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ACCELERATION THROUGH DUAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES
July 17, 2003
All students who meet the minimum qualifications, including being in
the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade as of July 1, 2003, are eligible to
register for dual enrollment classes, which award both high school
and college credit. Through this academic acceleration program,
students take classes at a college or university after school hours
or during the summer. Tuition fees are waived, and the district pays
for textbooks. Students are responsible for their own
transportation.
Students must submit college transcripts to their high school
guidance counselor to receive credit for the course.
For additional information, contact the Division of Advanced Academic
Programs at 305-995-1993.
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ACCESS CENTERS
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools is subdivided into six ACCESS
Centers: ACCESS Center 1-6.
An assistant superintendent and a staff responsible for providing
support and assistance to parents and students head each center.
Parents' questions or issues regarding their child's school that are
not resolved at the school level may be addressed to a center
director. If they are not satisfied with the outcome, parents may
appeal the decision to the ACCESS Center assistant
superintendent.
Questions relating to boundaries, attendance and transfer policy can
be answered at the ACCESS Center. Addresses and telephone numbers of
these offices are:
733 East 57 St.
Hialeah, FL 33013
305-687-6565
Assistant Superintendent: Margarita Alemany-Moreno
Directors: Charles Hankerson, Marie Harrison, Dr. Marjorie
Figueira
1515-3 N. W. 167 St., #300
Miami, FL 33169
305-624-8802
Assistant Superintendent: Enid Weisman
Directors: Dr. Ronald Hunter, Dr. Carmen Marinelli, Maria
Llerena
1080 LaBaron Dr.
Miami Springs, FL 33166
305-883-0403
Assistant Superintendent: Carol Cortes
Directors: Dr. Geneva Woodard, Robert Kalinsky, Verdell
King
2201 S.W. Fourth St.
Miami, FL 33135 305-642-7555
Assistant Superintendent: Essie Pace
Directors: Myra Silverstein, Dr. Ruby Johnson, Henry Ferrer,
9040 S.W. 79 Ave.
Miami, FL 33156
305-595-7022
Assistant Superintendent: John Gilbert
Directors: Carlos Fernandez, Cynthia Clarke, Kenneth
Wheeler
30910 S.W. 157 Avenue
Homestead, FL 33033
305-246-5934
Assistant Superintendent: Freddie Woodson
Directors: Jorge Garcia, Neyda S. Navarro, Kamela
Patton
Each ACCESS Center oversees senior high schools and their
feeder-pattern schools. The high schools within each ACCESS Center
area are:
American Senior High
Barbara Goleman Senior High
Hialeah Senior High
Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High
Miami Carol City Senior High
Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
Miami Beach Senior High
Miami Norland Senior High
North Miami Senior High
North Miami Beach Senior High
Design and Architecture Senior High
Miami Central Senior High
Miami Coral Park Senior High
Miami Northwestern Senior High
Miami Springs Senior High
Coral Gables Senior High
Maritime and Science Technology Senior High (MAST
Academy)
Miami Edison Senior High
Miami Jackson Senior High
Miami Senior High
Booker T. Washington Senior High
New World School of the Arts
G. Holmes Braddock Senior High
Miami Killian Senior High
Miami Palmetto Senior High
South Miami Senior High
Southwest Miami Senior High
Coral Reef Senior High
Homestead Senior High
Miami Southridge Sr. High
Miami Sunset Senior High
South Dade Senior High
Felix Varela Senior High
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ADULT AND APPLIED
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
CLASSES OFFERED
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers more than 100 programs of
study in adult education and applied technology. More than 137,556
students participate in day and evening classes at 22 adult education
centers across the county.
Applied technology program offerings include agribusiness, business
technology, family and consumer sciences, health sciences, marketing
and public service education. The Adult General Education program
offers instruction:
Through an open-entry, open-exit
policy, using a competency-based curriculum, adults move at their own
rate through progressive levels of reading, language, writing and
mathematics. Additionally, students may use computers with Internet
access to receive instruction using an exclusive curriculum in
academic or vocational program areas.
Financial assistance may be available to low-income individuals or
disabled workers. Please contact an adult, skill, or area technical
center near you for more information, or visit your local South
Florida Workforce one-stop center.
For course information, contact the hotline at
305-995-2500.
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AUTO SPEED ZONES
July 17, 2003
A strict speed limit for motorists of 15 miles per hour is in force
near public schools during posted hours on school days.
Hours are tailored to individual schools. Each school may have
somewhat different hours during which the speed restriction is in
effect.
It is essential for children's safety that motorists read the
speed-limit signs carefully when they approach a school zone.
Moreover, it is a traffic violation to exceed the posted speed limit
in a school zone.
Additionally, children should be alerted to watch for oncoming
cars.
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BEFORE, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
July 17, 2003
This year 205 public elementary schools in Miami-Dade County will
offer after-school care on school days. Before-school care will be
available at 130 elementary schools.
After-school programs are conducted from the time of school dismissal
until 6 p.m. Before-school programs begin approximately one hour
before school.
In the after-school programs, children are provided a snack, time to
do their homework and time for games and activities. Before-school
programs offer supervised, quiet activities.
After-school care fees are $30 a week and before-school programs cost
$15 a week.
Each program is offered to the public schools by one of four
providers; the community schools of Miami-Dade County Public Schools,
the YMCA, the YWCA or the Family Christian Association of America
(FCAA).
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 calling the school system's Office of
Community Education at 305-995-1242, or by logging on to
www.dadeschools.net for updates.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the YMCA at
305-357-4000, ext. 126, the YWCA at 305-377-9922 and the Family
Christian Association of America at 305-685-4881.
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BILINGUAL PARENT
OUTREACH PROGRAM
July 17, 2003
The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program offered by Miami-Dade County
Public Schools Division of Bilingual Education and World Languages is
an outreach service for recent immigrants. The goal of the program is
to provide recently arrived immigrant families with information about
education,
community services and job opportunities through free seminars, which are presented in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole. Free childcare is provided for seminar participants.
A schedule of seminars may be obtained by calling Dr. Beatriz Diaz, Division of Bilingual Education and World Languages at 305-995-1247 or visiting the website at www.dade.k12.fl.us.bfls.
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CHARTER SCHOOLS
July 17, 2003
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, teachers, an
organization, municipality, universities, and/or a combination of
more than one group. There are 25 charter schools currently in
operation in Miami-Dade County.
For further information regarding charter schools including their
locations, please contact School Choice and Parental Options at
305-995-1922 or visit the charter school web site at
http://choice.dadeschools.net.
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CITIZEN INFORMATION
CENTER
July 17, 2003
The Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Citizen Information Center
provides answers to people with 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. Miami-Dade County Public
Schools' website, www.dadeschools.net, also offers a variety of
information about the school system.
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COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
July 17, 2003
From parents to businesses to community leaders to local government
to college and university students to older adults, citizen
participation in Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers a wide
variety of opportunities for everyone to assist in giving students a
more rewarding school experience.
Citizen and corporate volunteers donate one to two hours a week to
tutor and mentor students, assist on field trips and in the classroom
and participate in other school activities. Older adults are
especially encouraged to share their time.
School volunteers offer their services in more than 30 areas,
including mentoring and tutoring students in subjects ranging from
mathematics to reading to computers. For children in need of an adult
friend, "Listener" volunteers become particularly important. In the
process, they help youngsters to think creatively, and they assist in
building students' self-esteem. This program also is offered in
Spanish (Oyentes). The Take Stock in Children mentor and scholarship
program assists students to graduate from high school and earn
college or vocational education scholarships. For additional
information about Miami-Dade County Public Schools' award winning
volunteer programs, call 305-995-1215.
A chapter of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) exists at nearly
every Miami-Dade public school. With more than 60,000 members, the
Dade County Council PTA/PTSA is the third largest PTA council in the
nation. Involved in various school activities, the PTA provides
helpful assistance. Parents are urged to become members. To become
involved, parents may phone their child's school or the PTA/PTSA
office at 305-995-1102.
In accordance with Florida's system for school improvement and
education accountability, Educational Excellence School Advisory
Councils (EESACs) have been established at all schools. Each EESAC,
which is composed of teachers, parents, students, administrators and
business/community representatives, is actively involved in the
development and monitoring of the annual School Performance
Excellence Plan. To get involved, contact the school principal, or
call the Division of School Quality Improvement, 305-995-2744.
The nationally celebrated Dade Partners Program is comprised of more
than 3,200 businesses, civic organizations and community members who
"adopt" their neighborhood schools. Dade Partners work together to
improve student achievement and enhance educational programs. Some
serve on a countywide basis as partners with the entire school
district. Additionally, business and community leaders have an
opportunity to get involved with education through participation in
the district's
Principal for a Day and/or new Executive Partnership initiative. For
information about Dade Partners, phone 305-995-1215.
The Intergenerational Program offers senior citizens opportunities to
get involved on a one-to-one basis with a student. Through the Senior
Mentor Program, individuals over the age of 50 are matched with a
child. A senior mentor works with a student for six to ten weeks on a
project based on an interest they share.
For more information about citizen involvement in the public schools,
call your neighborhood school or the Bureau of Community and
Hospitality Services at 305-995-1215.
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COLLEGE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
July 17, 2003
High school students and their parents are more informed than ever
about college opportunities, thanks to Miami-Dade County Public
Schools (M-DCPS) College Assistance Program (CAP).
In each high school, CAP advisors assist students in completing
applications for college entrance exams, admission to postsecondary
institutions, financial aid and scholarships.
CAP offers college-awareness as well as financial aid and scholarship
workshops for parents. The annual National College Fair, which is
co-sponsored by M-DCPS and the National Association for College
Admission Counseling, features more than 150 colleges and
universities from around the country and is held each spring.
The College Assistance Program of Dade County, Inc., a nonprofit
501(c)(3) organization, has awarded thousands of dollars to
college-bound students. Each spring the superintendent of schools
hosts Scholarship Saturday, a series of community athletic events
including softball, dominoes, bowling and a 5K run/walk, to help
raise funds for CAP. All event entry fees are donated to CAP.
For more information, students should contact their school's CAP advisor in the Student Services Department or call the district office of the College Assistance Program at 305-995-1743.
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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES AT
AFFORDABLE PRICES
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools has 56 community school sites
offering classes in just about every subject -- from yoga to cooking
to foreign languages and photography -- either free or at very
affordable prices. Most courses are offered in the afternoon or
evening.
Over 98,000 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 305-995-1242.
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COMPREHENSIVE
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE PROGRAM
July 17, 2003
In March 2000, the Miami-Dade County School Board passed a
comprehensive mathematics and science plan to stimulate student
interest in these subjects and improve academic performance. The plan
will give students the mathematics and science literacy necessary for
success in post-secondary education and as employees in the
workplace. Development of the plan and its increased academic
requirements came in response to a projection by the Miami-Dade
Chamber of Commerce that 120,000 math, science and technology-related
local jobs could go unfilled due to an unprepared local
workforce.
The program's goals and requirements include the following
components:
A structured approach to improving
capacity of teachers to teach mathematics and science and to
transform teaching practices to focus on concept formation and
problem solving also is key to the success of this initiative.
The school system has placed an emphasis on improving student
achievement in science and mathematics under the Urban Systemic
Initiative (USI) and the Urban Systemic Program (USP) funded by the
National Science Foundation, which focuses on strengthening academic
content and instruction as well as achieving gender and ethnic equity
in course enrollment and performance outcomes. A standards-based
curriculum to meet students' needs and program goals is implemented
at all district schools.
The program has strengthened academic content and improved
instruction. Additionally, it has increased mathematics achievement
on standardized tests, increased enrollment in high-level mathematics
and science courses, increased graduation rates and increased parent
and community involvement.
Community partners, including local universities, libraries and
municipal governments help link mathematics and science learning to
real world issues and careers.
For more information, please call the Dr. Constance Thornton,
Administrative Director, Division of Mathematics and Science
Education, at 305-995-2341.
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COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT
SERVICES PROGRAM MEETS STUDENTS' NEEDS
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers its students and their
families many services. The Division of Student/Career Services
brings together a team of professionals to address the personal,
social, educational and career development needs of all students
enrolled in pre-kindergarten through adult education. Counselors,
psychologists, social workers, College Assistance Program advisors,
career specialists and TRUST specialists (substance abuse counselors)
provide academic advisement, behavior assessments, career and
postsecondary planning, crisis management, counseling, parent
training, and substance abuse prevention and intervention.
The ultimate goal of the program is for students to graduate with the
skills necessary to make self-directed, realistic, responsible
decisions and to be successful contributors to society.
For more information, contact the counselor or Student Services
Department at your child's school or call the Division of
Student/Career Services at 305-995-7338. You may also visit their
website, www.dade.k12.fl.us/stservices.
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COMPREHENSIVE READING
PROGRAM
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools has one of the nation's most
comprehensive reading programs for students in kindergarten through
grade 12. 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 School Board mandated program include the following
strategies and requirements:
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
reading leader at each school, educational specialists and district
personnel who synchronize effective implementation of the plan.
Supported by a wide variety of community organizations, higher
education institutions and local agencies, the reading initiative
also supports the "One Community One Goal" concept of the Greater
Miami Chamber of Commerce, whose mission is to expand our community's
economic development through preparation of a highly literate
workforce. The school system is promoting the initiative through its
"JUST READ" campaign. For more information, contact Dr. Alicia
Moreyra, Administrative Director, Division of Language Arts/Reading
at 305-995-1914.
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DIAL-A-TEACHER HELPS
WITH HOMEWORK
July 17, 2003
For youngsters and their parents in Miami-Dade County's public
schools, help with homework is as close as a phone call, or the click
of a computer mouse.
Dial-A-Teacher, at 305-995-1600, offers homework help on the phone by
certified teachers from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, on
school nights. Help in Spanish and Haitian Creole is also
available.
To access the Dial-A-Teacher web site, go to www.dial-a-teacher.com.
Students and parents can e-mail the Dial-A-Teacher staff with
homework questions, or they can check out the database of frequently
asked questions.
The Dial-A-Teacher program is produced by the Office of
Adult/Vocational, Alternative and Community Education in cooperation
with the United Teachers of Dade. For more information, call
305-995-1822.
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DISTRICT SPEAKERS BUREAU
GOOD RESOURCE FOR OPENING OF SCHOOLS QUESTIONS
July 17, 2003
Area businesses, parent and civic groups can provide their employees
and members with information about Miami-Dade's public schools
through the school district's Speakers Bureau.
The district has experts in many areas of education who are available
to speak before organizations on an array of topics, including
opening of schools procedures, student services, school/business
partnerships, volunteering, educational choice, student testing and
funding. Speakers are available to present information in English,
Spanish or Haitian-Creole.
"Throughout the school year, especially at the beginning, citizens
need information or have questions about public education," said
Chief Communications Officer Mayco Villafaña. "Our Speakers
Bureau takes the dissemination of information to a personal level
that allows discussion and encourages community input."
The 2003-2004 school year begins Monday, August 25.
To request a speaker, citizens should call 305-995-1126 or visit the
district's Office of Public Relations website at
www.dadeschoolsnews.net/speakers.htm.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
July 17, 2003
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.
This information is filled out by parents 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. However, it is important
that parents update this information in writing during the school
year should changes such as names, telephone numbers or addresses
occur.
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. 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
July 17, 2003
In order to provide students the opportunity to acquire the
multilingual skills needed for employability in today's global
economy, Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers the Extended Foreign
Language (EFL) program.
The EFL program is a variation of a "school within a school" 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.
In the EFL program, sixty-percent of instruction is in English and
forty-percent is in the targeted second language, i.e., Spanish,
Italian, or Haitian-Creole.
Offered at each grade level, students participating in the program
for one full school year are automatically enrolled in it at the
subsequent grade level. The program provides a continuum of bilingual
studies through grade twelve.
A list of all schools offering the EFL program and additional
information may be obtained by calling the Division of Bilingual
Education and World Languages at 305-995-1945 or visiting the website
at www.dade.k12.fl.us/bfls.
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FALL REGISTRATION
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County's public schools will open their doors Monday,
August 25 to start the 2003-2004 school year.
Parents who are uncertain as to which school their child will attend
should access school boundary descriptions at the Miami-Dade County
Public Schools web site, www.dadeschools.net/schools/locator.htm,
or should phone 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 assure they can
attend school on opening day.
Students entering most of the prekindergarten programs must be 4
years old on or before Sept. 1, 2003.
Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Sept.
1, 2003.
To enter first grade, students must be 6 years old on or before Sept.
1, 2003 and should have successfully completed kindergarten.
Students entering Miami-Dade County's public schools for the first
time must present the following documents: proof of age; proof of a
current physical examination including a tuberculosis clinical
screening (as well as appropriate follow-up if necessary); and a
certificate of immunization. Additionally, two proofs of current
address in the form of a broker's or attorney's statement of parents
purchase of residence or properly executed lease agreement, the
electric deposit payment receipt or electric bill, and/or a current
Homestead Exemption card are required. If the parent or guardian is
unable to provide verification of address, they will be referred to
the appropriate ACCESS Center. Also required is completion of the
"Disclosure at Time of Registration" form.
Students transferring from other school districts should provide
their most recent report card or other records from the last school
they attended.
Foreign-born students will follow the same procedures indicated for
the native born. First time students, both foreign-born and transfers
from other states, may register at their schools. For clarification
regarding foreign-born student issues, parents should contact
Attendance Services, Foreign Records/Student Visa Department at
305-884-2044.
Opening-day enrollment projections are not available, though Pre-K
through 12th grade enrollment is expected to reach 372,177 by
mid-October 2003. Last year's first-day enrollment was 330,521; the
last-day figure was 360,202.
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FREE, REDUCED-PRICE
MEALS
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) serves nutritious meals
everyday. Students may buy lunch for $1.25 in elementary schools and
$1.50 in secondary schools. They may also buy breakfast for 60 cents
in elementary schools and 70 cents in secondary schools. Students may
pre-pay breakfast and/or lunch on a weekly or monthly basis by check
or cash.
Children from households that meet federal income guidelines are
eligible for either free or reduced price meals. All meals must meet
patterns established by the United States Department of
Agriculture.
Each school and the school system's Department of Food and Nutrition
have copies of the policies which are available to the public. 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 Food Stamps are eligible for direct
certification. Students approved by direct certification are not
required to have an application on file in order to receive meals at
no charge.
Application forms 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 fill out the application and
return it to the school. Additional copies are available in the
principal's office at each school.
Children from households with income at or below the income criteria
may be eligible for either free or reduced-price meals. Reduced price
lunch costs 40 cents a day, reduced-price breakfast costs 30 cents a
day. Students may pre-pay breakfast and/or lunch on a weekly or
monthly basis by check or cash.
Further information may be obtained from the school system's
Department of Food and Nutrition at 786-275-0400.
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FULL SERVICE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS OFFER HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES
July 17, 2003
Twenty-eight Miami-Dade public schools are designated as Full Service
Schools. They integrate education, medical, and/or social and human
services on school grounds or at accessible locations to meet the
many needs of children and their families.
The Miami-Dade County School Board's 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.
For more information, contact Mr. F. Craig Sturgeon, Assistant
Superintendent, Full Service Schools/ABC, at 305-995-4749.
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GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
July 24, 2003
Beginning this fall, students entering grades 6 through 12 will have
the opportunity to select one of three high school graduation
options.
Students in grades 9-12 may choose to participate in the current
four-year, 24-credit standard program for graduation from a
Miami-Dade County public high school.
In addition, two new options also are available for students wishing
to participate in accelerated three-year, 18-credit programs: the
College Preparatory Program and the Career Preparatory Program. These
two new accelerated options require fewer credits by concentrating on
the academic courses. Both options reduce the number of elective
courses and require students to take two credits in the same foreign
language.
The College Preparatory Program requirements align with the minimum
standards for admission into the Florida state university system.
The Career Preparatory Program requirements are aimed toward entrance
into a technical center or community college program aligned with
your child's career choice. Students may still pursue a college
preparatory program or a career preparatory program within the
four-year, 24-credit standard program.
For the 2003-04 school year, incoming seniors must have passed the
10th grade FCAT and have an unweighted cumulative 2.0 GPS in order to
be eligible to select one of the 18-credit graduation options.
Requirements for students who entered grade 9 in 1999-2000 or
thereafter include four years of language arts, three years of
mathematics, three years of science, three years of social sciences,
one semester of life-management skills, one year of physical
education, one semester of practical arts, one semester of performing
fine arts and 8.5 elective credits.
For students who entered grade 9 prior to 1999-2000, the requirements
include four years of language arts, three years of mathematics,
three years of science, three years of social sciences, one semester
of life-management skills, one semester of personal fitness, one
semester of practical arts, one semester of performing fine arts and
nine elective credits.
Each student must complete a community service project before
graduation.
To be eligible for a standard diploma, high-school students must
successfully demonstrate computer literacy and pass the Grade 10
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) SSS graduation test.
Students also must maintain a cumulative unweighted 2.0 grade-point
average on a 4.0 scale.
For further information about graduation requirements and the
specific courses that are mandated, students should contact their
school counselor.
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HEALTH CARE
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County'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
kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade, new students to Florida in
the remaining elementary grade levels, seventh grade and tenth grade.
Hearing screenings will be conducted annually for students in
kindergarten, first grade, second grade, fourth grade, new students
to Florida in the remaining elementary grade levels, seventh grade
and tenth grade. 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 seven are screened for scoliosis.
Students in 10th grade are screened for hypertension.
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 store the medication under lock and key in a
designated area. For more information, contact Wilma Steiner, R.N.,
the school system's supervisor of comprehensive health services, at
305-995-1235.
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IMPORTANT DATES
IN THE 2003-2004
SCHOOL YEAR
July 17, 2003
The following are important dates during the 2003-2004 school
year:
HOLIDAYS TEACHER PLANNING
DAYS RECESS DAYS REPORT CARDS
ISSUED*
*Report cards will be issued on or after these dates. (Several
schools may issue report cards earlier.)
Monday, Sept. 1 - Labor Day
Tuesday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Thursday, Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Day
Monday, Jan. 19 - Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King's
birthday
Monday, Feb. 16 - All Presidents Day
Monday, May 31 - Observance of Memorial Day
Thursday, Aug. 21
Friday, Aug. 22
Monday, Oct. 6
Friday, Oct. 17
Friday, Oct. 31
Friday, Jan. 23
Friday, March 26
Friday, April 9
Thursday, June 10
Friday, June 11
Fri., Nov. 28 - Thanksgiving Recess
Mon., Dec. 22 through Fri., Jan. 2 - Winter Recess
Mon., March 29 through Friday, April 2 - Spring
Recess
November 12, 2003
February 4, 2004
April 7, 2004
June 24, 2004
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IMMUNIZATIONS NEEDED BY
KINDERGARTNERS, 7TH GRADERS PRIOR TO SCHOOL ENTRY
July 17, 2003
Children scheduled to enter prekindergarten through 12th grade for
the 2003-2004 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 the seventh through twelfth grade to receive a second dose
of measles vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine series (three doses).
This requirement also applies to retainees in grades 7 through
12.
All children entering prekindergarten through fifth 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
prekindergarten, kindergarten, first grade and second grade in
Florida are required to have varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, or
documentation of a history of varicella disease on DH Form 680.
Children may attend school if they are in the process of completing
the hepatitis B series and have a valid temporary medical exemption
form on file at the school. Only the Department of Health Certificate
of Immunization, DOH Form 680, can be accepted as verification for
immunization compliance.
Parents 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 to approximately 4,000 private health care
providers at nearly 1,850 facilities in Florida. Additionally,
vaccines are provided free of charge at all county health department
centers.
For more information, contact the Special Immunization Program Office
of the Department of Health at 786-845-0550.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS ACADEMIES
AT 16 HIGH SCHOOLS
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools through the One Community One
Goal® initiative, operates 20 "industry focus academies" at 24 of
its senior high schools. This innovative curricular model, in the
five targeted industry areas of film and entertainment, biomedical,
visitor, financial services and information
technology/telecommunications, is an outgrowth of the school system's
number one goal: School-to-Career.
One Community One Goal®, a committee of the Greater Miami Chamber
of Commerce established to create jobs in these high-growth
industries, works closely with the school system on workforce
development strategies. For additional information, contact Pat
Vegnani, at 305-995-4993.
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MAGNET PROGRAMS: SCHOOL CHOICE AND PARENTAL OPTIONS
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, with 72 programs at 59 locations,
has one of the largest and most exciting magnet programs in the
nation.
Miami-Dade's "magnets" have been lauded by educators throughout the
country and have been featured in articles in U. S. News & World
Report and in Child magazine.
Called "magnets" because they attract students from throughout the
county to study in specialized fields, the themes include Careers and
Professions, Communications, International Education, Mathematics,
Science and Technology, Montessori and Visual and Performing
Arts.
Further information including a list of all magnet schools/programs
with their addresses and phone numbers may be obtained by calling
School Choice and Parental Options, at 305-995-1922 or visiting the
magnet web site at http://choice.dadeschools.net.
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MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOL
BOARD
July 17, 2003
The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida exercises legislative
authority over the school system in accordance with Florida laws and
determines policy. 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, 1450 N.E. Second Ave. Approved dates are posted in the
Citizen Information Center and on Miami-Dade County Public Schools'
website: www.dadeschools.net/board/meetings/schedule2003.htm.
Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast live on WLRN-TV
Channel 17 and on WLRN-FM 91.3.
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. Matters not listed on the agenda are addressed only
during public hearings, which are held at the conclusion of the
regular meeting. Deadlines and procedures, which differ when the
Monday deadline is not met, can be obtained by contacting the Citizen
Information Center at 305-995-1128. Anyone wishing the service of
either a Spanish or Creole interpreter when speaking before the Board
must request that service in their written request to speak.
Forms are available at all ACCESS Centers and at the Citizen
Information Center, Room 158 of the School Board Administration
Building. 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.
Chair, Dr. Michael M. Krop (District 3)
Vice Chair, Dr. Robert B. Ingram (District 1)
Agustin J. Barrera (District 6)
Frank J. Bolaños (District 5)
Frank J. Cobo (District 7)
Perla Tabares Hantman (District 4)
Betsy H. Kaplan (District 9)
Dr. Marta Pérez (District 8)
Dr. Solomon C. Stinson (District 2)
Linda Hunt-Dorta, Student Adviser
###
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NEW TEACHER
ORIENTATION
July 17, 2003
The Miami-Dade County Public Schools "family" will welcome more than
1000 new teachers and will help prepare them to make a smooth
transition from college to the classroom during the 2003-2004 New
Teacher Orientation. The orientation will take place as follows:
The luncheon is sponsored by various local businesses. As part of
the orientation, new educators will attend school level orientation
on August 19 and 20 at their respective schools. The school site
orientation will provide new teachers with time to become acclimated
to their assigned schools and classrooms.
Radisson Mart Centre
711 N.W. 72nd Ave., Miami
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 15 - ACCESS Centers 1, 2 & 3
Radisson Mart Centre
711 N.W. 72nd Ave.
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School
3601 S.W. 147th Ave.
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Radisson Mart Centre
711 N.W. 72nd Ave.
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School
3601 S.W. 147th Ave.
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For more information, call Dr. Ramona Frischman or Carlene Nelson,
Bureau of Community Services, at 305-995-1215.
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M-DCPS ONLINE NEWSROOM
PROVIDES UP-TO-DATE
INFORMATION ON DISTRICT
July 17, 2003
The school district's Online Newsroom, managed by the Office of
Public Relations at www.dadeschoolsnews.net, lists late-breaking
news, current news articles and allows individuals to research past
press releases and publications, as well as stay abreast of our
latest special programs and events.
For further information, contact Mayco Villafaña, Chief
Communications Officer, at 305-995-4638.
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PARENT
INVOLVEMENT: HELPING
YOUR CHILD SUCCEED
July 17, 2003
Parent involvement is a key element in a child's success in school.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) suggests a variety of ways
for parents to take an active role in their children's
educations.
M-DCPS has a parent involvement
office in the district. It also has an advocacy director in each of
its six ACCESS Centers who is responsible for providing parents with
appropriate support.
Becoming involved in school activities and meetings, joining the
school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Educational Excellence
School Advisory Council (EESAC) and attending the school's annual
Open House are fine ways to become involved.
Additionally, in every school there is a designated place for parent
information such as notices of meetings, workshops and other
activities. For further information parents may call the contact
name(s) and/or number(s) on the notices, inquire at their school, or
contact Dr. Lim-Petersen at 305-995-1215.
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PARENTS
SHOULD TALK OFTEN
WITH TEACHERS
July 17, 2003
Maintaining a direct relationship with a child's teacher is most
important in assisting and improving the student's education from the
first day of kindergarten until graduation from high school.
Parents should meet their youngsters' teachers very early in the
school year, and maintain regular contact throughout the school year.
Parent-teacher conferences are the best way to stay informed about a
child's progress or address any problems that may occur.
Conferences can easily be arranged through the school office. In
middle and senior high schools, the guidance counselor may be
contacted for assistance and conferences. For parents unable to go to
their child's school, sending a note or e-mail to the child's teacher
to arrange a telephone conversation could be an alternative.
Parents may log on to the district website www.dadeschools.net, click
on schools and search for school websites.
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PREKINDERGARTEN
CLASSES
July 17, 2003
Most of Miami-Dade County's public schools will offer a
prekindergarten class for four-year-olds who reside within the
particular school's attendance zone.
Children who attend the prekindergarten program will be provided with
positive experiences that will enhance the learning process and will
lay the foundation for life-long learning.
While some prekindergarten programs have already reached full
enrollment or have waiting lists, a parent desiring information
regarding a prekindergarten program for his or her child may
telephone the neighborhood public elementary school or the Office of
Early Childhood Programs, at 305-995-7632.
To be eligible for enrollment in a public school a child must be four
years old on or before Sept. 1, 2003, and must meet the eligibility
criteria for a given program. Eligibility criteria are available at
each school with a prekindergarten program.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools also offer programs for children
with various disabilities. Parents of three- and four-year-olds with
disabilities may arrange for free evaluations of their children by
phoning Child Find at 305-274-3501. After certifying a child's
disability, the school-system will meet with the family to determine
if the child needs any special education services and, if
appropriate, to discuss program options within the community and
public schools.
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RADYO LEKÒL
PROVIDES HAITIAN
AMERICAN COMMUNITY WITH
EDUCATION NEWS
July 17, 2003
Radyo Lekòl, Miami-Dade County Public Schools' education news
program in Haitian Creole, airs Monday-Friday at 8:05 p.m. on WLRN-FM
91.3.
For more information call Carline Faustin, the program's host, at
305-995-2192.
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AMBITIOUS SCHOOL-CHOICE
PLAN TO KICK OFF THIS FALL
July 17, 2003
An ambitious five-year drive to give Miami-Dade students much greater
choice in which public schools they attend kicks off this fall with
the opening of South Florida's first "commuter school," for students
whose parents work in or near downtown Miami.
Funded by a $14.6 million federal grant and promoted under the slogan
"I Choose: Miami-Dade County Public Schools," the plan will be rolled
out in five annual phases through 2008.
Phase I involves the reopening of the historic Ada Merritt School,
first built in 1923 and closed since 1979, as the region's first
commuter school. Expanded and reconstructed according to the school's
original design, the school at 660 S.W. 3 St. has limited seats
available for qualified prekindergarten through second-grade students
from Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.
The school boasts a challenging international studies program,
including dual language instruction in English and a choice of
Portuguese or Spanish. The school also is seeking authorization to
offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the
world's most rigorous elementary school curriculum, available in only
a handful of schools in the United States and Europe. For a school
application or more information, parents may call 305-642-7555 or
visit adamerritt.dadeschools.net on the web.
Phase II, to be unveiled in August 2004, will allow 35,000 students
in northwest Miami-Dade's "School Choice Zone 1" to cross attendance
boundaries and enroll in their choice of seven elementary schools and
one middle school offering an array of special programs focused on
such areas as international studies and media arts. Up to seven
school-choice zones will be added in other parts of the county in
subsequent years, depending on the success of Phase II.
For more information about "I Choose," call the school district's
Office of School Choice and Parental Options at 305 995-1922 or visit
the web at http://choice.dadeschools.net.
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SCHOOL CRIME
HOTLINES
July 17, 2003
In an effort to help Miami-Dade County Public Schools students and
staff feel more at ease in reporting school crime, they are
encouraged to call 1-877-7BE-BRAVE, a 24-hour hotline allowing
anonymous reporting of actual or anticipated school crime.
The toll-free hotline is 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 enforcement
agency. Similarly, the district's Crime Stoppers Program allows the
public to dial 305-471-TIPS to disclose information while remaining
anonymous. Tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards.
Persons needing assistance that is not an emergency may contact
305-757-COPS, a 24-hour "call for service" number.
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SCHOOL HOURS
July 17, 2003
For most students, school bells will ring at the same times during
the 2003-2004 school year as they did last school year.
Prekindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade students will attend
school from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Second through sixth-graders will
attend school from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Wednesdays, all
elementary-school students will be dismissed at 2 p.m.
Hours at middle schools, grades six through nine, will be 9 a.m. to
3:40 p.m. Senior high school hours, grades nine through 12, will be
7:30 a.m. to 2:30 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.
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SCHOOL
TRANSPORTATION
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools will transport more than 72,000 students a day this school year, using a fleet of 1,700 buses on an estimated 1,500 school-bus routes. The service is provided for students who live more than two miles from their assigned schools, and for exceptional-education students.
Before school begins Aug. 25, 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 location and times of pickup and delivery.
Parents interested in determining their child's transportation eligibility should contact their child's school for information.
Students and parents with questions about school bus transportation also may call the school system's transportation hot line at 305-995-7555, Aug. 18 through Sept. 5, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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STANDARDIZED TESTING
July 17, 2003
The achievement and progress of students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools are measured each year with the help of district, state and national standardized tests. District administered assessments include:
The Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI), a standardized multiple-choice test, will be administered to students in grades 1-11 in spring of 2004. The SRI assesses students' reading levels and provides Lexile scores that will assist teachers in selecting appropriate reading materials for their students.
The Stanford Achievement Test 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 March 2004, the SAT-9 will be administered to second-grade students to assess reading and mathematics skills.
Assessment of student performance also is conducted under the provisions of the Florida Statewide Assessment Program, encompassing the following assessments:
All kindergarten students are assessed for school readiness during the first 45 days of school as part of the state's School Readiness Uniform Screening System (SRUSS). The assessment measures kindergarten students' speech, language, mathematical thinking, physical development and visual/motor skills.
The FCAT Writing assesses students'
ability to organize and clearly express their thoughts in writing.
The FCAT Writing will be administered to students in fourth, eighth
and tenth grades in February 2004.
The FCAT Sunshine State Standards (SSS) test is designed to assess
levels of student proficiency as they relate to the SSS benchmarks in
reading and mathematics. The FCAT SSS will be administered in March
2004 to measure students' reading and mathematics skills in third
through tenth grades.
Students must earn a passing score on the 10th grade FCAT SSS to meet
the senior high school standard diploma graduation test requirement.
Students who do not earn a passing score on both the reading and
mathematics portions of the tenth grade FCAT SSS will have additional
opportunities to pass the test in eleventh grade and above, on the
October 2003 and March 2004 administration. Students in grades 5, 8
and 10 will also take the science portion of the FCAT in March
2004.
The FCAT Norm-Referenced Test (NRT) compares the performance of
Florida's students to the performance of a national norm group. The
FCAT NRT Reading and Mathematics will be administered to students in
third through tenth grades in March 2004.
The Florida College Entry-Level Placement Test, more commonly known
as the College Placement Test (CPT), measures basic mathematics and
communication competencies and provides information to assist in
student counseling and career planning. Interested senior high school
students will have the option of taking the CPT at community colleges
in October or November 2003. Qualifying scores are part of the
eligibility criteria for the college-ready diploma and the Florida
Gold Seal endorsement.
Students also have the option of participating in the following
national assessment programs offered by The College Board and ACT,
Inc.:
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. Students taking the SAT or ACT can request that their scores be sent to the colleges or universities of their choice.
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STUDENT ABSENCES
July 17, 2003
Middle-school and high-school students with 10 or more unexcused
absences in an annual course or five or more unexcused absences in a
designated semester course during a school year risk the withholding
of their final passing grades pending an administrative screening
and/or review of all absences by a school attendance review
committee.
Only excused absences are acceptable. A student's illness, a medical
appointment, a death in the family, the observance of a religious
holiday, or a school-sponsored event or activity previously approved
are the only acceptable reasons for a student being absent from
school. Parents are encouraged to call the school when it is
anticipated that a student will be absent.
Students with excused absences have the opportunity to make up all
missed work within a reasonable length of time; students with
unexcused absences are given an "F" on the work missed.
Also, attendance data on age appropriate students who are habitual
truants (15 or more unexcused absences within 90 calendar days) is
submitted to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles where a block
is put on their names so they can't apply for a driver's license. If
a habitual truant already has a driver's license, it may be
suspended. The individual is advised of this by mail as well as of
the process to get the license back.
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STUDENT CODE OF
CONDUCT
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Code of Student Conduct, reinforced
with a tough policy on deadly weapons, helps provide and maintain a
safe and positive learning environment.
A major consideration in the application of the Code of Student
Conduct is to identify the most appropriate disciplinary action for
bringing about positive student behavior. Toward that end, the
violations have been divided into six groups, and a variety of
administrative actions, dependent upon the severity of the
misconduct, are recommended or mandated.
Teachers, counselors and administrators strive to use a variety of
progressive disciplinary or guidance strategies prior to, during and
after formal disciplinary action. The principal or teacher, or both,
consistent with the powers delegated to them, have the authority to
take additional administrative action if, in their opinion, the
nature of the misconduct warrants.
Differences in age and maturity are recognized in determining the
type of disciplinary action to be taken. However, the procedures
outlined in the code apply to all students under the jurisdiction of
Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The code 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 misconduct away from school has a detrimental effect upon
other students or on the orderly educational process. Types of
violations range from general disruptive conduct to aggravated
battery (injury with a deadly weapon).
The Miami-Dade County School Board revised the code to mandate that
students who carry handguns, threaten people with deadly weapons,
make bomb threats or false reports or injure a teacher or staff
member will be removed from their school at once and will receive the
most severe disciplinary action allowed by law. The code warns that
the possession of a firearm on school property may result in criminal
penalties in addition to suspension, expulsion or other school
disciplinary action.
Several types of disciplinary action exist for improper conduct and
behavior. These include detention, work assignments, reassignment to
a special school or program, suspension or expulsion.
The "work back" program gives students recommended for expulsion,
except for violators of Group 6 violations, the option of working
toward return to regular classes earlier than the maximum expulsion
time permitted under state law. Students must attend an alternative
program, earn credit and maintain good attendance and behavior. The
work back program is not an option for students charged with
aggravated assault or aggravated battery with a deadly weapon or
possession of a firearm.
The code 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 code 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 at the district Office of
Alternative Education and Dropout Prevention Programs.
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STUDENT DRESS CODE
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools has a dress code for students that
is strictly enforced.
The dress code exists to ensure that a student's appearance does not
disrupt health, safety, cleanliness or the learning environment. The
code is not intended to regulate hair length or types of clothing
worn.
Students may be disciplined for violating the code only after being
given an opportunity to correct the violation and after a
parent-teacher conference.
A number of schools have received School Board approval to adopt
stricter dress codes which ban clothing such as T-shirts, tank tops,
hats, thongs and clothes bearing messages about tobacco, alcohol,
profanity, drugs or sex.
Moreover, many schools have adopted student uniforms in order to
encourage students to improve their study habits and to identify more
closely with their schools. Parents wishing further information on
school dress code regulations should contact their child's
principal.
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STUDENT RECORDS
July 17, 2003
The Family Rights and Privacy Act and section 228.093, Florida
Statutes, protects the privacy of, and guarantees parents, guardians
and students access to information contained in student educational
records and 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 attains 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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TRUANCY INTERVENTION
PROGRAM (TIP)
July 17, 2003
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and the Miami-Dade County
State Attorney's Office are partners in the innovative Truancy
Intervention Program (TIP).
TIP is aimed at reducing juvenile crime in Miami-Dade County as well as at getting students to attend school on a consistent basis. TIP combines early intervention with prosecutorial enforcement of Florida's compulsory education laws. Early intervention helps eliminate the dysfunctions associated with chronic school absenteeism and has proven to be the crucial determinant to the success of the program.
The program, in place at all of Miami-Dade County's public elementary schools and four middle schools, has succeeded in reducing truancy and violations of M-DCPS' Code of Student Conduct, as well as improving scholastic achievement, among almost 90 percent of the children targeted in the program.
Parents and/or guardians of the students who attend schools participating in TIP will receive letters this fall advising them of their responsibility to insure the regular school attendance of their children and to comply with state laws. TIP is the largest cooperative effort undertaken by Miami-Dade's State Attorney's Office and M-DCPS. It also is the only one of its kind in Florida.
For more information, call the Department of Special Program's, Truancy Intervention Program Hotline, at 305-995-2755.
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UNITED WAY'S 2003
STUDENT/EMPLOYEE CAMPAIGNS SLATED TO KICK OFF SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER
July 17, 2003
United Way will kick off its 2003 Miami-Dade County Public Schools
(M-DCPS) fund-raising campaigns in the fall. The student campaign,
which this year will run from September through October 31, has been
the number one student campaign in the nation for many years. The
employee campaign, which will start in October, has been consistently
the nation's number one school employee campaign. Last year the
combined total of M-DCPS' United Way campaigns provided for
$2,475,670.00 of assistance to our community.
For further information, contact Diana Venturini, supervisor, Bureau
of Community and Hospitality Services, at 305-995-1300.
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NEW WEB RESOURCES OFFER
HELPFUL INFO ON SCHOOLS
July 17, 2003
Web resources newly available through the Miami-Dade school
district's Internet portal, www.dadeschools.net, offer stores of
vital information about Miami-Dade's public schools,
including:
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WLRN PUBLIC TV, RADIO
SERVE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY
July 17, 2003
WLRN-TV Channel 17 and Digital Television Channel 20, Public
Broadcasting System (PBS) affiliates, as well as WLRN-FM 91.3, a
National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, are licensed to the Miami-Dade
School Board to provide educational services, information and
entertainment to the South Florida community.
WLRN Public Television is recognized as Florida's leading Ready to
Learn (RTL) station, combining quality PBS children's television
programs with a variety of community outreach efforts to help
children build learning skills. RTL targets low-income families
providing free community workshops and resources for parents,
teachers and childcare providers.
WLRN-FM, Florida's number one NPR station, serves a weekly audience
of more than 300,000 from Palm Beach to Key West, providing programs
such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, A Prairie Home
Companion and Car Talk. It 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 community.
Additionally, WLRN operates and programs 20 Instructional Television
Fixed Service channels, which provide students and teachers with a
host of video choices. These include the NASA Channel; the Florida
Education Channel; and Teacher's Choice, a video-on-demand service
that allows teachers to access at their convenience, via phone or the
Internet, 660 educational video titles and teacher training materials
that are rotated every two months. For additional information, please
call 305-995-1717.
03-MV176/JPS
