TCGIS would like to welcome our new Spring semester interns. After a few extra days of adjustment thanks to the snow, our Spring interns had their first day in the classroom on Wednesday. Welcome to Pia Ramer (Art, Science, Spanish), Helena Minges (KA), Jonathan M�tzig (4A), Annika Rein (KC), Anna Burmester (3B), Luisa Jahn (1C), Kristina Graf (5B) and Katherine Ludwig (7A)! We would also like to bid a fond farewell to our Fall semester interns, who will be returning to their native countries. We wish the best of luck to Marco Ubl, Berte Rinehardt, Lisa Leisgang, Isabel Martin, Victoria Oelschl�gel, Johannes Balletshofer, Ricarda Rackl, Johanna Kari, Anne Laasch, Florian Lehner, and Juline Schardt. Thanks to all the interns for all of the support they give to teachers and students every day.

Send Your Application Now!

Valentine's Day is Lottery Time

TCGIS is having their annual enrollment lottery February 14. All families with new students joining the 2014-2015 school year must have turned in their application by this time. Preference is given to siblings, but the applications must still be turned in by the time of the lottery for your child to be eligible to attend next fall. Click here for the Application Form.

Traffic Forum Wrap-Up

TCGIS held a productive traffic meeting last night with the Como community. Thank you to those who attended and gave their valuable insights. One parent, Beki Cook, has written a summary of the meeting. Administration apologizes for anyone who was not able to attend due to missed communications. However, we are creating a joint TCGIS and Como committee on transportation and we openly welcome anyone who would like to be a part of this committee. Please email Ann Jurewicz ([email protected]) or Jeff Horton ([email protected]) for more information.

Carpool, Kaffee & Kuchen Potluck On February 7

Find your "Carpool Buddy" enjoying delicious Kaffee & Kuchen!

Please join us for the Carpool, Kaffee & Kuchen after school potluck on February 7 in the Cafeteria. The goal of the potluck is to bring parents together and to help arrange carpool opportunities. Also, we'll share information about Power School and volunteering opportunities. Bring a dozen of something sweet to share. Coffee will be provided. Click here to RSVP.

Yearbook Updates

Cover Art Competition

We are happy to announce that the 3rd annual TCGIS yearbook is having a cover contest. The theme this year is New Beginnings. Submissions will need to be on 8x11 paper and any student can participate. The winner will receive a FREE yearbook. Second place will be able to purchase a yearbook for half price. All submissions must be in by March 3rd. Please hand submissions into the front office.

Submit your photos now!

The yearbook group is collecting photos for the 2013-2014 annual yearbook. We encourage you to submit photos of your children in school activities or school related events. Please email pictures to Molly at [email protected].

Sign Up For A Valentine's Day Dance Class

Friday, February 14 - Lyngblomsten Dance Studio

Thanks to the initiative of the dance instructor Christopher Yaeger and to the generosity of Lyngblomsten Health Care Center, our middle school students (5-8) got an opportunity to take part in a dance class at Lyngblomsten Dance Studio, located at 1415 Almond Ave, St. Paul 55108 (walking distance from school). The dance class will take place on February 14 at 1:30pm - What a great present for Valentine's Day!

To sign up your children for this event please contact Valentin Solakhau.

This offer is limited for up to 12 students - Hurry up, first come first served!

Carnival Of Cultures 2014 On February 28

Building Bridges Between Cultures!

It's that time of the year again! The carnival is coming and along with it our annual celebration - the Carnival of Cultures.

The Carnival of Cultures recalls the ancient German tradition of celebrating Carnival and combines it with the school's mission of "Educating Children for an Active World Citizenship". At the Carnival of Cultures we celebrate our heritage and cultural diversity. This year's showcase will take place in our own Aula, and we are planning to invite some vendors to make the Carnival cozy.

Friday, February 28 - Mark it in your calendar!

6:30pm: part I - kindergarten, 1st grade & 2nd grade

7:10pm: intermission and artwork show

7:30pm: part II - 3rd grade through 8th grade

For more information please contact Valentin Solakhau.

Get In Touch With Our New Neighborhood

Check out the District 10 Como Community Council website and get in touch with our new neighborhood. Sign up for the weekly newsletter, find information about upcoming events, learn about volunteering opportunities, or run for the board.

GAPP Exchange 2014

Jeff Horton, our Assistant Director, attended a workshop on the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) from January 17-19, organized by the Goethe-Institut in New York.

As part of the program, TCGIS organizes its yearly 8th Grade Capstone Trip to Germany. Since the school's program started, it has offered many students the opportunity to put what they have learned in the classroom to the test and travel to Germany.

GAPP has developed into the most successful and cost-effective exchange program between the United States of America and Germany. Sponsored by the German Department for Foreign Affairs and the US Department of State, it inspires international understanding, promotes language instruction, and motivates personal friendships.

Help Raise Money For The School

TCGIS is collecting "Labels for Education" and "Boxtops for Education" again this year! Please clip your boxtops and turn them in to the front office. Every clipping helps raise money for our school. So far this year we've raised over $500 in boxtops. If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with the program, please email Blaine Strobe at [email protected].

Black & White Maskenball Tickets Now On Sale

Buy your Maskenball tickets now. Regular tickets are available through February 20 for $25. You can also get your drink tickets online too. Visit the Maskenball website for more details and updates.

Tomorrow is your last chance to get us your Great Gathering. Submit your event HERE. Whether it's an old favorite or a brand-new idea, we can't wait to see what you come up with! Questions? Please contact Karin Stiles, Great Gatherings Coordinator, at [email protected].

PTO Announcements

Upcoming PTO Events

January 30: Maskenball regular tickets on sale for $25

January 31: Great Gatherings and Admin Adventures & Teacher Treasures submissions due

February 7: Kaffeeklatsch at 8:00 am

February 11: Maskenball online auction opens at 5:00 pm

February 11: PTO monthly meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

February 20: Maskenball online auction & regular ticket sales end at 9:00 pm

February 21: Kaffeeklatsch at 2:30 pm

February 22: Maskenball party from 7:00 pm to midnight (tickets at the door for $30)

For news on these events, be sure to "like" our PTO Facebook page!

Opening On The TCGIS Board Of Directors

Anyone who is interested in being considered for the appointment should fill out an application and send it to Michelle Wallace, Governance Chair, at [email protected] or drop off the application at the front desk by Friday February 7th, 2014.

Click here for full Board Appointment Announcement.

Click here for Board Application 2014.

Facilities & Playground Committees Volunteers

Passionate about Playgrounds? Fanatic about Facilities?

If you answered yes, the Facilities and Playground Committees would like to hear from you! We are looking for volunteers to help with planning of the playground and the planning and maintenance of the school facilities. Sign up to start making a difference at our school.

TCGIS Bibliothek Volunteer

The TCGIS Bibliothek is still looking for a volunteer for the following class and time:

Monday 2:00-3:00 (Matuszak 1C). Sign up and start volunteering at our Bibliothek.