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With the first day of school just around the corner, here’s a list of things to look out for:
 

•  KINDERGARTEN, NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION: State law requires children to turn 5 by Aug. 31 to be eligible to enroll in kindergarten. The district encourages parents to register their children before the first day of school. Learn more about kindergarten at www.gcsnc.com/kindergarten/index.htm and new student registration at www.gcsnc.com/depts/student_assignment/index.htm.
   
• TDAP: All rising sixth-grade students who have not had a Tdap vaccination (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) since July 2004 must have a booster shot before school starts. Students can get the vaccine from their health care provider or free of charge from the Guilford County Department of Public Health. Learn more at www.gcsnc.com/parents/tdap.htm.
   
• CALENDARS: Year-round schools started July 22, classes began Wednesday for the extended year calendar. The middle/early colleges begin next week. Traditional schools start Aug. 25. School calendars can be viewed at www.gcsnc.com/information/allcalendars.htm.
   
• BUS TRANSPORTATION: Transportation request forms must be submitted for students who did not ride the bus last year or who rode the bus but have changed their morning or afternoon transportation address. Students who rode the bus last year to and from the same address do not need to submit a form. Forms are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese and French. Check the schools Web site after Wednesday for an updated bus stop locator. Learn more at www.gcsnc.com/transportation/transmain.htm.
   
• SCHOOL SUPPLIES: For a list of school supplies log onto www.gcsnc.com/pdfs/School%20Supplies.pdf. Schools also have lists on their individual Web sites.
   
• TEACHER SUPPLY WAREHOUSE: Opens to teachers on Tuesday. Learn more about the teacher supply warehouse here: http://www.gcsnc.com/teacher_warehouse/index.html
   
• OPEN HOUSES: All schools will hold an open house before the start of classes. Log onto www.gcsnc.com/pdfs/OpenHouseSchedule0910.pdf for a full list of dates and times.
   
• SCHOOL NUTRITION: This year, lunch menus will be available to parents online. Meal prices also are listed. For families who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a sample application is available online. Blank applications will be handed out on the first day of school and will be available throughout the year at the regional offices and the school nutrition office. Families can apply for free or reduced-price lunch at any time during the school year. Learn more at www.gcsnc.com/depts/school_nutrition/index.htm.
  
  
  Source: Guilford County Schools