Music that Describes Marta
Principal Plata has been a game changer to a community I have called home since I was born. A native of North Side and former student at Manuel Jara I can firsthand see the changes she has implemented. The different ways students are engage are truly amazing, but what stands out the most is the amount of parent involvement. Parent University is definitely a program that the North Side needed. Too many parents have to stop their education and focus on taking care of their families. With his curriculum put together by Principal Plata she is teaching parents the importance of being involved in their child's education, but more importantly she is giving those parents a second chance. A game changer is how I would describe Principal Plata.
I was looking to volunteer for a good educational cause in Fort Worth at the beginning of the year. I was told that an elementary school principal on the Northside of Fort Worth was doing great things and that I should see if she needed any help. I scheduled a 30-minute meeting with Marta for the following week. I spent 4 hours listening to her and understanding the struggles the kids and families in her community are faced with. She walked me through all the things she tries (with the generous support of her teachers and volunteers) to do to help the kids and their families. Parent University is only one example but it shines as I have heard many accounts of lives that have been transformed. She is a passionate advocate for her "babies" -- and she truly knows each one of the kids in her school because they have to write her essays about their goals and how they are working to meet them. Marta inspires people who come in contact with her to join her and she doesn't really even need to ask -- I've rarely met people who lead through inspiration like her. Look no further, you've found your LifeChanger of the Year.
Many people say, "You can live to work or you can work to live." Mrs. Plata chooses to live to work for God. She understands that every child has the ability to touch others. If we can bless them, we can bless the community.
Through Mrs. Plata, I have seen God work in my own life. She encouraged me to become bilingual certified. Little did she know, that was a dream of mine that had long been forgotten. Now, I am bilingual certified and she has completely altered the course of my teaching career.
Mrs. Plata is not like any other Principal, she expects greatness from everyone and will support you anyway possible. She knows that she has chosen the responsibility to show God’s love thru her leadership. The choices she makes have eternal impacts for every single staff member, student, and our community. That is why, she is a life changer.
Marta Plata is a great candidate and most certainly deserving of the LifeChanger of the Year Award. For 20 plus years, I have had the honor of knowing and at a time, working with Marta Plata. She was (and still is!) the kind of teacher you would want for your own children/grandchildren. I have observed her as a tireless Instructional Specialist, curriculum writer, Assistant Principal and now Principal. She literally knows education and its stakeholders from bottom to top. In each area, she has given her all. While her sight is set on ways to reach the many from those on her campus to the surrounding community. She never loses sight of the individual child or family. She is resourceful and reaches out to higher education entities, business owners, community members to put programs in place for the education and welfare of her students and their families. The goal for a better future.
There is not a person that is more deserving of this award than Mrs. Plata. I have had the pleasure and privilege of Mrs. Plata being my principal for over a decade. I have seen first hand the overwhelming passion she has for children and our community. I have seen first hand the confidence, knowledge, and passion Parent University has given our parents and students, there is no greater gift. She has truly changed peoples lives, including mine, in so many positive ways. Being able to see how our parents and students transform over the thirteen weeks of Parent University is life changing, and it is all because of Mrs. Plata's passion for kids and their families. She inspires me and so many people around her with her unrelenting passion not only for our students, but, also our families. I cannot say enough, she is a life changer, and couldn't be more deserving of this award.
martha plata es una persona increible ella hace todo por que sus estudiantes siempre esten adelante y no solo a sus estudiantes sino a su comunidad ami en lo personal me cambio definitivamente mi estilo de vida con las clases de universidad de padres a tal grado que pude hasta terminar mi GED y la verdad ella es una gran persona ya que ella motiva tanto a alumnos como a padres por igual, la verdad no tengo palabras para agradeserle pero estoy altamente agradesida con ella por seguirme brindando el apoyo y su motivacion para seguir adelante porque el estudio nunca termina y con el apoyo de alguien pues no hay mas que poner uno de su parte y seguir adelante y demostrarle a mis hijos que si se puede.
Martha Plata , No solo es la Directora de esta escuela sino que es una gran amiga preocupada siempre por sus alumnus, y mas que todo tambien por los padres de sus alumnos , ella siempre buscando oportunidades para cada uno de las personas que tienen cargo en esta escuela gran mujer, trabajadora y dedicada, apasionada hacia buscar lo major para nosotros se merece lo mejor
una exelente persona y un muy buen trabajo yo estoy muy contenta con su trabajo . personas como ella nesecitamos mas.
es una persona mui espesial por que ayuda amuchas personas
la principal Plata es una persona excellente muy atenta y dedicada completamente a su trabajo haciendo todo lo que esta en sus manos por los ninos y tambien creando programas para los padres
So grateful to have Mrs. Plata as Manuel Jara's Principal. Seeing all the extra and educational curriculum she has created for the future of all the young students. Not only does she have a passion for student but also for the parents of the students. Mrs. Plata has dedicated her time to created Parent University for the parents, such a great program for parents to continue the education for the future of the students. So proud of Plata !!
ecxelente persona, muy servicial, muy atenta a las nesesidades de la comunidad
muchas gracias ms plata por todo el apoyo que les da a nuestros hijos es una gran persona
Quiero agradecer a la senora plata por los programas que a traido para los padres de familias que en lo personal me servido bastante y espero nos pueda seguir ayudando para seguir creciendo junto a nuestros hijos y para traer a mas padres de familia para que puedan ayudar a sus hijos gracias.
Mrs. Plata es una de las pocas personas que conozco y que hay por que ella se preocupa mucho por los estudiantes y los motiva a que se esfuercen cada dia mas en sus estudios,también es una persona muy dedicada a su plantel escolar.
Ella nos invitó a mi esposo y a mi a un programa para padres este programa nos a ayudado mucho con la educación de mis hijos tanto en la escuela como en la casa.
Ms. Plata es una de las pocas personas que conozco y que hay por que ella se preocupa mucho por los estudiantes y los motiva a que se esfuercen cada dia mas en sus estudios,también es una persona muy dedicada a su plantel escolar.
Ella nos invitó a mi esposo y a mi a un programa para padres este programa nos a ayudado mucho con la educación de mis hijos tanto en la escuela como en la casa.
Ella es una gran profesional, tiene muchas buenas expectativas en la Escuela que tan noblemente dirige. Pero sobre todo es un buen ser humano que a pesar de tener tantas ocupaciones, se detiene a escuchar a quien la necesita. Solo deseo que siempre ella tenga todas las bendiciones para continuar su noble labor. Gracias por todo.
La Sra. Plata, merece todos los reconocimientos por la gran dedicación y pasión que tiene para el aprovechamiento de sus estudiantes y al mismo tiempo incluyendo a los padres de familia con clases de acuerdo a sus necesidades para que puedan ayudar mejor a sus hijos para que sean personas de éxito en la vida.
martha plata es una persona entregada servicial y muy amable tiene una gran capacidad de liderasgo save como lidiar con la problematica de cada dia con sus estudiantes siempre tiene una solucion para cada situacion es una persona umanitaria y con un gran corazon agradesco sus atenciones.
Estas clases se ignifican muy inportantes para mi sobre todo la motivacion para todos los padres de familia y gracias a la directora de la escuela manuel jara a motibarnos con las clases que ofrece en su escuela.
yo estoy de acuerdo que ella gane el premio por que es una directora dedicada a su trabajo y a sus alumnos a que salgan adelante
Ms. Plata is a wonderful school leader who cares so much for her school community. She is an exemplary example for all educators, myself included! Thank you Ms. Plata for your dedication to your students, parents, staff, and community!!!
Intelligent, genuineness, and enthusiasm are the first three words that come to my mind when describing Marta Plata. Her personal commitment to excellence is apparent in her professional dedication and authenticity to serve others.
Marta Plata is a leader for her campus and community. Ms. Plata’s unyielding passion for continuous improvement and a growth mindset for students, teachers, and parents fills her campus. Ms. Plata has dedicated her career to increasing academic achievement for her students through goal setting, expected yearly literacy growth and daily attendance. Her vast knowledge and skills not only touch her students and staff, but also her parents. Ms. Plata designed and implemented a Parent University to align and support student achievement by engaging the most important stakeholders in a child’s education, parents! I have personally been witnessed to her vision becoming a reality and how it has impacted an entire community as well as a large urban district. Ms. Plata continuously commits herself to her campus and community each year.
In the words of John C. Maxwell, A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
Ms. Plata is the model of a true leader.
Ms.Plata have changed many family life in different ways. I proud to say I am one of them.Thank to her decation we as a family will succeed.
When I found out about Mrs. Plata's nomination, I thought to myself that there's no one more deserving than her. I have been blessed to have her as my principal for many years, and I have seen how many lives she has changed throughout the years. She has the biggest heart, and is so passionate about our students, the families, and her staff. At Manuel Jara, our work is rigorous but fun! It's all about building relationships with our students and families. Mrs. Plata has implemented numerous activities at the campus to make sure that our students LOVE coming to school everyday. At the end of every six weeks we have the High Five guys greet our students as they enter the school with an encouraging word. The boys wear ties and the girls wear pearls for the day. All of the grade levels attend a fun filled motivational rally. I love our Sports Grill in the cafeteria where our students are allowed to sit wherever they want and enjoy the music playing while eating with their friends. I'm extremely proud of her passion with Parent University. I've been blessed to be a part of it from day one. It melts your heart when you see the smiles on the parents faces every year at their graduation after the 13 weeks. The parents just continue to ask for more classes. The parents feel confident, proud, and show the desire to be more expressive. Mrs Plata has built such a bond with the families. She always has an open door for anyone anytime. I know other principals and districts are implementing her vision at their campuses because they have seen what a difference her Parent University courses make when you show the parents that we care. I could go on and on about how deserving this amazing woman is and the difference she makes in peoples lives on a daily basis, including mine. Marta Plata is definitely a Lifechanger!
When I first walked through the doors at Manuel Jara Elemetary, I came for an interview. It so happened to be on a Thursday evening. I had no idea what to expect or did not know anything about the Northside. After the interview, I left feeling so inspired. I got to witness first hand what Parent University was about. I loved Mrs. Plata's vision and her passion to help not only the students, but to help the parents and community as well! Mrs. Plata has helped me and many others become a better leader. Without her guidance, I would be lost . She truly is a an inspiration to everyone here at Manuel Jara!
From the moment I met Mrs. Plata I knew I had met an agent of change. Her vision, passion, and beliefs about her students, staff, parents, and community were very evident. Mrs. Plata embodies the idea of equitable education. She believes that if you involve and empower parents with the tools they need to be successful, student success will follow. I have met and work with many great leaders, but I am honored and grateful to be able to work alongside Mrs. Plata.
Martha Plata is a leader who is inspirational and proactive. She is kind and has the wisdom to motivate.She has impacted my life by always providing advise that sparks innovation. Her dedication to education has been a guiding force to make a difference in the lives of our future generations. I have been a witness to her career and personal growth.She is truly an example a genuine heart that does what is the best for others.It has been a privilege to have her as a part of my journey.
I have worked in many schools as an aide and have seen how others focus on the students and foster involvement through sports or other extra curricular activities for them. When I became a teacher I chose to work here because having worked as an aide at this school I was able to see so much parent involvement. I believe that is very crucial and as a product of this exact neighborhood I wish my parents had gotten involved in a program or programs such as that Mrs. Plata provides, back when I was in school. She had a dream and a plan and was willing to work hard to see it, and her students succeed. It is a great program and I am always happy to volunteer for it every year. She continues to do great things for this community. She never stops. Thank you.
Marta Plata has been a true inspiration to all those around her. As her former Assistant Principal, I was always amazed at how positive and passionate she was towards her students, staff, parents and community. She is truly talented and extremely resourceful. When she had an idea (she has several of those), she would waste no time seeing them through. She has been a real blessing and is so deserving of this nomination.
I have taught at Manuel Jara Elementary for 7 years. She has been my principal for each of those years. As an educator, I've never been pushed more to reach my full potential! She always encourages me, and gives me everything I need to be successful in the classroom. She believes in me, and for that I always strive to be the best teacher I can be. I admire her passion for our school, and I am in awe at how much she helps and offers our parents. She really is "Our Life Changer" and she deserves this honor and recognition for her admirable work.
No administrator cares more deeply about each student both academically and personally than Mrs. Plata. She is a leader in providing Parent University at her campus and is very much involved in the community. Being a principal is more than her job, it is her ministry.
Mrs. Plata could not be more deserving of this honor. As a principal in another district, I took several teams to Manuel Jara Elementary to learn about Parent University. We were so amazed at the love and caring she displayed to all of the parents and to us as visitors. She took the time to meet with us, explain the program, and answer all of our questions. We implemented Parent University at our school as a result.
More importantly however, Mrs.Plata has served as a source of strength, guidance, and support through the last two difficult years of my life. After becoming a widower, she took me in as a friend, praying for me, and always seeming to send me an encouraging word when I needed it the most. She had been an inspiration for me both professionally and personally. Her optimism and love of life is second only to her unwavering faith. I highly recommend Mrs. Marta Plata for this honor, and know that each person’s life she has touched will speak volumes more in the years to come.
As an elected member of the Texas State Board of Education, I am always on the look-out for outstanding administrators and teachers. Marta Plata is one of those people! She is a shining star who inspires me to continue fighting on behalf of our precious schoolchildren. The Parent University Program that Marta started at her school has grown and grown. Now, many of the schools in her school district have adopted the program. Parents thrive under Marta's special attention and want to continue in the program. Now, the earlier graduates coach and mentor the newer members of the program as they guide them through the joys and hardships of parenting. Marta has also built bridges with the local community college for the parents in her program to earn college credit. At the end of each Parent University semester, Marta coordinates a graduation ceremony, complete with caps and gowns. For some of these parents, it is the first time they have worn a cap and gown to commemorate the completion of any program or degree. For many, it motivates them to pursue education at a higher level than what they currently have; that could mean attaining their GED or attending community college to attain certifications for employable skills. Marta knows that if parents are given guidance, support, and encouragement, their children will benefit greatly emotionally, socially, and ultimately academically. Her passion and energy are contagious and I count it a privilege to know her. I support Marta wholeheartedly as a Life Changer!
It is a delight and a privilege to share about Principal Marta Plata. I first met Marta eight years ago. One of our member churches, Primera Baptist Church had been partnering with Manuel Jara to provide Game Boys for students who had perfect attendance. I learned that when Marta first went to this school there were no children with perfect attendance. Marta wanted to change the culture and encourage children to make every effort to be in school to learn. The first year she implemented this reward, the church provided fewer than ten (10) Game Boys. However, this soon changed and the following year there were over 100 children with perfect attendance. And yes, Mrs. Plata went to businesses and friends to be sure each child received this incentive. The culture had changed.
Mrs Plata had connected with area churches, business leaders and police officers to come and prayer walk their school. She asked for prayer for the students so that each one would feel God’s love and peace. She asked us to pray for their parents that they would have jobs and resources to provide for their families. Mrs. Plata asked us to pray for their teachers and staff that they would have strength, wisdom and patience as they taught these future leaders. Then Mrs. Plata asked if we would pray for local business that they would thrive.
An exciting initiative that Mrs. Plata started was to empower parents. She saw that so many parents wanted to know how to better help their children. Parent University was birthed. Mrs. Plata asked her staff and local churches if they would invest one night a week into parents for a thirteen (13) week course. I believe the first year there were 25 parents. Not only did these parents complete this course, but Mrs. Plata wanted to honor them for wanting to better themselves for their children. Mrs. Plata got caps and gowns for each parent and took 8x10 portrait pictures to display in the hall of her school. A graduation ceremony was held for these parents.
These parents were so inspired that they asked Mrs. Plata to write more curriculum so they could continue their learning.
Parent University now has three levels. Each level is offered in both English and Spanish. The third level is GED Training.
As I mentioned, Mrs. Plata wants to empower parents as well as children. She engaged Tarrant County College to come and offer the GED training. Now parents are going on to college. They are able to get better jobs to provide for their families.
Yes, Mrs. Plata is one of those special change agents. Does she get tired and discouraged? Yes, but she is a visionary who keeps working.
I’m so excited she us being recognized.
Becky Biser,
Director of Leadership Development
Tarrant Baptist Association
I have had the honor and privilege of observing Mrs. Plata's amazing leadership as I have served her campus as the executive director of elementary leadership the last two school years. Mrs. Plata is passionate about every student being successful and for every student to be on a trajectory of college and career ready. She empowers her teachers to be leaders at Manual Jara with an intense focus on data analysis to guide instruction. In addition, she is a visionary in regards to knowing how to equip parents with tools to support their child when students step outside of Manual Jara Elementary. The Parent University program helps build the capacity of Manual Jara parents to be the best parents they can be!
Mrs. Plata is so deserving for both her hard work and dedication to FWISD students.
Principal Plata is admired by so many colleagues near and far. Her devotion, dedication, and diligence in serving our youth is one of her greatest qualities. So many have been touched by her in ways she may never know. She is the epitome of excellence, integrity, and servant leader. Principal Plata is not only a life changer, she is a game changer, change agent, and giver of life-long learning.
I have known Marta Plata for many years. She has always been so determined and ambitious. She’s also very caring and giving. She especially loves children!
You are an example and a mentor to others of your dedication, teamwork, visionary, empowerment and the love and belief to educate in a positive change. Always moving forward!
Your dedication and hard work have been noticed and I can’t imagine a more deserving person. You have always been a great leader and great educator and your gifts have inspired us all. May you always continue to shine in all that you do. What an honor to be nominated as “Lifechanger of the Year”! Well done and good luck!
Marta Plata in my opinion is very deserving of this award I have seen her work very hard to accomplish her goals to be an educator. I believe she truly is a blessing to all that come in contact with her and I know that she cares about each and every one of the children that attend her school along with the parents and the community. She has always been a great blessing in my life and all those around her. I pray that she is given this award because I know she really wants to help her school to improve the children’s education and to continue to help her community.
Mrs. Marta Plata Principal at Manuel Jara Elementary in Fort Worth Texas is quite a visionary. She has a deep passion for helping others. Parent University among other projects was born out of this passion. She impacts her community not in the academic area but the emotional as well. The proof is in the results the community has seen. Students,parents,Board members etc, can vouch for the tremendous impact she has had in their lives.
I believe her success is due to SOMETHING greater than herself. God had granted her great wisdom to accomplish the gift He has placed in her life. ??
I have known Marta for over 15 years. She has been very influential in my personal and professional life. We have borrowed a lot of the initiatives she has implemented at her campus. Her staff and community members always have something positive to say about her. Her love for children is evident and her passion for education is definitely contagious.
Marta Plata has been a community leader for many years. She provides strong guidance to her students and staff as their school principal. Mrs. Plata demonstrates her belief in their capabilities and accomplishments with many caring actions of recognition.
Mrs Marta Plata is a true life changer. She has been an inspirational and motivational vessel responsible for changing the lives of many of her students as well as parents . Her benchmark for progress and achievement has been meeting and addressing needs and level of needs through her individual interaction with her students parent education and community involvement . She is definitely a visionary impacting all three groups: students, parents and community in a positive way.
One of a kind. Indulge her in conversation and you will know what her passion is about. Education, kids and their parents are foremost in her thoughts and planning.
Mrs. Plata has made a difference in the lives not only if her students, but also of the whole family. Several years ago, she brought to her school Parent University. Parents have been attending parenting classes and when they complete that program; they continue with GED classes, enroll in college classes, etc. She shared her idea with other Principals who have also implemented the program spreading the the impact through the community.
Mrs. Plata principal at Manuel Jara elementary school, is such a wonderful asset to her school and community. This principal is the perfect definition for a life changer since every positive change in life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision that you are going to either do something or stop doing something. Mrs. Plata has always made the decision to make change and do something for her students, her staff, and community she serves she has done this by starting: parent university, high five club, books for bikes, fathers and ties, turkey drives and toy drives along with several other community involved organizations. She is an asset to her school community.
Es el primer año que mi hija,asiste a Manuel jara, asistia a otra escuela, pero la señora plata, me a ayudado mucho con mi hija devido a una condicion que ella sufre, mi hija tiene q faltar para ir a sus citas, he encontrado , mucho apoyo en escuela ,tanto en la directora, como en los maestros, muchas gracias por todo, Manuel Jara
Marta Plata, principal at Manual Jara in Fort Worth, Texas, is a wonderful conscientious educator who loves her students. She is constantly implementing new initiatives to give them every opportunity to learn and grow. Shje establishes a High Five program with community members showing up at school to recognize children and encourage their education. Mrs. Plata uses Motvational rally’s encouraging success creating fun and inspiring value for children. She sets up a Christmas toy store allowing children to select gifts and wrap them for their families, and experience the joy of giving! She is constantly initiating new initiatives and including people in many walks of life for the children to learn from, including local police and community churches. She is a joy to her staff, students, volunteers and families. She spends much of her own time and resources to “be a change agent” in the community. A wonderful blessing!!
