Mathews Messenger, 13
November 9-13, 2026
Individual Fall pictures will be taken on Tuesday morning so wear your best smile! 😁
Please see below for package and ordering information:
Important Science Fair Dates:
- Nov 9-19: Work days during Innovation Lab time– students may bring materials to school
- Dec 1:- All experiments must be completed
- Dec 4: - Exhibits turned in
- Dec 7: 3rd - 5th Grade Science Learning Celebrations (Times TBD)
- Dec 8: - Science Fair during the school day for students and judges only
- Dec 8: - after school families invited to visit the science fair
Optional Science Fair Open Lab After-School:
- Tuesday, Dec 1: 3-4:30
- Thursday, Dec 3: 3-4:30
As we continue through the school year, we want to remind families about Austin ISD’s policy regarding personal electronic devices on campus.
In accordance with state law (Texas HB 1481) and Austin ISD district policy, smartwatches, cell phones, earbuds, and other personal communication devices are strictly prohibited from use during school hours ("bell to bell").
District Policy Highlights:
"Off and Away All Day": All personal devices must be powered off and stored out of sight (e.g., in backpacks) from the morning entry bell until the end-of-day dismissal bell, including during lunch and class transitions.
Smartwatches Included: Because smartwatches can send/receive messages, access the internet, and take photos or recordings, they fall under the same personal communication device rules as mobile phones.
Approved Exceptions: Exceptions are made only for students with documented medical needs or specific accommodations outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
If you need to contact your student during the school day for an urgent matter, please reach out directly to the main office at 512-414-4406, and our staff will ensure your child receives the message promptly.
Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in maintaining a focused, distraction-free learning environment for all students.
Please fill out the form below. As items become available, a team member will reach out to you.
School breakfast and lunch are available at Mathews and are a delicious and nutritious way to fuel our students for learning! All families are encouraged to apply for free or reduced meals and to take advantage of our cafeteria offerings! Please see below for more information:
How families apply for free or reduced-price meals:
Online applications are preferred. Families may create an account and apply at www.SchoolCafe.com/AustinISD.
New for this school year, we may now accept PDF applications in English or Spanish completed by families with a digital signature and returned to foodservicebusinesssupport@austinisd.org.
Families may also complete a paper application and return to your front office.
Please share completed applications with your cafe manager upon receipt.
Families may apply for state funded benefits, such as SNAP, at www.yourtexasbenefits.com.
We’d love for you to join our PTA! By becoming a member, you’ll help support our students, teachers, and school community through events, volunteer opportunities, and important initiatives. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your voice and involvement make a big difference. Join us in creating an amazing school year together!
Scan the QR code or click the button below to join our amazing PTA!
Of course! Here's a version tailored for a school newsletter:
📣 Stay in the Loop with Konstella!
We use Konstella as our official school communication platform and we want all families to be connected! Sign up now to recieve communication from Mathews. You'll add connect your account with your child's teacher after classes are announced on the 14th.
Konstella makes it easy to receive important announcements, classroom updates, event details, and volunteer opportunities—all in one place. It’s quick to sign up and even easier to stay informed and engaged in your child’s school experience.
✨ Don’t miss out—sign up today and stay connected all year long!
Need help getting started? Click the button below for directions!
Did you know that 9:45 a.m. is our official attendance time each day? According to the State of Texas Attendance Policy, students must be present at school at 9:45 a.m. to be counted for the day. Any student who is not on campus at that time will be marked absent, even if he or she arrives later.
Whenever possible, we kindly ask that you schedule medical or other appointments to ensure your child is in school at 9:45 am so your child is counted present and their learning time is maximized.
Attendance not only supports your child’s success in the classroom but also directly affects our school’s state funding. Last year, Mathews students lost over $190,000 in state funding due to absences. (❗) Thank you for your partnership in helping every student shine!