Mattos Family Update

December 11, 2023

Author Visit- December 21st

Dear Mattos Families,

The Mattos Sing Along last Friday night was a huge success! My favorite part of the evening was seeing kindergarten friends dancing along to Mr. Sherrod and his band. I also loved seeing our 5th graders selling their crafts to raise more funds for science camp. Thank you to everyone for coming and to our PTA for hosting this annual Mattos event!

Last week, I shared what our 1st-5th grade students are doing in the computer lab. I'm excited to share the upcoming unit of study in our science labs for grades 1-5.

1st Grade: Plant and Animal Defenses
2nd Grade: Plant and Animal Relationships
3rd Grade: Balancing Forces
4th Grade: Energy Conversions
5th Grade: Modeling Matter

Ms. Anita would also encourage 1st and 2nd grade parents/guardians to ask your child to show you how all the food we eat can be tracked back to the plants for a fun conversation at home. For example, pizza can be tracked back to plants (pizza’s crust – flour – wheat (it’s a plant) ; tomato (it’s a plant) ; cheese – milk – cow – grass (it’s a plant); etc.). Another example is chocolate/candy – cocoa beans (it’s a plant) ; sugarcane (it’s a plant), etc. So technically, kids are eating their “veggies” even when they are eating candy or pizza. 😊

We are very fortunate to have a published children's author visiting next week. Order his book (grades 3+) through Banter Bookshop (flier below). The deadline to order has been extended to December 15. All book purchased will receive an autograph by the author.

And finally, our makerspace is almost ready for students to come in during the month of January at lunchtime. Teachers brought their students to the space last week and I revealed all the areas where they can create, communicate, collaborate, and critically think. I am beyond excited for our students! A HUGE thank you to our PTA (and all of you who joined) for supporting this space financially and with volunteer hours to get it up and running. The vision is coming alive and I couldn't be more ecstatic!

Reminders and Announcements:

Every Friday in December @ Lunch: S.A.M.'s Nest is Open
Tuesday, December 12 @ 3 p.m.: School Site Council and ELAC Meetings
Wednesday, December 13: Yearbook Cover Design Due
Monday, December 15: Preorders of Author Alan Barillaro's Book Due
Tuesday, December 19: Food Drive Ends
Thursday, December 21st: Author Visit
Friday, December 22 @ 1:26 p.m.: Early Dismissal for Grades 1-5 (Kinder Regular Schedule)
January 8, 2024: TK and Kinder Priority Enrollment Applications for 2024-2025 Begins, Science Magnet applications begin at that time too! Spread the word to bring students to Mattos through our science magnet.

Soaring in education,

Sherea Westra

Mattos Principal

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Mattos PTA Events

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Mattos Staff Favorite Things

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Spirit Wear Sale

Attendance Matters

As we prepare to take time off from school (December 26 - January 7) for the winter break, we are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families. Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security, especially after the chaotic transitions experienced over the last two years. As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.