Five Haitian children enroll in school district
By Philip Sean Curran , Staff Writer
Five children who fled earthquake-ravaged Haiti have been enrolled in South Orange-Maplewood schools, the district said Tuesday.
Superintendent Brian G. Osborne’s office, citing student confidentiality, declined to say what schools they are attending, their ages or other information.
They are required to live within either South Orange or Maplewood to attend schools here, the district said.
A spokeswoman said that, just as with any students who come from out of state or country, the district helps to integrate them into the school system. A similar thing happened in 2005 with students from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
For those who need it, English as a second language classes are available, along with other needed services.
Public schools were notified earlier this month to expect displaced children.
In an advisory to all districts on Feb. 5, acting Education Commissioner Bret Schundler wrote that “New Jersey should be prepared for displaced school-age students enrolling in our schools.”
He instructed them to admit those children “immediately,” although the state is not providing aid to cover districts’ costs.
Parents or guardians might not have medical records indicating the children have been vaccinated.
The state Department of Health and Senior Services said children can be admitted, so long as there is documentation from a doctor, nurse or a local health department that they have received at least one dose of their “age-appropriate” vaccines.
Marilyn Riley, a spokeswoman, said children ought to make an effort to get the rest of their vaccines, and be screened for tuberculosis before entering school.
New Jersey has an open door when it comes to admitting undocumented students.
According to state regulations, districts cannot turn away children or young adults due to their citizenship status or ask for proof of citizenship.
Five children who fled earthquake-ravaged Haiti have been enrolled in South Orange-Maplewood schools, the district said Tuesday.
Superintendent Brian G. Osborne’s office, citing student confidentiality, declined to say what schools they are attending, their ages or other information.
They are required to live within either South Orange or Maplewood to attend schools here, the district said.
A spokeswoman said that, just as with any students who come from out of state or country, the district helps to integrate them into the school system. A similar thing happened in 2005 with students from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
For those who need it, English as a second language classes are available, along with other needed services.
Public schools were notified earlier this month to expect displaced children.
In an advisory to all districts on Feb. 5, acting Education Commissioner Bret Schundler wrote that “New Jersey should be prepared for displaced school-age students enrolling in our schools.”
He instructed them to admit those children “immediately,” although the state is not providing aid to cover districts’ costs.
Parents or guardians might not have medical records indicating the children have been vaccinated.
The state Department of Health and Senior Services said children can be admitted, so long as there is documentation from a doctor, nurse or a local health department that they have received at least one dose of their “age-appropriate” vaccines.
Marilyn Riley, a spokeswoman, said children ought to make an effort to get the rest of their vaccines, and be screened for tuberculosis before entering school.
New Jersey has an open door when it comes to admitting undocumented students.
According to state regulations, districts cannot turn away children or young adults due to their citizenship status or ask for proof of citizenship.
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