Mail-In Registration Begins May 12

This year, we will be completing Mail-In registration from May 12-June 6, 2008. Please update your child's information and return the forms to school at your earliest convenience. Once your packets are returned, we have a more accurate count on students per grade level and per classroom. The registration materials will include updated physical forms for your use. If you are new to Harrison School District #36, please come to the school office to pick up a new student registration packet.

New Illinois Law Requires Student Eye Examinations

A new law, effective January 1, 2008, requires eye examinations of Illinois students. The official state form will be included in registration packets. The state will also provide additional details as to the qualifications of the doctor completing this exam.

All children enrolling in kindergarten after January 1, 2008, and children enrolling for the first time in a public, private, or parochial school after January 1, 2008, must have an eye examination and present proof of the eye examination to the school before October 15th of the school year. If not, the school may hold the child's report card.

Physicals Required for all entering 6th Graders in 2008-2009

Public Act 95-0422 (SB 937) amends the School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1) by changing the physical examination requirement for students from "prior to entering 5th grade" to "prior to entering 6th grade".

Both the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) acknowledge that because the 2007-2008 school year has already commenced, this legislative change would be burdensome to families of Illinois school children, as well as schools. After conferring with the legislative sponsors, it has been determined that the enforcement of the 6th grade physical examination requirement will be deferred until the 2008-2009 school year.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION
For the past year the Harrison School District 36 Board of Education and Administration have been studying the impacts of the proposed Thatcher Meadows Housing Development upon the school district. A Community Information Session was held on September 18th, for more information on this important issue > > Click LINK.

SCHOOL BUDGET
The Harrison Elementary School District #36 adopted 2007-08 Budget is available on our website; www.hsd36.org.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Harrison is using the Honeywell Instant Alert system to notify parents of transportation related events or emergency closings. If you see the school phone number on your caller ID system, it is a good possibility that the system was attempting to phone you. If you have an answering machine, the system will leave a message. Soon, you'll receive instructions as to how you can sign up to customize your alert messages. You may add cell phone numbers or e-mail addresses to personalize your contacts. Please look for instructions in a letter format.