Mathews Elementary PTA everychild. onevoice.

June 2006

Have a Great Summer!

Thank you to all of our dedicated parents and volunteers who have made this another enjoyable school year! It seems like only yesterday that we were settling in for a new school year and already we're planning for the next.

Registration for all new students is scheduled for July 27 and 28 from 9:00-11:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm in the front foyer. Please share this information with your new neighbors!

Packet Pickup is Monday, August 7 from 3:30 pm until 5:00 pm, along with our annual “Meet Your Teacher”. This is a great opportunity for your child to see his/her new classroom and meet his/her new teacher! Class assignments for the 2006-2007 school year will be posted immediately after Packet Pickup for those who are unable to attend.

Classes will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

The school office will begin summer hours Monday, June 5. The office will close for a short break June 21 and is scheduled to reopen Monday, July 17, resuming our regular Monday through Friday, 7:15 am to 3:45 pm schedule.

New this year: Emergency cards will be mailed to you this summer. Please make corrections and return them at packet pickup.

Please call the front office at 469-752-2300, or stop by with any questions or concerns.

Voluntary Standardized Dress

Mathews Mavs will have a uniform look next year. A committee of parents, staff and administrators considered parental feedback and other factors in recommending voluntary standardized dress for the 2006-2007 school year. The goal is to foster a strong sense of community. PISD dress code standards will still apply.

The optional standardized dress includes navy or khaki pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, capris and jumpers with red, navy, or white collared shirts, turtlenecks, sweatshirts or sweaters.

Spirit wear and jeans can be worn on Friday. Standardized dress clothes may be purchased at many retailers online or in local stores.

Mathews Needs You!

The PTA theme for this year was “Together Everyone Accomplishes More.” It truly was a TEAM effort at Mathews to coordinate and execute the many events and activities planned throughout the year. Parents spent time in the work rooms sorting and separating papers, re-shelving books in the library, working shifts at the carnival and picnic and even cutting out box tops at home. It doesn't matter how much time you have to volunteer, YOU have something to offer. The benefits to your child and Mathews community are worth the effort.

Don't wait until the hectic start of school to register to be a volunteer next year. Volunteers returning or who are new to Mathews for academic year 2006-07 will be able to renew or complete a new online volunteer application that includes a background check after July 1 by logging on to the Plano ISD website, click on “Volunteer Application” and follow the directions.

Notary Form: The online volunteer application will instruct you to print a Notary Form at the end of the application. A Notary Form should print for each school where you will be volunteering. The Notary Form must be kept on file in the school office. Plano ISD requires the Notary Form due to the FERPA law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). The Notary Form is good for the academic school year 2006-07 only. Michelle Freeman and Christie Snyder in the Mathews office are Notaries so you can get your form notarized and drop it off at the same time! For questions about volunteering or the notary form, contact .

Carnival Volunteers

Be a part of one of the biggest events of the year! Volunteers are needed for Mathews Carnival scheduled for September 16. Contact for more information.

Get Involved

Mathews PTA has a few openings for the upcoming school year.

Legislative — Attend monthly Council meetings and keep the board up-to-date with the changes in the legislature.

Horseshoe Press — Be on the forefront of revamping this popular Mavs activity. Responsiblities include sending out fliers, coordinating student visits to the HSP loft and organizing volunteers to work with students to ensure all student books are completed.

Reflections — Gather and submit student projects for this exciting PTA program.

For more information, please contact .

May 2006

Wednesday is the Last Day of School!

Don't forget that the last day of school, Wednesday, May 24, is an early release day. All elementary students will be released at 12:00pm. A sack lunch will be served for those who purchase lunch.

Field Day Is Postponed!

Due to the predicted rain overnight and into Friday, Field Day has been postponed until Friday May, 12th. Volunteers, if you cannot fulfill your assigned field day duties on May 12, please contact Field Day Co-Chairs .

April 2006

Retirement Reception for Mrs. Wilson

A retirement reception for 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Monica (Carr) Wilson will beheld in the Mathews Library on May 16 from 3pm-5pm.

Newcomers' Luncheon

Mathews PTA will be hosting a Newcomers' Luncheon for all families new this school year to Mathews on May 4, from 11:30am to 12:30pm in the Mathews Family Center. Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 2 to .

2006-2007 Mathews PTA Board Elected

The elected officers of the 2006-2007 Mathews PTA Executive Board are:

• President — Mary Ellen Owen
• 1st Vice President — Michele Will
• 2nd Vice President — Kim Murphy
• 3rd Vice President — Lisa Long
• 4th Vice President — Peyton Pollacia
• Secretary — Lori Leonhart
• Treasurer — Stacy Gore

Preparing for SMS

Parents of 5th graders who will be attending Schimelpfenig in the fall: The SMS PTA will be visiting Mathews on Monday, April 24th, at 7:00pm to present an information program called “How to Survive SMS.” Some pragmatic elements of middle school will be discussed, including successfully navigating the cafeteria and carpool lines, ongoing volunteer opportunities, and tools parents can use to keep the lines of communication open between home and school.

After the presentation, parents can purchase (or order) Spirit Wear, Band binders, and Phys. Ed. uniforms. Parents of 5th graders, be sure to attend this valuable presentation!

Congratulations to Mathews' Award-Winning PTA!

Mathews Elementary's PTA was recognized at the Area 10 PTA Spring Conference in Mesquite on April 8, when the winners of the Area 10 awards were announced.

Mathews PTA earned a Gold Level award in Health Concerns AND in Parent Involvement, and both of those entries will continue to the State level competitions in their respective categories. Mathews PTA also received a Bronze Level award in Local Unit Evaluation, and the Yearbook and Website both received Gold Level awards, all of which will advance to the State level competitions. Mathews' quarterly Maverick Messenger newsletter was awarded an Honorable Mention, and several additional categories of awards are scheduled to be judged this summer.

The commitment to excellence at Mathews extends to its parents and volunteers, and the recognition at the Area 10 conference just reaffirms that dedication! Congratulations, Mathews PTA, and thank you for your time and efforts for the students and staff of Mathews Elementary!

Mathews Volunteer Luncheon

Parents, if you have taken some time from your busy schedule during this school year to be a Guest Reader in your child's classroom or cut out laminated stories in the workroom, if you've helped to set up a booth at the Mathews Hoe-Down or guide a student down a rocky path at Camp Classen, or if you've helped children pick out books at Book Fair or worked with a student who is learning to read, then the staff and teachers of Mathews Elementary would like to say “thank you!”

Mathews is hosting a luncheon to honor all of its wonderful volunteers for your time, efforts, and enthusiasm for our kids throughout the school year. It really is a team effort between our staff, our parents, and our students, and we couldn't be successful without all of the team contributing!

The luncheon will be held on April 21, from 11:30-1:00 in the Mathews gym. Anyone who has volunteered at Mathews during the school year is invited.

Please plan to take this opportunity to meet and visit with some of your fellow volunteers, enjoy some delicious food and lovely entertainment (provided by Mathews students), and celebrate our community!

Mathews PTA Annual Board Luncheon

It's time to celebrate all that we have accomplished together this year! Monday, April 17 2006 at 11:30am in the Mathews Family Center. RSVP by Friday, April 14. For questions please contact Mathews PTA President .

Spring Picnic

April 27 from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Bring your own dinner and we will provide dessert, DJ and inflatables. Come join your Mathews Elementary neighbors and friends for an evening of fun!

Field Day Is May 5!

Mathews Field Day is coming up quickly! Mark your calendars for Friday, May 5, and look for a flyer in this week's YO Pack to sign up to work a shift (or two) and enjoy a day of fun in the sun with our Mavericks! (The rain date for Field Day is Friday, May 12.)

Note: Volunteers, please make sure that you have completed the PISD volunteer background check before signing up to work at Field Day.

Parents and family volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts. The day will be full of games and a fabulous time for everyone, so be sure to pick up some sunscreen and a cap, buy a Mathews Spirit Wear t-shirt and turn in your form today! For questions please contact Field Day Co-Chairs .

Kindergarten Playdate

Join us for a playdate for the incoming kindergarten class. Mathews PTA is sponsoring a get-together for the 2006-2007 Kindergarten class. Bring the whole family and help your child meet future classmates and ask questions of Mathews veterans.

Saturday, May 6, 10am — 11:30am

Mathews Playground

For more information contact .

March 2006

Claimed Your Lost Items?

On Monday, March 27th all lost and found items will be placed on the stage. Please make sure that your student checks for any lost or missing items. After Friday, March 31st, all unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

PTA Board Nominations

The Nominating Committee would like to announce the nominations for the 2006-2007 Executive Board of Mathews PTA:

• President — Mary Ellen Owen
• 1st Vice President — Michele Will
• 2nd Vice President — Kim Murphy
• 3rd Vice President — Lisa Long
• 4th Vice President — Peyton Pollacia
• Secretary — Lori Leonhart
• Treasurer — Stacy Gore

The elections for these officers will be held at the next General PTA Meeting on March 23, 2006. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Peyton Pollacia, .

February 2006

Environmental Awareness Contest

Mathews' students are invited to participate in the Texas PTA's Environmental Awareness Contest! This year's theme is “Texas Youth Protecting the Environment.” The deadline for Mathews' entries is Wednesday, February 22. Categories are poster art (K-2 only), print advertisement (all grades), newspaper article (all grades), photojournalism (all grades) and public service announcement (all grades). Download entry form and rules below. Contact with any questions.

Download the contest rules

Download the entry form

Book Fair Week Is Coming!

Let the book bugs bite at Camp Read-A-Book! The Scholastic Book Fair will be at Mathews from February 27 to March 3 to share exciting books and learning products with all of our students.

Family Preview Night will be held on Thursday, March 2, from 6:30 to 8:00pm in the library. Please come and browse all of the books available for purchase and help support your child's classroom by picking up a book from their teacher's “wish list”. Students will be visiting the Book Fair during the week of February 27 with their classes. Watch for more information coming home detailing the day and time your child's class will be visiting the Book Fair.

Bring in your Box Tops/Labels for Education during Book Fair Week to be eligible to win free books for your child's classroom! Mark the bagged labels with the names of your child and his or her teacher and deliver it to the classroom during Book Fair Week.

Reminders:

• Trim the front section of the soup labels.
• We do not receive credit for Betty Crocker Points. Be sure to clip and send in the “Box Tops for Education” rectangle only on participating packages.

Yearbooks On Sale Now

Don't forget to turn in your order forms by March 1st. Softcover books are $18.50 and hardcover books are $22.00. Look for the order forms to be sent home with your child on February 2nd and 16th.

Kindergarten Roundup

Kindergarten Round-up for the 2006-2007 school year at Mathews Elementary will be held Thursday, March 23, 2006 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mathews.

Please bring the following documentation:

• Birth Certificate
• Immunization Records
• Social Security Card
• Proof of Residency in Plano ISD (gas or electric bill) Parent's Drivers License

Please note: The Chinese Bilingual Kindergarten is located at Harrington Elementary. Kindergarten Round-up at Harrington Elementary is the same date and times as Mathews and will take place at Harrington.

See the Plano ISD Web site for more information on Kindergarten Registration.

January 2006

New Crossing Guard!

Mathews' new crossing guard, Oscar, is an experienced crossing guard who is enthusiastic and committed to the safety of our kids. Please welcome him as you safely cross through the busy intersection of Caravan and Marchman.

PTA Nominating Committee Volunteers Needed

The nominating committee is composed of five members and two alternates. Nominating committee volunteer forms were sent home in YO Pack on January 26 and must be submitted to PTA Parliamentarian by February 17. Members will be elected at the PTA general meeting on March 23.

School Crossing Guard Needed

The City of Plano is urgently seeking applicants to work as a paid School Crossing Guard for Mathews Elementary. We would like to see this position filled by a parent or grandparent in your school's community. Opportunities to be a substitute guard are also available. If you are interested, please contact Michelle Roberts, City of Plano Police, School Crossing Guard Coordinator at 972.941.7783. Click here to view the City of Plano Police flyer.

Teachers of the Year Announced

Congratulations to Mathews' 2005-2006 Teachers of the Year, 5th grade teacher Amy Carr (new teacher) and 2nd grade teacher Belinda Boardman (experienced teacher)!

December 2005

Junior Achievement Volunteers Needed

Junior Achievement needs 1 to 2 volunteers per classroom in each grade to teach classes introducing students to concepts of business. Please contact .

Reschedulings from Inclement Weather Day

Plano ISD Schools were closed Thursday, December 8, due to inclement weather.

• Makeup day will be May 24, 2006
• The Blue Ribbon Ceremony scheduled for December 8 has been rescheduled for January 26 at 6:30pm
• The Science Fair open house has been rescheduled for Friday, December 16 from 8:00-11:00am and 4:00-7:00pm at the Plano ISD Administration Building (first floor board room), 2700 West 15th Street.

School Closed, Blue Ribbon Ceremony Postponed

December 8 — Plano ISD Schools are closed today due to inclement weather. Tentative makeup days are May 24 and May 25, 2006. The Blue Ribbon Ceremony scheduled for today will be rescheduled for a later date.

November 2005

No news items archived for November 2005.

October 2005

Blue Ribbon Celebration Week

In honor of Mathews' selection as a No Child Left Behind — Blue Ribbon School, the PTA will host Blue Ribbon Celebration Week November 7th - 11th. Wear blue all week to celebrate! Kids and staff will be treated to small surprises at school throughout the week. Principal Ball and Mrs. Swartzendruber will travel to Washington D.C. to accept the Blue Ribbon Award for Mathews. A Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be held at Mathews December 8, 2005 at 6:30 pm.

Six Random Clicks to Danger: Internet Safety

The Plano Council of PTAs is pleased to present as part of their Brown Bag Lunch Series the timely and informative program "Six Random Clicks to Danger," a workshop for parents concerned about the safety of their children as they surf the web.

You know where your child goes after school and with whom she talks or texts on the phone. But do you know which web sites they are visiting? Do you know which sites are popular among teens? The coded language they use? The ease with which firewalls can be circumvented?

The internet is a dynamic, evolving source of information... and potential danger. Predators seek out their victims in a growing number of ways, often on the sites most visited by kids. Learn about the tricks and enticements being used to reach children surfing the net, and tools you can use to stay one step ahead of the predators to keep your kids safe.

The program will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at the Plano ISD Administration Building, Room 311, 2700 W. 15th Street, in Plano. For more information, please contact the Council Programs Chairman.

September 2005

Second Blue Ribbon to Mathews

September 19, 2005 — The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Mathews Elementary has been named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. Mathews is one of only 26 schools in the state that received this prestigious recognition. An awards ceremony in honor of the winning schools will be held in Washington D.C. later in the school year.

Stricter Enforcement of Volunteer Requirements

The PISD superintendent's office has stated that individuals may NOT volunteer after September 14, 2005, unless they have received security clearance nad returned the notary form to the school office. If you are unsure of your status, feel free to contact the Mathews office at 469.752.2300. All volunteers must complete or update, if they are returning volunteers, the online volunteer application found on the PISD website. We appreciate your generosity of time in support of Mathews' students!

Keeping Plano Beautiful

Mathews has received a "congratulations" from Keep Plano Beautiful's Adopt-A-Highway program for fiscal year 2004-2005 for completing its quarterly cleanups! Out of 54 Adopt-A-Highway partners, there were only 15 that met the goal and Mathews was one of them. A big pat on the back to last year's environmental chair, Wendy Blessing. The first 2005-2006 cleanup will be in October, stay tuned for more information!

Upcoming Blood Drive

Mark your calendars! The annual fall blood drive will be October 21 from 8:00am - 2:00pm. Every year 4.5 million American lives are saved by blood transfusions. Would you be willing to donate blood to give someone the gift of life? A blood mobile will be at Mathews' Elementary School from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on October 21, 2005. Appointments will be scheduled every 15 minutes and will take approximately 45 minutes of your time to give a unit of blood. Please consider giving blood as the blood banks are always in need of blood. Three lives can be saved by your donation of one pint of blood. Staff, parents, neighbors and friends are invited to give. If you are interested, please contact Nurse Nancy at 469.752.2309 to set up your appointment. Thanks!