Elternbrief
Issue: 403             
February 27, 2020 
In This Issue

Quick Links
Buy TCGIS  Spiritwear from our 
TCGIS Online Calendar

Upcoming Events:
Like us on Facebook

Message from the Director
Sonnige Wintergrüße von Herrn Anderson

Hear about History Day, important visitors coming next week, and the next phase of construction!
Videogruß vom Direktor 27. Februar 2020
Videogruß vom Direktor 27. Februar 2020
TCGIS Community Events: Join us! 
Maskenball 2020:  Tickets Now Available! 

Who are you wearing? 
Prepare to face the paparazzi and walk the red carpet - it's a Hollywood gala!

Get Your Tickets HERE

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 
  • Tickets now available here
  • 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 Tonight's Board Meeting

Thu, February 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Room 100 
The board packet is available here.  

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.

Staff and Volunteer Recognition
The school board will also recognize these parents and staff for their work on behalf of TCGIS: Kelly Huxmann, Manuela Thames, Linde Althaus, Kim Kulhanek, and Katharina Schirg.
Upcoming Committee Meetings

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

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
School Preparedness: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We are in the middle of inluenza season and also monitoring the spread of coronavirus. The novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory illness in the same family of virues that are estimated to cause about 1/3 of all cases of the common cold. This new strain is novel (new), so the severity and transmission rates are still being studied.

Current information suggests a low immediate risk for the general public: only 14 cases have been identified in the U.S. and none in MN so far. However, TCGIS is following the recommendations from the CDC, the MN Department of Health, and the Department of Education to inform the school's preparation for any eventualities related to the spread of the coronavirus. 

The same precautions that are recommended for preventing influenza are also  recommended for preventing coronavirus: stay home when sick; cover your cough; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Minnesota Public Radio reports that f amilies are encouraged to prepare as well.  In this evolving situation, the  MDH Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website  offers up-to-date and accurate information. 

In the coming weeks we will continue to monitor this situation closely and update our school community as things change. 
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. 

Parent and Board Member, Dianne Bell, shares how carpooling has significantly improved her family's school commute: 

Dianne B. Carpooling Testimony
Dianne B. Carpooling Testimony

If you're interested in exploring carpooling to/from school, fill out this google form by Sunday evening, 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 

New week, new crane! Following RJM's construction schedule they are preparing to receive steel components starting this Thursday or Friday. 

During the next few weeks we will see steel trusses and load-bearing components that support the roof being installed and welded. This steelwork will take about 2-3 weeks to complete, depending on weather. This work begins the connection process between the new and current building and will require opening our current building to the elements. 

For that reason, they will build a protective enclosure between the front door and the double-doors leading to the library; the remainder of the foyer will be in accessible. There will still be access from the main entrance to the front office and second-floor hallway as usual. 

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding! 

Andy Nesset   
TCGIS Facilities and Grounds 
 
Spring Conference Sign-up: Now Open

Conference Dates 
Thursday, March 12 4:00pm-7:30pm 
Friday, March 13 8:10am-3:30pm

All families were sent a Constant Contact email with sign-up information on Tuesday, February 25, at 8pm; if you did not receive this email, please email info@tcgis.org.

Elementary School Conferences
The Fall Conference sign-up window is open now through March 10 at 8pm CT. 

Prior to conference scheduling, 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 TeachersWith more students in the Middle School (120-200+ per teacher), there is no perfect way to hold conferences so that every parent can meet with each teacher. Likewise, the Middle School does not expect every student's parent(s) to meet with each teacher. If your student is making progress (and you are comfortable with it), please don't feel obliged to attend conferences .

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.

ADSIS Conferences
Have a student receiving  ADSIS services? Want to find out how things are going with interventions? New this month, we are offering sign-up times to meet with  some interventionists during conferences. Access the interventionists' schedules and sign up for a conference at the same time that you schedule conferences with your student's classroom teachers.

Questions? Please email the Front Office: info@tcgis.org.
MCA Assessment Season Begins 

The MCAs (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) are state-wide mandated assessments we administer each year in March, April and May as per Minnesota Legislative Statute. We assess in grades 3-8.

Here  is an overview of these assessments. This link from the Minnesota Department of Education provides a very detailed treatment about the what, why, and where most frequently asked questions. 

Additionally, families may 'opt out' their children. Please return this opt-out form in hard-copy to Mike Mullins no later than 72 hours BEFORE your child(ren) is/are set to assess. 

Here is our MCA Assessment Calender posted to the TCGIS website. 

Testing begins on the following dates: 
  • Grades 5th-8th: Wednesday, March 18th in Reading MCAs
  • Grades 3rd-4th: Monday-Friday, March 23rd-26th in Reading MCAs
For more information about MCAs at TCGIS, please click here
Health Office Update: 11 yr-old Student Vaccination Records Needed 

If your child is 11 years old and/or entering 7th grade next school year, Minnesota State Statute 121A.15 requires your student to have a dose of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccine to return to school. If you choose to opt out you may file a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or a non-medical exemption signed by a parent/guardian, and notarized (vaccine needs to be specified).  Please return completed immunization documentation to TCGIS once available, but not later than August 15th, 2020 via: 
  • email to info@tcgis.org
  • mail to school (1031 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103) ATTN : Monika Avery
  • to Front Office staff
6th Grade Families: Waldsee Trip 

The final payment for Waldsee is due
this  Friday, February 28th.  

If you haven't paid in full ($450) you can make your payment 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!
Outdoor Track Waitlist to Close on February 29

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  
Congratulations, 5th Grade Black-Belt Readers!


Congratulations to the 12 (!) hardcore German READERS in the 5th grade who achieved the  Black Belt level of the Reading Bingo Challenge! 

Susanna Carlyle
Irene Krantz
Noë Christensen
Raina Palombo
Alexis Cook
Evelyn Price
Lula Eian
Elizabeth Seelig
Alex Holdreith
Enid Sharbonno
Eleanor Kautzman
Ruby Steege

~ Frau Scholtz
4th Grade Fun at Roseville Oval 

On Tuesday, February 25th, the 4th graders went on their annual Ice Skating Field trip to Roseville Oval Skating Park. This time, it fell on the same day as Fasching-Dienstag, which is why some students and teachers were dressed up. The weather couldn't have been more perfect that day. Everyone had a lot of fun and made it back safely. 
 



Mausmünzen Gewinner:  February 25

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!

KB - Harvey:  1C - Name and photo withheld by request;  2B - Johanna;
3B - Sophia;  4A - Providence;  6A - Isaac;  7A - Nora;  Staff - Frau Walter
Support TCGIS: Volunteer Opportunities
March Potluck Sign-ups
  
Here are three opportunities to show our appreciation for TCGIS teachers and interns with delicious food this month:

6th Grade: Intern Breakfast on Monday, March 9
Sign-up here

All Grades: Conference Pizza Night, Thu. March 1 2
Sign-up to bring beverages, desserts and papergoods here.

1st Grade:  Early-release Day Staff Luncheon,  Wed. March 18
Sign-up  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!
Summer Camps & Activities
Vienna Community Arts Summer Studio
  
Vienna is at TCGIS and in Maplewood this Summer!

We offer music lessons for new and continuing students in piano, classical guitar, ukulele (new) and violin/viola.  Extended Lessons, Buddy Lessons, Creative Projects, Parent-Child Duets. 

Have some musical fun this summer with Vienna!
Call or e-mail for details: 612-505-2892 or  vcaherbert@gmail.com
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 Running, Jumping, Throwing at TCGIS

Register here for  summer track-and-field (open to current 4th-8th graders)! We are currently more than 1/2 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: 
  1. Fill out this Background Check Disclosure Form and read the
  2. 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                                           
Think Spring: Plant Sale is Now Live! 
 
The PTO's Spring Plant Sale is now live - be sure to order your plants by March 9.


View the beautiful options and place your order  here!

Pickup is on May 1 (3-6pm) at TCGIS.  
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

KinoKneipeWesten (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