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...
I am sure that across a wide swath of DC students are generally excited and bursting with anticipation for the start of the 2014-2015 school year. I know that at Deal we are very much looking forward to getting going. We have an amazing new group of teachers, we have added a fourth 8th grade team, we are getting ready (in late December) to move into our additional space, and we are primed to continue the academic gains we have made over the last number of years.
Each week in this space, I will focus on the life of the school- either the week that passed or the one to come. I will highlight what I think is important to glean from the bulletin - there is a lot that is valuable here, but sometimes a gentle reminder to look more closely at one section is necessary (for example: if you haven't yet registered your child, you have no more than two weeks left (September 8) - we are closing the books then). I have tried to find ways to signal - through color, placement, or other emphasis - new items versus repeating items. At the very least, this Weekly Bulletin serves as the local news of record for Deal. We spend a great amount of time trying to put the information together, make it seamless, make it relevant, make it complete, and make it reflective of the school and its community. I am open to ways to make it better or more useful. The amount of energy we put into this bulletin (and I say we because others write most of it and organize it through the week) shows how important communication is in our school-world.
Returning families will note that the bulletin is a bit light (!) this week; we will be adding our club, sports, and academic information over the course of the coming week and keeping it going throughout the year. There is so much to look forward to this year for you and your children and for us here at Deal that I am excited to start the bulletin up again. I close with a couple of quick items: our first few weeks are packed with meetings. We have 6th grade parent workshops next week, a new 7th and 8th grade parent meeting, our back-to-school nights three weeks from now, and PTA, music, math, and other groups meeting all around those. We will keep the dates updated here (to the left and below) and match those on the website. If you have a question about the date - call the Welcome Center and ask, or email someone you know at the school.
Finally, take a look at the Metrobus changes right below this message. These have been long in coming and much needed. WMATA has been responsive to our needs; I hope these three modifications make a difference.
James Albright
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Metrobus changes for 2014 - 2015
|  Big news about our Deal-designated WMATA Metrobuses for this school year.
- There will now be a second D31 (from Eastern and 16th to Military to Deal) every morning. The scheduled bus stop times are not changing; due to demand they are adding a second bus at the same time.
- The D32 (Mt. Pleasant) buses will be at their first pick-up at 7:55 rather than 8:00am.
- A new D34 run will be added for 4:30pm to accommodate our after-school activities. The D34 runs from Deal to Military to 14th and Colorado. (As 4:30 is right when clubs end, I will work with WMATA to run this a few minutes later - in the meantime, we will ensure the bus does not leave students before 4:35)
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Register Now!
Parents should bring their completed enrollment papers and proof of residency to Deal. All students must be registered by September 8 in order to remain on Deal's roster.
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Week of August 25
Bell Schedule
Monday - Bell II
Wednesday - Bell I
Thursday - Thursday Bell
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Textbooks will be distributed this week!
6th Grade - August 24
8th Grade - August 25
7th Grade - August 26
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Upcoming Dates
August 25
First Day of School
August 28
Faculty Meeting, 3:30 pm
September 1
Labor Day
No School for Students and Staff
September 2
Team Leaders (all), 3:30 pm
September 3
PTA Meeting, 6:00 pm
6th Grade Parent Workshops
6:30 - 8:00 pm
7th/8th New Parent Meeting
6:30 pm
September 4
New to Deal, 3:30 pm
6th Grade Parent Workshops
6:30 - 8:00 pm
September 5
LSAT, 7:30 am
September 6
Saturday Detention
9:00 am - noon
September 8
PTA Donation Week Starts
September 11
Parent Music Night, 6:00 pm
8th Grade Math Night 6:00
Back to School Night, 6:30 pm
September 15
Team Istanbul to Hemlock
September 16
Team Baku to Hemlock
September 17
Team Shanghai to Hemlock
September 18
Team Seoul to Hemlock
Faculty Meeting 3:30
September 19
Movie Night, 6:30 pm
September 23
Team Leaders (grade level)
3:30 pm
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Media Center News
The library will be closed Monday through Wednesday for textbook distribution.
Before School 8:00 - 8:40 am
After School 3:30 - 5:00 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 '14-'15
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 Kristine Marsh at (202) 962-6088 or [email protected]
As always, please send an email about bus problems or concerns to [email protected]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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The DCPS Attendance Protocol
DCPS Attendance Protocol and Policy: Things to Remember
1. Students that miss two class periods will automatically be counted as being absent for the entire school day.
2. Students must submit a note from their parents to excused from being absent from school (please refer to the list of authorized excused absences)
Excused Absences According DCPS:
- Death in the Family
- Illness (doctor's note must be provided for absences that exceed 5 days)
- Medical Appointment
- Emergency
- Religious Holiday
- Court Summons
- School Activities (DCPS sponsored sports events, academic activities etc.)
- School Visit (tours, interviews, etc.)
If you have any questions or concerns more, please contact our Attendance Counselor:
Krystle Johnson
[email protected]
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Student & parent information (In this section will go the latest news and announcements - items that are new for the week are bolded in red. As there are many activities going on, read this section carefully. Some items will be highlighted above in the Principal's Message) Hemlock Field Trip - 6th Grade Teams All 6th grade students will participate in our 12th annual community-building outdoor educational enrichment activity at Hemlock Overlook Center in Clifton, Virginia this month. At Hemlock, students participate in physical activities designed to help them form relationships with their peers and teachers. Through these activities, students get to know each other better and gain trust in each other.
On the day of the activity, students should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that they won't mind getting dirty and sneakers or footwear that is appropriate for a day in the woods. Students are also encouraged to bring a poncho or raincoat in case of rain. Flip flops, sandals, large earrings, long necklaces, and accessories will not be allowed. Students should pack a lunch with a couple of bottles of water.
On the day of their trip, students should arrive to school by 8:00 am so that our buses can leave on time. Students will return to Deal by 6:30 pm.
Students will be given the permission slip for the trip on the first day of school. If you have any questions, please contact your child's team.
6th grade Parent Workshops
On September 3 and 4 (6:30 - 8:00 pm both evenings), Deal will offer parent workshops for 6th grade parents. The schedule will be repeated each night, so you do not need to come to both. Topics will be announced soon, but typically include how to communicate with your team, special education at Deal, the IB Middle Years Program, and how grading works at the middle school. You won't want to miss this! 7th and 8th grade New To Deal Parent Workshops On September 3 at 6:30pm (the same time as the 6th grade parent workshops above) Deal administrators will meet with parents of new 7th and 8th grade students. This will be an informal meeting to answer questions and provide needed information. No need to sign up - just come to the school (parking will be tight) and follow the signs. Welcome Team Seoul
Mr. Martini, Ms. Quinn, Ms. Azimi, Ms. Culp, and Ms. Jackson were delighted to meet our Team Seoul students on Friday at the 6th Grade Orientation! If you would like to contact our team, please email us at [email protected].
Attention all 6th and 8th Grade Students!
- An important message from your art teachers -
All 6th Grade Students:
You will have art for one quarter at some point during the academic year. Please keep in mind when shopping for school supplies that all 6th Grade students should purchase a blank bound sketchbook. The book should have 50 pages and be 8.5 x 11 inches. Please try to purchase a book that is either spiral bound or hard bound - glued edges similar to a pad will fall apart. You should be able to find this type of book at any stationary store, school supply store, school supply aisle in a pharmacy or grocery store, etc. Please bring the book to the first day of class along with a pencil.
All 8th Grade Students:
All 8th Grade students have art either 1st or 2nd semester. Deal purchased required IB sketchbooks for all 8th Grade Students. There is a $10 fee for the sketchbook which you can give to your art teacher during class. Checks should be made out to Alice Deal Middle School. Please bring your $10 and a pencil to the first day of class.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Composting & Recycling Starts Day 1!
Beginning already the first day of school we will collect compostable and recyclable materials during lunch. Students: help make Deal as green as possible by sorting your waste.
Compost: all food waste and anything made from paper (napkins, cardboard, trays, etc.)
Recycle: EMPTY plastic bottles and containers, cans, milk cartons, juice/milk boxes, foil pouches (Capri Sun, applesauce, etc.)
Edline
Deal teachers use an online system called to share class information and grades with students and parents. Returning Edline users: your usernames and passwords remain the same. New-to-Deal students will receive account information the first (7th/8th grade) or second (6th grade) week of school. Homework for classes will be posted to Edline beginning August 31 and the first progress reports will be uploaded before school opens on September 8. Questions? Email [email protected]
Period 8
Deal's after-school blended-learning classes are back! The fall session of Period 8 will be open to Deal 7th & 8th grade students. Course offerings and registration information will be announced in next week's bulletin - stay tuned!
Speech and Debate Team
Welcome back to another great season of speaking and arguing! Last year the Deal speech and debate team was the TOP middle school debate team in DCPS and ranked 22nd nationwide!
If you are new to Deal or thinking about joining the speech or debate team now is the time to get involved. In order to make sure that everyone--experienced and inexperienced folks--have an understanding of what our year looks like and what it means to be involved in either speech or debate activities we will be offering three information sessions open to ALL students! Students will learn what representing Deal on the speech and debate team entails, find out from last year's team members 'what it's really like,' and pick up the necessary paperwork for participation. All information sessions will be held in W206 from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Information Session Dates:
8th Graders - August 27, 2014 (This Wednesday)
7th Graders - September 2, 2014 (Tuesday after Labor Day)
6th Graders - September 9, 2014
All-Comers ("I couldn't make it on the day my grade met") - September 12, 2014
Our first competitive opportunity in speech and debate events are in early October! The team is looking forward to ALL interested folks getting involved!
Speech and Debate Team Parents
Mark your calendars now! You won't want to miss it! We will be holding a face-to-face meeting of all parents whose children are a part of the Deal speech and debate team on September 30, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in room W206.
Deal Spanish Theatre Club!
Attention all Spanish students (or really any interested student): This year is the inaugural year for the Alice Deal Spanish Theatre Club! Join and practice your Spanish by reading, rehearsing and performing a play entirely in Spanish! We will read several works and explore the cultures and societies of various Spanish-speaking countries through the theatre. We will also be traveling to the Gala Hispanic Theatre to learn from professionals! The Deal Spanish Theatre Club will meet on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 beginning on September 10th. Location is TBD. If interested, please send Maestra Henderson an email at [email protected].
Yearbook Pictures
Have pictures you want in the yearbook?
I need YOUR pictures! Please send your first day photos, trips, events, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING Deal related to:
[email protected]
Cafeteria Pay Pal Kiosks Machines are Temporarily Out of Service
If you would like to add money to a student account in the meantime; there are 3 other options that can be used.
1. By paying with cash at the cafeteria BEFORE or AFTER lunch service.
2. By paying with a credit or debit card at www.mylunchmoney.com, an online prepayment service.
3. By sending check or money order made payable to D.C. Treasurer to the following address:
DCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services
1200 First Street NE, 11th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
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This Week at Deal... Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: Football Practice Football practice will be held on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, and Friday from 3:45 to 6:00 pm.
Monday: Cross-country team
The first part of practice on Monday will be a meeting at 3:30 in W204.
Wednesday: Cheerleading Interest Meeting
There will be an interest meeting on Wednesday, August 27 for anyone interested in being part of the Alice Deal cheerleading team from 3:30 to 4:00 pm Wednesday: Speech and Debate Team 8th Grade Interest Meeting There will be a Speech and Debate team interest meeting for 8th graders in W206 from 3:30 - 4:15 pm on Wednesday, August 27. |
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World Language Trips 2015
There are a number of different "International Travel" activities happening at Deal, that I would like to take a couple of lines to clarify. This year we have added two (2) separate trips, but they are easy to confuse with the more traditional world language trips. Here goes:
1) China, France, Costa Rica
- Available to 8th grade students in the corresponding World Language class. Families are able to sign up right now for the trips, which are planned for Spring Break 2015. We would like to encourage families to send their children on the trips without feeling a need to join them - so, discourage any of you who feel they want to travel with their children - as it really changes the experience for the students. The French and Spanish trips have information following this explanatory text.
2) United Kingdom (new)
- This is a Shakespeare-focused trip in which participants will be able to practice their English and learn about the Bard. This is planned for Summer 2015 (a year from now) and will be for this year's 7th graders as they transition to 8th grade. This does not conflict with the World Language trips in time of travel.
3) Pino Verde Exchange (new)
- We are starting a new exchange program with our new sister school, Liceo Pino Verde, in Pereira, Colombia. The first trip will be for a group of Colombian students to visit our community in October, 2014; the students who host them will then be able to travel to Colombia in late winter/spring 2015. This trip is targeted for students in the Spanish Humanities program (near-fluent speakers) and will occur fairly close to the Costa Rica trip in 2015. There was an outreach effort at the end of the school year to line up families for the exchange, mostly aimed at 8th graders in the Spanish Humanities classes. At this time there are no plans to expand the list of participants as it is a relatively small and structured activity.
Here is information about the France and Costa Rica trips:
France Trip 2015 for 8th graders:
Registration for the France trip (Spring 2015)is open for current 7th graders. The tour number is 1538201VB.
Go to www.EFTOURS.com and click on HAVE A TOUR NUMBER? Enter the Tour number 1538201VB.
Questions ?
Mr. Mbayu, [email protected]
Mr. Ngwa, [email protected]
Ms Brown, [email protected]
Merci!
If you're traveling abroad on our 2015 tour to Costa Rica:
We are going to have a great group of students and teachers traveling and there is limited space available.
In order to check out the tour online, please visit my tour website to view the itinerary, price and enrollment page: www.eftours.com/1610673CH
We hope your son or daughter can join us for an experience that will open their eyes to the world. If you have any other questions, please me, Srta. Cuffee at [email protected] or Mrs. Thompson at [email protected].
Hope to see you in COSTA RICA in 2015!
If there are any questions, please call Nurse Whitlock at (202) 939-2009.
Scholarships
Information about world language trip scholarships will be provided soon in the bulletin. Students will also hear about these in their classes.
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Staff information ...
Thursday @ 3:30 - Faculty Meeting/Cafeteria
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Schedule of Before School Activities
(all activities begin at 7:45 am unless otherwise stated)
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Schedule of After School Activities
(all activities begin at 3:30 pm unless otherwise stated)
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Community Information
(Items in this section are not sponsored by Deal)
Middle School Self Defense Class
Grand Master Kim of the National Defense University is offering a self-defense class geared specifically for sixth and seventh grade students. The class will stimulate simple, real life situations and teach self defense techniques for children. Students will gain confidence, learn respect and discipline in a safe environment. The class will be held at a martial arts studio just across Fort Reno Park from Deal Middle School. Classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5 pm for ten weeks starting September 23rd. The price of the class is extremely affordable. For more information and to reserve a spot (there will only be 10 students) please email: [email protected]
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