Local school officials are urging parents to register their kids for school as soon as possible in light of new class size restrictions that kick in for the new school year.
Classes begin Monday, August 23 for students in Alachua County Public Schools. Typically there are hundreds of families that wait until right before the start of school—or even afterwards—to register their students. And although that has always created planning headaches for schools, it will be even worse this year as the class size initiative approved by voters in 2002 goes into full implementation.
Under the law, academic classes in grades K-3 are limited to no more than 18 students, grades 4-8 are limited to 22 students and in high school the limit is 25 students. Districts will be fined for every student over the limit in each classroom.
In Alachua County, that will almost certainly mean more multi-age classrooms, fewer course options and more adjustments to student schedules and teacher assignments during the first two weeks of school.
“It’s absolutely critical that we know how many students will be in each school so that we can make sure our classes meet the requirements of the law,” said Superintendent Dan Boyd. “If students register late, it will affect not only their schedules but the schedules of many other students in their school.”
Parents need to register if their child will be entering an Alachua County Public School for the first time or if they have moved to a different school zone within the county. Families new to the district should go to the child’s zoned school with documents including the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of a recent physical, proof of immunizations and two proofs of primary residence. Records from previous schools are useful, but not required. Those who’ve moved within the district will need to take just the two proofs of residence to the new school.
Parents who aren’t sure which school their child is zoned for or who need more information can contact the district’s zoning office at (352) 955-7700.
Local schools are open Monday through Thursdays during the summer. Typically the best time to register a child is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“The wait time to register a child is much shorter now than it will be as the start of school gets closer, and you can usually walk right in and get it done,” said Public Information Officer Jackie Johnson. “Convenience is another good reason for parents to get it out of the way sooner rather than later.”
The standard meet-your-teacher/orientation sessions held at each campus the week before school starts will also have a different flavor this year because of the class size law. In the past, many students, particularly those in elementary school, have had an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher or teachers during these events. However, this year it’s possible, even likely, that students will have to be moved around in order to meet the class size requirements.
“That’s why it’s so important to register students now,” said deputy superintendent Sandy Hollinger. “The more late arrivals we have, the more we’ll have to move students around. We definitely don’t want to have to do that any more than necessary.”
Late registration can also mean fewer options for students, particularly those in high school, who may find that the courses they want are already full. That’s even more likely this year, as schools will have much less flexibility to make room in academic classes.
A schedule of meet-your-team/orientation sessions will be posted on the district website beginning Tuesday, July 20. Schools will also inform parents at those sessions that class schedules and teacher placements are not guaranteed until after all students have registered.