It’s important for children to be ready to go on the first day of school. And the best way for that to happen is for parents to make sure to register kids before school starts.

Registration packets can be picked up at your child’s school one day in advance of your scheduled registration day. They’ll also be available at each school at registration.

Here’s what parents need when they go to school to register their children.

• A student returning to the school last attended must provide one proof-of-address document.
• An approved student transfer, along with one proof of address document is necessary for the following: students who have moved over the summer and who wish to stay in their previous school; students who wish to transfer under No Child Left Behind; students who wish to attend the same school as a sibling; students who wish to attend a school where a parent is employed; or students who wish to attend a school other than their home-zone school.
• New students must provide two proofs-of-address documents.

Here’s what constitutes acceptable proof — the bill must have the parent or guardian’s official name and current address. Parents can use a current Public Service Company gas or electric bill, a telephone bill, a City of Santa Fe utility bill or a current notarized lease or home purchase agreement. All documents must show the home address is in the school zone.

Other information necessary for new students to Santa Fe Public Schools includes a birth certificate and proof of up-to-date immunization records. This year, schools also are asking returning students to show their shots are up-to-date.

High-school fees include the student activity fee ($35), parking and yearbook (optional). Middle-school students pay an activity fee ($25) and optional yearbook fee.

Students considered homeless can get assistance in registering through the SFPS Homeless Liaison Loretta Fernandez, 467-2524 or at the Office of Student Wellness, 467-2576.

Elementary schools register from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 15-16, except for Piñon and Agua Fría Elementary Schools, which have three days of registration: Aug. 15, 16 and 17, from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Then, from Aug. 27-29 is kindergarten kickoff.

For high schools, registration isn’t on a first-come, first-served basis because students already have been assigned classes, and schedules can be distributed throughout the day. Parents are encouraged to attend registration at different times of the day. Call the school directly if you have questions.Nava Elementary registration will be at Caparral Elementary School.

Capital High, 4851 Paseo del Sol, 467-1000. Principal: To be selected. Registration and scheduling: A parent or guardian must accompany a student through registration.

• Aug. 14, a.m. — Seniors
• Aug. 14, p.m. — Juniors
• Aug. 15, a.m. — Sophomores
• Aug. 15, p.m. — Freshmen

• Aug. 16, makeup day for students who missed registration and students with incomplete schedules. New students will register at their appropriate grade level day and time.
• Aug. 24 — Freshman Jump-start, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Santa Fe High, 2100 Yucca Road, 467-2400. Principal: Daniel Webb. Registration and scheduling: A parent or guardian must accompany a student through registration.

• Aug. 13 — Seniors
• Aug. 14 — Juniors
• Aug. 15 — Sophomores
• Aug. 16 — Freshmen
• Aug. 17 — Makeup day for students who missed registration and students with incomplete schedules. New students will register at their appropriate grade level day and time.
• Aug. 24 — Freshman Jump-start from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

SER/SFPS Career Academy, 2516 Cerrillos Road, 467-1900. Principal: Gloria Lopez. Entrance by application only.

Charter schools

Monte del Sol, 4157 Walking Rain Road, 982-5225. Principal: Tony Gerlicz. Serves grades 7 to 12. Web site: www.montedelsol.org

• All-school registration takes place from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 16. People out of town on registration day should call the school secretary at 982-5225, ext. 109. Children who don’t register or call the secretary will be considered “no-shows.”
• Late registration for families out of town Aug. 16 will be 1-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20.
• School starts Monday, Aug. 27.

Academy for Technology and the Classics, 74 A Van Nu Po Road, 473-4282. Principal: Ruth LeBlanc. Web site, www.atcschool.org

• Senior registration: Aug. 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Seventh-11th grade registration: Aug. 21 or 22, beginning at 9 a.m.
• First day of classes: Aug. 27, 8:35 a.m.

Turquoise Trail Elementary, 13-A San Marcos Loop, 467-1700. Principal: Sandy Davis

Charter School 37, 1501 Cerrillos Road, a bilingual, expeditionary-learning, sustainable high school, 983-3337. Director: Jody Drew. Web site: www.charterschool37.org/