Dear Prestonwood Montessori Families,
The countdown to the first day of school has officially begun! 🎉
As we get ready to welcome our students back, please take a few minutes to view this short Pupdate for important information and helpful reminders to ensure a smooth start to the school year. We can't wait to see everyone soon!
Best wishes,
Cristina Cendejas
Parent Support Specialist
Chandra Payton Williams is an instructional leader and assistant principal with a passion for empowering students, supporting educators, and fostering academic excellence. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from Grambling State University, a master's degree in mathematics and Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University, and her Principal Certification from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Throughout her career, Chandra has served as a mathematics teacher, district mathematics professional development presenter, campus instructional coach, district mathematics and science coordinator, and assistant principal. Her diverse experiences have strengthened her commitment to instructional leadership, continuous improvement, and ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education.
Outside of her professional role, Chandra is a proud 35-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she enjoys giving back to the community through educational initiatives. She is actively involved in her church, mentoring youth, and supporting college students as they pursue their educational and personal goals. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, cheering on her favorite teams—the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers—and spending quality time with her family.
Chandra has been happily married to her husband, Patrick Williams, for 25 years. Together they are the proud parents of four children: Thomas and Chad, who are lovingly remembered as their two angels, and their daughters, Payton and Paige. Guided by the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, "Education must not simply teach work—it must teach life," Chandra strives to lead with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief that education has the power to transform lives.
I’m Dr. Dora Renaud, and I’m honored to serve as your Principal Resident. I’m an educator and STEM advocate who believes deeply in joyful learning, strong relationships, and bold possibilities for every student. I began my career in Dallas ISD as a teacher, Reading Coach, and Curriculum Coordinator, where I helped transform campuses into IB, STEM, Early College, and multilingual school models. I later served as an administrator at Nathan Adams and JL Long MS and even spent time abroad as a Reading Specialist at the Colegio Internacional de Caracas in Venezuela. In 2014, I completed the University of Texas Cooperative Superintendency Doctoral Program and went on to teach graduate courses for educators pursuing master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Bilingual Education.
Outside of school, I’m an adventurer at heart. I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China, kayaked along the French Riviera, and completed five marathons. My love for education runs in the family starting with my father, B.G. Renaud, who is a retired Dallas ISD principal, and my mother who taught kindergarten for more than 55 years. I grew up watching them lead with heart, and that’s where my own dream of becoming a school leader began. At home, life is full of wagging tails. I’m a proud dog mom to Bo and Tessa, along with a rotating crew of foster pups who bring endless joy, chaos, and laughter. I’m excited to bring curiosity, energy, and connection to ED Walker and to partner with you in creating a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.
Please note there is one lane only for drop-off. Cars should pull forward as much as possible, and our staff will be there to assist children in the unloading zone. Older students who are comfortable may exit the car on their own.
Once inside:
Pre-K–3rd grade students will go directly to their classrooms, where breakfast will be served.
4th–6th grade students will head to the cafeteria to enjoy breakfast.
⏰ Arrival Time
School doors close promptly at 8:00 a.m. During the first two weeks of school, we’ll allow a 5-minute grace period as families adjust. Beginning the third week, 8:00 a.m. will be a firm cutoff.
If you arrive after the doors are closed, please park and walk your child to the foyer to sign the late log before they head to class.
As our community grows, we will now have two dismissal processes:
Kinder–6th grade: Please watch the video for a step-by-step overview of this process.
Pre-K: This year, Pre-K (along with their siblings) will follow a new dismissal procedure. Please review the diagram carefully to ensure a smooth pickup.
Pre-K: For at least the first week of school, we are going to start dismissal early at 2:15 pm instead of 3:15 pm, to assist our youngest learners with the complexities of a "Big Kid" dismissal process.
🚗 For both pick-up lines, please remember to:
Have your car tag visible (these will be handed out at Meet the Guide).
Avoid using your phone while in line.
Be patient—the dismissal process always takes longer during the first few weeks of school as everyone adjusts.
⏰ Pickup Time
When the process runs smoothly, 3:30 p.m. is considered late pickup. Just like with arrival, we will allow a short grace period during the first two weeks while families adjust to the new routines.
👉 Important for Pre-K Families: If you arrive after 3:30, please join the main car line on the Wozencraft side for pickup.
👉 All families, please complete the transportation form linked below!
🐾 Donate Your Uniform Items & Spirit Shirts!
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we invite you to donate gently used school uniform items and spirit shirts. These items will be available for purchase at our Uniform Resale during Meet the Guide to assist families in finding affordable school clothing options.
Donations can include:
👕 Gently used uniform shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, jumpers, jackets, sweaters, and other approved uniform items
💙💚 Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker spirit shirts and apparel
Please make sure all donated items are clean and in good condition. We appreciate your help giving these items a second life!
📍 Donation drop-off details:
July 27-30 from 8:00am-3:00pm inside the Prestonwood Montessori Foyer
Thank you for helping make our uniform resale a success. Your donations will support PTO programs and initiatives that benefit our students and school community.
🐾 ¡Done sus uniformes y camisetas escolares!
Mientras se preparan para el próximo año escolar, les invitamos a donar uniformes y camisetas escolares (con el logotipo de la escuela) que estén en buen estado. Estos artículos estarán a la venta durante nuestro evento de reventa de uniformes, que coincide con la sesión «Conozca al maestro», con el fin de ayudar a las familias a encontrar opciones de ropa escolar a precios asequibles.
Las donaciones pueden incluir:
👕 Camisas, pantalones, pantalones cortos, faldas, vestidos tipo *jumper*, chaquetas, suéteres y otras prendas de uniforme aprobadas que estén en buen estado
💙💚 Camisetas y ropa con el logotipo de Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker
Por favor, asegúrese de que todas las prendas donadas estén limpias y en buenas condiciones. ¡Agradecemos su ayuda para darles una segunda vida a estas prendas!
📍 Detalles para la entrega de donaciones:
Del 27 al 30 de julio, de 8:00am a 3:00pm, en el vestíbulo de Prestonwood Montessori
Gracias por ayudar a que nuestra reventa de uniformes sea un éxito. Sus donaciones apoyarán los programas e iniciativas de la PTO que benefician a nuestros estudiantes y a la comunidad escolar.
🐾 2026-2027 Spirit T-Shirts
Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker families and staff, it is time to order spirit shirts for the upcoming school year. These shirts are provided completely free of charge, sponsored by your PTO.
⚠️ No form, no shirt!
📅 Deadline to order: Friday, July 24th
To receive a shirt, an order form must be submitted for each student and staff member.
🔗 Order Link: https://forms.gle/xtk1BcDSab76Zf116
🐾 Camisetas de Espíritu 2026-2027
Familias y personal de Prestonwood Montessori en E.D. Walker, es hora de pedir las camisetas de espíritu para el próximo año escolar. Estas camisetas se proporcionan completamente gratis, patrocinadas por su PTO.
⚠️ ¡Sin formulario, sin camisa!
📅 Fecha límite para pedir: Viernes 24 de julio
Para recibir una camiseta, se debe enviar un formulario por cada estudiante y miembro del personal.
🔗 Enlace de Pedido: https://forms.gle/xtk1BcDSab76Zf116
Please note that bus routes are not finalized, when they are ready we will share them on the pupdate.