ISSUE 485 / February 3, 2022 |
|
Greetings from the Executive Director |
|
Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft! Dear TCGIS community,
|
|
TCGIS students and staff are pleased to join in celebrating Black History Month. Opportunities abound for our students to learn about the experiences and contributions of Black thinkers, writers, and activists, including children. For example, our first graders are learning about first grader Ruby Bridges, the first child to desegregate an all-white U.S. school. In Drama, 4th graders are learning Black spirituals in their historical context. Middle schoolers are studying the words of Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King and expressed, in a colorful hallway display, their own dreams for the world they hope to grow into. In an exciting and ambitious forthcoming project, 8th graders will be reading works by Black authors to the entire elementary school, in small groups. And our library provides both an aurally and visually immersive space for students to learn about Black authors and characters. |
|
May these in-school opportunities open doors to at-home conversations about what your students are learning, the hopes they have, and how they feel seen, heard, and represented. Thank you for supporting your children in being part of TCGIS’s commitment, as affirmed in our Statement of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging, to “strengthen our community with the unique perspectives and ideas of all individuals [to] create a vibrant intersection of cultures and diversity in which all are valued and feel they belong.”
Herzlich
Kirsten Christensen
|
|
Important Calendar Change |
|
No school on Monday, March 14 |
At the January 27 board meeting, the administration requested and the board unanimously approved a compensation day for all staff on Monday, March 14, in recognition of the extraordinary challenges of this year. School will not be in session this day. Executive Director Christensen’s request and the board’s discussion and vote are available here in the video recording of the board meeting, available here, beginning at 1:02:39. |
|
Kinderclub available that day |
Kinderclub will be open on Monday, March 14, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including at reduced or no cost to families who need it. Information on registration will be available in next week’s Rundbrief.
|
|
Incident Response Team (IRT) |
|
The IRT tracks COVID cases in this dashboard which will be shared weekly. |
|
Insurance Info: In-School Testing |
We've heard from some families about their insurance company contacting them regarding in-school Covid-19 testing with Zepto Life Technology. No matter what your insurance sends you (explanation of benefits, etc.) please be reassured that Zepto WILL NOT bill you directly for testing. Zepto does bill insurance companies who are required by law to pay for testing.
If you've received checks from your insurance company to pay for testing, please contact Dani Nicholson for additional information. |
|
Reminder: Please keep your students home if they are not feeling well |
As we return to school after winter break, please remember to keep your students home if they are not feeling well. Not only are we seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases but we are also seeing an increase in other illnesses. We can help to keep our community healthy by staying home when we are not well. |
|
Talk to your students about properly wearing their masks |
Please remind your students of the importance of wearing their masks above their nose all day long. Please send your students to school with well fitting face masks and extras. Many students choose to switch their masks after recess and lunch, send at least two masks a day whenever possible.
|
|
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
|
|
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!
|
|
Health Office Reminder: Medications need to be stored and locked in the Health Office |
In order to keep all of our students safe in our K-8 school, all medication including over-the-counter medicine is stored and locked in the Health Office.
If your child will need medication during the school day, please be sure to:
-
Review the Medication information on page 22 of the 2021/22 Family Handbook and Policy 516 - Student.
-
In order to administer medication to a student during the school day, we require the 2021/22 Medication Authorization Form is signed by a parent/guardian and in case of prescription medication or off-label use also by the health care provider.
- All medication must be in its original package with a valid expiration date and labeled with the student's name.
- Drop off medication. Our Health Office Associate, Monika Avery, will be available to receive your child(ren)'s medication together with the completed 2021/22 Medication Authorization Form during school hours.
|
|
Middle School Library News: Black History Month Workshop |
In celebration of Black History Month, 5-8th grade students are invited to participate in a mini workshop in the library on February 14 during recess time. We will look at the art work of illustrator Oge Mora, specifically her book Thank you, Omu!. We will then make our own thank you card or valentine for a friend/loved one, based off of her artistic style. Spots are limited to eight students per recess time! More info and a sign-up sheet will be in next week's Rundbrief. |
|
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
Next week's Kaffeklatsch on Friday, February 11 will be held outside, weather permitting. Please make sure to check here next week for the official decision.
|
|
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. |
|
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! |
|
Summer Camp 2022: Registration now open! |
Registration for Summer Camps opened on February 1st. If you don't have a Popsicle account you can create one here. Please contact Michaela Bromenschenkel if you receive Free/Reduced lunches for your discount code. You can find the weekly schedule and camp descriptions here.
|
|
Winter screening is right around the corner! |
Universal screening for all students began on Monday, January 31st and will continue until Friday, February 18th. 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. 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. |
|
High School Panel for 8th Grade Families |
Save the date! We will have a High School panel of TCGIS alumni on February 24th at 7pm on Zoom. There will be 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. Students and parents will receive a survey to capture questions ahead of this date.
Meeting ID: 813 8122 1423
Passcode: 388462
|
|
Early release Fridays: enrichment classes moved to 1pm |
With the recent schedule change, Fantasy Role Playing and Space Searching WILL still be happening on the Early Release Fridays (1/28, 2/4, and 2/11). We will be changing the time to accommodate the early release schedule, so Friday Enrichment Classes will be from 1 pm to 2 pm on Early Release days.
This means that you should delegate your child to ""After School Enrichment Class"" in PikMyKid, as usual, and 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. |
|
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.
|
|
School Tours for Prospective Families in Jan./Feb. |
Do you have friends and neighbors who are curious about TCGIS? Encourage them to sign up for a school tour in January or February! We are accepting applications for all grades for 2022/23; the application deadline for our lottery is Feb. 16.
Personal recommendations from TCGIS families are our strongest recruitment tool. Thank you for sharing what you love about TCGIS with friends and neighbors!
|
|
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.
Coaching duties and requirements:
- coach two practices per week after school (Wednesdays & Fridays from 3:30 - 5 PM) at Como Park.
- bring equipment to and from practices
- communicate updates weekly via email with students and parents/guardians
- have knowledge of and/or experience with ultimate frisbee
- attend an end-of-season party and award ceremony at TCGIS
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. |
|
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.
The season starts at the end of March and runs through early June.
Practices are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with several meets throughout the season.
Coaching duties and requirements:
- coach 2 of 3 practices per week after school (3:30 - 5 PM)
- coach at the meets
- drive self to and from meets at different Twin Cities locations (or carpool with other coaches)
- have knowledge of and/or experience with the rules of track-and-field (preferably jumping, sprinting and/or hurdling)
- attend an end-of-season party and award ceremony at TCGIS
Previous experience in coaching is preferred but not required. If you are interested, please contact Herr Tabisz by FRIDAY, February 4, to set up a time to talk further. Coaching job preference will be given to the most qualified individual. |
|
Register for TCGIS Spring Sports! |
Registration for TCGIS Spring Sports will be open on Popsicle from February 1 until February 15. All middle schoolers are welcome to sign up. TCGIS athletic calendars are designed so that students may participate in more than one sport per season.
Interscholastic Sports:
Intramural Sports:
Payment required at time of registration per sport per athlete: $150*
*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.
|
|
Summer Track and Field Registration opens February 1st |
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.
|
|
School Board Announcements |
|
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. |
|
Campus Planning Subcommittee: Volunteer opportunity |
|
Would you love to see TCGIS campus improvements such as new playground features, more durable playground surface, air conditioning and new roof for the original classroom building, updated student restrooms, and new pipes? What about solar panels? From visible and exciting to essential and routine, these projects and so much more are on our radar, and we need to create a thoughtful plan. Help us determine opportunities, priorities, affordability, budget, and timeline. From short term to long term, this group will recommend a campus improvement plan to the board. We’ll meet every 1-2 months by Zoom at a time that works for our volunteers. Add your name to this list if you’re interested, and we’ll contact you!
|
|
Modern Families Affinity Group: Volunteer Opportunity |
|
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. |
|
The School Board is publicly recognizing and celebrating TCGIS colleagues with milestone years of service at the February 24 board meeting. To celebrate the contributions and dedication of TCGIS educators and staff, the Board will present awards to commemorate milestones of 3, 5, and 10 years of service!
All honorees, all staff, parents and students are invited to attend the beginning of the Board meeting for this recognition of TCGIS colleagues.
We also invite you to congratulate the honorees with a personal written message and pictures on this form by February 17. All well wishes from colleagues and families will be shared with honorees at the February 24 Board meeting. Please feel free to sign one, several, or all! And please sign your name at the end of your comments. Thank you for helping us celebrate these incredible milestones! |
|
BIPOC family affinity group upcoming events |
|
We have several upcoming BIPOC family affinity group events scheduled, including an outdoor meet-up at the Vulcan Snowpark snow sculptures and maze, a private showing of the movie Hidden Figures at Grandview cinema, and a circle group discussion with Amazeworks facilitators. Read more about the details and RSVP here. We will monitor the public health situation and reschedule indoor events as necessary.
|
|
Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings |
|
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;
|
|
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. |
|
Samstagsschule at the GAI
|
Online classes begin 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! |
|
Kinoabend at Trylon Cinema
|
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.
|
|
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. |
|
February 4: Early Release Day
February 7: Prospective Student School Tour
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
