IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS: OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR
SCHOOL CHOICE RUNS FROM JAN. 22nd TO FEB. 8TH

(Bradenton, FL. - January 16, 2008) Parents who want to send their child to a school other than the one to which they are assigned for the 2008-2009 school year, need to apply during the School Choice Open Enrollment Period, which runs from Tuesday, Jan. 22nd, to Friday, Feb. 8th.

This is the only time during the year when parents can apply to have their child attend another school without giving a specified reason for the move. School Choice applications are available at school sites, or online at www.manateeschools.net by clicking on the quicklink titled “School Choice,” or at the School District's award-winning Parent Information Center, located at 234 Manatee Avenue East, in Bradenton.

School Choice decisions may be of particular interest to parents of students moving from elementary to middle school, and from middle to high school because of the variety of magnet themes and academy programs offered at district schools. In addition, parents may use School Choice to enroll their child in International Baccalaureate programs offered at Wakeland Elementary, Johnson Middle and Southeast High.

Approval of School Choice applications are subject to enrollment capacities and other demographic criteria. Choice options for elementary students are limited to schools within a specific geographical cluster, and to a specific geographical region for middle school students. High school students can use School Choice to attend any high school; however a student cannot choice to another school once they have completed the 9th grade. It's important to note that students new to the school system will need to present a certified birth certificate at the time they apply for school choice.

For the first time this year, the AYP School Choice period affiliated with the federal No Child Left Behind Act will be held during the same time as the open enrollment period for School Choice for seven elementary schools. In the past, the AYP School Choice period was held separately from the district's open enrollment.

AYP School Choice is available to students from the following seven elementary schools: Ballard, Daughtrey, Manatee, Oneco, Orange Ridge-Bullock, Samoset and Tillman. Parents at each of these schools were notified by letter and by phone about their AYP School Choice options. The Jan. 22nd to Feb. 8th time frame is the only time during the school year when AYP School Choice, with transportation, will be available to parents in these schools.

For further information on any School Choice options available through the Manatee School District, please contact the Parent Information Center at 708-4971.

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