Dedication Ceremony

East Ridge students, parents, family, and community members are invited to join District 833 and in celebrating the opening of East Ridge High School! All are welcome to tour the building, visit with staff, and join in the official ceremony. Guided walking tours will begin at 1:00pm, with the dedication ceremony in the East Ridge Theater beginning at 2:00pm.

Spirit Week

I can't believe that spirit week is right around the corner. Here is a schedule of some of the events that will take place. There are also many sprorting events taking place this week, so check the website for more details!!

SPIRIT WEEK 2009
“WEAR YOUR EAST RIDGE PRIDE!”


Monday, Sept. 28th
SUPER HERO DAY- Dress as your favorite super hero or make up your own East Ridge Super Hero.
Powder Puff Game- 7pm in The Nest
The Cottage Grove Carbone’s is showing their East Ridge Pride by offering an 18.99 family meal deal including 1 lg. 2 item pizza, cheesy bread and 1 liter of pop for dine in, take out or delivery.
B and G Hair and Company in Cottage Grove is offering a 5 piece foil for $20.00 during spirit week.

Tuesday, Sept. 29th
MIX’N’MATCH DAY- Be creative and mix and match your favorite clothes or East Ridge apparel.
Dodge ball Tournament 3:15pm in Activity Center at East Ridge.
Woodbury Perkins is showing their East Ridge Pride by offering 10% off your entire purchase on Tuesday or Wednesday of spirit week.

Wednesday, Sept. 30th
WAY BACK WEDNESAY- Wear your favorite clothes from past decades.
Fashion Show 7pm at the Loft Stage- free admission sponsored by Bellissimo Hair Salon and B and G Hair and Company in Cottage Grove.

Thursday, Oct. 1st
EAST RIDGE ROCKS DAY- Wear your favorite band t-shirt or dress as your favorite band.
Ask for the “East Ridge Special” at Noodles and Company for a buy one get one free.

Friday, Oct. 2nd
GOLD RUSH DAY- Wear Gold, your Homecoming T-shirt or just “Wear Your East Ridge Pride!”
Pep fest and Arts and Activities Fair
Parade -3:15pm line up and 4pm start at Lake Middle School and follows Pioneer Dr. South to East Ridge
Tailgate party and Football game 7pm
Dance 9-11pm
Ask for the “East Ridge Special” at Jamba Juice for a buy one get one free.

ERHS School Store is OPEN!!!

The ERHS School Store is open for business!! Our normal business hours are school days....8:10 am to 8:25 am and 3:10 pm to 3:25 pm. We can also be open by appointment and for special games and events. The school store will eventually become a student run enterprise supporting the business programs and internships. Stop by and check it out!!!

Ready or Not......

Teachers have been hard at work getting ready for the first day of school.

They spent much of the month of August preparing rooms, training in technology, and updating curriculum. This week marked the start of teacher workshop. Teachers, staff, and administration are putting the finishing touches on what is sure to be a remarkable year. Stay tuned!!!

Woodbury Days!!

As usual, Woodbury Days proved to be an exciting community event. It was particularly exciting to see all the ERHS students participating in events, and community member wearing their ERHS gear!!

Something is in the air

As I drove up to East Ridge today, something was in the air. Today was the first day of offical athletic practices!! There was a feeling of excitement as I watched athletes practice with teams for the first time on brand new fields. Good Luck Everyone!!!

ERHS Staff

Kelly Reagan

will be one of the Social Study teachers at East Ridge she has been a teacher in District 833 for 12 years and has taught World Geography, Civics and Sociology throughout her career, she has also coached girls’ high school hockey for five years and really enjoys being part of high school extra-curricular activities. She has served on Lake Junior High’s site team for five years and has been the social studies department head for the past five years. Also, she just finished her administrative license this past May through Minnesota State University.

Kelly has been involved in athletics her entire life. She has played ice hockey for over 28 years. Most of the friends that she made throughout her life have been through athletics. After getting her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in sociology she pursued a master’s degree in secondary social studies education. She coached girl’s high school hockey for five years until her oldest son, Noah was born. She then put her coaching career on hold for awhile and focused on her family and teaching career. Since then Kelly also has had two other sons Ryan and Tanner and is looking forward to all of the adventures that having kids bring to life. She considers her life much richer and rewarding since starting a family. She anticipates getting back into the coaching area soon since it is a passion of hers.

Kelly is excited about having the opportunity to help create a first class learning environment for the kids of East Ridge. Having a fresh start at a new school and being able to focus discussions in the planning team on how we can create learning opportunities for kids with a focus on technology, academics, multi-culuturalism, extra-curricular activities, and providing as many opportunities as possible for all students is what she is looking forward to.

The one thing Kelly would like families to know about her is that she loves coming to work as and educator. It is wonderful to see a kid’s face that has learned something new because she taught it to them. She looks forward to the challenges that every day brings. It is always a new adventure.

ERHS Staff

Jean Hancock

will be the East Ridge High School Resource Officer. Jean has been a police officer/paramedic specializing in working with juveniles and their families/juvenile restorative justice for the past 10 years. She initially did her undergraduate work in education and ultimately in psychology and criminal justice.

Jean enjoys spending time with her husband and children. Together they are active with water sports and travel in the summer and ski trips in the winter.

Jean is excited about the opening and planning of East Ridge because it is a fantastic opportunity to be an integral part of planning and operating an institution that embraces our moral imperative to guide our children and prepare them for the future.

The one thing Jean would like everyone to know about her is that she shares your passion as a parent and wanting what is best for your child(ren) and hopes she can act as a valuable resource for you.

ERHS Staff

Greta Lewis

will be the Licensed School Nurse at East Ridge High School. She has been a school nurse for 13 years; the last ten years have been in South Washington County Schools. Greta graduated from The College of St. Catherine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, and earned her Master’s Degree in Community Health from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Greta lives in Cottage Grove, and has three children. Her eldest daughter is in a graduate studies program in Copenhagen, Denmark. The next child, also a daughter is a college student at Iowa State University, Ames. And Greta is very excited her son will enter 10th grade next fall and attend East Ridge High School.

Greta enjoys listening to music, travel to places near and far, and relaxing in the company of family and friends. She is happy to be a member of the East Ridge planning committee and is looking forward to working with the East Ridge High School community!

East Ridge Marching Band

Currently, students from ERHS Marching Raptors, PHS Marching Wolfpack, and WHS Marching Royals are combining forces and performed at the Strawberry Festival parade in Cottage Grove, MN on June 20, 2009. The photo above is from the event please. Please feel free to submit photos to Mr. Tank of band events. Please see the marching band calendar for upcoming events such as the parades in August; Heritage Days, St. Paul Park-8/15/09; and Woodbury Days Parade, Woodbury-8/30/09.

There will also be a performance at the 2PM State Fair Parade on 8/28/09.

Please continue to view the ERHS Marching Raptor Website for more information with ISD 833 District Marching Band. Please contact Mr. Tank for more information. ctank@sowashco.k12.mn.us

ERHS Marching Raptors -

Though the Marching Raptors have had a wonderful start with the combined marching band, there is room for more members to be part of the ERHS Marching Raptors.

Planning Team Members

Nancy Berg is currently teaching science at Lake Jr. High and will also teach science at East Ridge. Nancy has been teaching science since 1984 and has also taught in Arizona and Georgia. She received her B.S. Biology at the University of Wisconsin, has also attended Arizona State University and the University of West Georgia where she received her M.E.D.Science. Nancy has also spent 3 years working in Genetic Research.

Nancy grew up in Platteville, Wisconsin and was born 30 days after the launch of Spunik the worlds first Earth-orbiting artificial satellite (space age begins) she is married and has 2 great children Rylie 22 and Hallie 20. Nancy has a passion for scuba diving and experiencing other cultures she will travel with her family to their 100th country this summer.

Nancy is excited about the new challenges and opportunities that East Ridge has to offer students to be successful learners of the 21st century.

The one thing that Nancy would like families to know about her is that she is passionate about science education and works very hard to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm in all of her students. Science should be challenging, engaging and FUN!

Planning Team Members

Dr. Christopher J. Russell, Director of Choirs and Music Department Chair, earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Northwestern College, a Master of Arts in Music Education with a Choral emphasis at the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music at the University of Minnesota. He has also worked toward a Master of Divinity at Bethel Theological Seminary. Having previously taught middle school music in the tropical climate of the Dominican Republic, he will have taught twelve years at Park High School by the end of the 2008-2009 academic year. At East Ridge High School, Dr. Russell will teach all choirs. He is an expert on the incorporation of music technology in music education, and has presented at several professional conventions on the subject. In addition to his activities at school, Dr. Russell is a lyric tenor and tubist, and has been a guest conductor of the South Washington County Community Band, has served as the orchestra director for the Woodbury Community Theater, and has sung with both the Minnesota Opera and the Minnesota Chorale, and looks forward to performing more in the future.

Dr. Russell grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in a high school where the high school bands are nationally recognized. He married his wife in October 2006, and is a proud step-father of an eight-year old boy. On May 5th, 2008, Dr. Russell and his wife had a baby boy, who is a bundle of activity. Dr. Russell loves to do things on two wheels, so he enjoys bicycling as well as motorcycling. He has also lost seventy pounds over the last year, and is enjoying a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Dr. Russell is excited about the potential for the music program at East Ridge, as well as the technology that will be present at the school to help us achieve excellence. He would like families to know how passionate he is about his job, and how much he loves teaching. Over the past twelve years, he has helped to make great things happen at Park High School, and one of his greatest joys has been working with students. He has the education, commitment, and desire to make ERHS into one of the premiere music programs in the State of Minnesota.

Meet the Planning Team- Amanda Hestwood

has been in District 833 at Park and Woodbury high schools for 10 years as a teacher and director. She is currently at WHS and anticipates teaching English and directing at East Ridge when it opens in the fall. Prior to that, she worked for Henry Sibley High School, Sylvan Learning Systems and The Children’s Theater Company.

Amanda is married and has 3 children: Dylan (8), Connor (4) and Riley Anne is twenty months. Amanda is excited about everything that is happening at ER. The Planning Team is really a dedicated and exceptional group of people that motivate her every day and the space itself is already very special. The excitement that has been generated by the whole East Ridge community is energizing and refreshing.

The one thing Amanda would like families to know about her is that she looks forward to the exciting years ahead at East Ridge. Go Raptors!

Meet the Planning Team- Matt Kraft

is one of the Assistant Principals at East Ridge. Matt has been educating students since 1992. It was several excellent teachers and coaches that he has had over the years in district #833 that led him into education. After graduating from Park High School in 1988 and attending Winona St. University, he completed his student teaching at Woodbury High School. He taught high school and middle school social studies for nine years while coaching football, basketball and baseball in district #197. He received his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Minnesota State University. He has been in administration for seven years as the Activities Director/Associate Principal of Henry Sibley High School and the Associate Principal at Friendly Hills Middle School.

Matt lives in the East Ridge attendance area and is extremely excited to help create a new school in which his daughter and neighbors children will be attending. He feels that unifying many people from different communities will be a rewarding challenge and that we have an awesome opportunity to create a high school to best serve our community.

Matt, would also like everyone to know that technology is improving exponentially in our world and in schools across America today, and we are preparing students for jobs that do not even exist yet. So, Schools must be on the cutting edge of technology and administrators must work hard to change how they deliver curriculum in today’s technologically advanced society.

Matt, accepts this challenge wholeheartedly and welcomes the opportunity to help make East Ridge High School a school of excellence”.

Meet the Planning Team- Terry Sinn

has been teaching in the district for 20 years (15 years as Jr. High Science, 2 years District Technology Integration Specialist, 3 years Media Specialist) and will be the Media Specialist at East Ridge this coming fall. He is a graduate from the University of MN. B.S. & M.S., Science Education, and received his Media Specialist licensure through the University MN Mankato.

Terry is married and has 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren he is excited about coming to ER because he enjoys variety, meeting new challenges and professional growth and he can make a contribution to the success of East Ridge

The one thing that Terry would like families to know about him is that he is here to help.

Meet the Planning Team- Paul Virgin

Paul Virgin

has taught mathematics for 24 years 20 of them in the south end of the district at Oltman, CGJH and Park. He has coached varsity Football, Basketball and Softball on and off for all 24 years. He is a member of the MCTM and NCTM along with serving on many state and local committees to improve mathematics education in the state of Minnesota. He is also a member of the MNHSCA and has been the president of the High School Softball Coaches for the state of Minnesota for the past three years.

Paul graduated high school from South St. Paul. He earned his under graduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and his Masters from Winona State University. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 23 years and has been blessed by two wonderful children Philip (11) and Michael (10). Both of their children will be attending East Ridge. In his spare time he enjoys golf and any other outdoor activities as long as he is with his family and friends.

The planning and opening of East Ridge feels right to Paul and he is thrilled to have such great support from out administration and parents. He feels the community we are building is going to be something special.

The one thing he would like families to know about him is that he is very passionate about education and our roles as parents, teachers, coaches and community members. He also feels like East Ridge is the place for him.

Happy Spring Break!!

New Staff

We are excited to welcome new staff to our ERHS team. Over the next couple of months we will be added even more staff to help open the doors and promote our vision. Please give an East Ridge welcome to...

Cynthia Hoffbeck Counseling
Nancy Childers Counseling
William Barr English
Mary Seidel English
Elizabeth Becker English
Diana Mallat English
Richard Sullivan Math
Gerry Suardini Math
Mike Tollefsbol Math
Mike Pahl Math
Duncan Macleod Math
Donald Winston Math
Denise Kotz Math
Kevin Stofer Math
Bret Brookins Phy Ed/Health/DAPE
Merridith Duellman Science
Nicholas Jasiczek Science
Sharon Haley Social Studies
Robert Carrero Social Studies
Robert Ramey Social Studies
Elizabeth McNiff Special Ed
Nancy McGegor Special Ed
Julie Rekstad Spanish
Michele Salinas Spanish
Lindsay Brehm Spanish

Calling All Lyric Writers

Have you ever thought about writing a song? Well now you can. ERHS is looking for lyrics to its new school song.

School Song Lyric Writing Contest

We are looking for student entries to provide lyrics for the East Ridge High School Song. You may download an mp3 of the

song at: http://www.savefile.com/files/1954915

Submit your entry by February 13th, 2009 to:

Mailing Address: ERHS, School Song Lyric Entry, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, MN 55029
Email
address: ERHSsuggestion@sowashco.k12.mn.us (please scan the entry and attach as image file or PDF to the e‐mail)
FAX: (651) 458‐6318

A committee of students, staff, and administration will choose the winning submission. The creator of the winning lyrics will
be identified on the sheet music, and will receive an ERHS “pirit Pack”including a sweatshirt, hat, and other items.
Some guidelines for your submission:

1) All lyrics must be submitted with words legibly written underneath the printed music of the song (this
guarantees that your lyrics match the existing melody). A copy of the song without lyrics is provided on the next page.
2) Specific values, discussed by students, incorporate what the community of East Ridge stands for. These values are:
pride, aggressiveness, leadership, respect, brotherhood/sisterhood, strength, enthusiasm, determination, tradition,
unity, trust, domination, power, fearlessness, focus, intimidation, intelligence, and awareness. The lyrics should
reflect these values.
3) Your lyrics should fit the existing music without rhythmic adaptation. You may add or remove slurs to fit your lyrics.
4) There should be a rhyme scheme evident in your lyrics.
5) Use elements of the ERHS identity, such as “Raptors,” “East Ridge,” “Black and Gold,” and “East Ridge High School.”
6) Try to make your lyrics applicable for many sports and activities (the original lyrics are specific to football).

Judging Criteria:
1) Lyrics fit the rhythmic scheme of the existing melody
2) Lyrics use elements of the ERHS Identity (colors, mascot, title)
3) Lyrics avoid questionable text or double meanings
4) Lyrics are applicable for various sports and activities
5) Lyrics are memorable
6) Lyrics reflect the values of ERHS

Name: ___________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ ZIP: ___________________
E‐mail: ___________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________
Current School: __________________ Current Grade: ______________

East Ridge will Shine in 2009

Happy New Year Everyone!!

In just nine short months, East Ridge High School will open its doors to students. It will be an exciting nine months. There is a lot of work yet to be done and we look forward to sharing our progress with you.