ISSUE 464/ August 12, 2021 |
|
Incident Response Team (IRT) |
|
Teachers, Staff and Administrators cannot wait to welcome all of our students into our building at the end of August. While we hoped this year would return to “normal,” TCGIS will still follow several mitigations to prioritize the health of our students and staff.
- All students, staff and visitors will be required to wear masks during school hours.
- 100% of our students will be learning in-person.
- All air handling systems and in-room HEPA filtration systems have had their filters replaced.
- TCGIS will continue to follow all CDC and MDH requirements and recommendations, whenever possible.
|
|
COVID-12 Vaccines for 12-15 year olds |
Right now, only one-third of Minnesotans 12-15 years old are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in communities. Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Please get your kids (age 12 and older) vaccinated now. This is also the perfect opportunity to ensure your child is caught up on other vaccinations they need to stay safe in school.
How youth and families can get their free shot:
-
Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a local vaccine.
-
Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder. Parents can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Parents can contact their primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
Vaccine Incentives:
Minnesotans can now submit their requests for the $100 vaccination rewards program here. Minnesotans 12 years of age and older who have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine since July 30 can submit a request for a $100 Visa gift card. The form will remain open for submissions for Minnesotans who get their first dose until August 15.
|
|
Note: If you don't see the calendar at the end of your Rundbrief, the message has been clipped and you must click "View entire message" to see the full email. Danke!
|
|
A Welcome Message from our new Executive Director |
|
Hybrid Back to School Night: August 26th |
Back to School night has become a cherished community and social event for TCGIS. However, given the dynamic COVID situation and the increased transmission of the Delta variant, we are focusing on the function of this event in a back to basics moment. We will offer a Hybrid version of our traditional Back to School night. We wish to modify our plans to best accommodate those with the highest transitional needs. TCGIS will prioritize an in-person Back to School for our Kindergarten students and their families, new students and their families, 5th grade students and their families. The rest of our grades and students will meet their teachers in a Zoom format similar to last year's Back to School night.
However, we realize that fair isn’t always equal and there may be kids who have a distinct need to do an in-person meet and greet with a teacher. For those families, we ask you to fill out this form and a staff member will contact you about a time slot.
|
|
School Supply Lists for Elementary and Middle School |
It's that time of year! Supply lists for Elementary and Middle School can be found below. Reductions have been made due to things we have in abundance and our Zero Waste initiative. Please feel free to reuse old items instead of purchasing new ones.
School Supplies Drop-Off
To reduce traffic on Back to School Night and the first day of school, please drop off shared supplies in the TCGIS lobby (near the cafeteria) during one of these times:
-
August 24th & 25th: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
-
August 26th & 27th: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Please bring the shared classroom supplies only:
-
Grades K-4: please label with your student's teacher.
-
Grades 5-8: please label with your student's grade.
Please use the West entrance (by the parking lot) and use the doorbell on the post located a few feet away from the door to be let in. Thank you for working with us to start the school year smoothly! Please send any questions to info@tcgis.org. |
|
Class & Teacher Assignments: Week of August 23rd
|
We know families are eager to hear about class/teacher assignments and we appreciate your patience. As we did in 2018 and 2019, TCGIS will communicate class and teacher assignments the week of Back to School Night; this year that is the week of August 23rd. |
|
If your child(ren) is/are feeling anxious about school ... |
It is a normal to feel anxious as we go back to school. Children and adults have these feelings. Some kids know how to regulate their emotional state, but many do not. As a parent/guardian, you can share with your child(ren) these ways we can help calm our bodies and feelings by taking care of ourselves:
- Stick to daily routines such as waking up and going to bed for a school schedule
- Practice a consistent sleep routine
- Start now to adjust your sleep schedule for school time
- Eat healthy foods
- Move your body by going for a walk or bike ride
- Play and spend time outside
- Talk and/or play about what is making you anxious
- identify feelings and where in the body we feel nervous and anxious
The Child Mind Institute is an excellent resource for parents with useful information applicable to all ages.
TCGIS school social worker, Diana Erwin, can collaborate with you on how to best support your child(ren) returning to school and while at TCGIS.
|
|
NAMI MN: Back to School Anxiety Presentation |
Going back to school has always been tough. There is a new teacher, new classmates, new routine, and it can be hard to get back into the habit of school after three months of summer. Combine that with fears around a global pandemic and spending an even longer time away from school, and it is no wonder that anxiety behind going back to in-person learning is skyrocketing both for children and parents. Join NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for our “Back to School Anxiety” presentation, where we will discuss ways to prepare your child for going back to in-person learning, as well as strategies for how to keep their anxiety at bay both during and after school.
Friday, August 20, 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Register here. Thursday, August 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Register here. |
|
Busing Registration is OPEN! |
We are pleased to offer school bus transportation to TCGIS students again this coming school year!
Please review the 2021-22 Busing Handbook to identify which stop and route your child(ren) will use in this school year as well as answer any busing related questions you might have. This route map is included in the handbook and can assist you in choosing a stop that will work best for your family.
**In addition you will need to complete the forms included in the Busing Registration and email them to Nicole Sveen. The TCGIS Bus Behavior Agreement Form is required in order to be considered registered!**
You will receive a postcard via email from our transportation company once registration is complete and routes are complete. These will go out during the week of August 23rd.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Nicole Sveen. |
|
Carpool and Transit Tools for TCGIS Families |
Today we emailed the first carpool map for Fall 2021 to the 18 families who have already opted into it using this Google form.
to/from school, please fill out this Google form. Your address and limited contact information will be used to populate a Google map similar to the one on this page.
From now until the first week in September we will share the link to the unlisted Google map with those who have opted in (through the form) and are interested in setting up a carpool with nearby families. Once families have this info, it's up to them to contact possible matches and arrange the carpool.
|
|
Application for Educational Benefits Program SY 21/22 |
Please find the information and instruction letter and the application form for the Educational Benefits program for the 2021-2022 school year. TCGIS is operating under the Seamless Summer Option this year which enables us to provide meals free of charge for all students. No application is required to receive this free meal benefit.
However, your child(ren) may qualify for additional benefits such as reduced fees at school programs or the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) which is a federal temporary emergency nutrition benefit that is loaded onto electronic cards for families to purchase food. At public schools like TCGIS, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts.
Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year, however in order to receive these benefits for the first day of school, please submit your completed application form no later than August 20th, 2021. Forms may be emailed to Alex Weeding or dropped off at the front office.
If you have any questions or need help, please don't hesitate to email Alex Weeding or call the front office: 651- 492-7106. |
|
Spots still open for the TCGIS band! |
It's not too late to join the TCGIS band!
Please email Krista Johnson and visit our website for more info. The band instrument "petting zoo" links are on the website.
If you are an incoming 5th grader and have emailed Krista but haven't had a reply, please email again! Summer has really been good, and things are getting lost.
Lessons will start late September or the beginning of October. We are working on space. On nice days we will do lessons outside so we can be maskless.
Konzert Band (6-8th grade after school on Thursdays) will begin the first week of October.
Look for emails about band PPE! Everyone will need an old pillowcase!
|
|
Vienna Community Arts Fall Music Lessons begin August 30. Registration begins August 1 for new and continuing students.
Contact VCA Office - Herbert and Nancy at 651-304-6205
|
|
Health records and vaccination records needed: Kindergarten and 12-Year-old students/7th grade |
Our school must follow Minnesota regulations for certain health requirements. You will receive more information about this in the coming weeks, but please already familiarize yourself with our school and state policies (Minnesota State Statute 121A.15) to ensure that your child can attend school in August. You will need to work with your pediatrician to complete the forms carefully and completely. All forms can be found on our website. Please send to one of the following:
-
via email
-
U.S. mail to school (1031 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103) ATTN: Monika Avery
|
|
Student Medication Authorization for 2021-22 |
If your student(s) will need to take medication in the 2020-21 school year, please be sure to:
-
Review the Medication information on page 22 of the Family Handbook and Policy 516 - Student Medication
-
Complete the Medication Authorization Form (also available in the Front Office)
- Bring student medication and Medication Authorization Form to TCGIS Back to School Night on August 26, 2021.
- All medication must be in its original package with a valid expiration date and labeled with the student's name.
If you have questions or need to make alternate arrangements to drop off completed forms and/or medication, please contact our Health Service Associate, Monika Avery.
Please note: School staff can only provide medication to students with a completed 2021-22 Medication Authorization Form on file!
|
|
School Board Announcements |
|
Board & Administrative Teams Go Dragon Boating! |
|
The Board of Directors held a team-building event with new Executive Director Kirsten Christensen and members of the school leadership and administrative team. We went Dragon boating on White Bear Lake with coaches of the Off the Edge competitive Dragon boat team. We practiced the specific technique of paddling this boat together to the beat of the drum and moving forward as a team! We had a great time together with a potluck picnic afterward. |
|
Recap of the Alumni Picnic and School Tour |
|
It was great to see so many alumni students and families at the alumni picnic at the GAI and tours of the new TCGIS building beforehand. Members of TCGIS class of 2015 and up were in attendance. Alumni commented that seeing the new Sporthalle, Cafeteria and classrooms was “surreal” and a “major upgrade”. Alumni spent time shooting hoops and enjoying the new space together. |
|
Friends from the TCGIS Class of 2020. |
|
At the picnic, we were thrilled to welcome TCGIS co-founder Mary-Fred Bausman-Watkins and introduce her to Executive Director Kirsten Christensen. Everyone enjoyed the chance to connect and reflect on the history of TCGIS. Thank you to Silke Moeller and Sue Westacott for organizing this wonderful alumni event! |
|
Board member and alumni parent, Silke Moeller, wearing her vintage TCGIS shirt that says “What’s the German word for ‘Kindergarten’?” |
|
TCGIS Co-Founder Mary-Fred Bausman-Watkins with Executive Director Kirsten Christensen. |
|
Volunteers needed for the TCGIS community garden! |
|
Help is needed in the TCGIS community garden over the next few weeks. Our work is paying off, and we have lots of vegetables ready to donate to the Keystone Midway Food Shelf. We especially need help watering the garden and harvesting and donating vegetables during the weeks of August 22, and 29, and September 5.
The time commitment is very minimal and flexible to your schedule. Sign up here. |
|
Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings |
|
Board meetings will be held in-person at TCGIS Room 100 with the opportunity for non-board members to attend via Zoom. The public is also welcome to attend in-person as the room capacity allows within public health guidelines. Committee meetings will continue via Zoom to make them easier to attend. Zoom information for each committee can be found on the public school calendar and are linked below. All are welcome to join committee meetings! You can find links to the committee charters here. The charters will be updated by each committee for the 21-22 school year.
|
|
Kindergarten meet up in St. Paul |
Families with incoming kindergarteners are welcome to meet for one last get-to-know-you play time before the school year starts. We'd love to have you join us on Saturday, August 28th,10am-noon at the Randolph Heights Elementary School playground (corner of Jefferson Ave and Syndicate St S.) in St. Paul. Questions? Please email Anna Lindquist. Hope to see you there! |
|
Scholarships from MN Krampus |
MN Krampus offers two annual scholarships of $1,000 each for college students taking a college course about the “history and culture of the Alpine region of Europe.” The online application deadline this year is August 15. See the MN Krampus website for more information. |
|
Saturday School for Kids and Teens at the GAI
|
|
Our creative and experienced language instructors make Samstagsschule a fun and interactive way to learn German. Beginning to advanced levels are offered for all ages. It's a great way to begin or advance your child's German language abilities.
More information and registration can be found on the GAI website. |
|
New Minneapolis Kinderstube classroom |
|
Kinderstube German Immersion Preschool is opening a new classroom at the Minneapolis location and openings are available. Contact Director Babett Larimer at preschool@gaimn.org for more info. |
|
The GAI is looking for additional instructors for our Samstagschule program this fall. Classes will be in-person or online, depending on the age group. Email our language department at language@gaimn.org for more information!
We are also hiring a preschool teacher at Kinderstube German Immersion Preschool. Contact Babett Larimer at preschool@gaimn.org for more information. |
|
German Tutors for TCGIS Students |
TCGIS has built a list of local university/college students interested in virtual private tutoring in German for TCGIS students. We update this Google spreadsheet of tutors regularly. Learn more here. |
|
August 14: PTO Playdate (everyone welcome!)
August 20: NAMI Back to School Anxiety Presentation
August 21: Kaffeeklatsch with new Executive Director Dr. Christensen (Zoom)
August 24-25 (8am-4pm): Shared Supplies Drop-Off
August 26: NAMI Back to School Anxiety Presentation
August 26: Back to School Night at TCGIS
August 26-27 (12-4pm): Shared Supplies Drop-Off
August 28: Kindergarten meet-up at Randolph Heights Playground (St. Paul)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
