The Mata Memo
July 22, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Mata families,
I hope this memo finds you and your children well and enjoying your summer vacation! We cannot wait to see you all back here in the fall!
We are in the process of planning for the 20/21 school year. Dallas ISD will have two options for next year:
- In-person (face-to-face) learning at school, Monday-Friday with school hours from 7:45 - 3:15. (The school day has been extended to incorporate safety precautions)
- Remote learning at home (Teachers will provide face-to-face instruction through a platform such as Zoom. The students will be able to see the teacher, ask questions, and receive assistance. Students will attend each day. Students will have time for breaks.)
We would like you to complete the "Return to School" survey sent by Dallas ISD. We want to know your opinion about how you would like your children to return to school when the new year begins Aug. 17th. Bottom line, given the current state of things with Covid-19, do you plan to send your students to school with safety precautions in place or keep them home and attend remote learning?
It is important that we receive this information from you, as it will be used for planning purposes as we prepare for the coming school year. This will give us an idea of how we must move forward with what school with look like from each aspect.
We will continue to inform parents of any developments as they become available. Please complete the survey based on the grade for each child that attended during 2019-2020.
Please click here for the video and links to the survey:
https://www.dallasisd.org/parentsurvey2020
Direct Link to the Mata's Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVOnm2tkvceusj_ypA2Tts7eJUs-QRVospaoReQWrsPMYf7A/viewform
In addition, our Mata Montessori School's SBDM has created a subcommittee to discuss learning at Mata during the pandemic. If you are interested in serving on this committee please reach out to our chair Zehra Vollmer, vollmerz@yahoo.com.
Thank you all for your help and cooperation. We miss you!
Tomeka Williams
Commonly asked questions.
Will school open in August?
Yes, at this time DISD is planning on providing face-to-face school beginning on August 17th. DISD is following CDC, state, and local guidelines and if changes are needed, we will communicate with our parents and community.
What if I change my mind and want to pick the other option?
The safety of our students and staff is the number one priority. If parents/guardians need to change options, we will arrange what is needed.
Can I attend only part-time and then have remote learning at home for other days?
No, at this time, parents/guardians will either choose to attend at school, or you choose remote learning at home.
Will I lose my spot at Mata if I withdraw from the district?
Currently, if a student withdraws and unenrolls from Mata, we will fill the seat with the next student on the waitlist. Our staff numbers are based on the number of students enrolled, we cannot reserve spaces. (Choosing remote learning does not mean withdraw, the student is still enrolled at Mata.)
Will we have a Montessori environment at School?
The hope is to keep our Montessori environment with multi-age configurations intact while using safety precautions as recommended by the CDC, the Texas Education Agency, and Dallas ISD.
Will Mata teachers teach the Distant Learning Component?
While it may not be your homeroom teacher, the goal is that instruction will be provided by Mata staff.
How can I make comments, ask questions, or express concerns regarding the survey?
There is a "Let's Chat" button located on the left side of the page with the directions/video. It is available in English and Spanish. If you have a question for Mata, please email us at matamontessori@dallasisd.org
Construction Update
Construction for Mata is still underway!
Check out some of the latest updates to construction!
Individual practice room locations in Orchestra
Sheetrock in Science Room
Framing for rollup doors at Kitchen
East elevation – view from play area
One of the Middle School Classrooms
Water fountain tile on 2nd floor
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