ISSUE 489 / March 3, 2022 |
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Greetings from the Executive Director |
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Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft! Dear TCGIS community,
We have received several inquiries about changes TCGIS may be considering in light of recent changes to CDC masking guidelines. Please look for a separate communication on this matter tomorrow.
For this week I am delighted to highlight some impressive literary accomplishments among our students. On February 17 we held a ceremony to honor winners from last year's nationwide creative competition hosted by the Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA), the arm of the German foreign office that supports German-language schools outside of Germany.
The theme of the 2021 competition was "Guten Tag -- Hallo Deutschland," and students could choose to write poems, short texts, audio plays, or produce a video on the theme. Of the nine national winners in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, four were from TCGIS—an astonishing 44%! A TCGIS alumna also won 4th place!
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The TCGIS winners were:
Sofia Rice, 1st place
Anno Will-Anders & Neave Hennessy, 2nd place
Siri Strom, 3rd place
Jordan Krumrie, 4th place
You can find links to recordings of the current students reading their poems here.
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Herzlichen Glückwunsch / Congratulations to all of our winners, and thanks to Herr Eberhard, Frau Root-Joswig, and Frau Müller for supporting them!
Herzlich
Kirsten
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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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IRT Update for March 3, 2022 |
Last Friday afternoon, the CDC announced a new tool, COVID-19 Community Levels, to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Ramsey County is currently categorized as low community level.
In anticipation of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) updating their guidelines for schools to correspond with the new CDC guidelines, the TCGIS IRT drafted a new policy for masking. Implementation of the new policy would not occur until MDH guidelines are updated and TCGIS community feedback has been received and evaluated. An email summarizing the policy and asking for community feedback will be sent tomorrow afternoon, March 4th.
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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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Parent Conferences are Next Week! |
Thursday, March 10th, 4-7:30pm
Friday, March 11th, 8:10am-3:30pm
Here is the ZOOM Directory for your student/s conferences. Please click on the Zoom Link at your designated conference time.
Tips & Best Practices for Online Conferencing:
- Make sure the device you are planning to use for conferences is plugged in and/or charged.
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Change your Zoom Name: Label yourself "Parent of (insert student names)" so that teachers will know who you belong with when you join your conferences.
- Minimize interference by keeping your phone or other computer devices away from the area where you are conferencing.
- Teachers are on a tight schedule for conferences. Please do your best to join your conference on time and to stick to your scheduled time frame.
- Find a quiet place so that background noise is not disruptive to your conference.
The Conference Sign-up period has ended. If you missed Conference Sign-ups, please reach out to your student(s) teacher(s) to find a time that will work for both of you. They are happy to set something up.
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The TCGIS Lesemarathon starts on Monday!
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From March 7-20th, both elementary and middle school students will track the minutes they read in any language, and submit them to this Google form by March 20th. Prizes will be awarded to the top three readers of both elementary and middle school. Tracking sheets are being sent home with students.
New this year: Frau Christensen is challenging our K-8th graders to collectively read 150,000 minutes. Watch the video above to find out what happens if we meet her challenge!
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The MCAs (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) are administered state-wide each spring in grades 3-12. Assessments begin in March and go through the beginning of May. You can learn more about MCAs by reading this information from the Minnesota Department of Education.
We will start in March with Reading MCAs
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Grades 5-8th: Early Release Wednesday, March 16th
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Grade 3: March 28th, 29th
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Grade 4: March 30th, 31st
On the day students take their MCAs, they should bring:
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Their fully charged school Chromebook (7th- & 8th-graders)
- A snack and water bottle
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Comfortable headphones (bluetooth headphones are not permitted for this exam)
- 1-2 sharpened pencils
- A book or drawing/coloring materials in case they finish early (note that it must be a paper book, not a Kindle or other electronic device)
The data we glean from the MCAs is helpful in informing instructional and curricular decisions. Parents and guardians have the right to refuse participation in MCA testing by filling out this form, which can be submitted in hard copy in the office or by email to eneu@tcgis.org . Please submit this form at least 3 days before your child(ren)’s first assessment so we have time to process it.
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Re-Enrollment Survey for All Current TCGIS Families |
Help us prepare for the 2022-2023 school year by completing our re-enrollment survey! Please click here to fill out the survey by March 25th. If you have more than one student at TCGIS, please submit one form for every child in your family who is currently in grades K-7.
Filling out this form is not required in order to attend TCGIS next year but it is extremely helpful for the school. We gather information about returning and withdrawing students to plan our class compositions for the next year. We appreciate your participation; thank you in advance!
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Arrival & Dismissal: Vielen Dank andweiter so!
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Vielen Dank for following the newest guidlines and not stopping, idling, or parking on Como Ave as requested. It is much safer for pedestrians crossing Como Ave, and the traffic flows much more efficiently for families arriving and departing. Let's keep it up! Weiter so!
Tip: Jessamine and W. Como Blvd are just a block away and drivers can avoid busy Como and Van Slyke. These are great locations for middle schoolers to be dropped off or come find you in your car!
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Charter School Advocacy Day is March 9 |
TCGIS will join other charter school leaders for MN Charter School Advocacy on March 9, meeting with MN legislators to tell why TCGIS and other MN charter schools are an important part of public education in MN.
We want to share your voice with the legislators; TCGIS families are the most effective advocates for our school. Our state legislators need to hear from MN families that charter schools are important to them and merit funding on par with traditional public schools (charter schools currently receive about 30% less). Please draft a note about what TCGIS means to your family; TCGIS representatives will share these with legislators during Charter School Advocacy Day. (Reminder: Legislators LOVE notes from students!)
A few thought starters:
- What drew you to TCGIS?
- How has TCGIS uniquely served your student?
- Why would you recommend TCGIS to other students?
Send your notes to board@tcgis.org by EOD Tuesday, March 8. Thank you for your support of TCGIS at the MN State Capitol! |
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Family Support Night: March 9, 7:00 pm. |
Join our TCGIS Parent Council for Family Support Night Wed., March 9, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom (link in the QR code).
We are excited to welcome Dr. Kathlene Campbell, Ph. D. and Dean of the School of Education at the University of Saint Thomas, as she presents:
The State of Education: Our Current Realities and Opportunities for the Future
Dr. Campbell will discuss COVID-19 and its impact on our children, what we've learned, and where the field of edcuation. maybe headed. All are welcome.
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TCGIS & GACC Fundraiser at Yoerg Brewing Company |
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 20 from 2-5 pm! Join us for a joint fundraising event hosted by TCGIS and German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) at Yoerg Brewing Company to benefit the TCGIS 8th grade class trip. Come for great food & beer and socialize 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. Watch your email this weekend for more details! |
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PTO News: Save the Date for Maskenball!
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For the safety and consideration of our community, Maskenball is moving to April 30th.
It will be a fantastic evening out with food and drink, as well as both a silent and art (created by YOUR KIDS!) auction. It's a blast and we are super excited to bring it back this year.
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Watch SC Paderborn play Minnesota United with your TCGIS friends! |
Minnesota United will host TCGIS on June 11 as they take on Germany’s 2nd division team SC Paderborn. Tickets went fast the last outing for MNUFC versus Hertha BSC Berlin. We held seats for the group this year but we expect our allotment to go quickly. We’re excited to organize this again for our community!
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What: Minnesota United FC versus SC Paderborn
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When: Saturday June 11th at 7pm
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Where: Allianz Field, St. Paul
Tickets average $35 (depending on section). Click here to purchase your discounted tickets. |
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Carpooling Map Opt-in Form is Open |
There are now 60 families who have opted in to using this Google form to participate in the 2022 Carpooling Map.
Interested in exploring carpooling to / from school? Fill out this Google form. We will share the link to the unlisted Google map with those who have opted in (through the form).
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Sign up to lead an Enrichment Class! |
It's time to plan for the next session of Enrichment Classes! The Spring session starts Monday, April 11th and ends June 10th. We are looking for instructors who are interested in leading an activity.
Enrichment classes meet once a week for an hour after school (3:30-4:30). Classes can be anything from arts and crafts, playing a sport, dancing, etc. The possibilities are endless! If you would like to lead an Enrichment Class, please fill out this form and submit it no later than March 6th.
Please note that filling out this form is a commitment to lead your class on the day it is scheduled, based on the availability you provide. If you have any questions, reach out to nkaplan@tcgis.org. |
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Girl Scout Troop #57317, made up of 50 TCGIS students, is selling Girl Scout cookies through March 13. We are not able to have our traditional cookie booth at school, so if you would like to support our Scouts, please send your name, contact information, and which cookies you want to 57317cookies@gmail.com. We will have a Scout deliver them to you. Cookies sales help fund the activities we have had at meetings since we began our troop seven years ago, and also fund things like visits to a Minnesota Roller Girls derby, outdoor skills education at Camp Elk River, a cooking class at Way Cool Cooking School, and snowshoeing at Tamarack Nature Preserve. We also serve our school community with activities like cleaning up the playground and neighborhood a few times a year and helping stock sanitary supplies in the girls' restrooms. Thank you! |
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Rescheduled: TCGIS Day at Trollhaugen |
What: The annual family ski event has been reschedule for Monday, March 14th. Registration is open until Wednesday, March 9th. Meet at the ski resort between 9:30 and 10 AM 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: Monday, March 14th 9:30-3:00
Where: Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area - 2232 100th Ave, Dresser, WI 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 3/9/2022 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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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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Order your Immer Sports Gear on Boonli!
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We have TCGIS Sports gear for our teams and families!
The sweatshirts and water bottles are now in production and will take a few weeks to arrive. Sweatshirt orders made before February 28 are guaranteed correct sizes. The beanies, masks and buff are already at TCGIS and will be handed out soon after ordering. Order all of your TCGIS sports gear on Boonli!
For those families who qualified for free/reduced lunch benefits for school year 2021-2022, there is an automatic discount in Boonli.
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School Board Announcements |
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School Board Meeting Recap |
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The TCGIS School Board met on February 25. The Board recognized & celebrated TCGIS staff who have served the school for 3, 5, and 10 years! The Board approved the SY2223 academic calendar. The recording of the meeting can be viewed here and the packet can be found here.
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Members of the TCGIS Board of Directors with Frau Krug who was recognized for 10 years of service! Pictured from left to right: Directors Heid, Moeller, Albers, Root-Joswig, Alkatout, Frau Krug, Directors Iwen, Linnell, Eberhard, Kruizenga. |
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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.
Communication & Outreach Cmte: Wed., Mar. 9, 8:30 AM; Agenda
Governance & Leadership Dev. Cmte: Mon., Mar. 14, 4:30 PM; Agenda
Diversity & Belonging Cmte: Tue., Mar. 15, 3:45 PM; Agenda
Cmte of the Whole: Wed., Mar. 23, 6:30 PM; Agenda
March Board Meeting: Thurs., Mar. 31, 6:30 PM
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Kinderstube German Immersion Preschool is enrolling for fall! |
Through daily play, music education, art and science exploration, as well as outdoor play time, Kinderstube students are exposed to all the concepts of early childhood education—while learning German! No language experience from the child or family is needed. Locations in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Learn more about 2022–2023 enrollment. |
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Swiss Teen Night: Heidi Reloaded |
Saturday, March 12 | 4-8 pm
Switzerland is famous for towering Alps, Swiss cheese, milk chocolate, and the classic story, Heidi. Teens will learn about Swiss culture as they prep and eat cheese fondue and a Swiss dessert, watch a Swiss movie in German and learn some phrases in Schwiizerdütsch (Swiss German).
The event will be in German and an intermediate to advanced language level is recommended. The registration fee is $45 for the four-hour event. Fondue dinner, drinks, dessert, and snacks are included. For ages 13 to 17. Register here. |
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Make Knödel with Helga Parnell
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Online Cooking Class
Saturday, March 19, 2022 | 1–2 PM
GAI cooking and baking expert, Helga Parnell, will demonstrate how to make Böhmische and Bayerische Knödel. You can follow along from your own kitchen and ask questions by chat as Helga shows the step-by-step process. Participants will receive the recipes before the beginning of the class. $5. Buy tickets here. |
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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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March 7-20: TCGIS Lesemarathon (read-a-thon)
March 10 & 11: Spring conferences
March 11 & 14: No School
March 14: TCGIS Ski Day at Trollhaugen
March 16: Early Release Day
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