Volume 2 | June 16, 2022

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Dear Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker Families,

We have been busy preparing for a fantastic start to what will be another amazing school year. There is still plenty of sunshine left. We hope you continue to enjoy your summer to the fullest!

Sincerely,

Ashley Toole (Principal)

Fabiola Martinez (Assistant Principal)

2022-23 TEACHER AND CLASSROOM INFORMATION

Look for a postcard with your student's 2022-23 Classroom and Teacher information near the end of July!

MEET OUR NEW STAFF

Meet Mary Simmons

Mary Simmons, born in Fort Worth, earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master's degree in Educational Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She holds a masters in Montessori Integrated Learning from Endicott College and is Montessori certified in both upper and lower elementary. This will be Simmon's fourth year in Dallas ISD, having previously served as the Dallas ISD Montessori Coordinator.

Simmons has a true passion for working with all young learners. "Helping each child progress in all areas of their development is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily," Simmons states. She strives to create a community of learners who are engaged, self-reliant and confident, and an environment that is safe, positive, and fun.

According to Simmons, she has been married for thirty-four wonderful years and has four fantastic children who are grown and live close by (with her six grandchildren). She found Montessori while looking for the best fit for her children and feels confident that Montessori will be the best fit for your family as well.

Meet Jorge Aviles

Jorge Aviles hails from El Salvador, Central America. He obtained his degree from Politecnico Grancolombiano in Bogota, Colombia, which was an incredible time that opened his eyes to fresh, new experiences.

Aviles fell in love with teaching while helping his eleven year old brother with his learning journey. Aviles' experience made him realize the importance of hands-on learning. His goal as a teacher is to elevate the learning experiences of his students in relevant and challenging ways that ultimately enhance their abilities for seeing and interacting with the world around them!

Aviles loves hanging out with family and friends, the outdoors and his favorite hobbies are related to outdoor activities. He is excited to join the Primary Dual Language team at Prestonwood Montessori!

Meet Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson is best known for her outgoing, humorous, and energetic personality. Her passion for vocal performance and theatre has led her to Prestonwood Montessori and E.D. Walker Middle School where she hopes to foster a love for performance.

As a music educator for seven years she has brought many performances to the stage. She believes that voice and theater instill a healthy sense of emotional intelligence, boost student self-esteem and create a sense of empowerment. Each day is a gift that if approached with intentionality we can make the most of and affect real change in the world around us!

Johnson is excited to work with primary students at Prestonwood Montessori as well middle schoolers at E.D.Walker!

SPECIALS HIGHLIGHT: FLES

As part of their specials rotation, students at Prestonwood Montessori @ E.D. Walker attend Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) with Señora Low. Prestonwood Montessori is one of the few schools in Dallas ISD that has the honor of offering this opportunity through the Department of World Languages. Our goal is to develop, maintain and enhance Spanish language skills for all students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

SOCIAL MEDIA

To keep up with the amazing things happening on our Prestonwood Montessori and E.D. Walker campus, follow us on all of your favorite social media channels!

Instagram:

Prestonwood and Walker

Facebook:

Prestonwood and Walker

Prestonwood Parents' Group

Twitter:

Prestonwood and Walker

SUPPLY LIST UPDATE

We have reorganized our supply lists for both individual and community needs. Please read to find out more!

Our Individual Student Supply Lists outline the individual items that each student will need for a successful year at Prestonwood Montessori. Please purchase these items for each of your individual children!

Our Lower Elementary Community Supply List and Primary Community Supply List detail important classroom materials that benefit all children in the classroom as they complete their work cycles. Please purchase items if you are able to do so for the benefit of all! These materials can be purchased from the wishlists or can be purchased at the retailer of your choice. If purchasing at other retailers, please help us out by marking “buying this gift elsewhere” on the wishlist to avoid duplication.

If you have any questions about the supply list or procedures, please reach out to our Office Manager Ms. Bautista at (972) 502-6509.

PTO Updates

Prestonwood Montessori Parents’ Organization (PTO)

You're invited to join the Prestonwood Montessori Parents' Organization!

Starting in the 2022 -2023 school year we will be adding a PTO to be support Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker and E.D. Walker Middle School with two parent organizations (the PTO and PTA). Having two organizations under one roof will increase opportunities for engagement, support and maximize resources to nurture all students and needs.

The PTA's focus on middle school needs and the PTO's focus on elementary needs. Our two parent organizations will continue to collaborate and communicate with each other through cross-representation, collaboration, and decision-making to create meaningful experiences for our community as One Pack.

Learn more and join the PTO here.

All parents are welcome to join both the PTA and PTO. We hope you’ll consider membership in both organizations, even if you plan to take an active or leadership role in only one. We are truly better together!