DoDEA

TORII STATION, OKINAWA , JAPAN — August 14, 2008 — Registration for the 2008-2009 school year is under way throughout DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam. While many families registered their children before schools went on summer recess in June, those who have not or those who recently arrived in their communities are urged to register their children immediately.

Accurate and complete school enrollments assist principals, district superintendents, and Pacific area officials in allocating resources to support highest student achievement. This process is critical for schools since funding and staffing authorizations are based on enrollment and enrollment projections. Parents are urged to complete their children’s registration as soon as possible if they have not done so to date.

“Our reminder to parents is all students must receive the required immunizations prior to enrolling students in school. Students not fully compliant will be unable to attend our schools. This is for the health and safety of all students and staff,” explained Dr. Nancy Bresell, Director for DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam.

School principals and school office staffs across the Pacific are working diligently to ensure that the annual registration process is efficient and customer-service oriented. Some paperwork can be prepared in advance, but all parents will need to visit their children’s schools to finalize the registration process.

Eligibility to enroll in DoDDS is based on the documentation provided at the time of enrollment.  Prior to registration, space-required sponsors must have current orders from military personnel, or in the case of a DoD civilian, current orders from their employing agency.  Military and civilian sponsors need to show a copy of tour extensions if DEROS/PRD has expired before the beginning of the school year.

Required Registration Documentation:
* Sponsor's PCS orders (Current Certificate of Employment Letter and Notification of Personnel Action Form for locally hired civilians)
* Dependent verification (if dependent's name is not listed on orders).
 One of the following must be submitted:
- Dependent entry approval
- Dependent area clearance
- Command letter
* Copy of passport or birth certificate to verify age for PK, KN, and First Grade
* Social Security Number
* Quarters address verification (housing letter or off-base lease)
* Local emergency contact person
* Report cards and other academic records
* Certificate of Immunization (DoDEA Form 2942.0-M-F1) signed by medical authority at Base Immunization Clinic
* Immunization/Vaccination record
  
 In coordination with military medical commands, DoDEA has added three required inoculations for students attending its schools two years ago.  The three are: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4); Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (TDAP - adolescent preparation); and Hepatitis A.

The updated version of the immunizations form is available on the DoDEA web site at http://www.dodea.edu/communities/medical.htm. Parents should bear in mind that the additional immunizations are age-specific and not all students will require all of the additional vaccines.
  
 Parents can either call the school for detailed instructions regarding documentation required for registration or visit; www.pac.dodea.edu/supportservices/Fiscal/index.htm.

“During this period of transition, my staff is very much interested in assisting both students and parents. Should a family member have any questions or need additional help, please do not hesitate to contact our office,” explained Bresell.