ISSUE 590/September 12, 2024 | |
Message from the Executive Director | |
Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft / Dear TCGIS Community,
Welcome to Week 3 of the school year! As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the Minnesota landscape, our students are settling into their routines and making great strides in their learning journey.
A Few Updates:
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Curriculum Highlights: Our teachers will begin to work on sending out grade level information about our curriculum for the year. We have in the past held curriculum nights to mixed reviews and have settled on sending out curriculum in a reader-friendly document or viewer-friendly video and then having a Welcome Night in October or November where families can come into the school and hear from our School Board, administrators, and a selection of teachers and fellow parents. Parent Council will partner with the Board and the Admin team to bring this night back. Last year’s inaugural event was a success and we look forward to growing it.
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Safety and Well-Being: As always, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We have been conducting regular drills and reinforcing our safety protocols to ensure a secure learning environment. Please remind your children about the importance of following these procedures and those established by their teachers. Please see additional information in the Constant Contact that was sent out Tuesday for more information on our Crisis Management Plans.
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Reminder: This week shows that summer is still holding on, but as the weather starts to cool down, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Layers are key as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
Elizabeth Zehnpfennig, Executive Director
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Online Threats at St. Paul Public Schools | |
We are aware that a few area schools have shut down today due to online threats. Saint Paul Public Schools sent an email last night that they were also being cautious. The latest news has the authorities saying the threats were not credible.
Twin Cities German Immersion School is not aware of any online threats to our school or its students. Please know that the safety and security of your children are a top priority at TCGIS. We have a standard response and safety protocol in place that we attend to and practice regularly. TCGIS administration will continue to monitor the situation and will adjust if needed.
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School Picture Day is Tuesday, September 24! | |
Get ready to smile & mark your calendars - picture day is quickly approaching! Jostens will be here on Tuesday, September 24 to take student photos. Retake Day will be held on Thursday, October 24.
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Swag Ordering Window Extended! | |
The deadline to order new TCGIS Swag has been extended to this Sunday, September 15th. Items will be delivered to TCGIS in 2-3 weeks, so please be aware that they won’t arrive the same day you place your order. We’re aiming to have all orders fulfilled by October 3rd, German Unity Day, so we can all proudly wear our new swag to school! Click here to order your TCGIS swag!
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Tissues and Milk Jugs Wanted! | |
We could use more tissues in our classrooms as cold season approaches. If possible, please send your student with an extra box or two to give to their teacher next week. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
In just two weeks, friends from Germany will be arriving to kick off the SY 24/25 Capstone exchange program. To celebrate, the Capstone team is planning our annual, student exchange tie-dye event. We're in need of washed and rinsed gallon-size plastic jugs with lids for mixing dyes. Please bring any empties you have to the front office or to science room 313. Your contributions will help make this event a success!
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A few reminders for those who choose to do car pick-up in the afternoon on Van Slyke:
- Students must be able to get in and out of the car on their own, and buckle themselves in. Family must remain in the car. If your child cannot do this, please select ‘walking pick up’ and meet them on the playground.
- It is unlawful to park in front of driveways and city bus stops. Ensure that you are not stopping there while waiting in the line.
- Budging in the line will not be tolerated. The line often wraps around Van Slyke onto Horton Ave toward Lexington Ave. You need to wait in the line. This also includes not turning right on Churchill Street into the line.
- K-4 students should have their green PikMyKid cards visible to TCGIS staff so they can enter students into the queue.
- U-turns are not allowed, nor are they safe or legal. Please follow all local traffic laws!
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Dismissal Update and Reminder | |
During dismissal from 3:15-3:30pm, we will be closing the Gaga Ball Pit for student use. Students waiting for parent pickup need to stay on the basketball courts. Students waiting for a bus need to be by the bus supervisor. Thank you in advance for your support with this. | |
Seeking Bikes for the Capstone Teachers From Germany | |
Our Capstone exchange is happening at the end of this month, and we’re excited to welcome 50 students and 6 teachers from Gronau, Ochtrup, and Schöppingen! To give our visiting teachers more mobility, we’re in need of 6 adult bicycles. If you have a bike that a German teacher could borrow from September 25 to October 10, please add your name and a brief description of the bike here. We are also looking for bikes for our interns! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Claudia Müller. Vielen Dank for your support!
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Fall Screening Is Nearly Complete! | |
This week, we are wrapping up our fall school-wide screening. Students completed assessments specific to their grade level in reading, math, or both of these areas. In the next 2 weeks, please keep a close eye on your email for your child's fall screening assessment scores. If you still have questions or concerns after reviewing the results, we encourage you to review this resource. | |
We are hiring! Become a Kinderclub Activity Leader! |
Are you looking for a fun and exciting job in child care? Join our Kinderclub Team and become an Activity Leader.
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Use Door 6 for After School Programs/Activities & Kinderclub Pick Up | |
Picking up students from after school programs/ activities? Kinderclub, music lessons, band or enrichment classes? Please use Door 6.
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This fall, 10 wonderful interns joined TCGIS, enriching our classrooms and community in countless ways. Thank you for everything you do, liebe Interns! We’re excited to welcome new interns in the spring! Now is the time to apply to host an intern for the spring semester! Interested? Please complete the Host Family Application! Questions? Email Claudia Müller for more info! | |
Students have been practicing the lunchroom expectations and procedures since the first day of school. Part of our PBIS initiative is having students practice and demonstrate their knowledge of school wide expectations (Safety, Responsibility, Kindness) in the lunchroom. Elementary school students are given assigned seats and are working towards earning free seating by showing expected lunchroom behaviors. Middle school students are seated by cohorts and are also working towards earning free seating by showing expected lunchroom behavior. | |
Don’t miss out! Buy your TCGIS yearbook now at the lowest price of the year. Click here to order one.
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Pets on TCGIS Building and Grounds | |
This is a brief reminder that, for safety and hygiene, no animals are allowed in the TCGIS building or on the grounds, including the playground. Please see the school’s Wellness Policy for more information on allergens. Thank you for helping keep our school clean and safe for all!
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We’re thrilled to introduce our amazing new staff members for this year! Click here to get to know the incredible individuals who are joining our team and find out what makes them so special. Your excitement is our excitement— join us in welcoming them aboard!
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TCGIS has an upright piano for you! Free of charge! It’s in good condition – only needs tuning – will be done by Herbert. You will need to pick up from school classroom. Call Herbert from Vienna Community Arts or email for more info !
| Parent Council Election 2024/25: Nominations Open | |
Want to make a difference at TCGIS? Join the Parent Council to represent family perspectives, connect with others, and engage with the school community. Meetings are once a month from October 2024 to October 2025, on the second Monday from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Additional involvement is optional.
Elections for representatives are from September 19th - 30th via this Google Form-Ballot. Nominate yourself or others by September 16th using the Nomination Form. Check out the Parent Council Nominations Google Sheet and click on the tab with the grade you would like to look at.
For more info, watch our Welcome Video, visit our webpage, or email us. Click here to see the full article.
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FREE PIZZA PARTY AND BINGO! |
Saturday, September 21st
5:00 PM at the TCGIS Cafeteria
We’re hosting a party and mini-meeting at the TCGIS cafeteria. Bring your whole family - we’ll bring the food and fun. No need to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you!
Other Upcoming Events:
September 21: Fall Plant sale opens
October 6 at 2:00 pm: Cookies and Canvases fundraiser at TCGIS.
October 24: Fall Auction opens
October 27 at 1:30 pm: Halloween Party at TCGIS - sign up to host a table.
Seeking Donations! Email us if you have something to donate.
Donate prizes for the pizza party bingo on Sept. 21. We’d love items like new books, games, puzzles, and food treats. Donate to our fall auction! Past donations include things like food gift baskets, hand baked treats, hosted sledding parties, hosted dinners, homemade art, woodwork, wine tastings, gift cards, knitted scarves, etc.
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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 read the entire Rundbrief. Danke! | |
Represent TCGIS at the GAI Oktoberfest | |
TCGIS will be tabling at the Germanic-American Institute’s Oktoberfest on Friday, September 13th and 14th where we will sell school swag, connect with the community, and share our school with interested families. We are looking for volunteers to be at this table for short shifts on Friday or Saturday. Sign up to volunteer here and email Paige Yurczyk with any questions.
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Represent TCGIS at Columbia Heights PRIDE |
TCGIS will be tabling at the Columbia Heights PRIDE event on September 21st. We are excited to have a booth at this fun event where we will showcase TCGIS' GSA artwork, LGBTQ+ books in German, and a fun craft! Sign up to volunteer here and reach out to Paige Yurczyk with any questions.
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TCGIS Communications Committee | |
Do you have a knack for communications and marketing? We’re seeking talented individuals to join the Communications Committee! Help us enhance our outreach efforts and support exciting school events. Your skills can make a real impact on how we connect with our community and celebrate our achievements. Interested in contributing your time and talents? Contact Communications and Outreach Manager, Paige Yurczyk, for more information. | |
School Board (Schulvorstand) Announcements
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Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings | |
Committee of the Whole – Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 100
Governance Meeting – Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at 4:30pm on Google Meets
Board Meeting - Thursday, September 26 at 6:30 pm oin Rm 100 and Zoom
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Liederkranz Youth Choir at TCGIS with Herbert! | |
New season and new program for 3rd to 8th graders! Our choir enters its 3rd year with exciting news! We will add choreography to our song repertoire to become a Youth Show Choir! Frau Emma Theis, the new assistant to Herbert with students to create stage moves. This will add new experience to the children while enhancing our performances. Choir practices will be Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30 pm. Contact Herbert by email or phone.
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Dance Theatre of Harlem Classical and Neo-Classical Ballet | |
Fri, Sep 27, 7:30 pm
Relaxed Matinee: Sat, Sep 28, 2:00 pm
Carlson Family Stage
Dance Theatre of Harlem, a trailblazer in the ballet world, offers a dynamic blend of classic and contemporary ballet that reflects its commitment to inclusivity. Click to learn more.
Join us for a Relaxed Matinee on Sat, Sep 28 at 2:00 pm, where house lights will stay on, sound levels will be adjusted, and any surprises will be announced. Attendees can move freely and receive assistance from trained ushers.
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The Mushroom that Swallowed the Moon Whole Folk Opera by Ritika Ganguly | |
On Friday, Sep 20 at 7:00PM, the Luminary Arts Center presents The Mushroom that Swallowed the Moon Whole, a Folk Opera by Ritika Ganguly. Click here to learn more!
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Friday, September 13: 4 to 10 PM
Saturday, September 14: 10 AM to 10 PM
Join us at the Germanic-American Institute for St. Paul Oktoberfest, a two-day celebration of German food, beer, and culture! Admission is free!
Parking: Free at St. Paul College lots B, C, E, and nearby ramp, plus street parking in the Summit neighborhood.
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Sep 12 - Committee of the Whole
Sep 16 - Governance Committee Meeting
Sep 21 - PTO Kickoff Meeting w/ Pizza & Bingo
Sep 26 - Board Meeting
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