The Mata Memo
February 2, 2021
Principal's Message
Dear Mata families,
This week began a new semester, and we are so happy to welcome back to campus more of our students. As we embark upon the second half of the school year it will be important to remember the importance of staying in tune with what your child needs.
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
- 5th Grade Poetry Slam Update
- Virtual International Festival
- 4th-8th Grade MAP Testing
- Mata Application Window
- No Place for Hate
- Congratulations Mata Middle School Orchestra
- Parent Conferences
- Sweetheart Read
- Dallas Collaborative Autism Project
- 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 2 CICC Subcommittee Meeting 5:00 PM
- Feb 4 - 3rd Grade MAP testing
- Feb 5 - Virtual International Festival
- Feb. 7 New Student Application Deadline for Mata's 21/22 School Year Lottery
- 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 22-26th Parent Conferences
Mata Middle School Broadcast
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JKU7pj90R_CTKAguYf2SrfPetQayz3Ow/view
Poetry Slam Update!
Virtual International Festival! - February 5th
4th-6th Grade and 7th-8th Middle of the Year MAP Testing!
3rd grade will test this Thursday, February 4th
7th-8th grade is testing this week, Feb. 1-5
Info for 4th-6th
We will soon 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.
Have a child that wants to come to Mata next school year?
If you have a sibling, you must complete the application prior to February 7, 2021. Please reach out to Ms. Leija or Ms. Sosa for more information!
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
Congratulations to our Middle School Orchestra
A big congratulations to our Middle School Orchestra students who performed for the Dallas ISD Solo and Ensemble evaluation that took place this past Saturday, January 30th!
The following students performed:
7th grade students
Emma Longoria, violin
Kaylee Resendiz, violin
Abbey Jackson, violin
8th grade students
Lynette Morales, violin
Anais Rocha, cello
For their efforts, all of these students were awarded Superior, 1st Division Ratings! (They get medals too!) The judges were most complimentary of their stage presence and concert etiquette. Congratulations again to these students for their impressive effort and accomplishment! Congratulations Ms. Powers for your leadership!
Virtual Sweetheart Read 2021
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CAAA829ABFA7-sweetheart
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
Flashing at roof parapets
Landscaping along fire lane loop
Teacher Recruitment Season for Next Year
Sign up to receive the Dallas ISD Smart Restart Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Dallas ISD weekly parents newsletter. It is available in Spanish and English!
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