Speaking Contest from the Zentralstelle für Ausslandsschulwesen

It was my pleasure in mid-November to sit in on the Poster presentations done by 5^th and 6^th graders participating in a contest sponsored by our German government liaison.  The topic of the presentations was German in My Environment, also captured by some as My Connection to Germany.  The presenters as a group were articulate, eloquent, well prepared.  Each speaker was a strong testament not only to themselves as individuals but to us as a school community for their poise in public, their fluency in German, the depth of their reflections and the focus of their presentations.   It was an honor to be present.

The panel of six judges composed of parents, teachers and students had a challenging task of identifying two speakers to be chosen as winners, from a panel showing so many different strengths as artists, orators, musicians, humorists and masters of multi-media.    Congratulations to Leonie Jacobs and Till Konzcak,  who were chosen to represent our school this weekend in Chicago at a regional forum for students from German Immersion schools. A special thanks to Silke Moeller who will serve as their chaperone.   We know that you will represent us well.

Holidays at TCGIS Our vision is 'Educating children for informed and active world citizenship.  Andere hoeren, andere sehen, welt offen denken und handeln.'   We highly value studying and understanding cultures from around the world with a particular focus on German culture. Celebration of the Christmas season is an important shared experience for many with deep roots in German culture.  As a community we continue to dive into the challenge of how to immerse ourselves in a culture in which religious tradition is prominent, while fulfilling our commitment as a public, state funded school to not celebrate religious traditions.

 Our cultural program in December is guided by the following aims:

• Create events that bring together the community.  These events grow out of celebration of our academic curriculum and bring focus to the learning accomplishments of our students.  We share food, performance and other academic and/or artistic accomplishments. 
• Expose students to a diversity of cultures 
• Ensure that there is a balanced study of cultures through the students' tenure at the school. 

Host Families Needed One of the highlights of the TCGIS experience is the extra one on one time that students are able to have with teaching staff, due to the Amity aides that we have in each classroom.  An important way the school facilitates this program is through the generosity of families that serve as hosts for Amity interns.  The Amity committee is still in need of several host families starting in February for both full and half semesters.  Please contact Darcy Rindelaub via email darcydeboer@hotmail.com or phone 651-324-4270 with questions or offers regarding hosting.

Good Wishes to Ms. Wallace.  Welcome Mr. Klarman  Third grade English teacher, Ms. Wallace leaves her desk complete with sub plans each day now as she approaches the due date for the birth of her first child.   Andrew Klarman will take on her duties as third grade English teacher as well as assist Ms. Stephens with 6^th grade English.  Mr. Klarman has taught English at the International school in Berlin.  He has been an important presence at TCGIS throughout the fall at recess and lunch and as a short term sub. We're pleased to welcome him to the team in his new capacity.  Ms. Wallace plans to return in early February. 

Parking Etiquette  A lot of cars need to pull through the parking lot between 3:15 and 3:30 PM.  There can be no stopping and waiting as cars pull through the line.  Parents who have younger siblings sleeping in car seats can pull up next to the playing field as long as other cars can drive by.  Please be respectful of cars behind you and do not park in the handicap parking spaces at any time (including if you are picking up from half-day Kindergarten), unless if you are designated to do so.  Avalon has several students who rely on those parking spots and they come and go throughout the school day.

School Pictures  We recognize that there has been some confusion and problems regarding receiving school pictures from the Photographer's Guild.  Thanks to Annie Berge at the front desk for working to resolve these and to you for your patience.