The Mata Memo
December 19, 2023
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
As we wrap up an incredibly successful first semester, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the wonderful community we've built together at Mata Montessori. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm have been the key ingredients in creating an enriching and joyful learning environment for our children.
Reflecting on the past months, we have witnessed remarkable growth and achievements in our students. Their curiosity, creativity, and love for learning have flourished, showcasing the unique strengths and potential of each child. It's a testament to the Montessori environment here at school, and the nurturing atmosphere that you, as parents and guardians, help to foster.
As we approach the winter break, it's a time for rest, reflection, and joyous moments with family and friends. We encourage our students to continue exploring, learning, and playing during this time, keeping the spirit of Montessori alive in their everyday activities.
We wish you and your families a wonderful and safe winter break. May it be filled with laughter, warmth, and cherished memories. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the new year, ready to embark on another exciting semester of growth and discovery.
Lastly, please be reminded 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
No After School Tutoring/Clubs this week
December 21st - Upper Elementary Winter Music Show 6:00 PM
December 22nd - Early Release for all Students 12:15 PM
December 25 - January 8th - Winter Break
January 9th - Students return to School
January 15th - School Holiday
January 23rd - PTA General Board Meeting
January 25th - SBDM Meeting
January 31st Deadline to Apply to Mata Montessori
Fall Testing Dates
MAP Fluency (Gr. K-2) – Dec. 4-22
ACP (Gr. 6-8) – Week of Dec. 18
December Days for Students
Upper Elementary Winter Music Show
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
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
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?
The Mata Orchestra Concert was Phenomenal!
Mata Staff Winter Celebration was a Blast!
Mata 4-8 Spelling Bee! Students were AMAZING! 12 Rounds!
Congratulations to all of the Contestants!
Our 1st Place Winner is Christian DeSimone! He will represent Mata at the District Fair!
2nd Place is John Kozlowski and 3rd Place is Emma Cooper!
Destination Imagination - Winter Blitz!
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