Pi or Pie or Both...

The safety of the people shall be the highest law.
Marcus Tullius Cicero

As you know, school safety is a topic that has had a spotlight put on it in recent years.  At Eagle Ridge we are shining a spotlight on our own safety procedures.  We are enlisting outside assistance in looking at what we do and how we can make it better.  School safety really must be a community priority.  We have to set aside inconvenience to do all we can to ensure the safety of our students.  In this regard, I ask that ALL visitors to the Lower School check in at the main office (or Lower School Office depending on time) to get a visitor’s badge before coming down into the Lower School.  Even if you are just going to drop something off or ask a quick question, you need to have a visitor’s badge.  The Lower School staff has been instructed to stop anyone without a badge and ask that person to return to the proper area, or escort the individual back to an office for a badge.  I ask that you please comply with their request.  Please remember the safety of your children is a number one priority and these simple requests all relate to it.

Last week the 4^th and 5^th grade students celebrated Pi Day on March 14^th.  Students did lots of Pi-related activities during math class, including having a circle contest and measuring circles for diameter, radius, area, and circumference.  They also enjoyed a snack of…you guessed it PIE!  Thanks to the teachers and parents for making it such a fun, educational day.  Here are some pictures from the day.

Second grade students have been working hard on their writing skills.  Last week, each second grade student wrote about something he or she thought was worth more than gold.  Their published works are hanging in the Lower School hallway above the drinking fountains.  Here are a few pictures.

 

I’m sure the news has come home about the new vending machine in the lunchroom.  Students have been very excited about it.  The Lower School students are allowed to use the vending machine before and after school only.  They may not take any of the drinks in the vending machine down to the Lower School classrooms.  We still only allow water in classrooms. Please check with your child’s teacher if you have any questions about the snack or drink policy in the classroom.  

Please remember 8:00 is the start time of class each day.  Students should be in their classrooms ready to learn at that time.  The doors to the Lower School open at 7:45 in order to give students plenty of time to walk down, unpack, and be in the classroom by 8:00.  If a student arrives at school at 8:00, the main office will mark the student tardy. Of course, we always make exceptions for weather events, and if buses are late we do excuse all late students.  Thanks for your help in making sure your student does not miss out on beginning of the day announcements and instruction.

Notes and Reminders

-The PTO is holding a fundraiser  AirMaxx Trampoline & Laser Tag in Eden Prairie on Friday, March 22^nd at 7:00 pm.  It is for K-5 students, friends, and family.  For $25.00 per person you get 3 hours of unlimited jumping, laser tag, and mini golf.  The ERA PTO gets a percentage of the proceeds from that evening.  Please be sure and tell them you are with Eagle Ridge Academy. Thanks to the PTO for organizing what looks like a fun community event.

-There is no school on Friday, March 29^th.  Spring Break begins that day.  School will resume on Monday, April 8^th.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Spring Snow

Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.  ~Vista M. Kelly

While there is still snow on the ground and we had a “snow day” last week, spring is truly just around the corner.  You can feel a change in the air and I can see it in the buoyant step of those individuals who truly just “survive” winter in Minnesota.  Please make sure your students still have snow pants and boots for recess.  It is that sloppy time of year and we don’t want wet uniform bottoms or socks during the remainder of the afternoon. 

 

Thank you to everyone who attended parent/teacher conferences last week.  It is my wish you found them informative, and everyone is ready to continue to work together for student success during the remainder of the school year.  These few weeks leading up to spring break are pivotal for increased student achievement.  I hope everyone stays healthy and well to take advantage of this prime learning time.

Next week is the first of many music Informances for the 2012-13 school year.  The information below is taken from Ms. Nimchuk’s music website (http://music.nimchuk.com/events/informances).  I look forward to attending and seeing the culmination of an extended period of classroom work performed for all to see.

“Informance” is a term we use to describe an informative performance that demonstrates musical knowledge as well as performance skills. Informances will combine all three classes in each grade level so that there will be 60+ students on stage together! This is a very important event, so please be sure that your child wears their formal uniform that night!

For each Informance date, risers and sound equipment must be moved to the cafeteria from Ms. Nimchuk's room and back again. Please consider helping either before or after your child's Informance! Its a great way to demonstrate Citizenship and Honor! Click here to volunteer.

All Informances will take place in the ERA Cafeteria. Specific dates and times are as follows: 

Tuesday March 19: 2nd Grade 6:30*-7:00 and 5th Grade 7:30*-8:00

Tuesday April 30: 3rd Grade 6:30*-7:00 and 4th Grade 7:30*-8:00

Tuesday June 4: Kindergarten 6:00*-6:30 and 1st Grade 7:00*-7:30

*Your child should be in their classroom 10 min. prior to the start time of their Informance!

Notes/Reminders

·         Please don’t forget to order your April lunches by Sunday, March 17^th. 

·         Friday, March 15^th is a Spirit Wear Dress Day.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier