Published: June 02, 2008 10:59 am         

First time Garrett students to register

OAKLAND - Children entering Garrett County schools for the first time should be registered soon.

Parents who have not registered their kindergarten or new first-grade student should contact the principal of their local school to arrange an appointment.

Parents must take the child's birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency with them at the time of registration.

If a deed or mortgage agreement, current property tax bill, current lease or rental agreement, or current utility bill with the parent's name and address is not available, a Statement of Residency Verification form, which must be notarized, is available from the school or the Pupil Services Office at the board of education.

The schools also require the child's Social Security number for record identification.

Any child who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1 must be enrolled in kindergarten or apply for a one-year maturity waiver. Any family who is planning to use home instruction instead of enrolling the student in school must submit forms at least 15 days in advance of the start of school.

Families who are entering a new school district should transfer the student during the summer rather than after school begins.

Anytime a child moves, the school must be provided a new documentation of residency.

For more information, contact the Pupil Services Office at (301) 334-8939 or (301) 359-9209.