The Mata Memo
October 17, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
We hope this message finds you well. It's October, and we have a fantastic lineup of events and activities planned for you and your child(ren) this week. We're thrilled to keep you informed and engaged in our school community.
1. Parent Observation Week:
We're kicking off this week with Parent Observation Week, an opportunity for you to witness the learning experiences of your children in their classrooms. It's a fantastic chance to connect with teachers, see the progress your child is making, and gain insight into their daily routines. We look forward to welcoming you into our classrooms. Please make sure you have signed up with your teacher.
2. Unity Day - Celebrating Inclusivity
In our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, we'll be celebrating Unity Day on Wednesday. This special occasion is a time for us to honor the values of respect, acceptance, and unity among our students, staff, and families.
3. Going Pink Day - Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we're proud to participate by organizing "Going Pink Day." This day is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting those affected by it. We encourage students to wear pink to school on this day.
4. Annual Trunk or Treat Event - Saturday Fun
Halloween is just around the corner, and our annual Trunk or Treat event promises an evening of spooky, family-friendly fun. Join us on Saturday for an exciting extravaganza filled with creative costumes, candy, and community spirit. More details on this exciting event is below!
We're excited about the upcoming events and the chance to celebrate these special moments with you and your children. Your involvement is a crucial part of our school's success, and we appreciate your continued support.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information about any of these events, please feel free to reach out to our school office. We're here to assist you.
Warm regards,
Tomeka Middleton-Williams, Principal
Calendar at A Glance
October 17 - Dyslexia Awareness Month Parent Night
October 18 - Unity Day! Wear Orange
October 19 - We are Going Pink!
October 20 - Dress Pass Friday!
October 21 - Trunk or Treat!
October 23 - Turn in Drug Free Posters
October 23-27 - Parent Conference Week
October 23-27 - Red Ribbon Week
October 25 - 8th Grade PSAT
October 31st - Mata's Annual Vocabulary Parade
November 4 - Discover Dallas ISD
Parent Observation Week!
Dallas ISD Website Feedback Needed
Dyslexia Awareness Month Parent Night
Unity Day
We are Going PInk!
Dress Pass Friday!
https://matapta.org/event/dress-pass-day-10-20/
Students may purchase a dress pass and wear what they like on this day! Just $1 or a canned food donation to participate. Door sales on Friday morning at your Eagle’s regular entrance point. Funds will benefit Mata PTA programming and food donations will benefit Mt. Auburn Peace Pantry.
NOTE: Students should adhere to DISD dress code guidelines and not wear clothing with spaghetti straps, rips or holes, open toed shoes or high heels. We also ask that all bottoms be at least fingertip length.
Trunk or Treat!
Trunk or Treat is this Saturday, and we need your help to make this a fun and safe event! Please sign up here to volunteer your time: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA5AB2AA3FDC34-44995600-trunk
Please register here for a trunk space: https://matapta.org/event/trunk-or-treat/
Trunk or Treat es este sábado, ¡y necesitamos tu ayuda para que este sea un evento divertido y seguro! Por favor, regístrese aquí para ofrecer su tiempo como voluntario: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA5AB2AA3FDC34-44995600-trunk
Regístrese aquí para obtener un espacio en el maletero: https://matapta.org/event/trunk-or-treat/
Red Ribbon Week!
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!
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
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!
Mark your calendars! Mata's Annual Vocabulary Parade!
Book Character Pumpkin Showcase!
Check some of the Great cell projects from Upper El!
Mata 2nd Grade had a Fabulous Time at Dallas Children's Theater!
National Bring your Parent to Lunch Day was a Success!
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)
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