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Kindergarten Class: Welcome to Mondays with Maria.

Announcer: Presented by Addition Financial Credit Union. Here's OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez.

Dr. Vazquez: Thank you for that wonderful introduction. Nancy Alvarez is back. It's so good to see you.

Nancy Alvarez: Maria. Great to be back with you. And it's already February. How's that possible? 

Dr. Vazquez: I know, it's incredible. And a time of year. That parents are going to feel very excited about. I think maybe a little nervous, but we're actually going to talk about kindergarten registration today.

Nancy Alvarez: Yeah. I don't know if I can talk about this without tissue. Where's the tissue? I have a mug, but there's no tissue here. What's going on? I remember all too well in the blink of an eye. Mine are now, as you know, middle school and high school. So, we are here to help and to remind parents. There's a lot, it can be overwhelming, but it's really not too early to start getting ready.

Dr. Vazquez: No, it actually is a great time. For parents to begin the registration process. And that means your child is guaranteed to be able to start school on the very first day. Early registration also prevents parents from standing in long lines, since some of our families wait until the last minute. And, you know, sometimes we don't realize, oh, I need a copy of the physical. And now it's the Friday before school starts. Your child may not be able to start on that first day. So we really want our parents to start early. They have an opportunity to visit the school. They have an opportunity to ask for tours and get to know the school and everything that's required for that registration. And so, our parents are also helping our principals because now they know how many teachers they're going to need for that incoming class. And our teachers can be prepared to welcome all of our, our new kindergartners. Very exciting.

Nancy Alvarez: It is, it is. A lot of puzzle pieces here. So where do parents start? I think that's always a big question. Do they go to their elementary school, or do they go to the student enrollment office? Do they go online? Where, where's that starting point for families?

Dr. Vazquez: For most of our families, they're going to be able to go directly to the school that their home is zoned for. If they don't know which school they are zoned for, they can go on our website, and there is a chatbot at the bottom, and they can type in find my school, and it will take them to the webpage that helps them, them determine what their homeschool is. So, then they'll go to their homeschool, and we'll be able to fill out a registration packet. They will also be able to ask questions. Now, there may be some unique situations where a family is going to be required to go to our student enrollment office, which is off of Magic Way, but that should be the exception. Very, very small number.

Nancy Alvarez: Okay. And so, the next big thing for parents is what do you need to enroll? Because we have to think about the paperwork. And again, reminding people, the earlier you do this, the more you can focus on the shopping, the photos, and the crying, and all the sweetness that comes with this time of year. But you've got to handle the business. 

Dr. Vazquez: Exactly. And that's why we're, we really want our families to take advantage of early registration. So, they're going to need a birth certificate. A reminder to families, their child must be five years old on or before September 1st. Sometimes that catches a few of them off guard. They're going to need verification of immunization and the physical exam, and they're going to need verification or proof of address, such as a homestead exemption card, a property tax statement, a signed closing contract, or a signed lease. And they will need to bring that to the school and complete the registration packet. And they're done. They’re registered.

Nancy Alvarez: It sounds like a lot, but it really is easy. And then, as we mentioned, the fun begins. I have to say, you guys do have a really great promo for kindergarten. Yes. You have to show it again. 

Dr. Vazquez: Yes, I agree. Let's take a look. 

Dr. Vazquez: That is so true. Oh, my goodness. 

Nancy Alvarez: Yeah. It really is such an exciting time for families. Starting kindergarten really is just the beginning of a new, fun chapter.

Dr. Vazquez: It really is. And I am looking forward to seeing all of our new kindergartners and new families. Yeah. Nancy, it's always wonderful to have you on the show. Thank you for being here. 

Nancy Alvarez: Thank you, Maria.

Dr. Vazquez: And thank you all for watching. Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe. We will have more on our podcast. Just go to wherever you get your podcast and search for Mondays with Maria. Have a great week.

Announcer: For an extended conversation on today's topic. Listen to the Mondays with Maria podcast. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Mondays with Maria is presented by Addition Financial Credit Union. Count as in for every step of your financial journey. Learn more at Additionfi.com. For more OCPS news and information, visit TheSlice.ocps.net. I'm your announcer, Emily Hannon. A student at Audubon Park School. Thanks for watching, and have a great week.