School choice for 2006-07

The school choice application period dates have been set.
Parents wishing to apply for countywide magnet, fundamental or career academy programs will use the automated phone system during the February 1-17, 2006 application period. As in previous years, parents will use the automated phone system again during the March 10-19 "acceptance period," to accept an invitation to one of these programs.

The application period for choice attendance area schools will be March 21-April 9, 2006.

What's new this year?
* The length of both application periods is shorter.

* For choice attendance area schools, parents will make three school selections instead of five.

* Parents applying to choice attendance area schools will use the automated phone system or the online application system. (The online application system will be available for parents of currently enrolled 5th- and 8th-grade students). No paper applications will be used.

* The automated phone system will accommodate more parents, including those who have children in ESE and ESOL programs.
(ESE-exceptional student education; ESOL-English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Who is required to apply for a choice attendance area school for 2006-07?
1. Students entering kindergarten and all others entering or reentering the district in August 2006.
2. Students entering 6th or 9th grade who are not eligible for or do not want to use extended grandfathering.
3. Students who want to apply for another school in the attendance area.

Important dates to remember:
Feb. 1-17, 2006 - Application period for magnet, fundamentaland career academy programs
Feb. 4 - Magnet/Choice Information Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pinellas Park High School
Feb. 6-16 - Discovery nights
Mar. 10-19 - Acceptance period for magnet, fundamental or academy programs
Mar. 13-April 7 - School tours
Mar. 21-April 9 - Application period for choice attendance area schools
April 26 - Notification of attendance area school assignment

What can parents do now?
* Parents of incoming kindergarteners and other students planning to enter the district in August 2006 should visit an FEIC to register their child. Only registered students may apply for schools during the application period. Don't delay! Parents are encouraged to begin new student registration at an FEIC as soon as possible. Traffic at the centers is slower October-December, and the registration process moves quickly. For more information, click on student registration on the left side of this page.

* Research school information - Click on school information and link to school websites, school brochures, virtual tours and valuable data about each school. Links to information about magnet, fundamental and career academy programs are found on the left side of this page.

Elementary school information
Middle school information
High school information

* Prior to the application period, the district will be communicating with parents of 5th- and 8th-grade students. Make sure your child's correct address and contact information are on file at your child's school. If you move, you should notify your child's school and update the information.

* Stay informed! As additional information becomes available, it will be communicated through school newsletters, phone messages, the district website, WPDS-Ch. 14 and the media.

* Call an FEIC if you have questions -Clearwater (727) 298-2858, St. Petersburg (727) 552-1595.

Kindergarten and New Student Registration for School Choice

Parents of incoming kindergarteners and other students who will be entering Pinellas County Schools for the first time in August 2006 must register their child to participate in the school choice application periods that begin in February and March 2006.

At the time of registration, parents of children eligible for the Choice Plan family preference may request assignment to the same school another family member attends. Parents of students eligible for the family preference will receive a school assignment confirmation letter and will not have to participate in the Choice Plan application process.

Parents should bring the following information to register:

• Original or certified copy of your child's state-issued birth certificate. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to start kindergarten in August.
• Proof of residency – A recent utility bill for power, water, cable, sewer or noncellular phone or lease agreement with the parent/guardian's name and service address on it.
• Child 's Social Security card (optional)
• A recent report card for students entering grades 1-12, if available.

To see the complete list of registration documents that can be accepted, visit www.pinellaschoice.org. Parents also may register at a Family Education and Information Center any week day in Clearwater, (727) 298-2858 or St. Petersburg, (727) 552-1595.