FIND LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER INFORMATION On alicedeal.org
A reminder from the Library Media Center to students, staff and parents that through the alicedeal.org website, there is access to the "Media Center" link under "Weekly Bulletin" and "PTA Newsletter." Read about what is happening in the library and use the "DCPS Databases" for National History Day and Science Fair Projects.
Teachers can also plan their schedules for use of the library and computer lab through the "Calendar" or explore the Library Catalog [directly from their classrooms] to see what books are available from our library.
 
JOIN THE DECEMBER BOOK CLUB AND READ SCIENCE FICTION!
Students are encouraged to stop by the Library Media Center to check out the Book Club reading selection of the month.  Read the book and come to the library (after you have eaten your lunch) for a great discussion. Staff members are welcome to attend.  Several book copies will be available through our library or can be checked out from the DC Public Library.  
Book Club discussion will take place on December 17 and the Science Fiction book choices of the month are:
6th grade - The Giver, Lois Lowr
7th Grade - A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle
8th grade - The Time Machine, H.G. Wells.  
 
Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders -GeoPlunge is now open to students of all grades!!

GeoPlunge is a fun, fast-paced geography card game that is part luck and part skill.  If you are interested, we welcome you to join us Mondays from 3:30-4:30 pm in Ms. Buerkle's room (W205).

An Evening with Deborah Roffman, Nationally Known Author and Sex Educator
PARENTS! Would you like some guidance on how to talk with your kids about sex?
Come and talk about:

• The differences between sex and sexuality

• How to give developmentally and age appropriate relevant information

• How to answer hard and tricky questions

• How to handle negative and competing influences from popular culture

• Becoming clearer about the values you wish to convey to your children

FREE FOOD, CHILD CARE, and TRANSLATION SERVICES AVAILABLE!
Join us at one of the following:
Monday December 7, 6-8 pm - MacFarland Middle School Library
Monday December 14, 6-8 pm - Stuart Hobson Middle School Library
Tuesday January 5, 6-8 pm - Kelly Miller Middle School Library
Tuesday January 19, 6-8 pm - Kramer Middle School Parents Center 
 
For questions or to RSVP contact Andrea DeSantis at 202-442-5040 andrea.desantis@dc.gov.

Holiday Greens
Mark your calendars today!  Deal will be selling Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands from 10-4 on December 12 and 13.   Please remember to purchase your holiday greens from Alice Deal and encourage your neighbors and friends to do the same.  We will help you select, cut, and load your tree.  
 
If you are interested in helping, we are still looking for volunteers.  Please contact Leah Roberts at lprjwr@aol.com or Lee Coykendall at lee.coyk@verizon.net.

Check out Deal's Animation Projects!
Go to www.alicedeal.org to check out Deal's 6th grade animation projects!  They are pretty fantastic!

WE NEED YOUR USED TENNIS SHOES AND SOCCER CLEATS
As part of our community and global outreach, we are collecting used tennis shoes and cleats to help eradicate poverty and support rainforest preservation. In conjunction with the Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation (www.pppafrica.org), our students will be collecting used (not abused) shoes for this worthy cause. Please place shoe donations in the collection bins located in front of the welcome center and by the gymnasium. We look forward to your donations. If you have questions please contact the Physical Education Department at alicedeal.pe@gmail.com or Coach Downing at coachdowning@yahoo.com.  

High School Recommendations Letters
Mr. Santiago has given all 8th grade students a pamphlet with information on the process for requesting high school recommendation letters from their teachers.  The pamphlet also included interview techniques and a blank information form.  Students requesting recommendation letters need to complete this form and give to teachers when requesting a recommendation.

High School Application Deadlines
8th grade students, should keep in mind that the deadlines for some of high school applications are approaching.

Duke Ellington HS: December 18
McKinley HS: January 22
Banneker HS: January 29

Transcripts
The request for transcripts should be given to Mr. Santiago for processing.   He will usually process the request by the following day.  Please keep in mind that you should make your requests with ample time for processing.  Transcript requests for private school should be accompanied with a stamped enveloped with the school name on it. 

Spring Trip to Spain
Parents who plan to send their children to the Madrid, Cordova and Sevilla trip and have not enrolled with EF Tours, please remember that deadline is soon approaching. Students who enroll now will have to pay the initial $95.00 enrollment fee, $450.00 thirty days after, and the remaining balance by December 7.  Please contact EF Tours if you have any questions or concerns at Customer Service 1-800-665-5364 (www.eftours.com) or Mr. Santiago 202 939-2012.  Our tour number is 924196.

Band & Choir Students
It is imperative that you check with your director, Mr. Frye or Mr. Jackson to assure that your name is on the official Music Department roll and spelled correctly.

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.