ISSUE 506 / August 11, 2022
Director's Message
Liebe TCGIS Gemeinschaft! / Dear TCGIS community,

As excitement builds for the coming school year, I wanted to remind you of some of the many reasons why your choice to send your child or children to TCGIS will bear fruit both in the short and long-term.

Why bilingualism? Although well over 40% of the world’s population is bilingual, only about 20% of the U.S. population is. You are helping to change that. The benefits of bi- and multilingualism are evidence-based and well established and include neurological (increased brain density), health (delayed onset of some neurological diseases), and cognitive (improved executive function and ability to multitask). See this helpful overview.

Why immersion? Immersion education is its own uniquely wonderful path to bi- or multilingualism that brings greater proficiency in the language than in a traditional language classroom, achievement in all academic areas similar to students learning in the native language, and increased sensitivity and tolerance for multiple cultures, to name just a few. It also provides a learning environment suitable for students of all academic abilities. (Here are other findings.) 

Why German? Finally, your children are learning German, an official language of six diverse and dynamic countries in the heart of contemporary Europe, the second most commonly used language in science, and the language of some of the world’s greatest literature, music, and philosophy. They will be prepared for unique study and work opportunities, including our own capstone in 8th grade.

Thank you for sending your bi- and multilingual Wunderkinder to TCGIS! We are excited to share this next school year with them and all of you.

Herzlich,
Kirsten
School News & Updates
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!
Carpool and Transit Tools for TCGIS Families
ZuVon is a parent-school collaboration that offers eco-friendly ways to get to (zu) and from (von ) TCGIS. Their website includes information about a new carpooling initiative and local transit options.

If you're interested in exploring carpooling to/from school, fill out this Google form. Your address and limited contact information will be used to populate a Google map similar to the one on this page. Starting August 11th we 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 this info, it's up to them to contact possible matches and arrange the carpool.
Volunteer as an Eltern Kontakt (EK) this Year
Eltern Kontakte (parent contacts), or EKs, are parent volunteers who provide an additional communication channel between the teacher(s) and the parents in their child(ren)'s homeroom/grade. 

Each homeroom and grade-level have 1-3 EKs who work together to support the class or grade-level teachers, connect parents with each other and help strengthen our community. Managing the voluntary grade-level Family Contact List is also an important part of the EKs role. 

Much of this fun volunteer position can be done remotely since it primarily consists of communicating via email. If you're interested in volunteering as an EK this year, please fill out this brief form. Vielen Dank!
Seeking bikes for new staff and interns
If you have a bicycle that an intern or new staff person could borrow or buy from you this month, please email Katharina Schirg and she will pass along the information. Vielen Dank! 
PTO News
Need labels? We are fundraising through Mabel's Labels to get everything you need covered, well, covered! Click here and enter TCGISPTO to shop away!
They're nearly indestructible and have a ton of great designs.

We can't wait for another great year! Check out our calendar below to see what we're planning!
Extracurricular Opportunities
Register for 7th/8th Grade Soccer!
soccer_goal.jpg
We have reopened registration for the 7th/8th grade soccer team from now until August 15 on Popsicle. We are looking for a few more incoming 7th/8th grade soccer players to complete our team coached by Kevin Eberhard (team calendar).

Our 5th/6th grade team already has a waitlist, and 5th/6th registration will not reopen.

Payment required at time of registration per sport per athlete: $200*

*Finances should not be a factor in deciding to participate in TCGIS athletic teams. If finances are a concern, please contact Athletic Coordinator Tabisz BEFORE registering because payment is required at the time of registration.
With questions, please contact Athletic Coordinator Chris Tabisz.
Find your Voice in our new "Liederkranz" Children/Youth Choir at TCGIS!
Led by Herbert Engelmayer of Vienna Community Arts, TCGIS students will explore traditional and contemporary song repertoire in German. Students in grades 3-8 are welcome to join.

Practice will start in September, and will be once a week on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30PM. Please contact Herbert at infoviennarts@gmail.com or at 612-505-2892 if interested.
Reminders
School Supply Lists
It's time to get ready for the new school year! Elementary and Middle School Supply lists are located on our TCGIS website. TCGIS practices sustainable supply practices and encourages students to reuse old supplies.  
Application for Educational Benefits Program SY 22/23
Please find the information and instruction letter and the application form for the Educational Benefits program for the 2022-2023 school year. TCGIS is back to operating under the regular National School Lunch Program. All USDA pandemic waivers have expired and therefore last year’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO) is no longer available as a meal program during the school year.

However, your child(ren) may qualify for Educational Benefits (such as free/reduced lunches as well as reduced fees at school programs like Kinderclub and Afterschool Activities). We encourage our families to fill out an application. At public schools like TCGIS, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts.

Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year, however in order to receive these benefits for the first day of school, please submit your completed application form no later than August 11th, 2022. Forms may be emailed to Alex Weeding or dropped off at the front office.

If you have any questions or need help with your application, please don't hesitate to email Alex Weeding or call the front office: 651- 492-7106.
Create your Infinite Campus account
If you haven’t done so already, create your Infinite Campus account using the activation key you received after completing your student’s Online Registration! To activate your account:
  • Go to the Parent Portal (you will want to bookmark this link for future reference) and click on the “New User?” link at the bottom.
  • Enter your activation key
  • Follow the steps for setting up your username and password.

Setting up your Infinite Campus account is crucial to receive notices from your child(ren)’s teachers, fill out permission forms for field trips, and much more. Contact info@tcgis.org if you have questions or can’t locate your activation key.

Did you know you can adjust your communication preferences from the school in the Infinite Campus parent portal? Log in to your account here and follow these instructions.

You can also access the parent portal via mobile app on both iOS and Android.
Health Office: Medication for the 22/23 School Year
We want to make sure your student is receiving proper health care at school. If your child will need medication during the school day in the 2022-23 school year, please be sure to:
  • Review the Medication information on page 22 of the Family Handbook and Policy 516 - Student
  • In order to administer medication to a student during the school day, we require the Medical Authorization Form, signed by both the health care provider and the parent/guardian.
  • All medication must be in its original package with a valid expiration date and labeled with the student's name
  • Medication drop off: Our Health Office Associate, Monika Avery, and Mariah Schoonover (consultant nurse) will be available to receive your child(ren)'s medication together with the completed authorization form.
  • To be able to discuss your child's needed support during the school day we are offering appointments for drop off of medication and paperwork:
  • You are also welcome to bring medication including completed paperwork to
Back to School nite, Thursday, August 25th from 5:15 - 7:00 pm.
  • For questions or alternative drop off options please email Monika Avery, Health Service Associate (mavery@tcgis.org)
Health Office Update for 12-Year-Old students or 7th graders: Current Vaccination Records Needed
If your child is 12 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, latest by August 15th via:
  • email: info@tcgis.org
  • mail to the school:
Twin Cities German Immersion School ATTN: Monika Avery
1031 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103
  • Fax: (651) 330-2270
School Board Announcements
Upcoming School Board & Committee Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors will be held in Room 100 at TCGIS. School community members and the public are welcome to attend Board meetings in-person. Committee meetings will be organized by the committee chair. All are welcome to join board committees and collaborate on strategic initiatives! Learn more about board committees here

Governance & Leadership: Tues. Aug. 16, 4:30 PM; governance@tcgis.org 
Finance & Facilities Cmte: Tues., Aug. 16, 6:30 PM; finance-committee@tcgis.org
Cmte of the Whole (Public): Room 100, Thur., Aug. 18, 6:30 PM; board@tcgis.org
August Board Meeting (Public): Room 100, Wed., Aug. 31, 6:30 PM; board@tcgis.org
Diversity & Belonging; TBD; Contact Chair Eberhard
Fundraising; TBD; Contact Chair Reich
Communication & Outreach; TBD; Contact Chair Moeller
Executive Cmte; TBD; Contact Director Alkatout
Community News
GACC Annual Picnic is this Saturday!
Families and friends of TCGIS are invited to attend the German American Chamber of Commerce Annual ""Picknick"" on Sat., August 13, 1-5 p.m. at Boom Island. The ticket price includes: lunch Buffet, raffle, fun, games and networking. Tickets and more info here.
Sip and sample some opera out on the GAI lawn!
Saturday August 20 | 6–8 PM 
$20 members/$24 non-members
Ticket includes two beverages (beer, wine or N/A)
Buy tickets here or at the event

Join Opera on Tap Twin Cities on the GAI lawn for a sampling of German opera arias and art songs on Saturday, August 20. Opera on Tap is a non-profit organization whose mission is to break down the stereotypes about opera and expose new audiences to opera and classical music by performing in non-traditional settings. If you're not sure you like opera, give us a try, and if you love opera, we have a treat in store for you!
Music Lessons with Vienna Community Arts
Welcoming new and continuing students! Vienna Community Arts offers private studio instruction in piano, violin/viola, ukulele, and classical guitar, after school hours on-site at TCGIS. Fall session begins September 6. Contact Herbert or Nancy at infoviennarts@gmail.com.
Resources & Calendar
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.
CALENDAR
August 13: GACC Annual Picnic
August 25: Back to School Night for all families
August 29: 1st Day of School for Grades 1-8
August 31: 1st Day of School for Kindergarten
September 5: Labor Day (No School)