A Weekly Update for Families
In this issue...
2011 TCGIS Board Election
Library News
Seeking Host Families
Fifth Grade Performance
Clothing Orders Are In!
Inclusivity Task Force
Got Books?
ElternbriefMay 11, 2011

Dear Families,

 

Looking Backwards The Gala sponsored by the German American Chamber of Commerce  on May 5th brought together many teachers, staff, and members of our community.   It was a privilege to see our students in the Strings Group performing and be personally greeted by Professor Dr. Lammert, the president of the German Bundestag, an equivalent to the American Speaker of the House.  Prof. Dr. Lammert spoke inspiringly about the value of learning German in today's global economy.  Thanks to all those who attended and were able to help spread the word about the successes of our school.  We're grateful to the Chamber for fundraising on our behalf and still waiting for an update of the financial success of the event.

 

May 7th was also a big day to be proud of TCGIS students and families.  Blumenkranz, the dance group, made a stunning impression both at Festival of Nations and again at a Maifest festival at the Glockenspiel restaurant.  Those who want a glimpse can see a YouTube video of the May 5th TCGIS dance performance at Festival of Nations at: TCIGS Festival of Nations 2011.You can also watch videos from the February dance and music festival at St. Stephens here: TCGIS Native American Song, TCGIS When the Saints Go Marching In andTCGIS Tango.  Thanks to Janet Lenius.

 

Looking Forward May 21 is a big day for TCGIS.  At 2:00PM we will feature our spring concert entitled Kinderland: A Celebration in Story, Song and Dance of Children's Imagination.  Please plan to have children there on 1:30 that day. Speaking of getting better at documenting our successes please contact me if you're willing to be an official photographer or videographer of the May 21 event.  Your efforts would be ever so much appreciated. 

 

Although we know it's a lot to do in one day we encourage you to consider also attending events at the Germanic American Institute that same day.  4:30 Reception with live music and socializing and some artwork from TCGIS students on display.  6:00 A forum discussion featuring Elise Amel, Director of Environmental Studies at St. Thomas, Bob Diem, Chief Financial Officer, TTURCK Inc., Anke Jagusch, GAI corporate instructor and cross cultural trainer and Vince Ruane, Vice President and General Manager of #M Transportation Safety Systems (retired).  Last year the mix of speakers with background in Education and Business with a joint interest and grounding in German culture provided a forum for rich discussion.   This year's topic of Partnering With Germany for a Sustainable Future could not be more relevant.  There is free childcare for the first to register.  Those who attend will also be rewarded by a Dessert Reception at 7:15. See attached flyer.

 

The school year is winding up on us quickly.  Put our end of the year picnic on your calendar for the last day of school.  We hope to meet and barbecue at the park and can use lots of parent support.  Watch for details.  Last year it rained cats and dogs, so maybe this year the sun will shine. 

 

Thanks for all you do for the school.


 

Frau Annika Fjelstad
Director
Twin Cities German Immersion School

[email protected]

2011 TCGIS Board Election
Friday, May 20th 

 

We will be electing three new board members.   

Please read through the candidates' statements included in this Elternbrief and on the TCGIS website.

 

TCGIS voters will be able to cast their votes during an election day.

All parents or legal guardians and staff members are eligible to vote

in the election.

 

On May 20th, the ballot box will be open at the school during the

following times:

At drop off - 7:45am to 9:00am

At lunch - 11:00am to 12:30pm

At pick up - 3:00pm - 6:00pm

 

Won't be here on election day or can't make it to the school while the

ballot box is open?

 

No problem. You can go to the TCGIS website (or click here) and print and fill out a proxy form.  The proxy form allows you to authorize somebody else tocast your ballot for you.  Your proxy must bring the completed form to the ballot box to be able to cast a ballot for you.  Ballots will be available soon on the TCGIS website (click here!) or at the school. Ballots will also be available on voting day.

 

If you are unsure whether you are an eligible voter or not, please

check with Annie Berge or Andrea Zibble at the school

([email protected] or 651-492-7106).

 

If you have questions about the use of the proxy form or the election

in general, you can contact Board Secretary Lisa Friedman at

lfriedman@uuma or 612-781-5182.

Library News

As we wrap up library service for the school year, the Library Volunteers would like to thank TCGIS students, teachers, and parents for being such great library users and supporters!
 
May 16-20 is the last week for students to check out books from the TCGIS library. Teaching staff will have longer access to accommodate their curricular needs. Volunteers will continue sorting, processing, and inventorying the collection. We plan to provide opportunities for our students and teachers to have access to the Library during the summer. Details will be announced in a future Elternbrief.
 
We are also currently collecting for the 2nd annual TCGIS Bibliothek used book sale. The Library Committee is soliciting used (good condition) children's books, especially those in German. Due to popular demand, we are also accepting German language books for teen agers and adults. Donations will be excepted at the Front Desk from Friday, May 13th through Thursday, May 19th. Let us help you recycle those good German books back into our community - Danke!
WE ARE LOOKING FOR HOST FAMILIES FOR INTERNS FOR THE FALL! 
  

I would like to introduce two more interns that will arrive this August for the next school year.

 

If you are interested in hosting or would like to talk to someone who has

already hosted, please contact Darcy Rindelaub.

 

Miriam Kopfer, from the University of Augsburg,  will be joining us for a full year.  She is studying English and  French, and enjoys playing volleyball, running, and cooking.  Her mother is a Preschool teacher, and she often enjoys spending time helping in her mom's class.

 

Katharina Tengen is another full year intern who will be coming from Leibniz University in Hanover.  She studies English and History; and enjoys hockey, soccer, aerobics, rock climbing, singing, and theater.   She has a strong preference for an English-speaking host family; and is eager to integrate into her host family to get the most out of her experience here.  She has allergies to several pets.

Fifth Grade Performance   



We, the 5th grade, are presenting a play, a Shakespeare classic, a Midsummer Night's dream, on Saturday, the 21st of May, at 2 o' clock, at the St. Thomas Catholic More school's stage. Attend on this date, as we are happy to accommodate you, your friends, and your family.  We guarantee that  you will remember this rendition for years to come.

 

Sincerely,

 

The 5th grade.

 

Clothing Orders Are In!

Please pick up your TCGIS clothing and merchandise from Gina Vader or Missy Morrisey in the school office before or after school.  We appreciate your patience with this order.  Danke.


Inclusivity Task Force  
The Diversity Task Force (renamed the Inclusivity Task Force) will meet May 18, 6 P.M. in the conference room. Childcare provided.

Got Books?

Has your family outgrown some of its children's books? The Library Committee is soliciting gently used (good condition) children's books, especially those in German, for the upcoming used book sale. Donations will be excepted at the Front Desk from Friday, May 13th through Thursday, May 19th. Let us help you recycle those books back into our community - Danke! 


Elternbrief Submissions

Please have all articles pertinent to the TCGIS community submitted to the Elternbrief by Monday at 9 am prior to Wednesday publication. Submissions may be sent to [email protected].