The Mata Memo
October 10, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
This week, we have a short and sweet week ahead with just three days of school. This fall break will present an opportunity for you and your child to recharge, refocus, and make the most of your time. Remember there is NO school on Thursday, Friday, and Monday.
Our campus and community are busy working to make sure that every child fulfills their potential! Please sign up with your teacher to come observe classrooms the week of October 17-20th. We also ask that you sign up for parent conferences as well. They will be held the week of October 23-27th.
There is so much to look forward to this fall! Be sure to read the full newsletter so you won't miss out on any of the fun and learning!
Warm regards,
Tomeka Middleton-Williams, Principal
Calendar at A Glance
October 11th- 2nd Grade Field Trip
October 11th- Bring a Parent to Lunch Day!
October 12-16 Fall Break! No School!
October 17 - Dyslexia Awareness Month Parent Night
October 18 - Unity Day! Wear Orange
October 23 - Turn in Drug Free Posters
October 25 - 8th Grade PSAT
October 31st - Mata's Annual Vocabulary Parade
November 4 - Discover Dallas ISD
What is National School Lunch Week?
National School Lunch Week was declared in 1962 to promote the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Created in 1946, the NSLP was designed to provide nutritious meals to children from low-income families who might not otherwise have access to a daily meal. Today, the NSLP ensures the health and well-being of all public school students, improves academic performance by giving students the nutrition they need for academic success. It has been shown that a healthy, nutritious lunch can improve academic performance, and that’s why a healthy midday meal is crucial to growing children.
During this weeklong celebration, Dallas ISD Food and Child Nutrition Services will celebrate with special menus, events, activities, and much more, with the goal of encouraging students to eat a healthy lunch at school.
We look forward to seeing you eat lunch with your child tomorrow!
Our Children Can Publish A Book!
Dear Parents,
We're thrilled to share exciting news with you! Our school Eduardo Mata Montessori, has been selected to take part in the National Young Authors’ Fair.
This is an amazing opportunity for our students to write, publish, and showcase their books globally, transforming them into young published authors.
Participating in this competition not only enhances their writing skills but also fosters a love for reading and writing that will last a lifetime. Each published book will serve as a cherished souvenir of their achievements.
Our students have the chance to earn various awards and recognition:
Certificates for all published authors for achieving multiple milestones
The Best-Selling Author in the State Award
Top 10 Best Authors: Jury Awards
Top 100 Best-Selling Young Author Awards
Participation in this event is entirely FREE for all students.
Please register at https://yaf.bribooks.com/us/studentv2/90295 before October 29th, 2023.
For further assistance, write to support@bribooks.com
Dyslexia Awareness Month Parent Night
Unity Day
We Appreciate our Custodial Team!
Robotics Team Recruitment!
We are in the process of forming the robotics teams that will represent the school. There will be only three teams in two categories: one team for the Lego Explore category for grades 1st- 3rd and two teams for the Lego Challenge category for grades 4th-8th. These are the guidelines we will follow to form teams. The number of members will be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6. They cannot be all members of a single gender (boys / girls). The students will be staying one day of the week to develop the assigned project, and there will be two or three events to which they will participate which are usually on Saturdays. Please consider if your child is already participating in a club, stay only in that club to avoid any conflict with the practice or competition days, since they are usually on the same day.
If you would like your child to be considered, please fill out this form and return to the office or teacher.
Important Notes:
1. Returning this sheet does not guarantee that your child will be part of the team but their interest to be considered.
2. The deadline to return this form is Oct 11th, 2023.
3. The robotics coach will contact you if your child will be part of the team, otherwise after October 17th contact your child's teacher to find out if your child is selected.
4. You agree to pick up on time 4:30 pm on the day the team meets and take your child to the events in which they will participate, two or three events.
Form Below
Fashion Club Donations Needed!
If you have any sewing items that you can donate to the fashion club that would be greatly appreciated! Anything could help!
Examples: Fabric such as tulle, fabric glue, Shears to cut Fabric, thread, dress forms, buttons, zippers, sequins, old jewelry, pins, pin cushions.
Red Ribbon Week- Drug Free Poster Information
PSAT for 8th Grade!
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Eduardo Mata Montessori will administer the PSAT 8/9 on October 25, 2023, to students in the 8th grade. This test is only offered on-campus, in-person with no virtual option.
The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10—in a way that makes sense for eighth graders. It measures what they’re already learning, shows them whether they’re on track for college, and lets them know where they need the most improvement. That means students have time to tackle these areas long before they take the SAT. The following are other key benefits of the PSAT 8/9:
· It helps establish a baseline for students as they enter high school and begin preparing for college and career readiness.
· It will identify areas where students excel and may want to consider taking higher-level courses, as well as areas they should focus on to improve academically.
Please note that PSAT 8/9 scores are not sent to colleges.
Thank you!
Discover Dallas ISD
Did You Know? VAPE = Placement in Alternative School (DAEP)
House Bill 114 will become effective Sept. 1, 2023:
Any student caught with a vape device on campus, within 300 feet of school property, or at a school-sponsored event, must be placed in DAEP.
Learn more below.
Gun Safety
Dear Families:
While your children are in our care, our top responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive environment where all students can learn and grow. We recognize that school safety is an effort that begins at home, and under House Bill 3 (HB3), districts are now required to distribute safe firearm storage information to all parents and guardians. Throughout the year, Dallas ISD will work with parents to offer information on this safety effort.
Here are some essential gun safety tips that can help prevent accidents and keep our students safe:
● Keep Guns Locked, Unloaded and Secured: If you do own guns, invest in a quality gun safe or lockbox. Store firearms locked, unloaded, separate from ammunition, and away to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children.
● Teach Children About Gun Safety: Talk to your child about guns, even if you don't own any. Teach them to never touch a gun they find and to immediately inform an adult.
● Seek Proper Training: If you decide to own a gun, seek proper training in firearm safety and handling. Even if you don't own one, learning about firearm safety can be valuable.
● Lead by Example: As adults, we should always model responsible gun ownership and safety for our children.
Learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Be SMART at safegunstoragetexas.com and besmartforkids.org. For details on Dallas ISD’s comprehensive safety plan, please visit dallasisd.org/safeschools. By sharing this information, we can collectively promote a culture of safety within our community. Let's work together to keep our families safe and informed.
Join Elementary Debate!
Join Middle School Chess!
Mata Montessori Parent Needs Assessment - Everyone please complete!
Greetings Families! The Counseling Department is looking forward to supporting your scholar's social-emotional, academic, and career development growth this year. Could you please complete this brief survey to help us plan and develop quality programs that best meet the needs of your scholar and family? Your input is valuable and your responses are anonymous. Thank you for your time!
¡Saludos Familias! El Departamento de Consejería espera poder apoyar el crecimiento socioemocional, académico y de desarrollo profesional de su estudiante este año. ¿Podría completar esta breve encuesta para ayudarnos a planificar y desarrollar programas de calidad que satisfagan mejor las necesidades de su estudiante y su familia? Su aporte es valioso y sus respuestas son anónimas. ¡Gracias por tu tiempo!
It's Book Fair Time!
Middle School Debate
Two of our students won MEDALS! Congratulations to 8th grader Gabriel Hernandez and 6th grader Angelique Tukel.
HATS OFF TO THE ENTIRE TEAM FOR THEIR EFFORTS and Ms. Z.Williams would like to thank Mr. J.Rich for volunteering to help Saturday! TEAM WORK TRULY MAKES THE DREAM WORK!"
Check out the ESports Team in Action at Practice!
Trunk or Treat!
See you October 21 from 4-7 at our annual Trunk Or Treat Festival! There are a handful of ways you can get involved!
-We need candy donations for our trunks! Drop off candy at morning drop off or afternoon pickup. Candy Monsters hungry for candy are located at the main entrance and the library entrance.
-Sign up for a decorated trunk space at matapta.org/event/trunk-or-treat
-We need entertainment! Face Painters, magicians, balloon animals. If you or someone you know is interested in helping fill these roles, email amy@matapta.org.
Mark your calendars! Mata's Annual Vocabulary Parade!
Book Character Pumpkin Showcase!
PTA Reflections
Updates from Nurse Nikki!
- Immunization Compliance: Letters will be sent home with students this week who have incomplete or missing vaccination records. If you have not submitted your child’s updated immunization record, please send a copy to the nurse’s office or email it to Nurse Nikki at ltaggart@dallasisd.org. The deadline for compliance is October 31, 2023.
- Covid Policy: If your child tests positive for Covid, it is recommended to isolate for five days from the start of symptoms. Please notify Nurse Nikki of Covid-related absences. Covid testing is not offered by Dallas ISD.
- Sick Policy: If your child is not feeling well, please do not send them to school sick. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication), and 24 hours without vomiting or diarrhea to return to school.
- Medications: All medications must have a provider’s order on file with Dallas ISD. This includes over the counter medications and cough drops. Medication must be provided to the clinic by an adult in its original container. Students are not allowed to carry medicine to/from campus. If you would like to keep medicine at school for your child, please contact Nurse Nikki.
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)
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.
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