Buy TCGIS
Spiritwear
from our
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 TCGIS Online Calendar
Upcoming Events:
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Feb. 07 - Kaffeeklatsch (AM);
PTO Meeting (PM)
Feb. 08 - Karneval Tanzparty at GAI
Feb. 10 - 2nd Grade hosts Intern B-fast
Feb. 14 - NO SCHOOL
Family Ski Day, Trollhaugen
Feb. 17 - NO SCHOOL Presidents' Day
Feb. 27 - History Day at TCGIS
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| Message from the Director |
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Schöne Grüße von Herrn Anderson
Herr Anderson shares some exciting construction updates as well as upcoming opportunities to learn, volunteer, and socialize as a community!
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| Videogruß vom Direktor 06. Februar 2020 |
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TCGIS Community Events: Join us!
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Kaffeeklatsch: Tomorrow at the
OPC cafeteria.
Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Observe Morgenkreis in your child's classroom and then come socialize with other parents over coffee and treats in the
cafeteria at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) across the street (the foyer will be closed due to construction). We invite you to bring your own mug and help us cut down on paper waste!
We're excited that Diane Madison Pitman,
the author of
German School is Cool! Deustche Schule ist Toll!
, and
the grandmother of two TCGIS students, will be there to share her book with us. Pick up your own signed copy for a $15 donation!
Parking reminder:
please do
not
park in the OPC lot; the church reserves those spaces for their own purposes on Friday mornings. Como Ave. between Churchill and Oxford will be closed for construction deliveries.
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Maskenball 2020 - Hollywood Gala! 
Who are you wearing?
Prepare to face the paparazzi and walk the red carpet - it's a Hollywood gala!
The event you've been waiting for is back! Join us at the TCGIS PTO Maskenball, an adults-only formal dance hosted this year at the gorgeous Saint Paul Athletic Club.
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Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 7:00pm
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Invite and tickets for purchase coming soon!
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Dress: Formal/Black Tie. A themed costume is also encouraged, but not required.
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There will be dancing, beats provided by DJ Lubbert, appetizers, a full cash bar, and wonderful ambiance at the Saint Paul Athletic Club.
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Included again this year: Silent and art auction! Come ready to bid on your child(ren)'s art auction class project along with many amazing donated experiences and packages!
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School Board Announcements
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School Board Meeting Re-Cap
The January 30 School Board meeting agenda and packet is available
here
, and a recording of the meeting is available
here
.
Board Oath of Office Administered by City Council President
The TCGIS Board of Directors thanks Amy Brendmoen, St. Paul City Council President and TCGIS neighbor, for administering the oath of office for us last week.
We were honored to publicly accept responsibility and demonstrate accountability before a public official in this ceremony at the open school board meeting.
Teacher Retention Facts
Did you know that about half of TCGIS teachers have been with the school for 4 or more years, and 30% have been with the school for 6 or more years? The school board researched staff and teacher length-of-service to prepare for publicly recognizing long-serving staff at the February 27 board meeting and uncovered some interesting facts on longevity and staff satisfaction. See the full details
here
.
Capital Campaign
The Board also heard from Eric Snyder, Excelsior Bay Group, a nonprofit- philanthropy consultant, on the feasibility of a capital campaign for additional improvements to the existing school building, playground, and overall work environment. His presentation is available
here
. The Board will continue to have discussions with the school community on the feasibility and goals of a special fundraising campaign.
Capstone
The Board also heard Esther Neu, Director of Scheduling and Student Data Management and Mike Mullins, Director of Teaching and Learning, present on the process used to select the three Capstone partner schools: Städtische Realschule für Jungen und Mädchen Ochtrup, Sekondarschule Horstmar Schöppingen and the Fridtjof-Nansen-Realschule Gronau. Their presentation is available here.
Diversity Task Force
The "Diversity" portion of the Communications & Diversity Outreach Committee has gotten a lot of parent ideas and issues to work on. As a result, neither the Communications nor the Diversity work was getting a full measure of attention. The Committee will be setting up a task force subgroup to work specifically on diversity, equity, and belonging, with the goal of moving to full committee status. If you would like to help TCGIS become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive school where all feel they belong, please attend the meeting next Tuesday morning, or contact Rich Iwen (
[email protected]
) to stay informed on next steps.
Policy Updates
The Board approved changes to these policies:
215: School Board Election Policy
305: Implementation of Policy
412: Expense Reimbursement
Thank you!
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Upcoming Committee Meetings
Anyone can volunteer on a board committee. Help us build a school together!
Workplace Culture & Innovative Education Committee: Fri, Feb. 7, 3:45pm - 4:45pm, Rm. 99
Governance & Leadership Development Committee:
Mon, Feb. 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Rm 99
Communication & Diversity Outreach:
Tue, Feb. 11, 8:15am - 9:15am, OPC
Finance & Facilities Committee: Tue, February 18, 6pm - 7pm, Room 99
Executive Committee:
Thu, February 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Room 100
Board Meeting: Thu, February 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Room 100
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Construction Updates
Construction is progressing at a steady pace. The mild winter and lack of new snow has really helped. We've seen a lot more precast wall panels going up and today they also set the double-T pieces that span the gymnasium. We estimate that in the next 1-2 week period most of the concrete wall pieces will be in place. After that, they'll begin with the steel framing.
Como Ave closures
(between Oxford Ave. and the alley west of OPC) will continue between 7:00am-3:00pm as long as we are receiving construction deliveries.
Thank you for your understanding.
Andy Nesset
TCGIS Facilities and Grounds
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Do you have a late bus?
If you have transportation concerns about a late bus before or after the front office is open (7:30am-4pm on school days), please
contact
Collaborative Transportation directly at 612-808-8868.
If you call the office before or after hours you will reach KinderClub who will not have any updates on busing.
Vielen Dank!
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Car Pick-up: Keep using those green tags, please!
We've noticed that more and more cars no longer use the green tags that help staff identify which students are being picked up. Please remember to use those tags - it helps us send students to the correct car more quickly. If you need a replacement tag, please email
[email protected]. Vielen Dank!
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6th Grade Families: Waldsee Trip
The final payment for Waldsee should be turned in by
Friday, February 28th, if you haven't paid in full ($450). This can be done via Boonli or by check, made out to TCGIS.
If paying with check, please label it with your child's name and make sure it is
either placed in Frau Albers' mailbox in the front office or that your child hands it straight to Frau Albers. Please email Emily Albers (
[email protected]) with questions.
Danke!
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Mausmünzen Gewinner: January 28 & February 4
The selected students have shown exemplary behavior at TCGIS during the school day and are representing their class and grade level.
Meistermäuse have demonstrated to staff one or more of the following praised traits: Sicherheit (safety), Verantwortung (responsibility), Respekt (respect), and Freundlichkeit (kindness).
Meistermäuse
from February 4, 2020
KB - Charlotte,
1B - Joshua,
2B - Ben,
3B - Leo,
4B - Milo,
6C - name,
8B - David F,
Staff - Frau Hayes
Meistermäuse
from January 28, 2020
K - Patrick,
1 - David,
2 - Hanna,
3/4 - Kathleen,
5/6 - Blake,
7/8 - Keirka,
Staff - Frau Horstmann
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8th grade Parents: Yearbook Ads due February 8
Celebrate your Grad with a Yearbook Ad. Submissions are due by February 8. Click
here for more information.
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Family Ski Day at Trollhaugen: Deadline Friday, Feb. 7
TCGIS Family Ski Day is just around the corner!
Mark your calendars for Friday, Feb. 14,
and join
us at
Trollhaugen
in nearby Dresser, WI. Don't miss
this chance to hit the slopes with
family and friends!
Cost
$16 ski/snowboard rental (includes helmet)
$16 lift ticket (FREE for kids 5 & under)
**Special student packages**
Grades 5 & 6 -- $19 (includes lift ticket, rental & lesson)
Grades K-4 -- $28 (includes lift ticket, rental & lesson)
Sign up in person in the school lobby on 1/28, 1/30, 2/5, or 2/7, with times before and after school. Click
HERE for full details.
Registration
deadline is Friday, February 7. No late registrations will be accepted. Please contact
Kelly Huxmann with questions.
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TCGIS Outdoor Track-and-Field
Registration for the
TCGIS Outdoor Track-and-Field will be open from
Feb. 15 - 29, and the season will begin on
Monday, March 16. Please, register early! We reached our maximum number of athletes for indoor track, and we expect to see a similar number of registrations for outdoor track.
Regarding the
calendar
: Practices are set for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Most of the meets and races are still based on last year's calendar.
We have not yet been able to confirm all of the meets. We will let you know once we have confirmed those meets.
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Summer Running, Jumping, Throwing at TCGIS
Registration will open on February 15, and registration will remain open until we reach our maximum number of athletes.
It costs $50 to participate in all of the practices and meets. The
University of Minnesota XC and T&F Camp
is NOT included in this, and registration must be done separately through the camp. More details about the camp are forthcoming.
Regarding the
calendar:
We have not yet been able to confirm the summer meets. The current dates on based on the meet dates from last summer. We will let you know once we have confirmed those meets. All practices will take place from 6 PM until 7:30 PM. Locations will vary and be in parks around the Twin Cities.
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Support TCGIS: Volunteer Opportunities
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Potluck Sign-ups: Intern Breakfast, Staff Appreciation Lunch
2nd Grade Hosts:
Intern Breakfast Monday, Feb. 10
Thank you, 3rd Grade Parents, for the delicious staff appreciation lunch today!!
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Be a Judge for our school History Day Competition!
When: February 27th, 8:15 to 3:15
Full-day,
morning and afternoon shifts available
Judging is a fantastic way to connect with students, support your community, and learn about history. Be a part of TCGIS students' successes as they learn and grow through History Day!
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Parent Powerschool Report Card Instructions
We are now officially in the second semester of the 2019-20 school year! To see the written progress of your student, please click on this
link
to find information on how to view/print your child's report card.
Kindergar
ten
report
cards
were emailed out to parents this week.
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Reminder: 2020-2021 Enrollment is Open
Parents with incoming
siblings of currently-enrolled TCGIS students: please remember to submit an application for sibling enrollment.
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Field Trip Chaperones and Background Check Forms
If you (or a grandparent/relative) may chaperone a field trip with your child(ren)'s class this spring, and have not turned in a Background Check form within the last two years, please do the following:
- Fill out this Background Check Disclosure Form and read the
- Turn in the Disclosure Form to the Front Office with payment ($20/adult)
The cost for background checks if $20 / adult and can be paid with cash, check or in Boonli.
Parents for whom the $20 fee would present an obstacle to chaperoning: please email Nicole Sveen ([email protected]). We also welcome donations towards the $20 fee for parents who may otherwise not be able to afford it.
Background checks will be considered valid for 3 years. If you're not sure if a background check you submitted in the past is still valid, please email Nicole Sveen ([email protected]). In order to ensure we've received background checks from our provider before your next field trip, please submit your disclosure form by February 1. Thank you!
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PTO Updates  |
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PTO Meeting: Tonight!
Thurday, Feb. 6 at 6:30pm, room 100 TCGIS
A light meal will be available and we will have a short presentation for our meeting by TCGIS parent Linde Althaus. Linde is Psychology Faculty at St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
Special Topic
Beyond pink and blue: Stereotypes, Similarities and All Things Gender
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Maskenball 2020 - Seeking Sponsors & Volunteers
We need your help in organizing and identifying sponsors for the biggest party of the year!
- Have experience or enjoy organizing events?
- Do you know community supporters in the Twin Cities area?
- Interested in being part of community of parents who are passionate about our school?
- Desire to volunteer with a large or small impact? All time commitments are welcomed!
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Box Tops
It's that time again - get your Box Top submissions in before March 1st. Thanks!!
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News from the GAI 
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Karneval Tanzparty
Saturday, February 8, 8 PM-1 AM
A night of revelry German Karneval style. Featuring two shows by Elektra Cute, "The Most Shocking Woman in Burlesque," and Mistress Victoria DeVille. A drag competition for up-and-coming performers will benefit JustUs Health. It's the naughtiest night of the year at the GAI Haus! More information and tickets
here
.
21+, $15 ($10 GAI members and cultural partners member)
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Summer Camp: Registration Now Open
The
2020 GAI German Summer Camp program for children will take place June 22 - August 28 at the GAI. Each camp will last one week (M-F) and is centered around a fun, highly-interactive theme
. (TCGIS families can register at 'member' rates.)
Click
here for details and to register.
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