The Mata Memo
December 5, 2023
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Dear Mata family,
As we march towards the much-anticipated winter break, we want to extend our heartfelt encouragement to each of you and your wonderful children. This time of the year, though bustling with activities, also brings a unique sense of excitement and joy within our school community.
We're thrilled to remind you about the special December days coming up, as detailed in the flyer below. These days are not just ordinary days on the calendar; they are brimming with opportunities for our students to engage in fun dress days. We encourage your children to participate and add their unique flair to these festive events. It’s a delightful way for them to express themselves and create lasting memories with their friends.
A special note to our 8th-grade families: Please remember that tonight is High School Information Night. This event is a significant milestone for your children as they prepare for the next big step in their educational journey. We highly encourage both parents and students to attend. It's an invaluable opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and understand the exciting possibilities that Dallas ISD high schools have to offer.
Lastly, we urge you to read through the entire newsletter. We've packed it with lots of important information, updates, and a few surprises that you won’t want to miss. Your engagement and awareness are crucial in making the most of these school days.
Let's continue to support and motivate each other as we head towards the winter break. Your involvement and enthusiasm make our school community vibrant and strong. Here’s to a wonderful December filled with learning, joy, and festive spirits!
Warm regards,
Tomeka Middleton-Williams, Principal
Calendar a Glance
December 5th- Mata Montessori Open House for Prospective Students 5:30 PM
December 5th - 8th Grade Parent/Student High School Information Sessions 5:30 PM
December 9th - Dallas Oncor Race @ Dallas City Hall
December 12th- Middle School Orchestra Concert 6:00 PM
December 13th- Last day for After School Tutoring/Clubs
December 22nd- Early Release for all Students 12:15 PM
December 25- January 8th - Winter Break
January 9th - Students return to School
January 31st Deadline to Apply to Mata Montessori
Fall Testing Dates
Physical Fitness Assessment - Nov. 27-Dec. 8
MAP Mid-Year (Gr. K-5) - Week of Dec. 4
MAP Mid-Year (Gr. 5 Science) – Week of Dec. 11
MAP Fluency (Gr. K-2) – Dec. 4-22
ACP (Gr. 6-8) – Week of Dec. 18
December Days for Students
High School Choice Night
Townview Showcase
Townview Magnet Center is thrilled to announce their Fine Arts Showcase Tuesday, December 12th from 6:30 – 8:00 in the Commons (cafeteria.) This event provides middle schoolers an excellent opportunity to visit Townview and observe their award-winning programs in action. Our 8th grade scholars and their families will enjoy spectacular performances by the “Big D” Band, Modern Band, Choir and Orchestra.
Know someone that wants to bring their child to Mata? Open House 12/5
Middle School Orchestra Concert
After-School Tutoring and Clubs End Dec. 13 for the Fall
U.S. News and World Report
On Nov. 14, U.S. News and World Report published their 2024 Best Elementary Schools, and the news is good for Eduardo Mata Montessori School: Our school placed among the top 40% of elementary schools in the state of Texas, making it a U.S. News Best Elementary School.
Here’s a look at what they published about our school, including its new ranking(s): https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/texas/school-206414.
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
Absent on Picture Day?
Students who were absent or arrived late on picture day can still have their professional photographs taken at Logan's studio. They have the option to schedule an appointment and receive the same picture day package prices. Here is the link http://bit.ly/3LARpRW
Knock Someone's Socks off Community Service Project
Knock Someone's Socks off Community Service Project
This week, Mata's Student Council began leading a campus-wide community service project titled, "Knock Someone's Socks Off." They are asking that all eagles - students, teachers, and staff - bring in new or clean socks (solid, designer, or textured) to be given away to area shelters during this winter season as a way to show empathy for those who are less fortunate. The socks can be for children or adults. All socks should be placed in the large bin positioned outside the main office. Donations will be accepted through December 18th.
Thank you in advance for your contribution and support! We will apprise you of the outcome of this service project.
Oncor Kid's Race
Parent Curriculum Support (Amplify, Eureka, Carnegie)
Our partnership in your child's education is invaluable, and we encourage you to engage with your child's curricular resources. A thoughtful curriculum strategy has been designed that aims to achieve equitable delivery of grade-level content, content that is aligned to the state standards, and the application of additional support when students struggle.
Strong collaboration between schools and families is the foundation for the successful educational journeys of our students. Your support is crucial as your interest and involvement will undoubtedly enhance the learning experience for your child. We are confident that with your active engagement, we can look forward to a year filled with achievement and success. Thank you for trusting us with the privilege of educating your child!
See Parent Curriculum Support Resources for the following content areas:
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?
Mata's Butterfly Garden Has Earned the Fall 2023 Recognition! Eco-Schools Silver Award!
The program involved funded 75 new native plants this year. The garden team reported the work the organization.
The teachers/staff involved were the following: Ms. Gonzalez, Mrs. Montano, Mr. Walker, Mrs. Pace, Mrs. Eva Flores, Mrs. Ana Flores along with many parent volunteers!
The program involved funded 75 new native plants this year. The garden team reported the work the organization.
Mata had Exceptional Visits from Dallas ISD School Leaders!
Check out Robotics with Mr. Cruz!
Middle School Theatre Students were a hit in "Alice"!
Our middle school theatre students competed in the one act play festival. They received a Division 1: SUPERIOR rating!!
In addition,
- Ella Arnold & Acacia Cain received Honorable Mention "All Star Cast"
- Killian O'Dell & Emma Giley received "All Star Cast"
- Rowan Armour received "All Star Tech"
- and BEST performer of the DAY went to Hadley Stetson!
Great job to everyone!!
Concert and Philharmonic Region 20 All Region Orchestra.
Last Saturday, five of our Varsity Orchestra students performed in the Concert and Philharmonic Region 20 All Region Orchestras. From left to right, Arianna Ibarra- violin, Parker Whitney - violin, Maylee Resendiz - cello, Jason Garcia- cello and Ethan Gomez-bass. The students had to be in the top percentage of all string players who auditioned from Dallas, Richardson, Irving and Highland Park. We are very proud of their accomplishments.
Check out our Middle School E-Sports Team at Competition!
UIL Does it Virtually! Way to go Mata Team!
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