SOMSD New Registration Process for SY 2019-2020

SOMSD is pleased to introduce a new registration process for 2019-2020! They have made a number of changes to streamline the process, make it more user-friendly, and reduce time spent waiting in the district office.

Changes include the launch of the new online registration portal, the opportunity to schedule appointments for the in-person portion of registration, and a specific week designated for appointments for each school. Thank you to those who participated in the soft launch to help us stress test the system and provided feedback to help us fine tune the process.

2019-2020 Registration Process:

1. Pre-register online

a. Collect and submit all of your information online.

2. In-person appointment to provide proof of residency and complete the registration.

a. After you have completed the online registration, you will be prompted to select an appointment time for the in-person portion.

b. Appointments are available by school.

c. There will be one evening registration (date TBA) for those whose schedules are not flexible enough to come in during standard registration hours.

3. Placement SOMSD makes every effort to place students in their zoned school (generally the school located closest to their residence). Currently, 28% of our elementary students attend schools that are not their zoned schools. The District is engaged in a Long Range Facilities Plan and Elementary Reconfiguration Initiative which will remedy this for the future, however it will not affect the 2019-2020 school year.

Student Placement Priority for SY 2019-2020:

1. Special program requirements (eg. Special Education, English Language Learners, etc.)

2. Sibling preference

3. Lottery for all zoned families who registered during the kindergarten registration period, if more students are registered than available spots at that school. Families will be notified by May of the school in which their child has been placed.

Elementary Choice:

SOMSD continues to provide elementary families with the opportunity to attend their zoned elementary school, or to “opt in” to one other elementary school, if space is available.

• Families zoned for Clinton, Jefferson, Marshall, South Mountain and Tuscan can opt in to Seth Boyden
• Families zoned for Seth Boyden can opt in to Marshall/Jefferson

For language assistance or if you are unable to complete the on-line pre-registration and need a paper application, please contact the Office of Registration at 973-762-5600, ext 1830 or registration@somsd.k12.nj.us.