Frequently Asked Questions
We have attempted to assemble some of the most common questions Maplewood families may have about the school and being a part of the school community. If you can’t find the information you are looking for on this page or elsewhere on this site, please call the school at 512-414-4402.
When should I register my child for the upcoming school year?
- Registration opens for the upcoming year on January 14.
- Register early (no later than May) to ensure your child gets a spot at Maplewood, and also to help the school hire and retain our amazing teachers and support staff!
- You can call the school to register at 512-414-4402 or use the self-serve registration option by setting up a Parent Portal account (view AISD website for more information)
How can I prepare my PreK or Kinder student for their first day?
Past Maplewood Kindergarden parents have created this checklist to help you and your child get ready for their first day of school, beginning in January before their first day of school in the fall.
View the Prep for PreK & Kindergarten Checklist
What is the current school year calendar?
Download the latest AISD School Year Calendar
How do I know what my home school is? Am I zoned for Maplewood?
Visit the AISD school assignment website to find your home school.
Can I request a transfer to attend Maplewood?
Maplewood Elementary is currently open to transfer requests. For updated information about the transfer process, and which schools are closed to transfers, please visit the AISD transfer page.
Which middle and high Schools does Maplewood track into?
Please visit the AISD Maplewood page for information regarding which middle schools and high schools our students feed into after 6th grade.
What are the school's hours?
- Building Open to Students: 7:15 A.M.
- Breakfast (in cafeteria): 7:15– 7:30 A.M.
- School Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 A.M. – 4 P.M.
- Classes Begin (all grades): 7:40 A.M.
- Morning Announcements: Monday – Thursday, 7:50 A.M.
- Dismissal: 3:10 P.M.
Where do I drop off and pick up my student?
If you are driving to school: Maplewood implemented a new traffic plan in March of 2017 for drop-off and pick-up as follows:
- Parking around Maplewood is limited – please remember that no parents are allowed to park in the faculty/staff lots.
- Note that there is no parking along the Southbound side of Maplewood!
- Please plan to walk or ride bikes to school; or park far enough away to avoid contributing to congestion.
- Crossing guards will be stationed at 38-1/2 and Maplewood, as well as Maplewood & Ashwood (Mr. Walker will sing your students to school on this crossing!).
If you drive students to or from our campus, parking parallel to the school’s sidewalk along Maplewood Avenue is prohibited between the hours of 7-8:30 A.M. and 1:30-3:30 P.M. in an effort to promote pedestrian safety and improve the flow of traffic. Please plan your travel times accordingly.
The Safe Routes to School Committee recommends that you drop students off at the parent drop off zone at the south side of our campus (near the library and art room) OR park in the neighborhood or along 38 1/2 Street and walk students into the building. Please remember that the parking lot is reserved for AISD staff.Thank you for your support and assistance in improving traffic and pedestrian safety at Maplewood.
Can I have lunch or breakfast with my student?
Parents may go through the APIE (Austin Partners in Education) volunteer site to VOLUNTEER to help with lunch, but parents are not currently allowed to eat with the students on campus.
Am I allowed to visit the campus or my student's classroom?
There are various opportunities to volunteer in the classroom and on campus; please check with your classroom room parent or Konstella for updated opportunities.
NOTE: For the safety and security of our students and staff, all doors to the school will be locked at 8 A.M.
Parents may go through the APIE (Austin Partners in Education) volunteer site to volunteer.
What options are available for after-school care?
We compiled a list for you on the After School Programs page.
What do I do if my student is sick?
If your child is ill or will miss school for any reason, please call the school’s attendance clerk at 512-414-4402 to report his/her absence(s). Students should not return to school until they have been fever-free and have not vomited for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever reducers or anti-nausea medicines.
Please provide a written note to the office regarding the absence when your child returns to school. Be sure to include the following:
- Child’s name
- Teacher and Room Number
- Reason for the absence
What is Maplewood's policy regarding homework?
In 2016, after researching the impact of homework on student achievement and surveying our families about homework, the Maplewood staff has determined that the best and most appropriate homework for our students is DAILY independent reading of self-selected, “just right” books.
Please assist us in supporting and encouraging your child to read at least 20-30 minutes each night.
Parents desiring additional homework for practice of skills should speak with the teacher about providing grade- and ability-level assignments needed for extra practice.
What is the "Parent Cloud?"
Austin ISD provides a convenient single sign-on portal where parents can access their student’s grades, report cards, attendance records, and student information. Additionally, parents can add funds to their students’ school meal plan accounts and view menus for each month vial School Cafe.
For information on how to sign up, please visit the AISD website.
Does the school contain asbestos? What is the district's pest management policy?
Notification AHERA and IPM FY 19-20
Is Maplewood on the "School Changes" list the district released in the fall of 2019?
School Changes FAQs. Maplewood is not currently slated for closure.