The Mata Memo
December 12, 2023
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
As we approach the Winter Break, which begins in just 10 days, we want to take this opportunity to express again our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our Mata Montessori school community.
Next week, we have some fun December Days for students to participate in, you can see below for details. Also, please do not forget that our 6th-8th grade students will be testing ACPs. We encourage you to bring them to campus excited and ready to learn.
Lastly, please remember that the last day before school break is December 22nd, and students will be released at 12:15 PM. Classes will resume on January 9th.
Warm regards,
Tomeka Middleton-Williams, Principal
Calendar a Glance
December 13th- Last day for After School Tutoring/Clubs
December 22nd- Early Release for all Students 12:15 PM
December 25- January 8th - Winter Break
January 9th - Students return to School
January 31st Deadline to Apply to Mata Montessori
Fall Testing Dates
MAP Mid-Year (Gr. 5 Science) – Week of Dec. 11
MAP Fluency (Gr. K-2) – Dec. 4-22
ACP (Gr. 6-8) – Week of Dec. 18
December Days for Students
After-School Tutoring and Clubs End Dec. 13 for the Fall
Winter Break Meals 2023-2024
To maintain student nourishment during the Winter Break, Food and Child Nutrition Services plans to provide meal service on a drive-up basis on Thursday, December 28, 2023, and Thursday, January 4, 2024.
FCNS will provide two days’ worth of meals to every child, 18 years and younger, at no charge. Home cooking instructions will be provided to the community through fliers and will also be posted on our FCNS website. Children do not have to be present to claim meals.
Meals will include
2 breakfast meals
2 lunch meals
When: Thursday, December 28, 2023 and Thursday, January 4, 2024
Time/ Locations: Visit www.dallasisd.org
9:00 am - 10:30 am
1. Grady Spruce
2. Herbert Marcus
3. Justin F. Kimball
4. J. L. Long
5. L. G. Pinkston
6. Sam Tasby
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
1. Billy Earl Dade
2. Francisco F. “Pancho” Medrano
3. Moises E. Molina
4. South Oak Cliff
5. Roosevelt
U.S. News and World Report
On Nov. 14, U.S. News and World Report published their 2024 Best Elementary Schools, and the news is good for Eduardo Mata Montessori School: Our school placed among the top 40% of elementary schools in the state of Texas, making it a U.S. News Best Elementary School.
Here’s a look at what they published about our school, including its new ranking(s): https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/texas/school-206414.
Want to join Mata Montessori School? Apply Now!
Submit Attendance Notes
As we approach the last weeks of the semester, we want to remind you to please submit excuse notes for any unexcused absences your student might have. We highly encourage you to please submit either a doctor or parent note before the last day of school 12/20/23. This is the last day we will be able to accept notes and excuse absences for the semester. You may obtain the dates for the unexcused absences by visiting your PowerSchool Parent Portal account or you may contact the front office. You may call the front office at 972-749-7500 or you may send an email to either Mrs. Sosa (lososa@dallasisd.org) or Mrs. Leija (doropeza@dallasisd.org) with a request for dates. You may also send excuse notes to these emails as well. Please feel free to contact the front office with any questions or concerns regarding your student's attendance.
Mata Montessori Attendance Office
Absent on Picture Day?
Students who were absent or arrived late on picture day can still have their professional photographs taken at Logan's studio. They have the option to schedule an appointment and receive the same picture day package prices. Here is the link http://bit.ly/3LARpRW
Knock Someone's Socks off Community Service Project
Knock Someone's Socks off Community Service Project
This week, Mata's Student Council began leading a campus-wide community service project titled, "Knock Someone's Socks Off." They are asking that all eagles - students, teachers, and staff - bring in new or clean socks (solid, designer, or textured) to be given away to area shelters during this winter season as a way to show empathy for those who are less fortunate. The socks can be for children or adults. All socks should be placed in the large bin positioned outside the main office. Donations will be accepted through December 18th.
Thank you in advance for your contribution and support! We will apprise you of the outcome of this service project.
Want to Join SBDM?
SBDM Interest!
The Mata Montessori Site Based Decision Making Committee (SBDM) is comprised of school staff, parents, and community members who serve in an advisory capacity to the principal.
SBDM members hear regular updates and provide feedback and advice on a wide range of issues related to school functioning. We seek to collaborate closely with the other schools in our shared feeder pattern, with an overall goal of helping to improve the educational experiences of all children in our community.
Our committee now needs one additional parent or community member. If you are interested in joining the SBDM as a community or parent member, please submit your name and contact below, along with a paragraph explaining your interest in serving in this way. Please indicate whether you are a member of the community at large or a parent/guardian to a Mata student. Please note that new members cannot be a DallasISD employee or a family member of a current SBDM member.
We request that you submit this self-nomination by Dec. 14. The SBDM committee will review and vote on new membership in January.
And here is the link: https://forms.gle/EMpQVmJx4P8ZxX6N6
What's Happening Around Mata Montessori?
Congratulations to our K-2 Chess Winners, Milo Thompson and August Lusk!
Check our our Elementary ESports Team!
The Oncor Race was a Success!
High School Night was great! 8th Graders Completed High School Applications
Dallas Parks and Recreation Activities
Dallas ISD Parent Newsletter
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.
Volunteer at Mata!
PTA is For EVERYONE!
Joining the PTA is easy and only costs $10, but the impact you make on the community is tremendous. Sign up today! (link: https://txpta.my.salesforce-sites.com/JoinPTA)
After School Care - YMCA
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