Compiled by Caroline Weier
Twin Cities German Immersion School
Cross-Country team places second in state meet
The Twin Cities German Immersion School’s cross-country teams celebrated an outstanding 2024 season, finishing second in state Girls and Boys Class A.
The Loons began with endurance and hill training in Roseville’s Reservoir Woods, competing in the Como Relays weekly. They excelled in multiple Twin Cities meets, including top finishes at the Minijack Invite and victories at the Simley Invitational.
At the Muddy Water XC Conference Championships, TCGIS dominated, winning three of the four team trophies across all grade levels. Their season culminated in the Minnesota Junior High State Championships, where the girls’ team finished second and the boys earned the silver trophy.
“This cross-country season has been exceptional,” said Paige Yurczyk. “TCGIS is celebrating the second-place team wins along with a fantastic season!”
Enrollment application open for 2025-26
TCGIS enrollment applications for the 2024-25 school year are now open. Families can apply until 4 p.m. Feb. 15. No prior German language proficiency is required to enroll at Twin Cities German Immersion School.
Research studies indicate that learning a second language enhances first language development and that immersion students often perform as well as or better than their monolingual peers. TCGIS offers a comprehensive education delivered in German, focusing on preparing students for global citizenship.
In addition to academics, students can engage in art, drama, music, sports and recess through grade eight.
As a public charter school, TCGIS is tuition-free and located in Como Park, with busing available for families across Minnesota. The school also offers an international exchange program in the eighth grade.
Learn more about the Twin Cities German Immersion School at www.tcgis.org.
Submitted by Paige Yurczyk, communications and outreach manager
St. Anthony Park Elementary
Fifth grade field trip
Fifth grade students enjoyed a day at Belwin Nature Center on Nov. 1, participating in a variety of courses including nature photography, radio tracking and orienteering. Thanks to parent volunteers who assisted in the field trip.
Fall Fest
Third grade students celebrated fall with sack races, a pumpkin roll and craft making on Oct. 30. The celebration provided an opportunity for students to engage in outdoor activities, express their creativity and enjoy the outdoors with parents and faculty.
Student voting
Students participated in a school-wide voting event where the fifth- grade class “judged,” accepted, counted ballots, distributed “I Voted” stickers and reported presidential vote results to the Students Voting program through the YMCA.
Submitted by Principal Barbara Evangelist
Murray Middle School
Upcoming Events
Students, families and friends can purchase a wide variety of books and good- reads at the Murray Barnes and Noble Bookfair on Wednesday, Dec. 4, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the school.
Community members are also invited to attend Murray’s Winter Band and Orchestra concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, to hear student musicians showcase what they’ve learned this fall.
Faculty highlight
Murray Middle School science teacher Nick Altringer is among 18 science teachers in the St. Paul Public Schools who have been selected for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Project that aims to improve student access to high-quality science education across the district.
The five-year, nearly $3 million grant is sponsored by NSF in partnership with the University of Minnesota, Hamline University and BSCS Science Learning, and will equip science teacher leaders with equitable teaching strategies for the classroom, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie
Caroline Weier is a journalism student at the University of Minnesota and an intern for the Bugle.