Are you prepared for this school year?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins
  • 35th Fighter Wing PUblic Affairs
Summer break can't last forever, so it's time to start getting ready for a new school year. With three schools on base, parents with school-aged children might be wondering when class starts and who they need to contact for more information.

Classes start for all schools on Aug. 27, with the exception of kindergarten at Sollars Elementary School, which starts on Sept. 4. Students should already be registered for their classes, but in case they are not, visit the school's registrar's office and sign up by Aug. 24 to enroll your children in classes.

If you're not sure what your child needs for their classes, don't fret. There are copies of the supply lists at The Exchange and school offices. You can also find them on the school liaison website at http://www.misawa.af.mil/library/dodds.asp.

"We're really excited for school to start back," said Kathleen Smith, Cummings Elementary School principal. "I hope the students are ready to hit the ground running, learn and have fun in school because life passes by quickly."

If your child is homeschooled, the base requires yearly registration. Home school registration forms can be found on the school liaison website and at The Exchange's customer service area next to the school drop box. If you have any questions regarding home school registration, feel free to contact Steve Zuniga, 35th Mission Support Group deputy director, at 226-3504.

Zuniga is the central point of contact for home school registration, military family members seeking assistance with school related matters and he also reviews applications for the free and reduced student meal program.

"What I mainly do for the schools here is act as a liaison between the military community and school administrators," said Zuniga. "I'm also an advocate for the educational needs of our military and civilian children. Although the base no longer has a school liaison officer, I do my best to assist our military and civilian families with questions and issues concerning school matters."