Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft / Dear TCGIS Community,
As we continue to embrace the vibrant and diverse community at the Twin Cities German Immersion School, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our core values: intercultural engagement, curiosity, challenge and support, kindness, and community.
Please know that our school stands firmly committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all our students and families. We believe that diversity enriches our learning experiences and strengthens our community. Our values guide us in fostering a culture where every child feels welcomed, respected, and valued, regardless of their background or identity.
Intercultural engagement is at the heart of what we do. We encourage our students to explore different perspectives and learn from one another, fostering a deep respect for diverse cultures and experiences, not just the targeted culture of our mission statement, but those represented in our building and larger community. We welcome staff from different cultures and backgrounds to add to our school’s community.
Curiosity and critical thinking are essential elements of our educational philosophy. We believe in nurturing the inquisitive minds of our students, encouraging them to ask questions and seek knowledge. We will remain committed to challenging them academically while providing the support and critical thinking skills they need to succeed and stay aware in an ever-changing world.
Kindness is a cornerstone of our community. We actively teach and model kindness, reminding our students that their words and actions can make a significant impact. In these times of uncertainty for some, we encourage everyone to practice kindness, offering support to those who may be feeling vulnerable.
Lastly, our sense of community is our greatest strength. We are here for one another, and we will continue to work collaboratively to support each other. Our community is a place where all students, faculty and families are treated with respect and care. Gemeinsam sind wir stark. Together we are strong.
We are continuing to monitor the dynamic political climate in the US and seeking to understand the implications of any changes on our school or students. As of right now, no laws have been changed and we remain with the same school-board approved policies and strategic plan that has made equity work a priority. We are staying abreast of the changes that the new administration is making, especially changes directly affecting public schools and our students. We have debriefed our front office team about our protocols and what is required of anyone to enter our school. We do not share student data without your permission and do not keep citizenship in our Student Information Systems online.
We are committed to maintaining the values that make our school a nurturing and enriching place for every child. Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Elizabeth Zehnpfennig, Executive Director
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