INDIANA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

                                                                    Registration

                                                                                                            Policy/Procedure S-18

            This policy which pertains to registration of students for the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI) regular school year and special summer school programs requires that:

1. local education agencies must submit all required paperwork, reports, and other necessary documentation prior to enrollment;

2. parents must pre-register their child 15 working days in advance of the first day of classes; and,

3. parents accompany their child on registration day which is the day preceding the first day of classes.

            This policy was developed to allow staff sufficient time to plan for the beginning of the school sessions to insure that they have thorough and valid information which will assist them in responding to individual and unique student needs, assuring student well being and safety, reducing the potential for liability, and for improved administrative efficiency and effectiveness.

Procedure:  With regard to the Pre-registration requirements #1 and #2 above, it is the policy of the school that no student who has been placed at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired from their local education association through a case conference procedure, consistent with Indiana State Department of Education Article 7, shall be enrolled without a completed, submitted, and approved application which must be received by the school staff at least 15 days in advance of the first day of classes.  Failure for parents or legal guardians and/or local education agency staff to complete and submit the registration application and all accompanying documents will result in the student not being allowed to enroll in school classes, reside in any of the school's residential facilities, participate in any activities, receive health center services, etc.  If a student arrives on campus with the intent to enroll without an approved registration application, the student will be asked to return home under parental supervision until the application packet is completed.

            It is also policy that parents accompany their child on registration day to assure that the pre-registration packet is complete, current and accurate; funds are deposited in the student trust fund accounts; fees for student locks, physical education uniforms, and other requirements are paid; students have all necessary items for classroom and dormitory programs; and the school staff and parents have an opportunity to discuss any concerns, for example, about medication, restrictions regarding physical activity, desired communication between home and school, expectations, and in some cases, personally sensitive information.  Experience has shown that when parents do not accompany their children on registration day and send their children on public transportation, "gaps" in registration information may occur and students begin school without necessary items.   When  parents accompany students for registration, the students have a more positive experience.    One of the goals of the school is to increase and improve parental and staff interaction, home and school communication, cooperation, and teamwork designed to enhance opportunities for student success, achievement, and well-being.

            In the event that special circumstances exist that parents have great difficulty or cannot accompany their child, the Superintendent, Principal and Dean of Students will jointly determine if an exception can be granted from the requirement of the parent accompanying the student.  Exceptions may be granted on such factors as another adult family member substituting for the parents, the parents having already completed the preregistration form and have verified over the telephone that the information submitted is complete and thorough and have deposited funds and paid all fees.  Requests for exemptions of this policy must be made to the Principal at least two (2) weeks in advance of registration day.

            The following items are required for enrollment at the school:

            1.         ISBVI Registration Form

            2.         Medical physical

            3.         Ophthalmological examination

            4.         Deposit the funds for the following:

                        A. $25.00 minimum balance in the Student Trust Fund Account for spending

                        B. Current cost plus tax for student lock (students in grades 6-12)

                        C. Current cost for physical education uniform

· all students, grades 4-6

· students in PE, grades 7-12

                        D. Current cost plus tax for physical education gymnasium lock

· students in PE, grades 7-12

Effective:  July 1, 1995  Revised:  December 10, 1997,  November 12, 1998,

                                                         June 29, 1999,  June  21, 2004,  August 2, 2006

ISBVI Policy S-18

Reviewed and Approved:  1/11/10

ISBVI Superintendent:  _____________________________          ____________

                                                                                                                         Date

ISBVI Board Chair:       _____________________________          ____________

                                                                                                                         Date