At the Mather, we consider a child’s parent to be the first educator. First and foremost, we ask that families read with their children each night, check their homework, make sure they get enough sleep and that they arrive on time every morning. For families who are able to donate extra time, there are many opportunities to become involved directly with the school. All parents and guardians are considered members of the Mather Parent Council, which meets monthly (see Parent Council page) and engages in everything from political actions to organizing school events and raising money for the school. Additionally, the School Site Council is the school’s governing board which consists of parents, teachers, community members and the principal.  Dates for Mather Parent Council and Site Council meetings are posted on the School Calendar.

policies and procedures

Food

• No Nuts!  The Mather is a nut-free school.  Nuts and nut-butters are not allowed in lunches or snacks.
• FREE Breakfast is offered to all children daily from 9:00 am to 9:25 am. K1-2 eat breakfast in the cafeteria.  Grades 3-5 have breakfast in their homerooms.
• FREE Hot lunch is offered to all students each day.
• Snacks such as fresh fruits or vegetables are served most afternoons.  If sending snacks, please choose healthy foods like whole grain crackers, fruits, or vegetables and save 'party foods' for home.
• For children's birthdays or parties, we recommend sharing a book or donating classroom materials, rather than cake or sugary snacks.

Mandatory Dress Code

• Mather students wear navy blue polo or button-down collared shirts.  No stripes or other patterns please.
• Pants, skirts, or shorts must be knee-length or longer, in navy blue or khaki (tan) color. 
• Clothing with the Mather logo is also permitted and for sale in the school office. 
• Any clothing with a College or University logo is permitted and encouraged.
• Hats are not allowed and shoes must be closed-toe for safety.  
• Please refer to the Uniform Page for a full description of the uniform policy.  

Bathrooms

• Students in K1 and K2 go to the bathrooms as a group or between times with peers.
• Adults should never be in the children's bathrooms in the basement.  Adults should use the bathrooms in the teachers' lounge on the 2nd floor.

Communication
Student success relies on open communication between home and school.  Please keep your contact information, phone numbers, address and e-mail addresses up to date with your child's teacher and the school office.

Building Positive Relationships

• Families are always welcome and encouraged to visit the Mather.
• Always sign into the office and wear a pass during your visit.
• At the beginning of the year, discuss how to stay in touch with your child's teacher.  Visits, phone calls and e-mails are typical.
• All teachers send home periodic updates on class activities, needs, calendar and curriculum.
• It is best to make arrangements in advance with your child's teacher for a smooth visit that enhances and does not interrupt children's learning.
• Please check your child's blue Mather folder every night for important and up to date information including field trips and homework.

When You Are Late to Pick Up Your Child

• Please call the main office 617.635.8757
• If you know you will be late often, please enroll your child in the after school program.

When Your Child is Sick and at Home

• Call the office (617.635.8757) first thing in the morning between 8:00 am and 9:00 am, and the secretary will let your teacher know.  If your child goes to the doctor, please bring a doctor's note back to school.  Notes are ESSENTIAL for an absence (or tardiness) to be excused.
• After 10 consecutive days of unexcused absences, your child will be withdrawn from school.

Discussing Concerns
Drop off and pick up times are busy times, so it is not advisable to meet with your teacher during these times.  Please make an appointment to discuss issues with your teacher or the office.  Some teachers don't mind e-mail, while others prefer phone or in person communication.  You can call the main office number (617.635.8757) to ask for teacher's contact information or find it here.

What Will I Hear and When

• If an incident happens in the classroom, the classroom teacher is required to fill out a form.  Depending on the severity of the situation, the teacher will contact the parents by the end of the day. (eg. pushing, tantrums, bullying, etc.)
• If your child is involved in a major altercation, an administrator or the teacher will be contacting you by the end of the day.  A parent will be asked to come in and meet with the teacher and/or administrator.
• If a student is hurt, the child will be sent to the nurse, and the nurse will contact the family directly.  Please make sure your contact information is always updated following changes.