December 9, 2020
Dear Members and Friends of the Tri-State German-American School,
As you know, the current COVID pandemic is at an all-time high, thus precluding any possibility of returning to regular classes at Notre Dame in January. I hope all of you that have been attending school this fall have enjoyed our Virtual Learning Classes. So far, the School Board has received very positive feedback on how well the classes have been going and how much students feel they have learned. For those who haven’t been with us this fall, here is an opportunity to try a virtual learning class: Any of our former students or potential new students who are considering starting in January 2021 and who would like to attend one of our classes on a trial basis may do so on Saturday, December 12 or 19, by calling Brett Siereveld at 513-353-0989. Brett will put you in contact with the appropriate teacher to receive the virtual learning link and other relevant class information, including the start time.
On Saturday, January 9, 2021, our second semester begins and will run through April 24th, with the exception of Easter weekend, April 3rd. There will be a total of 15 classes and tuition for new students for the second semester will be $100 per adult and $50 per teen. You can register for class via our school website. At our School Board meeting this fall, our long-time Principal, Helga Bucher, officially resigned her position but expressed her desire to continue to play an active role in the school. The Board accepted her resignation and nominated Helga’s chosen successor, Brett Siereveld, as the new school principal. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding member of our faculty and School Board to carry on with the position. Brett is also a long-time member of this organization in his 35th year of loyalty and dedication to the school. His departure from the School Board left an opening for a School Board member and the selection of a new Board Vice-President. Hence, the Board voted for Helga to be our interim Board member to complete Brett’s term and for Michael Geers to be Board Vice-President. Congratulations to all! I would like to express on behalf of the Board and the entire school our never-ending gratitude to Helga Bucher for over 50 years of service to the Tri-State German-American School (TSGAS). The TSGAS is still in existence due to Helga’s labor, drive, and dedication. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the longevity and success of this school. Her efforts have allowed so many to learn the German language and to increase their understanding and awareness of German culture over the years. Thank you, Helga, from the bottom of our hearts. We are happy that you will continue to be a vital part of this school by transitioning to being a School Board member and by sharing duties with Brett as Vice-Principal when in-class learning resumes. May you all have a joyous and happy Holiday Season! We still have much to be thankful for. Hope you stay safe and well until we can meet again. Fröhliche Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr! Bonnie Van Ee.
School Board President
