A Letter from Dr. Greener

Dear TCGIS Community,

We are almost through the second week of school and things seem to be settling down into routine a little more with each day. Hopefully the weather will cool down, which many times helps in settling the students down for the school day.

Efforts are being made to organize and schedule After School Activities. More information will be forthcoming as things begin to take shape.

In this age of technology and education, I would like to point out that as important as the internet is to furthering an educational program, there is a difference between technology in the classroom and access to the internet at other times. In the class, the teacher is responsible for the use of computers etc. but at other times when students might be working on a computer alone, he/she will be expected to make use of the computer in an acceptable and sensible manner. The use of technology in schools continues to be one of the most difficult areas to supervise. So, students who are found using a computer in an unacceptable manner, and are found on inappropriate websites at any time will lose their computer privileges until the matter can be addressed. Parents will be asked to authorize access to computers for their student. Students should not expect necessarily to use the same programs at school that they do at home, including Facebook, YouTube and games.

Since there was not a fundraiser held in June this year, I would like to urge parents now to consider donating to TCGIS through "Give to the Max" day which will be held in November. This is an opportunity to provide support for any organization you support online. You will be hearing more about that in the future, I'm sure.

The final two Amity Interns hopefully will arrive early next week. Thanks to the parents and friends who are hosting these very valuable assets to the program here at TCGIS. Providing first-hand exposure to German through the Amity program is a crucial part of the overall program. If you are interested in hosting an Intern sometime, please contact the Amity Committee. Most of them are here only for a semester, so there will be another group arriving after Christmas.

As we progress through the year, once again I would urge parents who have a question about how their child is doing or a concern they would like addressed to contact the child's teacher first. When I am contacted more than likely I will ask if that has been done. Many questions have been answered and issues addressed by direct contact with the teacher.

Parents have received a communication from Blaine Strobe, our Lunch Coordinator, regarding confusion at lunchtime with identical lunch boxes. Parents are asked once again to be sure and put the student's name prominently on lunches whether they are in a bag or other container and ensure that their children know how to identify which lunch box is theirs.

The Twin Cities German Immersion School is privileged to host a conference on immersion education from September 21-23. On Friday, the 21^st TCGIS will be hosting some of those attending the Immersion Education Conference as they attend classes during the day. Several faculty members from TCGIS will be presenting seminars during the conference which is sponsored by the German government. For more information, parents should contact the school.

Tonight the PTO will holding their Open House which will present many opportunities for parents to get involved in the school. We were very grateful for those volunteers who were on campus on Wednesday and painted the play circle in front of the building. PTO contact information is available on the school calendar, which was prepared by the PTO. Virtually every part of the school is supported and helped by the dedication of the parent community. We hope you will take time and get involved in some way.

A reminder that the first early release day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19^th. This means that school will be dismissed at 12:45 on this day.

Tschuss,

Dr. Ken Greener

Interim Director TCGIS