  English | En español | An kreyòl  Fall - 2018 |
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Welcome to the 2018-2019 academic year. On Monday, August 20th, more than 350,000 students returned to schools and classrooms across the district for another year of learning and exploration. This school year, we are rolling out 90 bold, cutting-edge programs and initiatives that build on the District’s goals of providing classroom innovation, academic rigor, and expanded opportunities for students, employees and the families. Additionally, we have established a Department of Mental Health Services that will expand partnerships with community agencies, providing services, learning programs and interventions to help students through personal and emotional challenges they may experience. As promised, beginning with the first day of classes, 100 percent of our schools counted on the presence of a certified law enforcement officer following an internal and external deployment of security personnel. We are thankful to our county and municipal partners who were instrumental in supporting our efforts to bolster school security. Together as a community, we have rallied around our schools and children to ensure their safety. In addition to police presence, we have reinforced existing security measures through the following enhancements: limited points of entry, mandatory identification at middle and high schools for students and employees, and surveillance cameras at all schools. As always, the most important tool in the prevention of any unlawful act will always be information. With a new school year underway, remember that if you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Students, parents, employees, and the community are encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity immediately to 305-995-COPS (2677). We are excited to begin another new school year that promises many new achievements, milestones, and opportunities. On behalf of our students, employees and School Board, thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to a productive and stellar 2018-2019 academic year.Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent
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Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) continues to break records, achieve history, garner honors and create more partnerships. Our students, teachers and remarkable workforce have once again demonstrated that they are among the best and most hardworking professionals in the nation, consistently earning accolades that place us at the top. M-DCPS has demonstrated academic excellence in school district ratings, assessment scores, graduation rates and magnet program awards. Our students’ scores ranked first in fourth grade Reading and second in Mathematics in the NAEP-TUDA assessment, widely considered the Nation’s Report Card and gold standard of assessments. The 2016-2017 graduation rate for Miami-Dade’s schools reached an all-time high of 84.2 percent, exceeding the average of other large Florida school districts. Equally impressive, for the seventh straight year, M-DCPS receive more national magnet awards than any other school district in the nation. In total, the District received 54 national magnet merit awards, an increase of 12 awards from last year. As one of our highest priorities, the school district has implemented a number of safety enhancements in all schools. Among these is an increase in the number of school resource officers, as well as collaborations with municipal police departments, which will allow us to station one officer at each school for the 2018-2019 school year. The improvement of surveillance efforts with security cameras and the reduction of entry points are also a safety focus, as well as the strengthening of protocols related to securing buildings and classrooms in the event of an on-campus threat. M-DCPS will further improve the established security measures through the request for additional state funds. Through our commitment to the health and wellness of all our students, M-DCPS has partnered with various organizations, including Sandy Hook Promise and Lauren’s Kids to promote social, emotional and mental health education – the well-being of all students beyond academics. Additionally, the District has established a strong partnership with Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), creating the year-round PAMM Student Pass for students in grades Pre-K through 12, to grant them unlimited free admission to the museum with an accompanying adult. It is the mission of M-DCPS to provide the best education in the nation for our students, by facilitating better student access, committing to their health and well-being, providing a safe learning environment and preparing them for the future. Let’s keep the momentum going and have a fantastic 2018-19 school year! |
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Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is one of the highest performing urban school districts in the country, with remarkable accolades under its belt, including ever-rising student achievement and record-high graduation rates. This remarkable performance is largely the result of the outstanding work of our dedicated teachers. This November, voters will have a chance to weigh in on a referendum that increases teacher compensation and provides additional certified school safety personnel through a proposed levy based on the determined value of a property for up to four years. This levy would allow M-DCPS to raise $232 million annually, at a cost of approximately $0.39 per day to the typical homeowner. M-DCPS’ current tax rate is the lowest since 1980 and will continue to be so even with this proposed levy. The revenue will go directly to increasing the compensation of teachers and instructional staff. Some of the funds raised will also be used to increase school safety personnel. Nationally, Florida ranks near the bottom in average salary for instructional staff. Attracting committed, talented people to the teaching profession requires that they see a promising financial future in the profession. Additionally, districts with higher teacher compensation have higher teacher retention rates. Keeping in mind the high cost of housing in South Florida, we realize that teachers find it difficult to afford to live in Miami-Dade County. As made evident by recent tragedies, maintaining safe schools is of paramount importance. We have already implemented numerous safety enhancements and will continue to augment safety protocols and security procedures in all schools. Funds generated by the proposed levy would also be used to ensure that sworn police officers are present at all schools to deter crime and promote safety. The proposed levy is based on the recommendations of community stakeholders including parents, teachers, and representatives from the community and businesses. A citizens’ oversight advisory committee will be established to monitor the use of proceeds generated by the passage of the referendum to safeguard the taxpayers’ investment. The District will implement best practices to ensure both the best outcome for teachers and stronger schools. It is important to know that Florida law prohibits sales tax to fund operating expenses, such as salaries, and General Obligation Bond (GOB) school construction funds approved by voters in 2012 cannot be used for operating expenses or compensation. Since the inception of the GOB, over 400 projects that address critical needs across the District have been successfully completed. As of June 30th, GOB dollar investment in District schools has totaled approximately $612 million, which includes about $90 million in classroom technology improvements. The District continues to implement best practices in the deployment of GOB projects to maximize opportunities for small and minority businesses, thus meeting its commitment to be a positive economic engine within the local business community. As with the GOB, the proposed levy will have minimal impact on homeowners, yet the return on investment for the community and local business owners will be significant. Better compensation for teachers translates into increased buying power. This positively impacts the local economy through home sales and rentals, automobile sales and other purchased goods and services from the local economy. Other Florida counties are asking their communities for similar commitments to education. If M-DCPS is to remain competitive in attracting the best teachers, additional funds to compensate them must be generated. At M-DCPS, we will continue to prioritize educational excellence while ensuring that those who teach and learn in our schools are able to do so in a safe and secure environment. For more information, visit http://secureourfuture.dadeschools.net. |
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Once again, our Summer Youth Internship Program, SYIP, has been a great success at Miami-Dade County Public Schools! Here is a possible scenario for those students who are wondering why they should participate in an internship program. A recent graduate from high school or a postsecondary school graduate has a wonderful resume, a stellar grade point average and glowing recommendations, not to mention a spectacular cover letter. So what’s missing? An internship. Why are internships so important? A graduating student has a much better chance of acquiring a full-time job upon graduation if they have completed a paid or unpaid internship. There are many advantages aside from getting your foot in the door with a potential employer and adding your internship experience to your résumé. It’s also a great opportunity to “test drive” a career, develop and refine skills, gain confidence and network with professionals in the field. Acquiring a real-world perspective on a future career is priceless. It is a win-win for everyone since the employers also benefit from selecting and training interns as they get to meet and work with employees with potential experience that has been acquired within their own company. Thanks to a partnership with The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, CareerSource South Florida, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., more than 2,500 students have availed themselves of a valuable internship opportunity with the SYIP Program at M-DCPS. The students who participated this summer are beaming with enthusiasm as they know that they have not only occupied their free time with positive and productive activities during the summer break, but they were provided with financial compensation for their work and they gained valuable experience for a better future filled with opportunities and benefits that will aid them greatly in their lives. As part of SYIP, M-DCPS students receive work experience training, financial compensation and additional school credits, which may be used for postsecondary studies. There are many opportunities available, such as the Academic Leaders Council, ALC, whose purpose it is to prioritize linking high school and college students to quality internship opportunities across our community. Their Talent Development Network has paired nearly 1,500 college students with internships at 400 employers. ALC also brings together the leaders of Miami’s major educational institutions to support key initiatives that strengthen the talented students at M-DCPS with internships, dual enrollment and staff/leadership development opportunities. For more information about the requirements of the Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP), please contact our hotline at 305-693-3005. |
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Varied leadership alongside academic and athletic interests keep this dedicated student very busy, but he always makes time to serve and help his peers. Name: Cristian Roldan Fun facts about Cristian:
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A passionate educator and student advocate, Neyda Borges encourages her students to believe in themselves and in their power to accomplish their goals. She challenges her students to think critically, ask questions and empowers them to seek the answers to those questions. Name: Neyda Borges Fun facts about Neyda:
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More than 700,000 breakfast and lunch meals were served this summer by M-DCPS. |
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Sprint’s “1Million Project” will distribute 14,000 free wireless devices and service to participating M-DCPS students for up to four years while they attend high school. |
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This year, $147 million in building improvements, including new and renovated schools, are being unveiled at more than 60 schools as a result of the General Obligation Bond. #GOBprogress |
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Edwin López, an alumnus of Southwest Senior High, was sworn in as Chief of Miami-Dade County Schools Police. He is the first Hispanic to hold this position. |
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District employees have walked over a half a billion steps in a little over three months as part of the nationally recognized online activity Walkingspree. |
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This Fall, M-DCPS, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, is helping our community understand the risks associated with distracted driving through the “Put it Down” campaign. |
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Miami Palmetto Senior High School Ron Magill, Naturalist, Wildlife Educator
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“I grew up watching the TV show Wild Kingdom thinking, gosh, that’s what I want to do, never thinking I could do it. But my parents—and one teacher, Bill McCreary—always told me I could do it. He thought out of the box in such a wonderful way that you learned. He made everything so much fun and inspired you. I never made an ‘A’ in his class, and I tried so hard, but he was the first teacher who always took me aside and said to me you’re brilliant, you’re cut out for this, you can do this.” |
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2017