Laternlein #18: Community Updates, OBOB Highlights, and Upcoming Events
Want to learn more about Middle School Life at GIS?
Here’s what’s happening with our Foxes!
Sustainability in German Kindergarten
German Kindergarten students are exploring sustainability through a hands-on recycling project. Families are invited to help by donating empty, clean milk cartons through the end of the month. Drop-offs can be made in either Kindergarten classroom or at the front desk. Thank you for supporting this creative and environmentally focused learning.
It’s OBOB Season
Oregon Battle of the Books is underway. Third through fifth grade teams will compete in pool play during the week of January 26. The top four teams will advance to the GIS Final Four competition on February 11 from 1:30 to 2:50 p.m.
Parents are invited to attend the Final Four competition and cheer on our readers. Teams will receive additional battle details directly from Frau Draheim-Shadbeh. Our top GIS team will then represent the school at OBOB Regionals on March 7.
Makeup Picture Day Reminder
Families of students who missed picture day in October should have received an email from Ashley with details about Makeup Picture Day on February 4. If you did not receive this email and your child missed picture day, please contact Ashley Clark. We are happy to help ensure every student is included.
Lunar New Year Celebrations and Volunteers Needed
The Parent Circle is recruiting volunteers to help bring our Lunar New Year celebrations to life. Your support allows GIS staff to continue planning meaningful and joyful community experiences.
GIS Lunar New Year Celebration
Friday, February 20, 2026, early evening
Village Church
Volunteer opportunities include event support, campus decorating with lanterns, and assisting with Middle School cultural activities. We are especially grateful for volunteers with experience making traditional dumplings, tangyuan, or spring rolls.
Families are also invited to join the live Slack channel #lunar-new-year to stay connected and informed.
All Languages Conversation Hour “Stammtisch”
Friday, February 6, 2026
6:00–8:00 p.m.
GIS Brigadoon Campus
14200 SW Brigadoon Court
Stammtisch is a relaxed conversation hour over a drink. Join us for beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks while practicing languages and meeting others in our international community. All languages are welcome. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of connection and conversation. Please let us know if you plan to attend.
Save the Date: Grandparents and Special Friends Week
March 16–20, 2026
Share and save the date with your child’s grandparents and special friends–we are rollling out the red carpet for them. The week will have a special STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) focus, and a highlight will be the middle school’s Science Fair on Wednesday, March 18 - where your grandparents and special friends could participate as a judge!
Details to come.
Community Interest: German Karneval Fasching
We are gauging interest in having a GIS presence at this German American Society event.
German Karneval Fasching
Saturday, February 7
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Advance tickets by February 4: $40
Regular tickets: $50
Youth ages 6–16: $20
If you and a group of friends are interested in attending, please contact Mike Teskey
