ISSUE 586/August 15, 2024 | |
Message from the Executive Director | |
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Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft / Dear TCGIS Community,
This week we welcomed our new teachers to a full week of training. Joining our team this year for the first time are: Jill Kellner as a 1st grade teacher and Connor Born as a Psych Intern interning with Dr. Mecklenburg. Joining our team in new roles are: Josh Groven as a special education teacher, Emily Richardson as a 3rd grade teacher, and Allyn Schwaan is returning to teach 1st grade. Allyn was with us for the 21-22 school year and is returning from Hamburg to teach again at TCGIS. Welcome New Teachers!
We also have two operational staff returning to the 24-25 school year in new roles. Deysi Gerding-Futagaki has accepted the role of Director of Kinderclub. Deysi has been our Spanish teacher for the last three semesters and is using her camp experience on cruise ships together with her teaching experience to make Kinderclub an exciting and educational experience for our kiddos. Welcome aboard, Frau Gerding-Futagaki.
Paige Yurczyk also has a new title this year and I want to give a giant shout out to her! Frau Yurczyk is our Communications and Community Outreach Manager and is the person who organized this Rundbrief. With the departure of Katharina Schirg, Paige has assumed more oversight of our communications and recruiting efforts. Danke, Paige.
Starting Monday we will welcome our teaching staff and on Thursday our education assistants. We are one week closer to the kick-off of the 24-25 school year. Enjoy the last days of summer vacation.
Liebe grüße,
Elizabeth Zehnpfennig, Executive Director
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August/September '24 Lunch/Breakfast/Milk Order Window: Closes this Sunday, August 18th | |
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Remember to place your orders for August/September 2024! Please log on to our online store website Boonli to place your child's School Lunch/Breakfast and Milk order. Please make sure to check out your cart to successfully place an order and to check your order for completeness. All orders must be submitted by 10pm on Sunday, August 18th. Orders received after the 18th will have a one-week delayed start date.
We are still collecting Applications for Educational Benefits: Please email Alex Weeding your completed application. Families who officially qualify for Free/Reduced meals may also qualify for reduced fees at Kinderclub, Afterschool enrichment classes, field trips, and athletics programs.
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Medication for 2024-25 School Year | |
We want to make sure your student is receiving proper health care at school. If your child will need medication during the school day in the 2024-25 school year, please be sure to: | |
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In order to administer medication to a student during the school day, we require the Medical Authorization Form, signed by both the health care provider and the parent/guardian. All medication must be in its original package with a valid expiration date and labeled with the student's name.
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Medication drop off including completed paperwork should be brought to Back to School Night, Thursday, August 22nd from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
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Our Health Office Associate, Monika Avery, and Mariah Schoonover (consultant nurse) will be available to receive your child(ren)'s medication together with the completed authorization form. For questions or alternative drop off options please email Monika Avery, Health Service Associate.
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Lunch: Please inform our Food Service Coordinator Alexandra Weeding if you would like your student to be placed at the “nut free table.” Otherwise students sit with their class cohort.
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Forms you may find helpful
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Housing for International Teachers | |
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Seeking furnished rentals for new international teachers with families!
Three new international teachers will join TCGIS with their families later this summer. They are seeking furnished rentals (apartments or homes) for the first year while they settle into life in MN. A furnished home is ideal for the first year but tips about 2- or 3-bedroom unfinished rentals are also welcome. If you know of anyone who has a (furnished) 2- or 3-bedroom apartment or home for rent starting as soon as possible or September, please connect them with Kevin Eberhard as soon as possible. Herzlichen Dank! Thank you!
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It's time to get ready for the new school year! Elementary and Middle School Supply lists are located here and on our TCGIS website. TCGIS practices sustainable supply practices and encourages students to reuse old supplies. We are adding an optional supply fee this year to help us cover the costs for German specific supplies we order from Germany.
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Save the Date: Back to School Night | |
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Who: ALL families, new and returning!
What: A chance to meet teachers and classmates, find classrooms and lockers, drop off school supplies, and get any last questions answered!
When: Thursday, August 22. Our Sensory Sensitive time will be from 5:00-5:30 for students who are overwhelmed by large crowds and loud noise; we will welcome all other families between 5:30-7:30.
Informational tables will be available for questions throughout the evening, where you’ll also be able to pick up a scavenger hunt activity. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Used Book Sale - Aug. 22! | |
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Kinderbücher Flohmarkt - Do you need more German books to support your kids' at-home reading? Check out the TCGIS Used Book Sale at Back to School Night on Thurs, Aug. 22 from 5:30-7:30pm in the school atrium. All items are sold on a donation basis.
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Office Closed August 22 & 23 | The TCGIS office will be closed Thursday, August 22 and Friday, August 23 to enable support staff to prepare for the new school year and to participate in all-staff meetings. You are still welcome to email info@tcgis.org. | MS Parent Volunteers Wanted! | In search of volunteers to help assemble Middle School Planners on Friday August 23rd from 2:30-4:00pm. Please email Catherine Radecki if you are available to help! | |
Classroom Novels Request! | |
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The 7th & 8th grade English library is looking for more copies of the following novels for book clubs this year - would appreciate any donations of these books. Books do not have to be new - we welcome well-loved, used books! Finally, if you would like to donate other books not on this list, please feel free to reach out to Frau Melk. Vielen Dank!
Salt to the Sea - by Ruta Septys
To Kill a Mockingbird - by Harper Lee
The Bitter Side of Sweet - by Tara Sullivan
The Hunger Games - by Suzanne Collins
Harbor Me - by Jacqueline Woodson
Dress Codes - by Carrie Firestone
The Outsiders - by S.E. Hinton
The MazeRunner - by James Dashner
Lord of the Flies - by William Golding
Dear Martin - by Nic Stone
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - by Sherman Alexie
Upstander - by James Preller
The Queens of New York - by E.L. Shen
Cuba in my Pocket - by Adrianna Cuevas
Red, White and Whole - by Rajani LaRocca
What About Will - by Ellen Hopkins
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Band for 6th-8th graders kicks off on September 5th! We’ll be rocking out after school only, with no daytime lessons. But don’t worry, all band students, including our awesome 5th graders, will start their lessons on September 19th.
There's still time to join in the fun! If you're in 5th-8th grade and want to participate, just email Krista for more details.
I’ll also be at Back to School Night on August 22nd from 5-7pm in Room 97. Come by and say hello!
| Playground Update and Volunteer Request | |
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Our playground improvements are well underway! The playground task force will have a table at Back to School Night and we will be seeking input from students! Be sure to stop by to have your students vote between 2 play equipment options to eventually replace the East playground. Prepare them to cast a vote by reviewing the options here! Find more information and renderings on the playground webpage.
Volunteers needed! We are looking for 4 volunteers to help assemble the new gaga ball pit the morning of August 23. Read all the details and sign up here.
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Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity Group SY24-25 Kickoff | |
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Please mark your calendar for the BIPOC affinity group’s fall kickoff event. We will be meeting at the Minneapolis Monarch Festival – Festival de la Monarca on Saturday, September 7th at 1 pm. Meet in front of the performance stage. Please wear TCGIS gear if you have it. More festival information can be found at Minneapolis Monarch Festival.
Get to know other TCGIS community members! TCGIS family/affinity groups are groups for students, parents/caregivers and staff, aimed at bringing together individuals with a common identity to build relationships within a supportive community. These groups support the school’s goal that all members of the TCGIS community feel supported, seen and heard. Find more information on the TCGIS family groups’ webpage.
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TCGIS Community Garden - Volunteer Gardeners | |
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Our TCGIS Community Garden is fully underway! We've had some amazing volunteers keeping it alive and well this summer! We are looking for additional volunteers as we continue the season! We're in the harvesting season so our tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and basil are coming up fast and ready for donation! This is a great family activity that is quick and can be on your own schedule! Please check out the sign up for more information or contact Terra Erickson!
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We can't wait to start a new year with all of you! We have a great year of events and activities planned for everyone. Don't forget to stop by our table at Back to School Night on Thursday the 22nd.
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Are you looking for a cool way to volunteer, make new friends, and support our school? Join our PTO! We are a fun team of kind people and we host community building events like the Halloween party, Maskenball, and fall auction to raise funds for awesome things like teacher appreciation. Email us and see some ways to volunteer here. | |
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 read the entire Rundbrief. Danke! | |
Represent TCGIS at the GAI Oktoberfest | |
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TCGIS will be tabling at the Germanic-American Institute’s Oktoberfest on Friday, September 13th and 14th where we will sell school swag, connect with the community, and share our school with interested families. We are looking for volunteers to be at this table for short shifts on Friday or Saturday. Sign up to volunteer here and email Paige Yurczyk with any questions.
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Represent TCGIS at Columbia Heights PRIDE | |
TCGIS will be tabling at the Columbia Heights PRIDE event on September 21st. We are excited to have a booth at this fun event where we will showcase TCGIS' GSA artwork, LGBTQ+ books in German, and a fun craft! Sign up to volunteer here and reach out to Paige Yurczyk with any questions.
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School Board (Schulvorstand) Announcements
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Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings | |
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Committee of the Whole–Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m.; Room 100
Governance Meeting: Monday, August 19th, 2024 @ 4:30 on Google Meets
TCGIS Board Meeting–Thursday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.; Room 100
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Join a TCGIS Board committee! | |
Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact at TCGIS? Then consider joining a TCGIS Board committee! Board committees are a great way to share your expertise and get to know others at TCGIS. Time commitment is 1-2 hours a month. Learn more by visiting the Board’s table at Back to School night or our website. | |
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Fall music lessons begin August 26, 2024. We have openings for piano and classical guitar. Registration for lessons and for Performance Choir is open now.
Choir begins on Thursday, August 29, 3:30 to 4:30. Contact Herbert or Nancy for more details. VCA rents keyboards and string instruments. You don't need to be a student at our studio.
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Liederkranz Youth Choir at TCGIS with Herbert! | |
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New season and new program for 3rd to 8th graders! Our choir enters its 3rd year with exciting news! We will add choreography to our song repertoire to become a Youth Show Choir! Frau Emma Theis, the new assistant to Herbert with students to create stage moves. This will add new experience to the children while enhancing our performances. Choir practices will be Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30 pm. Contact Herbert by email or phone.
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Fall Samstagsschule for Kids and Teens | |
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Saturday classes start on September 21! Samstagsschule classes incorporate singing, crafts, games, and physical motion along with lessons at an age-appropriate level. For ages 4 to 16, beginners, intermediate, advanced learners and native/heritage speakers. Click here to learn more.
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German Heritage Night at the Minnesota Twins | |
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Experience “German Heritage Night” at Target Field on Friday, September 27 when the Twins take on the Baltimore Orioles at 7:10 p.m.
This special “German Heritage Night” ticket package includes your ticket to the game plus an exclusive German Night Twins hat! The night will also include an honorary first pitch by former Twins player and three-time All-Star player Terry Steinbach and New Ulm’s ‘Hermann The German,” and more!
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Intercultural Engagement Opportunities | |
The board’s Diversity & Belonging committee would like to highlight upcoming events in the Twin Cities as opportunities for intercultural engagement- one of our school’s core values. Click here to learn about highlighted events! | |
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Aug 22 - Back to School Night
Aug 26 - First Day of School
Aug 28 - First Day of School for Kindergarten
Aug 29 - TCGIS Board Meeting
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