These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out the situation
You can ask"Where are you staying now? Is it your own place, or with others, a motel, a car or a shelter?"
You can ask"What papers do you have for your child?"
You can say"Your child can usually start school while we work on the missing papers."
2No steady home? The child can start right away
If the family is homeless (shelter, motel, car, camping, or living with others after losing housing), the school must enroll the child right away.
They do not need a birth certificate, shot records, old school records, proof of address or guardianship papers to start.
The district's homeless student liaison helps get the missing papers after the child starts.
Silver Consolidated Schools
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaison
575-956-2000
2810 N Swan St, Silver City · Mon-Fri business hours
Cobre Consolidated Schools
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaison
575-537-4010
900 Central Ave, Bayard · Mon-Fri business hours
See the guide "A student is homeless: right to stay in school, rides and meals".
3Which school and how to sign up
Silver City area: Silver Consolidated Schools does registration online. Families without internet can call the district office for help.
Silver Consolidated Schools
School district central office
575-956-2000
2810 N Swan St, Silver City
Bayard, Hurley, Santa Clara and Hanover: Cobre Consolidated Schools.
Cobre Consolidated Schools
School district central office
575-537-4010
900 A Central Ave, Bayard
Silver City Public Library
Free computers, internet and Wi-Fi
575-538-3672
515 W. College Ave., Silver City · Mon-Thu 9am-6pm; Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-3pm; closed Sun
At the Gospel MissionFamilies can use the Mission phone for local calls.
4Get the missing papers
Bring
- Whatever they have: any ID, a birth certificate or hospital record, shot (immunization) records, last report card, and something with the current address
Shot records: New Mexico keeps a state shot registry. The public health office or the child's doctor can look it up and print a copy.
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Public health clinic
575-538-5318
2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed noon-1pm)
Old school records: the new school can ask the old school for them. The parent signs a release.
See the guide "Needs school records or a copy of a diploma".
Birth certificate:
See the guide "Needs a birth certificate".
At the Gospel MissionVital documents help can assist with a birth certificate. The Mission can also write an address letter for the family.
At the Gospel MissionFREE MAIL SERVICE gives the family an address: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
5Not the parent?
A grandparent or relative raising the child may need papers showing they can make school decisions.
Kinship Guardianship Legal Helpline
Legal help for grandparents and relatives raising a child
833-355-6944
· Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
See the guide "A grandparent or relative is raising someone else's children".
More help like this
Wants a GED or to learn to read, write or speak EnglishUse when an adult wants to finish high school (GED/HiSET), read or write better, learn English, or learn to use a computer.Can't read or understand a letter or formUse when someone got a letter, bill, notice or form they can't read or don't understand, because of reading, English, eyesight, or confusing words.Wants to go to college or trade schoolUse when an adult wants to start or go back to college, earn a certificate, learn a trade, or join an apprenticeship, and needs help applying or paying for it.A child has a disability and needs help at schoolUse when a parent thinks their child has a disability or learning problem, wants testing, an IEP or a 504 plan, or feels the school is not giving the help the child needs.Needs school records or a copy of a diplomaUse when someone needs a high school transcript, a copy of a diploma or GED/HiSET, or college records, for a job, training, college, the military or an ID.Wants to learn to use a computer or smartphoneUse when someone wants to learn basic computer or smartphone skills: turning it on, email, the internet, apps, online forms, video calls, or staying safe from scams.
See all guides in School and learning →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.