Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft / Dear TCGIS Community, 

Our 8th graders landed earlier today and are with their families for the first nights of their family exchange on our Class of 2025 GAPP (German American Partnership Program) exchange. This exchange program has been a joint venture between the American and the German government for more than 50 years. The exchange requires attending 10 days of school. Research shows that short exchanges like this can be as impactful as longer semester programs. Here is an interesting article if you’d like to know more!

Our 6th graders “landed” on Monday at Waldsee, Concordia Language Villages to begin their short immersion program. It’s a fun time to be a Middle School student.  

Unfortunately, we do not have an experience for 7th graders that compares to these two and the reason is really simple: they are not free! We want families to be able to have a financial break between paying for Waldsee and our 8th grade exchange. If you have a younger student and want to start a savings account for these amazing experiences, I recommend it. It’ll be 8th grade before you know it. 

If you would like to follow our exchange, I will be posting to my Director account on Instagram and you can follow me @Frau_Zehnpfennig.

Elizabeth Zehnpfennig, Executive Director

Reminder: No School on Friday, May 23

This is a reminder that there is no school next Friday, May 23 for a PD Day. The front office will also be closed. If you have any questions for the office, feel free to email us at info@tcgis.org and we will get back to you when we return.

All Visitors Must Ring Doorbell - Don’t Hold the Door!

This is a quick reminder that ALL visitors to TCGIS must ring the doorbell and be let in by a front office staff member. Please do not hold the door for others or “piggyback” off of other visitors who are entering or leaving, even if you know the person. This helps us be aware of who is in the building and help everyone get where they need to be. Thank you!

Share Your Insights: Complete the TCGIS Strategic Planning Survey by THIS SUNDAY (May 18)

The TCGIS Board of Directors wants to include as many voices as possible in this spring’s strategic planning process. Please take a moment to complete this quick online survey. Hard copies are available in the front office. 

8th Grade Parents - Graduation is Around the Corner on June 8!!

It's hard to believe that graduation is just a few short weeks away on Jun 8th 1-3:30PM. We are planning a few projects to make the graduation amazing and need your help! Please click here to see what we need from you to make this day special. 

Did you want a graduation yard sign but forgot to buy one? There are 2 left!! They are for sale in the Infinite Campus School Store.

Celebrating TCGIS Volunteers!

Our school community is strengthened by the time and talents of our many volunteers. In 2024, the TCGIS Board established the Herzblut Preis – the Heart and Soul Award – as a way to publicly recognize the efforts of an outstanding volunteer in our community. If you know someone who should be considered for this year’s award, please nominate them here by May 30, 2025. 

The Outreach Team Needs All Hands on Deck!

The TCGIS Outreach Team is looking for MANY additional hands to help represent our table at the GAI Deutsche Tage! There are MANY slots open and we need help! We are looking for parents, community members, staff, or alumni to take a shift at our table. Students are welcome (and encouraged!) to join parents in sitting at our table! Click here to sign up and reach out to Paige Yurczyk with any questions!

Meet the Candidates for the 2025 Board Election!

TCGIS parents Lisa Holter Ankel and Wondi Tesfayesus are running for the TCGIS Board of Directors this spring. They will be running for a 3-year term, beginning in June 2025. Here are their bios for your viewing! Look for more information later this month regarding voting instructions. Thank you, Lisa and Wondi, for your willingness to support our school through board service!

Soccer Coach Wanted for 5/6 Team

We are looking for a coach for the 5th & 6th grade soccer team in fall 2025 (practices on Mondays and games on Wednesdays). Please read through the job description and Athletics Handbook, and email AD Tabisz with your interest and questions.

BIPOC Affinity Group Events

Save the Date(s)

• Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, Camping Weekend
• Friday, June 6, 5-7 pm BIPOC affinity group potluck picnic at the Como Playground and Firepits

The BIPOC Family Affinity Group at TCGIS is a supportive space where students, families, and staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color can come together to build meaningful connections. Our group hosts fun, family-friendly gatherings that celebrate our diverse cultures and experiences, strengthen relationships, and help create a strong sense of belonging within the school community. All are welcome to join in fostering a warm, inclusive environment where every voice is valued.

Parent Council Update May 2025

The TCGIS Parent Council is an all-volunteer, elected organization that facilitates communication between families and TCGIS staff, teachers, and administration. Parents and care-givers can contact your class representative directly, or email us if you have questions or items you would like the Parent Council to address. Here is a link to the contact information and current openings for Parent Council, as well as an overview of the most recent meeting.

Thanks to our great community, we had a successful Staff Appreciation Week last week. Monday we provided Mocktails, Tuesday was a catered lunch from Centro (super delicious and a must try if you haven't) Wednesday was homemade bagels, Thursday was $5 gift cards and a gift bag raffle, and Friday was our Rainbow treat spread. It was so much fun to put together and we heard so many nice things from staff. 

The end of the school year is right around the corner. If you're thinking about getting a gift for your kid's teacher(s) or an awesome staff member, you can check first to see if they have filled out our Favorite Things form to get an idea of what they really want!

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 Roseville All Porsche Show!

Do you like cars? Do you like German cars?TCGIS is in search of volunteers to sit at our table at the Roseville All Porsche Show on June 28! Click here to sign up! Email Paige Yurczyk with questions.

Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings

• Governance Committee Meeting: Mon, May 19 at 4:30 p.m. via Meets
• School Board Meeting: Thurs, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 100/ Zoom
• Mission Alignment Cmte Meeting: Mon, June 2 at 7:30pm 
• Finance Cmte Meeting: Tues, June 3 at 6:30pm via Zoom

Local Swim Team Looking for New Members

• STAR Swim Team is based in St. Paul and has been training young swimmers since 1980. Join our team and develop your technique, get some great exercise, and build new friendships!
• Main pool: Como Park High School
• Contact Chantal to schedule a visit or trial

TaikoArts Midwest Presents: TaikoGROOVE, a concert dance party

On Saturday, June 7 from 7:00 PM 9:00 PM TaikoArts will host a concert dance party at The Cedar Cultural Center (416 Cedar AvenueMinneapolis, MN, 55454) Click here for more information.

May 15 - 6th Graders return from Waldsee

May 14 - Capstone Departs

May 23 - No School



TCGIS Google Calendar