Teamwork

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller

I chose this quote because next week is parent/teacher conferences.  I hope you have signed up for your conference time by now.  Working together is a sure way to help all students succeed in school and develop those skills that will carry them through life.  Parent/teacher conferences are just one opportunity for the adults in each student’s academic life to connect with each other.  I hope to see you in the building next Thursday or Friday for your conference.

Mr. Anderson has switched up the artwork in the Lower School office.  His latest installment comes from the fourth grade students.  In fourth grade the students study ancient China in history.  They read a delightful book called Where the Mountain Meets the moon that related well to their history and to the continued study of Truth, Beauty, Goodness, and the Pillars.  Mr. Anderson connected to their study of China though an art project.  Check out the description and pictures of the “Ink Branches” that are displayed in the Lower School office.

Today was the first ever Lower School Historical Character Dress-up Day.  It was great to see so many students participating.  I know each grade level had particular pieces and assignments they did with their students.  I enjoyed visiting each classroom today and hearing from the students who they were and more about the characters they chose.  Staff members got into the spirit of the day and 2^nd grade teachers, educational assistants, and paraprofessionals even performed a Readers Theater on The Little Red Hen for their students.  Below are a few of the plethora of pictures from the day.  I wish I could post a picture of every student on days like this!

Have a fantastic week and a wonderful spring break!

Mrs. Baier

Activities Galore

 “It’s spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”  ~Mark Twain

I am officially going to say “Welcome to spring.”  The sunshine and the melting snowbanks have certainly lightened the moods of adults and children alike this week at Eagle Ridge Academy.  Everyone is enjoying the outdoor recess and doses of vitamin D.  The sound of dripping water never evokes the pleasant reaction it does after a long winter!  I hope you are able to take some time to enjoy the unpredictable, yet certainly welcome spring weather.

Next Friday, March 21^st is the first ever Historical Character Dress-Up Day for the Lower School students.  Teachers have sent out specific information regarding the expectations at each grade level.  I am looking forward to seeing what students put together and what they have learned about each historical figure.

We are seeing an uptick in some simple uniform policy violations in the Lower School.  I would like to highlight the things below.

·         Girls should only wear tights and leggings in black, grey, white, or burgundy.  They cannot have any patterns or adornments (like lace at the bottom of leggings,etc.)

·         Boots, sandals, backless, and open-toed shoes are not permitted.  Only tennis shoes and flats should be worn.

·         There should be no visible tattoos (temporary and henna count).  If you have a religious observance where a henna tattoo is applied, please contact your child’s teacher to let him/her know ahead of time.

Please take a moment to review the uniform policy for Eagle Ridge Academy students at the link below. 

http://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/studentsparents/uniforms

The 3^rd grade students have spent their week dissecting owl pellets during science class.  It has been amazing to watch them dig right into their pellets.  They have been very “scientific” attempting to figure out what animal(s) their owl may have digested.  Below are some pictures of our 3^rd grade scientists hard at work!

The second grade students had an exciting visitor today.  Minnesota author Nancy Carlson visited Eagle Ridge Academy.  She talked to the students about using their imagination and how important it is to be a reader.  She showed them how to draw many of her book characters and answered a plethora of questions.  I was impressed with the questions our students asked.  Don’t be surprised if your child comes home and asks to go the library after today’s presentation.  Below are pictures of the signs the students made to welcome her to the school and of her time in the classroom.  Her visit was one of the wonderful things we can do for our students with free dress day money.  A huge thank you to the second grade team for putting together the visit!

The other exciting event today was Pi Day.  Yes, today’s date is 3-14.  The 4^th and 5^th grade teachers took full advantage of this day by creating multiple learning opportunities in math class.  The culmination of the event was (of course) the indulgence in some PIE!  Check out some of the pictures below.  Thanks to the teachers and the parent volunteers who made this day such a success!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

With a Scientific Eye...

“Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life.” ~Marcus Aurelius

I chose the quote above because I have been in a scientific mindset over the past few weeks.  I have observed several science lessons and have been amazed by how the teachers use their experiments in the classroom.  Showing the students what should occur before letting them try an experiment themselves is very powerful, especially if the experiment does not occur correctly the first time the teacher tries it.  We are showing the students those scientific truths and modeling what you do when you make a mistake or things do not turn out as expected.  All of these are important lessons for students and while they usually concentrate on the content of lesson, the other pieces are just as important.

Eagle Ridge Academy was the recipient of a grant from Flint Hills Resources.  As one of 18 schools in the state receiving this grant, we were given an all-expense paid overnight Science Museum of Minnesota field trip for out fifth grade students.  Fifth grade families have already received specific information about this trip.  While they are there, the 5^th graders will investigate the museum’s exhibit halls, view one of the current Omnitheater films, attend an Explore Science Workshop, among many other things.  It is an amazing opportunity and we are so fortunate to be a selected school this year.  

Last Saturday was the Lower School Variety Show.  A fun time was had by all in attendance.  It was wonderful to see so many children getting up to perform in front of an audience.  They are building their self-confidence by speaking and performing in front of others.  I loved how they supported each other!  A special thanks to Mrs. Nimchuk, Mrs. Ortgies, and Mr. and Mrs. Strand for their hard work in making the Lower School Variety Show possible.  Here are a few pictures from the afternoon.

The next community event is the annual Roller Garden Party on Saturday, March 22^nd from 4:30-6:30.  Check out the link below to get more information.  http://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/event/2014-03-22-213000-2014-03-22-233000/ls-rollerskating-night-k-5

We hope to see you there!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier