Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft / Dear TCGIS Community, 

I hope this message finds you all well and excitedly getting ready for the first days of school. We have been busy at the Twin Cities German Immersion School the last 11 weeks. We hosted Kinderklub and various summer camps with kids running, building and playing on our new playground daily.

Our administration team welcomed a new member this month. Katie Gogo joins the group as our new Assistant Director of Special Education. She’ll be onboarded over the next few weeks with the support of SpEd Director Tammy Stahl and Teacher Coordinator Kim Michlin. Welcome, Frau Gogo!

Our small summer team spent the summer going over new legislature, bringing our policies up to compliance and planning for a successful school year. I am putting the finishing touches on TCGIS’ new strategic plan and it will be delivered to the School Board at the end of this month. 

It can get pretty lonely in the building in July, so I am excited to welcome our new teachers next Monday and our full staff the following week. It all leads up to the big day! August 25th is our first day for grades 1-8, and our kindergarteners join us on Wednesday, August 27th.  

I know the most exciting thing about August is finding out schedules and teacher assignments. Just a reminder that we don’t release those until the day of Back to School night. Look for those on Infinite Campus on August 21st! 

Looking forward to see you all soon!

Elizabeth Zehnpfennig, Principal

Front Office Summer Hours

If you need the front office staff at all for the rest of summer break we will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Monday through Thursday. We are CLOSED on August 21 and 22 for All Staff Training. If you have a question or concern you can reach us at info@tcgis.org.

School Supply Lists

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 (additional information about the timing of the event will be sent later).

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.

Back to School Night - August 21

Back to School Night is on Thursday, August 21 (additional information about the timing of the event will be sent later). This is when you can bring school supplies, chat with administrators and staff, and explore around the building.

August/September '25 Lunch/Breakfast/Milk Order Window: Closes this Sunday, August 17th at 10:00 p.m.

Remember to place your orders for August/September 2025! 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 17th. 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.

Health Office: Medication for 2025-26 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:

• Review the Medication information on page 22 of the Family Handbook and Policy 516 - Student 
• 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.
• Medication drop off including completed paperwork:
• Back to School night, Thursday, August 21st from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
• 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.
• 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.

Forms you may find helpful

- Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan

- Asthma Action plan by the CDC 

TCGIS Alumni Picnic - August 12

The TCGIS Alumni Picnic is almost here on Aug. 12, 2025 from 5-7 pm!

Please remember to RSVP and click here to sign up to bring something to the potluck! Consider bringing a dish or dessert to share as well as your own reusable utensils and dinnerware; tables and chairs will be provided.

Save the Date - TCGIS 20th Anniversary Party

The biggest celebration in TCGIS history is coming soon! Save the date: September 20, 2025, 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.

Herzblut Preis Recipients

Congratulations to TCGIS volunteers Candace Davis and Richard Heid, who were named as co-recipients of TCGIS's 2025 Herzblut Preis--The Heart and Soul Award--which recognizes outstanding volunteers in our community. Both Candace and Richard have been long-time volunteer leaders on the TCGIS PTO and TCGIS Board of Directors, respectively, and have made a lasting difference to our community by sharing their time and talents. Read an excerpt from each of their nominations here. The Board would also like to recognize Courtney Beran, Lindsay Biller, Nick Gardner, Tabea Kuhl and Tina Rischner who also received nominations for this year’s award for their many contributions to our school community. Congratulations to all! 

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

Help us welcome our new families at our New Family Playdate TOMORROW, August 8th, from 10 AM-12 PM at Como Playground. All are welcome to attend this event. Bring a friend or bring a neighbor!

Join the fun! Join the PTO!

The PTO is a low commitment volunteer opportunity and always a lot of fun. We have space on Staff Appreciation, Fundraising, Communications, and Finance. Email us with questions. 

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 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!

Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings

• Committee of the Whole on Aug 14
• Board Meeting on Aug 28

GAI Oktoberfest

• 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.

August 8 - New Family Playdate at Como Playground

August 12 - TCGIS Alumni Picnic

August 21 - Back to School Night

August 25 - First Day of School for Grades 1-8

August 27 - First Day of School for Kindergarten



TCGIS Google Calendar