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...
The first item in the bulletin below this message and that of the Deal Auction (see you there on Saturday!) is the announcement of the Deal spring musical, Honk, Jr. This is a much anticipated announcement, as the musical absorbs a huge amount of student energy each year and delights sold-out crowds in our auditorium. Audition information follows below as well. The beautiful thing about musicals is that the entire mood of the school starts shifting - students sing in the halls, the piano goes non-stop after-school, and the bustle of putting on a show increases day-by-day until early May when the lights go on.
Like with many of our Deal activities, the musical appeals to some but not all of our students. This year we have encouraged and put in place more after-school clubs and sports than previously, partly in recognition of the need to provide an alternative to after-care for some families, partly because we like to present students with a large array of opportunities. There will still only be a subset of students who try out for the musical - many of them will have done a musical or a performance in elementary school or in previous years at Deal. The challenge is to open up the doors for other students who may never have walked the stage or used a microphone.
Just as our sports program has continued to grow (6 basketball teams this year, extra soccer opportunities in the fall), our arts programming is expanding. We added a fall play - the well-received "A Midsummer's Night Dream" - and hope to do even more with our beautiful auditorium. We have brought musical performers into the school and continued to support Capital Jazz. Our winter concert was a blast, and we are already planning our trip to Hershey in the spring. We are pursuing a spring activity with Step Afrika! here at Deal that should create more opportunities for thunderous noise and music in the building. Finally, we are inaugurating a poetry slam at the end of the year, in recognition of the role of spoken word here in DC. What better time to explore the arts than during middle school - either as part of the curriculum (either arts or music at Deal every school year) or as part of an expanding series of artistic events that draw us together?
We believe in the power of music, poetry, theater, dance, and visual arts to transform the human experience. In order for this to reach each of our students, we want to work with you to encourage your children to try-out, to practice, to look for ways to get involved, and to support their peers when they are performing. And come by in about three weeks and stand in the main lobby where you can listen to the students practicing in several locations - it will make your day.
See you at the auction - because all of the above activities are supported through PTA funding, funds that are raised at the auction.
Principal Albright
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Get Ready for Deal Island Paradise Auction on Saturday.
Auction Tickets on Sale Now!
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.
To donate, or for more information, contact Diana Rojas at nogroj@gmail.com.
Linger after the bidding is done for an after party performance by the band, Cheaper Than Therapy!
Tickets are now available and the catalogue is available online and ready to peruse. Get ready! Your support means a GREAT Deal, and another fabulous auction party.
| Click here to purchase tickets for the Auction
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Stay Informed!
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Week of
February 18, 2013
Bell Schedule
Monday - Holiday
No School
Tuesday - Bell I
Wednesday - Bell I
Thursday Bell - Viking Time
Friday - Bell I
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Upcoming Dates
February 18
Presidents Day
No school for staff and students
February 19
Sixth Grade Writing Night, 6pm
February 20
Literature to Film Festival
Embassy Program - London
8th Grade We the People Mock Trial
February 21
Faculty Meeting
(moved to Feb. 28)
February 22
Deficiencies to HR
World Language Trip Meeting
February 23
Saturday Detention; 9 - 12
Deal PTA Auction - 6:30 pm
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
Faculty Meeting, 3:30
March 4
8th Grade Art History Trip
March 5
Team Leaders
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
March 13
Literature to Film Festival
March 14
PI Day
Department Chairs, 3:30 pm
March 15
World Language Trip meeting
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
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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Message from the Nurse - Immunization Compliance
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We are asking for your assistance in ensuring your child is up to date with their immunizations. Each time a student receives a vaccination - please obtain a signed and stamped form indicating the vaccine was administered and send to the School Nurse. The Immunization Registry only accepts stamped and signed documentation. For all 6th grade students- once you turn 11 years old- the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is required. This consists of 3 doses or you may opt out for this vaccine. Opt out forms are available online or through the School Nurse. A one time opt-out form must be completed and sent to the Nurse if you want to delay or refuse the vaccine. See HPV Information Sheet. |
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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 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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Elements Fitness and Wellness Center
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Discount Vacation Rentals for Deal Families
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Capitol Language Services
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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 D31 or 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 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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Student and parent information...
New:
Honk! Jr. announced as Spring Musical. See more information by following this link.
New: Cluster Spelling Bee
Congratulations to the following Deal students who are moving on from the Cluster Bee (the next level after the School Bee) to the Citywide Bee on March 9 at NBC Studios:
- Justin Atwood (1st place)
- Sam Lossef (3rd place)
- Alex Togneri-Jones (4th place)
All did an excellent job in a field of 44 competitors.
New: Congratulations to our outstanding Scholastic Writing Program Winners!
The Scholastic Writing Program is the country's largest, longest-running, most prestigious writing recognition program for teens. Two hundred and fifty-three teens from Greater Washington won regional honors in this year. Aspiring writers in grades 7-12 from 82 schools around Greater Washington submitted nearly 1,000 works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays for evaluation by Washington-area journalists, novelists, poets, playwrights, critics, editors, and educators. The following students from Deal were recognized for their writings. (Gold Key award winners are the highest level of success - there were two this year from Deal.)
Tala Anderson received an Honorable Mention Award for her short story "Sweet Thinking".
Olivia Barr received a Silver Key Award for her Flash Fiction "Trying to Break the Box"
Leo Canty received Silver Key and DC Teen Voices Award for his short story "Down Under".
Sophia Claman received Honorable Mention Awards for her Poetry "Do you Remember?", "Cracked", "Barricade", and "Fighter". She also received an Honorable Mention Award for her Flash Fiction "Sale at the Circus" and a Silver Key Award for her Science Fiction/Fantasy "Crystals by the Millions".
Sophia Diggs-Galligan received Honor Mention Awards for her Poetry "Hiding Places", "Child Dying", and "Reflection". She also received a Silver Key Award for Poetry "Horsie".
Claire Lewis received an Honorable Mention Award for her short story "Mysterious Baron Association".
Anasuy Lyons received a Gold Key Award and DC Teen Voices Award for her short story " A Castle in the Air".
Eliza Zizka received a Gold Key award for her Short Story "A Story Not Meant To Be Read Out Loud".
For more information about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, or how to enter competition next year, visit www.writopialab.org and www.artandwriting.org.
New: Thank you from the Student Council
Student Council wants to thank everyone who helped out and came to the dance. We hope you had a nice time. We also appreciate the chaperones for the dance and want to let you know how thankful we are for your support!
New: Ski/Snowboard Trips Update
At this time, all slots have been filled for all ski/snowboard trips. There will be a mandatory pre-trip
meeting for 6th graders who signed up for the trip on Tuesday, February 19 in the auditorium. If you cannot make this meeting, please let Ms.Glick know in advance.
New: Attention all 7th Grade Spanish Students
If you are interested in traveling with Alice Deal to Costa Rica during Spring Break 2014, please log on to eftours.com and type in tour # 1365514. There you will find information regarding the tour itinerary, cost, and helpful suggestions on how to plan for the trip. If you are planning on traveling, I encourage you to register as soon as possible in order to lock in the lowest possible price. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please email Ms. Henderson at hendersonak@gmail.com.
New: 8th Grade Congressional Mock Hearings Test Knowledge of the Constitution
8th graders at Alice Deal Middle School have been steeped in the Constitution and demonstrating their Constitutional knowledge for the last few months through a series of simulated Congressional Mock Hearings. At each level of competition, the students have shared their prepared written statement with the judges and then answered questions for six minutes as asked by the judges. These questions reference what is written in the prepared statement as well as current events related to the Constitutional topic being discussed. The winning students from our school-wide competition will move on to the citywide competition at Georgetown Law on February 20, 2012 where they will compete against other schools throughout the city. Good luck to all students!
New: 7th and 8th Grade Social Justice Art
Do you like to think about issues in social justice? Do you like art? 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: Photography Club
The next meeting of the Photography Club will be March 9. We will start in Mr. Gueltig's room and then move about to complete a photo scavenger hunt!
New: Group: Parents of Students with ADHD
The next group will be Tuesday, February 26, 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."
National History Day Judges Wanted
The 8th Grade Humanities program is looking for historians, journalists, archivists, librarians, documentarians and museum curators to help evaluate student projects on Tuesday, March 19. If you have expertise in any of these fields and would be interested in spending a day working with students and their National History Day projects, we invite you to contact Cynthia Mostoller at Cynthia.mostoller@dc.gov at your earliest opportunity.
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This Week at Deal...
Tuesday: Music Department Rotations
Students in music this advisory will rotate on Tuesday, February 19th. On Tuesday, students should report to their current teacher and will then be directed to the appropriate classroom. Classes will rotate alphabetically through the music teachers approximately every fifteen school days. For more information, please check your music teacher's page on Edline.
Tuesday: Outdoor Track Meeting
There will be a meeting on Tuesday after school for all students who are interested in joining the Outdoor Track Team. The meeting will be held in the gymnasium.
Tuesday: 8th Grade TAGS meeting
8th grade TAGS meeting is this Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 pm in W304.
Tuesday - Thursday: Girls Soccer Tryouts
Girls soccer tryouts will take place from Tuesday February 19 to Thursday February 21, 2013 from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Students must have submitted a Consent for Athletic Participation form and an Emergency Treatment form to Coach Ngwa before they can be allowed to try out. Forms are available for pick up in room CG07. Should you need further information or have questions, email Coach Ngwa at terence.ngwa@dc.gov or the Athletic Director atneal.downing@dc.gov.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 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.
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 from 3:20 - 4:30.
Tuesday: 6th Grade Writing Celebration!
Join our 6th Graders as they celebrate the publishing of their information books on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 6:00 - 7:30 in the cafeteria. All books will be on display for your enjoyment, as well as an opportunity to leave comments for the authors. Light snacks and refreshments provided.
Tuesday: Ultimate Frisbee Spring Interest Meeting
Any students interested in playing Ultimate Frisbee this spring should come to Ms. Kouri's room (C205) at 3:30pm Tuesday for a 10 minute meeting. We will talk about the upcoming season and tentative practice schedule. All experience levels are welcome! Any questions can be directed to Mr. Martini or Ms. Kouri after school this week.
Wednesday: Team London
On Wednesday the New Zealand Embassy will return to Deal to discuss their local heroes. Team Londoners will learn about the famous Sir Edmund Hillary, among others. We are looking forward to their visit.
Wednesday: The African-American Film Festival
The African-American film festival concludes with August Wilson's masterpiece, The Piano Lesson. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play chronicles the Charles family as they battle their surroundings and each other over their shared legacy - an antique piano. The piano represents their family history during slavery and provides an opportunity for their future. Come to the library on Wednesday at 3:30 for the screening. Eighth graders are especially encouraged to attend.
Wednesday: Indoor Track Team Pizza Party
The Indoor Track Team will have their Pizza Party on Wednesday, February 20th at 3:30pm in the cafeteria. If you have not returned your track uniform, you WILL NOT be allowed to attend the pizza party!
Friday: All Students Going Abroad This Spring!
There is a trip meeting for all students traveling abroad to Costa Rica, France, and China February the 22nd (night before Deal's auction!) at 6:30. It is an excellent opportunity to meet the trip chaperones and learn specifics regarding individual trips. If you are planning on traveling you'll want to be there! In the event you can't make it, please, let your tour leader know ahead of time.
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International Baccalaureate at Deal
The IB is in the process of preparing for the Middle Years Program (MYP) Next Chapter set for implementation in 2014. The MYP Next Chapter will place greater emphasis on the seven skills under Approaches To Learning. In an effort to meet the expectations of the Next Chapter over the next few weeks, we will discuss the seven skills here in the bulletin. This week the focus is on organization. In order to be organized students need to develop strategies for time management. They must manage their time effectively in and out of the classroom to ensure that assignments are completed to meet deadlines established by teachers. Parents and teachers can assist students by ensuring that their agenda books are up-to-date, and that their binders are well organized. At home parents can have students create a checklist to help them manage their time, set goals for completing a variety of tasks, and organize their school materials. Teachers play an important role in helping students develop organization skills by having them take notes, checking to see if assignments are written in agenda books, placing information on EdLine, and providing students with written expectations for projects and other assignments. Finally, students also share responsibility in the development of their organizational skills. They need to reflect on the following questions: What organizational skills do I have What organizational skills do I need to develop? How can I organize myself? |
8th grade announcements
Important Information about 8th Grade Transition
At this time of year, many DCPS families are already thinking about their enrollment plans and options for next school year '13-'14. As such, we would like to provide families with children in transition grades, with important information regarding their DCPS school options for SY '13-'14. Please Read: Next Year's Enrollment Letter for 8th Grade Students
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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H onk! Jr. set as Deal spring musical
 Come audition for this years spring musical HONK! Jr. Auditions Information: Please prepare a short song to sing, preferably one from a musical. We will give you something to read for the acting audition and teach you a combination for the dance audition. SINGING and ACTING auditions will be held from 3:15 - 5:00 in the auditorium on Tuesday, February 26th and Wednesday, Feb 27th DANCE auditions will be held from 3:15 - 5:0 in the auditorium on Thursday, February 28th. There will be an informational meeting this Friday (February 22nd) after school in the auditorium! Have any questions? Please contact Director Jill Roos at jill.roos@gmail.com with any questions. |
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Staff information ...
New: Faculty Meeting rescheduled to February 28 from this Thursday.
New: This Thursday's activity is Viking Time; please plan accordingly.
New: Thanks
A shout-out to Marsha Blakeway, Terence Ngwa, Alieze Stallworth, and Simon Rodberg for providing professional development sessions last Friday to Deal staff. In addition, thanks to the healthy number of teachers who came to the "Period 8" information session after the PD Day; if you are still interested and just couldn't make it, please get in touch with Mr. Rodberg to get access to the GoogleDoc for your proposals.
New: Friday PD
This Friday: Cultural Competence - how to define high behavioral and academic expectations for all students, in Room C104. And: Socratic Seminar - the how and the why, in Room E305.
New: Online Content from Discovery Education
We are excited to announce Discovery Education for DCPS. Students and teachers have access to high quality, dynamic digital content/videos that will enhance the classroom experience - Pre-K and CE students do not have logins at this time - we are working to get them into the system. Videos and interactive virtual lessons are aligned to state standards. Go to https://www.educatorportalplus.com/group/edportal/educationaltechnology/discoveryeducation to create logins and to go beyond the traditional textbook and discover parts of the world like never before. Also, visit our newly designed Ed Portal page at https://www.educatorportalplus.com/group/edportal/educationaltechnology to learn more about blended learning, technologies and standards used in the district. For any questions regarding Discovery Ed., please contact joshua.park@dc.gov.
Teach Standard PD Sessions for Teachers
Master educators will be leading a series of professional development sessions on the Teach standards on Mondays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm between Feb. 25 and Mar. 25 at the WTU Teacher Center at Whittier EC. Full details can be found here and on the attached flyer. Contact the IMPACT Helpline with questions at impactdcps@dc.gov or (202) 719-6553.
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, RM C216
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
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
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
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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
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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