The Mata Memo
February 9, 2021
Principal's Message
Dear Mata families,
This week we've had a great time experiencing the great teaching and learning that is happening at our school. Everyone... teachers, parents, and community has really come together for the children here at Mata Montessori. At the beginning of this pandemic, we had to struggle with change, but we have come to realize that this challenge has been an opportunity. I shared this quote with the staff. There are two types of schools: Those that prepare kids for the future, and those that allow adults to live comfortably in the past." We can complain about how things used to be or we can make adjustments to continue to achieve greatness for our students. Our team has chosen the latter. Thank you for teaming up with us to do so!
Remember doing the following can go a long way to ensuring your child is successful, even during a pandemic.
- Make sure your child attends class regularly in person and/or face to face. It is important to have an actively engaged child in learning as much as possible.
- Stay current with your child's progress. Check the Powerschool Parent Portal for grades and missing assignments regularly.
- Communicate with your teacher. They are here to help your child learn. If you are noticing any difficulties, reach out to them. They are the best resource to problem-solve strategies to best help your child.
We are happy to collaborate with you on educating your children.
Please have a wonderful week!
Please read the memo carefully for information regarding:
- Calendar at a Glance
- Mata Middle School Broadcast
- Valentine Information and Sweetheart Read
- 5th Grade Poetry Slam Update
- Virtual International Festival
- Intent to Return Survey - Please complete
- 4th-8th Grade MAP Testing
- Black History Month
- No Place for Hate
- Parent Conferences
- Covid Updates
- And much, much more!
We look forward to another great week of teaching and learning!
Tomeka Williams
Principal
Calendar at A Glance
- Feb. 10, 11, 17 - 4th-6th MAP testing
- Feb 11 - 5th Grade Poetry Slam
Feb. 12 Virtual Sweetheart Read
Feb. 15 President's Day - Holiday - No School
Feb. 19 The 100th Day of School
Feb. 22-26 Parent Conference Week
Feb. 26 Virtual International Festival
Mata Middle School Broadcast
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KRh3o3f6AzmeS6P1wruwjAYmAh5D3xKc/view
Valentine's Day and Sweetheart Read Information
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CAAA829ABFA7-sweetheart
Valentine's Day Guidelines:
Sweetheart classroom readers will Zoom and read-aloud stories, please volunteer to sign up for a class.
Students may dress in red or pink with jeans on Friday in support of friendship, caring, and kindness.
In regards to snacks, we are following the healthy food guidelines. All items must be individually wrapped and must meet the guidelines of a healthy snack. Any item that does not meet the guideline will not be delivered to the classrooms. Healthy snacks are the best option. Food items must be purchased. We cannot allow foods prepared at home.
There should be no deliveries of pizza, cupcakes, cookies, sodas, etc. This competes with the FCNS rules and guidelines for serving students meals.
Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, there will be no exchanging of Valentine cards, balloons, or trinkets.
Poetry Slam Update!
New Date: Virtual International Festival! - February 26th
Middle of the Year MAP Testing!
Info for 4th-6th
We will administer the middle of the year MAP test in reading (2/11) and math (2/10) to our 4th-6th grade students. Additionally, all 5th-grade students will test in Science (2/17). The NWEA MAP Growth provides teachers with accurate and actionable evidence to help target instruction for each student or group of students.
Distance learning students can come to campus for the administration of the MOY assessment. To allow for physical distancing, students will test in the new wing of the building in one of the large science lab classrooms. Testing will begin at 8:20 a.m. and students will contact their parents upon completion of testing to be picked up from campus.
Distance learning students who are unable to participate in on-campus setting will assess remotely. Please take a moment to complete the Google form sent by your teacher so that we may plan accordingly.
Attention All Students - Complete the Intent to Return to Mata Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-Wn-3HwI0hDuJGhI9f9bPU_enYpQFgriam2dbcEmbMJj2xg/viewform
Mata Montessori y la Oficina de Transformación e Innovación están trabajando juntos para identificar los asientos disponibles para el año escolar 2021-2022. Por favor, háganos saber si su hijo(a) va a estar regresando a Mata Montessori el próximo año. Por favor complete antes del viernes 12 de marzo de 2021
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-Wn-3HwI0hDuJGhI9f9bPU_enYpQFgriam2dbcEmbMJj2xg/viewform
February Dress Pass!!!
February’s Dress Pass!!!
It’s time to sign up and sponsor a class for this month’s Dress Pass. It is Friday the 26th. Let’s work together to make sure that no class/student gets left out!
Dress Pass Rules
No open toe shoes, flip-flops, or heels
All shirts, dresses, and shorts must be at least fingertip length
No spaghetti straps, spandex, PJ's, or jeans with holes or rips.
Let Mimi Bowen know if you have any questions (mbowen75@yahoo.com)
Pase de vestir de febrero !!!
Es hora de inscribirse y patrocinar una clase para el Dress Pass de este mes. Es viernes 26. ¡Trabajemos juntos para asegurarnos de que ninguna clase o estudiante se quede fuera!
Reglas del pase de vestimenta
No zapatos abiertos, chanclas ni tacones.
Todas las camisas, vestidos y pantalones cortos deben tener al menos la punta de los dedos.
Sin correas de espagueti, spandex, PJ's o jeans con agujeros o rasgaduras.
Hágale saber a Mimi Bowen si tiene alguna pregunta (mbowen75@yahoo.com)
Sponsor a class here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090544a4ae23a46-february
Check out here: https://checkout.square.site/buy/KBBUPKBMQJ6PFCZDHWIT3PT4
Black History Month
We hope that these activities will show our children the richness of Black life in America and help them connect to American history.
NO PLACE FOR HATE!
Our school is participating in the No Place for Hate district initiative. We are inviting everyone on campus and at home to participate with us.
No Place for Hate is a collaborative initiative that provides PreK–12 schools with an organizing framework for students, administrators, teachers, and family members to develop long-term solutions for creating and
maintaining an inclusive and equitable climate.
It is our desire to:
• Build an inclusive and safe community in which respect and equity are the goals and where all students can thrive.
• Empowering students, faculty, administration, and family members to take a stand against bias and bullying.
• Send a clear, message that all students have a place where they belong.
We are asking that all students and staff sign the No Place for Hate pledge as proof of their commitment to doing their part to make your school No Place for Hate. The No Place for Hate® pledge serves as a declaration of our commitment to fostering a
positive school climate. We will have a banner near the cafeteria for Elementary students and one in the Middles School hallway. For students and families at home, we will have the Pledge on a Google Doc (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mWYv2iMopw2rGozk1iRe1RGkaIL1v4_ouJArIM2h7CI/edit?usp=sharing) for your signature.
Directions for the Google Doc:
Directions:
- Open document
- Click File
- Click make a copy
- Inside the box in the center of your page, Type your name
- Click Ok-You should see your name on the tab at the top of the document
- Now you will sign the Pledge at the bottom of the document. Type in your name
- Click the “X” on your name tab, which is at the top. You have submitted your pledge.
- Exit the original document
Thank you for supporting this great initiative.
Your No Place for Hate Committee
The safety of our students and staff remains our first priority. Contact tracing occurs and if anyone is identified as close contact, they will be notified by the school and required to quarantine. To learn about the positive cases at Mata or in the district, you may visit the dashboard which is updated daily at 5 PM. COVID Dashboard Please see the most updated picture below.
We remain committed to following extensive safety protocols, which include social distancing in classrooms, hallways, offices, and elevators; masks are required for every staff member and student throughout the day; hand washing practices are regular parts of everyone’s day; thorough cleanings are scheduled, and contact tracing measures are in place and being followed.
Construction Update
Construction for Mata is still underway!
Check out some of the latest updates to construction!
After hours roofing work
Serving and cooklines in Kitchen
Lower courtyard
Teacher Recruitment Season for Next Year
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Mata Montessori School's Vision and Mission
Vision Statement: To provide an academic foundation which allows our students to be successful life-long learners.
Mission Statement: To provide an authentic Montessori education by focusing on educating the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally for all children.
Mata Montessori School's Key Actions
- Maintain a climate and culture that fosters academic excellence.
- Improve quality of instruction and student achievement through an aligned Montessori curriculum.
- Actively engage parents in education in meaningful and relevant ways.
Eduardo Mata Montessori School
Email: matamontessori@dallasisd.org
Website: http://www.dallasisd.org/Page/2376
Location: 7420 La Vista Drive, Dallas, TX, United States
Phone: (972)749-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MataMontessori/?fref=ts
Twitter: @mata_school