Balance, Representation, Save the Date

Written By Carolyn Kouri

Principal's Message

Happy Grandparents Day!

The first two weeks of school have been quite productive. Our students have figured out how to open the locks for their lockers and how to navigate the building. They continue to show resilience and joy in a way only middle schoolers can. It is so great to be back in the building with them!

Each month we will highlight an IB-MYP Learner Profile Trait. The IB-MYP Learner Profile trait for this month is BALANCED.

How Can Families Help Develop Students Who Are Balanced?

  • Help students create a daily schedule that includes time for schoolwork, outside physical activity, arts/music, rest, and balanced meals.

  • Model doing a little bit of everything in front of your child (play, learn, exercise, rest, eat healthy foods).

  • Affirm your child for demonstrating a balanced lifestyle.

  • Explore different hobbies together.

  • Consider putting down your devices.

  • Breathe.

“We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.” ~ IB Learner Profile

Representation Matters - Hispanic Heritage Month

Members of the Deal community are encouraged to participate in the Smithsonian's Youth in Action: Environmental Justice in South America/Juventud en acción: Justicia ambiental en Sudamérica on Thursday, September 16 at 4:00 pm. his conversation will take place in Spanish. Simultaneous English interpretation and closed captioning in Spanish and English will be available.

This program is part of the Youth in Action: Conversations about Our Future series, which features young Native activists and changemakers from across the Western Hemisphere who are working towards equity and social justice for Indigenous peoples. Register here.

DCPS Immunization Requirement

In an effort to protect the health and wellness of all students, District of Columbia law requires that all students attending school in the District provide up-to-date immunization certification or proof of medical or religious exemption (DC Official Code § 38–501 et seq.)

Please check with your student to see if they received an immunization letter on Friday. Please submit updated immunizations to dealforms@k12.dc.gov or you may send in a copy with your student to bring to the Welcome Center. All DCPS students must be up to date with immunizations by October 6, 2021.

Attendance @ Deal

Email dealattendance@k12.dc.gov for all attendance matters (absent, tardy, early dismissal, etc.) and cc your child's team. Please do not send an email to the Deal website. Please review the DCPS Attendance Expectations. A note must be received within five (5) days after the first day of absence. Please include the following information:

  • Student's first and last name

  • Grade

  • Date(s) of Absence

  • Parent/Guardian Name

  • Parent/Guardian Telephone Name

Students should follow up with their teachers regarding missed instruction and assignments.

i-Ready and Map Assessments

6th, 7th, and 8th graders will participate in Beginning of the Year assessments in math this week. Students who take Math 6, Math 7, or Math 8 will take i-Ready. Students who take Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II will take MAP. All Deal students should bring headphones (and graph paper, if possible) to use during testing. Data from BOY will be used to help teachers target instruction.

Students who are more than two grade levels below will be enrolled in a math enrichment class to accelerate their learning. Additionally, those students will be invited to participate in our Saturday Acceleration Academy.

Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Testing at DCPS

Please disregard any COVID-19 testing consent information/forms from DCPS and Deal prior to August 27. If you would like to opt-out your student from receiving a COVID-19 test at school, you must complete the Opt-Out Form and return the form to your child's first period teacher. Please do not email the form.

As part of our COVID Health and Safety Protocol, DCPS is conducting random COVID testing weekly at all schools. Deal students will participate in Asymptomatic COVID testing on Tuesday, September 14. All students are eligible to participate. Videos that explain the testing procedures are available in English and Spanish.

Deal Model UN

Interested in joining Deal’s Model UN Team? Just want to learn more? No experience is necessary! All are welcome (6th-8th graders, experienced, new, curious about global topics, and/or a natural negotiator and global delegate). Please complete the interest survey so we can add you to our TEAMS group (where information is posted). Our first meeting will be online (link will be posted in TEAMS by 9/19) on September 21 from 4:30 pm-5:15 pm. Have questions? Please reach out to Ms. Trenkle.

Athletics, Clubs, and After School Activities

Shout out to the over 430 students who participated in the tryouts for fall sports @ Deal. We will continue to roll out clubs and activities throughout the month. A final list of after-school clubs and activities will be available on October 1.

SAVE THE DATE - Virtual Back to School Night

Our Virtual Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 23 from 5:45 until 8:00 pm. The evening will take place on Teams. During Back-to-School Night, families will be able to virtually follow their students' schedule, meet teachers, and get an overview of each course. Teachers will make slides available in their Weekly Newsletters.

5:45 - 6:00 | Opening Session

6:00 - 6:10 | First Period

6:15 - 6:25 | Second Period

6:30 - 6:40 | Third Period

6:45 - 6:55 | Fourth Period

7:00 - 7:10 | Fifth Period

7:15 - 7:25 | Period 6

7:30 - 7:40 | Seventh Period

7:45 - 7:55 | Eighth Period

Here We GROW!

New Website Highlights!

Did you know you can both see and subscribe to the Deal calendar? Check it out here and scroll down for subscription instructions. Did you know you can find team and specials teachers on the grade pages? We're collecting team newsletter links as well. Check out the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade pages! Did you know you can also find the student handbook in four languages? Click here. If you have questions or comments about the website, email alicedealcommunications@gmail.com.

Health and Safety Guidance

You can review all Back to School health and safety guidance here. This includes:

  • Universal Masking

  • Required Immunizations and the COVID-19 Vaccine

  • Testing

  • Physical Distancing

  • Lunchtime Guidance

  • Quarantine

  • Quarantine and Classroom Instruction

  • Quarantine Attendance Policy

  • Close Contact

  • Travel

  • Visitors

  • Enhanced Air Filtration and Cleaning

6th Grade Team Newsletters

7th Grade Team Newsletters

8th Grade Team Newsletters

Join the Alice Deal School and Family Directory

Every year the Alice Deal Community Association (ADCA) compiles a family directory that is available online, in print and as a mobile app on a secure database. Register at alicedealms.membershiptoolkit.com today!

Deal COVID-19 Vaccine Site (Mondays 4 - 7 pm)

Our vaccine partner, Giant Food, will offer the Pfizer vaccine for students 12+ in the Deal gymnasium by appointment only. Information is available at vaccinate.dc.gov or 1-855-363-0333.

Immunizations

Children ages 3-18 years old attending school including those at private, parochial, and independent schools are eligible for free immunization appointments at pop up health clinics throughout the city from DC Public Schools and their partners at DC Health. Students are required to have their childhood immunizations up to date with forms submitted within 20 days of the start of school. Visit dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines.

Breakfast and Lunch

All DCPS students will receive universal free meals for SY 21/22 including breakfast and lunch. Parents / guardians are also encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application for other eligible benefits. https://dcps.dc.gov/page/meal-prices-and-payment

WMATA Bus Schedules

Route M4: https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/upload/M4_210606.pdf

Routes D31, D32, D33, D34:

https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/upload/D31,32,33,34_200823.pdf

Fall Extra-Curricular Activities

Ultimate Frisbee Club

We will hold our first Ultimate Frisbee Club practice this Wednesday from 3:30-4:30pm. We will meet in room E106 (Mr. Martini) immediately after school before heading out to the turf. All skill levels are welcome as #Ultimateisforeverybody! Be sure to wear comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers and bring an extra bottle of water! Note: as per the athletics department guidelines, players will have to wear a mask during practice.

Students must turn in the Club Sports Forms (available at www.bit.ly/dealulty) to be able to play. Be sure to also to sign-up to receive club text message reminders by sending the message @dealulty to the number 81010.

Updates from the Athletic Department:

Thanks to everyone who signed up to try out to participate in fall sports. We have had an above-average interest in athletics this school year so we also appreciate your patience while we sort through registrations and logistics and hash out the final details. Registration for fall sports is now closed, with the exception of cross country which can facilitate a larger roster. Tryouts / practices will continue this week; details are below:

Boys & Girls Soccer:

  • Try-outs Tuesday, September 14th, 4 to 5:30 pm

  • Parent meeting, TBA

Boys & Girls XC: Practices will start September 13th and will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 3:45 to 5:30 pm. The final day to register for cross country will be Wednesday, September 15th.

Football: Practice/conditioning will be held Monday-Friday from 3:30 to 6 pm.

Cheer: Tryouts will be from Monday, September 13th through Thursday, September 16th, from 3:45 to 5 pm, in the gym. Bring your required DCIAA forms, black shorts, white shirt, yoga/exercise mat, water bottle, and a mask. Contact Coach Lalani Stevens for more information.

Adapted Bowling: TBA
If you haven't done so already, please submit your child's athletic participation documents via SEAMLESS DOCS. Please keep in mind that there is approximately a 1-week turnaround from submittal to clearance so get those forms in ASAP to avoid a lapse in eligibility. Please reach out to your child's coach if you are unsure if your child is cleared to participate. Coach contact information is as follows:

As always, feel free to reach out to your child's coach or to me, Coach Downing directly at deal.athletics@k12.dc.gov with any questions or concerns.

Community Announcements:

Troop 100 Outdoor Open House

Troop 100 Outdoor Open House for boys ages 11-18 (6th to 12 grade) interested in BSA Scouting - Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 7:15pm on Tenley Circle. (Masks required.) A non-denominational Troop meeting at St. Ann's on Tenley Circle is held every Wednesday evening. The Century Troop focuses on traditional Scoutcraft, hiking, camping, leadership, conservation, and service. Troop 100 Scouts attend public, private, and charter schools nearby. The Troop meets weekly on Wednesday evenings, camps monthly, and holds regular service events, annual high adventure trips, and more. Troop 100 is the oldest Troop in Washington D.C. and celebrated its 100th anniversary a few years ago. You can learn more about Troop 100 at https://www.facebook.com/CnturyTroop/ or https://centurytroopscouts.com

Questions, please contact bsatroop100.dc@gmail.com

Directions: Saint Ann’s is located at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Yuma Street NW. Meet in the grassy area behind the upper parking lot near the flagpole.

EXPERT HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PREPARATION AVAILABLE

Chevy Chase Prep proudly coaches students through successful high school transitions all year around. We specialize in SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, TOEFL, and in-house test preparation, and in guidance on all facets of high school admissions. Local references attest to students' performance on standardized tests, and to our overall expertise. We're lifelong Deal neighbors and 100 percent woman-owned.

Please visit us on the web at chevychaseprep.com; email us at chevychaseprep@gmail.com.

Maggie Ronkin, Founding Owner, Chevy Chase Prep

BOY SCOUT TROOP 90 WELCOMES ALICE DEAL STUDENTS!

All boys eleven or older are invited to join Boy Scout Troop 90 at Blessed Sacrament School. We are pleased to resume in-person Troop meetings Wednesday nights 7:30 – 8:30 pm following CDC safety guidelines and protocols. Our first meeting of year was Wednesday night September 8th at 7:30 pm at 3630 Quesada Street NW. Please come and check it out. No obligation! Troop 90 also holds monthly campouts, hikes, and other outdoor activities. Scouting gives young people the opportunity to explore a world beyond the boundaries of everyday life. You get to try new things, develop friendships, provide service to others, build self confidence, and develop leadership skills. And have fun while doing it! Troop 90 scouts just finished canoeing in the Boundary Waters, MN for Northern Tier High Adventure! Other activities include learning first aid, emergency preparedness, wilderness survival and other merit badges, rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, camping in Antietam National Battlefield, backpacking in Philmont Scout Reservation, New Mexico, ski/snowboard trips at Wisp, scuba diving in St. Croix Seabase, and doing many community service projects. We have scouts from Alice Deal and other schools throughout the area. No scouting experience necessary. Questions? Please contact Scoutmaster Keith Morrison at (202) 236-1624 or kmorrison@vsadc.com. You can also see our website at troop90dc.org which was created and is updated by the scouts.

Carolyn Kouri
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