School’s Back Aug. 18 for 400,000

Nearly 400,000 Los Angeles students will be going back to school on Aug. 18, as the L.A. Unified School District enters its second year of year-round education.

For most Westside students, that means eight-week summer and winter breaks instead of the traditional school year with its long summer vacation. More than 250,000 other students are already in sessions that began last month or will be returning at staggered intervals.

Confused parents who want to find out which school their children should attend--and when--can get a taped message referring them to a district office by calling (213) 625-KIDS. The school locater information service was cut off Friday for budgetary reasons.

To enter kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 2, with no exceptions. Proof of birth date, such as a birth or baptismal certificate, is required, along with proof of immunization against polio, mumps, rubeola, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, and the results of a tuberculosis skin test. Information on free immunizations is available at (800) 870-5437.

Families new to the district or who have moved within it may register at some schools after Aug. 6 with proof of residence, such as a utility bill, a rent receipt or a home-purchase agreement.