How does public school enrollment work in Erie? What do parents need to know?

Its really not that hard. Kindergarten to any grade really is pretty much the same. You need a few things. We will start with the legality of things. If your child is on medications forms can be picked up from schools or the local district to be filled out. Permission forms have to be filled out by the parent and notarized. This can be done at the district. You need medications with original labeled bottles to give to the school nurse. If there is custody issues then you should have a copy of the custody order, pfa or what else to have copied and given to the school. Okay now the basics. You will need shot records, a physical if entering into the schools for the first time, and dental,( I am not quite sure what grades must have current physical) birth certificates, social security cards, shot records, any past school records if you have moved from another city(most often they can be sent from one school to the next though) parent's photo ID. They do ask questions in some of the schools similar to Dr office forms in some schools. This is due to an emergency. Like health history of child family etc. IF YOUR CHILD HAS FOOD ALLERGIES PLEASE GET A DOCTORS NOTE IN ADVANCE . I capitalized because its very important. You don't want the poor child going into school and eating the wrong thing and suffering. The note should say the child's name, date, allergies, etc. This must be renewed EACH YEAR. Believe me I have made this mistake already. Once the school has this then they will accommodate to the child's needs.
Don't be afraid to ask to talk to the nutritionist and the faculty involved. Call the school councilor and talk to them, especially if you have a child with special needs. Meet the principal if you choose and ask questions, get a tour if available. Or go to an open house. If you have specific religious needs, don't worry. The barriers are caused by lack of communication. Be open and let the faculty know in a kind way what you do for your child during holidays if they aren't't the traditional norm. They can provide alternate activities. The main key to this whole process is communication. Keep the lines open, keep an open mind, and volunteer as much as you can. Things won't always go smoothly because nothing is perfect but, communication makes things easier.