ISSUE 486 / February 10, 2022 |
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Greetings from the Executive Director |
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Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft! Dear TCGIS community,
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On Monday, in celebration of Black History Month, middle schoolers will have the opportunity to make thank you notes in the collage style of African American artist and illustrator Oge Mora from her beautiful 2018 book Thank you, Omu!, winner of the Caldecott Honor and multiple other awards. Mora’s book focuses on generosity and gratitude, a wonderful lens through which to consider Black History.
Educational Assistant Chyna Davis has also produced an expansive, colorful display of current and historical Black Americans and their contributions. Designed in the style of the periodic table, students and staff can see at a glance the collective impact of these many individuals, and can step closer to explore details.
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Finally, I am happy to highlight a local opportunity to learn more about the earliest Black settlers to our region at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. Details can be found here.
Herzlich
Kirsten Christensen
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Incident Response Team (IRT) |
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The IRT tracks COVID cases in this dashboard which will be shared weekly. |
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The Incidence Response Team (IRT) met this week to review data related to Covid-19 infections at TCGIS. With the recent evidence of in-school transmission, there has also been a significant increase in students who tested positive (within and outside of at-school testing) during the recent Omicron surge. Over the past seven weeks (since the beginning of Winter Break), 23% of our student body tested positive for Covid-19. For context, in the first 16 weeks of school between August 30th and December 17, 2021, only 12% of our student body tested positive. We ask for your partnership in monitoring your child for symptoms and keeping them home if they are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 including sore throat, new onset cough, runny nose, etc..
With TCGIS’s recent increased positivity combined with current high community transmission rates of Covid-19, we will continue to require masks within the building and on the playground. We empathize with the desire to “un-mask” and still TCGIS will continue to follow the advice of MDH and CDC, including outdoors when physical distancing is not possible or difficult for our students. Currently, Ramsey and Hennepin county’s transmission remains “High” for which the CDC recommends ”Everyone in Ramsey County, Minnesota should wear a mask in public, indoor settings.” The IRT will follow any guidance from MDH and the CDC for slowly reducing mitigations, including masking, as Covid-19 positivity rates and transmission decreases.
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COVID-19 Updates Available on IRT Webpage |
In order to shorten the Rundbrief, we will prioritize new items for this newsletter and link to our Incident Response Team Updates webpage so you can reference past updates more efficiently:
- Updated Quarantine Procedures
- Updated MDH Decision Tree
- Weekly COVID-Testing at TCGIS
- Keep Sick Kids Home this School Year
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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!
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Please keep symptomatic students at home |
On Tuesday afternoon (February 8th), for the first time, the IRT closed an entire class after approximately ⅓ of the class tested positive within a four-day span. In addition, the school has received an increase in reports of multiple family members becoming symptomatic and/or testing positive after one of their household members tested positive for Covid-19.
We ask you to monitor your students for fever, sore throat, nausea, etc. and keep your kids home whenever they are not well. For more information on symptoms and decision making, visit the MDH Decision Tree (symptoms located just below the title).
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Call for Nominations & Applications for the School Board |
By serving on the School Board, YOU can help our school, strengthen connections within our community, and make important decisions that affect the future. The work of the Board ensures that TCGIS provides a meaningful education and experience for all students. The Board represents the entire TCGIS community, and individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQ, and families with neuro-diversity are especially encouraged to apply.
This year, the community will elect four parent board members to each serve a three year term. We seek any interested persons, especially those with experience in financial compliance, education, board governance, legal matters, management and leadership, and marketing and development.
If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate someone to serve, all details and forms are available on this document. You do not need to be nominated to apply.
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Full Day Kinderclub March 14th |
A reminder that there is no school on Monday, March 14th. Due to the addition of a Full Day Kinderclub on this day and the financial strain some families may currently be experiencing due to Covid, we have decided to give the option of getting the full day refunded. Please email mbromenschenkel@tcgis.org if you need a refund for March 14th or have any questions.You can register/book for Kinderclub HERE.
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Kinderclub is looking for additional staff to hire, mainly for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00pm-6:00pm. German knowledge is preferred, but not needed!
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Support the Middle School class trip & the GACC! |
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 20 from 2-5 pm! Join us for a joint TCGIS and German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) fundraising event at Yoerg Brewing Company to benefit the TCGIS 8th grade class trip. Come for great food, beer and socializing with fellow TCGIS families and members of the GACC. Special thanks to Yoerg’s—named for the Bavarian immigrant who established the first commercial brewery in the state of Minnesota—for supporting this effort! More details to come. |
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High School Panel: Submit your Questions! |
Please add any questions to this form that you may have for our TCGIS alums on our High School Panel Night on Thursday, February 24th at 7pm.
A High School panel of TCGIS alumni will be presenting with representation from Central in St. Paul, St. Louis Park and Edison in Minneapolis. The panel will provide insight into the transition from TCGIS to high school, as well as inform families about a few of the high schools that our students plan to attend next fall. Parents and students are invited.
Meeting ID: 813 8122 1423
Passcode: 388462
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Group Tickets Survey: MN United vs SC Paderborn |
German soccer club, SC Paderborn 07, will play Minnesota United at Allianz Field in St. Paul on June 11. Depending on the level of interest within our community, TCGIS may reserve group tickets (seated together in one section) for TCGIS families. If your family would be interested in purchasing tickets ($32-$37 each) for this game, please take this 2-question survey ASAP to assist our planning. Vielen Dank!
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We will be playing Virtual Bingo on Saturday, February 26th 10am-1130am for our Game Day. There will be prizes! Link coming soon.
CANCELLED - February 10th PTO meeting.
The February 11th Kaffeeklatsch will be postponed to Friday, March 18th.
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Summer Camp 2022 Registration now open |
Summer Camp Registration is now open! You can find all information including Summer Camp Lead Bio's, the link to our Summer Camp Handbook, Summer Camp descriptions and more on our TCGIS website. |
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MS Black History Month Workshop: Now Full! |
In celebration of Black History Month, 5-8th grade students are invited to participate in a card-making workshop inspired by author/illustrator Oge Mora. An interest form was sent out to students during their advisory and spots are already filled! A confirmation email will be sent out tomorrow to participating students. |
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German book fair orders are arriving! |
Orders from our winter online German book fair are arriving! Once your full order has arrived, you will be notified via email for information on how to pick up your order. Orders may also be brought home with your student(s). If you have any questions please contact our library coordinator, Frau Zimmerman. |
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You still have time to buy a grad ad for your 8th grader! Our ads sales got extended to February 17th. Create and buy your ad here.
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What: The annual family ski event is back, join us over mid-winter break for a fun day of skiing! Meet at the ski resort around 9:30 to pick up your lift tickets and rentals. The ski hill opens at 10:00. Lessons are included with paid lift tickets, but are only offered in the morning. We will have an area in the lower level of the chalet roped off for our group.
When: Tuesday, February 22nd 9:30-3:00
Where: Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area - 2232 100th Avenue Dresser, Wisconsin 54009
Cost:
- Lift tickets for ages 7+ (lessons included) = $19
- Lift ticket for ages 6 and under (no lesson) = Free
- Beginner group lesson for ages 6 and under = $10
- Youth Equipment Rental = $10
- Adult Equipment Rental = $22
Must register by 2/17/2022 at 8:00 pm in Cheddar Up, be sure to answer the questions for each person you are registering. If you wish to participate but the fees are a barrier, please contact Jacquie who can get you signed up. |
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Solutions for missing mittens or gloves! |
Do your student's gloves or mittens often disappear? Be inspired by easy solutions to keep gloves attached to the coat! Click here to watch how you can use sturdy yarn types, or elastic, buttons, knots, sewing....the possibilities are many! |
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Winter screening has begun! |
Universal screening for all students began on Monday, January 31st and will continue until Friday, February 18th. Students in every grade level will participate in at least one assessment so that we can learn more about their current skills and knowledge. Click here for a brief summary by grade level. This year there is a newly added German reading comprehension assessment (ELFE II). We have added this assessment to better guide decision-making for our middle school students around needed German literacy supports. |
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Early release Fridays: enrichment classes moved to 1pm |
If your student is in either Fantasy Role Playing or Space Searching, please delegate your child to "After School Enrichment Class" in PikMyKid for this Friday, 2/11. Plan to pick up at 2:00 pm in the school lobby (unless your child is going to Kinderclub afterwards). Please contact Natalie Kaplan with any questions. |
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Will you have a NEW student in 2022-2023? |
Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is now open! If you have a NEW student who will attend TCGIS in the 2022-2023 school year, please submit an application for admission online or by sending a paper application. The enrollment window is open until the deadline on February 16, 2021. Siblings of currently-attending TCGIS students receive sibling preference for enrollment; for more information about TCGIS' enrollment process, please visit our enrollment webpage. Please direct any questions to enrollment@tcgis.org. Currently-enrolled students do not need to reapply.
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Ultimate frisbee coach needed |
TCGIS is looking for an ultimate frisbee coach for our Spring intramural team. The season starts in late March and runs through early June. Practices are on Wednesday and Friday from 3:30 - 5PM.
Previous experience in coaching is preferred but not required. If you are interested, please contact Kevin Tocko to set up a time to talk further. |
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Coaches wanted for outdoor track-and-field |
TCGIS is looking for 1-2 assistant coaches for Outdoor Track-and-Field, preferably with experience in jumping, sprinting and/or hurdling. The teams are open to all middle school students. Compensation is $1,000 per season.
Previous experience in coaching is preferred but not required. If you are interested, please contact Herr Tabisz. |
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Register for Summer Track and Field |
Payment required at time of registration per sport per athlete: $100*
*Finances should not be a factor in deciding to participate in TCGIS athletic teams. If finances are a concern, please contact Coach Tabisz BEFORE registering because payment is required at the time of registration.
With questions, please contact Athletic Coordinator Chris Tabisz.
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School Board Announcements |
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Dr. Christensen was interviewed for the GAI podcast "Hier and There" in early January. The board encourages you to listen and hear Dr. Christensen represent TCGIS. In the hour-long interview, they discussed Minnesota Nice, the TCGIS mission, how immersion education works, the future of higher education language programs, educating global citizens, the Vision 2025 strategic plan, financial sustainability, diversity, equity and belonging, the intern program, how TCGIS recruits teachers, and more! Listen here. |
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The proposed 22-23 calendar was reviewed at the last board meeting and will be considered for approval at the Feb 24 board meeting. Calendar changes include a reduction of early release days from 9 to 3, the addition of Yom Kippur, Eid Al-Fitr and the day after Halloween as no-school/professional development days, and no school the week of Thanksgiving with professional development and conferences scheduled that Monday and Tuesday. Please email public comment regarding the calendar to the school board. |
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Modern Families Affinity Group: Volunteer Opportunity |
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The TCGIS Modern Families affinity group is seeking a co-coordinator to help plan upcoming gatherings. We have one parent volunteer and need another co-coordinator. Created as a resource for families with single parents, step-parents and co-parents, the group is intended to provide community-building, information exchange and support through social gatherings and discussion groups. Add your info to this form to join and/or volunteer to be a co-coordinator. |
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Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings |
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The board of directors meets twice a month at the Committee of the Whole and the Regular Board meetings, both public meetings. All are invited to attend school board and board committee meetings. It’s a great way to stay engaged and informed regarding the governance of our public charter school and independent school district. Upcoming meetings and their agendas are listed below. Zoom links are available on the agendas and on the online school calendar.
Governance & Leadership Dev. Cmte: Date: TBD; Agenda
Finance Cmte: Tues., Feb. 15, 6:30 PM; Agenda
Cmte of the Whole: Thur., Feb. 17, 6:30 PM; Agenda
February Board Meeting: Thurs., Feb. 24, 6:30 PM;
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Tuesdays beginning February 8 | 6:30–8 PM
Es war einmal…Once upon a time....
Fairy tales are a part of our growing up. In this course, students will read and listen to all sorts of fairy tales and discuss the variety of typical fairy tale characters and tropes. We will dissect why these stories are so important for children and adults alike and talk about our favorite stories. For level B1 and above. Register here. |
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Samstagsschule at the GAI
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Online classes began February 5 | In-person classes are postponed to February 12
Kids are immersed in the German language while participating in activities such as singing, crafts, games, and physical motion, along with age-appropriate language lessons. We offer beginning to advanced levels for all ages and classes are offered online and in person. There's still time to sign up! |
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Kinoabend at Trylon Cinema
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Thursday, February 17 | 7 PM
Hello Again— Ein Tag Für Immer, a German rom-com from 2020, has been rescheduled to February 17. Billed as Groundhog Day meets My Best Friend's Wedding, Zazie is trying to keep her best friend from childhood, Philipp, from making the biggest mistake of his life. Tickets can be purchased here and are $10 ($5 for members). gaimn.org/kino.
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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. |
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February 11: Early Release Day
February 1-15: Spring Sports & Summer Track & Field Registration
February 24: Annual Service Awards Recognition
February 24: HS Panel for 8th grade families
February 26: PTO Virtual Bingo
March 14: No School
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