This week draws the curtains on a wonderful year for Alice Deal Middle School. Each year carries its own memories formed by the shared experience of students and staff. For some of us (new principals, new teachers, new students) everything at school felt brand-new. For veterans (returning staff, 7th and 8th graders), the year started with the basic question: will it be better than last year? For those leaving Deal (8th graders, staff), this year will be their most memorable because it will be their last one here. Just like our promoting 8th graders, however, this year will quickly descend into the past for those who remain. Our focus is on next year’s experience.

I have outlined in past weeks some initiatives that we have already begun for the coming school year – Period 8, Approaches to Learning. These are being joined by emphases on building continuity in the student experience 6 – 8, refining select curricular areas, and improving our service to students with disabilities. I am excited by these possibilities, especially in light of this last year’s successes. Through a targeted effort, we worked to redefine classroom culture, increase student skills on analyzing texts, and further expand activities for students and families. As always, parents, community members, DCPS, and many, many volunteers worked with us to achieve these and other goals.
 
At the same time, there are still so many things to keep working on. The administrative team and many teachers will be working this summer to bring another great school opening and to lay the groundwork for our future 7th and 8th graders and our new incoming 6th graders. Look for our summer mailing right after the beginning of August, with lots of information and the summer newsletter. Of course, if you need something right away or someone on our staff can help, please give us a call or drop by.

This week is a busy one. 8th graders are using their last Deal Monday to prepare for promotion and to enjoy a performance from the Folger – right here on campus. After promotion on Tuesday morning (at 10am!), school will continue on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (half-day). Teachers have instructional activities planned up to the end – in spite of what some children might say who want their summer to start a little bit early.

There will be a final 2012-2013 weekly bulletin next week – but a shorter one. Our offices will remain open all summer – so continue to bring your registrations in and continue to check in if you have questions.

Principal Albright

PS. With 340 8th graders being promoted on Tuesday, parking will be very tight. Consider public transportation, of course, but if you are driving you will need to be give yourself enough time to park. It is clear that our “little” Deal auditorium will be insufficient for 400 students next year; it will be cozy this year so please bear with us

 >> Read more of this week’s Weekly Bulletin