Parents citywide should have g+t kindergarten and first grade placement results no later than today, according to the DOE, which used couriers to hand-deliver letters across all five boros -- even in Staten Island, according to one commenter.

Apparently, the fallout from pre-K had big bureaucratic repercussions: "We identified issues that caused confusion with some pre-Kindergarten placements, so we ran additional checks on the gifted and talented placements -- especially the placements for siblings," said DOE press spokesman Andy Jacob.

The extra efforts were made to "ensure that parents receive clear and accurate information," according to Jacob. "We delivered the letters via courier because we wanted parents to get the letters when they expected them, and with sufficient time to accept or decline their offers." According to Elizabeth Green in the Sun, deliveries cost about $5 per envelope -- plenty pricey, but less than overnight-mail fees. (Parents can also expect duplicate letters via conventional post.)

Timing is crucial for schools as well: As these last days of school unfold, schools that will receive new students need to know who's coming, in order to plan their mix of classes.

If you expect a placement letter and don't have one by the end of the day today, telephone OSEPO's elementary placement office, at 212 374-4948. They're following up on undeliverables, which they estimate to be less than 1% of letters, but a quick hello can't hurt. (And if you have a chance, drop us a note, too - curious to see how many deliveries found their mark, and how many went awry.)