H.L. Watkins Middle School

Week of July 29, 2024

From the Principal's Desk

Hello HL Watkins Middle School Families,

This week, please take note of the following important updates and reminders included in this email:

Bus Registration: The link to register for the bus is included below. Please make sure to register as soon as possible to ensure transportation for your child. FY25_School_District_Of_Palm_Beach_County_School_Bus_Register_Your_Ride_-_Step-by-Step_Instructions.pdf
School Supply List: The school supply list is also included below.
Other Important Items: This email also contains links to the updated dress code policy, information about schedule pick-up, and reminders about required immunizations.

We look forward to seeing all students on August 12, the first day of school. Thank you for your attention to these important updates. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Dr. Presley Charles
Principal
HL Watkins Middle School

Supply List

Shots and Physicals are Required

Required Immunizations

P-5.06 (B) and F.S. 1003.22 (4)

Students entering kindergarten, seventh grade, or registering for school in Palm Beach County for the first time must receive vaccinations and provide a Florida SHOTS Certification of Immunization Form (DH 680) to the school upon registration. A Florida SHOTS Certification of Immunization Form DH 680 indicating compliance with the current required schedule of immunizations must be presented prior to admittance and/or attendance at school.

A Certificate of Religious Exemption form DH 681 can only be obtained from the Florida Department of Health (Palm Beach County Health Department) and can be presented to the school if the student is seeking exemption on religious grounds. Students who are homeless, transfers, or entering juvenile justice may be eligible for a 30-day exemption. See FAC64D-3.046(4).

Vaccinations for students entering kindergarten or any grade as a new student in the County:

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP/DT Series) – Four of five doses. If the fourth dose is prior to the fourth birthday, a fifth dose of DTaP/DT vaccine is required.
Hepatitis B (Hep B Series) – Two-dose (age 11-15) or a three-dose series.
Polio (OPV or IPV) – Four doses (the last one after age 4). If the fourth dose is prior to the fourth birthday, a fifth dose of OPV or IPV vaccine is required for entry into kindergarten.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) – Two doses.
Varicella – Two doses or a provider verification of Chickenpox/Varicella disease history Form DH680.

In addition to the K-12 vaccines, students entering seventh grade must have:

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis booster (Tdap) – One Dose

If a student is currently enrolled in Palm Beach County schools and entering the seventh grade, an updated DH 680 form must be provided prior to the start of school.

Vaccinations and the DH 680 form are available through local medical providers, local physicians, or the Florida Department of Health (Palm Beach County Health Centers).

Vaccinations are also available through the Florida Department of Health Palm Beach County Immunization Van. For a list of dates and times for the van, call (561) 840-4568. Be sure to bring your child’s current immunization records when receiving vaccines

Complete list of exemptions allowed per Fla. Stat. 1003.22:

Children with a temporary or permanent medical exemption (requires a completed DH Form 680 from a medical provider).
Children with a religious exemption (requires a completed DH Form 681).
Homeless children.
Children in Foster Care.
Children entering a juvenile justice program.
Children transferring into the County.
Children of military families as defined by Fla. Stat. 1000.36

Links

How Does My Child Get To School

Register My Ride

Greetings Howell L. Watkins Families!

There are only 2 more weeks before school starts! Students needing School Bus transportation must register by completing the Register My Ride application. Please see the attached document to register your student(s) for School Bus transportation. ALL students (new and returning) must register for the School Bus using the directions attached.

Attachments:
FY25_School_District_Of_Palm_Beach_County_School_Bus_Register_Your_Ride_-_Step-by-Step_Instructions.pdf