🌟 Weekly Newsletter Update 🌟
Welcome Back Pups! 💛🐺
We hope you had a wonderful and restful break! As we jump back into the swing of things, we have a couple of exciting events coming up over the next two weeks.
One of the highlights is our Book Fair, where students can explore new stories, spark their imaginations, and grow their love for reading.
Let’s make these next two weeks great! 📚✨
Cristina Cendejas
Parent Support Specialist
An ECR (Extended Constructed Response) is a written response on STAAR in which students read a passage and answer a prompt using text evidence. In the screenshot (taken from the STAAR Practice site), you can see how an ECR is presented to students:
The text appears on the left
The writing prompt appears on the right
For some students, the amount of text on the screen can feel overwhelming at first. A helpful strategy is to focus on identifying the prompt. Show the screenshot to your 3rd–6th grader and ask them: “Can you point to what the prompt is asking you to do?”. In this case, students need to explain their opinion about why people should or should not be rewarded for recycling. On the next picture, you can see how students need to be able to scroll down and type their essay in the box.
Our students have been working hard on learning how to write a strong ECR. Next week, they’ll have an opportunity to practice this skill during the Standards Mastery Check (SMC)—a district assessment that mirrors the format of STAAR and helps us understand how students are progressing.
SMC Dates (3rd–6th Grade Only):
Reading SMC: December 9
Math SMC: December 10
IMG_2159.MOVIn this week’s spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Mr. Bolivar, who brings science to life for our 5th graders! In the video, you’ll see him guiding students through a hands-on simulation to demonstrate erosion, a key concept in the 5th Grade Science TEKS (Force, Motion, and Energy; Earth and Space).
Through activities like this, students aren’t just learning vocabulary—they are seeing scientific processes unfold right in front of them. These meaningful, inquiry-based experiences have already had a tremendous impact on our children’s understanding as they prepare for the Science STAAR at the end of the year.
Want to know more about what our 5th graders are expected to learn in science?
Explore the Science TEKS below to take a closer look at the standards guiding their learning.
Even though younger students don’t take a Science STAAR, it’s still important that all children build a strong foundation in scientific thinking. Take a look at the snapshot below and see if there are any concepts you can explore together on your next outing to a park, the Arboretum, or a museum—real-world learning opportunities are everywhere!
From November 10–December 5, stop by the Angel Tree in the PWM foyer and help make the holidays brighter for our school families. You can choose to support a specific family off of the Angel Tree or contribute pantry staples and items for a holiday meal. Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for spreading kindness and generosity this season!
If you would rather help each family receive a Holiday Meal please donate here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/give-thanks-give-a-meal
Signup to volunteer for Angel Tree Organization: https://signup.com/go/BedTxOr
Tamales for a Cause!
It’s tamale time — and every bite gives back! Support our Public Title I Montessori School while stocking up on delicious, handmade tamales and locally crafted salsa.
Tamales – $22 per dozen
Choose from five mouthwatering flavors:
🌶️ Ancho Pork
🐔 Chicken Verde
🥩 Beef Tenderloin
🧀 Cheese
🌽 Black Bean & Corn
Salsas – $10 per bottle (by Cita’s Salsas)
🌿 Garden Green Salsa
🔥 Red Rage Salsa
How it helps:
Every purchase directly supports our PTO, funding things like Montessori classroom tools, teacher appreciation, and more recess fun!
🫔 PTO earns $10 per dozen tamales sold
🥫 PTO earns $3.50 per salsa bottle sold
💙 Eat well. Do good. Support our students!
https://mytamalefundraiser.com/prestonwood-montessori-parentss-organization
¡Tamales por una Buena Causa!
¡Es tiempo de tamales — y cada bocado apoya a nuestra escuela! Ayuda a nuestra Escuela Pública Montessori (Título I) mientras disfrutas de tamales caseros deliciosos y salsas locales de Cita’s Salsas.
Tamales – $22 por docena
Elige entre cinco sabores irresistibles:
🌶️ Cerdo Ancho
🐔 Pollo Verde
🥩 Res Tierna
🧀 Queso
🌽 Frijol Negro con Elote
Salsas – $10 por botella (de Cita’s Salsas)
🌿 Garden Green Salsa
🔥 Red Rage Salsa
Cómo ayudas:
Cada compra apoya directamente a nuestro PTO, que financia materiales Montessori, reconocimiento a los maestros y ¡más diversión en el recreo!
🫔 El PTO recibe $10 por cada docena de tamales vendidos
🥫 El PTO recibe $3.50 por cada botella de salsa vendida
💙 ¡Come delicioso. Haz el bien. Apoya a nuestros estudiantes!
https://mytamalefundraiser.com/prestonwood-montessori-parentss-organization
Join us for our most requested giveback night at iCode this Friday 12/5. Siblings are 50% off with code “SIBLING50”. Pizza, drinks and lots of fun educational games provided. Click the QR code in the photo or this link to sign up before spots fill up: https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/Base/EmbeddedUrl/B1B41DE45F
Acompáñenos a nuestra noche de donaciones más solicitada en iCode este viernes 5 de diciembre. Los hermanos tienen un 50 % de descuento con el código "SIBLING50". Pizza, bebidas y muchos juegos educativos divertidos. Haga clic en el código QR de la foto o en este enlace para inscribirse antes de que se agoten las plazas: https://secure-portal.icodeschool.com/Base/EmbeddedUrl/B1B41DE45F
📸 Get Ready for Holiday Photos!
The BFAM Affinity Group is hosting a fun and easy 12-minute photo session fundraiser! Packages start at $25.
Spots are limited to 50 families! Please be sure to book and pay right away to confirm your reservation.
Click here to grab your spot: https://calendly.com/bfam-prestonwoodparents-zsf_/12min
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📸 ¡Prepárense para las Fotos de Navidad!
¡El Grupo AFÍN BFAM está organizando una divertida y fácil sesión de fotos de 12 minutos! Los paquetes comienzan en $25.
¡Los espacios están limitados a 50 familias! Por favor, asegúrese de reservar y pagar de inmediato para confirmar su espacio.
Haga clic aquí para obtener su espacio: https://calendly.com/bfam-prestonwoodparents-zsf_/12min
❄️✨ Winter Social Presale Starts TODAY! ✨❄️
Our Winter Social is happening right after the Winter Show on December 11th, and we’ve got some fun early-bird goodies ready for you!
🎉 Presale Ends December 10th at 5:00 PM — don’t miss it!
🌹 3-Rose Bouquets – Early Bird $10!
Celebrate your performer with a sweet rose bouquet.
(Price goes up to $15 at the show!)
🍪 Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Kits – $15
Each kit includes 5–7 cookies, 3 icing colors, and 4 sprinkle containers — perfect for holiday fun!
🧣 Winter Swag Presale
Grab the new seasonal merch before it sells out!
Flowers, GIngerbread, and Swag Presale Click:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-winter-show-and-social
🌮 Tamale Presale – $22 per dozen
PWM receives $10 back for every dozen sold!
Tamale presale ends Friday, December 5th.
Pickup will be at the Winter Social, with an additional pickup time TBD.
Tamale Presale Click Here
https://mytamalefundraiser.com/prestonwood-montessori-parentss-organization
💙 We Need Volunteers!
Help with flowers, setup, or clean-up for the Winter Social and receive reserved seating for up to 4 people at the Winter Show!
Your time helps create a magical day for our children.
To Volunteer Click Here
https://grasshoppersignup.com/respond/abce2f4d-bac0-4177-9364-e476b6112b3c
Don’t wait — snag your presale items and sign up to volunteer today! ❄️💙
If you need assistance from our food pantry please click this link to sign up - https://forms.gle/WV8MHiNA3kfGu3x46 🐺💙
These links will always be located at the bottom of the Pupdate for easy access. 🐺💙
If you would like to donate to support our pantry, Please email Ms. Cendejas at ccendejas@dallasisd.org
or visit our wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y6PTOHYOGCTS?ref_=wl_share
