Schools

Kindergarten Readiness: Back-To-School Countdown (Day 19)

Entry requirements for kindergartends are noted in this 19th posting of news to use as you count down the days before the opening bell of the 2011-12 school year.

The Brandon Patch Back-To-School Countdown proceeds with this Day 19 report, offering news of interset as the first day of classes approaches.

Teachers in the Hillsborough County School District go back to school Aug. 15 to prepare for the first day of classes, Aug. 23.

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New to Florida? Or just new to the world of school?

Here’s news you can use  to ensure your child meets the requirements necessary to enter the world of kindergarten.

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To determine which school your child is assigned, use the online school locator or call 813-272-4840.

Your child needs proof of a physical examination given some time within the 12 months leading up to the first day of school. Again, the first day of school is Aug. 23. The exam necessary is a “school healthy entrance examination” and your physician should know what this is.

And even though your child stands before you, ready to engage in learning centers and nap time, written proof of the birth of that child needs to be submitted as well. Needed is a valid birth certificate, and not just a hospital’s record of birth.

Immunizations are required, including for this school year, a fifth dose of the poliovirus vaccine. (See below, "Back-To-School Countdown" entry for Day 10, for information on free physicals and immunizations.)

This list of kindergarten entry requirements  comes from the school district’s website:

  • Five doses of DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus).
  • Four doses of the polio vaccine (IPV, OPV).
  • A fifth dose of poliovirus vaccine is required if the fourth dose was administered prior to the child’s fourth birthday.
  • Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
  • Three doses of Hepatitis B.
  • Two doses of Varicella (chicken pox), if the child has not had the disease.

A medical exemption must be signed by a physician.

A religious exemption must be requested on HRS form 681, available at the Health Department, in the Hargrett Building at 2002 East 26th Ave. in Tampa.

The Hillsborough County School District’s website has a kindergarten page that includes information on getting involved, getting started, curriculum, reading, responsibilities and literacy.

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ABOUT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN:

This is the 19th posting in a 41-day effort that counts down the days before the opening bell of the 2011-12 school year for the Hillsborough County School District.

Previously posted:


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