Upcoming Events
Saturday, November 5
- Fall Enrollment Extravaganza, ERA, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Monday, November 7-Friday, November 18
- Registration Price Increases for K-12 Basketball
- Driver's Education with A+ Driving School, Room 1228, Monday-Friday, 3:15-6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, November 9
- Third Grade Field Trip to Dodge Nature Center (Rau, Christen, Larson), 9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Last Day to Register for Gala for the Gryphons
- Last Day to Submit Veterans Day Photos for Presentation
Thursday, November 10
- Third Grade Field Trip to Dodge Nature Center (Anderson, Aalfs, Hurth), 9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Friday, November 11
Tuesday, November 15
- School Board Workshop & Strategic Planning Session, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 16
- ERA Booster Club Board Meeting, Edina Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Please note: only home games and matches for Gryphon Activities are listed on this calendar. To see a full list of Gryphon games, matches, practices, and meetings, please view the Activities Calendar.
Fall Enrollment Extravaganza for Prospective Families on Saturday, November 5
Eagle Ridge Academy's 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 17.
Do you know a family interested in learning more about ERA? Invite them to our Fall Enrollment Extravaganza on November 5, 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 more. Please contact Admissions Specialist Janice Gerheart with questions at jgerheart@eagleridgeacademy.org.
Invitation to Join ERA's Governance Working Group - Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors
Dear Eagle Ridge Academy Community,
Are you interested in dipping your toes into the world of school governance? The ERA Governance Working Group is seeking three-five new parent or teacher members.
This group's responsibilities include the continuous review of school governance, ensured compliance, and making recommendations to enhance the quality and the work of the Board of Directors. This year, the Governance group will be digging into some important work with the bylaws, the size of the Board of Directors, and election process. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Clare Murray at cmurray@eagleridgeacademy.org.
RSVP for 10th Annual Gala for the Gryphons - "A Night of Glitz and Glamour ~ Honoring Traditions" by Wednesday, November 9
This year's Gala for the Gryphons, A Night of Glitz and Glamour ~ Honoring Traditions, will take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Friday, November 18, 6:00-11:00 p.m. Registration will close Wednesday, November 9, so register today!
Unable to attend this year’s gala but still want to support the students and staff of Eagle Ridge Academy? Contact Kelly Schiffman to donate a Gala ticket to an Eagle Ridge Academy staff member or make an online donation to Eagle Ridge Academy here.
Honoring Traditions with The Somali Museum Dance Troupe
We are excited to announce that the Gala program will include a performance from The Somali Museum Dance Troupe!
The Somali Museum Dance Troupe studies and performs traditional dances from different regions across Somalia. Comprised of teens and young adults from the greater Twin Cities area, the troupe has performed for countless corporate, private, and public events taking place across Minnesota and nation-wide.
Learn more at their website: www.somalimuseum.org/dance-troupe.
Announcing Gala Emcee and Auctioneer Karen Sorbo
As one of the premier benefit auctioneers, Karen Sorbo’s dedication to her profession, its purpose, and results has impacted organizations across the United States, Mexico, and Hong Kong.
Since graduating from the World Wide College of Auctioneering in 1993, she has orchestrated and conducted more than 2,800 auctions, raising more than 900 million dollars for deserving organizations.
Karen is a long-standing member of the National Association of Auctioneers (NAA), and has conducted numerous educational seminars during the tenure of her membership.
Karen has been featured in local and national publications and television for her auction specialty. In 2009, she served as a judge for the prestigious title of International Auctioneer Champion. In 2011, Karen was selected as a Woman of Influence by Minnesota Monthly, and in 2012 was chosen as one of the Women You Need to Know by the Women’s Speakers Association.
Support Eagle Ridge Academy's Grow Your Own Program During Give to the Max Early Giving!
Give to the Max is a statewide outpouring of support for thousands of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota! The Giving Holiday is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, but you don't have to wait to support Eagle Ridge Academy, as Early Giving began November 1! Together, we hope to raise more than $10,000 on Give to the Max Day to support Eagle Ridge Academy's new Grow Your Own Program, and you can help us reach our goal!
Recruiting and hiring excellent, diverse, and Classical teachers for all our Gryphons has been a challenge! To increase the diversity of Classical teachers available to our students, Eagle Ridge Academy has received grants through the Minnesota Department of Education to begin a Grow Your Own (GYO) teacher program and expand our teacher mentoring program.
The programs will be supported by the New Teacher Mentor Coordinator who will recruit a diverse population of non-licensed teachers, equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for high-quality teaching, and develop their teaching skills through coaching and mentoring which will allow Eagle Ridge Academy to retain empowered educators who positively impact student learning. Additionally, the New Teacher Mentor Coordinator will support aspiring teachers in navigating the state certification system. Eagle Ridge Academy will assist in covering costs associated with obtaining a license and/or degree. Through mentorship, financial assistance, and support in maneuvering the complexities of state procedures, Eagle Ridge Academy will remove the cultural, economic, and linguistic barriers that may otherwise prevent future Classical educators from pursuing a career in teaching.
Learn more about ERA's Grow Your Own Program and schedule a donation for Give to the Max Day here!
Formal Dress Required for Veterans Day on Friday, November 11
Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Part of the Eagle Ridge Academy vision statement is that Eagle Ridge Academy will offer an academically rigorous, time-tested, Classical liberals arts curriculum that fosters an appreciation for the United States of America and her unique role in the world. On Veterans Day, we want our students to understand what it means to be a Veteran and to honor the selfless sacrifice that so many men and women have made for our freedoms. All students are required to wear Formal Dress on Veterans Day.
Grades 2-12 will attend Veterans Day assemblies in the ERA Auditorium. Each celebration will include a musical performance from our students and speeches given in honor of the occasion. We will have capacity for visitors during the Grades 2-3 and Grades 4-5 ceremonies if you would like to attend. Please see the complete assembly schedule below:
- Grades 2-3: 8:15-8:40 a.m.
- Grades 4-5: 8:50-9:15 a.m.
- Grades 6-8: 9:25-9:50 a.m.
- Grades 9-12: 10:00-10:25 a.m.
If you or a family member has served, please email a picture to fcastro@eagleridgeacademy.org by Wednesday, November 9, to be included in the Veterans Day slideshow.
Congratulations, October Pillar Award Recipients! - Missy Madigan, Schools of Logic & Rhetoric Assistant Principal
CIPHER (Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Honor, Excellence, Respect) is more than a motto, it’s what we strive to follow in our actions with our fellow Gryphons.
The Schools of Logic & Rhetoric hold monthly Pillar Assemblies, in which six students from each of the Upper School grades are recognized for displaying CIPHER throughout the month. Each student is nominated for a Pillar Award by one of their teachers, who writes a short paragraph describing how the student exemplified their pillar, which is shared the student body.
Congratulations to our October Pillar Award recipients! Thank you for demonstrating CIPHER every day and for being role models at Eagle Ridge Academy.
A+ Driving School Driver’s Education Begins November 7
A+ Driving School is offering driver's education to School of Rhetoric students ages 14-17 in November. A+ Driving School will perform the 30 hours of class and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons required of novice drivers in order to qualify for a Minnesota driver's license. Class will be held after school Monday-Friday the weeks of November 7 and November 14 in Room 1228, 3:15-6:15 p.m. If days are missed, students can attend class in one of A+ Driving School's other locations or online.
The total cost for the class is $420. The balance is due by the fifth day of class. Sign up by calling 952-469-4656 or online at aplusdrivingschool.net. Reserve your spot as soon as possible as class size is limited. 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 more than twenty-five years.
ERA School Counselors Looking for Parent Volunteers to Speak About Their Careers
In hopes to encourage college and career development among our middle school students, we are looking for parents in our ERA community to come and share about their careers.
This 25-minute presentation would give students a background on how you selected your career, what a typical day at work looks like, how your personality aligns with your job, etc. Presentations will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during advisory (2:40-3:10 p.m.). Please reach out to counselors Jean Soule and Jenn Scott (952-746-7760 ext. 1208) if you have questions or are interested.
Register for K-12 Basketball Before Registration Price Increases Monday, November 7
Learn more about activities and register here today. All grades 7-12 sports are eligible for fee reduction (scholarship) based on free and reduced lunch standing or circumstance. This form should be submitted if you are requesting fee reduction.
Boys Varsity/JV Basketball (9-12)
Who: All grades 7-12 boys are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV teams. If you love basketball and want to compete, sign up.
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: November 21-March - Tryouts November 21-23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Practices generally are early Mon./Tues., late Thurs./Fri. and alternate with the girls on Wed., plus Saturday mornings.
Coaches: Kris Babler and Rich Berkley
Cost: $295
Girls Varsity/JV Basketball (9-12)
Who: All grades 7-12 girls are eligible to try out for the varsity and JV teams. We need girls that want to learn and improve!
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: November 14-March - Tryouts November 14-16, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Practices generally are late Mon./Tues., early Thurs./Fri. and alternate with the boys on Wed., plus Saturday mornings.
Coaches: Chad Flies and Kenny McGee
Cost: $295
Boys 7th-8th Grade Basketball
Who: Boys in grades 7 & 8 that will either be placed on the V/JV teams or a middle school team.
Where: Tryouts in the main gym, November 21-23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
When: Practices will be in the auxiliary gym at 6:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri, November 21-mid February.
Coaches: Kalvin O’Neal and Justin Ervin
Cost: $225
Girls 7th-8th Grade Basketball
Who: Girls in grades 7 & 8 that will either be placed on the V/JV teams or a middle school team. All 7th-8th graders are expected to play JV, though a MS team is possible with numbers.
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: November 14-March - Tryouts November 14-16, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Practices generally are late Mon./Tues., early Thurs./Fri. and alternate with the boys on Wed., plus Saturday mornings.
Coaches: Chad Flies and Kenny McGee
Cost: $225
Boys 3rd-6th Grade Travel Basketball Teams (3-6)
Who: Beginner, novice, or experienced basketball players that want to play for ERA teams
Where: ERA Auxiliary Gym
When: Grades 3-4: Mondays & Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Grades 5-6: Wednesdays & Fridays 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Practices begin January 2 and run through early March.
Coaches: Parent Volunteers
Cost: $125
Girls 3rd-6th Grade Travel Basketball Teams
Who: Beginner, novice, or experienced basketball players that want to play for ERA teams.
Where: ERA Auxiliary Gym
When: Grades 3-4: Mondays & Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Grades 5-6: Wednesdays & Fridays 3:30-4:45 p.m.; Practices begin January 2 and run through early March.
Coaches: Parent Volunteers
Cost: $125
Gryphon Youth Basketball Saturdays (K-6)
Who: Introductory level basketball for K-6 on Saturday mornings.
Where: ERA Main Gym
When: Saturdays - December 10, 17, 24 & January 7, 14, 21
- K: 9:00-9:30 a.m. (in auxiliary gym)
- 1st/2nd: 9:00-9:45 a.m.
- 3rd/4th: 9:55-10:55 a.m.
- 5th/6th: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Coaches: Varsity head coaches and players
Cost: $80. T-shirt provided.
Gryphon Cross Country Athletes Greta L., Vivian S., and Ava K. Running in State Championship November 5
Join us at the following ERA Booster Club sponsored events:
- The entire ERA community is invited to the monthly ERA Booster Club Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Edina Library in the Edina Meeting Room (5280 Grandview Square).
- All are welcome to attend - come learn how you can get involved with this fun group!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3
- SAVE THE DATE - Pack the Stands!
- More info to follow.
Join the ERA Booster Club on Facebook for activities updates and check out erabooster.org for more information and to register as a booster!
Ways to Get Involved and Give Back - Kelly Schiffman, Director of Development
There are several ways to participate in giving at Eagle Ridge Academy. Creating additional revenue sources and building community is important as we strive to create the best possible educational experience for our students while staying true to our mission. Enjoy giving from the heart for a good cause with the benefit of receiving a tax deduction.
For more information on how you may participate in developing Eagle Ridge Academy, please contact Kelly Schiffman at 952-746-7760, ext. 1107 or by email at kschiffman@eagleridgeacademy.org. Visit our website for online giving and other important information at https://eagleridgeacademy.org/giving/ways-to-support-era/.
Volunteer Opportunities
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 update our volunteer opportunities weekly at the community opportunities link. Within this link is a separate sign-up for our monthly Volunteer Wednesdays, an opportunity to come in once per month to help with teacher and school projects.
Pledge Your Support
Pledge your annual support to Eagle Ridge Academy with an affordable monthly gift. Broken down into smaller amounts, it makes giving easier and allows a predictable revenue source for Eagle Ridge Academy. Click here to pledge your annual support.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you work for an employer who has a Matching Gift Program or supports community events as recommended by the employee?
Consider reaching out to your Community Relations or HR departments to ask about their community support and employee giving opportunities. Many organizations match employee gifts up to 100% (essentially doubling the impact of your gift to the Academy), donate to charities of choice based on volunteer hours, and sponsor events financially or with in-kind donations. Search this website to see if your workplace matches.
Be informed by asking today!
Shop with RaiseRight (formerly known as SCRIP)
Eagle Ridge Academy offers RaiseRight, a gift card program that gives back to Eagle Ridge Academy with purchases on everyday items such as groceries, restaurants, retail, and gas. Buy gift cards at face value from more than 750 retailers, and RaiseRight donates a portion of all purchases back to Eagle Ridge Academy. Orders go in on Fridays with delivery to ERA the following Tuesday. Learn more here.
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Order 2022-23 Spirit Wear!
On Spirit Wear days, all staff and students K-12 can wear any spirit wear and uniform combination. The remaining 2022-23 Spirit Wear dates are Nov. 18, Dec. 9, Jan. 19 (Thursday), Feb. 24, March 10, April 20 (Thursday), and May 12.
Family Contributions
We appreciate the family contributions that have already been made to the PTO fund this year. You can always make a donation online or mail a check to the PTO at the school's address. The donations go toward building community and providing fun events for the children to enhance their school experience.
Stay Connected!
- Follow the ERA PTO on Facebook!
- Join the K-12 Parent Directory! This is a one-stop app that will help families search, sign up, and connect through our PTO web and mobile app. PTO encourages you to register. Create an account here: eagleridgeacademy.membershiptoolkit.com.
- Email the 2022-23 PTO Board at pto.eagleridge@gmail.com.
Support ERA Through Box Tops for Education and Coca-Cola GIVE Programs
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education helps families earn money for Eagle Ridge Academy with products they already buy.
- Download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
- Follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to enter ERA as your school!
- Scan your grocery store receipts in the app. The app automatically finds eligible items and credits them to ERA! You can even see in the app how much money has been given to our school this year and what products have special Box Tops promotions going on.
- Visit boxtops4education.com for more information.
Coca-Cola GIVE
- To contribute through Coca-Cola GIVE, simply look for a code on Coke products. It can be found under screw tops or inside the boxes of 12- and 24-packs.
- When you see one, head to us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/ and search for Eagle Ridge Academy.
- Enter or scan the code and you’re done!
- Visit us.coca-cola.com/give/ for more information.
Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project Update
Last week, students had the opportunity to play on the new putting green/football area and bocce ball court in the Upper School courtyard as well as on the new painted games in the Lower School playground area.
We will continue to post pictures of our playscape and grounds updates as we finish up construction. Once again, these changes would not have been possible without the support of everyone who donated to the ERA Playscape and Grounds Beautification Project. Thank you for helping us create more areas for joy at Eagle Ridge Academy!
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
