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...
As I write this I am anticipating another difficult call by DCPS on the weather - the variables of this Sunday-to-Monday storm are too complex. Either way, we will roll with it - and hope you are rolling right along with us.
We are coming in to the last two weeks of the 3rd advisory. Mid-advisory reports have gone home and students are putting their finishing touches on assignments to be counted in this grading period. Immediately following the end of the advisory we will begin our DC CAS testing window. The schedule is included below. There will be four days in sequence of Reading and Math blocks (in the morning) and then three more tests the following week. This is very similar to the tests we took last year (no additional testing planned) so we will expect to do as well as we did at that time, too!
Throughout the next couple of weeks we will try to strike a balance between stress-inducing focus on the standardized tests and being unprepared. We believe that our teachers have been working with your students all year on what they should find on these assessments. In general, we want your students to feel prepared and ready, and know that we are eager for them to show what they can do. Please remind your children that the tests are measures of their learning this year, and we think we have done a good job with that. No student should feel that they have additional responsibility above and beyond showing what they can do.
What is more exciting than testing are the academic and extracurricular activities that continue unabated. For example, National History Day (the school-based version) concluded this week in the 8th grade; Wizard of Oz rehearsals are heating up; and Pi Day was this last Friday. It is very important for Deal students to remember and cherish these events (or others like them) as the signposts for their middle school experience, rather than just testing.
Finally, this Monday I will meet with the LSAT to review the proposed budget for 2014-15. For a variety of reasons (a focus on middle schools, for example, and an anticipated increase in students) our base budget increased from $11.2M to $12.1M (approximately), which we will use to deepen our commitment to the academic program here at Deal. As always, I expect a spirited discussion on what the community expects from their middle school and how we can make that happen.
Take care.
James Albright
(And don't forget to sign up and join Deal families at the DC United - Chicago Fire match at 4pm on March 29 (done through our PTA). Last day to purchase tickets is this Friday!)
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Week of
March 17
Bell Schedule
Monday - Bell I
Wednesday - Bell I
Thursday -Viking Time Bell
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Upcoming Dates
March 17
Girls Soccer Tryouts
March 18
Girls Soccer Tryouts
March 19
PTA Meeting, 6:30 pm
Girls Soccer Tryouts
March 20
Faculty Meeting, 3:30 pm
March 22
Saturday Detention, 9 - 12 noon
Saturday Institute, 9 - 12 noon
March 24
IB Assessment Workshop (staff)
March 25
Principal's Coffee, 9 - 10 am
IB Assessment Workshop (staff)
Team Leaders, 3:30 pm
March 26
IB Assessment Workshop (staff)
March 29
Saturday Institute, 9 - 12 noon
March 31
DC CAS window starts
6th Grade Birthday Party April 1 -11DC CAS window April 4World Language Trip meetings 6:30 pm April 5Saturday Detention, 9 - noon April 10Family Fit Night 6 - 8 pm April 11France trip departs April 12China, Costa Rica trips depart April 14 - 21
Spring Break
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The Alice Deal PTA is Building Community
Shop online anytime at Politics and Prose and earn contributions to
benefit the school's library.
Search for books through the search bar at the top of the page, and 5%
of the proceeds from any purchases will go to fund the Deal library.
The library, our teachers, and Deal kids all benefit!
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Media Center News
The Deal Library will be closed on Thursday for the faculty meeting
Center Hours
Before School 8:00 - 8:40 am
After School 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Students must have parental permission to stay after school
The Alice Deal Media Center 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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Bus Information '13-'14
Metrobus Contacts for Schools
If an issue occurs with your designated school transit service, below are contacts at Metro who can help.
For emergency issues or time-sensitive questions (i.e., safety, late buses, missed stops, etc.), contact the Bus Operations Communication Center at (202) 962-1825.
For longer-term bus planning needs (i.e., requests for new transit services, ongoing crowding, etc.), contact Brooke Fossey at (202) 962-5203 or btfossey@wmata.com.
As always, please send an email about bus problems or concerns to james.albright@dc.gov. Here is a link to the bus route schedule. |
Immunization News
Thanks to the parents who have been sending in immunization information. Please continue to send in documentation every time your student receives new immunizations. It is important to have all students immunized to prevent the spread of childhood diseases.
All 6th graders 11 years or older must have the following:
Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis)
Meningococcal (meningitis)
HPV (human papilloma virus)
For the HPV vaccine, three doses are required for females or you may complete an opt out form.
All immunization forms must be stamped, signed and dated before the Immunization Registry will accept them.
If there are any questions, please call Nurse Whitlock at (202) 939-2009.
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PTA Sponsors
The following are the Deal PTA 2013-2014 business sponsors.
The Broad Branch Market
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W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtor
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Pete's New Haven Style Apizza
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Discount Vacation Rentals for Deal Families
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Capitol Language Services
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Acacia Bistro
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The DCPS Attendance Protocol
***REMINDER****
ACCORDING TO THE DCPS ATTENDANCE POLICY, ONLY ABSENCES DUE TO THE FOLLOWING REASONS ARE EXCUSED:
ILLNESS
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
EMERGENCIES
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
COURT SUMMONS
DEATHS IN THE FAMILY
HIGH SCHOOL VISIT
In order to be acknowledged as "excused", parents must provided a note (email or written) to Ms. Johnson, the attendance counselor, indicating the reason for the child's absence.
Ms. Johnson's email address is krystle.johnson@dc.gov. If you have any questions, please contact the Welcome Center and ask to speak to the Attendance Counselor, Ms. Johnson.
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Student & parent information New: Congratulations National History Day Participants Congratulations to the 8th graders who participated in the school-wide competition of National History Day on Tuesday, March 11th. Students registered their projects on Monday and met with judges on Tuesday. The results are in and many students are moving on to DC's Citywide Competition on Saturday, May 3rd at the National Archives! Many thanks to the parents, volunteers, administration, and staff for a successful competition. Group Exhibit: Carl Morrison, Theo Shapinsky, Sam Himmelfarb Noah Kim, Caleb Murphy, Tsega Peter Dart and Owen Hanson Alex Harris and Josh Emanuel Billie Evans and Hannah Harrison Individual Exhibit: Kyle Clemente Meredith Ellison Paul McCoyer Ben Korn Isaac Frumkin Individual Documentaries: Eliza Zizka Danny Nugent Alexandra Tomkins Philip Wright Zola Bzdek John Gretschel Group Documentaries: Jacob Weitzner and Eli Moraru Maddy Walsh and Olivia Barr Andrew Tam and Connor Yu Rebecca Simon, Calia Christie, and Nerissa Tunneson Didi Hoyt and Grace Stohr Papers: Georgia Smiles Alexandra Goodnow Surina Goel Nick Levy Individual Websites: Tala Anderson Dylan Hurst Sofia Geislinger Anasuya Lyons Alana O'Brien Group Websites: Sophia Diggs-Galligan and Ella Weiner Fatimah Fair and Nasirah Fair Shiloh Coleman and Jackson Dolge Emilia Majersik and Isabelle Johnson Regan Johnson and Kayla Miller New: Period 8 Classes for 4th Advisory Fourth advisory Period 8 classes will begin after Spring Break (week of April 21st) and run through the week of of June 9th. We anticipate offering Forensic Science, Computer Programming, Storytelling in Video Games, Mapmaking, and perhaps others. More detailed course information will be available on the Period 8 Course Catalog (https://sites.google.com/a/dc.gov/period-8-catalogue/) and online registration will open on Monday, March 24th (http://tinyurl.com/Deal-Period-8) Questions? Email dealperiod8@gmail.com New: DC CAS Testing Schedule |
March31
(Mon)
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April 1
(Tue)
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April 2 (Wed)
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April 3
(Thurs)
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April 4
(Fri)
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Reading
Math
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Reading
Math
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Reading
Math
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Reading
Math
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April 7
(Mon)
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April 8
(Tue)
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April 9 (Wed)
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April 10
(Thurs)
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April 11
(Fri)
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Make Ups
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Science (8th)
Composition (7th)
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Health
(8th)
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Final Packing
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New: Movie Adaptation Celebration in the Library The Deal Library will celebrate the movie adaptation of the book Divergent on Wednesday, March 19th (3:30-4:30). Free tickets will be available on Monday and activities will be arranged by faction: Abnegation, meant for the selfless; Amity, meant for the peaceful; Candor, meant for the honest; Dauntless, meant for the brave; Erudite, meant for the knowledgeable. New: Pi Day Was a Success! Thank you to all the students, staff, and parents for a fantastic Pi Day last week. New: 7th Grade Math Students First in Math is due March 21st. Please make sure you are doing the correct section. Please review the updated requirements: - Skills Sets: 4 - Just the facts (must score >85% on the post-test) Fractions (+, -, x, ÷) Decimals (+, -, x, ÷)
- Measurement World Category (Play round one of US Customary only) Area/Perimeter Rectangle Circle Triangles - Know and Show Category 5 and 6 (Play round one, Silver Star only) Number Zoo Yakkity Yak Chances Are Missing Link What's My Angle? Please do not wait to the last minute to practice your skills!
New: Results of Deal Scrabble Tourney this weekend
A total of 56 students from 4th through 8th grade from 10 schools in D.C., Maryland and Virginia competed in a School Scrabble tournament in the Deal cafeteria on Saturday. The 28 teams (School Scrabble is two against two) were split into four divisions based on experience and ability. Each team played four games of Scrabble. Deal was represented by 19 students. Deal 6th graders swept the podium in Division A. Caleb Anderson and Chloe Fatsis finished first with a perfect record of 4-0 and a point spread of +381. Lucy Levenson and Eliana Rosenthal were second (2-2 +123) and Ryan Cheney and Charlie Smiles finished third (2-2 +88). In Division B, 6th graders Michaela Bauman and Zara Hall finished first with a record of 4-0 +422 and 6th graders Conor McHugh and Logan Meierhoefer finished second (3-1 +270). Deal players made some great "bingos" - words using all seven tiles at once - in the tournament: WHEELING (8th graders Isaac Boris and Michael Edgell), TROLLED (Lucy and Eliana), EVENERS and MARTINI (Zara and Michaela), ROADIES and DANGLING (Caleb and Chloe), ENTITLE (Ryan and Charlie), EATINGS and PAYMENT (Conor and Logan), RETINTED (8th grader Yusuke Fukuda). Next month, 17 members of the Deal Scrabble Club will participate in the National School Scrabble Championship in Providence, R.I., on April 26 - 27.
New: March is Music in Our School Month! This month, schools and communities around the country are participating in activities and initiatives to raise awareness of the benefits of learning music and the ways music empowers and enriches lives.  The music department has a variety of things planned, including special musical performances and workshops, weekly music challenges and daily music trivia. Students who complete the weekly challenges will receive special recognition and a prize on the Friday of each week!
Yearbook/Newspaper pictures are requested!
Please email any pictures for the yearbook and/or the newspaper to Mr. Klauber at eklauber@gmail.com
New Issue of School Newspaper
Be sure to check out The Vikings Quarterly for Deal news, human interest pieces, reviews, and more! You can find us at: http://alicedealvq.org
Follow @DealVikings on Twitter!
Be sure to follow, mention, and retweet Alice Deal's new Twitter account for updates and pictures from the daily happenings at Deal. If you already follow us, you know that we have been posting pictures and narratives that show what is happening during each of our Deal days. Don't miss out! (We are up to and over 250 followers - remember that Mr. Albright has promised to cook dinner for the lucky millionth follower!)
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Spring Sports are coming!
Track- Coach Turner, Coach Downing & Coach Helsabeck
Outdoor track practice will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30 - 4:45pm.
Please dress warm as we will make every attempt to be outside. Practice will be in the gallery
if weather is a factor.
Lacrosse- Coach Downing
Lacrosse Season is here. To register for lacrosse go to the following link and click TEAMS.
http://www.winnerslacrosse.org
Girls practices will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boys will practice on Mondays
and Fridays. Contact Coach Downing with any questions. neal.downing@dc.gov
Softball- Coach Spann Softball will practice everyday after school from 3:30 - 5:00pm
IRLS Soccer Tryouts
Tryouts for girls soccer will take place on March 17th, 18th, and 19th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. Only those who have turned in the necessary forms will be allowed to try out and must attend at least two sessions to be considered. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Coach Ngwa at terence.ngwa@dc.gov or dealgirlssoccer@gmail.com.
Baseball- Coach Monaco & Coach Downing
Tryouts will continue through this week.
Spring Sports Coaches
Ultimate Frisbee - Ms. Kouri & Mr. Martini
Girls Soccer - Mr. Ngwa
Outdoor Track - Mr. Turner & Coach Downing
Lacrosse - Coach Downing
Softball - Ms. Spann
Baseball - Mr. Monaco
Student-athletes with later start times for practice are required to be in study hall until practice starts. With permission, students may work with other teachers as needed. Students must be under adult supervision at all times.
Please ensure that your athlete has sufficient food for snacks or meals; individual teams may make arrangements for their students. Students are not allowed to leave school to travel for food in the neighborhood, nor are they allowed to ask others to do so.
Please speak with your child's coach if you have questions about any of these procedures.
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The Wizard of OZ!
PERFORMANCE DATES
May 8th, 9th and 10thRehearsal Schedule Monday 3/17 MUSIC 3:15 - 4:00: Dorothy, Glinda, Munchkins, and Munchkin Soloists 4:00 - 4:45: Jitterbug Ensemble 4:45 - 5:30: Optimistic Voices Tuesday 3/18 MUSIC 3:15 - 4:30 Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy BLOCKING 4:15 - 5:45 Scenes 2 and 3: Dorothy, Professor Marvell, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry Wednesday 3/19 DANCE 3:15 - 5:30: Dance Troupe, Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, Jitterbugs Thursday 3/20 BLOCKING 3:15 - 6:15 Scenes4, 5, and 6: Dorothy, Glinda, Wicked Witch, Scarecrow, Crows, Apple Trees, Tin Man Friday 3/21 DANCE 3:15 - 5:30 Dorothy, Glinda, Munchkin Soloists 
Questions or Concerns? Email Director Jill Roos jill.roos@gmail.com
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This Week at Deal...
(If there are weather-related delays or closures, announcements will be made at school for when activities will be held.)
Monday: Ultimate Frisbee Club
All interested frisbee players both experienced and new must fill out their athletic forms and hand them to Mr. Martini (C130) or Ms. Kouri (C205) prior to playing. Practice is on Mondays from 3:30 - 4:30 pm and we will meet in Mr. Martini's room (C130) to sign in before practice. Wear athletic clothes and bring water. Cleats are optional. All levels of experience are welcome to join.
Tuesday: The After School Basketball Club
The After School Outdoor Basketball Club will meet on Tuesday, March 18th at 3:30 pm behind the school on the court next to the "Cottage." Dress for cold weather. In the event of rain, snow, ice, or extreme cold, we will meet with Mr. Namian in Room E-204.
Tuesday: Gardening Club
Gardening Club will meet on Tuesday between 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Please be sure to wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty!
Tuesday: Photography Club
Photography club will be meeting Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 pm in W204.
Tuesday and Thursday: After School ELL Math and English Enrichment
There will be after-school ELL math and English enrichment classes from 3:30 - 5:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday in room C206.
Thursday: French Peer Tutoring
French peer tutoring will take place in rooms N112 and N111 on Thursday between 3:30 - 4:30 pm.
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IB Learner Profile Students of the Month
Congratulations to the hardworking students who are featured on Student of the Month Bulletin Board outside of the Welcome Center. The IB Learner Profile represented this month is Principled. These students "act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. They take responsibility for their actions and their consequences."- IB definition
Timbuktu - Hugo Cornejo and Yirui Zhao
Rio - Ryan Cheney and Kaitlin Hunter
Sydney - Jahi Guise and Katherine Bouker
London - Madeleine Shapiro and Alexander Diaz-Lopez
Santiago - Aidan Ward and Destiny McPherson
Babylon - Robert Kovar and Evelyn Smyth
Dubai - Brenden Smith and Sarah Closser
Alexandria - Usha Hippensteil and Dasarath Kiridena
Mumbai - Chris Bond and Layla McEwen
Geneva - Abelina DeLeon and Nicholas Ortiz
Toronto - Josselin Hernandez and Jacob Rubin
Kiev - Nerissa Tunnessen and Boghdon Green
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Eighth Grade Corner
8th grade students planning to attend Wilson High school please click on the following link for
High School application deadlines are fast approaching!
8th Grade Mock High School Interviews
If you plan to interview for high schools and would like practice and feedback, contact Ms. Redekopp in the library to schedule a mock interview. They will be held during lunch periods and after school, and appointments last approximately 15 minutes.
High School Common Application Schedule:
March 31st: Results released.
May 1st: Deadline to claim your seat by turning in your enrollment forms.
If you need a transcript to send to a private school, please provide Ms. McFarland an addressed and stamped envelope to use to mail your transcript.
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Staff information ...
Monday: LSAT Budget Meeting
The LSAT will meet to review the proposed budget from 4 until 6pm.
Wednesday: PTA Meeting
The PTA will meet in the cafeteria at 6:30 pm
Thursday: Faculty Meeting
All faculty are asked to meet in the cafeteria at 3:30 pm
Friday: PD
There will be a Friday PD session "Grading in the MYP" Conversation - Ms. Kouri Room C205
Friday: Mindsets and Motivation PLC
The PLC will meet at 8:10 am
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(all activities begin at 7:45 am unless otherwise stated)
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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All School Chorus
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Percussion Ensemble
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String Chamber Ensemble
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Percussion Ensemble
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String Chamber Ensemble
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Jazz Band
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Symphonic Band
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Jazz Band
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Symphonic Band
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Peer Mediators Meeting 8:00 am
RM C116
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6th Grade Concert Band
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6th Grade Concert Band
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(all activities begin at 3:30 pm unless otherwise stated)
Monday
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Tuesday |
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Thursday
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Friday
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Music Workshop
| Chinese
Tutoring
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Alexandria Library E205
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Art from the Heart
C205
| Robotics/Investment
Team
E207
| Cheerleading practice - gym
| GeoPlunge
E105
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New to Deal Transition Workshop
| Chinese tutoring |
Cheerleading practice - gym
| Cooking Club Group B CG03
| Swim Team Practice to 5:30 pm
| Team Santiago study hall C130 |
Team London study hall
E104
| The Big Deal Acappella
Choir
| Robotics/
Investment Team E207
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Photography Club
W204
| Music Workshop
| Field Hockey practice |
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Student Council meeting
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GSA club
N116 or
W305
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Team Babylon tutoring
W207
| TAGS DC
C130 |
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Literary Magazine club CG07
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History club
W304
| Vinyl club
C203
| Speech Club
W206 |
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Board Games
W106
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Debate Team
W206
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Art From the Heart C205
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French tutoring
N111
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| Chess Club
Cafeteria
| Jiu Jitsu
Outside gym |
| Model Un
W304 |
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Science Olympiad Team W200
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Meditation Club C213
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| Team Rio study hall
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Digital Recording Club
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| Team Mumbai tutoring |
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| After School String workshop |
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| Illustrator's Club C224
| DIY club
E105
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Chinese tutoring
| The Big Deal Acappella Choir | |
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| GirlUp!
E305
| Let's Get It Together
C113 |
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| Artist Journaling
C217
| Outdoor Basketball Club
Cottage |
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| African Drumming CG21
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Please click the following link for the:
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Community Information
(Items in this section are not sponsored by Deal) Spring Tennis for Alice Deal Students at Lafayette
Tennis is a great sport you can play all your life with friends and family. If you want to learn how to play tennis or develop you tennis game with your friends at Deal, we have classes for teens at 5:30 on Monday through Thursday starting March 16 right. Check it out at www.LafayetteTennis.org . Classes are for beginners and advanced players. If you have questions you can call or text Paul Rosenbaum at 202 441-0925 or email to rosenbaumpaul@msn.com.
Announcing "Future Filmmakers" Scholarship Workshop An invitation is extended to your youth to attend our first "Future Filmmakers" Scholarship Workshop. This event is free! There will be tons of great information that will be presented to the young people who are interested in filmmaking and acting. We provide scholarships for those who decide to enter into our Film Festival which will take place this summer! Our theme this year is "Hello Future" focusing on youths goals and dreams for their future and or community. We believe in youths' visions and voices that should be seen and heard with the proper guidance and mentorships from local film university graduates. Registration is located below, along with our website. Open to all, Hope to see your students here March 22, 2014 2:30-4:30 Shaw Library, Washington DC Food and giveaways will be provided, we ask that all register. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ young-future-filmmakers- workshop-tickets-10379562551? aff=rss Kind Regards, Amanda J. Washington Workshop Coordinator Blessed to be a Blessing 202-246-7225 futureurbanfilmmaker.wix.com/workshop DC STEM & Green Career Expo Learn about green & STEM jobs! Discover internship opportunities! Participate in workshops! Learn from organization's employees that are sharing career paths opportunities in their field. They will add value to your student/young adult by assisting them in making connections between their current studies and applying them to future career opportunities. Find out about opportunities to gain community service hours. Ideal for 8th - 12th graders. Saturday March 22, 2014 10:00AM - 2:30PM H.D. Woodson STEM HS 540 55th St. NEWDC 20019 STEM is Everywhere Youth Summit
The Gwendolyn E. Boyd STEM is everywhere youth summit will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Registration is free, but required. register online at Stem-is-everywhere-youth summit.
Exposing Today's Youth to Tomorrow's Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.
Asian American Lead Program is Recruiting
The program offers bi-weekly sessions during the school year, Monday through Saturday, and the summer months, Monday through Friday. The program is designed to provide comprehensive programming for our youth. Youth are incorporated into the program's design and decision-making, ensuring that they are empowered and invested in their program. Programming covers academic needs, leadership and team skill building, positive social engagement and healthy active lifestyles. Programming sessions include Youth Council, SAT prep, College prep, ESL, tutoring, peer process discussion groups, enrichment workshops (i.e., yoga, dance, cooking), and gender specific groups.
Right now, our recruitment is targeted specifically to Vietnamese American students.
Any student who you think would benefit from this program, please refer to:
-- My Nguyen
DC Program Coordinator AALEAD
Squash Team
Would you like to try the new cool sport in town? Dealsquash team is open for spring registrations!
Where - Chevy Chase Athletic Club, Barlow Building, Friendship Hts (opp Wholefoods)
Equipment - loaner equipment provided, need to wear non marking shoes.
Activities - we will have training days and play other MS teams in a friendly competitive league and work on fitness.
Financial assistance available
Contact Connie Barnes directly at conniesquash@gmail.com with any questions.
www.aussienicksquash.com
www.chevychaseathleticclub.com
Bancroft Elementary School Chess Program.
Bancroft is looking for middle school chess players to help 3rd-5th grade beginners. The program meets every Tuesday from 4:30 - 6:00 pm at Bancroft Elementary.
Interested students may contact Devon Bartlett at devonbartlett@yahoo.com
or 202-288-0009.
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