Showing Excellence

We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

~Aristotle

The above quote is the Eagle Ridge Academy faculty quote of the school year.  You may have seen it on our staff t-shirts for 2013-14.  We are striving for excellence in all that we do, and teach the students at Eagle Ridge Academy the same.  The definition of excellence shared with the students is to always do your best. Many grade levels have walls of excellence in the hallway for student work.  Students who are recognized for excellence in their work and behavior develop more confidence in themselves.  Students are taught they can show excellence in everything they do, whether it is at school or at home.  Please help encourage excellence at home to help make the connection with students.

Mr. Anderson has graced our Lower School Office with some wonderful student artwork.  He plans to continue to do this throughout the year, so be sure to take a moment to see what is displayed when you visit our office.  This month we have pictures from some of our kindergarten artists.  If you are unable to visit, please check out the pictures below.

The second graders read the book A Bad Case of the Stripes.  After reading that book they were charged with writing about their own embarrassing moments.  These are displayed in the hallway around the second grade classrooms.  These colorful recollections will surely catch your eye, as you walk through the hallway.  

The kindergarteners have been studying pumpkins.  They participated in a hands-on science activity where they explored the inside and outside of a pumpkin in groups.  Below are some pictures from some of their explorations.  They also have worked to learn the different parts of a pumpkin.  Mrs. Mills’ class has some of their work with pumpkins hanging in the hallway.

The fourth grade students took a field trip to Target Field last week.  While they might have been hoping to catch a Twins game, they instead were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the stadium.  This tour was designed to teach the students about sustainability and environmental stewardship.  Target Field is the highest-ranked LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified major league ballpark.  After their tour they were able to sneak in a few moments in the Twins dugout (as evidenced by the pictures below).  

Next week is Parent/Teacher Conferences.  I hope you have all taken the opportunity to sign up for time to meet with your child’s teacher(s).  These face to face interactions are so very important and help develop the team every child needs to learn and succeed. I hope you take advantage of the time to speak with your child's teacher and share some wonderful insights.

Have a wonderful fall break.  Blog updates will resume the week of October 21^st.

Mrs. Baier