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...
Last night, the justly celebrated Deal Auction was put on by the fabulous Deal PTA. I can't thank the PTA enough for their efforts - but I'll try next week when the dust settles.
While results are still coming in, the main event was a huge success. I proposed that the Auction target purchasing a brand new iPad cart for the school. Rather than bid on a series of items in a live auction, parents were challenged to fund the cart. Within 5 minutes, your community put in $20,000 for a new cart - with bids ranging from $1,000 to $100. On Tuesday, I will have a new cart ordered; with luck it will be in your child's classrooms within a month and a half. We asked - you responded! Thanks to all who bid on the carts, who bid on the other amazing items, and who offered the items in the first place.
There is a lot going on this week at Deal; check out the tryouts for plays, trips to ski, and upcoming workshops. The most important message I can send you right now is to be flexible - sometimes activities conflict. With each item in the bulletin you should be able to find a contact name - if you are worried that your child may not be able to participate because of a conflict, just drop us a line. We'll see what we can do.
Finally, I hope to see you tomorrow at your scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences. Drop by if you can.
Principal Albright
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Stay Informed!
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Week of
February 25, 2013
Bell Schedule
Monday
Parent-Teacher Conference Day
No School for Students
Tuesday - Bell I
Wednesday - Bell I
Thursday Bell - IB
Friday - Bell I
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Upcoming Dates
February 25
Parent-Teacher Conference Day
No school for students
February 26
6th Grade Ski Trip
Team Leaders (cancelled)
February 27
7th/8th Grade Ski Trip
Deficiencies to Admin
February 28
Third Advisory Midpoint
Speech and Drama Contest
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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Did you know?
Two Deal 6 graders, Max and Sam Heimowitz, members of Capitol Tap, participated in the American Tap Dance Foundations's Rockin' Rhythm Program. They took master classes and performed at the Peter Jay Sharpe Theater right Broadway last week! Kudos to them both!
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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 News
The library will be closed after school on Tuesday and Thursday.
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. |
Community Information
(Items in this section are not sponsored by Deal)
"On Pins & Needles"
Spring Break Sewing Camp
The House of Laura Williams; "On Pins & Needles" will introduce beginners ages 8-13, to the basics of machine sewing. Beginners will learn how to thread the sewing machine and bobbin, read a pattern envelope, lay out fabric and pattern and mark and cut fabric. Participants will complete a sewing project by the end of the one week session. Please click on link for more information. 2013 Spring Break Sewing Camp
Chess Challenge
Chess Challenge in DC (CCinDC) has been promoting and providing academic chess programs for DC's elementary and middle school students for 5 years in partnerships with DC Public & Charter Schools. Chess has long been regarded as a game that can have beneficial effects on learning and development, especially when it is played from a young age. The 2nd Annual CCinDC Citywide Chess Tournament, in partnership with DCPS, will be held on Saturday, March 16 at Wilson High School. This unrated tournament is open to all K-8th grade DC students. More information to come.
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Student and parent information...
New: PTA Meeting for this Wednesday cancelled!
New: Viking Store open for Parent-Teacher Conference day
The Viking Ship will be open tomorrow (Monday) for sale of all school spirit items from 2 until 7pm. Cash and checks will be accepted. Don't go without!
New: Speech and Drama Competition
7th and 8th grade students in the Speech and Drama Competition should meet with Ms. Neal in her office afterschool on Tuesday; 6th graders should meet with Ms. Neal in her office on Wednesday afterschool.
New: African-American Film Festival
Thanks to all students (and some parents!) who attended the African-American Film Festival! This month, we viewed Selma, Lord, Selma, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, and The Piano Lesson. Coincidentally, all films were based on books and plays! We look forward to welcoming students back next month for the Literature-to-Film series.
New: StepAfrika! Movement Workshops at Deal
Thursday afternoons in March and April, StepAfrika! - the renowned movement performance group - will be holding movement workshops for Deal students. Interested? (You should be!) Then check with Ms. Neal at your lunch period to find out more.
New: Spring GeoPlunge Challenge Tournament
GeoPlunge is back! The spring tournament will take place on Tuesday, May 21. Sixth grade students interested in training for the tournament will meet during recess on Mondays and Fridays in C130.
New: Model United Nations Club
Any 8th graders interested in an afterschool Model United Nations club, ultimately participating in the MUN Conference at the State Department in May, please sign up in Ms. Trenkle's room, W304, by Tuesday - last call!
New: We the People Congratulations!
Congratulations to the 8th graders who participated in the We the People Congressional Mock Hearing Citywide Competition on Wednesday, February 20. Deal won the Citywide competition and shared their outstanding knowledge with the judges. One special judge was Mary Beth Tinker of the Tinker vs. Des Moines Supreme Court Case. Further congratulations to Unit One team members Julie Dao, Ali Bauman, Chad Hoyte-Hayes, and Tosha Skolnik, who received top honors for having the strongest unit presentation at the Citywide competition. Congratulations to all!
New: What is a Poetry Slam?
A poetry slam is a competitive event in which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience. Coming Soon - Deal will have its own Poetry
Slam team and its own poetry slam. Students, listen carefully to the daily announcements for this exciting new club. For more information, contact Ms. Fuller at julelah.fuller@dc.gov.
New: 8th grade Visual Arts Research Trip to the National Gallery of Art
Students will need to turn in permission slips to their art teacher as soon as possible. Ms. Kouri and Mr. Miller's students are traveling on Monday, March 11. Mrs. Bustos' students are traveling on Tuesday, March 12. Chaperones are needed for both trips. Please email Ms. Kouri at art.adms@gmail.com for more information.
(All 8th graders who are NOT in either Ms. Bustos or Ms. Kouri's classes will be included on one of the two trips.)
New: Attention Deal Scientists
Discovery Club will NOT meet this week. We will resume our club gatherings next Wednesday March 6 and the 20, from 3:30 - 4:30 pm in E101 with Ms. Law and Ms. Purcell.
New: Returning National Junior Honor Society Members (New applicants check out information box below.)
8th grade students who were inducted last year are encouraged to submit a returning members application.
Here are details for returning members application:
1. A one-page application will be available outside of Ms. Hampton's classroom (W301) beginning February 28th.
2. Documented hours of community service are not required but encouraged.
3. You must include a copy of your report card for this school year.
4. Academic integrity will be verified with the team leader.
5. Good behavior will be verified with the 8th grade assistant principal, Ms. Abrams.
Students who submit a returning members application will be recognized in May during the induction ceremony.
New: Deal Lacrosse Registration
Please register for Deal 's Lacrosse online via the Winners Lacrosse website. http://www.winnerslacrosse.org/programs/teams/
Please email coachdowning@yahoo.com with any questions.
New: Deal Has Heart
Several weeks ago, Deal students and staff participated in a bullying and teasing prevention workshop with a focus on cyber-bullying. Along with group discussions, students considered the impact of various actions, and were asked to share their choices toward maintaining a safe and caring school community. Thanks to their efforts, the walls of the halls convey beautiful heart messages of kindness and courage - expressed choices that help make our school, Alice Deal, pretty cool! There are messages of leadership, tolerance, friendship, equality, peace, and the list goes on.
Through the heart messages on display, courageous affirmations are there for all of us to read and ponder. Thank you for the positive choices being made every day, and for the ripples they set into motion. Take a look at the hearts as you pass through the hallways, to be reaffirmed, reminded, revitalized, or restored. We've got options or choices of what to do, say, write, text, email, tweet, express to others, and we know it all matters. Thank you students and staff for your thoughtful creations.
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.
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: 6th Grade Ski/Snowboard Trip
(Any change to the ski trips based on weather concerns will be announced no later than 1 pm on Monday. A snow date has been scheduled, if necessary).
Students were given an information sheet at last Tuesday's meeting. The most important parts are that students must be at school dressed appropriately no later than 7:30 am. They must bring a water bottle, a bagged lunch and 2 snacks. We should be returning to school by 6:00 pm.
Tuesday: Social Justice Printmaking
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 this Tuesday 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!
Tuesday and Wednesday: Outdoor Track Practice
Outdoor track practice will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30-5:00pm. You must have all of your paperwork submitted before you can begin practice. No exceptions!
Tuesday - Thursday: Come Audition for the Spring Musical Honk! Jr.
Auditions will be held from 3:30 - 5:30 pm in the auditorium on Tuesday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 27 for SINGING AND ACTING and Thursday, February 28 for DANCE.
Please prepare a short song to sing, preferably from a musical. We will give something to read for the acting audition and teach you a combination for the dance auditions. Everyone must attend the dance auditions, however you only need to come once for singing and acting. Callbacks will be held on Friday.
Any questions or concerns? Contact Director Jill Roos at Jill.roos@gmail.com.
Wednesday: 7th/8th Grade Ski/Snowboard Trip
(Any change to the ski trip based on weather concerns will be announced no later than 1 pm on Tuesday. A snow date has been scheduled, if necessary).
Students were given an information sheet at a meeting on Friday. Students must be at school dressed appropriately no later than 7:30 am. They must bring a water bottle, a bagged lunch and 2 snacks. We should be returning to school by 6:00 pm.
Wednesday: Bocce is Beginning!
Please join Ms. Zanelli and Ms. Wellersdick for a quick interest meeting regarding the "spring season" of Bocce Club. Bocce is a fun lawn game that can be played by everyone-no experience necessary! The interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27 at 3:15 in room C222. See you there!
Wednesday and Friday: Baseball Tryouts
Tryouts will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27 and Friday Feb. 29 from 3:30 - 5:30pm. We will meet in the gymnasium lobby. Dress warm as we plan to be outside. All players will need their medical and permission forms. Contact Coachdowning@yahoo.com with any questions.
Thursday: Speech and Drama Competition
Students who have signed up for the Speech and Drama Competition on Thursday should meet in the auditorium at the beginning of 5th period. The competition will start during 6th period. Good luck!
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International Baccalaureate at Deal
"Gettin' good players is easy. Gettin' 'em to play together is the hard part." ~ Casey Stengel
The next skill we will focus on in the Approaches to Learning series is collaboration. Collaboration takes place when two or more people work together to achieve a shared goal. One of the main goals of the staff at Alice Deal and the IB MYP is to develop students who are global citizens. In order to do this students must learn to work with others and to respect cultural differences. Teachers can develop this skill in the classroom by having students participate in whole class discussions, group work, and form study groups. These activities are important in helping students learn to respect one another's ideas and points of view, and cultural differences. Parents can help students develop this skill by encouraging them to participate in such joint activities as helping to prepare dinner, sharing with others, and joining sports or other teams. Finally, students also share responsibility in the development of their collaboration skills. They need to reflect on the following questions: Am I open to working with my peers?; How do I work with others?; How can I work with others and how can they work with me?; What successes have I had when I have worked with others?
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8th grade announcements
Grade 8 Course Planning Ms. White has met with eighth grade teams over the past three weeks to get eighth grade students started on the high school course planning process. Students have their portfolio names and passwords along with instructions on how to complete the plans. This is just the first step in many conversations that rising students will have once they have enrolled in a high school of choice. Our part in course planning at the middle school level ends on February 28. After that date, changes can be made to course plans through the schools which students officially enroll in during the month of April. Students are encouraged to have conversations with parents, teachers , and their counselor to determine the level of coursework they wish to pursue in high school. Any questions or concerns may be directed to Camille White using email, camille.white@dc.gov; or by phone, 202-545-1677.
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
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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National Junior Honor Society
New Applicants for Membership
The National Junior Honor Society is more than just an honor roll. The Viking Honor Society chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character, and citizenship. These criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.
Students are invited to apply for membership. Letters of invitation will be distributed by the 7th and 8th grade counselors by February 28th.
Community service hours are required for all potential inductees. Potential inductees are students in the 7th or 8thgrade that have maintained a 3.0 GPA. Students interested in completing the National Junior Honor Society application process must complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service. All community service must be documented. Forms to document the service and information about the NJHS application process are available on edline.net.
Community service hours:
1. Must be performed through a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
2. May not result in monetary compensation
3. May not be granted during the school day.
4. Must be completed under the supervision of an adult at the agency, group or organization. This on-site supervisor must be identified and is responsible for verifying the student hours and providing on-site supervision for the service activities. The on-site supervisor may not be the student's parent or close relative.
5. Must be documented and submitted with the application by 3:30 pm April 9, 2013.
6. Must be completed while a student at Deal Middle School.
Where to get information:
· Application and requirements for NJHS online: Application here and on edline.net
· Community Service Requirements and Documentation Form online: Link to form here.
· Student community service opportunities online: serve.dc.gov
· GPA calculation and eligibility: 7th and 8th grade counselors at the end of 2nd advisory
· General questions and concerns: -NJHS sponsor Darcy Hampton (W301) darcy.hampton@dc.gov
Please read ALL of the information that is available online.
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Honk! 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.
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Staff information ...
New: Team Leaders cancelled this Tuesday
Because of the rescheduled Faculty Meeting, this week's team leaders meeting has been cancelled.
New: Faculty Meeting
The February faculty meeting will be this Thursday at 3:30 pm.
New: Friday PD
There will be two PD sessions this Friday. They are "Chaperoning International Trips" in room N112 and "Working with Defiant Students, Part 3" in room C217.
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.
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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 W103African Drumming
club
Girls on Track
- Rm E103
After
school Outdoor Hoop
club - Rm W205
Ultimate Frisbee club - Rm C130
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6th grade Concert Band, 7th & 8th Symphonic Band and Jazz band
meeting - Auditorium
Tennis
club - Rm E300Photography Club - Rm E104
French club to 4:30 - CG07
Afterschool Basketball club -
W205Vikings 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
Outdoor Track Practice - 3:30 pm 5 pm
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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
Outdoor Track Practice - 3:30 - 5 pm
Baseball tryouts - 3:30 - 5:30 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
TAGS 6th and 7th
graders - C130
Spanish Club
Socratic Club to 4:30 pm
Baseball tryouts - 3:30 - 5:30 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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