Published in the October 24 – November 6, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Veronica Hoyle-Kent
My first public event as the enrollment coordinator for Morgan Hill Unified School District is in 10 days, and I’m excited to bring my experiences as a mom and community member to the table.
From 8 to 11 a.m., Nov. 3, we’ll host the Kindergarten Roundup at the Community and Cultural Center. We hope to connect with new families to our district, answer questions, and share with the community what we do best — educate students.
I remember my experience when I enrolled my child in the district 14 years ago. Many of us parents stood in long lines and some camped overnight to secure their spot at the neighborhood school.
We received packets that were date and time stamped, and after completing the packet, waited again to find out if our child was enrolled at their home school. This was 14 years ago, but I understand by talking with parents that some of these inefficiencies are still in place. As the enrollment coordinator, I hope to change that.
The Kindergarten Roundup is an event created three years ago that represents the district’s change in perspective on customer service.
In addition to the elementary schools, we will have other agencies from transportation, food services, migrant services, after school programs, and the Coordinated Advocacy and Resources for Education (CARE) team available to answer questions from parents. Our overall effort is to improve customer service by increasing availability, improving our processes, leveraging online services, and presenting more information in person and on the web to help parents find answers.
Superintendent Steve Betando, along with the executive team, is asking the support staff to reflect on the services we provide by looking through the lens of the customer. Some public school districts assume it’s a given that families will attend their neighborhood school. MHUSD realizes that parents have a choice of education and we believe our district is the best choice.
For parents, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten is the first choice they’ll make in their child’s educational journey. We understand how important a choice it is. Many have asked us why we are hosting Kindergarten Roundup so far in advance of the fall school year.
Talking to new parents, education is on their mind from day one, and many are planning their decisions well in advance. Having this event early not only helps parents through the enrollment process, it also gives parents the peace of mind in knowing what to expect to help prepare their students for success.
This year, our executive team has made it a priority to integrate our enrollment department, migrant services, and the CARE team to create a one-stop solution for parents visiting the district office.
My background comes from the private sector, and I hope to bring a strong customer service perspective to my new position. Where a teacher’s focus is the student, the enrollment center’s focus is the parent. We make sure parents have the information needed in order to make the best decision for the education of their children, and have the right tools to navigate the enrollment process.
Fourteen years ago I enrolled my child in kindergarten in MHUSD. I know the process can seem daunting to new families, and I hope to be a part of creating an enrollment process that parents will find welcoming and inclusive.
If your kids are at an age where they will be entering school next fall, please join us for an exciting preview of the opportunities for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten at MHUSD. You’ll give your children an excellent start at academic excellence.
Veronica Hoyle-Kent is the enrollment coordinator for Morgan Hill Unified School District. Veronica has two children that attended the district from kindergarten through 12, and has been an active volunteer at her children’s schools. Veronica has been working with MHUSD for the past four years and was recently promoted to her new role.
