The Weekly Star
Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez #12
Principal's Corner
Dear Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez Parents,
In week #12 our school will be hosting Preview Saturday in effort to recruit new families to MAOH. We visited with over 76 parents at the Discover Dallas ISD event at Adamson HS last weekend who want their child to be in a Montessori program. We look forward to hosting tours at our school on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
We thank you for choosing us, believing in us and most importantly, giving us the opportunity to make a difference with your most precious gift- your child!
Your Proud-Dedicated Principal,
Lisa Ann Vega
ST Math Data
Kudos to first grade again for having the largest gain in Avg. Syllabus Progress from 20.8% to 24.7%.
Attendance Rate Data:
Our attendance goal is 97%.
Congratulations to the following teachers for having 97% or above for attendance in week 11:
Ms. Lozano
Ms. Carranza
Ms. Callau
Ms. Cauich
Ms. Hodge
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Friendly Reminder Parents
If your child is absent from school, please provide an excuse note preferably within 3 days of the child's return to school. By providing an excuse note you will avoid any truancy notices and/or court appearances. Note can brought into the office directly by the parent, emailed to ancantu@dallasisd.org or faxed to 972-925-2701. Please feel free to contact the school for any questions or concerns.
Strive For No More Than Five
The Strive For No More Than Five campaign engages and challenges DISD students and parents to commit to limiting absences to no more than 5 days for the school year. Dallas ISD students, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, who accomplish this goal will receive special recognition.
Most Powerful Family Ritual? The Bedtime Story
There is simply nothing more powerful than the bedtime story—especially in this age of continuous screen time. The bedtime story is the perfect ending to the day. So let’s rethink and reclaim this special decompression time for both parent and child.
It is not just something we are doing for our kids—the benefits accrue to us as well. We don’t just read to our kids, we read with our kids.
Here are five reasons why the bedtime story is the most powerful family ritual:
End-of-Day Closure
The bedtime story can symbolically represent a closure point in our continuous, always-on, and endless days. Even our kids, as they enter grade school, are starting to feel the pressures of a 24/7 world. Together we can start to wind down, letting go of the worries that can fill a day.
For our kids, bathing, teeth brushing, and pajamas starts the slow-down process. For us parents, it is also important that we fully shift our attention and presence to this special time—treating it as uninterrupted, sacred space (leaving our device outside the room!).
Feeling safe & secure
There is probably no safer or secure feeling than to be snuggled with a parent—listening to their comforting voice. Bonding is magnified as a special story transports us to a world of possibility. Also, stress levels start to lower for both parent and child as a softer energy starts to surround us. To have this loving ritual repeated night after night promotes an unconditional love that protects our little ones from the inevitable feelings of vulnerability that define the human experience.
Healthy sleeping & better dreaming
Sleep specialists reveal how bedtime stories can help both child and parent get a good night sleep. It makes total sense. The loving voice tones of the parent can also create strong associations with sleep—slowing the brain down—and helping the child to let go of the day. As our young ones enter deeper sleep after storytelling, the brain continues to “play with” this new information—imprinting the feelings, images and story patterns that have been heard.
In other words, the powerful subconscious continues to do its magic as the child sleeps, setting the foundation to positively enter the next day.
Engaging the imagination
Bedtime stories are one of the best ways to stimulate a child’s imagination. Research reveals that reading a story is completely different than watching a TV show or movie. Listening to a story requires more active participation as they use their mind to visualize what is happening and to think about what choices they would make if they were the character. These new ideas inspire our kids to imagine new realities and identities for themselves. Their favorite stories start to positively shape their own life story.
Connecting & empathizing
Just as stories help our kids create their sense of self, they also help them to empathize with others. Our young ones can find comfort in relating to a character in a story who is going through a similar challenge—whether it is a best friend moving away or the loss of a pet. Not surprisingly, stories can help our kids find the courage (and scripting) to deal with things that seemed too far out of their experience.
For children in uncertain circumstances (like divorce or loss of a family member), a bedtime story can help them to start shaping a new reality. Still, the most precious forms of connection that bedtime stories facilitate is that between parent and child—one of the most powerful predictors of success and happiness in life for our kids.
Sweet dreams to your little one!
Veterans Day: November 11th
On November 11th, we will recognize the federal holiday, Veterans Day. It is a holiday which is held in honor of all those who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Many other countries celebrate the day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day as November 11th marked the end of World War I.
It was at 11am on November 11, 1918 that a temporary peace, or armistice, was signed and the fighting during World War I came to an end. A year later President Woodrow Wilson announced that November 11th would be called Armistice Day in the United States.
In 1938 Armistice Day became a national federal holiday. It was a day dedicated to world peace and held in honor of the veterans of World War I.
In 1954 Congress decided to change the day to Veteran's Day. This was because they wanted to honor the veterans of all wars including World War II and the Korean War.
If you are a veteran, we thank you for your countless sacrifices for our country. We Salute You.
Anti- Bullying Week November 11th -15th
Anti-Bullying Week happens in schools across the country each November. This year's Anti-Bullying Week has the theme Change Starts With Us and is happening from Monday 11th November - Friday 15th November 2019.
Small change. Big difference.
Whether it is verbal, physical, online or in-person, bullying has a significant impact on a child’s life well in to adulthood. By making small, simple changes, we can break this cycle and create a safe environment for everyone. Because together, we can challenge bullying. Change starts with a conversation. It starts with checking in. It starts with working together.
Change starts here.
Change starts now.
Change starts with us.
Monday- United we Stand Together Against Bullying!- Wear Pride Shirt and Camouflage.
Tuesday - Team Up for Kindness!- Wear your favorite sports team jersey or t-shirt with jeans.
Wednesday- I'd Rather be a ( Career) than a Bully! Dress in your future career attire!
Thursday- Everyone is Powerful! - Wear your favorite superhero T-Shirt and Jeans.
Friday- We Salute Education!- Wear your College Shirts and jeans.
Ms. Cantu Updates: Applications 2020-2021
APPLICATION PERIOD for the 2020-2021 school year opens November 2.
Students that are already enrolled at Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez DO NOT need to reapply. They automatically have a spot reserved for the next school year.
Siblings who are not currently enrolled will need to complete the application process.
Applications will be online. Website is www.dallasisd.org/choice
Office of Transformation and Innovation / About OTI (homepage)
Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary School; Adelle Turner Elementary School; Alex Sanger Preparatory School; Alex W. Spence Talented/Gifted Academy; Ann Richards STEAM Academy
Applications will not be available until November 2nd. Deadline is January 31st. Students selection is by lottery. Since we are a transformation school, we do not have academic entry requirements. Parents will be informed of their student's acceptance/waitlist status first week in March. Parents are welcome to come to the school for assistance with completing applications.
Transformation schools do not have attendance boundaries; any student can apply to attend Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez no matter where they live. Transportation is provided within district boundaries.
School Tours are available on Thursdays (1:00 pm) and Fridays (9:00 am). Please call Ms. Cano at 972-925-2722 to schedule a tour.
Ms. Cantu
Uniform Assistance Program
Each year, Dallas ISD’s Uniform Assistance Program, administered by the Office of Family and Community Engagement, provides free uniforms to students in prekindergarten through eighth grade whose families meet the district’s economically disadvantaged guidelines, according to board policy. An average of 13,000 students benefit each year from the Uniform Assistance Program.
Parents and legal guardians must request one free uniform at their children’s schools by filling out the Uniform Assistance Program Application as well as the district’s Socioeconomic Information Form, if needed. Each child who meets the guidelines can receive one free uniform per school year. The free uniform consists of a top (white, navy blue, or red) and bottom (khaki, navy blue, black, or plaid*). *skirts only
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The program runs from late August to early March every school year; during that time the application can be turned in to the uniform coordinator at each campus. This designated staff member places the orders and distributes the uniforms once they are received at the school.
For any questions about the Uniform Assistance Program, contact your campus coordinator, Carla Conley, at caconley@dallasisd.org or send an e-mail to family@dallasisd.org.
Dallas ISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
Parents, please refer to following reference materials that are now available on-line and are no longer mass produced.
Student Code of Conduct and Handbook :https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/128
Parent/Guardian Support Group
We are so excited about having the opportunity to provide a parent/guardian support group. The group will support our parents who would like an opportunity to meet other parents and share insight on supporting our children with learning and behavior concerns.
Your interest and support of completing the following Google form is very appreciated.
Nurse: Ms. Garcia
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.
Type 1 diabetes occurs at every age, in people of every race, and of every shape and size. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Have you had yours checked recently?
Library: Ms. Rutledge
Hello MAOH Parents,
Thanksgiving is almost here and we are celebrating by writing and displaying a pumpkin that depicts our family traditions. Please help your child write one or two paragraphs about their Family Thanksgiving Tradition and decorate a pumpkin.
These projects will be displayed in the halls so all of our children can read and learn about the different ways their classmates celebrate family.
All PreK 3 and 4 will do a classroom project with their teacher. I am asking for K-3 to do this project with their parents.
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My Family Thanksgiving Traditions
Writing and Pumpkin Project K-3rd Grade
1. Write one or two paragraphs about your family’s Thanksgiving tradition(s) on the attached writing page. Please see the attached rubric for the writing requirements.
2. Decorate a pumpkin or any vegetable in the pumpkin family (plastic or real) that depicts your family’s Thanksgiving traditions.
3. All PreK 3 and 4-years old children will do a class pumpkin with their teacher.
4. All writings and decorated pumpkins are due by Nov. 11th
Rules for Pumpkin Decorating
1. The main part of each entry must be a pumpkin or a member of the pumpkin family. Your writing should reflect how you decorate your pumpkin.
2. Pumpkins may not be carved or hollowed out.
3. Choose objects, paper and/or decorative materials of any kind for pinning or gluing to pumpkins.
Participants may also draw or paint on their entries or dress them up. Again, do not carve or hollow out your pumpkin.
6. No electrical device may be used as part of the project.
7. All entrants should write their name, grade and homeroom teacher on the BOTTOM of the pumpkin in a permanent marker.
8. Children are encouraged to be creative and fun with their decorations. No pre-purchased pre-decorated pumpkins will be allowed.
9. This is a home project and pumpkins should be done mostly by the
students but parents or other family members may assist.
Also please follow me on our Library Twitter -DISD Montessori Onesimo Hernandez Library @rutledge_mrs
Leesonia Rutledge
Librarian
PE: Coach Torres
MAOH PTO
PTO meeting: Thank you for coming out to the PTO General meeting last week. The MAOH PTO bylaws, Standing Rules and 2019-2020 budget were passed. Minutes of the meeting can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ouSkjsrqLfThvO9oe5v3tI-Kyw_gwOBfVl3hIQvSuOM/edit?usp=sharing
While being a family member of a MAOH scholar makes you a part of the PTO and we would love your participation in school and events, per our proposed bylaws, only enrolled members can vote on future policies. If you would like voting rights and have a say in what your PTO does, please sign up. Donation is voluntary and not required to sign up.
Next meeting is on November 21st and we will have Spirit Night at Raising Cane's.
Tornado relief: The recent tornadoes have left a lot of our fellow Dallas families with devastated homes, workplaces and schools. To help with the rescue efforts, DISD has set up a page where you can make monetary donations: https://www.dallasisd.org/tornadorelief .
In addition, one of our parents is a volunteer in North Dallas and is collecting items for the neighbors. As our first MAOH outreach activity, we have decided to do a drive of the required items (list below) to help our community.
Items such as:
Sliced Bread
Peanut Butter
Cereals
Pudding cups
Apple Sauce Pouches
Yogurt Pouches
Crackers
Tortillas (flour & corn)
Fruit that doesn't go bad quickly or need to be refrigerated:
Mandarin Oranges
Apples
Canned Fruit
Large Paper Brown Grocery Bags
Light blue polo shirts for Middle Schoolers at Cary Middle School
If you want to donate these, please drop them off in the designated box in the Parent Room (across from the school office) by November 15. Contact maohpto@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Amazon Smile: We're on Amazon Smile: Please use this link for your next Amazon purchase. Through Amazon Smile program, MAOH PTO will receive 0.5% of each purchase: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-2697405
MAOH Clubs: Ms. Ratnam
When: Nov 20th, Dec 18th, Jan 29th, Feb 26th, March 25th, April 15th , May 20th Exhibition
Time: 3:15-4:30 Hot Supper Provided 3:00-3:15
Dismissal: In the Auditorium
If a club will be rescheduled, you will be notified by the club teacher via Remind/Dojo
If you have any questions, please contact kratnam@dallasisd.org
Parent Instructor: Ms. Cano
Dear Parents,
We would love to have your help, all students benefit! There are many opportunities for parents and community members to help our school.
Some ways that you may be able to help our school and students:
- Copy Room - Assist in running copies for teachers.
- In-School Volunteer – Assist with bulletin boards, cutting, laminating, sorting, etc.
- Morning Volunteers – Assist with Morning Greeters (2 Parents Carpool 7: 00 A.M. to 7:45 A.M ) or Hug Zone Walkers (2 Parents-7: 00 A.M. to 7:45 A.M) Sign-Up Genius Coming Soon
- Take It Home Volunteer - Assist with projects at home such as cutting, sorting, and assembling, etc.
Thank you for all that you do for our school!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions at ecano@dallasisd.org or (927) 925-2722.
Attention MAOH Volunteers
Many of you have inquired about volunteering on the campus. ALL volunteers must complete registration on the DISD VOLY site - https://dallasisd.voly.org
We appreciate and welcome our volunteers; however, for the safety of our children, we ask that your background checks, orientation and registration are completed in DISD VOLY. Once these items are completed, you are welcomed to contact Mrs. Carla Conley, School Counselor at 972-925-2711 or caconley@dallasisd.org or Mrs. Cano, Parent Instructor at 972-925-2722 or ecano@dallasisd.org and set up a time for your volunteer opportunities.
Important Dates Coming Up
- November 9- MAOH Preview Day 10-11:30 AM
- November 14- Holiday Meal in Cafeteria *families welcome
- November 19- Retake Life Touch Pictures
- November 21- PTO Night @ 5:30
- November 25-29 Thanksgiving Week-No School
- December 2-6 MAOH Scholastic Book Fair
- December 12- PTO & Winter Wonderland
- December 13, 16-19- ACP Testing 1st-5th grade
- December 18- Holiday Meal in Cafeteria *families welcome
- December 19- SBDM@ 2:00, PTO @ 5:30
- December 20- No School for children, PD for teachers
- December 20-January 6- Winter break for children
- January 7- Children return to school