The Mata Memo
May 2, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
There is a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that says, "Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better." Our teachers and staff have worked extremely hard to prepare our students this school year, and we can't thank them enough for their relentless drive to ensure that our children excel. Next week we will celebrate them during teacher appreciation week.
We are continuing to provide information on how to make yourself dispensable in your child's life. Each one will help you move closer to your goal of raising an independent, autonomous, fully functioning young adult.
Check out this week's focus:
Make materials accessible. Use the lower shelves in cupboards for glasses, bowls, and silverware. Keep your children’s cereals and other relevant food items within their reach. Keep the chips and other occasional treats up high in your cupboards. If you set up your kitchen this way, your children do not have to come to you all the time for supplies. Stock the lower shelves in the refrigerator with milk, juice, and other items that they may use frequently. Keep markers, glue, paste, tape, paper and other appropriate art supplies within reach. Place the hot glue gun out of reach, of course.
Together we will give our children the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence!
Enjoy the Memo below!
Sincerely,
Tomeka Williams
Principal
Calendar at A Glance
District-Wide Calendar - Click Here
- NOW - All students Register for the 23-24 School Year
- May 3rd - STAAR Math
- May 4th - Modern Band Concert
- May 5th - Field Day
- May 5 School Lunch Hero Day (Cafeteria Appreciation Day)
- May 7th- CAT Fest! 1:00-4:00 at Samuel Grand Amphitheater
- May 8-12 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week!
- May 9th- Orchestra Concert 6:00 PM
- May 10th- SBDM's Evaluation and Modification Subcommittee Meeting (Campus Needs Assessment)
- May 12th- Middle School Dance 6:30-9:30 PM
- May 13th - Mata Beach Bash! 7:00 PM
- May 19th - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony 1:30 PM
- May 19th - LAST Dress Pass Day
5 Tips for Coping with Test Anxiety (for Kids)
MAY 5TH IS SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY!
We are honored to celebrate and recognize the hard work our cafeteria staff! From preparing healthy foods for our students, adhering to strict nutrition standards and navigating student food allergies to offering service with a smile, our nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate.
Help us to celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 5 by having your child write notes of appreciation our cafeteria staff.
Orchestra News!
Last Saturday, 65 of our Mata orchestra students participated in the 1st annual Bryan Adams HS String Fling! The students had the opportunity to play alongside elementary, middle and high school students from 11 other campuses. They also had a chance to see and hear the Bryan Adams HS Mariachi Verde and Ballet Folklorico, many of whom play in orchestra as well. A great time was had by all! Please see the pictures below!
Eduardo Mata middle school orchestra students (grades 6-8 plus a few invited 4th and 5th graders) will present their end of the year Middle School Orchestra Concert on Tuesday, May 9 at 6:00 pm in the Mata Auditorium. Students should arrive in the orchestra room at 5:00 for tuning and warm up.
Registration is open for the Dallas ISD/Orchestra of New Spain Summer Music Camp which will be held June 26- June 29 from 8:30- 3:15 at Conrad high school. The camp is for students who have finished at least one year of orchestra through high school seniors. There is no cost for the camp. Breakfast and lunch are provided plus bus transportation from select high school campuses. Email Ms. Powers JPowers@dallasisd.org for the registration link and additional information. Registration by May 5 is recommended.
2023-2024 Calendar
Middle School Early Release Cancelled
Upcoming Student SEL Survey (The week of May 15) 3RD-8TH Grade students
DEAR MATA FAMILIES,
WE THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR BEING OUR VALUED PARTNERS AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO EDUCATE THE CHILDREN IN OUR SCHOOL THIS YEAR. WE VALUE INPUT FROM OUR COMMUNITY AND WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOUR CHILD(REN)! THEY ARE IMPORTANT PARTNERS AS WE WORK TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL EXPERIENCE AND SUPPORT THEIR NEEDS.
IN ORDER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDENT EXPERIENCES, WE WILL BE ASKING FOR YOUR CHILD’S FEEDBACK VIA AN ONLINE SURVEY. THE SURVEY SHOULDN’T TAKE MORE THAN 30 MINUTES TO COMPLETE.
WE ARE ASKING THAT ALL OF OUR STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEYS, AS THEIR FEEDBACK WILL PROVIDE INVALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THEIR EXPERIENCES AND HOW TO IMPROVE AND ADAPT OUR SCHOOL TO THEIR NEEDS. IF A STUDENT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO ANSWER A QUESTION, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SKIP THE ITEM ALTOGETHER.
THE SURVEY CONTENT WILL ASK STUDENTS TO SELF REFLECT ON THEIR OWN SKILLS IN THE FOLLOWING TOPIC AREAS: SELF-MANAGEMENT AND SELF-EFFICACY, RELATIONSHIP SKILLS, SOCIAL AWARENESS, SENSE OF SCHOOL BELONGING, SCHOOL CLIMATE, AND SCHOOL SAFETY.
WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SURVEY ADMINISTRATION, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US AT MATAMONTESSORI@DALLASISD.ORG.
It's time to register!
The registration for the 2023-24 school year officially started on April 1, 2023. Parents of new and returning students are required to complete registration in the district’s online enrollment system, SchoolMint.
Rescheduled Field Day for Upper and Lower! Friday, May 5th!
Rescheduled Field Day!
Sign up to Volunteer Here
Mata's Modern Bad Concert!
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 8-12
Mata's Monarch Heroes!
Congratulations to Sra. Gonzales and Sra. Vazquez and our School for becoming Certified Monarch Heroes! When their garden work day got postponed due to conditions, our Girl Scout troops and Cub Scout pack stepped in and assisted in planting the diverse pollinator garden. Mata Montessori now has a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Our Teachers would like to invite parent volunteers to assist with Wednesday after school sessions working on the garden with students. More info to come, the Sign up Genius is here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4FAAAD28A5FD0-monarch
2023 Cat Fest! Come on Out! Mata's DI Team Mythical Beasts will be Performing!
Campus Needs Assessment Committee (Evaluation and Modification)
You do not have to have attended previous meetings to attend this one. Please sign up at the link to confirm attendance and so that the necessary documents can be sent to you in advance. ALL welcome!
Sign Up Here for the Middle School Dance
Mata Beach Bash!
Adopt an 8th Grader
The past two years, a former Teacher started and PTA has carried on a fun tradition:
WHO: Parents of any grade may sign up to be matched with a 8th grader moving on to high school next year.
WHAT: They will be given a name, wish list of likes and high school they are headed to. They make a goodie bag (we ask the value be no more than $25)
People should package the goodies however they like and label who from.
Some items that have been given and are good ideas: are small gift cards, snacks, fun school supplies for next year, spirit wear from their future high school (the student likes and survey had student sizes I believe) and encouraging note or card.
WHERE: PTA will be collecting the bags at drop off or may be dropped off to main office.
WHEN: We’d like the bag to be dropped off the week of their promotion ceremony (see flyer) to give out. But If we do not have all the 8th graders then we can extend.
New PTA Officers!
At our Last PTA Meeting we elected our officers for '23-'24:
President- Amy Nickell
Vp Programs- Ruben De La Paz
VP Membership- Anh Le
VP Arts- Brandi Askenase
Treasurer- Brittany Connell
Secretary- Melissa Gonzales
Thank you Mata Community for your nominations. Many thanks also to our great candidates for stepping up to help our Eagles soar next year!
Yearbooks have arrived! Llegaron los anuarios!
This year's '22-'23 year books are here. Stay Tuned on Dates for pick up and in person sales!
Price is $25
Guardianship Information Workshop for Parents!
The Special Services Department is hosting a Guardianship Information Workshop for Parents on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 9400 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75231, 2nd Floor, Room 202 and 203.
This workshop will explain the importance and guidelines for the guardianship of an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability. You will have the opportunity to meet our Special Services Executive Directors, Michelle Brown, and Dr. Anabel Meyer.
6th grade Celebration
The leveling up EOY celebration will be an Arcade Party!
Who: Current 6th grade Mata students only
What: Celebration of moving up to middle school: Pta will provide 2 hours of free play arcade time, dinner, photo booth with friends & autograph booklet (may be inserted into your yearbook if you buy one.)
When Thursday 5.25.23 6p-8p (the venue is adults only after 8pm ALL students must be picked up at 8pm)
Where: Cidercade 2777 Irving Blvd #200, Dallas, TX 75207
How: RSVP tinyurl.com/MataLevelUp
Lets go!!
Mata Closet Needs!
Parents, the Mata Closet needs donations! Items we need most are:
- New boy and girl underwear in sizes 3T, 4T and 5T
- Boy and girl uniform pants in sizes 10 and above
- Girl uniform skirts/skorts (and privacy shorts) in sizes 10 and above
- Uniform shirts in sizes 12 and above
Please make sure your donations are free of stains and tears, with intact buttons and zippers. Donations can be dropped off at the main office. Thank you!
What's Happening Around Mata Montessori?
Check out Mata's Orchestra at Spring Fling this Weekend!
Summer Dance Intensive - Rising 3rd-9th Grade Invited to Attend!
The office of Academic Enrichment and Support will host the annual Summer Dance Intensive (SDI) for rising 3rd-9th graders on June 5-8, 2023 from 9 AM - 3:45 PM, daily.
SDI will be hosted at three locations: W.T. White High School, W.W. Samuell High School, and Wilmer-Hutchins High School. Transportation will be provided to each location according to the assigned bus routes.
Registration is FREE for all current Dallas ISD students. Registration closes May 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM. To learn more go to the Dallas ISD Dance page, https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/14086 or our social media pages (@dallasisdvpa) for registration.
White Rock Spring Games!
After School Carpool Reminders
All cars will proceed down LaVista Dr. to the furthest entry past the school building. You will make a right turn into the drive nearest the apartments. You will remain in your car and show your sign to the Mata staff. We will call for your child as you drive around the wraparound drive. Please pull up as far as possible. Keep your child's tag showing until your child(ren) is brought to your car. When leaving the drive, turn left to circle under the bridge and proceed to the traffic light.
Please do not park in the NO Parking Zones, as this is a safety concern, and you can be ticketed.
Also, please do not walk through the lanes of the carpool. Please use the sidewalks when walking.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe.
Friendly Office Reminders
- Always bring an ID to the office for all student pick-ups.
- Cut off time for early student pick up is 2:30 PM.
- Parents must complete VOLY every school year in order to volunteer at our campus.
- No cupcakes or snacks high in sugar are permitted for Celebration of Life. Please bring healthy snacks the whole class can enjoy.
- No fast-food deliveries for students.
- Doors for students to enter the building every morning open at 7:30 AM.
- School starts at 8:00 AM and tardies are distributed after this time.
- If a student arrives after 8:20 AM this counts as a partial absence (T99).
- Always submit an excuse note anytime your student is absent.
- Please have your student adhere to the uniform policy.
Buy your spirit wear from the Eagle Wagon!
Spirit wear may be worn with jeans on Fridays
Thank you for your patience while we organize our current on hand inventory.
For new shirts, more colors, expanded sizing and embroidered options plus delivery to your home see our PTA’s online fundraising store https://matamontessori.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Join PTA!
Check out your PTA membership perks and if you’re not a member you can join online:
Action for Happiness Calendar
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: @montessorimata