In order to help facilitate your transition to the St. Matthew School, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. If you have a question that isn't covered below, please contact the school office at (650) 343-1373.
- Does St Matthew's have an extended care program?
- Does St. Matthew's have a hot lunch program?
- Does Kindergarten have lunch at school?
- Where can I get details about the uniform code at St. Matthew?
- What is the Wednesday Envelope?
- What are the required registration forms?
- What is Scrip?
- Are volunteer hours required?
- What is Yard Duty?
- What is the process for classroom volunteers?
Does St Matthew's have an extended care program?
The CASA program is an extended care program offered at St. Matthew's for students. The objective is to provide a "safe harbor" for children whose parents cannot pick them up at dismissal or who need to drop them off earlier than the normal time. Please visit the CASA program page for more detailed information.Does St. Matthew's have a hot lunch program?
Yes; it is currently offered 5 days/week to students in grades 1 through 8. Please refer to the hot lunch page for details of the program.Does Kindergarten have lunch at school?
Both AM & PM classes do not eat lunch at school due to times of their classes. Instead each child should bring a snack in a small bag or plastic holder. Please do not bring lunchboxes as they take up too much room in the Kindergarten classroom. Please limit your snack to healthy food. Please do not bring drinks as Ms. Worley likes to promote the drinking of water.Where can I get details about the uniform code at St. Matthew?
The uniform policy can be found in the school handbook and it is detailed on the uniform page on this website.Please note: a good way to work on your scrip commitment is to purchase the Dennis Uniform Paper Scrip from the school office before you shop. You can then use the Dennis Scrip to purchase your uniforms and get credit at the same time.
At the end of the year, there is a uniform exchange program that is held at school. Look for information in your Wednesday envelope.
Spirit uniform (polo, sweatshirt, and polo fleece jacket) are purchased through Saint Matthew's school office not through Dennis Uniform Company. Khaki uniforms for 7th and 8th graders and the PE uniform (PE t-shirt, shorts and sweatpants) are also purchased at the school.
What is the Wednesday Envelope?
The Wednesday Envelope is sent home with your eldest child every Wednesday. This envelope will contain various important information, including the weekly parent newsletter. All parents are expected to review the material. The envelope is to be signed and returned to school with the child the following day.What is Scrip?
Scrip is a type of gift certificate that is purchased in advance and used like cash at participating merchants. St. Matthew's purchases Scrip at a discount and sells it at full face value, retaining the discount amount as the fundraising income. It is a simple way to raise money for the school while purchasing everyday items like food, clothing and other essentials, without an added expense.The script commitment for the 2007/2008 school year is $3,500 per family or $1,750 for a single parent family. The commitment for new families if $2,500 to fulfill your first year or $1,250 for a single parent family.
Please visit our Scrip page to read about different Scrip options or to download our Inventory Scrip Order Form.
Are volunteer hours required?
St. Matthew kids are learning through our example: we're part of a greater educational, religious and social community. We demonstrate our commitment to this idea through our service to the school.We have over 70 different groups and activities that you can choose to help with. Please visit our volunteer information page for more info on service opportunities, requirements, and tips.
There is no buy-out option for volunteer hours. Service hours to the school are mandatory. Each family is required to complete 50 hours per family per year, 25 hours for a single parent family. For new families the volunteer commitment is 30 hours and 15 for a single parent family.
You can now record your hours online or download a volunteer hours form to record hours.
What is Yard Duty?
Yard Duty is a mandatory commitment for parents that have children in the first through eighth grades at St. Matthew's. Kindergarten parents are not required to do yard duty since their children do not get a lunch time. Please note that Kindergarten parents are more than welcome to volunteer for yard duty as it will be counted towards their volunteer hours.Yard Duty is scheduled twice a year per family. You are required to sign in at the school office and get your badge. On the back of your badge you will find out what area you need to work while on Yard Duty. Please see Ms. Diaz if you have any questions. For more information and Yard Duty schedules, please visit our Yard Duty information page.
What is the process for classroom volunteers?
Volunteers in the classroom must wear a visitor's badge. Before class, you'll need to go to the school office and sign in the school visitors' book. Please list your name, the class you will be in and your start time. There are a stack of badges next to the book. Once you are done with your class, please return to the office, sign out your time in the book and return your badge.This sign-in process is for the safety of our children and to let the office know who is on site in case of an emergency.