New students to register July 31
By Kathy Thomson
Parents who still need to register their children for the upcoming school year at Nancy Smith Elementary are encouraged to do so either online at reg.albanyisd.net or to come in person to the school office next Wednesday, July 31.
“Many returning students have already registered, but those who have not can still complete all necessary forms either online, or at Nancy Smith on July 31 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.,” said the new principal John Gallagher. “Students new to the district will need to come in on the 31st.”
Parents of elementary students new to the district and those that still need to enroll in either pre-kindergarten or Head Start should make sure to bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and Social Security card, as well a parent’s drivers license and proof of residence (like a utility bill showing the parent or guardian’s name and address) with them to registration next Wednesday.
“Both Pre-K and Head Start are accepting student applications,” said Gallagher. “Parents who have children that may qualify for Pre-K and Head Start need to come into the school office and complete a pre-enrollment application form.”
Parents of students who may be qualified for those classes should bring proof of income.
According to Gallagher, there are currently about 270 students enrolled at NSES for the start of the school year, but more are expected to sign up on July 31.
Online registration is not available this year for students new to the district or for those enrolling at Albany Junior/Senior High, and those students should enroll in person at the corresponding school office.
AJ/SH Registration
Secondary school principal Edward Morales said that most of the students at AJ/SH have already registered for classes, but they still need to stop by his office before school starts.
“Schedules are still in the process of being finalized,” the principal said. “Starting on Thursday, Aug. 1, the office will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., five days a week. That is when students can start picking up their schedules, and any that still need to register can do so.”
Students new to the district should bring their Social Security card, birth certificate, immunization records, a parent’s drivers license and proof of residence.
“Most of the kids that needed to attend summer school took care of that,” said Morales. “The few who didn’t will have to retake the course or semester they did not complete.”
Morales added that he expects to have around 145 students in high school this year and another 80 or so in junior high, for a total of around 220 at the secondary campus.
Facilities
AISD facilities are undergoing regular preparations for the new school year.
“At NSES the floors have been waxed, carpets cleaned, and other improvement projects are undergoing,” said Gallagher earlier this week. “Currently classrooms are being set up for the start of the school year.”
The new Graham Pavilion at the secondary campus is still under construction.
“The concrete was poured last week, but we still need to do the steel work on the pavilion,” said Morales. “We are working on stripping and waxing floors in the buildings, but almost everything else is ready to go.”
Meet the Teacher
“Meet the Teacher” gives students a chance to visit their new classrooms and say hello to their teacher. However, parents and teachers are the main beneficiaries of the event because they can use the meeting to hand out and go over any classroom forms, review class policies, and address any particular concerns about the upcoming year.
“Meet the Teacher” will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Pre-K through second grade teachers will meet with parents at the elementary school from 5:00-5:30 p.m., and third through sixth grade teachers will be available from 5:30-6:00 p.m.
A list of student classroom assignments at NSES will be posted at the event, although most teachers will have notified the parents before that night.
Teachers will be on hand in the snack bar at the secondary campus at 6:00 p.m. later that same evening.
The event at AJ/SH is geared toward students new to the secondary school.
District Staff
Susie Beard, Lauren Peacock, and Kenzie Fairchild are moving from the secondary campus to NSES.
New staff at the elementary school will also include Audrey Faith, Lori Warren, Heather McClure, Whitney Bennett, and Gallagher.
Dakota Fowler, M.J. Reneau, Michaela Bradford, Jamie Wilson, Melanie Turner, and Richard Murrow will join the staff at AJ/SH. Murrow, who is the new band director, also teaches music classes at the elementary campus.
Students Start Aug. 15
Students at AISD will officially start the new school year on Thursday, Aug. 15, with the elementary students beginning at 7:55 a.m. and the secondary students a few minutes later at 8:00 a.m.
“We are still in discussion on what days pre-K and Head Start students will be released early,” said Gallagher.
Typically those youngest students only attend school for a half day (from 7:55 a.m. until 12:00 noon) during the first couple of days.
Teachers Start Aug. 6
New teacher training will take place on Monday, Aug. 5 at 9:00 a.m. at NSES room 107.
Returning teachers will officially start their school year with staff development days on Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 6-8. A back-to-school staff breakfast will be served on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Comp days are on the school calendar for Friday, Aug. 9 and Monday, Aug. 12. Teacher workdays are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 13-14.
School supplies
School supply lists for elementary students were not yet posted online at the NSES website as of press time but should be soon. Copies are available at The Albany News and in various other stores in town.
Parents who need assistance to obtain school supplies can apply for ResourceCare’s Adopt-a-Buddy program.
The applications can be picked up at ResourceCare at 725 Pate Street in Albany. The deadline to turn in the completed form is Friday, Aug. 2.
