The Mata Memo
October 6, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Mata families,
We are rolling right along! We are happy to welcome back the face to face students while continuing to serve our remote learners! This week we are reviewing procedures, routines, and creating a system so that we may serve all of our students in the best way possible! We are finding that each day gets better and better! We appreciate the support and positivity you all have had during this transition time!
Remember, this week, will are hosting Parent Conferences virtually, please sign up with your teacher to learn about your child's MAP testing results and other important information.
Please read the memo carefully there is information regarding:
- Calendar at a Glance
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Uniform Assistance Information
- Upcoming SEL Survey
- Red Ribbon Week
- Transportation
- Bus Routes
- Return to Campus Procedures
- And much, Much More!
We look forward to another great week of teaching and learning!
Tomeka Williams
Principal
Calendar at A Glance
10/5-10/8: Parent Conferences will be held via Zoom by appointment with teachers
10/2-10/11: Virtual Book Fair
10/12-10/16: 3rd-8th Grade Common Assessments
10/16: 8th Grade Science MAP testing
10/20: 5th Grade Science MAP testing
10/21: 8th Grade PSAT Testing
10/23: Dress Pass Friday
10/26- 10:30: Red Ribbon Week
Book Fair!
Help support the Mata students' library program by shopping our online Book Fair 10/2 - 10/11. Shop from home, from your phone or any Internet device! Browse and shop in convenience and safety. Visit https://efairs.follettbookfairs.com/guest/home?classCode=MY3WE. All orders are delivered (no charge) to Mata for pick up at the school. Happy reading, and thank you for your support.
Ayude a apoyar el programa de la biblioteca de los estudiantes de Mata durante de nuestra Feria del Libro en línea del 10/2 al 10/11. ¡Compre desde casa, desde su teléfono o desde cualquier dispositivo de Internet! Visite https://efairs.follettbookfairs.com/guest/home?classCode=MY3WE. Todos los pedidos se entregan (sin cargo) a Mata para que los recoja en la escuela. Feliz lectura y gracias por tu apoyo.
Uniform Assistance Program
The Dallas ISD Uniform Assistance Program (UAP) offers one free uniform (one top, one bottom) to eligible students in grades PK-8th each school year. The program issues uniforms to qualified students in the official district colors, which are white for the top and khaki, black and navy for the bottoms. In addition to these colors, the Uniform Assistance Program also provides navy tops. Bottoms available include pants, skirts, skorts, and shorts.
Please reach out to Ms. Gunter at sgunter@dallasisd.org for information.
UPCOMING STUDENT SEL SURVEY - Oct 21- Oct. 30th
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 10-15 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 SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING SKILLS, LIKE SELF-MANAGEMENT AND SELF-EFFICACY.
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 or jlopez@dallasisd.org
LE AGRADECEMOS A USTED Y A SU FAMILIA POR SER NUESTROS VALIOSOS SOCIOS MIENTRAS TRABAJAMOS JUNTOS PARA EDUCAR A LOS NIÑOS DE NUESTRA ESCUELA ESTE AÑO. ¡VALORAMOS LA OPINIÓN DE NUESTRA COMUNIDAD Y NECESITAMOS ESCUCHAR A SU HIJO (A)! SON SOCIOS IMPORTANTES MIENTRAS TRABAJAMOS PARA MEJORAR SU EXPERIENCIA GENERAL Y APOYAR SUS NECESIDADES.
PARA APRENDER MÁS ACERCA DE LAS EXPERIENCIAS DE LOS ESTUDIANTES, ESTAREMOS PIDIENDO LA OPINIÓN DE SU HIJO(A) A TRAVÉS DE UNA ENCUESTA EN LÍNEA. LA ENCUESTA NO DEBERÍA TARDAR MÁS DE 10-15 MINUTOS EN COMPLETAR.
ESTAMOS PIDIENDO QUE TODOS NUESTROS ESTUDIANTES PARTICIPEN EN LAS ENCUESTAS, YA QUE SUS COMENTARIOS PROPORCIONARÁN UNA VISIÓN INVALUABLE SOBRE SUS EXPERIENCIAS Y CÓMO MEJORAR Y ADAPTAR NUESTRA ESCUELA A SUS NECESIDADES. SI UN ESTUDIANTE NO SIENTE QUE TIENE SUFICIENTE INFORMACIÓN PARA RESPONDER UNA PREGUNTA, PODRÁ OMITIR TODO EL TEMA.
EL CONTENIDO DE LA ENCUESTA SOLICITARÁ A LOS ESTUDIANTES QUE SE REFLEXIONEN SOBRE SUS PROPIAS HABILIDADES DE APRENDIZAJE SOCIAL EMOCIONAL, COMO LA AUTOGESTIÓN Y LA AUTOEFICACIA.
LE DAMOS LAS GRACIAS DE ANTEMANO POR SU APOYO. SI TIENE ALGUNA PREGUNTA ACERCA DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN DE LA ENCUESTA, NO DUDE EN CONTACTARNOS EN matamontessori@dallasisd.org or jlopez@dallasisd.org
Red Ribbon Week October 26-30th
Join us in the national drug abuse prevention campaign to support healthy, drug-free kids!
Monday 26th -Red Ribbon Week History, Wear Red.
PreK-Kindergarten What is Red Ribbon? https://youtu.be/qFX50IxLoPg
1st-3rd Red Ribbon Week History https://youtu.be/jSzaUkwumZ0
4th-6th Red Ribbon Week History https://youtu.be/jSzaUkwumZ0
7th-8th Red Ribbon Week History https://youtu.be/wDkvX9yZz34
Tuesday 27th-Be Your Best, Put a Cap on Drugs. Wear a cap.
PreK-Kindergarten What I Am https://youtu.be/cyVzjoj96vs
1st-3rd I am Only me if I am Drug Free https://youtu.be/yEpF4Q_FaqQ
4th-6th How Alcohol Affects Your Developing Brain https://youtu.be/7x6HUNTnXUw
7th-8th Alcohol’s Effects on Teenage Brain https://youtu.be/EY37BFmVxwQ
Wednesday 28th-United We Stand. Wear Read, White and Blue.
PreK-Kindergarten The More We Get Together https://youtu.be/ynlmvWAdCug
1st-3rd Michael Jackson and the Flintstone Kids Just Say NO https://youtu.be/9Ih4tBBiPTc 4th-6th Learning How to Say No https://youtu.be/FN78E_iaITE
7th-8th Hand in Hand https://youtu.be/6JqixempY44
Thursday 29th-Drug Free! Express yourself. Write a Poem or Sing a Song.
PreK-Kindergarten Drug Free Me https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
1st-2nd Drug Free Me https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
3rd-4th Drug Free Me https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
7th-8th Drug Free Me https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
Friday 30th-Character Counts, Dress as Your Favorite Book Character
PreK-Kindergarten Drug Free Me https://youtu.be/G7-Jet_lP6Y
1st-3rd I Pledge https://youtu.be/RVVRF7oAlL4
4th-6th I Pledge https://youtu.be/RVVRF7oAlL4
7th-8th I Pledge https://youtu.be/RVVRF7oAlL4
Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free
Semana de Liston Rojo octubre 26-30
lunes 26– La Historia de la Semana de Liston Rojo, Usa Rojo
PreK-Kinder Que es la Semana de Liston Rojo? https://youtu.be/qFX50IxLoPg
1st-3rd Historia de la Semana de Liston Rojo https://youtu.be/jSzaUkwumZ0
4th-6th Historia de la Semana de Liston Rojo https://youtu.be/jSzaUkwumZ0
7th-8th Historia de la Semana de Liston Rojo https://youtu.be/wDkvX9yZz34
Martes 27-Ser el Mejor, Pon una Tapa en Drogas, Usa una Gorra
PreK-Kinder Que soy yo https://youtu.be/cyVzjoj96vs
1st-3rd Yo Soy yo si Soy Libre de Drogas https://youtu.be/yEpF4Q_FaqQ
4th-6th Como el Alchol Afecta tu Celebro https://youtu.be/7x6HUNTnXUw
7th-8th Alcohol’s Effects on Teenage Brain https://youtu.be/EY37BFmVxwQ
Miercoles 28-Unidos Estamos, Usa Rojo, Blanco, y Azul
PreK-Kinder Lo mas que nos Juntamos https://youtu.be/ynlmvWAdCug
1st-3rd Michael Jackson y los Picapiedras Dicen NO https://youtu.be/9Ih4tBBiPTc
4th-6th Aprender como Decir que No https://youtu.be/FN78E_iaITE
7th-8th Hand in Hand https://youtu.be/6JqixempY44
jueves 29-Libre de Droga! Expresate, Escribe un Poema o Canta una Cancion
PreK-Kinder Yo Soy Libre de Drogas https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
1st-2nd Yo Soy Libre de Drogas https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
3rd-4th Yo Soy Libre de Drogas https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
7th-8th Yo Soy Libre de Drogas https://youtu.be/mL-exbELJGM
viernes 30- El Caracter Cuenta, Vestir como un Personaje de Libro
PreK-Kinder Yo Soy Libre de Droga https://youtu.be/G7-Jet_lP6Y
1st-3rd Mi Promesa https://youtu.be/RVVRF7oAlL4
4th-6th Mi Promesa https://youtu.be/RVVRF7oAlL4
7th-8th Mi Promesa https://youtu.be/RVVRF7oAlL4
Ser Feliz, Ser Valiente, Ser Libre de Drogas
Transportation
The transportation department has created tools for parents and staff to access student transportation information.
If there is a change in the need for transportation, please contact our registrar Ms. Sosa who can make changes on Power School.
Once you have registered for transportation through your school's registrar, please complete the form linked below to select your child's stop from the list available for our campus.
Parents can access their students' transportation details using the following link:
Use the following tools to stay connected with Student Transportation Services.
> BUS BULLETIN A notification system that immediately informs parents of any bus delays through text messages, voice mails, and / or emails.
> E - LINK Provides parents with their student(s) transportation information including: stop time, stop location, and route number.
> MYSTOP MOBILE APP Allows parents to view student's live bus location within a ten-minute window of projected bus arrival time.
> LET'S TALK Allows our community to directly send us questions, comments, and feedback regarding Student Transportation Services.
Return to Campus Procedures for the week of October 5th
School Hours 7:45-3:15
- 1st- 6th Grade students may be dropped off at the main entrance. 1st-3rd grade students will report to the gym and 4th-6th will report to the auditorium between 7:15-7:30 AM. At 7:30 AM, all students arriving will report directly to class.
- Please drop off 7th and 8th Grade students at the entrance located on the front side of the campus Parallel to Grand Ave nearest the cafeteria.
- Please drop off Pre-K-K students on the La Vista drive nearest the library.
- Students will report directly to their homeroom class.
- If you have multiple children, you may drop off at the site for the youngest child.
Please remember to send your child to school wearing a properly fitted mask, they will be expected to wear a mask while on campus. Students must wear uniforms (white, hunter green, or navy blue polo shirt and black, navy, or khaki bottoms.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, however, students may bring their lunch if they choose. Please send ready to eat meals. (A microwave will not be available for student use.)
After School Pick Up:
Pickup will be near the library doors on La Vista. You will be given a carpool sign to used at pick up daily. Please be patient with dismissal procedures and traffic, as we will be working to ensure the safety of all students. We will begin a staggered dismissal starting at 3:00 for our PreK-K students. 1st-3rd will join at 3:10. 4th-8th will dismiss at 3:15 PM. Students in 3rd-6th grade will be called down via walkie talkie, please be sure to have your sign with the child's and teacher's name visible.
If riding a bus, please send information regarding your child's bus stop and location to the teacher. Bus pick up is located on the main drive parallel to Grand. Please do not park in this driveway.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Emergency Drills
Textbooks
Apple Ipad Office Hours for Caregivers and Parents
You may assess the training at this link.
Mata Counselor's Needs Assessment Feedback Survey
The needs assessment is part of the counseling curriculum, letting counselors know what topics would be of the utmost benefit to students. This year due to the health guidelines they are conducting an online inquiry in order to obtain parent feedback. Please complete the following survey for Dr. Lopez and Ms. Gunter.
Parent Needs Assessment Survey
https://forms.gle/ipoekxYPs3mkPwA68
La encuesta de necesidades es parte de el currículo de los consejeros, que deja saber cuales son los temas que puedan tener mas beneficencia para los estudiantes. Este ciclo escolar debido a la pandemia tenemos la encuesta por linea. La encuesta es opcional y su voz sera muy agradecida. Gracias por su retroalimentación. Sra. Gunter y Dr. Lopez
Encuesta de Necesidades para los Padres
Update for Orchestra
ORCHESTRA -
All 4th, 5th and 6th-grade students who are continuing in orchestra this year should accept the invitation from Ms. Powers to join her Google Classroom for Orchestra. This will include all students who are currently in DSO Young Strings or played in Ms. Powers orchestra last year. Ms. Powers will be on a planned leave for a few weeks starting October 5 so students will receive information from the Google classroom but attend music with Ms. Vallejo. They will be co-teaching the students.
Students who played in orchestra last year but are not continuing will need to return the school-issued instrument to Mata the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 2. This will allow time to have the instrument repaired and made ready for a new student.
Students who are interested in joining orchestra for the first time (new beginner), classes will hopefully start in January when more guidance has been given regarding safe issuance of instruments and face to face start-up instruction.
For questions please contact Ms. Powers at JPowers@dallasisd.org
Books to Go!
Books-To-Go
We are happy to announce our new service to students: " Books-To-Go.". Books-To-Go is an opportunity for students and parents to request print books through the student's school library in an effort to support equitable access for all learner environments. Due to Covid-19, librarians want to be sure that students have access to print materials to enhance their academic learning, whether they are learning virtually or face-to-face. Dr. Douglas Fisher in his webinar stated that print is best for students who are focusing on dense or complex texts.
Students and parents of students may place requests or "holds" through the library online catalog, library.dallasisd.org
Steps include:
• Select the student's home campus in the online catalog on the sidebar. Place a "hold" on the item(s) needed.
• Use the tawk.to app on the school's library webpage or other library contact information on the school's library webpage to make arrangements with the librarian about pick-up date and time.
• Our book pick up time is Fridays from 1:30-3:30 PM. Please email Ms. Thompson at Shanthompson@dallasisd.org for questions.
School Safety and Contact Tracing Information
School safety is our number one priority in returning to campus and on-site instruction. We have worked diligently to ensure our campus has the appropriate safety materials on campus to include hand sanitizer, masks (reusable and disposable), graphics, Plexiglass, as well as individual classroom items such as disinfectant spray. As we return to campus, knowing the safety measures and practicing these measures is critical for our students, staff and community to remain safe.
Below are the steps to mitigate the spread of this virus below, with an emphasis on what to do if someone becomes ill on campus, as contact tracing will be a critical step. Please read and review these steps:
7 Steps Contact Tracing Protocol — Minimizing Spread
1.Each campus is required to have a COVID-19 Response Team. In addition, the following steps will be followed regarding contact tracing.
- 1 Screening & Prevention
- Faculty/Staff self-screen prior to reporting to campus
- Students answer screening questions daily + temperature check
- Social distancing practices implemented
- Consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning and sanitizing practices conducted regularly
2. Assessment
- If symptoms develop, student or adult, reports to campus nurse for assessment and isolation
- Based on assessment findings, parent is contacted for pickup o Referral to healthcare provider, if indicated
- Nurse informs Principal
- Principal activates Campus COVID-19 Response Team
3. Sanitation
- Principal relocates the class to a temporary site
- Campus custodian disinfects impacted area(s)
4. Consultation
- Nurse documents in electronic health record for students and informs Health Services.
- Principals give seating chart copy to nurse for contact tracing, as appropriate and under advisement from the Health Services Department.
- Health Services Department evaluates and advises campus contact upon receipt of all information.
- Health Services consults Dallas County Health Department as needed.
5. Communication
- Once a positive case is confirmed, a notification letter/school messenger is sent to all those identified as close contact, protecting privacy.
- Close contact is being within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more 2 days before symptoms develop or 2 days prior to positive test even with a mask.
- Brief interactions such as walking past someone in a hall or room is not considered close contact.
- If possible, notification letter/school messenger will be sent on the same day if all close contacts can easily be identified.
- Parents of the students who are seated within six feet will receive a notification letter and or phone call of possible exposure and advised to quarantine for 14 days from the time of their last contact with the infected individual.
6. Distance Learning
- Learning will not be interrupted as Distance or Remote Learning will initiate.
- Depending on exposure, closures may occur for a classroom, section, or building level, depending upon the extent of an outbreak and its associated contacts. In collaboration with the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department the District will; o Short-term closures of 24h or a few days may be necessary for a school to have the time to adequately identify contacts of an infected individual and exclude them from school for a 14-day quarantine period.
- A 14-day period of closure may be necessary when contacts cannot be identified and/or there is concern for widespread exposure of students and/or staff. In this case, the 14-day period allows for all students and staff to be out of the school for a full incubation period, thereby helping to stop the spread of infection throughout the school.
7. Clearance to Return
- Students and or Staff who tested positive for COVID-19 may return to school when the following 3 criteria have been met;
- 0 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms or positive test result; o No fever for 24 hours (without using fever reducing medications) and o Symptoms have improved (cough, shortness of breath, etc.)
- Students who want to return to school before 10 days must either; o Submit a medical professional's note clearing them to return to school based on an alternative diagnosis or; o Submit documentation of negative PCR test.
- Staff who want to return to school before 10 days must submit a medical professional's note clearing them to return to school based on an alternative diagnosis.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Now more than ever, it is important to learn from, celebrate, and teach our kids about the great contributions of each culture. Please think about what virtual activities will look like for Hispanic Heritage Month. In the link below are some virtual activities taking place in a virtual setting. Click Here
Construction Update
Construction for Mata is still underway!
Check out some of the latest updates to construction!
Carpet and base installation in Counseling Suite on 2nd floor
Flooring in clinic on 2nd floor
Science Room on 3rd Floor
Mata Beautification
beautification
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