Mathews Weekly
Week of September 11, 2017
From Grace
Good afternoon, Wonderful Mathews Community! I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and that all friends and family are all safe from harm from hurricanes and earth quakes. I know the destructive weather has understandably caused anxiety and worry in some of our students but I've been amazed by how they're channeling that into action, collecting supplies and writing heartfelt letters to people they've never met. This is an incredibly caring community and we will continue to welcome and support all of our students.
Even with the horrific weather, this has been a strong three weeks of school. This last week, I witnessed students extending their thinking during read alouds, watched them work in partners or groups to make mathematical discoveries, read student letters and personal narratives rich in detail, and enjoyed their creative and resourceful thinking while engaged in design challenges. I saw students care for each other on the playground and help each other in classrooms and hallways. I am so proud of our staff and the learning experiences their designing. Thank you for the privilege of working with your children - it is truly a joy!
This week is a busy one for us at Mathews. Per House Bill 1501, I'll read a statement commemorating September 11th during the announcements tomorrow. We'll have our first fire drill of the year on Wednesday. The alarm is LOUD and students will exit the building with their teachers. Please talk with your child(ren) about this if you think the drill may may make them nervous or scared and assure them that we're just practicing. Wednesday also brings our first field trip of the year - kindergarten will be traveling to the Austin Playhouse to see The Selfish Giant. Should be a lovely experience. Thursday is Back to School Night for Kinder - 6th Grades! More information about that is below and Friday will be the first Principal's Coffee of the year. Bradford Hardie and I will be sharing Gifted and Talented and Title I updates.
I also want to make sure everyone is aware of the enrichment classes offered at Mathews after school. To learn more, please check out our website here: https://www.mathews360.com/programs/after-school/enrichment-classes/
Here's to another week full of learning and caring adventures. Enjoy the rest of your day and we'll see everyone in the 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
Back to School Night
What Back to School Night is: A fantastic way for parents to learn more information about the curriculum, teaching philosophies, and grade level/classroom practices for the year.
What Back to School Night is Not: A time for an individual conference about your child with his/her teacher. Please email your child's teacher to arrange an individual conference if needed and know that we have scheduled parent and teacher conferences on October 9, 2017.
Timeline for the Evening:
6:00 pm Classroom/Grade Level Presentations
6:35 pm Transition
6:40 pm Special Area Open House Visits
7:00 pm Have a lovely evening!
AISD Bond
- Districtwide improvements to technology for teachers and students and transportation,
- Improvements to address overcrowding and critical needs, and
- Reinvention programs for 21st century learning.
I encourage you to read more information about the bond here: https://www.austinisd.org/bond
Arrival Update
- If you wish to accompany your child into the building between 7:00-7:30 am, please do so, hug your child goodbye, and then exit the cafeteria.
- If you plan on eating breakfast with your child before 7:30 am, please do so, then hug your child goodbye and exit the cafeteria.
- If you wish to accompany your child into the building on or after 7:35 am, please walk your child directly to the classroom, and once the teacher and class are in the room, hug your child goodbye and then exit the hallway.
This will help us have smooth transitions from cafeteria to classrooms in the morning and make sure the walkways are clear for our students and their teachers. Clear walkways and smooth transitions will lead to a pleasant and calm beginning of the day. Thank you for your cooperation!
Gifted and Talented
For more information about AISD's Gifted and Talented program, you may join Mr. Hardie at the Principal's Coffee on Friday, September 15th, immediately after assembly or contact him at bradford.hardie@austinisd.org .
Staff Spotlight
Bradford Hardie, Assistant Principal
What is your favorite thing about being an administrator?
I really love the fact that I get to serve kids and adults. I get to work with a more diverse student body rather than being specialized in a single classroom.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading The Bats of the Republic which was written by my cousin, Zach Dodson who also illustrated and designed the whole thing. I had no idea that my cousin had such an incredible imagination - the book is sci-fi meets Texas history meets futuristic Steam Punk.
What is your favorite part of Mathews?
I really enjoy the size of Mathews because it cultivates such a tight-knit community and really feels like a family. I love our International Festival because it showcases the diversity of our school family.
Anything else you'd like us to know?
One of my favorite things in the world to do is to go free diving. Success in free diving is all about relaxation. I started in Costa Rica and have dived in Cozumel and Honduras. My record for holding my breath is five minutes while sedentary. My deepest dive was 50 or 60 feet.
Wednesday Folders
Octoberama!
The Week at a Glance
Monday, September 11, 2017
- Gifted and Talented Nomination Window Opens - 3rd - 5th Grade students ONLY
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
- Fire Drill - 8:45 am
- Kindergarten Field Trip - Austin Playhouse - 9:20 am
Thursday, September 14, 2017
- Vision and Hearing Screening - PreK, K, and 3rd Grades
- Back to School Night - 6:00 - 700 pm
Friday, September 15, 2017
- School-wide Assembly - 7:50 pm - Gym - All
- Principal Coffee - Immediately After Assembly: Bradford will share information about the Gifted and Talented Program and Nomination Process and Grace will give a Title I update - All are invited!
Upcoming Events:
- Mayor's Town Hall Meeting - September 19
- GT Nomination Window Closes - September 22
- CAC Meeting - September 25
- CATCH the Spirit of Kindness Family Night - September 28
- Mathews PTA Meeting - September 29
- Shelter in Place Drill - October 5
- Parent Teacher Conference Day - October 9
- Principal Coffee - October 13
- CAC Meeting - October 23
- Octoberama - October 28
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