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Enrollment of New Students Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the first step to enroll in the SMUHSD?
A: The first step to enroll in the SMUHSD is to provide proof of residency. The District will be offering Enrollment Centers starting January 12, 2008 through February 23, 2008 for this purpose. All parents will be mailed a letter that lists the locations, dates, and times for the Enrollment Centers. In addition, the District website has complete information regarding the Enrollment Centers listed under the District Enrollment procedures title. NO PROOF OF RESIDENCY PROCEDURES WILL BE HANDLED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE UNTIL AFTER MARCH 7, 2008 . After that date enrollment will be conducted at the Attendance and Welfare office at 640 N. Delaware Street in San Mateo on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 3 PM and on Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM through April 25th, 2008
Q: What is proof of residency?
A: If you own your home you must present one of the following: Deed of Trust or Property Tax Bill or a Final Escrow Letter or a Tax Assessment Card and a current paid utility bill as your proof of residency document. If you rent, you must present a Lease Agreement from the owner/manager which should include his/her phone number and a current paid utility bill as your proof of residency. NO P.O. BOX ADDRESSES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please be aware that you may be asked to provide further documentation.
You can download a Proof of Residency Checklist at This Link
Q. Do I need to bring immunization records to enrollment?
A: If your student has attended a public school that is within the district boundaries, you do not need to bring immunization records to enrollment. If your student has attended a private school, you need to bring immunization records, a copy of his/her birth certificate and a copy of his/her school record and/or transcript.
Q: How do I apply for a transfer to a school other than the assigned school?
A: The District maintains an open enrollment policy which, within certain guidelines, allows a family to request enrollment for the student at a District school other than the school assigned.
Open enrollment is not extended to students who reside with caregivers or under a shared family arrangement. If you wish to request enrollment for the student at a District school other than the school assigned, you will need to obtain a Permit to Register from one of the Enrollment Centers to complete the Intra-district Transfer Application starting February 1, 2008.
Completed applications must have the Permit to Register attached and must be received at the District office - not the schools - no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 3, 2008. Only one application per student may be permitted.
Q. What is the process for approving Intra-district Transfers?
A: Requests for transfer will be processed in random order after the transfer closing date of March 3, 2008. Requests will be granted, providing this can be accomplished without going beyond the limits of the school capacity. If more requests are received than there is space available to attend a specific school, a lottery will be conducted among the applicants requesting transfer to that school to fill any vacancies which may exist. The intent is to be certain that the school can accommodate students who reside within its attendance area. Applicants will be notified by mail by March 17, 2008, as to the status of their transfer request. Please note: all approved transfers are FINAL and may not be rescinded.
Q. What is the sibling policy?
A: Transfer requests for sibling are automatically granted if the application is received by the March 3, 2008, deadline. Sibling is defined as an enrolling student with a brother or sister currently enrolled in the eleventh or lower grade and who lives in the same house with the same parent or guardian or who graduated no more than three years previous.
Q. If I do not live in the SMUHSD is it possible to attend school in the District?
What is the process?
A: The school district of residence must release your student to attend a school outside of their district. You may apply at your district of residence for an Interdistrict Tranfer to begin this process. If the district of residence agrees to the release, your student’s application will be forwarded to the SMUHSD. All Interdistrict Transfer requests into the SMUHSD are denied, per board policy. If you wish to appeal the Interdistrict Transfer denial, you must submit your appeal in writing to:
*Please include a compelling educational reason(s) for your request in your letter.
Q. How does the District determine school assignments in the SMUHSD?
A: The District assigns school placement based on home address.
Q. If my student is attending a school within the SMUHSD is it possible to do a mid-year transfer?
A: No.
Q. What school will my student be assigned to if we live in a SHARED RESIDENCY OR CAREGIVER situation?
A: The District will assign a school based on available space.
Q. Can my student put in for a transfer in the 10th or 11th grade?
A: Your student will be eligible to participate in the open enrollment program provided they have not been placed at their current school on a disciplinary or administrative transfer. All upper grade transfer must be approved by their counselors, based on good attendance, discipline, and credits.
Q. If my student has been classified as Special Education, how will this affect his/her school assignment? What if my student with Special Education needs has been approved through an Intra-district Transfer?
A: All Special Education. student assignments will be reviewed and final assignment will be made by the Director of Special Education at the District based on available space.
Q. Is transportation to the various schools available in the District?
A: Please direct all request regarding transportation to:
SMUHSD Transportation Office at (650) 558-2440
Q. Are free or reduced meals available to qualifying students?
A: For any requests regarding free or reduced meals availability, please contact: Bernadette Villarin at (650) 558-2278
Q. Do you have other questions/concerns?
A: E-mail your questions.
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