District 59 kindergarten, new student registration begins Feb. 22

Community Consolidated School District 59 will begin kindergarten and new student registration for the 2018-19 school year on Thursday, Feb. 22, with a special evening registration from 5-8 p.m. at all of the district's elementary schools. Registration will then continue beginning on Feb. 26, 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 Program (Spanish/English) and Ridge Family Center for Learning. All District 59 residents with incoming kindergarten students can apply for choice programs. The registration deadline for these choice programs is March 14 and a lottery process (draw date of March 16) is used if the number of applicants exceeds available slots. For information about the Dual Language Program, contact Nancy Torres at (847) 593-4305. For information about the Ridge Family Center for Learning, contact the school at (847) 593-4070.

A child whose fifth birthday falls on or before Sept. 1, 2018, is eligible to attend kindergarten starting in the 2018-19 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 prove 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 District 59 elementary schools.

Additional information needed at the time of registration includes: Phone numbers for parents and guardians (home, cell, and work, as applicable), email addresses, and an emergency contact name and telephone number. In order to register, the parent/guardian will also be required to verify residency by producing three current documents 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 and/or other acceptable documents verifying residence in District 59. Contact the district office or the appropriate school with any questions to be sure you have the correct documentation needed to register.

At registration, parents/guardians will be given state physical examination forms and information to be completed and filed with the school before the start of the 2018-19 school year. Dental forms will be distributed and must be returned by May 15, 2019. Vision examination forms will also be distributed and must be returned by Oct. 15, 2018.

Please note, parents/guardians of children who have attended District 59's Early Learning Center or the Preschool Program (hosted at Ridge Family Center for Learning) are still required to register their child at the appropriate school via the registration packet for kindergarten students.

Residents with questions regarding new student registration can contact the District 59 administration office at (847) 593-4300 or the appropriate school office. District 59 looks forward to meeting its new students and families in the 18-19 school year.