District 59 to hold kindergarten, new student registration

Community Consolidated School District 59 will begin kindergarten and new student registration for the 2016- 2017 school year Thursday, Feb. 25, with a special evening registration from 5-8 p.m. at all of the district's elementary sites.

Registration will then continue at each school from 9:30-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. on days that school is in session.

Choice program options are available, including the dual language (Spanish/English) program and Ridge Family Center for Learning. All CCSD59 residents can apply for choice programs. The registration deadline for these choice programs is March 16, and a lottery process is used if the number of applicants exceeds available slots.

For more information about the Dual Language Program, contact Carolina Hernandez at (847) 593-4307.

For information about the Ridge Family Center for Learning, contact the school at (847) 593-4070.

A child whose 5th birthday falls on or before Sept. 1, 2016, is eligible to attend kindergarten starting in the 2016/2017 school year. Parents should bring their child's certified birth certificate when registering their child for kindergarten.

A birth certificate or other reliable proof, as determined by the Illinois Department of State Police, of the student's identity is required by state law to show proof of a child's identity and age.

If no birth certificate is submitted at the time of registration, a parent must fill out an affidavit explaining the inability to produce a copy of the birth certificate and must provide it within 30 days of the start of school. Birth certificate request forms are available at all CCSD59 elementary schools.

Additional information needed at the time of registration includes: parents/guardians' home telephone number(s), work number(s), cellphone number(s), email address, and the name and telephone number of someone to contact in the event of an emergency.

The parent/guardian will also be required to complete a form verifying residency, including items such as: most recent real estate tax bill, signed lease for residence, current driver's license, gas or electric bill, voter's registration card or other documents verifying residence in CCSD59.

At registration, parents/guardians will be given physical examination forms and information to be completed and filed with the school before the start of the 2016/2017 school year. Dental forms will be distributed and must be returned by May 15.

Residents with questions regarding new student registration can contact the D59 office at (847) 593-4300.