06/20/11 Although the last school year just ended, the Plymouth Schools are already gearing up for the 2011-2012 school year. All registration for all schools within the system will once again be held at Plymouth High School (PHS) on August 3 and August 4.

According to Superintendent Daniel Tyree, consolidating the registration at one location last year was in response to comments by parents. He said, “Parents who have children in more than one school told us they couldn’t afford to take two half-days off.”

Tyree said parents/guardians can now take advantage of filling out one form for basic information or all of their children, making the process faster on the actual registration times. Power School is used throughout the year so that parents can check on grades and attendance for their child or children.

He added, “Each of the schools will hold a “Back to School Night” so parents and students can tour the school, find classrooms, etc.”

Students from Lincoln Junior High (LJH) heading towards PHS already had an opportunity to tour the high school and all of those enrolling at Plymouth High School will be able to find classrooms and practice opening their lockers after registration.

“Back to School Nights” for all four elementary schools will be on August 15 from 5:30-6:30.

LJH has scheduled parent computer workshops for August 11 at 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.; August 12 at noon; August 16 at 5:00 P.M.; and “Back To School Night” on August 16 at 6:00 P.M.

Riverside Intermediate has not yet confirmed a “Back to School Night” date or time.

Tyree said those from out of district who want to apply for their children to attend Plymouth Schools can do so up until the official count day that happens in September. However, parents are encouraged to apply before registration in August. Later applications are considered throughout the year as well.

All parents may apply for preferencing of a student to a particular school. Tyree said requests are considered individually and in no particular order. According to Tyree, placements are made, in part, on class sizes and the use of efficient staffing. “There are private issues within certain families that we do take into consideration.” he said.” In those cases, both principals of the schools involved must agree to placement.”

The enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year was approximately 3,500 corporation- wide. Tyree said of those, 262 graduated so far and there will be a few more yet this summer who are completing the required number of credits. He said the kindergarten classes enrolled about 250 for 2010-2011. Kindergarten students only count as one-half despite the fact that Plymouth has all day kindergarten.

Redistricting of the schools will take place before registration of the 2012-2013 school year. The process could mean that some students would be assigned to a different school.

Tyree said they have worked hard to obtain excellent ISTEP scores before going forward with two new programs for 2012-2013. As part of the strategic plan adopted by the school board, the corporation will host the Washington Academy for a limited number of elementary students and the New Tech High School for 100 students the first year. The number of students enrolled in the New Tech program will increase each year by 100 until the enrollment reaches 400. According to Tyree, there is sufficient classroom space for the New Tech School the first year and then another area within the high school building will be renovated as a designated area for the program.

Registration for the 2011-2012 school year will be held at Plymouth High School on Wednesday, August 3 from 7:00 A. M.-10:00 A. M.; 12:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M.; and 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.

On Thursday, August 4, the times will be 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.; and 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M.

Parents/Guardians are asked to park in Lot 5 and enter through Door 5.

Carol Anders Correspondent