The Weekly Update #4

As an IB MYP school, each 8th grader is required to complete a community service project called the Community Project. This project will take place in advisory from November 19-February 27th. For this project, students will identify one of their communities, an issue within their community, then plan and take action to impact that issue. Students will then present their project at the end of February. Students will attend an 8th grade assembly introducing the project on November 19th during advisory. Be sure to ask your students about this exciting capstone! Do not hesitate to contact your students' advisory teacher, or Ms. Daniels (IB Coordinator), Caitlin.Daniels@k12.dc.gov, with questions.

Deal's Virtual High School Night is Thursday, November 21st from 6:30-8:00pm. Our opening session will start at 6:30 PM and families will have the opportunity to hear from the DCPS Enrollment Team to learn about the high school application process. Afterwards, families can choose to hear from individual high schools starting at 7:00pm using the links provided here: 2024 Deal High School Night

This week in science, Tuesday (11/12)-Friday (11/15) Students should have learned to:

• explain why conduction works efficiently in solids, but not liquids and gases

• differentiate between conduction, convection and radiation

Next week in science, Monday (11/18)-Friday (11/22) o Here's what students can look forward to:

• Becoming Classroom Leaders: Students will be assigned class jobs and responsibilities, allowing them to practice leadership skills and contribute to the efficient operation of our classroom.
• Mini Experimentation: Students will conduct a hands-on experiment to investigate which materials are most effective for designing a device to keep hot liquids warm.
• Engineering Challenge: Using their findings, students will collaborate to design and assemble a device aimed at maintaining the temperature of hot water.
• Testing and Analysis: Finally, students will test their devices, analyze the results, and reflect on their designs to assess effectiveness.

Extended Absence in Science Class

I will be out on leave for surgery and recovery from December 12, 2024, to February 24, 2025. During this time, it is crucial that we work together to maintain high expectations for student behavior and academic success. Your support will play a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition and a productive learning environment for all students.

Over the next four weeks, I will be reinforcing classroom routines, procedures, and expectations with students. While I am out, students will have roles and responsibilities within the classroom to help things run efficiently. These classroom jobs are intended to build leadership and accountability. If students consistently demonstrate positive behaviors, follow routines, and respect procedures, they will be able to fully participate in engaging science activities under the supervision of the substitute teacher. However, it is essential that I see these behaviors demonstrated in every student in the coming weeks so we can set the tone for a successful transition.

Although I will not be physically present, I will remain actively involved in your child’s education. I will be the one designing lessons, reviewing assignments, and providing feedback. Additionally, I will check in with students and families via email and phone as needed to address concerns or provide updates. If for any reason I am unable to follow up directly, families will be notified accordingly.

To support your child during this time, I kindly ask for your partnership in the following ways:

• Monitor Canvas daily: Please ensure your child is not only completing their assignments but also submitting quality work.
• Encourage responsibility and accountability: Reinforce the importance of good behavior and effort in the classroom to help maintain a positive learning environment.
• Communicate with me: If you notice any concerns or challenges, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you in advance for your collaboration and support during my absence. With your help, I am confident that we can maintain the high standards that lead to student success. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Last week students worked on a campaign poster project where they had to convince other colonists to join the revolution or stay with the loyalists. The posters turned out amazing!! I am so proud of our kiddos and I will send pictures in the next newsletter!

Next week's schedule is below.

• Monday: Seminar Prep
• Tuesday: Seminar Prep
• Wednesday: Seminar: Were the colonists justified in revolting against the king? Why or why not?
• Thursday: Battles of the War
• Friday: Battles of the War

I am tentatively scheduled for jury duty on Friday November 22nd, if I am out there will be sub plans for students to complete in my absence.

This week in ELA, students wrapped up Unit 1: Dreaming in America through a multi-genre project and presentation showcasing various conceptions of the "American Dream". Student submissions ranged from speeches and poems, to Raps and artistic collages.

Next week, we will begin the second writing unit of the year: Informational Writing. This will prepare students for the "research simulation task" on the end of year DC Cape test. Students will read and annotate 2 texts that focus on the idea of community and connections. We will end the week by reviewing how to break down and attack and writing prompt, and how to craft thesis statements.

Reminders:

Unit 1 is coming to a close. To prepare for Unit 2, we are asking that all families purchase a copy of "145th Street Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers. This is a change from the message at the beginning of the year, however, to support our annotation efforts, it is important that every student has a copy of the novel that they can write inside.

Purchase a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/145th-Street-Walter-Dean-Myers/dp/0307976106

*If you would like to purchase an additional copy to donate to the class, please contact me

Math 8

This past week Math 8 students prepared for and took their RCT and started their new unit on linear functions. This unit will focus heavily on slope and writing equations in slope intercept form. We wrote equations for proportional graphs this past week and will extend that thinking to include graphs for graphs that are not proportional. A link to our new unit can be found here. Students should make sure they complete their iReady lessons for the week; one teacher assigned and one from their path.

Algebra 1

This past week students took an mid-unit assessment on the first half of our functions unit. They also took an IB formative on interpreting graphs in terms of domain and range. This coming week we will look at absolute value functions, touch on their transformations and how to write those equations. A link to our current unit can be found here. Students should make sure they complete their Delta math for the week.

If you would like to contact us, please feel free to do so using the links below. Expect a response from teachers, during school hours, within 1 to 2 business days, of the time your communication was received.

Teacher Email Addresses:

• Science: Charmaine.Thompson@k12.dc.gov
• History: Marlena.Wikander@k12.dc.gov
• English: Catherine.Cunha@k12.dc.gov
• Math: Brandi.Anderson@k12.dc.gov

Website: alicedealmiddleschool.org

Location: 3815 Fort Dr NW, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: 202-939-2010