REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Registration for enrollment of all students through Grade Twelve is handled through the Parent Information Center, located on the second floor of the Board of Education Administration Building, 1755 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ. The general information telephone number is (732) 873-2400, Ext. 401. Office Hours are MONDAY through Friday 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. If you have any questions, please feel free to call and a staff member will be happy to help you.
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF JULY 1, 2010 THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on FRIDAYS for Summer only.
Requirements
1. Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before October 31st.
2. A valid birth certificate
3. Two Proofs of residence
(Must be current-property tax, utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, water, sewer)
4. Up-to date immunization records
5. Transfer information from previous school
6. Photo ID of parent/guardian
If you are not the mother, father or legal guardian of the child, and you would like to register him or her, you must provide proof of guardianship established by the NJ Surrogate Court or through a documented DYFS placement.
Moving Into the District
Children moving into the district during the school year who have started Kindergarten elsewhere may be placed directly into Kindergarten with the approval of the Superintendent.
Incoming residents who have entered into a contract to buy, build or lease a residence in the township may register their children a maximum of eight weeks prior to the anticipated date of residency. A copy of the contract is required at the time of registration.
Registration for Kindergarten Students
Kindergarten registration for children who will be five years of age on or before October 31, 2010, will be conducted at the Sampson G. Smith Intermediate School, 1649 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ, based on the following schedule:
• Children whose last names begin with the letters A-M will register on Wednesday, February 24,
from 3:00-8:00 p.m.
• Children whose last names begin with the letters N-Z will register on Thursday, February 25, from
3:00-8:00 p.m.
• Registrations will be accepted on Saturday, February 27, from 9 -11:30 a.m. for parents and
guardians who could not attend during the week.
If you have a child who speaks a language other than English, please bring him/her with you to registration.
Parent Orientation
Each school arranges orientation for all new students and parents. The orientation gives parents an opportunity to meet the teachers and learn about the programs. A notice with the date of orientation is mailed to residents whose children will be attending Kindergarten.
Guardianship
In a case where a child resides with an adult other than the parent, and this adult lives in the district, sworn statements of support are required. For more specific information, you may call Pupil Personnel Services at (732) 873-2400, Ext. 203.
Requirements for Entry Into Grade One
The requirements for entry into Grade One are as follows:
• Six years old on or before October 31st; or
• Completed Kindergarten in the district or an equivalent program elsewhere, and is recommended by
the Superintendent for advancement to Grade One; or
• Meet the district's Kindergarten Acceleration Program criteria for Grade One placement, and has
exceeded the Board of Education's entrance requirements for Kindergarten.
Child Development Center Pre-school
A child is eligible to enter the district's Pre-School Program for children with disabilities at age three based on an evaluation performed by the Child Study Team. A written request for an initial evaluation shall be forwarded to the district at least 120 days prior to the youngster’s third birthday. This written request must be signed by the child’s parent or guardian.
A child who has participated in another Special Education program approved by the New Jersey Department of Education may be eligible for transfer into this district's program at age three at any time during the school year. Contact Mr. Sherren’s office at (732) 873-2400, Ext. 203, for more information.
Student Assignment Criteria
After the initial registration and enrollment students will be placed based on the following criteria:
Primary Placement Factors
1. Residence within the assigned school attendance zone
2. Special Education Needs
3. Transportation
Secondary Placement Factors
4. Space availability
5. Siblings
6. Enrollment composition
7. Program interest options
