Never too late to register for school, but hurry up

By John Howell
Posted 8/11/16

Maybe it's because this has been such a great summer, or that it doesn't seem possible that Aug. 31, the first day of school, is less than three weeks away, or that Warwick has fewer school-aged children than what the forecasters

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Never too late to register for school, but hurry up

Posted

Maybe it’s because this has been such a great summer, or that it doesn’t seem possible that Aug. 31, the first day of school, is less than three weeks away, or that Warwick has fewer school-aged children than what the forecasters predicted.

Nancy Zoglio, who has been with Warwick schools for 30 years, doesn’t venture an answer. But Zoglio said Tuesday the school office of central registration has been exceptionally quiet this summer.

Usually at this time, three or four parents with as many kids in tow – if not more – can be found in the corridor of the school administration building on Warwick Avenue, completing forms to get their kids into school.

Zoglio didn’t have an exact count. She estimated 1,000 students have been registered for the upcoming academic year since schools closed in June. Of those, she said about 600 are kindergarteners and 100 are for pre-school, while the remaining 200 to 300 fall between 1st and 12th grades.

Believing that many parents have put off registering their child for schools, Zoglio advised, “The main thing is to get in as soon as possible; make sure your kid gets into the home school.”

Zoglio urged parents to come prepared. Registration information and forms are available from the Warwick School Department website. Essential documents required at registration are the parent’s driver’s license; student’s birth certificate; if divorced, proof of custody; proof of residency, such as a utility bill, mortgage statement or lease or rental agreement; immunization record; and a copy of a student’s most recent report card.

Parents and custodians are urged to call the central registration office at 734-3040 to make an appointment. Appointments are made Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Up until three years ago, registration took place at the schools. School nurse Kathy Tipirneni touts the centralization of registration.

“It’s definitely safer,” she said. “Central registration is a godsend.”

Tipirneni explained the importance for parents to disclose medical issues with the children, relating how a teacher only learned one of her students was severely allergic to peanuts when the student mentioned it. School administrators were quickly advised of the condition and an Epipen was provided should there have been an incident.

As for when it may be too late to register, Zoglio said that never happens. She explained that as families move into the city, students are registered for school throughout the year. But for those parents who have lingered, she urged them to not delay any longer, because this isn’t an endless summer.

Comments

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  • Imhere

    If you are stuck in the city of Warwick and unfortunately have to enroll your kids in this disaster of a school district, the least you can do is stay as far away from Norwood Elementary. At this school the kids are not safe, the principal is part of "the cover up crew" and is one of Phil Thorton'says puppets. John Gannon the principal stays in his hole (office) and turns a blind eye to everything around him. He is there to steal a pay check he definitely hasn't earned and doesn't deserve. Four young girls were inappropriately touched by a fellow students who should be deemed a predator and John Gannon sat back and let this happen on his immediate watch. When this happened he brought in "the cover up crew" lead by Philip Thorton and Lynn Dambruch to help cover it up. Phil Thorton is great at the cover up game he has mastered his craft bouncing district to district and rakes the taxpayer over the coals and another one who steals an over inflated salary which he doesn't deserve. I think the best thing is that these three criminals should all RESIGN!!

    Thursday, August 11, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    The Mario Atoyan version of this story was when that disgusting pervert drew a penis on the arm of a 12 year old girl and another one on the arm of a 13 year old girl. The School Committee did nothing to discipline him ( see The Ragosta Report) and when the City Council unanimously (and immediately) drafted and signed a "resolution of disapproval" they sent it to the Mayor for his signature.

    He refused to sign it!

    They gave him another 5 days to sign it. He didn't. I asked if I could sign it but the Council couldn't allow it.

    Our Mayor has a "Hands-off" policy that is the biggest part of this problem. I won't. I will have a "zero-tolerance policy" for matters such as these. I have met with Mr. "Imhere". I have heard, first hand, what his daughter and his family went through. The school, according to him, refused to even keep the offending student away from his daughter. They actually continued to seat the two students next to each other. When I am Mayor, I will meet with Superintendent Dr. Thornton. We will develop a "zero-tolerance policy" that will protect all students without violating the rights of the accused, but if we error, it will be on the side of caution, and maybe even extreme caution. When student safety is at stake our actions need to be immediate.

    A long-term teacher in Orlando Florida brought a star student to the front of the room to receive an award. In congratulating the student he but his hand on the top of her shoulder. She complained the she felt he was "inappropriate" and, although everyone knew there was absolutely no wrong doing there was a complete investigation after which he was cleared of all wrong doing. We need a similar policy in Warwick. When parents and taxpayers see a greater level of care and caution in our school system they will recommend Warwick School to their friends and the student population will finally start to increase. When they see what is happening here today they will join Mr. "Imhere" and leave. We have enough problems trying to increase our student population without having teachers that are under contract. That issue has been going on for much too long. We have enough of a black eye with a School Committee that would rather sue than sit. The teachers are willing. The School Committee stubbornly refuses. In the court of public opinion, the teachers win and win BIG.

    We have enough problems with a large percentage of students that still don't have the advantage of Chromebooks. We don't need another public relations disaster. I will be a Mayor that cares. I will be as involved as the law and the Warwick Teachers Union will allow.

    One last thing. Dr. Thornton does deserve sincere credit for the recent 500 additional Chromebooks. It is a big step in the right direction. If we are to criticize when we disapprove we need to also give credit when we see improvement. 500 Chromebooks is the very definition of improvement. I will be at the Carnival at Oakland Beach Friday and Saturday (8-12 and 8-13) if anyone wants to say "Hello."

    Hope to see many there.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Friday, August 12, 2016 Report this

  • Imhere

    Mr. Corrente here is the link you asked for http://bit.ly/1UkBO7n. For the few good things Phil Thorton has done he gets a little credit but when he tries to cover up something as serious as this that's when he is discredited and is looked upon as a liar! The whole school committee was forwarded that link and only one council member replied to say she recieved it. Gene Nadeau was contacted and kept abreast of the situation and he too fell flat on his face, he was to worried about the clocks that didn't present the right time at Aldrich. Phil Thorton, Lynn Dambruch and John Gannon should immediately reign the respective office they hold or lack of respect for there position.

    Friday, August 12, 2016 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Imhere,

    You didn't just give that link to me. You gave it to all Warwick Citizens. Thank you for that public service. You are helping all concerned taxpayers be aware the issues. That is the first step to correcting them.

    On behalf of us all, again, thank you! Your daughter has a loving dad.

    Richard Corrente

    Endorsed Democrat for Mayor

    Friday, August 12, 2016 Report this