Elternbrief
Issue: 297                           
 August 31, 2017 
In This Issue

Quick Links
TCGIS Online Calendar

Like us on Facebook

Administrative Information
Enjoy the Long Weekend!

We've had a great first week of school, but now it is time to enjoy a nice long weekend. This is a reminder that we have no school tomorrow, Friday, September 1, or Monday, September 4. Have a wonderful long weekend!
Meet Our Interns

This fall we are lucky enough to have fifteen interns with us! Click here to read their bios. 
Family Handbook

If you haven't yet reviewed our 2017-18 Family Handbook, please make sure to do so as the school year gets underway!
Daily Dismissal Change Form & Dismissal Reminders

Our daily dismissal process has gotten off to a great start! Thanks to families for making it a success by following safety guidelines and communicating dismissal plans with your students!

Remember to fill out a  Daily Dismissal Change Form for any changes in your students' regular dismissal plans. You can find this form on the home page of the  TCGIS website. If at all possible, submit changes prior to  6am the day the change is occurring. We cannot guarantee that teachers will receive dismissal change information that is reported after  12pm the day of a change.

 A couple of reminders for vehicle drop off/pick up:
  • Place green school-issued sign in the front passenger window of any vehicle that will be picking your child(ren) up from school.
  • Pull as far forward in the drop-off/pick-up lines as possible.
  • Do not begin lining up for pick up before 3:10pm.
If you have any questions about arrival/dismissal, please contact Gael Braddock at  [email protected].
Seeking Elternkontakts for TCGIS Classrooms

Elternkontakts (EK's) are our classroom parents at TCGIS. They  work to build community among families in a variety of ways and support the teacher with general communication, classroom needs and volunteer recruitment for field trips and other class events, including parties. We're in the process of recruiting this years EK's, and need two parents per elementary classroom, and two parents per middle school grade level. If you are interested in participating in our EK program, contact Jenia Strom at [email protected].
Last Chance to Sign Up to Lead an After School Activiry

Our fall session of after school activities will be starting soon! If you would like to offer a class please fill out the attached form and email it to [email protected] or hand it in at the office no later than September 5. Session one of After School Activities will be starting the week of September 25. If you have any questions about teaching a class, please email Lauren Kalish at [email protected]. 

All information regarding class offerings and registration will be available September 8.
Share Your Culture with Drama Class!

Do you have experience with another culture (besides the United States or a German speaking country) that you would like to share with a K-3 drama class?

Did you grow up or spend extensive time in another culture? Do you know a dance, song or story you could share?

Frau Hall would be extremely grateful for your help! Last year's Carnival of Cultures was such a success because of parent contributions. We would love to have you come in and present  your wealth of knowledge to the class!

Please email Frau Hall ([email protected]) with questions or if you are available to help!
Online School Board Election Voting

The Governance committee is seeking alternative voting options for school board elections. We need a small group of community members (parents or staff) who come together for a short period of time to research options for online voting and present them to the governance committee.
Expected time commitment : 2-3 meetings and a total of 15 hours/person. Completed by the end of October.
Interested? Have questions?  Contact: Christine VeLure Roholt, [email protected].
Looking for Morning Playground Volunteers

Physical activity has been proven to help improve student focus and learning in the classroom. This is why TCGIS is looking for volunteers to supervise an extra 
recess before school! This was a huge hit last year and we are looking forward to continuing this fall! Please see the sign-up for additional information.
A Message from Jill van Koolwijk

My name is Jill van Koolwijk and I originally come from Ulm an der Donau in Baden-Württemberg. Many of the students at TCGIS already know me, as I have been a substitute teacher for the past 5 years. Now, I am happy to be the new Middle School and 4th grade Drama teacher!

I will keep you updated in the Elternbrief about presentations, shows, wants and needs in the Drama department. Currently, I am looking for a couple of volunteers to help me clean up the storage room adjacent to the Drama classroom. Previous Drama teachers have left a wealth of materials that need to be organized and stored in a more efficient way. The best time to help would be from  8-10am on Wednesday morning, starting on  Sept 6.

Please let me know by email if you are available to help:  [email protected] 

Thank you, Jill van Koolwijk
Deutsch für Eltern at TCGIS

Explore German with Herbert!  New this year: textbooks from Germany written especially for school parents.  Learn German in a relaxed, fun and challenging class.  Meets Mondays  5-6 pm . "Kinderklub" is "open" until  6:00 pm  for y our child(ren).  Call  612-505-2892  or email  [email protected].
TCGIS String Group

Achtung- All String Players!  The String Group is here again with a new format.  It is open to all grades - one year experience advised.  Herbert and Elena will ready the group for performances  including Martinstag at the Landmark.  Hope to see you Fridays at  4:30pm .
Call 651-773-9525 or email  [email protected] today!
Special Education Advisory Committee Potluck

The Special Education Advisory Committee is hosting a potluck  September 18 from  5:30-7:30 in the school cafeteria. This is a great  chance to network with other parents and build community.

Please RSVP to  [email protected] we h ope to see you there!

 
PTO Announcements
PTO Announcements

PTO Meeting -  Sept 12 at 6:45
Join us for the first meeting of the year!!! Please RSVP here and indicate if you need childcare. 

Regional Picnics -  Sept 16 from 5-7pm  
Join TCGIS families who live in YOUR area for a potluck. Find a bus buddy, carpool partner, or babysitting connection. Locations will come out next week.

HERBSTFEST - October 7 from 3:00 -7:00 pm
Would you like to be a craft or food vendor for this event? Would you like to be a volunteer? There are many opportunities for students and their parents to work together to set up tables and chairs, hand out the tickets, operate the games, hand out prizes, help with the pretzel making and pitch in for the clean up afterwards. We look forward to making this a fun time for everyone!

If you are interested please email Lynndelle Pratt at [email protected] or Christine Ustun at [email protected].

TCGIS PTO Community Auction
The Community Auction (one of the biggest fundraising activities for the PTO) can always use help (and most of the work can be done on your own time, from your own home)! Contact Maureen Carlyle and Joyce Albers Tyrrell at [email protected]. And start thinking of those items & events you might want to submit to the Auction!
GAI Announcements
GAI Announcements

ST. PAUL OKTOBERFEST AT THE HISTORIC SCHMIDT BREWERY 
Friday, September 15 & Saturday, September 16, 2017

GAI is proud to produce the 2017 St. Paul Oktoberfest! Come down to Schmidt Brewery onSeptember 15 & 16 to enjoy German music, food, and beer along with vendors, cultural presentations, carnival rides and games, Dachshund and bed races, a German wedding, and more! Don't miss the opening parade led by an authentic Bierwagen pulled by Percheron draft horses!

Interested in volunteering? We can use your help - many shifts available!  

FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

ADULT CLASSES - begin September 5, 2017
Day and evening classes are offered for all levels from beginner to advanced with NEW COURSES for near native, fluent speakers. 
SAMSTAGSSCHULE - Saturday School for young kids & teens - begins September 23, 2017 This Fall the GAI is offering Samstagsschule classes for various age groups and language proficiency.