October 1998 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

Noe Valley has four elementary schools within walking distance of the neighborhood. But enrolling your child isn't automatic. You have to register and fill out an optional enrollment request (OER) to get in the school of your choice.

Right now, the San Francisco Unified School District is gearing up to enroll students for the 1999 ­ 2000 school year. The application period is Nov. 2, 1998, to Jan. 8, 1999. Starting Nov. 2, forms will be available at all city schools or at the Educational Placement Center at 135 Van Ness Ave. If you have questions, call 241-6085 or visit the school district's web site at www.sfusd.k12.ca.us.

In the meantime, you are invited to attend a free kindergarten information night at the Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., on Oct. 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You also might want to watch the 11 a.m. "Sunday on Seven" show that airs Oct. 18 on Channel 7. The program will focus on how to select a school in San Francisco. But the best way to find out about your neighborhood schools is to take a tour. Here's the scoop on the four local elementary schools.

Alvarado Elementary School, 625 Douglass St. (at Alvarado), 695-5695
Starting Oct. 20, tours will be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Alvarado will also hold an open house on Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Edison Charter Academy, 3531 22nd St. (at Dolores), 695-5848
Edison, which recently became a charter school, will offer a 90-minute tour starting at 9 a.m. on three Thursdays: Oct. 15, Oct. 22, and Nov. 5.

Fairmount Elementary School, 65 Chenery St. (at Randall), 695-5669
On Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to noon, Fairmount will host a talk by Byrna Rif-kind on "Selecting a School for Your Child -- What You Need to Know About the Different Ways Children Learn." Tours are also held Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, 4235 19th St. (at Collingwood),
241-6276
Harvey Milk will host school tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. (Call for exact dates.) The school is also planning an open house in November.

Thanks to Castro Street resident Sandra Halladey for providing the above information. Noe Valley parents who'd like to learn more can e-mail her at SHalladey@aol.com.