Elternbrief for February 20, 2020

The event you've been waiting for is back! Join us at the TCGIS PTO Maskenball, an adults-only formal dance hosted this year at the gorgeous Saint Paul Athletic Club.

Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 7:00pm
Invite and tickets for purchase coming soon!
Dress: Formal/Black Tie. A themed costume is also encouraged, but not required.
There will be dancing, beats provided by DJ Lubbert, appetizers, a full cash bar, and wonderful ambiance at the Saint Paul Athletic Club.
Included again this year: Silent and art auction! Come ready to bid on your child(ren)'s art auction class project along with many amazing donated experiences and packages!

Visit tcgismaskenball.org/ to learn more!

School Board Announcements

Volunteer & Staff Recognition at Next Board Meeting

Special Recognition of Parent Volunteers

At its February 27 meeting, the school board will recognize and thank Kelly Huxmann and Manuela Thames for organizing the TCGIS Family Ski Day at Trollhaugen for several years. This volunteer-organized event provides families an opportunity to ski together at discounted rates and enjoy a no-school day together. The board thanks Kelly and Manuela for making this possible every year since 2014 - a terrific tradition that more than 140 skiers took advantage of this 7th year of the event! Herzlichen Dank, Kelly and Manuela!

The board will also recognize and thank Linde Althaus for sharing her expertise and giving a special topic presentation on gender stereotypes at the last PTO meeting. Thank you!

Special Recognition of Staff

The board will congratulate and thank staff member Katharina Schirg for her vision and planning of the successful Achtung Baby book author event as a community builder and fundraiser for the school. The board will also thank teacher Kim Kulhanek for sharing her expertise and giving a special topic presentation on language acquisition at a recent PTO meeting. Thank you!

Years of Service Recognition

The school board is publicly recognizing and celebrating TCGIS colleagues with multiple years of service at the February 27 board meeting. In support of the school-wide goal to retain exceptional talent, the board will present awards to commemorate milestones of 3, 5, 10 and 15 years of service, this 15th year of TCGIS!

All honorees, all staff, parents and students are invited to attend the beginning of the school board meeting for this recognition of TCGIS colleagues.

We also invite you to congratulate the honorees with a personal written message on this form by February 26. All well wishes from colleagues and families will be printed and shared with honorees at the February 27 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!

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Anyone can volunteer on a board committee. Help us build a school together!

Executive Committee: Thu, February 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Room 100

Board Meeting: Thu, February 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Room 100

Fundraising & Development Committee: Tue, March 3, 8:15am-9:15am, Rm 308

Workplace Culture & Innovative Education Committee: Fri, March 6, 3:45pm - 4:45pm, Room 99

Governance & Leadership Development Committee: Mon, March 9, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Room 99

Communication & Diversity Outreach Committee: Tue, March 10, 8:15am - 9:15am, Room TBD (99 or OPC 1)

Executive Committee: Thu, March 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Room 100

Finance & Facilities Committee: Tue, March 24, 6pm - 7pm, Room 99

Board Meeting : Thu, March 26, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Room 100

School Information

Carpooling and More!

ZuVon is a parent-school collaboration that offers eco-friendly ways to get to ( zu ) and from ( von ) TCGIS. It includes a website ( www.tcgis-zuvon.org ), future signage and a gif animation that help parents safely navigate the drop-off/pick-up zone.

The goal of this project is to reduce environmental impact, address traffic flow and safety, and improve communications in our community. The website includes information on a new carpooling initiative, drop off and pick-up procedures, busing routes and schedules, and local transit options.

If you're interested in exploring carpooling to/from school, fill out this google form by March 1. Your address and limited contact information will be used to populate a Google map similar to the one on this page. After March 1 w e will share the link to an unlisted Google map that will include limited contact information with those who have opted in (through the form) and are interested in setting up a carpool with nearby families. Once families have made a connection, it's up to them to contact possible matches and arrange the carpool.

TCGIS wishes to thank Ellen Thomson for developing this website and tool for our school community and for her ongoing collaboration!

Construction Updates

As of yesterday, most of the panels are set. We will have to set two more at a later date, but for now the crane is gone and the road is open until the scheduled arrival of the steel components on February 27. At that point we may have to close the road at certain times again; we'll do our best to communicate any road closures.

During this next phase we will see steel trusses and load-bearing components that support the roof being installed and welded. This next phase will take about 2-3 weeks to complete, depending on weather.

Andy Nesset

TCGIS Facilities and Grounds

Wir gratulieren 8th grader Keirka Kretzman!

Congratulations to TCGIS eighth grader Keirka Kretzmann, who was crowned Jr. Prinzessin of Spielmannszug Minnesota last Saturday (February 15).

Spielmannszug Minnesota was founded in 1993 as a German Karneval club, that is, a group that carries on the traditions of the Karneval or Fasching festivities typical of the Rhein region in Germany.

Prinzessin Keirka 1.'s reign will last one year, until the next Kostümball of Spielmannszug Minnesota.

The Spielmannszug Minnesota is very honored to have her as their Prinzessin.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Keirka!

Wir sagen DANKE!

We say "THANK YOU!" to the ZfA ( Zentralstelle für das Auslandschulwesen) for its generous book donation worth approx. $2,500!! The ZfA is the organization that is not only in charge of our German language testing (A1, A2 and DSD I), but also offers different kinds of contests (e.g. the ZfA creativity school competition) and supports our school in many other ways, for example, with this book donation.

The donated books will help our teachers use fantastic teaching materials and lessons in German, and help our students learn typical German words, read adventurous German books, and work with German atlases to learn about our world!

Frau Zinnow und Frau Simon with the stacks of materials we received from ZfA.

TCGIS Winners in the 2019 Kreativwettbewerb

We are excited to announce that TCGIS students did very well in the 2019 ZfA Kreativwettbewerb! The Kreativwettbewerb (creative competition) is an annual competition for student projects about the German culture and/or language. It is sponsored by the ZfA (Central Agency for Schools Abroad) which also conducts the DSD language diploma. Students can participate in the competition as individuals or in groups. Our middle schoolers (5th-7th graders) participate annually in May.

Last week we held a ceremony to announce the winning students and student groups for the 2019 competition and distribute their prizes, and shared photos from the celebration in the Elternbrief. This week we are excited to share with you the following winning submissions, with permission from the students:

8th Grade Winners

2nd Place, Hörspiel (audio story): Noa, Sam, Finn, Malik, Spencer - click here.

7th Place, video submission: Nathaniel, Eric

ZfA Kreativwettbewerb: Reise durchs Märchenland von Nathaniel und Eric

We are so proud of all of our students who participate in this annual competition! If you'd like to read this year's winning individual submissions from 7th graders Emma, Gwen, Leonie and 8th grader Ellie, click here .

Host an Intern next School Year!

Our spring interns have settled in and are busy energizing our classrooms with their presence! Would you like to be part of the intern experience next year?

We need approx. 25 host families for the 2020-21 school year. We'll have about 12-15 interns each semester, 4-5 of whom will stay for the entire year. Here are some FAQs about hosting.

Not sure what it would be like hosting an intern? Board member Dianne Bell and her family hosted a few years ago and shared their story with us last fall.

If you are interested in learning more, or are ready to sign up, please fill out this short interest survey by March 1. Vielen Dank!

Spring Conference Sign-up Opens Tue. Feb. 25, 8:00 pm

Conference Dates

Thursday, March 12 4:00pm-7:30pm

Friday, March 13 8:10am-3:30pm

All families will receive a Constant Contact email with sign-up information on Tuesday, February 25 at 8pm CT (when the window opens).

Elementary School Conferences

Conferences this year will remain the same for Elementary School families. The Fall Conference sign-up window opens Tuesday, February 25 at 8pm CT and runs through March 10 at 8pm CT.

Prior to conference scheduling, be sure to make a list of all of the teachers you would like to meet with (the scheduler does not provide this) as well as a list of times that you would like to attend.

Middle School Conferences

Conferences for Middle School families will be Open Conferences for all Academic Teachers. Open Conferences allows parents of older students the flexibility of attending conferences if they feel the need to meet with a specific teacher. You are welcome to come anytime during the hours of conferences to have a 10 minute unscheduled conference with any academic teacher at a time that works best for you.

If you would like to meet with a Specialist (Art, Drama, Sport, Tech), you will need to sign-up for a 10 minute conference slot once the sign-up window opens on Tuesday, February 25 at 8pm CT.

Questions? Please email the Front Office: info@tcgis.org .

6th Grade Families: Waldsee Trip

The final payment for Waldsee should be turned in by Friday, February 28th, if you haven't paid in full ($450). This can be done via Boonli or by check, made out to TCGIS.

If paying with check, please label it with your child's name and make sure it is either placed in Frau Albers' mailbox in the front office or that your child hands it straight to Frau Albers. Please email Emily Albers ( ealbers@tcgis.org) with questions. Danke!

TCGIS Outdoor Track-and-Field

Our team completely filled up within just a couple of days. Although registration is closed, we encourage you to put your child's name on the waitlist , if you are interested in TCGIS Outdoor Track-and-Field . With questions, please contact Herr Tabisz.

Mausmünzen Gewinner: February 19

The selected students have shown exemplary behavior at TCGIS during the school day and are representing their class and grade level.

Meistermäuse have demonstrated to staff one or more of the following praised traits: Sicherheit (safety), Verantwortung (responsibility), Respekt (respect), and Freundlichkeit (kindness).

May they continue to make our school a better place!

KC - Logan; 1B - Viggo; 2 - Name and photo withheld by request; 3A - Stella

4A - Greta; 6B - Jordan; 7A - Name and photo withheld by request; Staff - Frau Davis

Summer Camps & Activities

Summer Camp at the GAI: Registration Now Open!

The 2020 GAI German Summer Camp program for children (ages 5-13) will take p lace June 22 - August 28 at the GAI.

Each camp will last one week (M-F) and is centered around a fun, highly-interactive theme . TCGIS families can register at 'member' rates.

German beginners to bilingual campers are welcome, as different activities will be offered according to the children's language skills. Teachers and children will speak, hear, sing, and create in German while exploring subjects including arts & crafts, geography, cooking, science, photography and more. Half-day, Full-Day, and Extended Care Options available. Click here for details and to register.

Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers at Dunwoody

Are your kids interested in design or engineering? Check out the following camps that are appropriate for entering 6th-8th graders!

Website: https://dunwoody.edu/about/campus/visit/summer-camps/

Specific questions should be directed to the instructor listed with the camp.

Born to Design: Interior Design Summer Camp

Immerse yourself in the world of interior design during a four-day, hands-on summer camp this June. Born to Design introduces students to the interior design profession through project-based learning. Study color, materials, architectural drawing, and digital media while working with established, professional designers and instructors. Students will complete a design project that encompasses all phases of the design process. Museum visit included.

AGES: Students entering grades 8-12 in Fall 2020
WHEN: June 15-18 (Friday, June 19 option, with tours of design firms, available for an additional $100)
TIME: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
PLACE: Dunwoody College, 818 Dunwoody Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55403
COST: $250, Includes lunch, supplies, and field trip
CONTACT: Korrin Howard | khoward@dunwoody.edu | 612.381.8157
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 22, 2020

Arts-n-Crafts, Robots & Computing Camp

Learn the basics of computing through arts and crafts projects! Build and program robots with LEGO Mindstorms®, learn about Artbotics, and program with Scratch. Activities are led by Dunwoody faculty and staff.

AGES: Students entering grades 6-8 in Fall 2020
WHEN: July 13 - July 17
TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
PLACE: Dunwoody College, 818 Dunwoody Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55403
COST: $150
CONTACT: Rob Bentz, Dean of Computer Technology | rbentz@dunwoody.edu | 612.381.8117
R EGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2020; wait list available

Summer Running, Jumping, Throwing at TCGIS

Register here for summer track-and-field (open to current 4th-8th graders)! We are currently more than 1/3 full. Here are all the details.

With questions, please contact Herr Tabisz.

Parent Resources

The First Day of 2020-2021 School Year: August 31

The school calendar for the 2020-2021 school year is in the process of being finalized, but the first day of school has been determined:

Grades 1-8 will start on Monday, August 31
Kindergarten will start on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Once the calendar is finalized, it will be shared on our website and in the Elternbrief. Thank you for your patience!

Do you have a late bus?

If you have transportation concerns about a late bus before or after the front office is open (7:30am-4pm on school days), please contact Collaborative Transportation directly at 612-808-8868. If you call the office before or after hours you will reach KinderClub who will not have any updates on busing.
Vielen Dank!

Field Trip Chaperones and Background Check Forms

If you (or a grandparent/relative) may chaperone a field trip with your child(ren)'s class this spring, and have not turned in a Background Check form within the last two years, please do the following:

Fill out this Background Check Disclosure Form and read the
Statement of Rights
Turn in the Disclosure Form to the Front Office with payment ($20/adult)

The cost for background checks if $20 / adult and can be paid with cash, check or in Boonli.

Parents for whom the $20 fee would present an obstacle to chaperoning: please email the Front Office (info@tcgis.org). We also welcome donations towards the $20 fee for parents who may otherwise not be able to afford it.

Background checks will be considered valid for 3 years. If you're not sure if a background check you submitted in the past is still valid, please email the Front Office (info@tcgis.org).

PTO Updates

Maskenball 2020 - Seeking Sponsors & Volunteers

We need your help in organizing and identifying sponsors for the biggest party of the year!

Have experience or enjoy organizing events?
Do you know community supporters in the Twin Cities area?
Interested in being part of community of parents who are passionate about our school?
Desire to volunteer with a large or small impact? All time commitments are welcomed!

Email our M askenball chair Ashley Clayton at maskenballtcgis@gmail.com for any questions!

Box Tops

It's that time again - get your Box Top submissions in before March 1st. Thanks!!

News from the GAI

Save the Dates!

Summer Camp Registration: Now Open

KinoKneipe - Westen (2013) - Saturday, February 29, 6:00 p.m. Learn more here .

Afternoon Kaffee & Kuchen - Saturday, March 15, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Details here.

Salvatorfest - Saturday, March 21, 4:00-10:00 p.m. Learn more here .