Student Checklist

Checklist for Parents/Students Entering a New School

Before arriving at your new assignment

• contact new school district
• check the Internet to see if the school district has a web site
• ask for general information about the school district
• ask for information about what school your child will be attending
• ask for a copy of the school calendar
• check to see if you can register your child prior to arriving at your new assignment
  • register on-line through the school district web site
  • register with forms that the district sends you
• ask the school district what they do if you arrive at your new assignment and do not have a permanent address
  • will the school district register your child and place him/her in a school immediately
  • once you have a permanent address, will you have to move your child or can your child stay at the same school for your entire assignment
• what can you take care of prior to arriving at your new school
  • physical examinations
  • immunizations

Specific questions about the school program

• what is the relationship between school district and military installation
• is your School Board and leadership team dedicated to quality education
• what is your parent participation in the educational process
• do you have clearly defined and measured learning standards
• what are the elements of a quality instructional program
• what is your accreditation level - state or regional - and is this for all of your schools
• do you have a comprehensive set of educational options for students with disabilities and special needs
• what are your district test scores
• what is your average class size
• do you have differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners - regardless of their learning style
• how do you develop productive, good citizens
• how do you use technology
  • do you use it just to drill students or to enhance instruction
• do you offer a high ability learner program
• do you offer a special education program
• do you have remedial programs for students who do not qualify for special education
• do you have counselors available for all grade levels
• do you offer a summer school program
• how safe are your schools
• what do your facilities look like
  • are they handicap accessible
  • are they clean and up-to-date
• is transportation available

Elementary

• what is the entrance age for children in kindergarten
• do you have full-day kindergarten
• do you offer a developmentally-appropriate early childhood program (i.e. hands-on approach to learning)

Secondary

• is the school on block or traditional scheduling
• what is the grading scale (4 point or 5 point)
• what are the graduation requirements
  • is there a state-mandated test for students
  • is there a state-mandated class, such as state history
• do you offer
  • JROTC
  • advanced placement classes
  • vocational education, college prep programs
• what is the policy on a new student becoming valedictorian/salutatorian
• how does a child participate in programs that have early tryouts
  • cheerleading, choral groups, sports teams, etc.
  • does the school hold several positions so that students can try out late
  • does the school accept videotaped auditions
• ask about specific programs of interest for your child
• do you provide any test preparation programs for ACT/SAT

Hand carry the following information for each child:

• birth certificate
• social security number
• child's military ID card
• immunization records
• report cards
• copy of school transcript
• IEPs for students with special needs