Elternbrief
Issue: 359                          
February 28, 2019 
In This Issue

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Buy TCGIS Spiritwear from our new online store!
TCGIS Online Calendar

Upcoming Events
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Administrative Information
Reminder: No School Friday 3/1

This is a friendly reminder that there is no school on Friday, March 1, due to a professional learning day. Enjoy the long weekend und bis Montag!
Building Project Updates

Site Plan & Variances:
An individual opposing the demolition has filed a petition for an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) to be completed for our building project. State rules governing environmental review (including EAWs) prohibit the City from taking final action on any zoning applications until all environmental review processes have been completed. Accordingly, the planned March 6 hearing on the appeals has been canceled. A City Council hearing on the appeals of the TCGIS' requested variances and site plan will be rescheduled after the City has either determined that an EAW is not needed or until an EAW process is completed. 

Despite the delay, please continue sending letters supporting the variances and site plan. 

Historic Designation:
We were informed yesterday that the heritage preservation nomination will not be on the March 20 city council agenda. Stay tuned for the updated date. Please continue to send  letters  against historic designation.
Parent Teacher Conferences - Sign Up Now

The sign up for parent teacher conferences is still open! Conferences are from 4:00-7:30pm on Thursday, March 14 and 8:10am-3:30pm on Friday, March 15. The master password is  ptcspring2019
 
Before you log in, we suggest that you have the following information: 
  1. A list of all the teachers you would like to see. The online conference system will not tell you the names of your children's teachers.  
  2. The times you would like to have conferences. The system will tell you the available slots for all teachers. 
For further information, please find the attached  parent letter and  parent overviewThe website to schedule conferences is herePlease note: the sign up window will close at 8pm on March 11.

Please contact Lauren Kalish at  lkalish@tcgis.org with any questions.
Walk and Bike to School Day: May 8


Is all the snow making you long for sunny days, clear streets and sidewalks? A nice walk or bike ride? Then you should consider joining in planning for Walk and Bike to School Day!  We will be formulating plans for group rides and walks, safe routes to get kids to school, and creating awareness for those who participate and those who are in their cars. If you are interested in joining to make this a reality, please contact Dani Nicholson at serendipitousdani@gmail.com.
Consider Running for TCGIS' First Parent Council


Earlier this week  Ted Anderson emailed our school community about forming TCGIS' first Parent Council yet this spring. We hope you'll consider nominating yourself or a fellow parent to represent your class on the Parent Council. Elternkontakte (EKs) in each grade will solicit nominations from every class for an online election that will take place in mid-March. Watch your Inbox this weekend for a message from your class EK!
Supply Drive for Girl Scout Project

A team of fifth-grade Girl Scouts from TCGIS are working on our Bronze Award, the highest award Juniors can earn. Our project is to build shelters to protect feral cats. We are having a supply drive and can use your help! We are looking for: 30-gallon rubber bins with lids, styrofoam coolers, straw, duct tape, and lunch bags with reflective insulation (or rolls of reflective insulation). You can drop off these supplies in the Atrium during office hours. If you'd like to contribute money so we can buy supplies, please contact us at  bronze57317@gmail.com. Thank you!
Thanks for Making Capstone Cafe a Success!


Thank you to everyone who visited and/or volunteered for Capstone Cafe at Carnival of Cultures. We'd like to acknowledge Ruhland's Strudel Haus and Aki's Bread Haus for their continued support in this event. Vielen Dank!
2019 MCA Information & Opt Out Form

The 2019 MCAs are beginning next week in grades 5 and 6 with MCA Reading Assessments. Here is the 2019 TCGIS Assessment Calendar for your convenience.

Here are a few tips for the upcoming MCAs:
  1. Make sure your kids have plenty of sleep
  2. Make sure they bring a healthy snack for our assessment break
  3. Make sure your kids bring ear buds or headphones in order to hear Assessment instructions. Earbuds/headphones are included as part of the TCGIS school supply list
  4. Tell your children to do their best, but not be nervous about these assessments. The MCAs are simply another data point we collect in assessing your children's academic progress.
Opt Out Information
TCGIS views the MCA Assessments as another data point in creating a mosaic of our students' academic progress in school and therefore encourages all students to participate. Parents do, however, have the right to "opt out" of the MCA Assessments by filling out this form. Please return completed forms to the Front Office. 
 
Please send any questions to Mike Mullins at  mmullins@tcgis.org.  
Call for After School Activity Instructors

Can you believe it?! Our final session of after school activities will be starting soon! If you would like to offer an activity please fill out the attached form and email it to lkalish@tcgis.org or hand it in at the office no later than March 8. Session 3 of After School Activities will be starting the week of April 8. If you have any questions about teaching a class, please email Lauren Kalish at lkalish@tcgis.org.
TCGIS Track-and-Field / Cross-Country Gear!


Take a look at the  TCGIS Track-and-Field & Cross-Country sweatshirts and sweatpants.  Place your order  here . Write out your check to TCGIS and hand in to Coach Tabisz in room 314.

ORDERS ARE DUE ON MONDAY, MARCH 4!

Questions? Contact Coach Tabisz ( ctabisz@tcgis.org).
Mark Your Calendars for TCGIS Fundraiser at Urban Forage!

On Sunday, May 5, TCGIS parents and owners of Urban Forage Cider House, Jeff and Gita Zeitler, will host a fundraiser for TCGIS to offset legal expenses associated with our building project.  All proceeds from the evening's event will go directly to TCGIS!  Thank you Jeff and Gita!  More details will be forthcoming, but please save the date now!  

We are currently at $61,919 of our $150,000 annual fundraising goal with only 4 months left in our fiscal calendar. Please consider a financial donation to support the school. Donations can be made online via  Square or by dropping off a check at the front office.  Herzlichen Dank!! 
Congratulations to this Week's Mausmünzen Winners


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), and Respekt (respect).

Congratulations to Freya Hanson (1a),  Harper Lacy (Kb), Max Frasch (4b), Herr Koch (as represented by student Attila England), Stinson Walling (5b), and Gus Beaton (7a). Keep up the good work!
Board Announcements
Everyone is welcome to attend the Board meeting tonight at 6:30 pm in room 100. Here is the preliminary agenda/packet.   
PTO Announcements
Maskenball!!!  Get your tickets!!!

Join us at the TCGIS PTO Maskenball, an adults-only formal costume dance hosted this year at the lovely University Club of St. Paul. 

There will be appetizers, an art auction, a full cash bar, and wonderful ambiance at the University Club. A themed costume is encouraged, but not required. 

When: Saturday, March 23rd 
Time: 7:00p-11:30p 
Where: The University Club 420 Summit Ave St. Paul, MN 55102 

Kindergarten Families: Please consider contributing to our next early release potluck for teachers and staff! March 20th.  Sign up here!

6th Grade Families: Please consider contributing to the Intern Breakfast on Monday March 11th! Sign up here!

Save the Date: Tuesday March 20,  Davanni's Pizza night 4-8pm. Dine in or take away to benefit TCGIS!

ISO art materials for 5th grade art project!  We are looking for 75 natural sticks about 12" long and probably 1/2" to 1" diameter. We also need yarn donations (specifically hues of blue, green, and purple). Email tcgispto@gmail.com. Thanks!
GAI Announcements
Das Moderne Deutschland The Series provides educational experiences focusing on Germany's approach and success in areas including culture and society, Climate Smart municipalities, sustainable building practices, and earth friendly initiatives. 
Kaffeestube Talk: Coming to Amerika is scheduled this Saturday at 11:00am

Spring Spezial Short Courses and Special Topics start Thursday, March 7 with an advanced literature course. 
For beginning to advanced students, there is something for everyone

Our annual  Pork & Kraut dinner on March 23. This is German soul food - succulent roast pork and pork ribs with sauerkraut and potatoes. Toast your companions with Paulaner draft beer and German and Austrian wine, and if you have room, there are linzer bars for dessert. 

REGISTER NOW FOR GERMAN SUMMER CAMP at the GAI from June 17 through August 23.