Alice Deal Middle School Think globally - Listen compassionately - Act inclusively |
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| The Weekly Bulletin
Our school mission:
Alice Deal Middle School inspires excellence, curiosity, and compassion through intellectual and social engagement.
What we believe:
All members of the Deal community feel valued, connected, respected, and supported.
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Principal's message:
The most vulnerable in our society are those without any political or financial power, who are physically unable to withstand the forces of others, and who have few significant life experiences with which to put their world in context. In other words, children. Children are vulnerable in the streets, in homes, and in schools. The enterprise that we call 'school' is intended to provide children with experience and knowledge, to give them a safe place to grow into their adult identities, and to give them skills to allow them to stand on their own. In schools, we try and juggle these three aspirations for an ever-changing group of charges. Complicating everything is that we have our own experiences, identities, and skills in varying levels; this makes the calculus of growing children even more challenging.
Schools do not operate in a societal vacuum. How we help students grow is subject to an intense, regular discussion. Phonics versus whole language; inquiry versus core facts; science and math versus humanities; these are points that well-meaning individuals can disagree on and work to build schools that are more or less representative of their perspective. There has always been, however, a strand of debate that suggests that the process of schooling itself is somehow faulty. This might play out as whether we fund public schools or not, whether schools have a role in supporting student identity, or whether school lunch is an excessive form of welfare.
Educators know that these discussions and debates not only have a great implication for our day-to-day work but are keenly followed by children. We know that the day after a police shooting of a teenager in a far away city, a comment about immigration by national leaders, or statements about student gender preferences, this is all that students seem to want to talk about, stew over, think about, and study. The challenge for teachers is to allow students the space for the conversation and still move forward with what we hope to accomplish - incorporating the new, sometimes very difficult, lessons along the way.
As a school it is imperative that we state emphatically that we are here
only for children - their safety, their growth, and their learning. None of those can occur if these vulnerable individuals feel threatened. We must be a school that is unfailingly open to all children - regardless of ethnicity, beliefs, physical ability, gender preference, economic status, or any of the other ways we commonly divide our community. We must particularly embrace with love those who feel they or their identity are under attack by society at large. Children come to school to ask questions and work on the answers; this can't be done when fear or threats hang over their heads.
There is a sign hanging in Deal's Reno Wing, put up by our teachers a couple of months ago, that says that we love and welcome all of our students. This applies to all students, Muslim, refugee, immigrant, LGBTQ - the students that make up Deal and help make it what it is. This message reminds us that we must keep what is the best about school at the forefront, and push back when cultural tides around issues like bathroom use, students' legal status, and personal religious beliefs threaten the environment at school. Our students need to know that who they are in their multifaceted selves is exactly who we want them to be - and we will work to maintain a school where they can be just that.
Take care, and keep in touch.
James Albright (
james.albright@dc.gov)
NB. Thank you to the many who came out to the Deal Mardi Gras Ball last night - our annual auction event. The community continued the tradition of funding what it believes in - the best school possible - and I couldn't be prouder that you raised $20,000 in about 5 minutes for the purchase of a new laptop cart. We will send you more news about the auction results in the week to come, but I want to single out Lisa Wackler and Maan Sacdalan for being the spirited hearts and minds behind the auction - you are truly Dealstars! I also want to thank the teachers and staff of Deal that helped provide items for the auction, came by and danced, and stayed to clean up! Thank you for helping make the auction a reality for our community!
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Updates from the Alice Deal Community Association
(ADCA)
Thank you to all who came out this weekend for the Annual Deal Gala!! It was so much fun and great to see all of our parents. Special thank you to the Gala Co-Chairs Melissa Meierhoefer, Leonie Stephenson, and Shari Wright and our ADCA Co-VPs of Fundraising Maan Sacdalan, and Lisa Wackler.
Important Upcoming Dates
Mark your calendar for these upcoming ADCA and community events:
- March 22nd : ADCA General Meeting
Thanks,
The ADCA Board
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Week of
February 27, 2017
Bell Schedule
Monday - No School
Presidents Day
Wednesday - Bell I
Thursday - Thursday Bell
Friday - No School for Students
Parent Teacher Conference
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Upcoming Dates
February 28
8th Grade Ski Trip
Principal's Coffee, 9 am
WTU Meeting, 3:30 pm
March 3
Parent Teacher Conference Day,
No school for students
March 6
Math & ELA LEAP Seminar, 3:30 - 4:45 pm
March 7
Team Leaders (all)
March 8
ADCA Executive Board Meeting
March 9
Speech and Drama Competition
WTU Meeting, 3:30 pm RM E200
ALT, 3:30 pm
March 10
LSAT, 7:30 am
Deal Tour 9:00 am
March 11
Saturday Academy, 9 am - noon
EMOC/Saturday STARS 9 - noon
Spring Scrabble Tourney
March 13
DC STEM Fair Award Ceremony
March 14
Summer Math Meeting 5:30pm
Pi Day: Family Math Night 6:30 - 8:00pm
March 15
Deal Choirs Cabaret, 6:30 pm
March 16
Faculty Meeting
March 17
EAP Event, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
March 20
8th Grade Spirit Week Begins
March 21
Principal's Coffee, 9 am
6th Grade ELA Trip, Douala
March 22
6th Grade ELA Trip, Colombo
ADCA Meeting, 6:30 pm
March 23
ALT, 3:30 pm
6th Grade ELA, Trip Marrakesh
Saakuma
March 24
Deal Tour, 9am
6th Grade ELA Trip, Nassau
March 25
Saturday Academy, 9 am - noon
EMOC/Saturday STARS, 9 am - noon
March 31
Records Day/ Term 3 Ends
No School for students
April 3
Math LEAP Seminar; 3:30 - 4:45
Term 4 Begins
April 4
Team Leaders (all)
April 6
Speech and Debate Tournament, 3:30
Staff vs Students Basketball; 3:30 - 4:30
April 7
LSAT 7:30
Deal Tour 9am
Term 3 Marks due in Aspen
April 8
EMOC/Saturday STARS; 9 - 12
April 10
6th Grade Science Field Trip/Calleva Farm
April 11
6th Grade Science Field Trip/
Calleva Farm
April 12
6th Grade Science Field Trip/
Calleva Farm
April 13
WTU Meeting; 3:30 in E200
ALT 3:30
April 14
Term 3 Report Cards distributed
6th Grade Science Field Trip/Calleva Farm
April 17 - 21
No School for Teachers and Students
Spring Break
April 25
Principal's Coffee - 9am
Team Leaders (Grade)
WTU - Reno Room
April 27
6th Grade Spanish field trip to Gala Hispanic Theatre.
Faculty Meeting - 3:30
April 28
Deal Tour 9am
April 29
Saturday STARS; 9 - 12
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International Baccalaureate Updates
The World Scholar's Cup celebrates interdisciplinary learning and offers students ages 11-14 the opportunity to flex their academic muscles. On
Sunday, March 26 a regional competition will take place at the British School of Washington. If you have a student who enjoys a good challenge, teamwork, and new experiences, this is a great opportunity for them. Students must form teams of three and compete in four categories: debate, collaborative writing, an individual knowledge test, and a group competition. Topics will range from the sciences, humanities, music, technology, and literature. There is no preparation needed... only willing minds and bodies! Please visit
http://www.scholarscup.org/ for more information.
If your child is interested in this opportunity, please email
Alana.Brown@dc.gov so I can set up a time to meet with them.
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Rehearsal Schedule
Parent Meeting
There will be a parent meeting in the cafeteria from 6:30 - 7:15 pm on Thursday, March 2nd. See you there!
Monday, February 27th (Music)
3:15 - 4:15 "Nicest Kids in Town", Corny Collins, Amber, Link, Corny Collins Council Members, Corny Collins Dancers
4:30 - 5:00 Dynamites
5:00 - 5:30 "Run and Tell That", Seaweed
5:30 - 6:00 "Good Morning Baltimore" and solo work, Tracy
Tuesday, February 28th (Blocking)
3:15 - 4:00 Scene 1, Tracy, Corny, Penny, Amber, Link, Prudy, Edna, Velma, Wilbur
4:00 - 4:45 Scene 3, Tracy, Penny, Link, Amber, Velma, Tammy, Lou Ann, Little Inez
4:45 - 5:00 Scene 4, Tracy, Seaweed, Principal, Gilbert, Duane, Lorrain
Wednesday, March 1st (Dance)
3:15 - 5:45 "Nicest Kids in Town", Corny, Amber, Link, Corny Collins Council Members, Corny Collins Dancers
Thursday, March 2nd (Dance)
3:15 - 5:45 "Nicest Kids in Town", Corny, Amber, Link, Corny Collins Council Members, Corny Collins Dancers
Friday, March 3rd (Music)
3:15 - 4:45 "Nicest Kids in Town" Corny, Amber, Link, Corny Collins Council Members, Corny Collins Dancers
3:45 - 4:45 "Run and Tell That", Seaweed, Seaweed's friends, Duane, Lorraine, Gilbert, Penny, Link, Tracy, Little Inez
4:45 - 5:30 "Without Love", Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed
5:30 - 6:00 Tracy Review
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8th Grade
World Language Trips
Each spring break, many 8th graders travel with Deal to Costa Rica, France, or China as part of their study of a world language. These popular trips are a highlight of the year and an opportunity to give meaning to students' hard work in their world language classes.
Key Dates
January 6th: Final registration deadline for all trips - PASSED
February 3rd: All travel documents required submitted to trip sponsors - PASSED
March 30th: Final trip meeting @ 6:30 pm - all parents and students should attend
Trip Information
Costa Rica
Sponsor: Britney Cuffee
dealspanishclass@gmail.com
Trip number:
1846054aj
France
Sponsor: Frederick Mbayu
frederick.mbayu@dc.gov
Trip Number:
1817749ch
China
Sponsor: Yanming Zhi
yanming.zhi@dc.gov
Trip Number:
1866938jy
Guatemala
(This service trip is only available to Spanish Humanities students)
Sponsor: Nataly Diaz
nataly.diaz@dc.gov
Trip Site
Trip Scholarships
Each year, Deal provides a limited number of partial scholarships for world language trips to eligible students. These scholarships are made possible by the support of the ADCA, individual family contributions, DCPS, and EF Tours.
Families who do not qualify for federal support but are still interested in support at some level should contact Assistant Principal Rottman at
patrick.rottman@dc.gov or Principal Albright at
james.albright@dc.gov. Families have been supported with up to $500 in years past (though this has varied based on the total amount available).
Because scholarship funding comes from a variety of sources, eligible families should not anticipate the funding to come up front; support is funded very close to the actual trip.
Please direct enrollment questions to the trip leader for your student; direct scholarship questions to Mr. Rottman or Mr. Albright.
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Want to learn more about previous year's trips and get a taste for what you can expect from this year's trips? Check out our
travel blogs!
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Media Center
News
Center Hours
B
efore School 8:00 - 8:40 am
After School 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Students are welcome for independent reading and homework. Please review the expectations and complete the permission slip available in the Library or on our website
Alice Deal Library Pass
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Alice Deal
Have you lost something during the school day? Check out the lost and found section of the website (
http://alicedeal.org/lost-found/) for photos of items found in common areas at Deal, including in the cafeteria, field, and gallery. Lost items will be kept for approximately two weeks before they are donated. To claim an item, please ask a staff member in the cafeteria to guide you to the lost-and-found.
We make an effort to identify labeled items and make announcements for students to pick these up in the Welcome Center. Please help us by putting your full name on all lunch boxes, back-packs, and other items you bring to school on a regular basis.
Don't see what you've lost? Most classrooms have individual lost-and-found areas. Consider checking in with your teachers. You can also stop by the lost-and- found in the cafeteria as not all items may be pictured.
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Bus Information
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The D31 morning trip times were adjusted effective Monday December 5th, 2016.
One trip will begin 10 minutes earlier, departing 16th Street & Eastern Avenue at
7:26 AM, to arrive at Deal approximately
8:15 AM. The second trip will remain unchanged, departing 16th Street & Eastern Avenue at
7:36 AM.
Here is a link to the bus route schedule.
If an issue occurs with your designated school transit service, please contact the number below:
Bus Operations
(202) 962-1825
As always, please send an email about bus problems or concerns to james.albright@dc.gov.
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DCPS Attendance Protocol and Policy: Things to Remember
Important: please provide a note for any absence as soon as possible (day of or soon after) to alicedealattendance@gmail.com. The note can be emailed to or brought to the attendance office next to the school entrance. Or you can complete the attach attendance link to excuse absences. It is also suggested that you email your child's teachers so that they can plan accordingly.
Students must submit a note from their parents to be excused from being absent from school. DCPS' list of reasons an absence can be excused are limited to:
- Death in the family
- Illness (doctor's note must be provided for absences that exceed 5 days)
- Medical appointment
- Emergency
- Religious holiday
- Court summons
- School activities (DCPS sponsored sports events, academic activities etc.)
- School visit (tours, interviews, etc.)
If you have any questions or concerns more, please contact our Attendance Office at alicedealattendance@gmail.com
or by calling (202) 939-2010.
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Student & Parent Information
New: Parent Teacher Conferences this
Friday!
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place this Friday, March 3rd from noon - 7:00 pm. Conferences with team teachers are by-appointment-only. All non-team teachers (world language, PE, art, music, support, resource) will be available for drop-in conferences. Please plan to arrive in advance of your first appointment as parking in the school lot will be limited.
Haven't yet made an appointment? The online sign-up will be open through March 1st at Alice_Deal_Middle_School PTC. A detailed description of the online sign-up process is posted on Edline and Deal's website. Note: you will need an email account to use the online process. If you will be unable to create appointments online, please contact your child's team to set up an appointment.
New: ELA Data Snapshots
Parents: Want to know more about your student's ELA Data Snapshot?
Visit the Deal Library on March 3rd during Parent-Teacher Conferences. Staff will be on hand to provide more detailed information about ELA assessments, answer your questions, and connect you to online resources that support your child's skills.
New: Pi Day is Coming!
Students are invited to participate in the Pi Recitation Competition on March 14 at 2:30 in the Welcome Center. Please see Ms. Neal for more information.
New: Math Information Meeting
We will host a meeting for 6th and 7th grade parents to provide options for math acceleration and support for next year at 6:00 pm on March 14 in the auditorium.
New: Alice Deal MS Cardboard Challenge
The third annual Alice Deal Middle School Cardboard Challenge kicks off Tuesday, February 28! All students who are interested should meet in the Gallery at 3:30pm. The Global Cardboard Challenge is a worldwide celebration of creativity and how communities can play a role. Students are challenged to create and build out of cardboard, recycled materials and their imagination. For more information, visit:
http://cardboardchallenge.com/. Students will show off their creations and invite anyone and everyone to come out and play in collaboration with the Deal Family Math Night on Tuesday, March 14, from 6:30 - 8:00pm.
New: Yearbook Pictures Last Call
This is a final call for yearbook photo submissions! If you or your student have any photos that you would like to see in the yearbook please upload them to the
google photo shared folder by March 1st. Please note that no photos may contain clothing or hand signals that may be considered inappropriate. We would love photos of student trips and after-school activities!
New: 6th Grade Coffee Hour
Parents and guardians of sixth graders who do not have a specific concern but would still like to check in with their child's teachers in a casual setting are encouraged to attend the 6th Grade Coffee Hour from noon - 1:00 pm on Friday, March 3rd. Light refreshments will be served! If you are interested in attending the Coffee Hour in lieu of scheduled conference appointments, please RSVP by visiting tinyurl.com/PTCCoffeeHour.
New: Embassy Adoption Program - Morocco
Team Marrakesh would like to thank Mr. Driss of the Embassy of Morocco for visiting and teaching us about Moroccan handicrafts! Last Tuesday, 30 students watched and discussed a documentary about Moroccan woodwork, metalwork and pottery!
Speech and Drama Competition
Deal's 5th Annual Black History Speech and Drama Competition will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 9th in the Media Center. The first place winner will receive $100, the second place winner will receive $75, and the 3rd place winner will receive $50. To participate, students must memorize and present a poem and a speech or monologue written by an African-American writer. Interested students are invited to meet with Ms. Neal and Ms. Redekopp in in the Media Center during homeroom on Tuesday.
Family Math Night
Deal's Family Math Night will take place on March 14 from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. Your entire family is invited to join us in celebrating the joy and beauty of mathematics.
National History Day Volunteers Needed
Calling all Deal parents and community members. Deal's 8th grade National History Day school wide competition is nearing! We need volunteers to help register projects on Tuesday, March 7th from 8:45 am - 3:15 pm with a brief orientation at 8:15 am. We are also looking for volunteers to be a part of a judging committee for the school wide level on Wednesday, March 8th from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. If you are interested and able, please email Ms. Trenkle at
historyteacher105@gmail.com.
Girl Up
Girl Up began our annual fundraiser, "Money for Munchkins" (previously Dollars for Donuts), for gender equality and girls' education. Girl Up is raising funds to combat the social issues faced by girls around the world in the month of February. Each grade level team is competing to bring in the most donations! Current leaders are 6th grade: Team Douala, 7th grade: Team Fez, and 8th grade: Team Kigali. The team in each grade level that brings in the most money will get a "Dunkin Donut Munchkin Party!" Thanks in advance for all of your donations in the month of February!!
Due to President's Day, Girl Up's next meeting is on Monday, February 27th at 3:30 pm. We will pick up the final donations for Money for Munchkins. See you then!
ADMS Student News
Students of Team Marrakesh would like to share episode one of ADMS Student News. Please check out their video at admsstudentnews1. A special shout-out to Dante Chinni, Sadhbh Keller-McLeer, Audrey Saenz, and Anderson Jennings for creating, editing, and producing this wonderful idea!
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honors Society (NJHS) is an opportunity for middle school students to be recognized for their excellence in scholarship, service to community, and character. To participate, students must be in the 7th or 8th grade and meet the following criteria to be eligible for induction into the Deal Chapter of NJHS:
-Maintain A's or B's in all classes through the 3rd Advisory
-Complete 10 hours of community service
-Participation in a school club or activity
Evidence of these requirements will be submitted with a National Junior Honor Society Application after the 3rd Advisory on April 28th. Applications will be shared with all eligible students in March. If you have any questions about NJHS Eligibility, please reach out to Mark LaLonde (
mark.lalonde@dc.gov) or Eunice Humphrey (
eunice.humphrey@dc.gov).
Peer Mediation
Peer mediation is a process of conflict resolution in which trained student mediator assists disputants to discuss and resolve their conflict. Mediation is available at Deal for student disputes on a referral basis. If students have a conflict or want to let someone know about a potential conflict situation, there are two ways to refer the issue:
1. Any student or adult may fill out the blue Mediation Referral form found in Ms. White's mailbox in the Welcome Center and in each of the grade level counselor offices.
2. Students may also talk to a trusted adult who will refer the matter to one of the grade level counselors.
It is important to note that mediation referrals can be submitted anonymously. This means that those referring others for mediation can do so without putting their name on the form.
Deal Gives Back
Deal Gives Back is our annual community service
day in which all Deal students and teachers serve our local community. Deal is looking for new activities and ideas for this year's sixth grade students. If you are a part of an organization or know of one that can use student volunteers, please contact Alana.Brown@dc.gov. Deal Gives Back will take place
Wednesday, June 7th.
If you need support with your Edline account or have questions about the system, please email DealEdline@gmail.com
Be sure to follow @DealVikings on Twitter for a glimpse in to the daily life of Deal students and all the latest news. Don't forget to tag us when you mention your favorite Deal moments!
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Deal is growing! As our enrollment increases, so does our need for remarkable, dedicated educators. Deal will add two teams next year and will have a number of positions available for the 2017-2018 school year. Talented, engaging teachers are encouraged to apply!
Deal is currently interviewing candidates for English, math, science, social studies, arts (music, visual, dance, or theater), Arabic, and Spanish. If you or someone you know has what it takes to lead the best kids in DC, visit our website to apply!
We know that some of our best teachers come from referrals from our community and staff. Please consider spreading the word to talented teachers in your conversations and social media posts. Our students deserve the best and Deal is a great place to teach!
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6th Grade Corner
iReady Middle of the Year (MOY) Completion
Approximately 60 sixth graders will complete the i-Ready MOY assessment on Monday from 9:00 am until 10:30 am. Students who need additional time will continue testing on Tuesday from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm.
Coffee Hour
Parents and guardians who do not have a specific concern, but would still like to check in with their child's teachers in a casual setting are encouraged to attend the 6th Grade Coffee Hour from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm on Friday, March 3. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by February 28.
Appreciation
Thank you to all of the teachers and staff members who served as chaperones for the FOUR 6th grade ski trips! Please stop by Ms. Neal's office on Monday.
HOMEgirls Homework Club
Does your daughter, niece, or granddaughter need help catching up on past assignments? Does she have an NTI or two in Edline? Or, is she in need of a quiet, supportive place to complete the day's homework assignments? If so, the HOMEgirls Homework Club is the place for her! Girls will work on current and missing assignments, and receive organizational strategies and study tips! HOMEgirls will meet in Room C116 every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 - 4:30 pm.
Douala - Monday
Nassau - Wednesday
Colombo - Wednesday
Marrakesh - Monday
Contact Information
Do you have concerns, questions or comments?
Ms. Chambliss - Dean of Students
Naima.chambliss@dc.gov
Ms. White - Counselor
Camille.white@dc.gov
Ms. Buchanan - Social Worker
Elizabeth.buchanan@dc.gov
Ms. Neal - Assistant Principal
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7th Grade Corner
Executive Skills Supports
Some common issue facing many 7th Graders can be described as students being disorganized, forgetful, distracted, or careless. According to Peg Dawson and Richard Guare in their article "Executive Skills: The Hidden Curriculum," students who demonstrate these behaviors lack executive skills: the ability to get organized, execute tasks, and take an idea from start to finish. Dawson and Guare describe the following executive skills as essential to student success in school and life:
- Response Inhibition - thinking before acting;
- Working Memory - holding information in mind while performing complex tasks;
- Emotional Control - managing emotions to complete tasks or control behavior;
- Sustained Attention - staying focused despite distractions, boredom, or fatigue;
- Task Initiation - beginning tasks without undue procrastination;
- Planning and Prioritization - creating a roadmap to reach a goal and making decisions about what's important;
- Organization - creating and maintaining systems to keep track of information or materials;
- Time Management - estimating how much time one has, what's important, how to allocate time, and how to meet deadlines;
- Goal-directed persistence - having a goal, following through to completion, and not getting sidetracked;
- Adaptability - being able to revise plans in the face of obstacles, setbacks, new information, or mistakes;
- Metacognition - being able to step back and ask, "How am I doing?"
Throughout adolescence these skills develop slowly and unevenly. However, the middle school years mark a key developmental stage to support your children with the development of these skills. If you notice that your child is struggling in one of these areas of Executive Skill, please consider some of the following suggestions to support their development at home.
- Structure, Routines and Organizational Schemes: Making tasks shorter; making the steps more explicit; building in variety and choice; and providing more prompts, reminders, and supervision.
- Goal Setting: If you notice an Executive Skill weakness, set a goal with your child and develop steps to support them meeting the goal. Monitor their progress and provide them with feedback and encouragement.
- Praise/Incentives: Provide your child with specific praise or incentives for meeting goals and demonstrating growth in a targeted skill.
Contact Information
Do you have concerns, questions or comments?
Mr. Lalonde - Dean of Students
Mark.Lalonde@dc.gov
Ms. Monkou - Counselor
Joy.Monkou@dc.gov
Ms. DeAngelis - Social Worker
Margaret.Deangelis@dc.gov
Mrs. Stallworth - Assistant Principal
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8th Grade Corner
8th Grade Ski Trip
Buses will leave Deal at 8:00 am on Tuesday, February 28th. Parents/guardians are asked to pick up students between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. Students who are attending the ski trips will need the following:
Dress:
- Dress in at least 3 layers so you can add or remove layers as needed
- Water resistant or waterproof pants OR 2 layers of sweatpants
- Wear a winter jacket or layers with a windbreaker.
- Thick socks
- Gloves or mittens
- Goggles or sunglasses (if you have them)
- A winter hat and/or earmuffs
Bring:
- A bagged lunch
- Water bottle
- TWO snacks
- A watch OR a phone (at your own risk) to keep track of the time
- A change of socks or clothes for the ride back
8th Grade Goals
In 8th Grade we are working diligently with our scholars to develop the skills they need to be successful in high school and beyond. One area we are focusing on is decreasing tardies to school and classes throughout the day. This will ensure smoother transitions to class, increase teaching and learning time, and positively impact grades. We will monitor tardies closely during the month of February and reward classes with the most improvement!
What can you do at home? Talk to your students about the benefits of arriving on time and let them know it is important to you. Getting to Deal early and setting a plan for the day will go a long way towards building positive life habits!
8th Grade Promotion Dates
Mark your calendars now! The end of the year is a busy time for our 8th graders and we have confirmed dates for all the fun:
- Kings Dominion Trip - June 9th
- Promotion Practice - June 12th
- 8th Grade Dance - June 12th
- Promotion - June 13th
This year's promotion will take place at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium on Tuesday, June 13th at 10:00 am. Due to space constraints, each student will be given two guest tickets. More information about payment, tickets, and logistics will be shared in a letter and the "8th Grade Corner" in the coming weeks. We look forward to sharing this special time with our biggest, wisest Vikings!
8th Grade Team Texts
Sign up for team-specific texts for community project, field trips, and
other information using Remind 101. Signing up is optional, but this is a good way for students and families to stay connected via text when your email inbox is overflowing!
Community Project Updates
What is the Community Project?
As an International Baccalaureate MYP school, all 8th graders are required to research, plan, implement, and present on a community project of their choosing. The Community Project can be completed individually or in a group and is a wonderful opportunity for our oldest students to serve others and grow as leaders. While much of the work will happen at Deal, some key pieces must be completed at home. Check back here each week for updates!
What's next?
- Students will continue their CP research through February
- Students should review and thoughtfully complete Process Journals 1-4
Common Application
The Common Application for specialized DCPS High Schools opened on December 12th. The deadline for the application was February 1st.
The Common Application is used to apply to all DCPS Selective High Schools. These schools are Benjamin Banneker, School Without Walls, McKinley Technology, Phelps ACE, Columbia Heights Education Campus, and Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
High School Applications
Eighth grade students applying to high schools will likely need transcripts and letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and admin at Deal. Here are a few tips to ensure the process goes smoothly for students and staff:
Requesting a Transcript
Many applications will ask for a transcript or school records. Requests should be sent to Ms. Humphrey (
Eunice.Humphrey@dc.gov) in writing at least two weeks prior to the submission deadline. If your student applies to
High School Open Houses and Interviews
High school visits and interviews are awesome opportunities to learn about your options for next year and an excused absence for 8th grade students. Take advantage of these open houses to find your p
erfect match!
Contact Information
Do you have compliments, questions or comments? Let the 8th grade team know:
Ms. Outten - Dean of Students
Kate.Outten@dc.gov
Mr. Boccardi - Social Worker
Peter.Boccardi@dc.gov
Ms. Humphrey - Counselor
Eunice.Humphrey@dc.gov
Ms. Travers - Counselor
Johnet.Travers@dc.gov
Mr. Rottman - Assistant Principal
Patrick.Rottman@dc.gov
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This Week at Deal
Monday: African-American Film Festival
The Deal Library will screen the third and final film in our African-American film festival on Monday, February 27th at 3:30pm. The Watsons Go to Birmingham, based on the award-winning novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, tells the story of a family road trip to a city that is about to experience a tragic and violent event in Civil Rights history.
Monday: The After School Basketball Club
The After School Outdoor Basketball Club will meet on Monday, February 27th at
3:30 pm behind the school on the court next to the Cottage. Dress for
cold weather! In the event of poor weather, we will meet with Mr. Namian in room C217.
Tuesday: 6th Grade Comic Book Club
6th Grade Comic Book Club with Mr. Siddiqui will meet this Tuesday, February 28th from 3:30 - 4:15 pm in room C128.
Tuesday: Viking Ultimate Frisbee!
Our first practice of the spring ultimate season will be this Tuesday, February 28th from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. New and returning players should come to Mr. Martini's room (W104) after school. Also, mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 14th from 3:30 -5:00 for a scrimmage at Deal against the Field School!
Thursday: Geo-Blitz Challenge
Any 6th grade student interested in fun and friendly competition to name (and spell!) the most amount of countries should come to Mr. Martini's room during GRIT on Thursday, March 2nd. A few of Team Marrakesh's finest geographers challenge any other team to accept this challenge! Be sure to practice at http://www.vacations.info/games/countries
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Deal Athletics
Fall Sports: Girls Volleyball, Football, Cross Country and Cheerleading.
Winter Sports: Indoor Track, Basketball and Cheerleading.
Spring Sports: Softball, Baseball, Outdoor Track and Soccer
Mandatory Athletics Forms
Students must submit all necessary forms before they can try out, practice, or play with any Deal team. Please submit all completed forms to your athlete's coach or Coach Downing:
If, for any other reason, you are unable to register your child on rankonesport, you can do one of the following: 1. download and print the required forms from the rankone website, 2. pick up hard copies from the Welcome Center at Deal, or 3. print them from
alicedeal.org (student life > athletics).
Monday: Practice, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Thursday: Practice, 3:45 - 6:30 pm
Outdoor Track
Outdoor track starts this week! There will be an interest meeting in the multipurpose room at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, February 28th. Our first practice is Wednesday, March 1st. Practices will be Mondays and Wednesdays for the remainder of the season.
Boys Soccer
Tuesday: Tryouts (make-up), 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Thursday: Practice, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Girls Soccer
Wednesday: Tryouts, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Friday: Tryouts, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Baseball
Tuesday: Practice, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, field
Wednesday: Practice, 3:30 to- 5:30 pm, field
Thursday: Practice, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, field
Friday: Practice, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, field
Softball Practice Schedule
Monday, February 27th to Thursday, March 2nd
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Location: Softball Field or Gymnasium
Free Softball Clinic - Pitching & General Skills
Saturday, March 4th from 9:00 am - noon
Location: HD Woodson Senior High School
540 55th Street N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20019
Spring Sports Contacts
Spring sports are in full swing! Please see the coach contact info below for any questions:
**Please contact Coach Downing if you are interested in signing up to compete in the upcoming archery tournament. The last day to sign up for archery is Friday, February 24th
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Club/ Activity
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Teacher
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Description
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Day
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Time
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Loc.
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Girl Up Club
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Huber/ Massaquoi
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Mentoring young girls, helping them get through their day-to-day
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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E307
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Concert Choir
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McKeithen
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Classical Music Choir
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M
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7:45 - 8:30
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Audit.
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Pen pals
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Dziato/ Parish
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Get to know another middle school half way across the world in Singapore. You will send your pen pal letter, emails and even video messages.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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RG01
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ELA Peer Tutoring
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Culp
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ELA Peer Tutoring
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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E105
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After School Outdoor Basketball Club
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Namian
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All are welcome to participate in Mr. Namian's Outdoor After School Basketball Club. Girls, boys, players grades 6-8, novices/experts. If you like the greatest game ever invented, then this is the club for you! After an hour of supervised pickup, each session culminates with Mr. Namian's famous wild half court shootout for Gatorades.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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Cottage
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Science Fair Help
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Rhoads
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7th and 8th Grade Science Fair Help
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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RG02
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Noted
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McKeithen
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Jazz/Popular Music Vocal Group
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M
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3:30 - 5:00
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CG21
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Peer Mediation
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White
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Students in all grades learning how to help their peers resolve conflict in a peaceful way. Club members will mediate disputes that have been referred by staff and students throughout the school year.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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C117
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Shoelogy101
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Kim, Giron
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Come design shoes! Learn about how you can customize your own pair.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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C224
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Student Council
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Wickersham/Haller
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Governing student body at ADMS
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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Reno Room
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Trading Card Games
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Kirschenbaum
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Students play trading card games of their choosing (Pokemon, Magic, etc.)
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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N103
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Tennis
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Smith
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Tennis club is a casual weekly gathering for those interested in the sport. A typical day involves 15-20 minutes of drills to improve skill, followed by 20-30 minutes of friendly competition. Depending on the amount of interest, the club may split into 2 groups based on skill level. The club typically breaks during the winter. Tennis shoes are required, a racket is recommended, and I will provide tennis balls.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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W201
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Culture Club
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Donaldson
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The Culture Club will explore and celebrate different countries/cultures from across the world each week with pictures, videos, food, etc.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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N116
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Speech and Debate
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Martis
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Students will practice their public speaking skills and work towards practicing for competitions.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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W106
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ELL Homework Club
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Hasan/Delgado/Thomas
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Homework Assistance, guidance
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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CG06
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Girl Up
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Scott
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Since 2010, Girl Up has partnered with the United Nations to support programs that give girls an equal chance for education, health, social and economic opportunities, and a life free from violence.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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E 307
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Apples To Apples Kids
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Boccardi
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Come join Mr. Boccardi and play Apples. Apples to Apples is a fun games that requires you to make whacky comparison based on your opponents personality and character.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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C302
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Brainteaser Club
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Brown
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Come stretch your brain with logic puzzles, optical illusions, and visual workouts. This club will be a break from homework, but will still make you think!
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M
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3:30 - 4:20
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C217
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Yoga club
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Quinn
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Little yogis will learn the basics of yoga and functional movement.
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M
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3:30 - 4:15
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R116
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Philosophy
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Otterstatter
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In this club, students will discuss the "real questions"... what is the meaning of life, etc.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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E304
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Banana Splits
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Alphonse
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A safe place for students with divorced parents to come and express feelings and engage in fun activities
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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C103
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The Stock Market Game
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Jang
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The Stock Market Game curriculum, lessons, and activities combine content knowledge, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills in a real-world simulation.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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TBD
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Cheerleading
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Baxter/ Clark
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Students learn stunt, dance, tumbling and motion techniques to be performed at various competitions
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M
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3:30 - 5:30
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Gym
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Chess Club
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Car'Mon
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Students will learn to play chess.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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RG10
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Peer Mediation
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White
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Submitted previously
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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C310
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International Cinema
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Brown
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Students meet for snacks and an international film viewing
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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N112
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Scrabble Club
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Fatis
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Compete against one another in the game of Scrabble. For serious player or those looking to have fun.
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M
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3:30-
4:30
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Cafe
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Student Librarians
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Redekopp
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If you love organizing and helping your classmates, consider becoming a student librarian! Choose a day to come after school to help with shelving, organizing, and assisting your fellow students.
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M
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3:30 - 4:30
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Media Center
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Today, Tomorrow and Monday!
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Stroud
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A group of seventh graders have requested an opportunity to explore current events and how they impact upon a middle schooler's today and tomorrow! Of course, in line with the club's name, will meet on Monday at 3:30 in room W206
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M |
3:30-4:30
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W206 |
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Student Librarians
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Redekopp
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Working in the media center.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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Media Center
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Ultimate Frisbee
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Kouri/ Martini
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The Ultimate Frisbee club is open to all levels of experience. Players will practice offensive and defensive strategies, learn different throwing techniques, and embody the spirit of the game through sportsmanship.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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W104
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Sailing Club
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Rottman /Law/ Philip
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This seasonal club is a great chance for students to go sailing in DC! Sign ups are in the bulletin, students can come as much or as little as they like, and no experience is necessary.
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T
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3:00 - 7:00
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TBD
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Concert Band
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van der Horst
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Concert Band is a performing ensemble open to all students who play a wind or percussion instrument. There will be performance opportunities outside school hours.
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T
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7:45 - 8:00
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CG20
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Jazz Band
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van der Horst
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A traditional jazz ensemble open to students with at least one year experience on their instrument. An audition is required.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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CG20
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Do It Yourself (D.I.Y) Club
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Quiambao
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Get together to create projects from a variety of old and new items to create something fun and useful.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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W105
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Photo Club
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Snider
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Learn about photographers, how to take awesome digital photos and participate in photo contests.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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R111
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Power Walking Club
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DeAngelis
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Power Walking Club is perfect for Vikings who want to exercise and stay healthy throughout the school year!
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T
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3:30 - 4:00
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C203
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Pause devoirs
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Mbayu
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French homework help.
|
T
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3:30 - 4:00
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C308
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Scrabble Club
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Gentile
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Compete against one another in the game of Scrabble. For serious player or those looking to have fun.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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E103
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GeoPlunge! (6th grade)
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Martini
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All 6th graders are invited to play GeoPlunge - a fun card game played using cards with facts and trivia about the 50 states!
|
T
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6th Gr Lunch
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W104
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Inspiration Choir
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Shipmon
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After-School choir that will sing uplifting and inspiring music.
|
T
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3:30 - 4:30
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CG04
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Creative Writing
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Silberman
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Students will write short screenplays, short stories, and poetry with special focus on enhanced description, structure, and plot development.
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T
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3:30 - 4:30
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C104
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Concert Choir
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McKeithen
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Classical Music Choir
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W
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7:45 - 8:30
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Auditorium
|
|
Student Librarians
|
Redekopp
|
Working in media center.
|
W
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3:30 - 4:30
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Media Center
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|
Concert Band
|
Van der Horst
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Concert Band is a performing ensemble open to all students who play a wind or percussion instrument. There will be performance opportunities outside school hours.
|
W
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7:45 - 8:00
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CG20
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Yearbook
|
Hyatt
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Students will work throughout the year to produce the 2016-2017 ADMS Yearbook! Students will take photos, organize layouts and write descriptions for the yearbook!
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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E201
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Reading Support Club
|
Fraser
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Gain confidence in reading and join our reading support club!
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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R104
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Model UN
|
Trenkle
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Students will discuss global current events, work on Model UN Skills, and participate in MUN Conferences. This club is for 7th and 8th grade students, or 6th grade students with experience.
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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E205
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Girls Soccer (Spring '17)
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Ngwa
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DCIAA Spring soccer league
|
W
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3:30 - 5:00
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Field
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Girl Talk
|
Fullington/ Humphrey
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Girl Talk will be designed to provide educational and recreational experiences through positive social interactions, peer mentoring, and teamwork and life skills development.
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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E105
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Sports Rap
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Burt
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In Sports Rap, students will engage in socratic seminar type discussions, debating the major issues in the sports world. Students will also view and discuss current highlights from major sporting events. A fun activity for the serious sports fan!
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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W103
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Coloring Club
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Gentile
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Do you love to color? Adult coloring is growing in popularity. According to CNN, coloring "has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring [about] more mindfulness," Whether you want to reduce stress or just enjoy coloring, come join coloring club!
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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E103
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Math HW Club
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Lewis - Samuels
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The Math HW Club is designed to assist 6th grade math students to complete their math homework in a setting with a math specialist. Students will work at their pace to develop skills and confidence to improve their math performance.
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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C213
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Robotics Club
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Slocumb-Bradford
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Students will have an opportunity to design, build, and program devices and robots to accomplish simple and complex tasks.
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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E206
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Girl Talk
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Monkou
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A club where girls can share middle school adventures. Some topics will include fashion, academics, future goals and more.
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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C310
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Girls on the Run
|
Sarnoff
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A fun running club for girls, no experience necessary.
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W
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3:30 - 4:30
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Gym
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Hamilton Club
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Gould Perrott
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Fans of Hamilton no longer need to wait for it. Look around, look around, how lucky you are to have found the best new club at Deal where we will listen, read, and discuss our favorite found father, Alexander Hamilton, and the Tony Award wining smash-hit Hamilton. Don't throw away your shot to join. The room where it happens is W306.
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W
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3:30 - 4:15
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W306
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Book Club
|
Belser
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Begins second semester. Welcome readers!! Book club will meet once a week to discuss a book we are all reading independently.
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W
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3:30 - 4:15
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W207
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Science Olympiad
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Schuettpelz
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Students involved in this club need to commit to practicing. This is a science team competition
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W
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3:30 - 4:15
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W200
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Student Librarians
|
Redekopp
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Working in media center.
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Th
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3:30 - 4:30
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Media Center
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Cheerleading
|
Baxter/Clark
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Students learn stunt, dance, tumbling and motion techniques to be performed at various competitions
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Th
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3:30 - 5:30
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Gym
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8th Gr. Anime Club in C212
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Schick
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Students will enjoy in healthy debates about anime while reviewing age-appropriate cinema and eating snacks. Open to 8th graders.
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Th
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3:30 - 5:00
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C212
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Jazz Band
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van der Horst
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A traditional jazz ensemble open to students with at least one year experience on their instrument. An audition is required.
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Th
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3:30 - 4:30
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CG20
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Concert Choir
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McKeithen
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Classical Music Choir
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F
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7:45 - 8:30
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Auditorium
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Concert Band
|
van der Horst
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Concern band practice.
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F
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7:45 - 8:00
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CG20
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Guitar Club
|
Neal
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Come and play guitar with your friends; learn from each other!
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F
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3:30 - 4:30
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C114
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7th Gr. Comic Book Club in C212
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Schick
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Students will participate in healthy debates about comic books and superheroes while eating pizza and watching animated superhero shows and film.
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F
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3:30 - 5:00
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C212
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East Asia Studies
|
Diaz
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If you love Asian culture and would like to learn more this is the club for you. We watch Korean or Japanese films and we discuss their culture.
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F
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3:30 - 4:30
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R113
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Videogames
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Perrin
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Students can gather to discuss their favorite video games, which Pokémon they just caught on Pokémon Go, and more.
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F
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3:30 - 4:30
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W205
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Football, Girls Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse
|
Downing
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Athletics
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TBD
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3:30 - 5:30
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Gym/Field
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Dr. Steve Science Journal Club
|
Newman
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Read and discuss current events in the field of science. Dr. Steve, who spent his career developing vaccines at NIH, leads discussions.
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TBD
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3:15 - 4:15
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R102
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Passport to History
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Daniels
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8th grade students can accompany Ms. Daniels to sites around the city for their Passport to History project.
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TBD
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3:30 - 5:00
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W305
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Photography
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Reddy
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In this club, students will understand the key principles of digital photography and the post production techniques. We will also be taking a lot of photographs.
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TBD
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3:30 - 4:30
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E301
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Yearbook
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Hensley
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Yearbook
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TBD
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3:30 - 4:30
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E204/6
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Community Information
(Items in this section are not sponsored by Deal)
Do you have a community event or organization you would like to see included in the weekly bulletin? Please contact
dealbulletin@gmail.comwith submission requests.
Summer Youth Sailing with DC Sail
DC Sail offers youth racing programs in the spring and fall for high school and middle school students from the DC area. Students do not need prior sailing experience to participate as learning is part of the fun! Scholarships are available for families with a demonstrated need.
Click here for more information and to sign up for the spring season.
Kids Elite Sports Summer Camp
It's that time again to be thinking about camp even though the weather is freezing! Kids Elite Sports Summer Camp is a multi-style camp that takes place at Wilson High School. The camp was created by Wilson Track Coach, Desmond Dunham, who is a warm, friendly, thoughtful educator who gets kids and knows how to engage and motivate them. A total of 8, 1 week sessions are offered starting June 19th and ending August 11th. More information can be found at
www.kidselitesports.org.
DC Youth Orchestra Program Spring Registration is Open!!
DCYOP offers beginner through advanced group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. Nearly 500 students participate in group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performances each semester at Eastern High School on Capitol Hill. Every student has the opportunity to perform in at least one concert every semester. All concerts are free and open to the public. To learn more about DCYOP programs and register for the spring semester, please visit
www.dcyop.org.
DEAL JUNIOR SQUASH 2016-17
COACH: CONNIE BARNES
Chevy Chase Athletic Club 5454 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase
Deal Squash Team requires 6 more participants for winter. Did you know that Wilson HS has a terrific Squash team and that they play in the HS squash league? DEAL also plays in the Middle school league against schools including Pyle, Westland, Wakefield and others. No experience required but being athletic with good hand eye coordination is helpful. Scholarships available.
The program will emphasize squash techniques and strategies, fitness, and sportsmanship.
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