Dear Eagle Ridge Academy families,
As I approach (or have arrived at) middle age, my lens has changed regarding money, time, faith, career, and family. Faith and family have risen above career, time is priceless, and the pursuit of money is not a high priority. My oldest child has left the nest and my wife and I will hopefully be empty nesters in six years.
With the support of the school board and the Eagle Ridge Academy Leadership Team, I took three weeks respite from work for the first time since 1993. I was hesitant at first and even anxious; however, I truly believe the three weeks to reflect, contemplate, and rejuvenate has renewed my vigor. The last three years at Eagle Ridge Academy have been both exhilarating and exhausting.
I have come back to work with a commitment to keep it simple this year. I believe we need to “grow into” our new size and focus on the maturation of our climate and culture. We need a chance to breath, grow, develop, and renew. Quality is at the utmost importance in the pursuit of excellence!
Read on for timely and important updates as we approach the beginning of the 2018-19 school year.
Uniform Changes for 2018-19
Two uniform changes will be added for the 2018-19 school year. For all grades, headwear/hair accessories must be black, gray, white or burgundy (headbands may also be the school uniform plaid). Examples are: headbands, ponytail holders, hijabs, barrettes, etc. (Note: Hats and caps may not be worn during the school day as they are not considered part of the school uniform.) For the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric, solid black or gray long skirts have been added to the uniform. A custom gray skirt is available through Educational Outfitters.
View the complete uniform dress code for the Schools of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric on the Uniforms & Spirit Wear page.
Correction to 2018-19 Academic Calendar
A two-hour early release day originally planned for Friday, November 9, 2018 was unintentionally omitted from the final version of the 2018-19 Academic Calendar, even though it appeared and was approved of in earlier drafts. We have therefore updated the 2018-19 Academic Calendar to include the early release schedule on this Friday. Please take the time to mark your calendars: Friday, November 9 is a two-hour early release day.
Board Information
The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors met on Tuesday, July 17. Among other agenda items, they unanimously elected 2018-19 Board Officers. This year’s officers include:
- Chair: April Grabanski
- Vice-Chair: John Schwirtz
- Treasurer: Ken Kulus
- Secretary: Ann Watanabe
You may view the full 2018-19 Board roster here.
The Board also approved their 2018-19 meeting and workshop calendar, which you may view here.
After Expansion Review
In the spring of 2018, Eagle Ridge Academy conducted an After Expansion Review that included a stakeholder survey and focus group. The main opportunities for growth included promoting a calmer environment, especially before and after school, continuing to ensure the safety of our students, providing clarity and consistency with student behavior, and improving quality of food service.
Many of the areas are being addressed and a full report will be published after the Board Planning Retreat in August. Some of the solutions include:
- New designated TEL after school care space (see below). This will decrease the chaos during student dismissal.
- Addition of an automated student dismissal software program. This will keep students being picked up in their classroom until their parents arrive.
- Partnering with Taher as our new food service vendor. The meals will be mostly prepared onsite to increase the quality and ensure we have the proper quantity.
- New training and leadership provided to Educational Assistants in order to provide them the tools to supervise the recess, lunchroom, and parking lots.
Fall Athletics
Registration is now open for ERA/ISM fall sports! Students in grades 7-12 are invited to sign up for volleyball and cross country (hosted at ERA) and boys and girls soccer (hosted at ISM). You may find more information about individual sport practice times on the Athletics page of our website.
Practices will begin on Monday, August 13. Our mandatory Fall Athletics Meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Eagle Ridge Academy Auditorium.
- Girls Volleyball (Grades 7-12)
- Co-ed Cross Country (Grades 7-12)
- Girls HS Soccer (Grades 7-12)
- Boys MS Soccer (Grades 7-8)
- Boys HS Soccer (Grades 9-12)
Questions? Contact Mr. Kris Babler, Activities Director.
Staffing
Welcome to New Staff!
| April Fenn | Administrative Assistant |
| Sara Lysne | Teacher – SPED |
| Erin Schmitz | Teacher – SPED |
| Kaia Nygord | Teacher – Latin (MS) |
| Howie Lam | Student Program Specialist |
| Amber Dahlstrom | Special Services Coordinator |
| Jennifer Facendola | Teacher – Latin (LS) |
| Rachel Moe | Assistant Teacher |
| Morgan Beer | Educational Assistant |
| Brittney Williams | Educational Assistant |
| Becky Faulk | Teacher – Math |
| Kimie Gammon | Assistant Teacher |
| Sumera Shariff | Paraprofessional |
| Erik Edin | Paraprofessional |
| Kris Babler | Activities Director |
| Bruce Locklear | Principal |
| Jean Soule | Counselor |
| Haley Thompson | Teacher – Art |
| Jessicca Williams | Assistant Teacher |
| Stacy Lentz | Teacher – 1st |
| Benjamin Verbridge | Teacher – Band/Orch |
| Jenna Palmatier | Teacher – Band/Orch |
| Karie Feitl | Teacher – 5th |
| Hannah Lodge | Building Sub |
| Molly Penny | School Nurse |
| Deepthi Gudi | Educational Assistant |
| Jessica Veldhuizen | Educational Assistant |
| Elissa Dale | Paraprofessional |
Farewell to those not returning:
| Krista Paster | Teacher – Spanish |
| Margie Christenson | Educational Assistant |
| Stacey Koehler | Teacher – Choir |
| Steve Boal | Teacher – Band/Orchestra |
| Luke Schloesser | Teacher -3rd Grade |
| Megan Lee | Teacher – Art |
| Jeff Hochstein | Teacher – Latin |
| Emily Een | Teacher – Latin |
| Jenny DeBrey | Student Program Specialist |
| Sarah Sindelar | Educational Assistant |
| Angie Gareis | Building Substitute |
| Erica Powell | Principal |
| Natalie Snyder | School Nurse |
| Dan Tripps | Teacher – 6th Grade |
Mark Your Calendars: Back to School Events
- Purchase spirit wear by Aug. 1 to arrive by the first Spirit Wear Day. Spirit wear is available for ERA families from Educational Outfitters.
- Pitch in & Picnic Volunteer Day on 8/4
- Freshman and New Student Orientation on 8/14
- Meet Your Teacher Nights on 8/21 (Gr. 6-12) and 8/22 (Gr. K-5)
- First Days of School:
- Grades 1-5 is Monday, 8/27
- First Day for Seniors is College Boot Camp on Monday, 8/27
- Grades 6-11 is Tuesday, 8/28
- Kindergarten is Thursday, 8/30
Sincerely,
Jason Ulbrich, Executive Director