Upcoming Activities!

• Team Olympian would like to thank Mr. Dacoba, Ms. Kim, Ms. Neal, Ms. Edwards, Ms. McFarland, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Overby, Mr. Turner, and Ms. Spann for helping to make the 8th grade trip to the Newseum and M.L.K. library a success. Without you, the day would not have run so smoothly!

• Deal Spirit Week is fast approaching (September 22-26).  Let's show our Deal Spirit!
  > Monday, September 22 - Top Hat/Crazy Hair Day
  > Tuesday, September 23 - Shadow Day
  > Wednesday, September 24 - Twin Day
  > Thursday, September 25 - Sports Day
  > Friday, September 26 - Deal Spirit/Viking Day

• Students will select their Bell 2 activities during art, music, PE classes on Wednesday.  Bell 2 groups will begin next Wednesday.  Students, please remember that the major purpose of this activity is to get to know other students and teachers in our community in a different setting without the pressure of grades.  This is also your chance to help shape part of the school curriculum!
  

• Today is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month.  These dates were selected in commemoration of the anniversaries of national independence of Costa Rica,  El Salvador,  Guatemala,  Honduras, and Nicaragua, all of which won independence on September 15.  Mexico became independent on September 16 and Cuba on September 18.  The term Hispanic refers to Spanish- speaking people of any race. More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino in the 2000 US Census, and many more of us benefit from the architecture, culture, language, art, and music rooted in Latin American traditions. 
   
  Throughout the month, teachers will lead lessons to help bring to light the rich diversity of our Hispanic history.  We will have an all-school assembly at Deal to celebrate on September 26, 2008.  Please mark your calendars!
  

"Who is your School Counselor?"

• Mr. Santiago will be meeting with 7th grade students during their English classes for a short presentation on "Who is your school counselor?"  The presentations will take place according to the following schedule:
  > Monday -- Mrs. Spann-Goode
  > Tuesday -- Mr. McDowell
  > Wednesday -- Mr. Hughes
  

Student Council

• Student Council officers will meet on Monday in Room 207 from 3:20 - 4:00. Congratulations to all the new Student Council Representatives from each homeroom.  The full Student Council will hold its first meeting on Tuesday in the Cafeteria from 3:20-4:00.  If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kirschenbaum (Room 207).

Wednesday is Constitution Day!

• Deal students will learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the nation's chief executives on Wednesday, as we honor the U.S. Constitution on the anniversary of its adoption in 1789.  All Social Studies classes will review the electoral process in selecting the president and vice president, and students will look more closely at the powers granted and denied to the executive branch.  Students are asked to look for pertinent articles and news stories about this year's presidential election in preparation for Wednesday's lesson.
  

Mathcounts

• Do you like math?  Or do you like solving math and logic puzzles or exploring math problems? Do you enjoy using math manipulatives, calculators, geometry software, and the like?  Or would you be interested in exploring math more deeply than you can in class?  Or would you like to compete against other students and other schools to try to win trophies, fame, and other prizes? Or do you think you are just plain good at math?
  
  If you answered "YES" to any of those questions, then we might have the club for you: MATHCOUNTS!
  
  However, you DON'T have to believe you are a math superstar to participate in MATHCOUNTS. All you need is a willingness to explore math in a different way than is generally done in math class.
   
  MATHCOUNTS meets twice a week after school, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, in Mr. Brandenburg's classroom - currently room 105. We also meet during Bell 2 activity periods, in the same location.

Please stop by room 105 to pick up a permission slip. Our first practice will be Monday, September 22.

• The Art Club begins this Wednesday after school!
  Do you like to draw?  Paint?  Create beautiful things?  Then you should join the Deal After School Art Club!  Pick up your permission slip from Ms. Washington in room C224.  The meeting begins promptly at 3:25 p.m. 

After School Life Science and Science Fair Tutoring

• Are you having trouble understanding Life Science or need some support for your science project?  Ms. Mason is holding after-school tutoring sessions every Monday from 3:30 - 4:30 pm in room 211.  If interested, please speak to Ms. Mason, drop a note in her mailbox, or simply stop by room 211 on Mondays.  Internet and Microsoft Word are available for those who need extra support.  All students are welcome.
  Ms. Mason, Room 211.

Spanish Club

• Are you interested in learning Spanish?  Do you think the stories that your friends tell you about their Spanish classes are interesting, but you already have a full schedule and can't take Spanish?  If so, come join the Spanish club!  Starting after school next Wednesday you can come to room G-5 with Ms. Sonick to learn more about Hispanic culture. You will have the chance to learn interesting facts, see excellent movies, and eat some good food!  Hope to see you there!

Deal Film Society

• Do you like watching movies?  Do you like talking to your peers?  Then the Deal Film Society may be for you!  The Deal Film Society will meet during Bell II and on Wednesdays after school from 3:20-5.  Our first film will be Akeelah and the Bee.  Other films may include Newsies, Remember the Titans, To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, and Lean on Me.  See Ms. Norelli in room 303 for a permission slip.  The first viewing will be September 24th!
  

The Beat of the Drum

• The Drumline will meet for the first time this Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 pm.  Any student who auditioned or came past the band room to express interest must be in attendance, no exceptions.  Details will be sorted out at this time.  

Cleveland, Ohio, Here We Come!!!

• The Department of Music will be competing in a national competition in Cleveland during the month of May.  The exact dates are May 14 -17.  The department will be traveling with the Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Jazz Band.  Students, please remember that the first deposit of $40 and the Official DCPS permission slip forms are due on or before September 26.

Department of Music Listserv

• The Music Department uses a listserv in order to communicate information to its students and parents.  All students involved with the Department of Music should sign up to be a member of this listserv.  To become a member send an email mail to roger.jackson@dc.gov. 
  

• There will be an office staff meeting on Thursday at 10:00 am in the main office. 

Substitute Folders Due

• Substitute folders are due to Ms.Edwards by close of business on Monday, September 22nd.  All substitute folders must contain:  lesson plans for 2 days (with directions), class lists by section, seating chart, classroom procedures, bell schedule, evacuation plan, and any other relevant information.