Sometimes you can have everything ready for a great start to a new school year and Mother Nature has other plans. We did not anticipate having such an exciting start to the year! One thing you will hear me say often that is great about being a Charter School is our ability to be nimble and to pivot. Our ability to pivot on Tuesday morning is a testament to the team at TCGIS. 

I was notified early Tuesday morning by several people on staff. Many additional staff members sprang to action to manage this emergency. I want to thank Andy Nesset, our Director of Facilities, and Austin Van Alstyne, our Technology support for their work on getting the building ready to receive students on Thursday. I want to publicly applaud Esther Neu as our school’s E-Learning plan expert who ensured we had it in place for the first day of school. On the operational side of things, Paige Yurczyk, Kim Hackett, Alex Weeding, and Nicole Crashell all had many responsibilities to communicate and plan for the implications of these two days. Danke, Allerseits! 

And danke to the families for being flexible and encouraging this week as we navigated these uncharted waters. I’m honored to be a part of this community and team-work that we witnessed this week is a part of this. Thank you for choosing TCGIS and in your faith to serve this community of learners.

Today we welcome our Kindergarteners who had to put their first day on hold. Thank you to all who helped make their first day full of memories. Thanks, especially to Stephanie Puestow, Vanessa Koehler and Korin Henrickson, our strong team of Kindergarten educators. Welcome to the class of 2037!

Reminder - No School Tomorrow or Monday

This is a reminder that there is no school tomorrow, August 30th, or on Monday, September 2nd.

Front Office Closed Tomorrow - August 30

The TCGIS office will be closed for the Professional Development Day on Friday, August 30. You are still welcome to email info@tcgis.org.

Safety Drills During School Year

TCGIS is required to perform three types of safety drill during the school year: fire/evacuation drills, tornado drills, and hard lockdown drills. We will send communication to families before hard lockdown drills, and teachers will prepare their classes for all upcoming drills as they approach. Please reach out to your child(ren)’s classroom teacher if you have questions about the class’s drill procedures.

Help Us to Keep Our Student Body and Staff Safe and Healthy

We are so happy to have your student back in school. It also means we will see infectious diseases, strep throat being a common one. Symptoms might be different from what you think of being strep throat:



Your child may have a fever that starts suddenly, red sore throat, and swollen glands. Headache may occur, but Children also may have stomach pain and vomiting. Sometimes a very fine red rash appears at the same time as the throat soreness (Scarlet Fever). strep throat symptoms in your child that usually begin 2-5 days after contact:

Please see the Parent/Guardian information by Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department (HSPHD) for more information. The Minnesota Department of Health encourages Parents to check their children’s heads for lice on a regular basis throughout the year. The Parent/Guardian Fact Sheet by Hennepin County Public Health Epidemiology Department provides detailed information about head lice. To keep our student body and staff safe and healthy please look into our General Student Illness Guidelines in the TCGIS Family Handbook.

Fall Universal Screening

Some of our one-on-one literacy assessments with students began as early as our first week of school. Universal screening for all students will continue until Wednesday, September 11th.

Universal screening is an important part of our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) framework at TCGIS. It allows us to identify those students who are on-track to meet grade-level standards in reading and math, and also to identify those students who may need some additional support to meet grade-level goals by the end of the year.

Students in every grade level will participate in at least one assessment so that we can learn more about their current skills and knowledge. More information about Universal Screening can be found here.

PBIS Prizes & School Store Donations

Families, we are looking to replenish out PBIS School Store and weekly student prizes! Please see this Amazon Wish List if you are able to contribute. 

What is PBIS at TCGIS? 

PBIS (positive behavior interventions and supports) is a school-wide program to help standardize and communicate behavior expectations to students and adults while at school. PBIS aims to reinforce desirable positive behaviors that support our school-wide expectations: Sicherheit (Safety), Verantwortung (Responsibility), Respekt (Respect), and Freundlichkeit (Kindness).

One way to do this is by reinforcing desirable behaviors through Mausmünzen. Staff can award a Mausmünze to students who they catch in the act of living out our school expectations while at school. Mausmünzen are entered into a drawing (K-4) and winners who exemplify our expectations may choose a small prize. Middle School students are able to use their Mausmünzen to "shop" at the school store. 

Classroom Novels Request!

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

Just Mercy - Bryan Stevenson

Back-to-School Sensory Tips from Your OT

With the new school year underway, adding sensory activities to your child’s daily routine can make the transition smoother. Here are some sensory tips to include in your schedule: 

1. Morning Input: Start the day with activities that wake up and organize the nervous system. Try bouncing on a ball or rocking back and forth before school to provide the input your child needs to feel alert and ready.

2. Crunchy Breakfast: Incorporate sensory-rich snacks into breakfast- granola, crunchy cereal, smoothies through a straw, or fruit are great options. The crunchier, the better!

3. Fidgets in the Classroom: Fidgets that aren’t distracting to others and can be used mindlessly can improve focus and attention. Consider velcro strips, sensory stickers, or fidget rings for a subtle yet effective tool.

4. Outdoor Time After School: After a day in the classroom, outdoor activities like riding bikes, climbing trees, playing in the sandbox, or kicking a soccer ball are great for resetting the vestibular system. Even simple activities like blowing bubbles can make a difference.

5. Bedtime Yoga: Calm your child’s nervous system before sleep with bedtime yoga. Focus on slow, controlled movements to provide calming proprioceptive input and prepare for a restful night.

Update on Fall Enrichment Classes

After-school Enrichment Classes will start again this October! We've got several classes confirmed already, and are looking to add more! If you or someone you know has a hobby or skill they'd like to share, email Hr. Mangan for more information. We are especially looking for parents or community members who can lead groups on the following topics: Chess, Yoga, Arts & Crafts, and Coding.

We have three enrichment classes and more coming soon; currently, we are expecting to be able to hold LEGO Club, Woodworking, and Fantasy Role Playing. Enrichment classes will run one afternoon (3:30-4:30) each week from October 21st to December 20th. 

Registration will begin September 10th and run through September 30th. Expect more information about how to register in this space!

PTO Fun!!

September 21 at 5pm: Mini meeting with a FREE PIZZA PARTY and BINGO at the TCGIS cafeteria at 5pm. Bring your whole family. We will bring the dinner and the fun! 

October 6th at 2pm: PAINT AND SIP party at TCGIS! This fundraiser supports our teachers and staff at TCGIS. Eat cookies, sip hot chocolate and paint along as we put together a ghostly Halloween painting that you can take home with you. 2nd grade or higher.

October 27th at 1:30pm: Sign up here to host a table at our Halloween party at TCGIS. Host Families bring a folding table and decorate it with all their cool Halloween gear, dress up in costumes and dole out candy to the whole TCGIS community in our cafeteria. Prepare to bring candy for 300-400 and enjoy the most fun indoor Trunk or Treat in town!

Watch for our auction donation link soon. Our epic fall auction is coming in October. Our auction helps us to raise money to pay for our staff appreciation initiatives at TCGIS, like coffee in the teacher’s lounge. Donations in the past have included food gift baskets, hand baked treats, hosted sledding parties and dinners, homemade art and woodworking projects, wine tastings and dinner gatherings, gift cards and knitted scarves. 

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!

Seeking Lunch/Breakfast Volunteer

Do you know someone looking for something to do in the mornings? Maybe a TCGIS grandparent or family member!

We are seeking 1-2 breakfast volunteers. This volunteer would help check in students when they arrive at school and pick up their breakfast. Time commitment: 20-25 min (7:50-8:15am). Flexible schedule. 

Want to spend a few hours a week hanging out with students during their lunch time? We are seeking 2-3 lunchroom volunteers who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment to help with general Lunchroom duties (assist younger students during lunch, end of session clean up), and minor kitchen support. Time commitment: 2 hours/daily (11am~1pm). Flexible schedule. 

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Alex Weeding, TCGIS Food Service Coordinator.

TCGIS Communications Committee

Do you have a knack for communications and marketing? We’re seeking talented individuals to join the Communications Committee! Help us enhance our outreach efforts and support exciting school events. Your skills can make a real impact on how we connect with our community and celebrate our achievements. Interested in contributing your time and talents? Contact Communications and Outreach Manager, Paige Yurczyk, for more information.

Represent TCGIS at the GAI Oktoberfest

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.

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.

Board Meeting Tonight

The TCGIS Board of Directors will be holding its first meeting of the ‘24/’25 school year tonight in Room 100 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Attending or streaming TCGIS Board meetings is a wonderful way to stay informed and connected to what is happening at our school. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in these public meetings. 

Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings

TCGIS Board Meeting – Thursday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.; Room 100, Zoom

Committee of the Whole – Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m.; Room 100

Governance Meeting – Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at 4:30 on Google Meets

Forest Therapy Group for Children and Youth experiencing ADHD symptoms (Ages 8-12)

The Forest Therapy Group for children and youth with ADHD is offering a unique and effective approach to improving attention, behavior, and social skills in children aged 8-12.

Over the course of six to eight weeks, children will participate in structured outdoor activities designed to harness the calming and stimulating effects of nature. Through physical exercises, mindfulness practices, cooperative games, and creative projects, our program aims to support children in managing ADHD symptoms while fostering social connections and emotional well-being.

Start: Tuesday September 24th, 2024

Time: 3:30-5.30pm

Location: Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom  

Cost: (Early bird until September 15th $280, regular $350) Sign up here

Click here to learn more.

Liederkranz Youth Choir at TCGIS with Herbert!

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.

Free Upright Piano for You!

TCGIS has an upright piano for you! Free of charge! It’s in good condition – only needs tuning – will be done by Herbert. You will need to pick up from school classroom. Call Herbert from Vienna Community Arts or email for more info !

German Heritage Night at the Minnesota Twins

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!

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!

Aug 29 - TCGIS Board Meeting

Aug 30 - NO SCHOOL

Sep 2 - NO SCHOOL



TCGIS Google Calendar