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AS63 – Student Eligibility to Attend School

  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 5/22/2012
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board has the power to establish, locate, and maintain kindergarten, elementary, secondary and vocational schools in accordance with Utah Codes §53G-6-302 and 53G-4-402.  The Board shall require evidence of student eligibility to attend the public schools of Jordan District and directs the Administration to establish policy for student eligibility.
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. Residential Eligibility
      All children and youth who have a verifiable residence in the District, and who are otherwise qualified, shall be entitled to attend the public schools, kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12).
    2. Age of Entrance into Kindergarten
      Children seeking to enter school must be at least five years of age before September 2nd of the year in which admission is sought – Utah Code §53G-4-402.  The only exception will be a military child, as defined in Utah Code 53E-3-903, who does not meet the deadline if the student has previously attended kindergarten or a higher grade as a resident in another state.
    3. Age of Entrance into First Grade
      1. Kindergarten attendance is not mandatory, but school attendance at age six (6) is mandatory unless the child is excused according to Utah State Code §53G-6-204.  A child may be placed in the first grade even though the child did not meet the entry day for kindergarten the previous year if a full year of kindergarten was completed in another state or private school provided there is convincing evidence that the child has the skills necessary to succeed in first grade.  (As per letter from the State Office of Education, July 28, 2006.)
      2. Once a child is enrolled in school in the appropriate grade, the local school educational team comprised of a school administrator, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), teacher(s), and guidance personnel may make changes in the placement of a child based upon a professional determination that such a change is in the best interest of the child.  (See Policy AS64—Student Retention and Acceleration).
    4. Birth Certificate
      1. An original birth certificate issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics shall be required of all children at the time of their entrance into kindergarten.  Exceptions, if any, must be approved by the  administrator of Planning and Student Services Department.
      2. A certified birth certificate may be required of first (1st) grade registrants at the discretion of the school principal.  A certified birth certificate may also be required in special cases brought up for review.
      3. Upon enrollment of a student for the first time in a particular school, that school shall notify in writing the person enrolling the student that within 30 days he/she must provide either a certified copy of the student's birth certificate, or other reliable proof of the student's identity and age, together with an affidavit explaining the inability to produce a copy of the certified birth certificate.  In all cases, if a person enrolling a student indicates a birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics cannot be obtained for whatever reason, the school shall refer that person to the Planning and Student Services Department prior to enrollment.
      4. Upon failure of a person enrolling a student to comply with the above, the school shall notify that person in writing that unless he/she complies within 10 days, the case shall be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that 10-day period, the school shall refer the case to the local law enforcement agency. The school shall immediately report to the local law enforcement authority any affidavit received which appears inaccurate or suspicious—Utah Code §53G-6-603.
    5. Health Examination
      1. Physical and dental examinations made prior to kindergarten registration shall be recommended for all children entering Jordan District schools.
      2. Immunizations that are required for school entry must be on file according to Policy AS87—Immunization.
    6. Homeless Students
      1. The Administration recognizes the importance of requiring and maintaining necessary records for all students.  However, the Administration also recognizes the importance of removing barriers for homeless students to enroll and participate in school.  Under the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless students are entitled to immediate enrollment and full participation even if they are unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, birth certificate, or other documentation.  42 U.S.C. §11432(g)(3)(C) and (g)(1)(H), (I)
        1. Homeless students shall be enrolled immediately.
        2. Homeless students will be granted full participation in school activities and programs.  They cannot be excluded based on their inability to present the following information:
          1. Immunization records
          2. Medical records
          3. Birth certificate
          4. Previous school records or transcripts
          5. Guardianship records
          6. Proof of residency
          7. Other required documentation
      2. Homeless students have three options for choice of school to attend:
        1. School of origin (the school the child has attended when permanently housed)
        2. School of origin (the school the child last attended)
        3. The school closest to the shelter or other temporary housing
      3. The school will continue efforts to assist the student in completing necessary and important records especially all immunization information.
      4. The school will work closely with the District Outreach/Homeless Liaison.