When can I register my student?

New student registration is open year-round. The annual update of information for returning students opens the second Wednesday of July yearly.

Where do I go to register a new student?

If you are a brand new parent to the Ottumwa School District, please follow the step-by-step guidelines under ‘New Student’ on our school registration website.

Where do I go to register a returning student?

If you are a parent of returning student(s) in the Ottumwa School District, please follow the step-by-step guidelines under ‘Returning Students’ on our school registration website page. Or, you can log right into your PowerSchool Parent Portal and click on the “Forms” link in the left menu bar.

I already have students in the district and want to register an additional student. Where do I go?

Follow the step-by-step guidelines under “New Student” on the school registration website page.

What if I don’t remember my PowerSchool Parent Portal username or password?

Secretaries will be available at all school buildings beginning August 5 to assist or email welcome@ottumwaschools.com during the registration window.

How do I register my student if I don’t have access to a computer?

• Internet and computer access is available year-round at the Welcome Center. An email is required to have a PowerSchool Parent Portal account.
• It is possible to access your PowerSchool parent account using the web browser on your phone.  To access the Forms link, click on the Applications arrow in the upper right corner, then click on Forms. Online registration is not available using the mobile app.

Registration is asking me to upload proof of address, my child’s birth certificate, and immunization records. What if I don’t have a scanner?

New families are highly encouraged to upload a scanned copy of each of these documents. This can be as simple as a readable picture of the document using your phone.  If a scanned copy is not available, these documents can be brought to the Welcome Center.

• Proof of Address: used to prove that the student is living within the Ottumwa School District. The document should have parent's name and resident address listed. Acceptable items: utility bill, lease, insurance bill, purchase agreement, etc… (photo accepted)
• Certificate of Birth: provides proof of age of the student.
• Immunization Records: these certificates must contain at a minimum the child’s last name, child’s first name, date of birth, name of vaccine(s) administered, date(s) given, and the signature of the physician.

When and how do I pay the fees?

Required fees will be available to pay online through Vanco during registration and beyond. Optional fees such as yearbooks, band, etc. will be available to select in your Vanco account. Cash or check is also accepted at each building.

What fees do I need to pay?

All families are asked to pay required fees such as textbook fees.  Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-priced lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), or transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived.  Students whose families are experiencing temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees.  If you meet any of the guidelines mentioned you can access the fee waiver on your parent Powerschool account.  A completed form is required to be on file yearly in order for us to waive fees.

How do I pay for my student’s school lunch?

All students will receive breakfast and lunch meals at no charge during the school year. If your student needs to utilize the income survey for a fee waiver, please contact your school secretary.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Please contact Jessica Williams, District Registrar at welcome@ottumwaschools.com or by calling (641) 684-6559 ext. 78600 or you can contact your school secretary at:

• Douma Elementary; Jenna Hoskins, secretary; 641-684-4668, ext.67510
• Eisenhower Elementary; Roxanne Crosby, secretary; 641-684-5617, ext. 74510
• Evans Junior High; Whitney Moore, secretary; 641-684-6511, ext. 69510
• Fahrney Elementary; Kim Glosser, secretary; 641-684-4668
• Gateway High School; Lisa Thorne, secretary; 641-683-5111, ext. 64510
• Horace Mann Elementary; Rebecca Potter, secretary; 641-684-4661, ext. 70510
• James Elementary; Kelly Vander Horst, secretary; 641-684-5411, ext. 71510
• Liberty Intermediate; Kara Sertterh, secretary; 641-682-4502, ext. 79510
• Ottumwa High School; Brandi Birch, secretary; 641-683-4444, ext. 77510
• Pickwick Early Childhood Center; Whitney Van Buskirk, secretary; 641-684-7179, ext. 65610
• Wilson Elementary; Salud Leyva, secretary; 641-684-5441, ext. 75510