The Weekly Bulletin

"Think globally. Listen compassionately. Act inclusively."

Thought for the Week

New: 6^th Grade Groups

Recently, 6^th grade students completed surveys indicating their interest in participating in before- and after-school discussion groups on a variety of issues they may face in middle school. Groups include the following:

Girls in Real Life Situations, which will focus on self-esteem, relationships, jealousy, reputations, body image, and tough choices.

Do The Right Thing, which will focus on controlling impulses, handling stress and other emotions, making positive choices, handling peer pressure and making good decisions.

United Against Bullying, which will focus on discussing situations in which students are bullied and finding positive solutions to handling bullying.

Students who signed up to participate should keep their eyes and ears open after the Winter Break for specific details on meeting times and places. Any student who did not sign up but would like to participate should see Ms. Banal or Ms. McFarland.

New: 8th Graders - High School Applications

Very important information for 8th grade parents and students interested in DCPS specialized high school programs:

The deadline for DCPS application schools is January 6th. All Deal students interested in applying to Banneker, CHEC, Ellington, McKinley, Phelps, or SWW, be sure to complete and submit the application following all the requirements for each school. Go to:

http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/highschoolapp

Additionally, DCPS has a "Guide to School Options 2012-2013" that may assist in making a decision about which high school to attend. The guide is available to download from the DCPS website at:

http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/College+and+Careers/High+School+Planning#7

Remaining Open Houses for Specialized High Schools:

School Without Walls High School www.swwhs.org

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Time: 10:00 am - noon & 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

Place: George Washington University Lisner Auditorium

730 21st Street, Washington, DC 20037

Woodrow Wilson High School www.wilsonhs.org

Jan 6 & 20, Feb 10, and March 16 from 9- 11 am

New: 8th Grade Common Application Assistance

Do you have questions or need assistance in finalizing and submitting your DCPS Common High School Application?

Amy Lerman, the expert on the DCPS High School Common Application will be at Deal on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 2-5:30 pm (in Room C104-Computer lab) to assist students and parents with the process and any questions or concerns. Please sign up with Ms. Hernandez: ana.hernandez@dc.gov

All students who complete the 8^th grade at Deal are guaranteed places at Wilson, regardless of their home address. Feeder and in-boundary students do not need to apply to an Academy to enroll at Wilson.

Some students may choose to apply in the 8^th grade so that they can begin participating in Academy activities or begin a 4-year course of study as soon as they enter Wilson. However, this is optional.

Students can join academies anytime before the 11^th grade. There is no "right" time to join an academy. Students should reflect and decide with their families when they are ready to commit to an academy's elective courses and extracurricular activities.

If you choose to apply to an academy as an incoming 9^th grader, obtain an academy application from Ms. Hernandez or the Wilson website, www.wilson.org

Applications are due January 25^th, 2012.

New: Mental Health Matters - from Team Vienna

Winter Break provides an opportunity for much needed rest and relaxation for teachers, parents, and students. This season can also be a source of stress and depression for many. Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid typical holiday stressors and to enjoy the season with your family and friends:

Reflect

* Give yourself permission to be jolly. Celebrate life.

* Write down all of the good things that have happened during 2011.

* Set a few personal goals for 2012.

Refresh

* Start new traditions with your friends and family.

* Reconnect with friends/family whom you haven't seen often.

Serve

* Do something good for someone else.

* Perform a community service activity as a family.

Take care of self

* Avoid over-indulgence in the many holiday treats.

* Go for a walk or ride to take in the crisp air, sunshine, and the scenery of our beautiful city.

* Get plenty of rest.

* Plan some quiet time for yourself where you do something enjoyable.

* Work smarter, not harder - focus on major priorities, let others go.

* Seek professional consultation if depression is severe or lengthy.

Have a safe and joyful holiday season!

Attendance at Deal

WINTER BREAK IS 3 DAYS AWAY!

WE NEED YOU AT SCHOOL EVERY DAY!

Winter break is on everyone's minds this week; students please remember that excellence this advisory requires your commitment to school through Wednesday. Teachers have exciting lessons planned for this week; you can only benefit if you are in school.

Students, on-time arrival and regular attendance help us to achieve more in school and life. Good habits today foster good futures tomorrow.

On-time arrival and regular attendance are critical to your success. Please reiterate our shared expectation with your child today! Let us strive to learn the "Viking Way": at school, on time, everyday!