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Most students get first-choice school
More than 82 percent who played the choice lottery get their wish.
By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published January 26, 2005
All but 2,000 of the 20,000 students who participated in Pinellas County schools' choice computer lottery for 2005-06 got their first- or second-choice school, district officials say.
More than 82 percent, or roughly 16,500, got their first-choice school.
Parents who filled out applications for children primarily entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades can expect letters notifying them of their assignments as early as Saturday, said Andrea Zahn, choice communications director.
Letters also will be mailed to parents of children who could not be placed because the schools to which they applied were full or already met the racial quota, and those who were placed by the district because an application was not filed by the Nov. 1 deadline.
Parents who applied for a countywide magnet, fundamental or high school academy and who accepted an invitation will receive confirmation letters.
Students who are not assigned to their first- or second-choice attendance area school automatically are placed on a waiting list for those schools, Zahn said. When a seat becomes available, the student assignment department will contact parents.
Once parents have received their school assignment, they must complete the registration process at the assigned school. Elementary schools will begin the second phase on April 4. Parents of middle and high school students can call the assigned school for registration procedures.
Beginning Monday, parents with questions about their child's assignment can call 588-5000. Six customer service representatives will be available from noon to 7 p.m. through Feb. 7 to answer questions.
Parents who think the district did not follow assignment guidelines when processing their child's application have 10 days from the receipt of the assignment to file an appeal.
Forms are available at the two Family Education and Information Centers: 3420 Eighth Ave. S in St. Petersburg and 1101 Marshall St. in Clearwater.
[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:13:15]
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