on Friday, Nov. 1 for Grading Day. Read details on page 3 about when grade reports will be available in Infinite Campus, and be sure to check the Lost and Found before then, too, as items are cleaned out and donated on Grading Day.
  • Veterans Day Celebration. Information is enclosed about our annual Veterans Day Celebration assemblies, which will take place for grades 2-12 on Monday, Nov. 11.
  • AP Exam Registration. The College Board has changed the registration window for 2020 AP Exams to encourage students to commit to taking the test in the spring. Registration is open online now through Oct. 31. Eagle Ridge Academy covers the cost of the first AP exam for all juniors and seniors. Find the registration links in the Eagle Eye or on the School of Rhetoric page.

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
Volleyball Team Smiling After Victory on 10-21

The Gryphon Volleyball team celebrated after their victory on Monday, Oct. 21. They will continue section play with a game on Friday, Oct. 25. | PHOTO COURTESY OF JANNA COLLINS

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]]> The Eagle Eye: 10/03/2019 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-10-03-2019/ Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:58:42 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12604 The Eagle Eye: 10/03/2019 The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here's a preview of what you'll find inside this week's issue:Parent Teacher Conferences. Fall Conferences will take place on Oct. 14 and 15, and the conference scheduler is now open. Find details to register for your conferences

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The Eagle Eye: 10/03/2019

The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside this week’s issue:

  • Parent Teacher Conferences. Fall Conferences will take place on Oct. 14 and 15, and the conference scheduler is now open. Find details to register for your conferences inside this issue. Interested in helping the PTO provide meals for teachers during conferences? There’s a sign-up for that, too!
  • Fall Break TEL. Gryphons in grades K-6 are welcome to take part in Fall Break TEL, which will run Oct. 14-16 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Read details in the Eagle Eye, or register now!
  • AP Exam Registration. The College Board has changed the registration window for 2020 AP Exams to encourage students to commit to taking the test in the spring. Registration is open online now through Oct. 31. Eagle Ridge Academy covers the cost of the first AP exam for all juniors and seniors. Find the registration links in the Eagle Eye or on the School of Rhetoric page.

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
Members of the Gryphon Pep Band play during the Homecoming Pep Fest

The Gryphon Pep Band played at the Homecoming Pep Fest on Friday, Sept. 27. It was their debut performance. | PHOTO BY MARY CORNELIUS

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]]> 2018-19 Annual Report https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/2018-19-annual-report/ Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:32:59 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12569 2018-19 Annual Report Now Available Eagle Ridge Academy is proud to present the 2018-19 Annual Report, a document that highlights the school’s strengths and performance over the past year. Wondering what information you might find in the report? We've collected just a few of the statistics for you here: In 2018-19... ...students

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2018-19 Annual Report Now Available

Students learning at Eagle Ridge AcademyEagle Ridge Academy is proud to present the 2018-19 Annual Report, a document that highlights the school’s strengths and performance over the past year. Wondering what information you might find in the report? We’ve collected just a few of the statistics for you here:

In 2018-19…

…students attended Eagle Ridge from 32 different school districts.

…we administered 134 AP exams, and 58 students scored a 3 or higher on them

…we had a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2019.

Want to learn more? Check out the full annual report below.

View 2018-19 Annual Report

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]]> The Eagle Eye: 9/19/2019 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/the-eagle-eye-9-19-2019/ Thu, 19 Sep 2019 17:57:47 +0000 https://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/?p=12504 The Eagle Eye: 9/19/2019 The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here's a preview of what you'll find inside this week's issue: Homecoming Week Preview. September 23-27 is Homecoming Week at Eagle Ridge Academy. The Eagle Eye includes details about events happening during Homecoming, including the School of

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The Eagle Eye: 9/19/2019

The newest copy of the Eagle Eye Newsletter is hot off the press. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside this week’s issue:

  • Homecoming Week Preview. September 23-27 is Homecoming Week at Eagle Ridge Academy. The Eagle Eye includes details about events happening during Homecoming, including the School of Logic Fall Festival (Sept. 27), Rockin’ the Ridge for the School of Grammar (Sept. 28), and the School of Rhetoric Homecoming Dance (Oct. 4). You can also find Spirit Week Dress Days for Grades 6-12. Grades K-5 are invited to join Spirit Week for Friday, Sept. 27 for Spirit Wear Day.
  • Board of Directors Welcome. Board Chair John Schwirtz ’10 shares updates from the Board of Directors and invites families to get involved with Board Working Groups and Listening Sessions.
  • Gala for the Gryphons: a Night in the Roaring 20s. Tickets are now available for our most glamorous event of the year! Support our students and socialize in style at our annual gala on Friday, Nov. 22.

Read on for more, and have a wonderful rest of your week.

learn more in our new issue of the eagle eye
Students smile while walking to class

School of Grammar students smile on their way to class. | PHOTO BY MARY CORNELIUS

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