The Mata Memo
August 15, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
The school year has started, and the first two days have been spectacular! It has been heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and eagerness of our students as they settle into their routines.
We understand that the beginning of a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming for both students and parents alike. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching Montessori environment where your child can reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Throughout the year, we encourage open communication between parents, teachers, and administrators. Your input and involvement play a vital role in shaping the educational experience for your child. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences. Thank you for trusting us with your child's education, and we are excited to partner with you on this journey!
Warm regards,
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 17th - SBDM Committee Meeting
August 18th - PTA's Paletas en el Parque
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 5:00-7:00 PM
Sept. 4th - Labor Day, No School
School Supplies for 23/24
Primary (PK-3, PK,-4, and Kinder)
Lower Elementary (1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade Supply List)
Whose class will my child be in?
Please ensure that you have registered for the upcoming school year. Remember all students must register for this year. https://www.dallasisd.org/enrollment Please contact Ms. Leija and/or Ms. Sosa if you have questions. 972-749-7500
If you are new to Mata please call the main office to obtain your Powerschool Parent account information.
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!Have You Registered for the 23-24 School Year?
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.
ORCHESTRA NEWS
Mata Elementary string orchestra classes for 4th and 5th-grade students will be offered again this year. Students who choose and are placed in beginning or intermediate string orchestra classes meet with Ms. Powers instead of attending general music.
If you are interested in knowing more specifics about requirements and instrument use, please contact Ms. Powers at JPowers@dallasisd.org
Classes will be set soon so do not delay if you think you are interested.
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.
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