School tour report
Cathy Travis, representing HNCA, and Jackie Nickel of BRNPCA toured Deep Creek Middle School recently as the guests of Councilman Joe Bartenfelder. Although the school lies outside our Council 6 district lines, our neighborhoods fall within Deep Creek boundaries, explained Joe. Cathy and Jackie were pleasantly surprised by the excellent physical facility and academic strides as exhibited at DCMS. Mrs. Dennis, the principal, along with teachers, staff and PTA members participated as our councilman heard their concerns and answered questions.
DCMS is a magnet school with 43 pupils attending from outside the area. It will become part of Chesapeake High's STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) program as its current magnet status evolves. The school fortunately is NOT over capacity. The school's former magnet grant funding is scheduled to end this year, however, as is Title 1 grant money. This could result in the loss of two instructional aides and funding for activities. Joe Bartenfelder promised to take the school's concerns to Dr. Hairston and push for retention of funds at all levels. If you have school concerns, call the councilman's legislative aide Teresa Streb at 410-887-5223.