The student-assignment lottery opens Friday, Jan. 7, and runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Feb. 6 and 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Feb. 7.

The school system has been sending personalized instruction sheets home with all current students this week. Some students may receive their packets early next week. Students who will be new to the school system, and students who are assigned to Title I Choice schools, received the information in the mail. Each sheet includes a student identification number and  a PIN, as well as directions to apply online. The sheets also list a student’s current assignment for the 2011-2012 school year. Only families who wish to apply for a magnet program need to participate in the online process. Families who are happy with their listed placement do not have to do anything.