Compiled by Caroline Weier
Twin Cities German Immersion School
Submitted by Paige Yurczyk, communications and outreach manager
School tours for prospective K-8 families
Prospective families are invited to visit Twin Cities German Immersion School during six school tours between November and February.
The hour-long in-person tour includes visits to classrooms and a Q&A with an administrator and teacher.
TCGIS is a public charter school located in Como Park and open to all families in Minnesota. Learn more at: tcgis.org/school-tours
TCGIS open for 2025-26 enrollment applications
TCGIS enrollment applications for the 2025-26 school year are open from now until Jan. 31, 2025. German language proficiency is not required to enroll.
Research has shown that second language proficiency has a positive effect on first language skill development and that immersion students perform as well as or better than students in a monolingual setting.
TCGIS prepares children for global citizenship and offers opportunities for students to participate in art, drama, music, sports and recess through grade eight.
For further information on TCGIS, see www.tcgis.org.
Avalon School
Submitted by Tim Quealy, program coordinator
Avalon Senior Retreat
Forty seniors departed for Camp St. Croix on Sept. 25 for three days of volunteering, team-building and planning for their Senior Project.
A 20-year tradition, the Senior Retreat helps Avalon seniors brainstorm, plan and get ready to propose their year-long, 300-hour independent project. Seniors shared their ideas with the community at Senior Night on Oct. 10.
St. Anthony Park Elementary
Submitted by Jordan Zahrte, assistant supervisor
Nature Discovery Pre-k
St. Anthony Park Elementary recently began the second year of its Nature Discovery pre-kindergarten program, with all teaching staff returning to the program.
The nature-based learning program consists of two half-day sections of pre-kindergarten and currently enrolls 34 students across both days. Enrolled families have the opportunity to participate in Parent Education through a partnership with Early Childhood Family Education.
After receiving requests from many families with 3-year-olds last year, programming is now open to both 3- and 4-year-olds, with 3-year-olds making up 35% of enrollment this year.
In partnership with the St. Paul Public Schools Discovery Club, a full-day option is available for 4-year-olds and offers afternoon extended care and after school care. Due to Discovery Club licensing stipulations, only four-year-olds are eligible.
A day in the life at Nature Pre-K
During their day at Nature Pre-K, students spend 75-90% of their time outside participating in discovery learning, a discovery walk, nature project, large group lesson and a reflection circle.
The day begins with a morning meeting that previews the day’s lesson followed by a transition to outdoor discovery learning, where teachers develop activities around what students are exploring in their environment.
Students and staff then take a discovery walk around Langford Park and find a base area for more exploration, a nature project and an outdoor large group lesson. The project is focused on the unit theme and childrens’ interests while incorporating art, science, math and literacy.
The group lesson focuses on songs, books, movement and guided large-group activities centered on the day’s focus area.
To conclude their day, students get the opportunity to reflect on the day’s learning with their peers and teachers.
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie
Seventh grade Life Science class field trip
The seventh grade Life Science classes recently took a trip to the Belwin Outdoor Science area in Afton to learn about water ecosystems.
Students studied about trout and what they need to live and thrive in preparation for their trout eggs to arrive in a few weeks.
Between November and May, students will watch the eggs hatch and the trout grow before they are released next spring.
Eighth grade science circle
Eighth graders share their questions regarding collisions and the forces that cause them, the concept they are studying this year.
Eighth graders are practicing communicating in a science circle, where they drive the discussion and participate in dialogue regarding the science concepts they are studying.
National Principal Month
Looking back on National Principal Month, assistant Principal Richard Terrell shares his appreciation of Jamin McKenzie.
“I want to express my gratitude to our principal for his leadership and dedication,” Terrell said. “Mr.McKenzie, your commitment to fostering a positive and supportive school environment inspires both students and staff alike. Thank you for your hard work, vision and unwavering support!”
Caroline Weier is a journalism student at the University of Minnesota and is an intern for the Bugle.