Surviving Junior High Registration

Today is the first day of junior high for my daughter. She finally admitted this weekend that she was anxious about today. I didn't let her know that I was also anxious.

Last week, while I was overwhelmed during the registration process, she seemed cool as a cucumber. It took two hours and standing in 14 (seriously) different lines to complete the process. I thought we were there to just pick up a schedule. I don't know if I was more flustered or angry. Back in 1968, when I entered seventh grade, we were given our schedules the first day of school in our home room.
This year's process and lines went like this:

1. provide proof of residency
2. pick up packet of forms
3. complete a boat load of forms
4. turn in forms
5. enter email in computer for newsletter
6. notarize insurance information
7. provide proof of immunizations with the nurse
8. pick up schedule
9. pick up map
10. purchase planner $5
11. purchase P.E. uniform $20
12. pay for P.E. towel service $24
13. pay for orchestra fees $60
14. join PTA and purchase school t-shirt (this stop was optional) $17

After two hours and $126 later, I was worn out. My spouse had to return to the school later with my daughter to find her locker and to locate her classes.

Could administrators make the process any more tedious? I don't recall standing in this many lines to register for college. And my hand was cramping from completing so many forms and writing numerous checks. As I paid for the P.E. uniform, I asked the teacher about the towel service fee. She pointed to the person sitting in the chair next to her, “You have to stand in that line to pay that fee!” I was told that the high school process is worse and more costly. Oh, how exciting.

I kept thinking about families with multiple children who might not be financially able to buy school supplies, much less pay for fees at school. When did it become necessary for some to take out a loan to register their children in public school?

My daughter is bright and capable. Hopefully, she will do fine today. And since she brought her lunch, maybe she won't have to stand in any more lines!