Kindergarten Registration Tips from a Par-Troy Mom

As a mom of the class of 2013-2014 (the fledgling kindergarten class that is), I am writing about the process of registration, which is coming this Monday.

First, how does one learn about registering for kindergarten? I heard about it from moms I know. There was no email and no letter from the town or Board of Education arrived in my mailbox. I haven't seen anything about registration in any local news outlet, nor is it on the town website.

(Editor's note: The information is available on the Board of Education website, and has been for weeks.)

Since kindergarten registration is coming up on March 4, it should probably come right before the important "Easter Bunny Visit" on March 16, listed under Community Events on the Township of Parsippany's newly remodeled home page, but it is not there.

If you know enough to register, you may be aware you need to gather paperwork. If not, you should download the forms at the Parsippany Troy-Hill School District website, where you can see a subheading entitled "kindergarten registration," with the notification that registration is on March 4 from 6-8 p.m. and March 5 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. It does not say where you go to register, but mom friends say you go to your home school.

Since I wasn't sure initially which school my daughter would go to, because none of my neighbors has little kids, I called over the summer and was transferred to three different departments, before learning she would go to Lake Hiawatha School. Driving distance on Google Maps has me 1.1 miles from Lake Hiawatha School or 1.3 miles to Rockaway Meadow School, so it's not as clear-cut as one might think.

As of this date, I know of a parent who is intending to get in line Monday at 3 p.m., because what I've been told happens in our town is this—if you do not register your child early enough, you may not be able to go to your closest school. It's first come, first serve and school slots are limited. This is a one-year punishment, as in subsequent years, your child is disrupted and put back into your local district, where they can face a new school with trepidation and no friends. A veteran mom told me to expect a wait of several hours if I arrive there at 6 p.m.

I picture Walmart, after Thanksgiving dinner, but will have to report back on whether this is true. 

As we were discussing this tonight, at one of my daughter's activities, a Montville mom, raised her eyebrows and said, "I registered my daughter for Montville's kindergarten this morning, from my iPad in bed." We Parsippany moms looked at her and asked about all of her paperwork, and if she would have to stand in line to show her birth certificate and proof of residency. She smiled and said proudly that they had given her an appointment for a specific time.

It all sounded so...civilized.

How can we be discussing the use of iPads in our schools and have this antiquated, disorganized poor-excuse-for-a-process in place? To whom is this acceptable?

First, communication has been nonexistent. Every form of news media in or near Parsippany should have noted the dates and times of kindergarten registration, as some parents may not be as connected. Certainly the town website should have this information front and center. The Board of Education and the Township of Parsippany should be ashamed.

Second, how can it happen that parents who, for a multitude of reasons, cannot be in line at 3 p.m. are taking a chance that their scared 5-year-old gets bused from their home a few blocks from Lake Hiawatha School up Route 46 to Intervale School? This process is skewed to parents who are "in the know" and have flexible schedules.

This is 2013. We can register to play volleyball for the town online. Why are we not getting the information out, gathering most school enrollment data electronically (engaging our local librarians to assist those who need help or access), then assigning appointments for providing residency proof and birth certificates? It would streamline the process, improve efficiency and make life a lot easier for parents in this town.

Sharon Maroldi
Parsippany