Welcome Back!
Principal's Message
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our staff, students, families, and the Alice Deal Community Association for a great orientation day on Friday. Nearly 1,000 of our students were able to meet all of their teachers and explore the building in preparation for the first day of school. We are so extremely excited to see all of our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders tomorrow. Although classes begin at 9:00, students should plan to arrive by 8:20 to have time to pick up their schedules.
Schedule Pick Up (Monday, August 20 ONLY)
6th Grade Schedules | West Side (top of Fort Drive)
7th Grade Schedules | East Side (near Howard Road)
8th Grade Schedules | Gym Entrance (on Howard Road)
Lunch/Recess
Our primary plan for lunch/recess is to have all students eat outside on the field (assigned seats). During inclement weather, students will need to eat in both the cafeteria and gallery. In order to maintain social distancing, we will not use the cafeteria tables. Students are welcome to bring something to sit on.
Masks and Water
Students must wear their masks unless they are eating or drinking. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school daily. They will be permitted to step outside of class to drink water. Teachers will have water available for students as needed.
Focus on Health and Safety
The DCPS Health and Safety measures are available at DCPS Reopen Strong. At Deal, our layered prevention strategies will also include:
using our grade-level teams as student cohorts to improve health and safety measures. Physical Education, Art, Music, and World Language courses are scheduled within grade-level team cohorts to the extent possible. Students will continue to have access to Deal’s large variety of courses and, with minimal exceptions, will have classes with only other students on their grade level team.
adhering to social distancing within classrooms to the maximum extent possible. This will be achieved by ensuring students are seated at least 3 feet apart, turning desks to face the same direction, and/or having students sit on only one side of a table (spaced apart).
marking stairs and hallways with appropriate signage to support social distancing to minimize crowding in the halls.
limiting the use of shared objects when possible. If materials are shared, they will be cleaned between use.
implementing a schedule for increased routine cleaning and disinfection of all restrooms.
assigning student seats in all classrooms and during lunch.
implementing staggered times for transitions between class periods.
having students eat outside on the field (weather permitting).
School-based COVID-19 Testing (Opt-Out)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends offering coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in schools. COVID-19 testing helps schools identify cases of COVID-19 quickly and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections at school. For the 2021-22 school year, we will participate in a citywide COVID-19 school-based testing program available to all DC public and public charter schools. This program uses a saliva-based PCR test, which you can learn more about here: www.shieldt3.com/k12/. Test results will be shared securely with the student’s parent/guardian (or the adult student directly), the appropriate school official(s), and DC Health. DC public and public charter schools participating in the citywide COVID-19 school-based testing program are using this form to share information about the testing program with you and your student and to share data with relevant authorities. All testing is free. Information about the School-based COVID-19 Testing and the Opt-Out Form is available here.
30 Days of Mental Health
We understand the importance of the mental well-being of our students and staff. Throughout the year we will continue to focus on ways to foster positive mental health. On September 1 we will begin 30 Days of Mental Health. Please feel free to share your ideas about how we can support our school community in this area.
Moving Forward with a Spirit of Grace and Gratitude
On August 28, 1963, nearly 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was on that day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his now-famous I Have A Dream Speech. Our school community is the embodiment of King's Dream. Let's move forward this year with a spirit of grace and gratitude.
Here We GROW!
From the Alice Deal Community Association
On behalf of the parent volunteers with the Alice Deal Community Association (ADCA), welcome to a Deal that is Better Than Normal!
We’ve been working hard this summer with Principal Neal to make sure the school is ready for this year. We are looking forward to supporting staff and students, and over the year we will keep you updated on our efforts!
Connecting with Deal Families
One of our main goals this year is to make sure all families feel welcomed and included. Please visit our newly updated website (alicedealmiddleschool.org) for all things about ADCA and life at Deal. Email us at adcapresident@gmail.com anytime! We want to hear from you, ideas and collaboration welcome!
How to Support Deal:
To ensure that the ADCA can deliver on its mission, we need your help and support!
Please donate at 5 hours to Deal; we know our parent community is incredibly talented. Fill out this volunteer form to let us know what you’d like to do. Please also donate to our annual appeal here. We are asking all families to participate this year; the suggested donation is $250, but please give what you can.
Deal Directory
Keep an eye out for an email this week inviting you to register, create an account, and verify your family and student information for the Deal Directory. The Deal Directory is an important way for students and families to connect with each other - so please consider joining. Email dealdirectoryupdates@gmail.com with any questions.
Coming Soon -- the Deal Directory!
Be on the lookout for an email in the coming week inviting you to register and create an account for the Deal Directory. You'll be able to verify (or complete) your Parent/Family and Student Information, including your child's assigned Team, as well as indicate if you wish to opt-out of the Directory listing. Contact dealdirectoryupdates@gmail.com with any questions.
Universal Masking
All students, staff, and visitors will be required to always wear a face mask on school grounds.
Consistent with DC Health’s latest guidance that encourages masks when outside in crowded areas, we will continue to require masks outside during recess, during before and after school care, and for other school day activities.
Masks can be removed for eating and drinking.
If anyone does not have a mask, one will be provided upon entry to the school.
Required Immunizations and the COVID-19 Vaccine
Staff are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by September 19 or take a weekly COVID-19 test.
Students must be in compliance with routine pediatric immunization requirements by their 20th school day or they will be prohibited from attending.
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently not required for students, but we highly encourage all eligible students and community members to get vaccinated as the best way to stop the spread of the virus.
DCPS will not be able to disclose the vaccination status of individual staff or students.
Testing
10 - 20% random sample of unvaccinated students will be tested weekly.
all unvaccinated staff will be tested weekly.
All students and staff must provide active consent to be tested - School-based COVID 19 Form
Symptomatic testing will be available to all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 while in school and have a signed consent on file.
Results are available to families and staff via a secure portal in an average of 6 - 8 hours
Families will receive a notification if someone tests positive for COVID-19 within their student’s classroom and when there is a case within their school.
Families will not be informed which individual tested positive, but they will know if the positive case was in the classroom vs. in the school.
Physical Distancing
Desks will be physically distanced to the greatest extent possible within classrooms.
To help determine who is a close contact, assigned seating will be utilized in classrooms where students are seated within 3 feet of each other.
Lunchtime Guidance
Students in 1st -12th grade may eat in the school cafeteria.
Masks may only be removed while students are actively eating or drinking.
Cafeterias will be set up to allow the greatest amount of distance between students and student seating will be assigned.
All schools received two large HEPA filters designed to support large spaces. One of these large HEPA filters will be placed in the cafeteria of each school.
Quarantine
When there is a positive case in a school, schools will follow the DC Health guidance for quarantining.
Any child or adult who tests positive for COVID-19 should not attend school and should isolate for 10 days and show improvement symptoms, including no fever for 24 hours.
If an unvaccinated student or staff member is in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to quarantine for at least 7 days. Students and staff may return to the classroom after 7 days if they take a COVID-19 test on or after day 5 and receive a negative result. Students and staff who do not take a test must quarantine for 10 days.
Vaccinated students and staff who are in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they are not showing symptoms but are recommended to take a test between 3 and 5 days after they are exposed.
Quarantine and Classroom Instruction
If a teacher is unable to provide in-person instruction, DCPS will first employ substitutes to continue in-person learning for the class.
Students who are required to quarantine will be provided with a DCPS device for learning at home. Course content will be available via Canvas for students learning at home. Instruction may be fully virtual, a mix of simultaneous in-person and virtual instruction, or self-guided, depending upon the number of students quarantining and the availability of the teacher. Families will be informed about when and how virtual instruction will be provided.
All students who need to quarantine will be provided a device by their school.
Quarantine Attendance Policy
Students should stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms, are a close contact of a positive case, or as required based on the travel guidance.
For students who are required to quarantine but not at the direction of DCPS (e.g., because a family member tested positive for COVID-19 and they were contacted by a contact tracer), the parent/guardian will need to provide written documentation of the quarantine. The written note must include the date of COVID-19 exposure; the length of time the student has been directed to quarantine by a medical professional or contact tracer; and the name, organization, and contact information of the medical professional or contract tracer.
Students required to quarantine at the direction of DCPS (e.g., because a teacher tested positive for COVID-19) do not need to provide documentation.
Close Contact
Vaccinated students and staff who are in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they are not showing symptoms but are recommended to take a test between 3 and 5 days after they are exposed.
Per CDC and DC Health guidance, students are NOT considered close contacts if they are within 3-6 feet of a fellow infected student if:
Both students are consistently wearing well-fitting masks
Other mitigating factors are in place (physical distancing, increased ventilation, etc.).
Travel
Travel outside of the region is discouraged while school is in session.
Unvaccinated individuals who travel outside of the DC-Maryland-Virginia area are recommended to self-quarantine upon return. Three to five days after returning, individuals should get a COVID-19 test. If the test is negative, the self-quarantine can end after the seventh day. If no test is performed, unvaccinated individuals should self-quarantine for 10 days.
Visitors
All visitors must be pre-approved, confirm completion of a health assessment, and wear a mask at all times on school grounds.
Families are not allowed to enter the building for student drop-off and pick up, except for students with a parent/guardian escort as a component of a written safety plan.
Enhanced Air Filtration & Cleaning
In addition to system-wide HVAC upgrades, every classroom has a small filtration unit with a medical-grade HEPA filter to clean the air within that space.
Schools will continue to implement enhanced cleaning procedures with CDC and EPA-approved supplies. Deep cleaning will continue to occur during scheduled school breaks and as needed, per DC Health guidance, related to any COVID-19 exposure.
Immunizations
While the COVID-19 vaccine is currently not required to attend school next year, students are required to have their childhood immunizations up to date to attend school in the fall. Immunization forms must be submitted within 20 days of the start of school. DC Public Schools and their partners at DC Health have pop-up immunizations clinics open throughout the city. Immunization appointments are free for children ages 3-18 years old attending school in the fall, including those at private, parochial, and independent schools. https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines/
COVID-19 Vaccine Site
at Deal on Mondays
(4:00 - 7:00 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
or 1-855-363-0333.
School Supplies
Here is the list of recommended school supplies by grade level -
Deal MS Student Supply List SY 21-22.pdf. Please contact your grade-level assistant principal if you need support with getting supplies for your student.
6th Grade | stacey.gathers@k12.dc.gov
7th Grade | marcus.moore3@k12.dc.gov
8th Grade | patrick.rottman@k12.dc.gov
Breakfast and Lunch
For SY 2021-2022 students at all DCPS schools will receive all meals at no charge. This includes breakfast and lunch. Despite universal free meals for SY 21/22, DCPS
still encourages parents/guardians of students to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application to ensure they are eligible for other benefits.
https://dcps.dc.gov/page/meal-prices-and-payment
Back to School Night (Virtual)
We will host a virtual Back to School Night on Thursday, September 23, beginning at 6:00 pm.
Additional information will be provided.
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
Deal Athletics
Please fill out the fall sports interest form here to indicate interest and be added to the contact list for your student-athlete's sport of choice. Each respective team's coach will email you pertinent information in the upcoming weeks. Sign-ups will continue through the first week of school and we expect practices / try-outs to begin during the second week of school. In addition to the sign-up form, you will need to fill out athletic participation forms and upload your child's medical documents to our new digital platform, Seamless Docs, found here. The forms must be uploaded and certified by the Athletic Trainer before your child will be permitted to participate. Please submit them ASAP! Note: We are no longer accepting or processing paper participation forms.
Fall Archery
Sign ups to try out for archery will be Thursday, September 2nd directly after school in the gymnasium, with Coach Pugh. Students do not need prior experience to try out. However, it is highly encouraged for students to review the 11 steps to archery success and archery eye dominancy before signing up to try out (links are provided below).
11 steps to archery success: https://www.naspschools.org/about/news/resource/nasp-11-steps
Determining eye dominancy: https://www.naspschools.org/about/news/resource/determining-eye-dominance
New Offering This Fall: Adapted bowling is a middle school interscholastic sport that the DCIAA offers for students with disabilities to participate in sports. Adapted equipment, modifications to rules, and neutral settings can help with one or all elements of bowling and ensure the success of student-athletes. Adapted bowling will be held every Wednesday from October 6th through November 17th. Eligible athlete participants include individuals in the ILS or CES specialized programs or any student with a physical disability. Transportation home can be provided for the athlete, contingent upon IEP specifications.
Fall Sports Contacts
Boys Cross Country - Ryan Deak, ryan.deak@k12.dc.gov
Girls Cross Country - Allison Beckley, allison.beckley@k12.dc.gov
Boys Soccer - Frederick Mbayu, frederick.mbayu@k12.dc.gov
Girls Soccer - Kwabena Osei, kwabena.osei@k12.dc.gov
Volleyball - Darieal Wimbley, darieal.wimbley@k12.dc.gov
Football - Michael Oliver, michael.oliver@k12.dc.gov
Archery - Staci Pugh, staci.pugh@k12.dc.gov
Cheerleading - Leilani Stevens, leilanistevens21@gmail.com
Adapted Bowling - TBD
General sports/athletics inquiries: deal.athletics@k12.dc.gov
Wilson Crew's 8th Grade Learn-to-Row registration is now open!
The program starts Thursday, September 9th and runs through early November. Athletes practice on Thursday at Wilson and either Saturday or Sunday at Thompson Boat Center. The program is run by Yale Alum Charlotte Taft assisted by current Wilson Crew Varsity athletes. Program cost $350. Register here: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/281751
