Dear DMA Giraffes,

I love the message from Gaur Gopal Das in this video why a Mother Giraffe kicks her newborn. Life is like Mother Giraffe and gives us many hard kicks. Still, when we fall or make a mistake, we must get up and learn from this experience, be reflective of this experience, and ultimately turn this experience into encouragement and inspiration for yourself and others to grow from. The DMA Giraffes has consistently shown its mettle in the face of unique situations and unexpected challenges. You've embraced the unexpected, united as a family, and supported one another. This is the essence of what makes DMA such a special place.  

Let's continue to face each new day with the same unwavering determination and positivity that have defined us thus far. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and continue to create a nurturing, vibrant, and inspiring environment for our students. As Gaur Gopal Das said it best, let's not just Go through life, let's GROW & STAND TALL through life! 

Thank you for your incredible dedication and hard work. Your resilience and unity are the cornerstones of DMA's success, and I am truly honored to be a part of this remarkable team.

Thank you for another TALL Week 

and

Thank you for choosing to...

Make A TALL Difference Every Day with Every Child! 

Honored to serve,

Tabitha J. Preston

STEM students from across Dallas ISD displayed this skill and more at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) Dallas ISD Invitational Meet on Oct. 7 at Conrad High School. Way to Stand TALL Giraffes!

Click here to read more

Welcome Executive Director - Dr. Choice

It is our High-Time Season of Recruitment for the 2024 - 2025 SY! We ask that all staff work at a minimum of two events outside of the in-person open house and in-person signing day during this season. Use this link below to be a part of recruiting families for the 24 - 25 school year.

DMA Faculty - Dress Out Day, PRESENTED BY PRIMARY! To enter, Dress up on Tuesday, October 31st. We will judge costumes immediately following dismissal to vote for our grand prize winner.

Click here to read our week-at-a-glance highlights

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING OCTOBER ASSESSMENTS

https://mydata.dallasisd.org/docs/CALENDARS/2023_24_Assessment_Calendar.pdf

PTC - Parent-Teacher Conference Form

• All Instructional staff, please complete the PTC form - Click Here

The Months Have Been Chosen by Teams who will spread the Sunshine and be our Giraffe Gratitude Squad!

• Specials & Instructional Support Team - September & January
• Primary Guides - October & February
• Lower & Upper Elementary - November & March
• Co-Educators Team - December & April

The district is offering employees an opportunity to tutor after contract hours for $50 an hour. The students are our HB4545 students who did not pass STAAR last year. You have the flexibility of what days you want to offer tutoring. As this program is funded by ESSER (Federal $) and not Campus funding, you will have to complete training modules in Cornerstone before you can begin. I am our Campus Coordinator for HB4545, so if you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you!

If interested, see - Ms. Miner.

Room Parent Information

Select your Room Parent so they can be trained for this supportive role.

Click here to review our DMA Room Parent Handbook.

Faculty/staff inventory: 

The district will be doing a mandatory inventory check. They will send two emails to you to fill out. One is to ask what equipment your classroom/office has, and the other is to ask you what devices you have (assigned to you only). We need 100% of everyone on campus to complete the inventory. Here I attached the steps to follow to do the inventory correctly. If you do not do this inventory properly or simply do not do it, you may have problems in the future acquiring updated equipment that our district offers and our school may not have additional funds to purchase devices. Thank you for your support.

Students inventory:

Also, inventory for students' Chrome books and iPads will begin the week of Oct 23rd, leave the iPads/Chrome ready in sight to quickly take inventory. Keep the devices in a specific area. 

For any questions or additional help, send me an email or stop by the library. 

Thank you again!

Marvin Gonzalez

Click on the ATS Newsletter icon to receive helpful tips for your technology resources and support.

This year, we will have a Google form where you can input information and concerns. You may also input info you receive from parents who want their children tested for services. We will have a formal SST/MTSS meeting for our 1st October Faculty PD, where more information, updates, and changes from the district regarding the process will be shared. 

Below are some links and resources that may help you understand the SST process.

FAQ Sheet

MTSS Framework & Website

MTSS Flowchart

SST Agenda

Need support or resources to help build your engagement with your stakeholders using your Bloomz? Click on the Bloomz icon to see all the teacher resources and videos available to assist you!

Quarter 2 Content Training Videos are now available on the Professional & Digital Learning YouTube Channel linked HERE. 

Video links may also be accessed by content and grade at the flyer provided HERE, also found on the PDL website. 

Eureka - Just in Time Training by grade level Every Thursday @ 4:00 pm. 

All sessions will be at iLearn.

All In Learning On-Demand Videos

Unlock the potential of All In Learning. Discover how to log into the platform, learn how to launch curriculum assessments, and explore key reports that can be used to plan instruction.

Providing Digital Practice with the New STAAR Item Types

This series is designed to empower our teaching staff with the skills to utilize digital tools more effectively while engaging students with the content. During each session, teachers will learn about the featured STAAR item type, utilize Dallas Assessment Navigator (DAN), Nearpod, and/or Kami to practice the item type, and collaborate with other teachers to discuss ideas on how to incorporate the tools into the weekly lessons.

New Teacher Virtual Learning Lab

This is an excellent opportunity for new teachers to expand their skill set, discuss problems of practice, and explore best practices with classroom management and culture. Central Staff members will be on hand to answer questions and provide support to assist teachers with classroom routines, managing behaviors, and building positive relationships with students.

We are visiting classrooms, and we are loving the community circles, prepared learning environments, and student engagement we see!

Reminder:

• Amplify Skills lessons are happening during your uninterrupted scheduled work time.
• Eureka Follow the pacing guide
• Campus Math IPC Reading IPC
• Use the DMA BOY Prepared Environment Form to do-a-check & reflect on your own classroom learning environment.

Presentation from Thursday Montessori PLC to review and use.

1901 Main St.,

Dallas, TX 75201

(972) 749-2500

www.dallasisd.org/downtownmontessori