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School Enrollment & US School System

Procedure:
Your children should be enrolled in school as soon as possible. IRC or your anchor relative can help you locate the correct school for your children. To find out which school is yours you can call the San Diego Unified School District @ (619) 725-8000 or visit their website.

 For any other questions, call (619) 725-5668 or visit the website www.sandi.net\facplan.

Required Documents:
To enroll, the school needs to annually have on file documentation confirming the ages and addresses of your children. (Any concerns about age must be taken care of at time of registration). They will also need the yellow immunization card, I-94, and proof of residence. Acceptable documents are:
• Original copy of a recent utility bill
• Original copy of a rental agreement (not a rent receipt)
• Original copy of a document addressed to you from the Dept. of Social Services

School Year: Traditional vs. Track Program
The traditional school year in the United States runs from September to June. Some classes may be available during the summer. Many schools use the "track program.: This means they are in session for three to four months and then off session for three to four weeks. In the summer, the may be out of session for a longer period of time.

School Hours:
The school day usually starts around 8:00 a.m. and ends about 3:00 p.m.

Parent Involvement:
In the United States, parents are encouraged to be involved in their children’s education. Schools may have Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTA) to improve communication among students, parents, staff and the community.

Parent responsibilities include:

• Insuring students arrive to school on time ready to learn.
• Stay in contact with school and conference with teachers.
• Support school academics and provide a place for home study.
• Assist and monitor homework.
• Volunteer time at child’s school.
• Parents as teachers

School Rules and Laws:
San Diego Unified School District and Federal Law require that all children be integrated in an out of the classroom. Children need to learn, work and play together. Schools have their own rules and parents are expected to support these rules. Children should receive rewards and consequences at home for their behavior in school. Check with the school for assistance on school rules and regulations.

Holidays and School Calendar:
School calendars are provided by the schools and indicate school days and vacation days. The calendar also lists national holidays like Thanksgiving, President’s Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. If your child will be absent from school due to a religious holiday, you need to inform the school administration and receive permission to be absent prior to the holiday.

Breakfast and Lunch Programs:
If you are a low-income family, your child may qualify for the Free Lunch Program at his/her school. Check with the school office about this program.

  Links:                                                  

San Diego School System

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Parent Kit: This document was created by the Development Resource Center, a non-profit organization in Arlington, VA. The information in this document is to help you understand schools in America and the role that parents are expected to play in their children’s education.