ISSUE 628/August 21, 2025 | | Message from the Executive Director | | Click play to watch this weeks message from Director Zehnpfennig | | Back to School Night - TONIGHT | | |
Back to School Night is TONIGHT, Thursday, August 21.
- 5:00-5:30 New Families and Kindergartner Families and Sensory Sensitive Time for Families
- 5:30-7:30 All Families of K-8 students
This is when you can bring school supplies, chat with administrators and staff, and explore around the building.
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You can find the school supply lists for the 2025-2026 school year by clicking here. You can bring your child(ren)'s supplies to Back to School Night on Thursday, August 21.
If you are unable to attend Back to School Night, please bring the supplies on the first day of school. Grades 1-8 will have their first day of school on Monday, August 25, and Kindergarten's first day will be Wednesday, August 27.
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As we prepare to welcome our students back to school next week, please take some time familiarizing yourself with our Family Handbook and Middle School Student Handbook. These and many more family resources can be found on our website!
| Personal Electronics and Cell Phone Policy Reminder | |
In response to requirements by the state of Minnesota, TCGIS adopted a Personal Electronics and Cell Phone Use policy last school year. At TCGIS, we expect phones to be "off and away", which means turned off and away in a backpack or locker. We will follow a progressive discipline approach, as outlined in the Middle School Handbook, for students who are not following the policy. Thank you for partnering with us as we support our students in positive engagement without cell phones!
| Save the Date - TCGIS 20th Anniversary Party | | |
The biggest celebration in TCGIS history is coming soon! Save the date: September 20, 2025 from 11 AM to 4 PM, as we gather to celebrate 20 years of TCGIS. Want to be part of the fun? Whether you're interested in helping plan, volunteer, or provide sponsorship (monetary or in-kind), please reach out to Paige Yurczyk. Ready for the fun? RSVP Here.
| | Preferred Language Survey | |
Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey to share your preferred language of communication. The form is intended to help TCGIS identify community members who would benefit from language access services such as translations or interpreters in accordance with Minnesota Statute 123B.32
Por favor, tómese un momento para rellenar esta encuesta rápida y compartir su idioma preferido de comunicación. El formulario tiene por objeto ayudar a TCGIS a identificar a los miembros de la comunidad que se beneficiarían de los servicios de acceso lingüístico, tales como traducciones o intérpretes, de conformidad con el Estatuto 123B.32 de Minnesota.
| Do You Know Someone Still Looking for a Great School? | |
Did you know that over 70% of our families discover TCGIS through word of mouth? Our current parents play a vital role in helping other families find our community! If you know someone who is still looking for a great school, let them know that we are still accepting applications and hosting tours. Email enrollment@tcgis.org to set up a tour or with any enrollment questions.
| New and Returning Student Playdate - TOMORROW | |
Help us welcome our new families at our New Family Playdate on Friday, August 22nd, from 4-6 PM at the TCGIS Playground. All are welcome to attend this event. Bring a friend or bring a neighbor! RSVP here.
| Parent Council Welcome Back Chalk Decorating | |
The Parent Council is excited to welcome back students and we would love you to join us! Sunday, August 24 from 1-3 pm we will be chalking the sidewalks and east wall for a cheerful and exciting first day back. Bring your artistic talents (and chalk if you have it) and stay for as long as you can. Everyone is welcome!
We are also starting the search for interested parents from all grade levels to join the council for the 2025/2026 school year. See here for more information.
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The PTO has another great year ahead of us! We can't wait to see you out there.
- Please join us for our 1st meeting on September 11th at 6pm where we'll be eating pizza and playing bingo! RSVP here so we know how much pizza and prizes to bring!
- We want to focus on raising money for Science Kits for all grades this year. These are kits for each kid to use for experiments and engagement. We all love science - learn more here.
- And of course, we are always looking for your help! You don't have to sign up to be an officer to join the PTO. We can use help with Staff Appreciation, Fundraising, Communications, and bookkeeping! The more on the team, the easier and faster it all goes. Come to our first meeting to learn more!
Keep an eye out because we like to start the year strong! Communications about Fall Auction donations will be coming soon!
| | 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! | | Help/Leads/Supplies for New International Staff and Interns | |
Like every new school year, we have our fabulous new interns as well as great new international staff and we always rely on our amazing community.
If you have any leads on
- affordable (furnished) apartments
- a bicycle for our interns
- reasonably priced, reliable cars
Please reach out to Kathrin Gillhoff
| Represent TCGIS at the Columbia Heights Pride! | |
On September 13th, TCGIS will have a table at the Columbia Heights Pride and are looking for volunteers to sit at our booth! If you are interested click here to sign up!
- First time tabling? No problem! Come talk about TCGIS, help booth visitors with coloring sheets and other activities!
| Represent TCGIS at Oktoberfest! | |
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On September 12th and 13th, TCGIS will have a table at the GAI Oktoberfest and are looking for volunteers to sit at our booth! If you are interested click here to sign up!
- First time tabling? No problem! Come talk about TCGIS, help booth visitors with coloring sheets and other activities!
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School Board (Schulvorstand) Announcements
| | Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings | | |
Join the Liederkranz Youth Choir!
We will prepare two performances at TCGIS. The TCGIS 20th Anniversary Celebration and the Martinstag Celebration. Your student will learn stage presence, vocal techniques, choreography and German repertoire.
- Tuition: $165, includes materials, rehearsals, performances and class sessions
- Meets Thursdays 3:30 to 4:30 in Room 100
- Contact Vienna Community Arts at vcaherbert@gmail.com
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- September 12 | 4 to 10 PM
- September 13 | 10 AM to 10 PM
Every fall, the Germanic-American Institute transforms into a lively hub of German celebration, hosting St. Paul Oktoberfest on its picturesque grounds. Inspired by the legendary Munich festival — and timed perfectly for Minnesota’s beautiful September weather — it’s two days packed with music, dancing, and mouthwatering German fare.
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August 21 - Back to School Night
August 22 - New Family Playdate at TCGIS
August 25 - First Day of School for Grades 1-8
August 27 - First Day of School for Kindergarten
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