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Counselor Connection

Connecting with students and families| December 2022

CounselorConnectionConnecting with students and families| December 2022

Message from our Counselors

Greetings Deal Family,


As the start of a new year is soon approaching, take some time to set goals as a family. Goal setting is important because it allows you to map the steps to achieving your dreams, not only as individuals, but as a family unit. It provides you with focus and helps you stay motivated.


A fun way to create a visual representation of your goals is through vision boarding. An article written in the Journal of Kids (2020), provides families with steps for creating a family vision board.


Along with goal setting, this month’s newsletter also highlights the National Junior Honor Society application process. Finally, we have included a copy of Deal’s High School Night session recordings. Please take some time to review each session as you continue high school planning.

National Junior Honor Society

The National Junior Honor Society is a program designed to empower and equip our students with the knowledge and skills to be transformative leaders in our school, community, and beyond. Founded in1928, its purpose is to create enthusiasm for scholarship; stimulate a desire to render service to the community; promote student leadership; encourage responsible citizenship; and develop character in secondary school students.

In order to be a member of the Deal MS chapter, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. A-B Honor Roll throughout grades 7-8 (maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0)
  2. Complete 15 hours of community service by June 1, 2023
  3. Participate in at least one extracurricular club, sport, or activity per academic year.

*8th graders who earn 25 hours of community service will have them credited towards their required high school service hours.

At the close of each school year, students who have successfully completed all requirements will be honored in an NJHS ceremony with a certificate and pin. For 7th graders, this ceremony also includes their official induction into the program.

In order to apply, please complete this online form: https://forms.office.com/r/M9E5SHtFtU
Your application form must be received by Jan. 15 in order to be considered for membership.

Students who meet the membership requirements will then be enrolled in a Canvas course where they can document their community service hours and extracurricular experiences. The documentation provided in Canvas will be used to assign awards in the spring.

Student Corner

Here are some examples on how to begin goal setting.
How To Set Goals (4 Easy Steps)
How to Set SMART Goals | Goal Setting for Students

High School Planning

High School application season is upon us! As 8th grade families begin planning for high school, please note, the application for DCPS selective high schools will be found on the following site: https://www.myschooldc.org/ The application will not become available until December 12, 2022.


Please add the following dates to your calendar:

December 10, 2022: EdFEST – DC’s annual public school fair

December 12, 2022: Lottery application opens

February 1, 2023: Application deadline

March 31, 2023: Lottery results are released

May 1, 2023: Enrollment deadline for matched applicants


High School Night Recordings


Applying to High School via the My School DC Lottery Recording (11/17/22)


McKinley Tech @ Deal Recording (11/17/22)


Banneker HS @ Deal Recording (11/17/22)


Jackson-Reed @ Deal Recording (11/17/22)


Bard HS Early College @ Deal Recording (11/17/22)


Phelps ACE @ Deal (11/17/22)


School Without Walls @ Deal Recording (11/17/2022)

Transcripts and Recommendation Requests

6th Grade Transcript Request:

Please email johnet.travers@k12.dc.gov


7th Grade Transcript Requests:

Please email camille.white@k12.dc.gov


8th grade Transcript Requests:

Please email dealtranscripts@k12.dc.gov


Below are guidelines for 8th grade transcript requests and teacher recommendation letters:


  1. Please submit transcript requests electronically to dealtranscripts@k12.dc.gov. Many schools allow for transcripts to be submitted electronically.

  2. For teacher recommendations, please encourage students to first reach out to teacher to request a recommendation. Some teams will require students to first complete a recommendation form, which provides teachers with more information about the student. After which, student/parent can email teacher directly with an electronic request. Most schools have moved to electronic submission of recommendations.
  3. Please note, teacher recommendations will be completed before each high school's deadline.
  4. Contact private schools directly to check on the status of an application.

Upcoming Events

December

12/12- My School DC -Lottery Application Opens

12/23-1/2- Winter Break (for students and teachers)