The Mata Memo
August 22, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
We hope that this message finds you well and that the start of the new school year has been smooth and exciting for your children.
Our students have truly impressed us with their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. It's been wonderful to witness the connections they've already started building with their teachers and peers. The positive energy in our hallways and classrooms is a testament to the vibrant atmosphere we strive to foster here at Eduardo Mata Montessori School.
Additionally, I'd like to remind you about our school's open-door policy. If you ever have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible environment for your child's growth and development.
Thank you for trusting us with your very best!
Tomeka Middleton-Williams
Principal
P.S. This newsletter will be sent every Tuesday, so be on the lookout for updates!
Calendar at A Glance
- August 24th - Parental Involvement Meeting 4:00 PM
August 25th - Parental Involvement Meeting 8:30 AM
August 29th - Title I Meeting 4:30 PM
August 29th - Mata Open House 5:00-6:30 PM
Sept. 4th - Labor Day, No School
Title I Meeting
Open House- All Parents Come!
Cheer at Mata Montessori!
We invite you to be a part of the cheerleading teams at Mata for the coming 23-24 school year. Here’s what you can do to prepare:
What? Middle School and Elementary Cheer Camps
Who? Current 4th-5th and 6th-8th grade students
When? Middle School- Saturday, September 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Elementary- Saturday, September 23rd
Where? Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at 3030 Stag Rd.
Why? Students will learn cheers, chants, dances, jumps, stunts, and a variety of techniques performed in cheer. Participants will be part of the 23-24 Mata Middle School Cheer Team! Other events to be announced soon.
The deadline to register is September 2nd. Don’t miss out!
If you have questions regarding Cheer, or would like to sign your child up, please contact Melody Singleton at 469-460-0650 or mesingleton@dallasisd.org
Mata Musical Auditions!
Check out Dallas ISD's New Bus Tracking System!
We Have a New Bus Tracking System which replaces Bus Bulletin and My Stop App.
Tenemos una aplicacion de seguimento nueva para los padres de alumnos cuales usan el autobus.
View your Child's STAAR Scores!
Show Up! Attendance Matters!
Our 2023-2024 Dallas ISD Attendance Awareness theme is #Show Up! Attendance Matters. Our first challenge for the school year is the Student Perfect Attendance Competition by Trustee District scheduled for August 14th – September 1st (see flyer below).
September is slated as National Attendance Awareness Month and will be celebrated again in our district with weekly Wednesday activities during the month using the hashtag #showupdallasisd.
Beginning of Year Testing
School Supplies for 23/24
Primary (PK-3, PK,-4, and Kinder)
Lower Elementary (1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade Supply List)
Parent Compact and Parent Involvement Policy Meetings
Subscribe to the MATA PTA Newsletter and Check out the website!
Check out Matapta.org to learn about about the happenings with Mata PTA!
Please subscribe to our PTA Newsletter where you can learn more about the Mata Marquee, How to Become a Member, Paletas in the Park, and the Yahoo/Boohoo breakfast!
Open the newsletter and click Subscribe in the top right-hand corner!How to Dress your Child?
Uniform Assistance Program
Each year, the Dallas ISD Uniform Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Family and Community Involvement, provides one free uniform per year to students from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade and limited uniforms available to high school students whose families meet. economically disadvantaged district guidelines. in accordance with board policy.
Parents can now request a uniform through PowerSchool for eligible students. See below for the guide for step-by-step instructions.
Clear Backpacks Required for ALL STUDENTS
Meals
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.)
Students in the after school program or clubs will be provided a light snack.
Food allergies should be reported to the school nurse.
Drop Off and Pick Up Information
- 1st- 6th Grade students may be dropped off at the main entrance. 7th -8th Grade students may be dropped off at the cafeteria entrance. Prek-K students will be dropped off near the Media Center and report directly to class, 1st-3rd grade students will report to the gym, 4th-6th will report to the auditorium, and 7th-8th grade students will report to the cafeteria between 7:30-7:45 AM. All students arriving after 7:45 will report directly to class.
- 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 them off at the site for the youngest child.
- For safety, the back drive will be closed in the mornings.
After School Pick Up:
Carpool Pickup will be at the main entrance nearest the office. You will be given a carpool sign to use at pick-up daily. Please be patient with dismissal procedures and traffic, as we will be working to ensure the safety of all students.
Prek-K will be dismissed outside the main entrance beginning at 3:10.
1st-3rd will be dismissed from the door by the auditorium at 3:15.
4th-6th will be dismissed at the back of the school near the compass on the new drive at 3:15.
7th-8th will be dismissed at the back of the school near the middle school pods at 3:15.
Students in grades 4-8 will join with their siblings outside the main entrance.
Traffic flow:
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 Mata staff. We will call for your child as you drive around the wraparound drive. 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.
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.
We offer afterschool care through the YMCA. Please see the flyers below for details.
2023-2024 Family and Community Engagement Survey
Please fill out the Survey below!
Episodes are also streamed on PBS and the CAMP TV site (and will be available through 2025).
Here is the link to view Liberty's episode now. The whole show is really fantastic, and we are happy they could showcase a Mata student. Liberty starts reading at 22:46 if you want to scroll to her section.
Trinity River Authority of Texas Art Contest
The 2023 TRA Art Contest kicks off today! This year’s theme is “Keep Litter Out of the River.” This theme aims to educate and highlight the issue of litter and illegal dumping and how it impacts our waterways. We hope to empower students and communities to be part of the solution by preventing and cleaning up litter in our waterways.
They have also updated the entry deadline to Friday, September 29 to allow more time for those needing to mail in their artwork.
Learn about the entries and contest rules, the required entry and information form, an FAQ, and a list of resources to help students learn about litter and illegal dumping. Explore these resources and see previous winners on the TRA website here.
After School Care - YMCA
Check out Some First Week of School Pictures!
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.
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