Appointments now needed to register for 2023-2024 year
By Donnie A. Lucas
Just over 70 percent of expected Albany ISD students were registered for the new school year as of Monday, and officials are urging parents to complete the process online or by calling for an appointment at either campus to complete registration.
“We encourage parents who can register on the parent portal to complete that this week,” Leigh Lowe, director of student services, said on Monday. “Those who need assistance or are new to the district and do not have the login to the portal should call the campus their child will attend and make an appointment as quickly as possible.”
The district opened online registration last week and held in-person registration last Wednesday and Thursday.
Almost 100 students who are expected to return this year are not yet registered, according to Lowe. The majority are students expected to attend the secondary campus.
“Secondary students and parents need to be aware that their student can not receive a school computer or class schedule until the registration process is complete,” she said. “If they complete it online, we will be able to see that its completed so they don’t have to contact us.”
Lowe said the PEIMS clerks at both campuses have been calling parents during the week to urge them to complete the process.
“Normally, we would have over 90 percent of registrations complete by this point,” she said. “If someone needs help or is new and would rather register in person so we can scan the required documents, they must call and make an appointment.”
Lowe said that administrators and office staff have had several routine meetings to attend this week, and parents need to arrange a time to come in person rather than just showing up.
Parents of students in Early Childhood through sixth grade can call 325-762-3384, while parents of secondary students need to call 325-762-3974.
The number of students who had not been enrolled at this point last year was only five at the secondary campus and about 20 at the elementary.
All secondary students who are enrolled will be able to pick up their schedules for the new school year on Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Students can also pick up their school-issued computer during the day if they haven’t already. There is a $25 computer use fee, but that can be waived it a parent fills out the free and reduced lunch application.
“It doesn’t matter whether or not a parent feels they qualify, or if their student will actually eat lunch at school, the computer fee will be waived if the application is filled out,” Lowe said. “Since we are a Title I school, there is funding that is dependent on having these applications on file.”
Registration Details
Parents registering online using the Ascender Parent Portal for registration can find a link available on the district website. Parents are instructed to access the “Parents Resources” tab, then look for the “Registration” or Registration Help.”
Parents can log in to an existing account or create a new account if they do not have one. Follow the instructions provided on the website.
New students can also be registered online if a parent creates an account on the portal and uploads all the required documents.
Parents of new students who have not registered yet are urged to come this afternoon (Thursday) or call the campus their child will attend to arrange for in-person help next week.
All parents are asked to use a cell phone as the main contact number if they have one, as well as providing a current e-mail address.
“Both campuses will be using School Messenger to contact parents again this year, so we need the number of the primary person who needs to receive texts and e mails,” Lowe said. “If there has been a change in contact information since last year, we need parents or guardians to make those changes in the Asender Parent Portal.”
All students in grades 9-12 are also being asked to sign their personal graduation plan if they have not already done so when they pick up their schedules on Tuesday, according to secondary counselor Brittney Harmon.
New Student
Registration
Any students who are new to the district can still use the Ascender protocol to register, but will have to upload required documents by scanning them with their phones and submitting them through the website.
Items required for registration include the student’s birth certificate, shot record, proof of residency, copy of driver’s license, student social security card and a transcript or report cards (for grades 7-12).
Officials added that it may be easier for parents of new students to bring the documents and register in person so school personnel can scan the required documents.
Meet the Teachers
Both campuses will host Meet the Teacher sessions on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Students entering grades K-6 will meet from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Nancy Smith Elementary campus.
Students who will attend junior high and high school classes can meet with teachers from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. An informational meeting will be held first in the auditorium at 6:00 p.m., followed by parents and students visiting teachers and classrooms.
Prices for adult meals are set at $3 for breakfast and $4.65 for adults.
The price for students who qualify for reduced pricing are 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.
