Message from Principal Kim
Welcome back from Thanksgiving! Students are well into the 2nd advisory with all its potential challenges and opportunities. Several holidays break up the flow of teaching and pacing and create great excitement for students. It is critical that students understand the role that these disruptions play in their academic success -- students must anticipate the problems of organizing homework and longer-range projects to keep being successful. The results from the second DC-BAS have shown that most students have grown in their achievement. There are still areas of concern which create spots for potential improvement and sweet gains, however, and much needs to be done before January's DC-BAS. The teachers have been working diligently to schedule conferences with families for the 2nd advisory. Please return your conference slips if you have not yet done so. Principal Kim

INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION

Please keep this for reference this winter!!

In the event of inclement weather this winter, please be reminded of the following procedures for delayed openings,
for early school closure, and for closing school.
To find out what the local situation is:
· Please watch the local TV stations
· Listen to local radio stations
· Watch DCPS cable channel 28
· Visit the Internet at www.k12.dc.us

DCPS uses the following codes:
Code RED: Schools and administrative offices are closed.
Code YELLOW: Schools are closed to students and teachers. Administrative offices are open on time.
Code GREEN: Schools are open for teachers and students two hours late, at 10:45 am. Administrative offices open on time.
Code ORANGE: Schools and administrative offices open 2 hours late, at 10:45 am.
Code BLUE: Schools open on time.

Weekly News

Thanks!

Thanks to Stacey Milford, manager of ExxonMobil at 5030 Connecticut Ave NW, for awarding Deal M.S. a $500.00 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance grant!
Funded by the ExxonMobil Corporation, the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program is designed to provide Exxon retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities through education grants to neighborhood schools. We are thankful for the gift from our local gas station!!

Teacher Reminders

Please monitor the hallways and lockers during each transition time. Also, please monitor the use of the new lockers so that they stay sticker-free for future students.
Check in regularly with your Champion Ten to see where they are. This could be a quick conversation after class or a chance discussion in the hall. What is important in this conversation is that the student understands that you are a unique support for them. Teachers already provide a large number of specialized support programs for our students -- this unique contact should be seen as a complement to what we offer! Thanks for making the additional effort!

Important Dates for 8th Grade Students and Parents

The School Without Walls Application is due Friday.
Our High School Application Process Information Session is December 10th at 6:30 pm

Buddy Days Are Here Again!!

Oyster Bilingual E.S. -- Wednesday
Shep.herd E.S. -- December 9th
Horace Mann E.S. -- December 10th

"Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools Benefit All Children"

This week, DCPS Celebrates Inclusive Schools Week. Deal staff will focus on the advantages of providing a quality education for all students. You will hear, read, and learn of the commitment Deal makes to offer all students opportunities and support that will allow them to become self-determined, productive, and socially- involved citizens.

7th Grade Olympians Meet with Larry Bell

Larry Bell will meet with 7th grade Olympians on Wednesday. A list of these students will be placed in your mailboxes early this week.

8th Grade Olympians Take Trolley Tour

8th Grade Olympians will be out of the building on Wednesday for the "We The People" Trolley Tour. A list of these students will be placed in your mailbox early this week.

DC Trolley Tours of the City

Two eighth grade teams tour DC this week to learn more about the three branches of the US Government. Teachers are asked to excuse students from class on Wednesday and Thursday. The schedule is:

Wednesday: Team Olympians & one section of Team Braveheart.
Thursday: Three sections of Team Braveheart.

Students will be called to the entryway at 9 am for departure and will return to school at 3 pm. Please wait for an announcement from the office. Thanks!

Deal Hosts Student Energy Audit Training

As part of our initiative to Go Green, Deal will be training approximately 20 students as Energy Auditors. These students will miss classes on Monday as they learn how to assess our use of energy and make recommendations for making us more efficient. A list of these students will be placed in your mailboxes. Please see Mr. Koplowitz or Ms. Lerum with questions.

MathCounts

MathCounts will practice on Monday and Wednesday from 3:25 to 4:45 pm, in RM103. Note the room change.

New Locker Expectations

This is a reminder to all students to take good care of our new lockers. Students should take care not to have any stickers, tape, etc. posted on them. If the locker jams, please do not kick it. Instead, please call for assistance from a teacher or staff member. Let's keep our lockers in great shape for future generations of Deal students!

Make-Up Pictures

On Tuesday, Blanton Studios will be taking make-up pictures in the gym. Only the following students should take make-ups:

+ Students who were absent on the initial portrait day.

+ Students who did not purchase packages on the initial portrait day.

+ Students who want to have their portraits retaken. (Students must return original portrait envelopes with all portraits enclosed.)

Any student fitting these criteria should pick up a portrait brochure from the main office prior to portrait day.

Deal Geographic Bee to Be Rescheduled

Due to a clerical error, Deal did not receive the materials from National Geographic Society in time to hold the school Bee competition this Friday. The Bee will be held at a later date, and Friday's Bee assembly is canceled.

National History Day Tutoring Starts Today

Seventh or eighth grade students who would like some assistance with their National History Day projects may stop by RM 253 to work with Ms. Mostoller on Monday afternoons from 3:25-4 pm. Bring your questions and ideas with you. Just be sure your parents know you are staying, so they don't worry about you. She can help you with your bibliographies, exhibits, story boards, and papers.

National History Day at the Archives: Saturday

This Saturday is the second -- and last -- opportunity for Deal students to earn extra credit points and learn more about history research at the National Archives. Make your reservation at missy.mcnatt@nara.gov. The workshops are one hour in length and are designed to introduce students to primary source research. All participating students must be accompanied by an adult with a photo identification.

Capital City Jazz Project

The dates for the remaining workshops are Wednesday, Jan. 13 & 27, and Feb. 12 (the rest of the dates will be determined and posted). There will be two workshops on each day, the first during 5th period and the second during 6th. Students have been instructed to get their work completed early. Teachers, please keep the list of students that was placed in your mailbox for all Jazz Project-related events.

Next Cleveland Deposit Due December 11th

Students who are traveling with the Department of Music, please be advised that the next deposit in the amount of $100 is due on December 11th. Please note that some students are past due on the November 6th deposit.

Music Dress Rehearsals

The Music Department will be holding dress rehearsals on December 11th. The Concert and Show choirs will rehearse during 1st and 2nd periods and the instrumental students will rehearse during 6th and 7th periods. A list of participating students will be provided for all teachers.

Deal PTA Green Sale

The holiday season has arrived already! If you celebrate by decorating trees or hanging wreaths or garlands, please purchase them at the Deal Green Sale. The dedicated PTA volunteers will be selling these fresh green items for the next two weekends outside the school. Please come and help them sell or help by making a purchase!
- Saturday & Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm
- Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 13-14, 9 am - 5 pm

WTU

The next general membership meeting of the Deal chapter of the Washington Teachers' Union will be on Thursday afternoon, starting at about 3:35 pm. The location is TBA.

Deal 6th Grade Transition Team Meeting