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 LSAT signed off last week on our proposed '14-15 budget and we await news that it has been accepted. There was generally only good news in the funding for next year: we will be able to add a French teacher to bring a new beginner 7th grade French class for transferees, our counseling team will have more support to allow them to be in classes with greater frequency, and we will be fully staffed for our 4th 8th grade team next year. Other critical positons (math, special education, sciences) have been added, and we will increase our media center capacity by having two full-time librarians. To develop this budget we have involved Team leaders, other teachers, the community, the administrative team, and the Central Office; there has been significant support for our initiatives and I am excited for what we can do for your children next year.
In addition to the "core" budget, the Chancellor has added funding in a couple of different ways that demonstrate our commitment to the middle grades. Our submission for the Proving What's Possible Student Satisfaction award (let's just call it PWP for short) was accepted. This means that we will be working to add grade-level excursions for all students, planning family barbeques, organizing intramurals across the year and, in a real commitment to the arts, providing access to each Deal student to a professional music, theater, or dance performance at least once in the school year. To be as ambitious as we want to be, we will need to make sure that PTA funding continues as before and that families, where possible, can support some activities. While this will be tricky to implement I am looking forward to how it affects the lives of each of our students.
Through this bulletin and the DCPS website, you should have an idea of the numerous changes in the calendar for the end of the school year, all courtesy of our friend, the snow. Please keep these changes in mind; we will remind you as we get closer to those dates. Important instruction will happen on each of those dates - we commit to your that we believe every day is critical and we are glad to have them back on our calendar. The Deal teaching staff will ensure that the entire curriculum is addressed (we are known for that) so make sure you are planning for the new calendar as well.
Each week I take great pleasure in highlighting a particular student success - and we have a lot of them. It is important to realize that even when it seems like Deal students consistently take home top honors or win a championship or just really represent the school and their families well - these aren't givens. We are a large school with students of many interests, but many times we are successful in an activity by participating, not winning. This weekend, our Science Fair entries at the citywide did surpassingly well (details next week) and Greer Marshall, a 6th grader, took home 1st place in the DC Spelling Bee. These are amazing accomplishments, representing individual effort as well as a school focus. Year to year, these will vary. But at Deal we take great pride that our students are always prepared to compete or participate - paperwork is done correctly, notice is given, and students feel supported as much as possible. We want our students to have as many opportunities as possible to show off what they can do - it is our job to make sure that the opportunities are there.
Finally, please make sure not to schedule morning appointments for your student over the two weeks of DC CAS testing. Getting them to school on time, making sure they aren't rushing, letting us know if there is a problem that we can help with - all these are essential to creating the right environment for your student to show what they know on these assessments. There are many different perspectives on testing and testing pressure - know that we are hoping to strike the right balance between good performance and non-stressful environment.
Take care.
James Albright
Note below the final round of Period 8 courses for the school year. This has been a wonderful experience for our teachers (and I hope for your children as well and we will be continuing this into the coming year. Now is the time to sign up; popular courses fill up very quickly and we don't children to be disappointed.
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Week of
March 24
Bell Schedule
Monday - Bell I
Wednesday - Bell I
Thursday - Pause
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Upcoming Dates
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
Deal at DC United @ Chicago Fire, 4 pm
March 31
DC CAS window starts
6th Grade Birthday Party
April 1 -11
DC CAS window
April 4
World Language Trip meetings
6:30 pm
April 5
Saturday Detention, 9 - noon
April 8
Team Leaders, 3:30 pm April 10Family Fit Night, 6 - 8 pm April 11France trip departs April 12China, Costa Rica trips depart April 14 - 21
Spring Break
April 22 Principal's Coffee, 9 - 10 am
April 24 Faculty meeting, 3:30 pm
April 25 SCAC meeting, 7:30 am
April 26 Saturday Detention, 9 - noon Musical Rehearsal, 9 to 4 pm
April 27 Musical Rehearsal, 9 - noon
April 29 Grade Level Chair, 3:30 p.m
IB Assessment Workshop (staff)
Model UN Conference.
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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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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: Spelling Bee Congratulations Congratulations to 6th grader Greer Marshall who won First Place in the DC Spelling Bee on Saturday! Due to her successful spelling of the words "canasta", "muishond", and "revelatory", she will represent DC at the Scripps National Spelling Bee later this spring. New: Congratulations Viking Cheerleaders Last Saturday, the Viking Cheerleaders won first place in the DCIAA Middle School Advance Cheerleading Competition. They will compete again this Saturday at the Sports and Learning Center in Landover, MD. Good luck, cheerleaders! New: DC United Spirit Day
Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 4:00 pm - come see DC United take on the Chicago Fire at RFK. Join Alice Deal Middle School as we cheer on D.C. United! All students, parents, and faculty can buy a discounted ticket for $28. The first 18 kids who sign up can participate in D.C. United's High Five Tunnel!
Order tickets at: http://alicedeal.org/dc-united-spirit-day-tickets-on-sale-now/. Last day to buy tickets is now Tuesday, March 25, 2014
New: 4th Advisory Period 8 - Sign up starts Monday! Online registration (http://tinyurl.com/Deal-Period-8) for 4th advisory Period 8 courses will open on Monday, March 24th. Classes begin after Spring Break (week of April 21) and run through the week of of June 9th. The following courses will be offered: Forensic Science - Ms Giron - Mondays Computer Programming - Ms Wellersdick - Mondays Storytelling in Video Games - Mr Eckel - Tuesdays Map Making - Mr Martini - Tuesdays Philosophy - Mr Custer - Wednesdays The Civil Rights Movement - Ms Trenkle - Wednesdays More detailed course information is available on the Period 8 Course Catalog (https://sites.google.com/a/dc.gov/period-8-catalogue/) Questions? Email dealperiod8@gmail.com New: Student Council News The new bus stop on Nebraska Avenue across from Deal has been completed! Thank the Student Council when you are kept dry the next time you're waiting for the bus in the rain (or snow, the way this winter has gone). Student Council is also working on some social activities for the spring - Find the Vikings next week (details to be revealed), a dance this spring, and an end -of-year activity still in the works. Stay tuned! New: Team Sydney 2012-2013 Reunion!! A Team Sydney 2012-13 Reunion will be held to reflect on our amazing year, to celebrate your great effort on the DCCAS, and to motivate you to bring that same awesome attitude to the test this year. When: Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 Where: Room W104 (Mr. McDowell's room) Who: 2012/2013 Team Sydney Students and Teachers Why: You Rock! We Miss you! We need to get together! We need to celebrate! We will also listen to music, share snacks, and visit with all your team teachers, McDowell, Martis, Haller, LoFaro (Purcell), Campozano, and Pough! RSVP to Mr. McDowell or Ms. LoFaro (Purcell) or at Dealsydney@gmail.com New: Ms. Rhoad's Swim Club Canceled this Week Ms. Rhoads' Swim Club will not meet this week. New: Music in the Parks Festival The music department's trip to the Music in the Parks festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania is on Friday, May 23rd. Students in the 6th grade concert band, symphonic orchestra, jazz band and All-School Choir will receive information about the trip as well as a permission slip on Monday, March 24th. All permission slips should to be returned to an ensemble director by Wednesday, April 9th. 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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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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Track - Coach Turner, Coach Downing & Coach Helsabeck
Outdoor track practice will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30 - 4:45 pm.
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
All softball team members are required to attend practice from 3:30 - 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday and Friday practice 3:30-4:30 pm.
Ladies, please submit any missing paperwork as soon as possible. The deadline for the first official softball game is approaching. Please come prepared for the weather outside or inside.
Girls Soccer Tryouts - Coach Ngwa
Here are the new dates for soccer tryouts:
Monday March 24 : 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Wednesday March 26: 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Thursday March 27: 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Students must attend at least two sessions to be considered for the team. Please address all questions to Terence.ngwa@dc.gov or dealgirlssoccer@gmail.com.
Baseball - Coach Monaco & Coach Downing
The final 6th and 7th grade baseball tryout has been moved to Monday, March 24, after school. Both team rosters will be posted outside of the PE offices on Tuesday morning.
Spring Sports Coaches
Ultimate Frisbee - Ms. Kouri & Mr. Martini
Girls Soccer - Mr. Ngwa
Outdoor Track - Mr. Turner, Mr. Downing, & Mr. Helsabeck
Lacrosse - Mr. 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 10thMonday 3/24 MUSIC 3:15 - 3:45: Full Company 3:45 - 4:45 Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow 4:45 - 5:15 Emerald City Chorus and Ozians Optimistic Voices Tuesday 3/25 MUSIC 3:15 - 4:00 Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Crows 4:00 - 4:30 Witch, Glinda, Auntie Em, Dorothy 4:30 - 5:00 Munchkin Soloists 5:00 - 5:45 Jitterbugs, Dance Troupe, Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Wicked Witch Wednesday 3/26 BLOCKING 3:15 - 6:00 Scene 2, 7, 8, 9 Dorothy, Professor Marvell, Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Wicked Witch, Doorman, Wizard of Oz Thursday 3/27 BLOCKING 3:15-6:30 Scene 10, 11, 12, 13 Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Nikko, Wicked Witch, Aunt Em, Wizard of Oz Friday 3/28 DANCE 3:15-5:30 Dorothy, Glinda, Munchkins 
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: Art Journaling Club
Don't forget to join the Art Journaling Club on Monday from 3:30 - 4:30 pm in room C217! Bring your sketchbook!
Monday: Cooking Club Group B
Cooking Club Group B will meet on Monday, March 24th at 3:30 pm in Room C216.
Tuesday: Photography Club
Photography Club will meet Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 with Ms. Taylor and Mr. Healy in W204.
Tuesday: The Garden Club
The Garden Club will meet on Tuesday at 3:30 pm in room N112 before transitioning to the garden. Be sure to wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty.
Tuesday: The After School Outdoor Basketball Club
The After School Outdoor Basketball Club will meet on Tuesday, March 25th 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.
Wednesday: Literature-to-Film Festival
The penultimate Literature-to-Film festival will return Wednesday, March 26th. For Women's History Month, we will salute the book/film masterpiece "Harriet the Spy," which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. All are welcome!
Thursday: French Tutoring
French tutoring will take place in rooms N112 and N111 on Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.
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Eighth Grade Corner
New: 8th Grade Health Test
All 8th grade DCPS students will take a Health test again this year on April 9th. The attached letter was sent home with students for informational purposes with an understanding that "participation in the age-appropriate questions regarding sexual health is optional." Parents who wish their student to opt out of answering the sexual helath questions please return the signed letter to Ms. McFarland. Health Test Opt Out Letter
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8th grade students planning to attend Wilson High school please click on the following link for
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: IB Training
IB training for language acquisition teachers will take place in a location to be announced.
Tuesday: IB Training
IB training for science teachers will take place in a location to be announced.
Tuesday: Team Leaders
The team leaders meeting will be held in Mr. Martini's room at 3:30 pm.
Tuesday: ELA ALT
The ELA academic leadership team will meet in Mr. Hughes' room at 3:30 pm.
Wednesday: IB Training
IB training for ELA, math, and humanities grade level chairs, Ms. Kouri, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Monaco will take place in a location to be announced.
Wednesday: 8th Grade Level Meeting
8th Grade Level staff will meet Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 8:10 AM in E300. We will discuss 8th grade promotional activities and Deal Gives Back.
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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
No Swim Club this week
| 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)
Summer Program Middle School Girls at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - July 2014
NASA is sponsoring a summer program for middle school girls, July 14-18, 2014, at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). SISTER (Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research) will introduce the students to non-traditional career roles for women and increase their awareness of the educational preparation and job opportunities. The objectives will be met by exposing them to "hands-on" activities, bonding and interaction with current students and professionals in these roles, and fostering a learning environment with scientific and mathematic enrichment.
Visit the website http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/sister/index.html for more information and contact resources.
Additional program information includes:
The SISTER program is designed to increase awareness of and provide an opportunity for female middle school students to be exposed to and explore nontraditional career fields with GSFC women engineers, mathematicians, scientists, technicians and researchers. The objectives of the program include introducing young women to a technical working environment; acquainting students with GSFC missions; providing an awareness of educational programs and internships available during high school, undergraduate and graduate study; providing observations and experiences with real hands-on projects researched and developed by women at GSFC. The SISTER program components include such activities as women scientist, engineers, technicians, researchers, and mathematicians as mentors; women speakers in various fields at GSFC; women entrepreneur role models; multicultural experiences; a tour of facilities; building and launching rockets; hands-on science experiments; and written communication experiences; and interpersonal and human relations skills building.
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.
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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