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.
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Principal's Message...
This week, we tackle Round 3 of the Paced Interim Assessments. As the largest testing site in DC (we assess every grade and have the most students), we work hard to ensure complete security around the process. We have set an ambitious goal for our students on the DC CAS - to increase our overall proficiency to 90 percent in both English and Math and to increase by 5 percent the rate of students performing at the Advanced level. With the CAS still two months away, the PIA helps us focus on the teaching of Common Core standards right now. Please remind your children that the PIA is actually a measure of performance on the current unit - it isn't a standardized test. It shows what they know from what they have been taught in the last 6 weeks.
In the midst of spring planning for the 2nd semester, for testing, and for next school year, I took a broader look at what was happening in and out of the building to see what your kids are experiencing day-to-day. Here's a sample from this week and last:
- 6th graders are working on one of their six model united nations units - in which they take on the role of member states to debate issues around their current units.
- The Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana (thanks to Mr. Assael!) performed in front of assembled Deal students with a vibrant, well-received dance and percussion performance.
- Music students went to hear the Jazz 4 Young People Concert through the Capitol Jazz Program.
- 6th graders are putting the finishing touches on their magnum opuses (opi?) for the big book night next week.
- Students traveled to the US Institute of Peace for a visit - unfortunately rescheduled because of the weather (although we were there!).
- Students on Team Sydney learned about the island state of Singapore through that embassy's visit and presentation
- Students on Team London traveled to the National Zoo to meet the Kiwi, through that New Zealander bird's embassy as well.
- 7th graders are integrating English and Humanities by exploring the writing of elegies in connection to the Chinese philosophy of Confucianism - and writing essays about which Chinese philosophies President Obama should use to guide his policy-making over the next 4 years.
- Eighth graders are finishing up their original poetry writing, and were treated to a spoken word presentation by K.O.M.P.L.E.X.
- The Science Fair is this week, with the National History Day not too far behind.
In compiling this list, I am aware it is only a partial list of learning and doing at Deal. Check out your team bulletins and more information below to get a complete perspective. But the critical point is that while the testing gets the biggest attention sometimes, what is happening ALL the time is a rich array of experiences and education for your children. Not everything is going to work flawlessly every time, but the ideas and efforts of your teachers should let you know that they really care about your children's success.
Principal Albright
NB. The combination of an active club calendar, sports, aftercare, and LAYC create for an energetic mix of students at Deal after 3:30. While we are working to increase the security and safety of students at all times, we ask that parents do their part: when students are dismissed from an activity, they are to go home - to go directly home. There is no general supervision for students in Deal after dismissal. If your child is unable to get home for some reason, please check out the aftercare program. If you are picking up your child at the end of a club, please pick them up at the end of the club, not at 6:00 pm. There should always be a plan for them to get home. I ask: if they can't get home without a ride at 5 or 6 on a club day, what is the plan for them to get home at 3:30 dismissal on a regular day? Let's work together on this.
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Get Ready for Deal Island Paradise Auction on Feb. 23
Break out that Hawaiian shirt , throw on your grass skirt and get into that island state of mind to come party with your friends -- and make new ones-- and to help the Deal PTA raise funds to support the school in everything from international travel to agendas for students.
There will be hundreds of items to bid on in the silent auction, plus drawings for great gifts throughout the night. And check out what's new this year: The Big Kahuna! Buy a $100 ticket and take your chance on winning a dozen (yes, 12!) tickets to the sold out Taylor Swift concert in May, or experience the Nationals up close and very personal with batting practice, tickets to the game, and much more. Or support the school by buying two Big Kahuna tickets, and you may even go home with both!
It's not too late to donate an item, a gift card, a getaway, tickets to a show or a unique DC experience. Re-gift a duplicate holiday gift to support your child's school. Plan a party to mingle with friends, meet other parents and all while raising money for the school.
Take a moment to consider how you can volunteer your time and talents. Parents are needed for set-up on Friday, Feb 22 and on the day of the event. And when the party is over, a clean-up crew is needed to ready the school for classes on Monday.
Tickets will be available shortly, and the catalogue will be online and ready to peruse in just a few days. Get ready! Your support means a GREAT Deal, and another fabulous auction party.
To donate, or for more information, contact Diana Rojas at nogroj@gmail.com.
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Stay Informed!
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Week of
February 4, 2013
Bell Schedule
Monday - Bell I
Tuesday - Bell T
Wednesday - Bell T
Thursday Bell - Viking Time
Friday - Bell I
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Find out about Deal with...
Deal Tours
Please join us for a tour. All tours start at 9:30 and meet outside the Welcome Center.
February 12
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Upcoming Dates
February 5
PIA Testing
Team Leaders
February 6
Math Dept Meeting
PIA Testing
February 7
New to Deal Meeting, 3:30 pm
February 8
LSAT, 7:30 am
Deal Science Fair
Report Cards Issued
February 9
Saturday Detention
9 am - 12 noon
February 12
NAEP Testing
Deal Tour (the last one!)
February 13
National Portrait Gallery - Firenze
February 14
Department Chairs, 3:30 pm
Winter Dance 3:30 - 6
February 15
Professional Development Day
No School for Students
Detention 9 am - 12 noon
February 18
Presidents Day
No School for staff and students
February 20
Literature to Film Festival
Embassy Program - London
8th Grade We the People Mock Trial
February 21
Faculty Meeting 3:30 pm
February 22
Deficiencies to HR
World Language Trip Meeting
February 23
Deal PTA Auction - 6:30 pm
Saturday Detention; 9 - 12
February 25
Parent-Teacher Conference Day
No School for Students
February 26
Team Leaders, 3:30 pm
February 27
Deficiencies to Admin
February 28
Third Advisory Midpoint
Hoops for Heart
March 4
8th Grade Art History Trip
March 5
Team Leaders (all)
8th Grade Art History Trip
March 6
Math Department Meeting, 3:30 pm
March 7
New to Deal, 3:30 pm
March 8
LSAT, 7:30 am
March 9
Scrabble Tournament 9 - 3:30 pm
March 12
Team Leaders (all)
March 13
Literature to Film Festival
March 14
PI Day
Department Chairs, 3:30 pm
March 15
Final World Language Trip
March 18
NHD Registration
March 19
NHD Judging
March 20
NHD Viewing
EAP - Sydney
March 21
Faculty Meeting, 3:30 pm
March 26
Team Leaders (all)
NPG - Mecca
March 27
PIA 4
March 28
PIA 4
March 29
Records Day/ End of 3rd Advisory
March 30
France Trip Departs
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Lunch Applications
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Complete Lunch Form online at
Mealsapp.dcps.dc.gov
All families regardless of eligibility must complete a lunch form. This is important and helps determine some funding for the school.
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Library News
The Library will be closed at 3:30 on Monday, February 4th, and before school on Friday, February 8th.
Library Media Center Hours
Before School 8 - 8:40 am
After School 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Students must have parental permission to stay after school
The Alice Deal Library welcomes students for reading and homework after school! Students must have a permission form on file in the library to use the space after school. Students may pick up a form in the library, or may download it from the library website (Library Pass).
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PTA Sponsors
The following are the Deal PTA 2012-2013 business sponsors.
The Broad Branch Market
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Taylor Agostino Group
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Radifera Design Group
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W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtor
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Pete's New Haven Style Apizza
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Second Wind CrossFit
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edCount, LLC
Math Medics
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(new!) Elements Fitness and Wellness Center
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(new!) Discount Vacation Rentals for Deal Families
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(new!) Capitol Language Services
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Student and parent information...
New: Congratulation Girls' and Boys' Indoor Track Team
Congratulations to the boys and girls Indoor Track team for an excellent season. At the championship meet, the Deal girls were crowned the league champions, and the boys' finished 3rd! We are very proud of all of them for working so hard. On Tuesday, February 5th, the team will take their yearbook picture. All Indoor Track team members should bring their uniform and be prepared to take their team picture at 3:30 pm in the gymnasium. The pictures will be taken in uniform, so don't forget to bring yours.
New: Surfboard Decoration
The auction committee is looking for students to represent each team for a Surfboard Decorating project. The Surfboards will be used to decorate the auction party, and will be sold at the party itself. We will need students from each team to plan, design, and decorate a pre-cut 5-foot-tall surfboard. Students will have one day to sketch out their team idea, and only two days to decorate. The committee asks that kids come prepared with ideas beforehand.
Parents, this is your chance to get involved with the auction!! The auction committee needs parents to help supervise these young artists on the below dates. Parents please contact Sue Longo Wright to tell which date/dates you are available at suelongowright@gmail.com .
This project will meet in the gallery after school on:
Feb 12, 3:20 - 5pm plan and sketch designs on boards. Bring a pencil and ideas.
Feb 19 & 20, 3:20 - 5pm. Decorate and paint boards.
New: Teens for Jeans
This is it! Our final push! This Friday, February 8, is the last day to donate your unwanted jeans for this great cause (going to local homeless shelters). So far, we have over 1,100 pairs of jeans, which is awesome.
The homeroom with the most jeans donated will win a pizza party sponsored by Dominos Pizza. The top three are:
1. Ms. Campozano with 132
2. Mr. McDowell with 126
3. Ms. Wisniewski with 65
3. Mr. Gueltig with 65
The 6th graders are blowing away the 7th and 8th graders in total number of jeans collected, with over 60% of jeans donated.
Remember - as long as they're jeans and in the form of pants, they count (no shorts, skirts or jackets).
New: Poet Recites for 8th Graders
A high-energy local poet, Komplex, performed at an assembly for 8th graders on Friday afternoon. Our students, who are in the middle of a poetry unit, were wowed by Komplex's energy and eloquence. Thanks to Ms. Fuller for organizing the assembly!
New: Group: Parents of Students with ADHD
The next group will be Monday, February 11, 5:30-7pm in the Conference Room. The group will focus on providing parents a forum to exchange support and parenting advice for all settings of the child's life. Please RSVP to Mr. Chang, School Social Worker, at terence.chang@dc.gov.
New: Physical Education Students
Beginning Monday, all Physical Education students are expected to be in uniform. If you need an extension to purchase a uniform, speak with your PE teacher.
New: Social Justice Printmaking
Do you like to think about issues in social justice? Do you like art? Are you an 8th grader? If so, please consider joining a new after school club that will meet on Tuesdays starting on February 26 called Social Justice Printmaking. Students will explore issues of social justice by analyzing prints already made and then make their own prints about topics and issues important to them. This afterschool club will be led by Ms. Alex, a Deal alum, and Ms. Trenkle. Stop by and talk to Ms. Trenkle in W304 if you have questions and/or are interested! Hope to see you there!
New: Cars Idling at Pick Up Time
Please turn off your car while waiting on your children! Idling cars is a problem for kids with respiratory problems, not to mention the planet and our limited fossil fuels. Let's look out for our kids and planet.
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This Week at Deal...
Monday: "Charter" Bus Meeting for 6th Gr.
All 6th graders who ride the "charter" buses (D31, D32, D33, and D34) should report to the auditorium after the morning announcements.
Monday: The Afterschool Outdoor Basketball Club
The Afterschool Outdoor Basketball Club will meet on Monday, Feb. 4, at 3:30 behind the school on the court next to the "Cottage." Dress for cold weather. In the event of rain, we will meet with Mr. Namian in Room W205.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Paced Interim Assessments (PIA 3) this week
All Deal students will take the PIA on Tuesday (Reading) and Wednesday (Math) this week. The make-up day will be Wednesday during lunch for each grade level. Students must bring two #2 pencils. They should get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and come to school on time prepared to do their best. We will be on a Bell T schedule. Please contact Ms. McFarland if you have any questions.
Tuesday: 8th Grade TAGS
8th grade TAGS will meet in W304 on Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 pm. We will be adding layers to our maps! See you there! Future meetings dates: February 19, March 6, March 20.
Wednesday: Football Conditioning
Football conditioning will be held this Wednesday (cardio day) and Thursday (weights day) from 3:30 - 4:30. You MUST attend Wednesday to attend Thursday's session. If you are not able to attend Wednesday, please see Ms. Ortiz.
Wednesday: African-American Film Festival in the Library
Coming to the big screen this Wednesday is "Selma, Lord, Selma." Based on a book, this film depicts an 11-year-old girl in Alabama in 1965 who is touched by a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and becomes a devout follower. But her resolution is tested when she joins others in the famed march from Selma to Montgomery. Check out posters around school for the full schedule. All films start at 3:30.
Wednesday: Santiago Study Hall
Santiago study hall meets every Wednesday after school in Mr. Martini's room (C130). This is a great opportunity to ask questions, catch up on homework, and get help from your core subject teachers!
Thursday: 6th and 7th Grade TAGS
Sixth and seventh grade TAGS students will meet this Thursday in room C130 to continue working on our map!
Friday: Deal's Science Fair is this Friday!
Deal will host its annual Science Fair this Friday from 8:30am - 12:30 pm in the Library Media Center. Approximately 100 of Deal's students will participate, representing the top projects at the 7th and 8th grade levels. We are excited to welcome community members to judge these excellent projects. Participating students will be assigned a time to report to the Library for judging and have a bright orange science fair pass to travel to and from the fair. Please excuse students for approximately 30 minutes for judging. They have been informed that they are to make up any work they miss.
Friday: LSAT Meeting
Join us for our monthly meeting at 7:30 am and lend your voice.
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International Baccalaureate at Deal
The areas of interaction provide the Middle Years Program (MYP) with its unique core. Teachers develop unit plans identifying the area of interaction through which allows teaching and learning to focus on attitudes, values and skills. The areas of interaction are Approaches to Learning, Community and Service, Health and Social Education, Environments, and Human Ingenuity. Approaches to Learning is the area of interaction around which the administrative team and team leaders are focused on this spring. The aim of this area of interaction is to help students apply skills critical to their academic success. These skills are organization, collaboration, communication, information literacy, reflection, thinking, and transfer of knowledge. The team's goal is create a document identifying the vertical alignment of these skills, and to provide parents with information on their child's development. |
8th grade announcements
High School Course Planning
During the month of February we will be working with your student to plan their courses for their first year in high school. All students will begin this process here at school and are encouraged to seek your input in their planning. To view your child's plan, you may log onto the IGP (Individual Graduation Portfolio) website at www.dcps.bridges.com using your child's username and password. Please look for more information regarding this process to come home over the next few weeks. The deadline for all course planning is February 28. If you have trouble logging in or further questions, please contact Ms. White at Camille.white@dc.gov or at 202-939-2013. Wilson Senior High School Parent Meeting
Parents of students who will be attending Wilson Senior High School next year are invited to a special informational meeting on March 5, 2013 from 7-8:30 p.m. Parents, come out to hear about what Wilson has to offer.The snow date for this event is March 12.
Free Test Preparation for Standardized Tests
Eighth grade students are encouraged to log onto their IGP to utilize TestGear which can help in preparing them for standardized tests like the PSAT. Test Gear is offered to students beginning in 8th grade.
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Bus Information
 If your child travels on the 4 bus routes that WMATA makes available for Deal students, here are some important phone numbers for you.
If the D32 bus is late, misses a pick-up, or never shows up, please call the Western District Superintendent, Ms. Peggy Neils, at 202-962-5860 as soon as possible. Students who are passed should try to get the bus identification number. If your child rides the D31, D33, or D34, the Northern Division contact is Sophia Coleman Hill, and she can be reached directly at 202-568-1446. As always, please send an email about a bus problem or concern to james.albright@dc.gov.Here is a link to the bus route schedule. |
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Staff information ...
New: Paced Interim Assessments (PIA) 3
Please be reminded that all Deal Students will take the PIA Reading (ELA) on Tuesday, February 5 and Math on Wednesday, February 6. We will need the cooperation of everyone in the school to ensure that this test is administered in the same manner as the DC CAS. Some teachers will be assigned as test administrators and some as proctors in order to support our students.
New: Viking Time Thursday 2/7 AND 2/21
Because we canceled the last Viking Time due to field trips and weather, this Thursday's activity is changed to Viking Time. This means that there will be two Viking Times in February, as the original Viking Time scheduled remains.
New: Friday PD
- Ms. Barbara Scott will present a session on the role of speech-language therapy in the school and students' lives in W100
- There will be a session on Working with Defiant Students (Part 2) in C217.
- A session on Preparing for Triennial Assessments (prepared by Ms. Popadich) will be held in the Conference Room.
(These sessions are optional and developed based on teacher requests and needs.)
New: PTA Newsletter deadline
Teachers, staff and administrators: It is time for the next PTA Newsletter. Please share team news, information about the sport or extracurricular team or club you coach, or any items of interest to the deal community. The deadline for items for the next newsletter will be February 13th. Items can be sent to dealnewsletter@gmail.com. If you have any questions please email Kim Gross at gross.kim@gmail.com.
Wired/Wireless Internet
To improve performance of our wireless Internet, we need to make sure that all of the desktop computers are plugged into the "wired" Internet - that is, plugged into the wall. School and OCTO staff will be visiting classrooms to help with this. Teachers may need to do some classroom rearranging to ensure that computers are near the Internet outlets.
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Before and After School Activities
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Monday AM
Young Men's Choir - 7:45 am - Rm CG04
Chinese tutoring 8 - 8:30am - Rm N111
Spanish tutoring with Ms. Cadavid 8:10 am - RM C314
Spanish tutoring with Ms. Jackson - Rm C212
Monday PM
Girl Up Rm E305
Newspaper club Rm N116
Student Council meeting Rm E205
Viking Quarterly Rm W103
African Drumming club
Girls on Track - Rm E103
After
school Outdoor Hoop club - Rm W205
Ultimate Frisbee club - Rm C130 6
6th grade Concert Band, 7th & 8th Symphonic Band and Jazz band meeting - Auditorium
Tennis club - Rm E300
Photography Club - Rm E104 French club to 4:30 - CG07
Afterschool Basketball club - W205
Vikings Soccer to 5 pm
GeoPlunge - C130
Board Games to 4:30 - W106
Deal Relief Council - E104
Comic Book Creators Club-RM C203.
International Cooking club, Group C - RM C216
Indoor track practice to 5 pm
Comic Book Creators to 4:30 - C203.
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Tuesday Am
8th String Ensemble - Auditorium
Jazz Band 7:45 am - Rm CG20
Concert Choir 7:45 am - Rm CG04
Spanish tutoring with Ms. Jackson - RM C212
Tuesday PM
Fantasy Football club - Rm C212
Reader's Theater - Rm E205
Cheerleading practice to 5pm
Ultimate Frisbee club - Rm C130
Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Ms. McFarland's office
Bocce club - Front lawn
Music workshop
Girls' Running - RM E304
Girls on Track - Rm E103
Mural/Public Art club
Swimming club to 5:15 pm
Indoor track practice to 5 pm
Football Conditioning to 4:45 pm - Weight Area
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Wednesday AM
6th Grade Concert Band - 7:45 am
Advanced Concert Band - 7:45 am
Young Men's Choir - 7:45 am
Spanish tutoring with Ms. Jackson - RM C212
Wednesday PM
Spartan Barracks
Deal Student Librarian
- Library
Team Mumbai Rm N113
Fencing
club to 5:00 pm - Rm W207
Alexandria Library Rm E200
Roman Holiday - Rm E204
After School Sports Rap - Rm W104
Team Santiago study hall - Rm C130
Debate Team - Rm W100
Type Faster Now to 4:15 - Rm 204
New Student Transitions workshop 7th & 8th
Ms. White's Office
Roman Holiday - E204
Deal Scientists club - Rm E101
C-Span - Rm W304
Team Alexandria - Rm E200
Santiago study Hall - C130
Parlons Français Club, to 4:30 - C308
Literature-to-Film Festival to 5 pm - Library
Discovery Club - E101
Salva Las Focas/Save the Seals club - C314
Creative Writing - W305
Indoor track practice to 5 pm
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Thursday AM
Chinese tutoring 8 - 8:30 am - Rm N111
Spanish tutoring 8:10 am - RM C314
String Chamber Ensemble - 7:45 am
Jazz Band - 7:45 am
Concert Choir - 7:45 am
Spanish tutoring with Ms. Jackson - RM C212
French Tutoring Mr Ngwa 8:10 am
Thursday PM
Cheerleading practice to 5 pm
MWIT club - Rm E206
Team London Rm E104
Mathletes Rm E106
M.I.T. to 4:30 - RM E206
Swimming club to 5:15 pm
TAGS 6th and 7th graders - C130
GEMS meeting
Spanish Club
Writing club RM W305
Socratic Club to 4:30 pm
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Friday AM
7th & 8th Grade Peer Mediators meeting at 8 am - Rm C116
6th Grade Concert Band - 7:45 am
Advanced Concert Band - 7:45 am
Friday PM
Type Faster Now to
4:15 -W204
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