School Life

Community & Parent Group (GPG)

Join Our Vibrant Community

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is more than just a bilingual school, it's an active community that values and supports every family.

Every year, GISC hosts a series of events centered around holidays, German celebrations, and German-American cultural gatherings. These events are organized by the school and our GISC Parent Group (GPG) as an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate our students and our school.

We look forward to welcoming you at our next event!
Experience the GISC spirit at some of our wonderful community events!

  • Chicago Von Steuben Parade
  • Oktoberfest
  • Laternenfest & St. Martin's Parade
  • Nikolaus
  • Lunar New Year
  • Fasching
  • Spring Concert & Art Showcase
  • Grandparents & Special Friends Day
  • End of School Potluck

The GISC Parent Group (GPG)

Our Mission

All GISC parents are automatically part of the GPG, and the group is led by an elected team of parent volunteers. The GISC Parent Group (GPG) focuses on three key areas:
  • Supporting the school and teachers through volunteering for field trips, special activities, classroom presentations, and school events like Oktoberfest, Laternenfest, and Spring Concert
  • Supporting parents by welcoming new families, organizing Kaffeekränzchen (coffee meetups), implementing a Buddy Family system, and planning community activities
  • Fostering community through events like the von Steuben Parade, International Potluck, Bike to School Day, and various parent gatherings

GPG Structure

The GPG is represented by two room parents in every classroom who attend monthly meetings with the GPG board and school administration. Room parents help communicate important information to their class groups.
 

Ways to Get Involved

Throughout the year, the GPG organizes a variety of school events and opportunities. There are many ways to help, regardless of your work schedule or language abilities:
 

Committees

  • Adult Karneval Committee: Plans our adult-only German Karneval celebration
  • Decoration Committee: Creates seasonal decorations for the school using sustainable practices
  • Gala Committee: Supports our annual fundraising gala
  • Garden Committee: Beautifies our school grounds
  • Laternenfest Committee: Supports the annual Lantern Parade
  • Yearbook Committee: Creates our annual school yearbook

Community Activities

  • New Family Integration: Welcome outreach, buddy family system for new families
  • Kaffeekränzchen: Biweekly coffee meetups open to all parents
  • Spielgruppe: Gathering for parents with babies or toddlers up to 3 years old
  • Library Volunteers: Help organize and maintain our school library
  • Flohmarkt: Our community marketplace for exchanging and selling items
  • International Potluck: Annual celebration of our diverse community's cultures
  • Crafternoon: Family craft activities throughout the year
  • Mamás Hispanoparlantes: Monthly gathering for Spanish-speaking parents
 
For more information on getting involved with the GPG, please contact the GPG Leadership Team at gpg@germanschoolchicago.com
1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 | +1-773-857-3000 | info [at] germanschoolchicago.com
German International School Chicago (GISC) is an IB World School that prepares students to become well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, GISC provides students with a German-English bilingual education in a supportive and individualized learning environment. GISC graduates are prepared academically and socially to succeed in an increasingly global world. Now enrolling Preschool to 8th Grade.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates about our school.

Supported By