Gwinnett Kindergarten Registration Scheduled May 5

Even though most children nowadays have attended pre-K and participated in other learning activities, starting kindergarten is a big deal. But first they have to be registered. On May 5 Gwinnett County Public Schools is asking parents and guardians of impending kindergartners to visit their local schools and enroll their children for the 2011-2012 school year.

Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2011, in order to enroll for the upcoming school year. Registration is taking place before the summer to allow the schools time to organize classes and to let future students take part in local school activities to help them get ready for the first day of school Aug. 8. 

Here is a list of items  Gwinnett County Public Schools is asking parents and guardians to bring to registration on May 5: 

• The student. Schools may offer activities or screenings on registration day. Parents and guardians should check with their school for details.
• A copy of the pre-K progress report if the child has attended a state pre-K program. Parents also can bring the final pre-K assessment to the teacher when the new school year begins. The information can serve as a benchmark of the child’s skills and abilities.
• An official document showing proof of birth date. Examples include an original birth certificate or birth registration, an official state or federal form with date of birth or a passport.
• Photo ID. The person enrolling a student should present proper identification. This identification may include a driver’s license, a state identification card, a passport, or other official photo identification, such as an ID card obtained through an official government agency.
• Evidence of vision, hearing, and dental exams obtained in the past year. This information should be on Georgia Form #3300, available from the health department or a private physician and dentist. Letters from appropriate health care professionals and out-of-state certificates are acceptable, if completed within the last 12 months and stapled to the state form.
• A Georgia certificate of immunization. By state law, a valid certificate of immunization (Form #3231, revised March 2007 or later) or a notarized statement of religious exemption is required for enrollment. The certificate of immunization must be completed by the health department or a private physician. A valid Form #3231 must be marked with either “Date of Expiration” or as “Complete for School Attendance.” (A certificate marked with a “Date of Expiration" expires on the date indicated. A current certificate must be submitted within 30 days of expiration.) A medical exemption should be noted on Form #3231 with a current date of expiration. Parents may request a form from their school for religious exemption.
• Proof of residency in the attendance zone. The school requires proof of residency, which may be verified by presenting a current utility bill (excluding telephone bills) with one of the following documents:
•      - a non-contingent sales contract
•      - current lease/rental agreement
•      - most recent income tax return
•      - current paycheck stub
•      - current Medicaid card
•      - current warranty or quick claim deed
•      - current home purchase agreement
•      - current homeowner’s insurance policy
•      - current residential property tax statement or bill

Documents presented for residency verification must include the same address as the accompanying utility bill. An exception: A deed without an address is acceptable if accompanied by two utility bills (excluding telephone bills) with same address in the attendance zone. A contingency contract is not acceptable. If the parents lives with a friend or family member and needs information about verifying residency, they can call their local school.

The child’s Social Security number. State law requires that schools ask for this number at the time of enrollment. Students will be enrolled, even if the number is not provided. However, parents not providing a number will be asked to sign a waiver.

GCPS is asking parents and guardians to call their local schools for registration times or visit the "2011 Countdown for Kindergarten" page on the school system's website for more information.