Two crucial calls for magnets, fundamentals, academies
By Times staff writers
Published August 29, 2004
There is only one way for parents to apply to a countywide magnet, fundamental or career academy program: by phone.
Applying is a two-part process. Parents must call in during the application period - 8 a.m. Sept. 1 through 5 p.m. Nov. 1 - and make their selections. Then, they must call the phone system from Dec. 1-10 to accept an invitation.
Here are the details.
PART I
STEP 1: Calling the automated phone system
After filling out the worksheet (please see the box on this page), you must call (727) 501-0871 to apply to a magnet, fundamental or career academy program. The phone system will operate from 8 a.m. Sept. 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 1. Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The phone line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you get a busy signal, it means all lines are busy. You may want to call during off-peak hours, such as between midnight and 6 a.m.
STEP 2: Key in the following information as the prompt requests it:
Student's 10-digit ID number.
Student's eight-digit birth date.
The grade the student will enter in the 2005-06 school year.
Sibling's 10-digit ID number, if applicable. NOTE: The sibling must already be enrolled in a county program for the second child to receive preference.
Social Security number of parent working full time in the public school to which application is being made, if applicable. NOTE: This is to extend professional courtesy to parents who want children to attend school where they teach.
STEP 3: Main menu:
Select Option No. 2 for countywide programs.
STEP 4: Selecting county programs:
Referring to Page 2 of your child's worksheet, enter the ID numbers for all programs you are applying for.
Enter sibling or professional courtesy, if applicable.
STEP 5: Completing the call:
Return to the main menu for further options or to receive your confirmation number for each call.
IMPORTANT: Write your confirmation number on your worksheet. You may need it for future reference.
STEP 6: Submitting documentation:
Some magnet programs require you to submit report cards or test scores before admission. You can learn which programs require documentation by contacting the individual school. You must submit any necessary documentation to the appropriate program offices by the close of the school day Nov. 2. Failure to do so will render your child ineligible for the programs.
PART II
STEP 1:
Call the automated phone system, (727) 501-0871, during the acceptance period, Dec. 1-10. You will be told which program or programs your child has been accepted to, or given a waiting list number.
STEP 2:
Accept one program's invitation, if appropriate. Once you have accepted a seat, your child's name will be removed from all other lists, including waiting lists.
NOTE: If you do not call before Dec. 10, the student will be considered ineligible for any program he was accepted to. It is not necessary to accept waiting list positions.
