The Mata Memo
November 10, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Mata families,
We are entering the 1st week of the second quarter, and well into November. We were happy to welcome back more of our students to face to face learning. We are also pleased that the systems for our virtual learners are getting smoother as well. We would like to remind you that report cards will be available on November 17th. Please remember to check Powerschool for your child's attendance and grades. If you would like an electronic copy, request one here.
We are also gearing up for our recruitment season. If you or someone you know would like to join the Mata family next year, the application window opened November 7th. We will host our first preview night on November 11th. Please see below for more information.
As always, we appreciate your support of Eduardo Mata Montessori School!
Please read the memo carefully for information regarding:
- Calendar at a Glance
- Attendance and Engagement
- Mata Recruitment Events
- Anti Bullying Week
- November Dress Pass
- After School Pick Up
- 21 Day Kids Healthy Snack Challenge
- Parade of Characters Video
- Science Fair
- Spelling Bee
- Books To Go
- Covid Dashboard
- And much, Much More!
We look forward to another great week of teaching and learning!
Tomeka Williams
Principal
Calendar at A Glance
11/7: Choose Dallas ISD
11/7: Mata Application Window Opens for Lottery
11/11: Mata Virtual Open House 5:00 PM
11/14: Choose Dallas ISD Virtual Open House
11/17: Middle School Parent Meeting for Virtual Students 8:30 AM
11/17: Report Cards Issued via Powerschool. If you would like an electronic copy click here.
11/18: Mata Middle School Information Night 5:00 PM
11/20: Dress Pass Friday
11/23-11/27: Thanksgiving Holiday
The safety of our students and staff remains our first priority. Contact tracing occurs and if anyone is identified as a close contact, they will be notified by the school and required to quarantine.To learn about the positive cases at Mata or in the district, you may visit the dashboard which is updated daily at 5 PM. COVID Dashboard
We remain committed to following extensive safety protocols, which include social distancing in classrooms, hallways, offices, and elevators; masks are required for every staff member and student throughout the day; hand washing practices are regular parts of everyone’s day; thorough cleanings are scheduled; and contact tracing measures are in place and being followed.
Attendance and Engagement
All distance learning students should follow their course schedules to virtually attend classes throughout the regularly scheduled day. Students who are not present will be marked absent.
If you have a special situation that does not allow your student to attend classes, please reach out to the administration.
Teachers will be taking attendance during the instructional block. Specials teachers will also be zooming at the beginning of each lesson during the first 5 minutes. Please aim to join in on time. If you arrive late, please be patient as they allow your students into the class session. Each specials class is different, please reach out to that teacher if you have additional questions or concerns.
Middle School Parent Meeting for Virtual Students
Our middle school teachers are hosting a best practices/student expectation meeting for all 7th-8th grade virtual parents. Please join us in the zoom meeting below on Tuesday, November 17th at 8:30 AM.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84097408980?pwd=c0x5WjRxNXE0OG1janFHTXVFK2ZFdz09
Meeting ID: 840 9740 8980
Passcode: Matamiddle
Interested in Learning about Mata Montessori?
Our 1st Preview Night will be Wednesday, November 11th from 5:00- 6:00 PM.
We will also hold an information session about Middle School, November 18th from 5:00-6:00 PM. Our current 6th-grade families are encouraged to attend.
The Zoom Link Is Below!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88304024405?pwd=aTJETG5RMzd3Q2pxUmhBTXRQRWN4UT09
Meeting ID: 883 0402 4405
Passcode: MataInfo
Anti- Bullying Week 2020
Monday, November 16, 2020
"International Day of Tolerance (United Nations)" – In Honor of International Day of Tolerance, students and staff are encouraged to bring something about their culture and/or family background to share with others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ9EY0cwmmY My Friend
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
"Be a Friend not a Bully Poster Design" – Students are encouraged to design a poster on how they can be advocates in the Mata environment against meanness and negativity. Please turn in the poster to the counselors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS4p-7JVs00 Stand in my Shoes
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
"We are All on the Same Team" – Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite appropriate team apparel to show that we are all on the same team at Mata Elementary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNHc2XCultQ The Invisible Boy
Thursday, November 19, 2020
"We are True Blue Friends" – Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue to show a strong commitment to be a true friend to others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvhIdB_8WXE McGruff Anti Bullying
Friday, November 20, 2020
"We are All Good Citizens" – Free Dress Pass! We are all a part of the Mata Eagles Community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itp21tly8nM All about Empathy
lunes, noviembre 16, 2019
"Dia Internacional de Tolerancia (Naciones Unidas)" – En honor por dia de Dia Internacional de Tolerancia, estudiantes van a pueden traer algo de su cultura o familia para que otros puedan aprender mas sobre lo que los hace especial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N1Bx7_zYJY Ella es Lupe
martes, noviembre 17, 2019
"Sea un Amigo no un Bully Diseño de Cartel"– Estudiantes son animados para diseñar un cartel de como pueden ser defensores en contra de la negatividad y critica en Mata. Favor de dar los cartels a los consejeros. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUeq669sr2g El Tigre y Tolerancia
miercoles, noviembre 18, 2019
"Todos estamos en el Mismo Equipo" – Estudiantes y empleados seran animados en usar su favorito logotipo de equipo para demonstrar que todos somos un equipo en la Primaria Mata. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBROB2IMCaU La Rabieta de Julieta
jueves, noviembre 19, 2019
"Somos Verdaderos Amigos Azules" – Estudiantes y empleados son animados en usar azul para ensenar un fuerte compromiso de ser un amigo a otros. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNgfr5kHg5E Animacion Sobre Tolerancia
viernes, noviembre 20, 2019
"Todos Somos Buenos Ciudadanos" –Pase de Vestir! Todos somos parte de la communidad de las Aguilas de Mata. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pUmAOTQqCg Cooperacion
November Dress Pass - November 20th
Last month was a great success, so we are doing it again. Instead of having tables at drop-off, where we would collect money and place wristbands on students, the PTA is asking Mata families to sponsor a classroom. This will keep things safer for everyone and help to make sure that NO student is left out.
This is a tradition and a major fundraiser for our school! Dress pass day is once a month and allows your student to wear something other than their school uniform or spirit gear.
Dress Pass Rules
No open toe shoes, flip-flops or heels
All shirts, dresses and shorts must be at least fingertip length
No spaghetti straps, spandex, PJ's or jeans with holes or rips.
Everyone is included regardless of in-person or virtual. Students can see each other on-screen, upload a picture of their favorite outfit or the teacher may decide to setup a few minutes for a zoom fashion show. Each teacher will find ways to share with both in-person and virtual students.
If you would like to sponsor a class please click here to learn more! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090544a4ae23a46-november
El pase de vestir de noviembre es el viernes 20.
El mes pasado fue un gran éxito, así que lo estamos haciendo de nuevo. En lugar de tener mesas en la entrega, donde recogeríamos dinero y colocamos pulseras en los estudiantes, estamos pidiendo a las familias Mata que patrocinen un salón de clases. Esto mantendrá las cosas más seguras para todos y ayudará a asegurarse de que NO estudiante se quede fuera.
¡Esta es una tradición y una importante recaudación de fondos para nuestra escuela! El día del pase de vestir es una vez al mes y le permite a su estudiante usar algo que no sea su uniforme escolar o equipo espiritual.
Reglas del pase de vestimenta
No zapatos abiertos, chanclas ni tacones.
Todas las camisas, vestidos y pantalones cortos deben tener al menos la punta de los dedos.
Sin correas de espagueti, spandex, PJ's o jeans con agujeros o rasgaduras.
Mata's Middle School Broadcast
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AnBp_B7sdzWnTOJ7AV0n7ZA74N8woGkc/view
Parent Involvement Policy and Parent Compact
Please see the attachments below regarding Eduardo Mata Montessori School's Parent Involvement Policy and Parent Compact.
Please sign and return the document to the school.
Mata's Storybook Character Parade
Please enjoy the slideshow and video below!
Character Parade: https://tinyurl.com/y6fo5ryq
Virtual Character Slideshow: https://tinyurl.com/yy46ne3l
Car Pool Pick Up Logistics
All parents please ensure that you have a pickup placard card to show staff, as it makes the process faster.
Please be reminded not to park in places that say no parking, as you may be ticketed. We encourage riding busses and remaining in cars for efficiency, if possible.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility while under construction.
Please reach out to the main office if you have questions or concerns.
Los autobuses y las furgonetas de guardería utilizarán la unidad cerca de Grand Ave. La unidad en La vista se usará para todos los estudiantes PreK-3 - 7 th quienes están siendo recogidos por sus padres. Gire a la derecha desde Grand hacia LaVista Dr. para recoger. No bloquee las intersecciones o los cruces peatonales. Al salir, todos giren nuevamente a la derecha en Grand para mantener el flujo del tráfico. Recuerde giros a la derecha solo en todo el proceso. Intente utilizar el siguiente patrón de conducción:
odos los padres deben asegurarse de tener una tarjeta de identificación para mostrar al personal, ya que agiliza el proceso.
Estamos trabajando estrechamente con la policía y el DPD de Dallas ISD para analizar nuestros patrones de tráfico en busca de soluciones. Recuerde que no debe estacionar en lugares que dicen que no hay estacionamiento, ya que puede recibir una multa. Alentamos a viajar en autobuses y permanecer en los automóviles para mayor eficiencia, si es posible.
Agradecemos su paciencia y flexibilidad a medida que optimizamos nuestro nuevo plan mientras estamos en construcción.
Comuníquese con la oficina principal si tiene preguntas o inquietudes.
Kids Teaching Kids 21 Day Challenge!
Elementary School Students are invited to take the “Virtual 21-Day Challenge” November 2-22, 2020
The kids teaching kids® program offers children and their parents the knowledge and resources to change their eating habits for the better. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has more than tripled. Studies reveal that kids are snacking more frequently and research suggests that eating fruits and vegetables may help maintain a healthy body weight.
This is an after-school snacking challenge designed to help students create new, healthier snacking habits.
Online Registration October 19 - November 7, 2020
For additional information and to sign up for this program, please visit the department's 21 Day Challenge website at https://tinyurl.com/HPE-21 Dav-Website.
Timeline for the 2020 Virtual 21 -Day Challenge
Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 - Monday, Nov. 2, 2020: Parents register their students online
Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 - Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020: Students make and eat a healthy snack each day
Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 Monday, Dec. 14, 2020: Students/Parents complete the online survey
Books to Go!
Books-To-Go
We are happy to announce our new service to students: " Books-To-Go.". Books-To-Go is an opportunity for students and parents to request print books through the student's school library in an effort to support equitable access for all learner environments. Due to Covid-19, librarians want to be sure that students have access to print materials to enhance their academic learning, whether they are learning virtually or face-to-face. Dr. Douglas Fisher in his webinar stated that print is best for students who are focusing on dense or complex texts.
Students and parents of students may place requests or "holds" through the library online catalog, library.dallasisd.org
Steps include:
• Select the student's home campus in the online catalog on the sidebar. Place a "hold" on the item(s) needed.
• Use the tawk.to app on the school's library webpage or other library contact information on the school's library webpage to make arrangements with the librarian about pick-up date and time.
• Our book pick up time is Fridays from 1:30-3:30 PM. Please email Ms. Thompson at Shanthompson@dallasisd.org for questions.
Construction Update
Construction for Mata is still underway!
Check out some of the latest updates to construction!
Concrete sidewalks and features in Courtyard
Lighting and stucco soffit in breezeway
Ceramic floor tile in kitchen; preparing for kitchen equipment installation
Sign up to receive the Dallas ISD Smart Restart Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Dallas ISD weekly parents newsletter. It is available in Spanish and English!
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.
Mata Montessori School's Key Actions
- Maintain a climate and culture that fosters academic excellence.
- Improve quality of instruction and student achievement through an aligned Montessori curriculum.
- Actively engage parents in education in meaningful and relevant ways.
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: @mata_school