How do I know when school starts?
You can call the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at 588-6121. This office can answer any questions about the school calendar.

How do I know which school is my child's zoned school?
You can call the Office of Pupil Assignment at 588-6211. The school your child will attend is determined by the address where they are living.

Will my child ride the bus?
If you live more than two miles from your child's zoned school, bus transportation will be provided. Call the Department of Transportation at 547-7294 for additional information.

Who can go to school?
Any child who turns five years old on or before September 1 of the year they are starting school.

Is Kindergarten required?
Yes law requires it.

What do I need to bring to registration?
Here's what you need to register a child in Pinellas County Schools (elementary, middle or high):

• Declaration of Domicile. This is required if parents/guardians have not lived in Florida for at least a year prior to enrolling their child(ren), or
  have not purchased a residence in Pinellas County.
• Birth Certificate or other proof of date of birth. Students must be 4 years old on or before September 1 to attend prekindergarten. Students must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to attend kindergarten.
• Florida Certificate of Immunization. All new students entering Pinellas County Schools must have a completed Florida Certificate of Immunization (DOH 680) appropriate for their grade level.
• Physical examination certificate. This must be signed by a licensed examiner (certificate must be issued within 12 months prior to enrollment/registration).
• Proof of residency. (e.g., utility bill from electric, water/sewer, or phone company), or a rental agreement or lease, etc. with parent/guardian's name and home address on the specified documents.
• Child's Social Security number. We are required to ask for this but the child is not required to have one.
• Child's most recent report card. This should include the previous school's address and phone number.

What grade does my child need to be immunized?
The following is in addition to the basic series of 4-5 DTP, 3-4 polio and 1 MMR.

Students entering grades K-2 and students retained in grade 2 are required to have:

• the hepatitis B vaccine (series of 3 given over 4-5 months)

Students entering grades 7-10 and students retained in grade 10 are required to have:

• the hepatitis B vaccine (series of 3 given over 4-5 months)
• a second measles (MMR preferred)
• a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster if at least five years have passed since the date of the last DTP

Students in prekindergarten are required to have:

• haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• 1 (one) MMR
• the preliminary series of DTP and polio

School immunizations are available at no cost at any Pinellas County Health Department.

Who do I talk to if my child needs school clothes, shoes or school supplies?
You can talk to the Principal or Social Worker at the school about what the child is allowed to wear. You may request that a referral be made to one of the area "clothes closets" to obtain some clothing for your child.

Who will listen to me about my concerns regarding my child?
If you have any problems with your child's education, don't give up! Talk with the principal. If this does not work, contact the Parental Support Coordinator, Doretha Jackson, 893-2284 or the Director of Operations in your area.

Area Director of School Operations

Area I: Nancy Zambito 725-7971
Area II: William Grey 893-2305
Area III: Arlington Nunn 893-2854
Area IV: Oscar Robinson 893-1802

What can I do to help schools?
Volunteers are needed at all schools to tutor, perform clerical duties, work with schools Multicultural Committees and/or be youth motivators/mentors. Parents are encouraged to join the School Advisory Council (SAC) or the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at their child's school. Businesses may form partnerships with individual schools. Individuals with expertise or special interests are welcome as guest speakers. To become a volunteer, contact your child's school, or call the Department of Community Involvement at 588-6405.

My child wants to drop out of school. What can I do?
The legal age for "dropping out" is 16 however, the schools now have programs for children who are thinking about quitting. If you are having problems with your child, and feel they are thinking about quitting school, please call the DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM at 588-6069.

Does my child have to change schools if we relocate?
The child may have to change schools if you live in a different school zone. If you want the child to remain in the same school, you can apply for a Special Attendance Permit (SAP) by requesting an application from the Principal. Call the Office of Pupil Assignment at 588-6211 for general information regarding SAPs.

Do you offer any diversity programs?
The Center for Multicultural Education prepares students and Pinellas County School employees to live, learn, and work to achieve goals in a culturally diverse society. The goals are achieved through Multicultural Committees at each elementary, middle and high school. These committees need parents as participants.