Mathews Weekly
Week of November 6, 2017
From Grace
Good afternoon, Wonderful Mathews Community! I hope everyone enjoyed the extra hour of sleep last night. "Falling back" always feels like a treat to me - that wondrous gift of time that makes everything feel a bit less hectic.
Speaking of hectic, as a parent myself, I know that mornings can sometimes be a flurry of activity as everyone in the house prepares for school and/or work. Here at school, we see the results of the morning rush when students arrive late to class. One day last week, Mr. Hardie counted the number of students who walked through the front doors after the tardy bell had rung and there were 73. That's a little over 16% of our students. Yikes! I realize that the struggle with Austin traffic is real and sometimes other things happen to make the morning commute longer than expected, whether you live near Mathews or not. Even with that, however, it is important to plan for these things and have your child in class on time for a number of reasons:
- A calm and organized start to the day, where children can follow established classroom routines and procedures to begin class, lessens potential anxiety and helps children feel prepared for the day.
- When children are late, they often miss out on announcements, morning meetings, and other activities designed to build connections between peers in the classroom.
- Teachers must often stop what they're doing to help late children catch up on what's happening in the classroom, which is hard on the whole class.
- Being on time is a part of good attendance which will help our children not only at Mathews but throughout their academic careers.
So, what can you do?
- Families can make a difference. From a child’s first day of formal schooling, you can set the expectation that school attendance matters to you.
- Set regular bed time and morning routines.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Make school lunches the night before.
- Develop a back-up plan for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Set the alarm 10 minutes earlier. :)
Know that we appreciate the vast majority of you who make sure to have your child in class on time each day. And to all of our families, thank you for all you do to support the all of our students and for partnering with us in their education. Let's work together to reduce tardies and start the school day on a positive note.
Important Information and Friendly Reminders:
- Tuesday is Election Day! If you have questions about the bond, please use the links below or feel free to ask me. No matter how you feel, please remember to vote!
- Remember to drive safely around our school, especially during drop off and pick up.
- Please have your children in class by 7:45 am. Thanks!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and we'll see everyone on Monday morning!
*If you happen to know of a family who isn't getting these weekly email messages, please let them know they can opt in to messages in the parent cloud at: my.austinsid.org
Important Information
AISD BOND
The Bond Election Date is Tuesday! Still have questions about the scope of the bond and what it means for Mathews, the Austin High Vertical Team and the district as a whole?
- The Austin High Vertical Team is expected to get $77 million for improvement projects that modernize our schools. Mathews is scheduled to get needed work in the first year and full modernization within the next 6-12 years.
- Specific information about work scheduled for Mathews (a few things may change) within the first year can be found here: https://www.aecomconnect.com/AISD_FCA/Docs/DraftBondScenario/ElementarySchools/AISD_Bond%20Planning_Mathews%20ES_A3.pdf
- Check out www.AISDFuture.com for school project sheets, financial FAQ videos, etc.
Arrival Update and Dismissal
Dismissal: We have more buses/vans picking up our kiddos this year. Please do not park in the front between 2:00 and 3:15 pm, even if waiting for dismissal. It is important that we leave the front lane open for buses and childcare vans. Thank you!!
Wednesday Folders
The Week at a Glance - Spirit Week!
Monday, November 6, 2017
- 1st Grade Field Trip - 11:15 am - Paramount Theater
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
- Election Day - Please vote!
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
- Kinder Field Trip - 9:30 am - American Botanical Council
- Austin String Fest - 6th Grade Orchestra
Thursday, November 9, 2017
- Kinder Field Trip - 9:30 am - American Botanical Council
- Beginning Band Night - 6:30 pm - House Park - 6th Grade Band
- 5th Grade Musical - 7:00 pm - Cafeteria
Friday, November 10, 2017
- No Assembly Today
- Principal Coffee - 7:45 am - Library - Grace
- 5th Grade Musical Performance - 8:30 am - Cafeteria
- 2nd Grade Field Trip - 9:00 am - University of Texas
Upcoming Events:
- November 20-24 - Thanksgiving Break
- November 27 - CAC Meeting
- December 8 - Mathews Meeting
- December 12 - Winter Concert
- December 14 - Fire Drill
- December 15 - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Dragon Reveal
- December 15 - Fairy Tale Theater
- December 15 - Reverse Evacuation Drill
- December 20 - Winter Break!
About Us
Website: mathews360.com
Location: 906 West Lynn Street, Austin, TX, United States
Phone: 512-414-4406
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mathews360/
Twitter: @mathews360