Mathews Messenger, 14

Hello, Wonderful Mathews Community! Can you believe this is our last week before the Fall break? Once again, the calendar is full and I want to share some of the good things that will be taking place at school this week.

We'll have our November CAC meeting on Tuesday afternoon and our and PTA meeting on Thursday morning. I'm also looking forward to our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday and our celebration of Native American Heritage Month on Friday! We're delighted to welcome back Ottertrail, a dynamic musical group out of Oklahoma. Click HERE if you'd like to listen to some of their music. What a gift for our students! Many thanks to our PTA for their support of our cultural celebrations.

On behalf of all of us at Mathews, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your family. We are grateful for your continued support for our school!

Monday, November 18:

• Welcome to a new week of learning!

Tuesday, November 19:

• PALS Weekly Visit at 11:20 am
• CAC Meeting at 4:00 pm on Google Meet
• Agenda
• Meeting Link

Wednesday, November 20:

• 6th Grade Job Shadowing out in the Community

Thursday, November 21:

• Happy Birthday, Stephanie Mancias! 🎉
• PTA Meeting at 8:00 am in the Cafeteria
• Thanksgiving Luncheon as Scheduled
• Prek: 10:30 am
• Kinder: 10:40 am
• 1st Grade: 11:00 am
• 2nd Grade: 11:15 am
• 3rd Grade: 11:30 am
• 5th Grade: 11:50 am
• 4th Grade: 12:15 pm
• 6th Grade: 12:30 pm

Friday, November 22:

• School-wide Assembly at 8:00 am in the gym - Native American Heritage Celebration with Theater of the Plains Performance by Ottertail!

• November 17: Mathews Students Announce Authors at the Texas Book Festival!
• November 19: CAC Meeting
• November 20: 6th Grade Job Shadowing
• November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon
• November 22: Native American Heritage Celebration
• November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
• December 2: MapGrowth MOY Window Opens
• December 9: Human Sexuality and Responsibility Lessons Begin for 6th Grade
• December 13: Staff Holiday Party!
• December 16: Human Sexuality and Responsibility Lessons Begin for K-5th Grades
• December 17: December CAC Meeting
• December 17: Mathews Choir Winter Concert
• December 20: MapGrowth MOY Window Closes
• December 20: Last Day of School for First Semester
• December 23-January 3: Winter Break!

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means being aware of and grateful for good things that happen.

Gratitude is about feeling and showing thankfulness. It helps us see the good in others and in the world. People with gratitude are ready to appreciate and return kindness. Expert Robert Emmons says gratitude strengthens relationships because it makes us recognize how others support us.

Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is linked to more energy, empathy, happiness, and optimism. The good news is that gratitude can be practiced and strengthened like a muscle. The more we practice it, the more benefits we get.

To practice and encourage this strength at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

With many Austin ISD students living in food-insecure households, accessing healthy food may be challenging when the district is closed. Families can use the community resources below to find free meals in their area while Austin ISD offices and schools are closed for the fall break:

• Central Texas Food Bank (www.centraltexasfoodbank.org)

• United Way for Greater Austin - ConnectATX (www.connectatx.org)

• Texas Health and Human Services - Call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 to speak to a live operator.

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El acceso a los alimentos puede resultar difícil para muchas familias cuando el distrito cierra. Las familias pueden utilizar los recursos comunitarios a continuación para encontrar comidas gratuitas en su área mientras las oficinas y escuelas de Austin ISD están cerradas durante las vacaciones de otoño:

• Banco de Alimentos del Centro de Texas (www.centraltexasfoodbank.org)

• United Way for Greater Austin (www.connectatx.org)

• Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas - Llame al 2-1-1 o al (877) 541-7905 para hablar con un operador

This is a friendly reminder that it takes all of us to have a safe and efficient arrival each morning. We've seen some not-safe driving behaviors in the last week. Please remember:

• There is NO parking in the front drive between 7:00 - 8:00 am. If you would like to walk your child/children to the front door, please park in the neighborhood and walk together.
• There are NO u-turns in front of the school. West Lynn is a narrow street and it is dangerous. Please take the extra 60 seconds to drive around the block.
• Please use the crosswalk when crossing West Lynn - it's for everyone's safety.
• Please be aware of your surroundings, wait your turn, and be patient.

Thank you! Let's work together for a safe arrival!

Enrollment during this period is open to all new and returning Austin ISD students. Students interested in admissions- and campus-based programs must complete their enrollment and any campus-specific application requirements on or before February 4, 2025

Please click the button below for more information and to begin the process!

Our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 21st. If you did not buy a ticket last week, we will not be able to provide lunch for you. Please see the schedule of lunches below:

The Mathews Holiday Elves Program supports Mathews' families in need for the holidays. We would like to invite you to participate in the confidential program if you feel your family might need assistance during this holiday season. We also invite sponsors to fill out a form if you would like to help a family this year.

Please review and fill out the form below if you would like to sponsor a family.

https://forms.gle/zLasRH8jfCeR7TPD8

If you are in need of assistance, please see the attached form and turn into the front office. You can reply by email to stephanie.reyna@austinisd.org or cindy.wappler@austinisd.org

Paper-based copies will also be sent home in the student's backpacks upon request.

November 16, 2024

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Center for Child Protection

Our annual Family Resource Festival is free, open to the public, and aims to provide valuable information on local resources and support to our community. In addition to promoting the amazing resources and organizations here in Travis County, we will have many family-friendly activities, including games, photo booths, free food, music, and giveaways!

Please RSVP for the event so we can anticipate for food and support! For more information please email jcabin@centerforchildprotection.org.

The Austin Powwow and American Indian Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Travis Expo Center (7311 Decker Ln. Austin, TX 78724).

The event includes traditional dance competitions, singers, musicians, artists, craftsmen, and a Native American market and food court. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Parking is FREE. Adult tickets can be purchased online for $7 or at the gate for $10, cash only.

The School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) is a school board-appointed advisory group of individuals representing different community segments. By law, most of the members must be parents of students enrolled in the district who are not employed by the district. The AISD SHAC comprises parents, community members, students, and school staff working together to improve the health of all students and families through coordinated school health programs. Texas law requires all school districts to have a SHAC, and that notice must be posted at least 72 hours before each SHAC meeting “on a bulletin board in the central administrative office of each campus in the school district” (TEC Section 28.004).

The SHAC typically holds monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of every month, with the exception of December and July. The meetings are from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and are held on the 2nd floor of the AISD Headquarters Building located at 4000 S. I-H 35 Frontage Rd. Austin, TX 78704 or virtually.

SHAC Meeting Dates and Locations

The next School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) meeting is Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

• SHAC Agenda November 7, 2024 (English)

• SHAC Agenda November 7, 2024 (Spanish)

DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 9:00 am to 11:40 am

This year, we're excited to announce a new addition to our TFS program! For the first time ever, we'll be hosting a live event where families can meet our TFS presenters and other community members in person. There will be a panel discussion on important topics like parental stress and Austin ISD's emergency plans.

This will offer an opportunity to build meaningful relationships between families, schools, and the community.

Location: Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

We hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome!

Please use this form to register for this event.

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Este año, ¡hay una gran novedad en nuestro programa TFS(Tools for Success)! Por primera vez, tendremos un evento en vivo donde las familias podrán conocer en persona a nuestros presentadores de TFS y a otros miembros de la comunidad. Habrá un panel de discusión sobre temas importantes como el estrés de los padres y los planes de emergencia de Austin ISD.

¡Será una oportunidad única para crear relaciones significativas entre las familias, las escuelas y la comunidad!

Lugar: Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

¡Todos son bienvenidos!

Favor de utilizar este formulario para registrarse para el evento.

There's a proposal to expand MoPac south of downtown, and your voice is needed at a meeting on November 12! This would be a major project that would impact every family who uses MoPac to get to or from school and work. That includes families who have or will someday have students at Austin High.

The proposal has been developed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and the project would stretch from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane.

The details about impacts to traffic near Austin High and access between MoPac and the campus are especially important for our community to understand and weigh in on. Your input can help ensure all aspects are considered, including potential impacts on travel time, traffic, and safety - including the safety of new high school drivers.

There are a few ways to learn more and make your voice heard:

• Attend a meeting at Austin High on November 12 to talk with the MoPac South team about details about the plans and to share your input. It's an open house that runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and it's open to the community.

  
  

• Attend a virtual open house online, where you can see the materials online beginning at 5:00 on November 12.

  
  

• Share your comments about the project no later than December 29. You can comment at the meeting, by email, by mail or online. An online comment form will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, until Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (No link is available yet.) You can also email MoPacSouth@ctrma.org or send a letter to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, c/o MoPac South Environmental Study, 3300 N I-H 35, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78705

  
  

• Learn about the project's history, follow developments, and sign up for updates at https://www.mopacsouth.com/

This resource will provide families with insights into the comprehension and foundational skills their children are learning in kinder, 1st, and 2nd grades, as well as strategies for support at home.

Tuesday, November 12 from 6-7pm (VIRTUAL)

This virtual information session will highlight multiple advanced pathways and opportunities in Austin ISD including:

• Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate, & OnRamps

• Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• Early College Programs- ECHS & P-TECH

• Fine Arts

• World Languages and Dual Language pathways

• STEM & Humanities

• AVID (College Readiness)

• Student Supports such as Special Ed, 504, & GT

CAMPO is the regional transportation planning organization encompassing Bastrop, Burnet, Cadwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. They are committed to improving mobility and ultimately, quality of life within the six-county region and ensuring the benefits of the transportation system are distributed fairly across all demographics throughout rural, urban, and suburban areas.

CAMPO is creating a comprehensive, multimodal 2050 Plan that includes improved roads, transit, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and changes to commuting patterns. Families are invited to provide feedback to guide the transit and mobility planning organization to gain resources for transit and mobility needs related to your communities and schools.

Learn more and take a survey: Visit the CAMP 2050 website to find more information about the Campo 2050 Plan and complete a survey about your travel habits and needs.

Stay plugged in: Consideration and adoption of the CAMPO 2050 Plan is a years-long process and includes two phases of public outreach and comment periods. The first phase runs through December 9, 2024. The second phase of public outreach and commenting will take place in early 2025.

CAMP outreach events: View upcoming events, or call 512- 651-3964 to request by mail.

Our Special Areas team is amazing! Use the buttons below to learn more about music , PE, and innovation lab! 🎨🔬🏐🎶

Our Special Areas team is amazing! Use the buttons below to learn more!

Campfire Kids is offering a second half of the semester bundle! Classes run from 10/21-12/20 and include archery and the nature/environmental curriculum.

We are excited to share the details of our upcoming Family Empower Hour sessions which provide valuable information and support to our students' families. The Family Empower Hour schedule is also available on the external AISD Special Education website. Families can also access recordings from previous offerings, as well.

AISD changed the system for volunteer registration and background checks so it has taken us a little longer than usual to get the information out to you. All Mathews volunteers who will be in contact with children must complete a background check. Background checks are good for one year. If you’re a new volunteer or haven’t done a background check in the current school year, please click the link and follow the directions below. It’s quick and easy!

To begin the volunteer approval process, please click on the link below.

• Austin ISD Volunteers

Our PTA is an amazing group who support our whole school. Join today and become of a part of this dynamic, welcoming, and supportive group - you'll make a difference while having fun and getting to know new people!

The Responsible Use Policy is now in place. Acknowledgement and adherence to the RUP is applicable each time anyone uses an AISD device, logs into our network and/or accesses the AISD portal and related applications. Please take time to review the K-5 Responsible Use Policy

AISD is invested in using technology to enhance student learning and improve learning outcomes. Using your device, the AISD network, and systems is a privilege and any privilege comes with responsibility. Signing this Responsible Use Policy (RUP) will serve as an acknowledgement of this information for students and families.

• Student Responsible Use Policy (PreK-5th)
  
• Student Responsible Use Policy (6th - 12th)

Please see information below on the AISD Student Success Guide for the 24-25 School Year:

Education in this community represents a significant commitment of financial and human resources. The benefits a student derives from this investment depend very much on the student's attitude toward learning and the student's adherence to high standards of behavior.

The Student Code of Conduct that follows is the district's specific response to requirements of Chapter 37: Discipline; Law And Order of the Texas Education Code. The law requires the district to define misconduct that may or must result in a range of specific disciplinary consequences.

This code is an outgrowth of collaboration among district and campus staff, parents, and other community members and was adopted by the AISD Board of Trustees. It provides information and direction to students and parents regarding standards of behavior as well as consequences of misconduct. In the case of conflict between the Student Code of Conduct and board policy, the Student Code of Conduct will prevail.

Please click on the button below to see the Mathews Parent and Student Handbook. We ask that you take the time to review the information in the handbook for the 24-25 school year. Thank you!

We follow the Standard Response Protocol from the i love you guys organization. Below you will find a handy two-page document that explains each of the five types of drills we run along with a guide for parents explaining what to do in the event of a true emergency.

• Please send in documentation of student absences using the School Absence Form on the AISD website or complete a paper form (pick up in Front Office).
• We, DO NOT accept phone calls or voicemail messages as documentation for a student's absence.
• Please have medical offices submit documentation of your student’s visit to mathews@austinisd.org
• Please allow up to 72 hours (3 business days) for attendance to be corrected.
• Set up notifications for your student’s attendance and grades via Parent Self Serve.
• Students attending family trips during scheduled school days will remain coded as an unexcused absence. Car problems, traffic, or oversleeping will not be considered as an excused absence or excused tardy.

A student is tardy if he/she is not with their homeroom teacher when the 7:40 bell rings. If you arrive late to school, your student will be required to come to the office for a tardy slip before going to class.

What to do if your student must leave school early:

• When you arrive to Mathews to pick up your student, please be prepared with your photo I.D. Your student will then be called to the attendance office to leave campus.

• Please do not plan to pick up your student from school 30 minutes prior to dismissal (ie 2:40 PM).

• You must sign the student out in the office. Students leaving for a medical appointment must bring a note from the doctor to excuse the absence/tardy.

For more information visit the district's attendance page.

2024-25 Bus information for eligible students

• We recommend families whose students are eligible for General Education transportation to check their bus information by checking the district’s “Bus Stop Finder''. The System will be back live on our website at the end of July.

• Families whose students have special needs will receive their information in person from their bus teams. *Please keep in mind routes and stops may change periodically. So, please visit the website periodically.

“Where's The Bus” App for Families

• AISD’s transportation team offers families the “WheresTheBus” app, which provides timely information about the location of their student’s assigned bus only, including when it will arrive at their stop.

• The free app is available on any device with internet access (smartphone, tablet, personal computer, iPad)—and takes less than five minutes to install. Instructions are available at https://www.austinisd.org/transportation.

Exterior Doors:

• All exterior doors will remain locked at all times during the school day, including doors that lead to the playground areas. Portable classroom doors will also remain fully locked all day.
  
• Staff will check each exterior door every evening and morning to ensure they are locked and secure.

Interior Doors:

• All classroom doors will remain locked throughout the day.

Visitors:

• Visitors are welcome at Mathews!
• The main front doors are the only entry doors to the campus for visitors. The door buzzer/office communicator is on the left side wall by the front doors. Please push the button to communicate with the office and, once verified, we will buzz you in to the building.
• All visitors MUST sign in at the front office upon arrival AND sign out at the front office when leaving. Please remember to bring your photo ID with you when visiting campus.
• IMPORTANT: Families, there are no lunch visitor allowed during the first two weeks of school as we help our students learn lunchtime routines and procedures. Thank you!
• IMPORTANT: Families, please do not ask a staff member to hold a side or back door for you to enter the building. All students, parents, and visitors must enter through the front entry doors. Thank you!

Staff Training, Campus Drills, and Threat Assessment

• Our staff will be trained on safety prior to students entering the building.
• We will review safety plans and practices throughout the year.
• We will hold all required safety drills with our students. Most of the drills will be announced drills so our students aren't surprised or alarmed by them.
• Mathews has an established threat assessment team comprised of administration, counseling and teaching staff. All members of the team have received Threat Assessment training from Texas State. Licensed Mental Health Providers and School Resource Officers are on call to assist when needed.

• Temperature guidelines have been established in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for students participating in outdoor activities at Austin ISD.

• The listed temperatures, heat indexes, and wind-chill factors are designated figures for terminating and/or modifying outdoor activities including: Athletics, Fine Arts, PE, and recess.

• AISD_Temperature Weather Guidelines

AISD is launching a new App. Please see the flyer below for the QR Code: