ADULT AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION CLASSES

Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers more than 100 programs of study in career technical and adult education.  More than 98,900 students participate in day and evening classes at 21 adult education centers and related off-campus sites across the county. 

The career technical program offerings include agriscience, business technology education, family and consumer sciences, industrial education and public service, health science education, marketing and diversified education.

The adult general education program:

• assists adults in becoming literate and in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.
• assists parents in obtaining the educational skills to become full partners in the education of their children.
• assists adults in completing high school graduation requirements or the equivalent.

Adults move at their own rate through levels of reading, language, writing and mathematics.  Additionally, students may use computers with Internet access to receive instruction using an online curriculum in academic or vocational program areas.

Financial assistance may be available to low-income individuals or disabled workers.  For more information contact an adult, skill, or technical center near you, or contact the hotline at 305-558-8000.

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2010-2011 STUDENT ATTENDANCE

There are probably no factors more important to successful school progress than regular and punctual school attendance. Students who are tardy or absent excessively from their instructional program will fall behind in academic achievement. Excessive school absenteeism precedes grade failure, loss of interest, and may result in students withdrawing from school.

Attendance is the presence of a student on days school is in session. The student must actually be at the school or schools to which he or she has been assigned or present at an educational activity which constitutes part of the approved school program for that student.  Attendance is defined as school attendance, class attendance, tardiness and early sign-out.  Absences initially will be recorded as “unexcused” and will be changed to “excused,” upon receipt of reason for absence.

A student’s illness, medical appointment, death in the family, observance of religious holidays when it is mandated for all members of that faith, school-sponsored or educational enrichment activity approved in advance by the principal, subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance, outdoor suspensions, and documented absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian as approved by the principal are the only acceptable reasons for a student to be granted an excused absence.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to report and explain an absence or tardiness to the school within three days upon the student’s return to school or the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Students with excused absences will have three days to make up all missed work.  Failure to make up assignments for excused absences will result in the lower assessment of the student’s academic and/or effort grade. Parents and students are required to appear before an Attendance Review Committee to receive counseling and support relative to the attendance history of the student.  In addition, students may be given prescribed activities that are designed to mitigate the loss of instructional time.

A student accumulating 10 or more unexcused class absences in an annual course, or five or more class absences in a designated semester course, may have quarterly, semester and final grades withheld pending an administrative screening and completion of assigned interventions.

Students who attain the age of 14 with 15 of more unexcused absences within 90 calendar days are habitual truants. This information is submitted to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/y2007-6.pdf and the student will be ineligible to receive or maintain driving privileges.  Driving privileges may be reinstated upon demonstration of 30 consecutive days of attendance without any unexcused absences.

Specific guidelines for student attendance are reflected in The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida rule 6Gx13-5A-1.041, Student Attendance www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt5/5a-1.041.pdf with specific procedures delineated in the Student Attendance Reporting Procedures Handbook Grades PK-12 ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/89.pdf.

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BEFORE-, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

This year, 233 public elementary schools in Miami-Dade County will offer after-school care programs on school days.  Before-school care programs will be provided as needed. After-school care programs are conducted from the time of school dismissal until 6 p.m. Before-school care programs begin approximately one hour before school starts. Parents should check with their child’s school for specific start times.

All after-school care programs provide planned activities, which include homework assistance, indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, snack time and various recreational activities. Many programs offer reading and math tutoring, music, ceramics, chess, drama and other classes designed to provide participants with a variety of educational and enrichment experiences. Before-school care programs provide supervised, quiet activities for students.

The cost of after-school care is $40 per week; the cost of before-school care is $20 per week. These programs are offered by one of eight providers:

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
• Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
• Family Christian Association of America (FCAA)
• Cool Kids Learn (CKL)
• After-School Programs (ASP)
• Sunshine After-School Child Care (SASCC)
• South Florida After-School All Stars (SFASAS)

Interested parents should contact the principal’s office at their child’s school to learn which programs are offered.  Further information may be obtained by logging on to communityed.dadeschools.net or by calling Victor Ferrante at 305-817-0014.

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BILINGUAL PARENT OUTREACH PROGRAM

Immigrant families new to Miami-Dade can find information about education, community services, and parental rights and responsibilities through free seminars, presented in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole, by the Bilingual Parent Outreach Program. This program, offered by the Division of Bilingual Education and World Languages, is an outreach service for immigrant parents, and/or limited English proficient parents.

A schedule of seminars may be obtained by calling Ms. Maria E. Malvar, Division of Bilingual Education and World Languages at 305-756-3078 or by visiting the website at http://bilingual.dadeschools.net/bewl/parent.asp.

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M-DCPS IS NUMBER ONE BLOOD DONOR IN STATE

The District’s Blood Drive program not only educates and promotes the importance of healthy community service, but it also saves a few lives in the process.

This school year, drives held by Miami-Dade County Public Schools employees and students, 17-years-old or older, resulted in 21,308 pints of blood donated and over 85,000 lives saved. This is the reason M-DCPS, which contracts with Community Blood Centers of South Florida (CBCSF), is the number one donor in the state.

Schools and offices with 15 or more committed donors can call and schedule a bloodmobile by contacting Alex Martinez, CBCSF, at 786-229-8471, or Connie Rodriguez at 786-942-8904.

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CHARTER SCHOOLS

Charter schools are public schools operating under a contractual agreement with the local school board.  They are nonprofit institutions typically run by a group of parents or teachers, organizations, municipalities, universities, and/or combinations of more than one group.

Currently, there are 82 charter schools in operation in Miami-Dade County with an additional 20 slated to open in the 2010-2011 school year. These additions will bring the total number of operational charter schools in Miami-Dade County to 102.

For further information regarding charter schools, including the opening process and ensuing guidelines, and location names and addresses, please call the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Charter School Operations office at 305-995-1403, or visit the web site at charterschools.dadeschools.net.

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CHOICE PROGRAMS

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) continues to develop programs and schools under post-unitary status that meet the needs and special interests of students and successfully prepare them for the world of work. In support of the district initiative to expand choice programs that promote equity and equal access, M-DCPS has a myriad of choice programs available that include magnet programs, controlled choice, satellite learning centers, voluntary public school choice program (I Choose!), and K-8 Centers.

Magnet Programs/Schools
Magnet programs and schools attract students from diverse backgrounds to seven different magnet themes offering specialized curricula, each designed to cultivate specific talents and abilities.  Presently, there are over 300 magnet programs in over 100 schools in Miami-Dade County. Students learn how to communicate, think critically, and solve problems from professionals and related experiences in their field of study.  The district’s magnet school programs have won numerous national awards for promoting educational equity and improving educational quality. Applications for enrollment consideration in magnet programs/schools are accepted yearly between October 1st and January 15th.  For more information and a full listing of programs, visit our website at http://choice.dadeschools.net.  Primary Contact for Magnet Programs: Dr. Robert Strickland, District Director, School Choice and Parental Options, 305 995-1922, rstrickland@dadeschools.net.

Controlled Open Enrollment
The M-DCPS Controlled Choice Program schools offer parents an opportunity to indicate their preference for school assignments within six controlled choice attendance boundaries.  Each of the district’s 14 controlled choice schools offers an enhanced curriculum focused on an academic theme. This option applies only to parents who reside within the six designated attendance boundaries. Priority in student assignment is given based on siblings and proximity to the selected school. Primary Contact for Controlled Open Enrollment: Virna M. Kaufman, Director, School Choice and Parental Options, 305-995-1922, vkaufman@dadeschools.net.

Satellite Learning Centers
Satellite Learning Centers are a form of public school choice that enables students to attend a public school located at their parent’s workplace.  Each is a partnership between the employer, which provides the school facility, and M-DCPS, which provides the instructional program.  Currently there are two Satellite Learning Centers:  Assurant Solutions Satellite Learning Center and Mount Sinai Satellite Learning Center.  School Choice and Parental Options welcomes inquiries from public and private entities interested in creating Satellite Learning Centers and other partnerships through the A Business Community (ABC) School program. Availability of space suitable for an educational facility and sufficient employee interest are primary considerations for businesses contemplating an ABC School Program partnership.  Primary Contact for Satellite Learning Centers: Caryl D. Grant, District Director, Schools of Choice, 305 995-1922, cgrant@dadeschools.net.

Opportunity Scholarship Program
In accordance with the terms of the A+ Plan, students enrolled in or assigned to a school designated as a failing “F” school for any two years in a four-year period are eligible to participate in the Opportunity Scholarship Program. The student's attendance must have occurred during the school year in which such designation was in effect; or the student has been in attendance elsewhere in the public school system and has been assigned to such school for the next school year; or the student is entering kindergarten or first grade for the first time and has been notified that the student has been assigned to such school for the next school year.  The district’s Opportunity Scholarship Program Implementation Plan is available online at:  http://www.dadeschools.net/ehandbook/OSP/index.htm.  Primary Contact for Opportunity Scholarship Program:  Ms. Esperanza Macias, Curriculum Support Specialist, School Choice and Parental Options, 305 995-7264, emacias@dadeschools.net.

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CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Citizen Information Center (CIC) is the place to go for answers to general questions about the school system.

Located in Room 158 of the School Board Administration Building, 1450 N. E. Second Ave., the center also provides the public with documents, general information and agendas for the School Board meetings.
Citizens can contact the center at 305-995-1128 or visit Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.

The Citizen Information Center Website may be found at http://cic.dadeschools.net.  The CIC Website contains links to frequently viewed sites, as well as forms used to place public records requests and to request appearances before the School Board.

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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Miami-Dade County Public Schools approved a revised Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The COSC focuses on providing and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for students, faculty, staff and community.

A major consideration in the application of the Code of Student Conduct is cultivating a positive school climate to support academic achievement, promote fairness, civility, acceptance of diversity, and mutual respect. Toward that end, the range of corrective strategies has divided into five groups, along with both recommended and mandated disciplinary actions.

Teachers, counselors and administrators work to use a variety of progressive corrective or guidance strategies prior to, during and after formal corrective action.

Differences in age and maturity are recognized in determining the types of corrective action to be taken. However, the procedures outlined in the COSC apply to all students under the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The COSC is in force during regular school hours, while students are being transported on a school bus and at such times and places – including but not necessarily limited to school-sponsored events, field trips, athletic functions and other activities – where appropriate school administrators have jurisdiction over students.

Principals are authorized to take administrative action whenever a student's behavior away from school has a detrimental effect upon other students or on the orderly educational process. Types of behaviors range from acts that disrupt the orderly operation of the classroom, school functions, extracurricular activities or approved transportation to the most serious acts of misconduct and violent actions that threaten life.

Several types of corrective actions exist for improper conduct and behavior. These include detention, work assignments, reassignment to a special school or program, suspension or expulsion.

The COSC addresses students' rights and responsibilities pertaining to the right to learn; attendance; students' records; grades; free speech, expression and assembly; and publications. It also outlines parents' rights in regard to assuring their child's opportunity for an education.

Students or parents having problems interpreting the COSC should address concerns through the school principal. Additionally, should the concerns not be resolved at the school level, an appeal can be made at the region office and subsequently to the District.

Parents/guardians can access the COSC in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole on the M-DCPS’ website at ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/index.htm or they may request a copy from their child’s school.

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COLLEGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The College Assistance Program (CAP), in the Division of Student Services, offers college awareness and advisement as well as financial aid and scholarship workshops for students and parents. 

In each high school, CAP advisors assist students in researching and selecting postsecondary institutions, completing applications for college entrance exams, admission to postsecondary institutions, financial aid and scholarships.

CAP Advisors hold school-site college fairs and college campus visits.

CAP works in collaboration with College Assistance Program, Inc. (CAP, Inc.), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, to award thousands of dollars to college-bound students.  CAP, Inc. grants are “last dollar” grants that meet the financial gap of students transitioning into postsecondary education.

For more information, students should contact their school's CAP advisor in the Student Services Department or call Deborah Montilla, District Director, Division of Student Services, at 305-995-7324.

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WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE?
NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR COMES TO MIAMI, SUNDAY, FEB. 20

South Florida students and parents can meet representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities at the 2011 Miami National College Fair from noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, at the Doubletree Miami Mart Hotel (formerly the Radisson Mart), 777 N.W. 72nd Ave., Miami.

Students, parents and others are invited to the free fair.

The event allows students and others to meet with college representatives and get their questions answered.  Information sessions on financial aid, college planning and admission and testing requirements also will be offered in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Counseling and computer centers will allow students to access career interest surveys and information about college preparation, admissions and scholarships.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Miami-Dade County Public Schools are sponsors of the event.  School Board Member Perla Tabares Hantman is co-chair of the National College Fair's local committee. Every year NACAC sponsors fairs in 48 cities across the country that attract more than 650,000 students and parents.

For more information, contact Deborah Montilla, District Director, at 305-995-7324; the College Fair Hotline at 305-995-1743; or visit www.nacacnet.org.

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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has 13 community schools and 21 adult education sites offering classes in just about every subject - from yoga to foreign languages to photography - either free or at very affordable prices. Most courses are offered in the afternoon or evening.

Over 100,000 people have taken advantage of these educational opportunities, and if a group wants to learn a new skill, Miami-Dade County Public Schools will arrange a class in a neighborhood school.

Community schools offer classes for people of all ages, skill levels and language capabilities. Students enrolling in typing or computer classes can enhance job skills. Some courses can even be taken for college credit. For more information on the advantages of community schools, call Victor Ferrante at 305-817-0014, ext. 2506 or log on to communityed.dadeschools.net.

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COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT SERVICES PROGRAM MEETS STUDENTS’ NEEDS

Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers its students and their families many support services.

The Division of Student Services implements the Comprehensive Student Services Program, a pre-K to adult program based on a Student Development Framework that addresses each student’s academic, personal/social, community/career, and health and wellness needs. The necessary services are provided by a team of guidance counselors, College Assistance Program (CAP) advisors, TRUST specialists, Safe Schools specialists, social workers, school psychologists, the District Crisis Management Team, and health screeners.

The goal of student services programs and services is to reduce barriers to student achievement and to provide a smooth transition for students in pre-K to adult. Key strategies include enhanced health and wellness services; maintaining an effective level of prevention, preparation, intervention, response, and recovery services; and establishing, as well as expanding partnerships with healthcare and other community-based organizations.

For more information, contact the school guidance counselor or Student Services chairperson at your child’s school. You may also call the Division of Student Services at 305-995-7338 or visit http://studentservices.dadeschools.net or the Division of Psychological Clinical Support Services at 305-995-1806.

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COMPREHENSIVE READING PLAN
K-12 COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH-BASED READING PROGRAM (CRRP)

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has one of the nation’s most comprehensive reading plans for all students in Kindergarten through grade 12, incorporating requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the state’s Just Read, Florida! programs.

The plan calls for instruction in the six essential elements of reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and oral language. Assessments include initial, screening, progress monitoring and diagnostic.

Developed by staff with the assistance of an Ad Hoc Reading Committee, it has been identified at the national and state levels as an exemplary reading program that has resulted in significant student gains.

This State-mandated program includes the following strategies and requirements:

       • Ninety minutes of daily language arts reading instruction for students in kindergarten through grade five;

       • In secondary school: Intensive Reading or Intensive Reading + (Plus) is offered for less proficient readers;

       • Assessment of students’ reading proficiencies, using screening, progress monitoring and diagnostic assessment as needed;

       • Immediate, intensive intervention is provided as needed at all grades levels to accelerate reading achievement; and

       • Emphasis on daily, systematic and explicit phonics instruction in Kindergarten through grade three; and

       • Fluency, vocabulary and comprehension are explicitly taught in secondary schools.

Key elements of the program are extensive professional development for teachers at all levels, a structured approach to reading instruction, and an emphasis on reading across all areas of the curriculum with expectations clearly identified at each grade level. Systematic support is provided by the school-site administrator, reading coach, Reading Leadership Team, and District personnel who synchronize effective implementation of the plan.

The K-12 CRRP is supported by a wide variety of community organizations, higher education institutions and local agencies.

For more information, contact the Division of Language Arts/Reading at 305-995-3122.

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DADE PARTNERS

In 1978, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) created the Dade Partners program to link business and community resources with area schools. The program invites businesses, community leaders, local agencies and nonprofits to become decision-makers and participants in Miami-Dade County public education.

Since its inception, Dade Partners has grown to more than 4,000 entities, which have formed over 4,200 partnerships between their organizations and our schools. These partners continue to share their expertise and provide our schools a multitude of resources, including mentorships, internships, classroom supplies and materials, as well as funding for teacher and student recognition events.

For more information about Dade Partners, please contact Arlene Martinez, Director, Dade Partners program, at 305-995-3050.


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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Students must have emergency contact information on file at their schools to ensure that parents and other designated individuals may be quickly notified in the event of an emergency regarding their children.

Parents fill out this information on a student data card when they enroll their children for the first time at a Miami-Dade County public school; it is then updated yearly. It is important, however, that parents update this information in writing during the school year should changes to names, telephone numbers or addresses occur. Additionally, the Parent Portal, one of M-DCPS’s technology initiatives allows parents to go online and make changes to telephone numbers.

When an emergency involves a student at school or during a school-authorized activity, school officials immediately notify one of the parents. If neither parent can be contacted, a relative or friend who is designated on the student data card as the emergency contact will be called. Students will not be released to individuals who are not listed on the child’s emergency card. The rescue squad and/or the police are called to the school in the event the parent(s) or designated contact person(s) cannot be reached and the student's illness or injury is serious.

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EXTENDED FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

The Extended Foreign Language (EFL) program is implemented as a “school within a school” model and serves students who are interested in developing bilingual and biliterate proficiency in English and another language.  Program participants start at an early age to achieve true language fluency.  Students in the EFL program receive from one to two hours of instruction in the targeted second language, such as Spanish, Italian, French, Haitian Creole or Chinese.

Students participating in the program for one full school year are automatically enrolled the next year at the subsequent grade level. The program provides a continuum of bilingual studies through grade 12.

Additional information, as well as a list of all schools offering the EFL program and dual language programs, may be obtained by calling Dr. Joanne H. Urrutia, Administrative Director, Division of Bilingual Education and World Languages at 305-756-2902 or visiting the website at  http://bilingual.dadeschools.net/BEWL/programs.asp#EFL.

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FACT SHEET

(Figures based on 2009-2010 Statistical Highlights)

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THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FAIR & EXPOSITION

The Fair will open its doors on March 17,2011, this year to showcase students’ talents and provide families with 18 days of fun!  The Fair also provides students with a $1,000 non-renewable scholarship to attend an accredited college, university or certified trade school program. High school seniors or Adult/Vocational students must apply at their school sites. All recipients will be honored at a dinner ceremony at The Fair. 

The Walter B. Arnold Youth Hall of Fame award offered by The Fair was created to recognize students in grades 6-12 to reward their outstanding service to their school and/or community. All finalists are honored at a dinner ceremony at The Fair and receive a $100 and a plaque. Inductees to The Youth Hall of Fame receive $1,000 each and their portrait will hang in their honor on the Youth Wall of Fame at The Fair. Students must apply at their schools.

For more information on these and other Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition projects, exhibits and opportunities please log onto The Fair website at www.fairexpo.com, or contact Diana Venturini, Director, in the Office of Community Services at Miami-Dade County Public Schools at 305-995-1367.

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FALL REGISTRATION AND SCHOOL HOURS

Miami-Dade County’s public schools will open their doors Monday, August 23 to start the 2010-2011 school year.

Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade students will attend school from 8:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Second-through eighth-graders will attend school from 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. in elementary schools and K-8 Centers. On Wednesdays, all elementary and K-8 students will be dismissed at 1:50 p.m. Please inquire with your child’s school to confirm opening and dismissal times, since various schools have different bell schedules.

Middle school hours will be from 9:10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.  Senior high school hours will be from 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Some elementary, middle and senior high schools as well as some special K-8 and alternative-education centers will operate on individual schedules. Parents should telephone their children's schools for those hours. Various middle schools operate on senior high school hours. Please inquire with your child’s school to confirm beginning/dismissal.

Parents who don’t know which school their child will attend should contact Attendance Services, Maps and Boundaries Department at 305-883-5651.

Although there is no cut-off date for registering, students are urged to register early to avoid processing delays and to ensure they can attend school on opening day.


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FLORIDA KIDCARE: CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

Florida KidCare is the state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children from ages 0-18. It is made up of four parts: MediKids, Healthy Kids, the Children’s Medical Services Network for children with special health care needs and Medicaid for children. At the time of application, Florida KidCare will check which program the child may be eligible for based on age and family income.

Some Florida KidCare programs may have limited space, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. When MediKids, Healthy Kids and the Children’s Medical Services Network are full, enrollment for these programs will close. Medicaid is always open for children who qualify.

To qualify, a child must meet income eligibility requirements and be under age 19, uninsured, a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, not be the dependent of a state employee eligible for health insurance, and not be in a public institution.
While there is no charge for Medicaid for children, other programs incur monthly premiums, depending on household size and income. Most families pay $15 or $20 per month. If the cost is more, Florida KidCare will inform the parent(s). There may also be small charges or co-payments for some services. A child who is a member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe may qualify for no-cost Florida KidCare coverage.

For an application or additional information, call KidCare at 1-888-540-5437, or visit www.floridakidcare.org.

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FOUNDATION FOR NEW EDUCATION INITIATIVES, INC.

As a direct support organization for Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), The Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc., has opened new worlds of opportunity, innovation, motivation and academic success for M-DCPS students.

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida created the Foundation in 2008 to enhance student achievement and community engagement by supporting The Parent Academy and other M-DCPS initiatives.

Visit the website to learn more about the Foundation’s mission and the scope of education initiatives it supports at www.giveourstudentstheworld.org or call 305-995-2532.

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FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) serves nutritious meals every day. All meals must meet criteria established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Breakfast is served to students in all Miami-Dade public schools daily at no charge.

Students may pre-pay for lunch online at www.PayPams.com, or in the school cafeteria with a check or cash. Elementary school lunch is $2.25. Middle and high school lunch is $2.50. Children from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for either free or reduced price lunch. Reduced price lunch costs 40 cents a day.

A copy of the Free and Reduced-Price Meal policy is available via nutrition.dadeschools.net. M-DCPS follows the federal government’s policy of allowing students to be approved by direct certification. This provision states that students from households that receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are eligible for direct certification.  Students approved by direct certification are not required to have an application on file in order to receive lunch at no charge.

Application forms for free and reduced-price meals are sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians at the beginning of each school year. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, parents and/or guardians of students not approved by direct certification should complete one application per family, even if children attend different District schools (exception: one application is required for each foster child). Additional copies are available in the principal’s office at each school.

In order to expedite processing of free and reduced-price benefits, households may also apply electronically via the parent portal. Parents may request their parent portal password at their child’s school. This password is necessary to access the online application.

Further information may be obtained from the school system’s Department of Food and Nutrition at 786-275-0400.

NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal-opportunity provider and employer.

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FULL-SERVICE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFER HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Nineteen Miami-Dade public schools are designated as Full Service Schools. They integrate education, medical, and/or social and human services on school grounds to meet the many needs of children and their families.

The Full Service Schools initiative focuses on providing incentives to schools, school districts, and state and local public and private health and human service agencies to develop collaborative relationships that improve access to services for children and their families. Also, the initiative aims to coordinate the provision of services, eliminate unnecessary duplication of services across agencies, and support children’s performance in school.

HEALTH CONNECT IN OUR SCHOOLS (HCiOS)

The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Miami-Dade County Health Department along with community partners developed “Health Connect in Our Schools” (HCiOS) during school year 2005-2006 to address student health and mental health issues in an equitable fashion in all Miami-Dade County schools. Teams of professionals and paraprofessionals (health and mental health providers) will be stationed at over 131 schools during school year 2010-2011. The aim of HCiOS is to connect students to a permanent medical/ mental health home outside of the school setting where prevention and promotion of healthy practices lead students and their families to healthier lives as well as improved student achievement.

For more information, contact Deborah Montilla, District Director, Division of Student Services, or Wilma Steiner, Director, Comprehensive Health Program, Full Service Schools and Health Connect in Our Schools, at 305 995-7324.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students looking to graduate from a Miami-Dade public high school have three options: the standard four-year, 24-credit program or two optional accelerated graduation programs which require students to complete 18 credits within three years. Students and their parents are to select one of the accelerated graduation options no later than the end of ninth grade. If no selection is made, the student will be considered to have selected the four-year, 24-credit standard program.

All three options require students to earn a passing grade on the Grade 10 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and to successfully complete the required coursework. The two accelerated graduation options are the College Preparatory and the Career Preparatory programs. A grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is a graduation requirement for the 24-credit standard program, while a grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required for the College Preparatory option and a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for the Career Preparatory option.

24-credit Standard Program Requirements

For students entering 9th grade in 2007-2008 and beyond, the graduation requirements have changed. Students will be required to complete the following in order to graduate: four credits in language arts with a major concentration in composition and literature; four credits in mathematics, including Algebra I and Geometry; three credits in science; three credits in social science; one credit in fine arts; and one credit in physical education with an integration of health.  Additionally, students will have to complete eight elective credit courses.  Four of these elective courses must be in an approved major area of interest and the remaining four elective credits may be any of approved elective courses that are offered at the school.  A community service project is also required for students in the standard four-year, 24-credit program.

For students who entered 9th grade in 2006-2007 or before, the courses required to graduate include: four credits in language arts with major concentration in composition and literature; three credits in mathematics, including Algebra I and Geometry; three credits in science; and three credits in social science. The standard program requires additional courses, which include one semester of Life Management Skills, a full credit of Physical Education (this requirement is met by completing a semester of Personal Fitness and any other approved physical education semester course), a semester credit of Performing Fine Arts and a semester credit of Practical Arts, and 8.5 general elective credits. A community service project is also required for students in the standard four-year, 24-credit program.

18-credit College Preparatory Option Requirements

Students selecting this graduation option must complete the following requirements:  four credits in language arts with a major concentration in composition and literature; four credits in mathematics, including Algebra I and Geometry; three credits in science; three credits in social science; two credits in the same foreign language or demonstrated proficiency; three credits in elective; and at least six of the 18 credits must be dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate,  Advanced International Certificate of Education, or Level 3 courses. 

18-credit Career Preparatory Option Requirements

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HEALTH CARE, STATE-REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

Children scheduled to enter pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2010-2011 school year need to be properly immunized or they will not be allowed to enter school.

The state’s school immunization program requires all students attending kindergarten through 12th grade to receive a second dose of the MMR vaccine.

All children entering pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade must complete a hepatitis B vaccine series in addition to already required immunizations for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella.

All children entering, attending or transferring into pre-Kindergarten, grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in Florida are required to have one dose of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, or a history, documented on a DH Form 680, of varicella disease. This requirement also applies to students retained in grades pre-kindergarten through six.

All children entering, attending or transferring into Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 are required to have two doses of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or a history documented on DH Form 680.  This requirement also applies to students retained in kindergarten and grades 1 and 2.

All children entering, attending or transferring into 7th grade in Florida are required to have the Tdap vaccine documented on a DH Form 680.

Children may attend school if they are in the process of completing their immunization series and have a valid temporary medical exemption form on file at the school. Only the Florida Department of Health Certificate of Immunization, DH Form 680, may be accepted as verification for immunization compliance.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their health care provider to schedule an appointment for children affected by the school immunization requirement. Required immunizations are covered under most health insurance policies. 

Children whose parents cannot afford to pay for vaccines may receive immunizations under the Vaccines For Children program, which provides vaccines free of charge at county health department centers.

For more information, contact the Special Immunization Program Office of the Miami-Dade County Department of Health at 786-845-0550.

Miami-Dade’s public schools provide various health screenings under the supervision of school or health-care personnel.

Vision screenings will be conducted annually for students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 3, 6, 10, and new students to Florida in grades 2, 4 and 5. 

Hearing screenings will be conducted annually for students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 3, 6, and 10 and new students to Florida in grades 4 and 5.

Parents of students who fail any of the screenings or appear to have a vision or hearing problem will be advised to seek care from their health care provider.

Each year, students in grade 6 are screened for scoliosis.

When students have long-term or chronic illnesses or disabilities that require maintenance type medication, school personnel may assist students in the administration or dispensing of the medication when the medication schedule cannot be adjusted to provide for administration at home.

A parent or guardian must sign a consent form, and a licensed health care provider must sign a written treatment plan that explains the necessity for the medication. These authorization forms need to be filed only once during the school year. When a change in medication is required, the parent or guardian and the physician must submit new authorization forms. The principal will lock up medication in a designated area.

For more information, contact Wilma Steiner, R.N., Director, Division of Student Services, Comprehensive Health Services, at 305-995-1235.

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PROJECT UPSTART – HOMELESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

In addition to the current economic crisis and the recent earthquake in Haiti, the numbers of families in need of assistance have increased greatly.  The Homeless Assistance Program is a part of the Division of Student Services. There are several different grants that support the programs and services provided to homeless students and their families.If the family lives in any of the following situation:

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground
• On the street
• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or
• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing

• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there.
• Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible.
• Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless.
• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address.
• And more

Please contact the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Division of Student Services, District Homeless Liaison, Laura P. Chiarello at 305-995-7318.

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IMPORTANT DATES IN 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR

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THE K–12 MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM

The K- 12 Mathematics Curriculum is designed to drive classroom instruction that will help students to understand and use mathematics to reason, communicate, and solve problems in a technological world.

The curriculum’s goals and requirements include the following components:

• Four (4) credits of mathematics are required.  The recommended sequence for a student in a non-accelerated/advanced mathematics program includes: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or Algebra II with Financial Applications, and Advanced Topics in Mathematics.
• Students will be actively engaged in the mathematics they are learning as teachers employ discovery methods of instruction.
• Students will be immersed in reading and writing in the mathematics classroom, which will allow them to develop into mathematically literate citizens.
• Students will be encouraged to participate in mathematics competitions such as the Elementary Math Bowl, MATHCOUNTS or Mu Alpha Theta to assist them with the growth and expansion of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Teachers will be engaged in continuous professional development that includes the latest brain research, so that they can actively engage their students in making sense of the mathematical concepts they are learning.

The math plan provides a structured approach that improves the capacity of teachers to teach mathematics and to transform teaching practices that focus on the meaning of mathematics and problem solving. 

M-DCPS is in partnership with local universities and informal mathematics institutions to provide programs that enhance professional development for teachers and design competitions and outreach programs, as well as internship and mathematics experiences.

For more information, contact Beatriz Zarraluqui, Administrative Director, Division of Mathematics, Science, and Advanced Academic Programs, at 305-995-1939.

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K-12 SCIENCE PLAN

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ K-12 Science Plan helps students achieve the science literacy necessary for success in post-secondary education and in the workplace.

The plan’s goals and requirements include the following components:

• Three (3) credits of science are required. The recommended sequence for a student in a non-accelerated/advanced science program includes:  Earth/Space Science, Biology, and a third year of science, which could be one of the following:  Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, or Integrated Science III.
  
• Students will be immersed in reading and writing literacy in the science courses to allow them to develop into scientifically literate citizens.
• Students will be encouraged to participate in science competitions or the science fair to assist them with the growth and expansion of scientific thinking.
• Teachers will engage in continuous professional development to advance in content knowledge and pedagogical practices.

The plan provides a structured approach to improve the capacity of teachers to teach science and to transform teaching practices that focus on concept formation and problem solving.

M-DCPS Curriculum and Instruction (science) is in partnership with local universities and informal science institutions to bring programs that enhance professional development for teachers, design competitions, outreach programs, internship experiences and science experiences in general.

For more information, please contact Beatriz Zarraluqui, Administrative Director, Division of Mathematics, Science, and Advanced Academic Programs, at 305-995-1939.

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MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida exercises legislative authority over the school system and determines policy in accordance with Florida laws. Each elected official of the nine-member board represents a specific district within the county.

The School Board generally meets once each month on a Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the first-floor auditorium of the School Board Administration Building (SBAB), 1450 N.E. Second Ave.  Approved dates are posted in the Citizen Information Center, SBAB Room 158, and on Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ website: www.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/meetings/schedule_2010.asp.  Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast live on WLRN-TV Channel 17 and on WLRN-FM 91.3 as well as webcast on www.wlrn.org.

Interested citizens may address the board on matters listed on the agenda or topics not listed on the agenda by filing a written request with the Citizen Information Center by 4:30 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting.  Citizens will be heard on matters on the consent agenda or not on the Board agenda at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board each month at the public hearing, which shall begin no later than approximately 6:30 p.m. The Chair may begin calling speakers who are present immediately following the conclusion of the regular agenda. The public hearing shall not conclude before 4:30 p.m. unless all of the speakers signed up to speak are present and have been given the opportunity to speak.

Request for appearance before the School Board forms are available online at cic.dadeschools.net at all Regional Centers and at the Citizen Information Center, SBAB Room 158.  The fax number is 305-995-1151.

School Board members’ offices are located at the School Board Administration Building. Board members may be contacted at 305-995-1334.

            Members of The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida:

• Chair – Dr. Solomon C. Stinson (District 2)
  
  
• Vice Chair – Perla Tabares Hantman (District 4)
  
  
• Agustin J. Barrera (District 6)
  
  
• Renier Diaz de la Portilla (District 5)
  
  
• Dr. Lawrence Feldman (District 9)
  
  
• Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway (District 1)
  
  
• Dr. Martin Karp (District 3)
  
  
• Ana Rivas Logan (District 7)
  
  
• Dr. Marta Pérez (District 8)  

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MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS ALUMNI HAVE NEW WEBSITE

Miami-Dade County Public Schools alumni now have their own website: alumni.dadeschools.net.

The site includes links to Miami-Dade high school alumni pages; information on ordering transcripts and replacing diplomas; connections to M-DCPS alumni sites on Facebook (Miami-Dade Schools-Alumni) and Twitter (@DadeSchoolsAlum); resources for continuing education and sharpening parenting skills; and news about distinguished M-DCPS graduates.

For more information, contact Jeff Ronci at 305-995-1265 or alumni@dadeschools.net.

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NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (SES)

Parents can now sign their children up for free tutoring! As a result of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), children can receive extra academic help in the areas of math, reading, language arts, and science. This free tutoring is available if a child’s school has been identified as in “Need of improvement,” “Corrective Action,” “Planning for Restructuring” or “Restructuring” status. Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) will be holding an enrollment period for 2010-2011 Supplemental Educational Services (SES). Parent Information Packets will be sent home to parents of students who attend eligible schools.

Students attending eligible Title I schools and who receive free or reduced-price meals are eligible to participate in the SES Tutorial Program. SES is a tutorial program offered by private providers, approved by the State of Florida, at no cost to the parent. Services must be consistent with instructional programs of the school district and aligned with the State’s academic content standards. Supplemental Educational Services must be provided outside of the regular school day (before and after school or on weekends). Parents interested in enrolling their children in SES may complete and submit an enrollment form at their child’s school, via the District’s Parent Portal at myportal.dadeschools.net/parent/, at one of the SES Parent Choice Fairs, or via fax at 305-995-2540. The enrollment period is August 23 - September 8, 2010.

A list of the 2010-2011 Title I schools eligible to participate in SES can be found at nclbchoice.dadeschools.net. For additional information, please contact Title I Administration at 305-995-4549 or 305-995-3198 or ask at your child’s school.

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THE PARENT ACADEMY
Helping Parents Help Their Children Succeed In School

The job of parenting isn’t easy. It doesn’t come with a handbook.  That’s why Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) created The Parent Academy – a source to help answer parents’ questions on topics that impact children’s lives, including helping children learn, parenting skills, financial management, and health and wellness.

The Parent Academy offers free workshops at public schools, libraries, parks, colleges, private businesses and neighborhood centers across the county.  Check for workshop offerings at www.theparentacademy.net.  Join more than 100,000 parents who have already completed a Parent Academy class!

The Parent Academy partners with community and cultural organizations to present exciting family learning events that encourages the entire family to learn together.  The themed events are held monthly at fun, educational and culturally enriching museums and local attractions, and combine academics, exploration and discovery while promoting positive parent-child interactions. Upcoming events are listed on The Parent Academy web site.

For additional information, please call The Parent Academy at 305-995-2680 or visit our web site at www.theparentacademy.net

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT:  THE KEY TO STUDENT SUCCESS

As students head back to class, parents are full of hope for their children’s success. The most important thing parents can do is to become involved in their student’s education.

Parents are encouraged to attend school activities and meetings, especially the annual Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences. Joining the schools’ PTA or PTSA and participating in the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) are other excellent ways to be involved. This participation is important at every level of your child’s education, especially in the critical adolescent years. Parents need to maintain open and honest communication and to work together with the teachers to assist students in making academic decisions and planning for the future.

Parents will find a parent resource center in every school, where they can obtain educational information, community resources, announcements, calendars of activities and workshops. Many reports are provided throughout the year to assist parents in monitoring their student’s success, as well as the overall performance of the school. The School Board policy on parental involvement (6Gx13-1B-1.012, Parental Involvement – A Home- School District Partnership) delineates the rights and responsibilities of parents as they work with the school to ensure student success.

       Some other important steps that every parent should take include:

• Helping your child develop good study habits, providing your child with a quiet, well-lit area and a desk or table to do homework each evening;
  
• Making sure your child is ready to learn by being well rested, fed and emotionally prepared to study every day; 
  
• Providing encouragement and guidance so that your child is able to resolve challenging homework and social problems on his or her own; and
  
• Maintaining contact with your child’s teachers, sending written notes or email messages, and arranging for telephone conversations or in-person conferences. The school office personnel, assistant principal or counselor will assist in arranging these meetings.           

       For further information, parents should contact the school administration, or contact the Office of Parental Involvement at 305-995-1233.

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Miami-Dade County Public Schools presents Radyo Lekòl, a 30-minute education news program, in Haitian Creole.

Radyo Lekòl enhances communication with non-English-speaking Haitians in the community.  The program airs on WLRN-FM 91.3 on Monday - Friday at 9:06 p.m.

For more information, call Haitian Affairs in the Office of Public Relations, Carline Faustin, Director/Host, at 305-995-1188 or Simone Degraff, Media Specialist/Host, at 305-995-4247.

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REGIONS

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is subdivided into five Regions. Each region consists of a region superintendent and staff responsible for providing support and assistance to parents and students.

Parents' questions or issues regarding their child's school that are not resolved at the school level may be addressed to a Region Center director. If the parents are not satisfied with the outcome, they may appeal the decision to the Region Center region superintendent.

Questions relating to boundaries, attendance and transfer policies can be answered at the Region Center. Addresses and telephone numbers of these offices are:

Each Regional Center oversees senior high schools and their respective feeder-pattern schools. The senior high schools within each Regional Center are listed below:

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SCHOOL SAFETY

Safety and security is of paramount importance to Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). Below is information on how to report crimes that occur at school.

The District’s new Anonymous Tips Reporting System is called "Be Safe," which includes Texting, as well as web-based and phone support for the anonymous reporting of school safety concerns. The “Be Safe” reporting system allows students, staff, parents or the public to anonymously report reports of crimes, weapons, drug violations or other safety concerns in schools; thus reducing fear of retribution and preventing additional incidents. 

“Be Safe” can be used to address any crime, disorder, or disruptive behavior and is a particularly effective prevention tool to encourage students and others to report incidents that threaten the security of the school environment.

“Be Safe” will be available using any of the following three options:

• WEB-BASED Reporting: Links have been placed on the dadeschools.net pages that will redirect the user to BeSafe.dadeschools.net. An anonymous reporting form can be completed and submitted at this time.
  
  
• TEXTING: Using cell phones, a text message is sent to 274637 (CRIMES) with the text message beginning with the keyword "BESAFE;” followed by the anonymous tip.
  
  
• PHONE Reporting: Continue to utilize 305-995-COPS (2677)

There are also several drop boxes located at school sites whereby students can report crimes and other incidents and remain anonymous. M-DCPS and the school police also accept anonymous tips in person, and pledge to always protect the identity of those wishing to come forward with information regarding safety in our schools.  

To report truancy, members of the community may call 305-371-SKIP (7547). The hotlines are answered by trained personnel, who record the reported information and ensure a prompt response by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department or other appropriate law enforcements agencies.

Similarly, the District’s partnership with Crime Stoppers Programs and other noteworthy organizations allows the public to dial 305-471-TIPS to disclose information while remaining anonymous. Tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards.

In an effort to streamline the critical incident notification process, M-DCPS established a hotline for principals during the 2007-2008 school year, so they can immediately notify the District about any critical incident. Once the call is received, an electronic notification is sent out to District and Regional Center personnel. This notification process has reduced the amount of calls that a principal was required to make and has allowed school-level personnel to focus on the incident at hand.

M-DCPS has a comprehensive Emergency Operation Plan that provides school-level personnel with guidelines and procedures to address a variety of critical incidents that may occur in schools. In addition, the school system has a District Critical Incident Response Team (DCIRT) that is available to assist schools with any critical incident. The DCIRT meets the standards of the National Incident Management System.

Lastly, we want to remind parents and caregivers driving within school safety zones or in neighborhoods near schools that they play an important role in enhancing safety near schools by following safe driving practices. At arrival and dismissal times, drivers are often in a hurry and distracted. This tendency can lead to unsafe conditions for students and others walking, bicycling and driving in the area, so please be aware of your surroundings and obey all traffic rules when driving in school zones. No texting and watch your speed!

For more information, call 305-995-COPS.

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SECONDARY SCHOOL REFORM

Work with our students today, and they’ll work beside you tomorrow!

Today’s high school graduates need new skills and experiences in order to be college and workforce ready and to compete effectively in the global workplace.  In order to facilitate these objectives, the M-DCPS School Board approved the implementation of Secondary School Reform. 

The following six core principles of Secondary School Reform provide M-DCPS high schools with a framework for increasing student achievement, increasing student attendance, and increasing graduation rates: (1) personalize the learning environment; (2) increase academic engagement of all students; (3) empower educators; (4) develop accountable leaders; (5) engage community and youth; and (6) integrate a system of high standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. 

A ninth-grade academy helps students transition into high school and better prepares them to choose their theme-based career academies and to successfully navigate through high school.

Students are encouraged to take more Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Career Pathway courses; successfully pass Industry Certification tests; complete Capstone Projects; and participate in an internship program. Primary Contact for Secondary School Reform:  Caryl D. Grant, Executive Director, School Choice, 305-995-1922, cgrant@dadeschools.net.

The Secondary School Reform (SSR) Plan is a roadmap for substantively altering the educational experience of all high school students in the District to assure that future graduates have the skills they will need to effectively compete in the new global workplace.  By converting to an eight-period day, delivering academic curriculum through a career academy framework and creating small learning communities, this new model is providing more viable and relevant options for our high school students.

The Career Experience Opportunity (CEO) internship program serves as an opportunity to engage business and community leaders to expand learning through internships that connect to career academies. Students participate during their junior or senior year and have the opportunity to apply their academic foundations in real world settings.

Organizations interested in providing internships should contact the Office of Community Services at 305-995-3050 or login to the Community Portal at www2.dadeschools.net/community.

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STANDARDIZED TESTING

The achievement and progress of students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) are measured each year with the help of district, state and national standardized tests. Some of the major tests are listed below.

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is designed to assess students' proficiency on Florida's Standards. The Writing Assessment will be administered to students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in March 2011, and the reading, mathematics and science tests will be administered in April 2011. The FCAT measures students' reading and mathematics skills in third through 10th grades, and science skills in grades 5, 8 and 11.

Students must earn passing scores on the FCAT graduation tests in reading and mathematics to meet the requirements for a standard high school diploma. Students have the opportunity to take these tests for the first time in Grade 10. Students who do not earn passing scores will have additional opportunities to pass the tests in October and March administered as the FCAT Retake.

The FCAT Writing assesses students' ability to organize and clearly express their thoughts in writing. The FCAT Writing will be administered to students in 4th, 8th and 10th grades in March 2011.

The Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) is a nationally normed achievement test used to compare local students' performance in priority study areas with the performance of students in the nation. In April 2011, the SAT will be administered to 1st- and 2nd-grade students to assess reading and mathematics skills.

The state's Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) is a four-skill English-language proficiency assessment that will be administered in March/April 2011 to all students in grades K-12 classified as English Language Learners (ELL).  CELLA tests are used to measure students' ability to listen, read, write and speak English, and the results will provide information about students' strengths and weaknesses in English and their overall progress over time.

The Grade 3 Reading Student Portfolio measures students' proficiency in selected Sunshine State Standards in reading. The portfolio will be administered to students in grade 3 throughout the second semester of the school year.

The District's Interim Assessment tests will be given to students in grades 3-11 in the fall at the beginning of the school year and winter. These tests, designed to measure Florida's standards and benchmarks in reading, mathematics, and science, will be used by teachers to identify students' strengths and weaknesses to target instruction, and to monitor students' progress.

All kindergarten students are assessed for school readiness during the first 30 days of school as part of the state's Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS). The FLKRS measures early literacy skills that are needed for success in kindergarten.

Statewide end-of-course tests will be administered in May in selected secondary courses, beginning with Algebra I in the 2010-11 school year. These tests will be administered to all students enrolled in the applicable courses.

Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) assesses students’ progress in acquiring critical reading-related skills, and/or development of pre-reading and early reading skills. FAIR will be administered in the fall, winter and spring to all students in kindergarten through grade 3, and to selected students in grades 4 through 12.

Students also have the option of participating in the following programs offered by The College Board and ACT, Inc.:

•  The PSAT, offered by The College Board, will be administered to all students in grade 10 and to interested students in 9th and 11th grade in October 2010. The PSAT provides practice for the SAT and is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship program. In an attempt to build college readiness and to support more rigorous course selection among Florida's high school students, the state of Florida has formed a partnership with The College Board to pay test fees for all 10th-grade students to participate in the PSAT.

•  The SAT, offered by The College Board, and the ACT, offered by ACT, Inc., are optional college-entrance tests that students may take at scheduled times throughout the school year. Students taking the SAT or ACT can request that their scores be sent to the colleges or universities of their choice.

Test results are made available in a timely fashion to students and their families. Results of district and state testing programs are sent home with students by the respective schools. Parents needing assistance in interpreting these scores should contact their children's teachers or guidance counselors.

For more information about these and other tests, check the testing calendar on the district's website at www.dadeschools.net. Additional information about each testing program is available at http://oada.dadeschools.net/TestInfo/testinformation.asp.

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STUDENT RECORDS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and section 1002.22, Florida Statutes, protect the privacy of, and guarantee parents, guardians and students access to information contained in student educational records. The parent is guaranteed the right to challenge the accuracy of these records.

These laws provide that without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or eligible student, a student's records may not be released except in accordance with the provisions listed in the above-cited laws. The laws provide certain exceptions to the prior consent requirement to the release of student records, which include, but are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders. To ensure compliance with these laws, the school system has published detailed instructions for maintaining and releasing student records. These instructions may be found in the Student Educational Records Manual, which is incorporated by reference in School Board Rule 6GX13-5B-1.07.

Each school must provide to the parents, guardians or eligible students annual notice in writing of their right to inspect and review student records. Once a student reaches 18 years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education, the permission or consent required of, and the rights accorded to, the parents shall thereafter be required of and accorded to the student only, unless the student qualifies as a dependent under the law.

Students should contact their school registrar if they wish to send transcripts to colleges or scholarship services.

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SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will transport more than 62,000 students a day this school year, using a fleet of 1,400 buses on an estimated 1,200 school-bus routes. The service is for students who live more than two miles from their assigned schools, and for special needs students.

Before school begins, parents of all students eligible for bus transportation will receive a card from the school system's computer center identifying the student's bus stop and times of pickup and delivery.

Parents interested in determining their child's transportation eligibility should contact their child's school for information.

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DISTRICT’S UNITED WAY EMPLOYEE, STUDENT CAMPAIGNS LEAD NATION

Miami-Dade County Public Schools employees and students have contributed over $29 million to the United Way of Miami-Dade since partnering in 1974, and lead the nation in school system-run campaigns.

For many students, participating in the campaign becomes a meaningful learning experience. This year’s United Way Campaigns run from October 4 to November 5.

The United Way helps children and youth succeed in school and stay off the streets, ensures care and companionship for our elderly, gives families the tools they need to stay together, helps people stay healthy and well, promoting economic independence, and reaching out fast in the face of emergencies.

For more information, please contact Diana Venturini, Director, Office of Community Services, at 305-995-1367.

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SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The School Volunteer Program consists of reliable talented volunteers and mentors that serve in our schools to support the District’s goal of student achievement.  Volunteers work under the direction of the Principal and/or school volunteer liaison and are considered our partners in education.

Before beginning services, all volunteers must register through the M-DCPS portal in which a complete comprehensive background search is conducted. There are over 30 volunteer activities to choose from such as:

• Classroom Assistant - helping a classroom teacher with individual classroom needs.
• Tutor - work with small groups in the classroom under the direction of the teacher to assist with academic tutorial work.
• Chaperone – assists teachers and students for field trips.
• Club Assistant – include school booster clubs and other school related organizations.
• Listener/Oyentes - an adult friend to a child, under the direction of a school counselor.
• Mentor - volunteers who are placed one-on-one with students or in small groups.  Their role is to provide a support system for the students.

To register as a school site school volunteer, contact your school’s front office and speak to the School Volunteer Liaison or visit our website at www.dadeschools.net and register through the parent or community portal.

For information on becoming a mentor or certified volunteer please call 305-995-7317.

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WLRN PUBLIC TV, RADIO SERVE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY

WLRN Public Radio and Television is a multifaceted enterprise licensed to the Miami-Dade School Board with television, radio and instructional media properties. Broadcast media include (PBS) affiliates WLRN-TV 17.1 and WLRN Learn 17.2, and  (NPR) affiliates WLRN-FM 91.3 and WKWM-FM 91.5 (serving the Florida Keys).

WLRN-TV Channel 17.1 airs more children’s programs than any other local broadcast station with more than 80 hours of award-winning content featured each week. WLRN-TV is recognized as Florida’s leading PBS Ready To Learn (RTL) station, combining quality children’s television programs with a variety of community outreach efforts to help children build learning skills.  WLRN RTL develops partnerships with local community organizations and conducts free workshops providing resources for parents, teachers and childcare providers, to ensure that young children in our community are ready to learn when they enter school. As part of this literacy effort, WLRN RTL promotes the benefits of reading and distributes over 20,000 books annually to children, elementary schools libraries and local day care centers.

Channel 17.1 also broadcasts award-winning PBS documentaries, biographies and music programs, such as Nature, Nova, American Experience, and Great Performances. Viewers can watch popular public television weekly programs, including Antiques Roadshow, Globe Trekker, Charlie Rose and numerous other cooking and cultural enrichment shows.

WLRN-TV produces numerous local programs, including ArtStreet, the series that introduces audiences to the diverse arts explosion happening in South Florida. Channel 17 presents yearly coverage of the Junior Orange Bowl and Martin Luther King Jr. parades, the Silver Knight Awards and the New World School of the Arts’ annual Holiday Concert.

Additionally, WLRN-TV produces award-winning television documentaries that impact South Florida. Many of these remarkable stories are distributed nationally on PBS.  Documentaries include Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami, exploring the critical role that Miami played in the evolution of one of the most significant cultural figures of our time; and All Shook Up, which traces the rich history of music in Miami during the ‘50s and ‘60s.

WLRN Learn 17.2 offers a diverse range of alternative content that includes children’s programming in Spanish; low-impact exercise, stretching and yoga series; PBS how-to cooking, painting and arts shows; plus international news and cultural programs.

WLRN- FM 91.3, Florida’s top-rated NPR station, serves a weekly audience of more than 400,000 from Palm Beach to Key West, providing programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, A Prairie Home Companion and Car Talk. WLRN Radio also broadcasts in HD radio digital format with two programming streams: 91.3-1, a simulcast of the main channel programming, and 91.3-2, called “WLRN XTRA HD” that features “alternative news and talk” programming. Both streams are available online at www.wlrn.org. WLRN-FM91.3 also provides one of the country’s largest Radio Reading Services — a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service to South Florida’s visually impaired residents.

WLRN Instructional Television (ITV) manages the Miami-Dade school district’s Video Library, a lending library that loans videos that support all phases of educational instruction. WLRN ITV also programs and maintains the district’s closed circuit television network that provides students and teachers with a host of video choices directly accessible to the classroom.

WLRN is also the South Florida provider for PBS TeacherLine, online professional development opportunities for educators.  The high quality, standards-based graduate-level courses are conducted in an accessible online format that makes learning fun, flexible and collaborative.

For additional information regarding WLRN Public Radio and Television, please call 305-995-1717.