Military Families – South Dade Senior High

Military Family Assistance District Link

We love and welcome our Military Families

It is our pleasure to welcome our military families to our home South Dade Senior High. We pride ourselves in the opportunities we provide all our students and, on the consideration, and individualized attention we give to our military families. We are dedicated to supporting military-connected students who join our community due to a parent's change in duty station. Our goal is to remove obstacles to academic success for these students. We’re here to help military families navigate school transitions, frequent relocations, deployments, and the variations in education across states.

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Admissions/Registration

Students of Military Families: Miami-Dade County Public Schools recognizes the
importance of removing barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families. Furthermore, per Florida Statutes 1003.05(3) enrollment priority
is given to students whose parents are on active military duty. The Initial Registration Procedures Handbook provides the guidelines for enrolling
students of military families.
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, is another
useful resource. These compact addresses common problems that affect military-connected children as a result of frequent moves and deployments. Additional information and assistance are available on the Division of Student Services website.

Academic planning for our military families

Upon enrolling at South Dade Senior High, the school counselor along with the registrar will
review student’s academic history in whatever format the family can provide to develop an academic plan for the student according to the student needs.

Transition planning for military families

Every service member's journey is different as is the needs of their child and family.
Whether your family's transition means a new school, a new posting, or even an
extended deployment. We are here to help you every step of the way. Our team,
will assist your family in completing registration paperwork, registering, and academic planning. Additional emotional, social, or exceptional student education resources and support will be identified and provided as necessary to help make the transition process as smooth as possible. Begin the process by reaching out to any of the individuals below for more assistance and to determine your next steps.

If you need immediate assistance, and are unsure who to reach out to, please do not
hesitate to call the school directly at 305-406-0220 and request to speak with Ms. Rabelo, Ms. Morillo or Ms. Gil, identifying yourself as a service member in need of assistance.

Exceptional Student Education

Each student is welcomed, valued, given access to rigorous teaching, appropriately supported teaching, and appropriately supported to access the general education
curriculum.

Our students with Individual Education Plans receive services through support facilitation/or consultation along with any related services they may need according to their plan. Our support facilitation teachers provide an inclusive education approach where general education and special education teachers work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of students within a classroom. Providing support facilitation
emphasizes inclusion, teamwork, and shared expertise, making it ideal for meeting the needs of diverse learners while ensuring everyone has access to the general
curriculum.

Military Families Assistance
Mrs. Charmaine Underwood, School Magnet Lead
cunderwood@dadeschools.net
305-247-4244 Ext: 2265  

Mental health challenges and Access to our school-based mental health services

We believe that Mental wellness is essential to a child’s healthy development. Learning
healthy coping skills, a safe space to talk and freely share emotions, thoughts, worries, and or any questions is key to achieve academic and social-emotional excellence and wellbeing. School and community mental health services can improve academics, provide access to building social skills, promote leadership, increase self-awareness, and help children make caring connections in school and the community.

Newly enrolled military family students will meet with the school counselor and given
need will continue to follow up with the School Counselor, or if deemed beneficial and necessary (whether by parent request or the school site personnel) the student will be referred to the on-site Mental Health Coordinator Ms. Dorado. If further mental
health services are needed, then student will be referred to Contracted Mental
Health Service providers once we have met with the student’s parents and they
we agree.

Additionally, you can contact:

Mental Health Parent Assistance Line at (305) 995-7100 or visit the website at http://mentalhealthservices.dadeschools.net

Students of military families often experience multiple stressors before and during their parent’s deployment and when they come home. Without appropriate mental health support systems, children of military personnel may be at a significant disadvantage compared with their peers in non-military families. Adjustment is one of the many skills given the different transitions of Military students; their resilience is amazing, but there are resources available to help.

Student Lead Transition Program

Student-Led Transition Program

At South Dade Senior High School, we recognize the unique needs of military-connected students and families. Our goal is to ensure every student—military and civilian—feels welcomed, supported, and connected from day one.

Military Point of Contact (MPOC)

Charmaine Underwood, Lead Magnet Teacher
Email: cunderwood@dadeschools.net
Serves as the primary liaison for military-connected families, coordinating registration, academic planning, counseling, and ongoing support in partnership with our registrar and counseling teams.

Buc Ambassador Program (Student-Led)

A diverse, trained cohort of student leaders—including JROTC cadets and students from IB, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Performing & Visual Arts, Building & Trades, and general education—who:

Welcome new students and families at school events.
Provide guided tours and peer mentoring.
Assist with club/activity sign-ups and day-to-day acclimation.
Maintain contact through the first semester and beyond.

Signature Transition Touchpoints

Buc Bash – Welcome to South Dade (Saturday before school starts):
Schoolwide orientation featuring campus tours, program showcases, club/sports sign-ups, and meet-and-greet with administrators, counselors, and the MPOC.
Take a Tour Thursdays (weekly):
Student-led, small-group tours for new and prospective military-connected families with on-the-spot Q&A and resource referrals.
New Student Orientation (pre-opening):
Grade-level sessions covering schedules, academics, activities, and available supports.

Family & Counseling Support

Our registrar, counselors, and ESE/ESOL teams assist with records transfer, course placement, exceptional education services, and social-emotional supports.
If immediate assistance is needed, call 305-406-0220 and request Ms. Rabelo, Ms. Morillo, or Ms. Gil, and identify yourself as a military-connected family.

Continuing Support & Monitoring (Beyond Week 1)

To ensure continuity and belonging, we sustain supports past the initial transition:

30-60-90 Day Check-Ins:
Buc Ambassadors (with counselor support) complete brief check-ins at approximately 30, 60, and 90 days to review academics, attendance, activities involvement, and any emerging needs.
Monthly Transition Meetings (Military-Connected Cohort):
The Transition Team (MPOC, counselor, registrar rep, and Buc Ambassadors) convenes monthly with new military-connected students to maintain relationships, troubleshoot challenges, and connect families with resources.
Open-Door Mentor Access:
Students may drop in to the MPOC or counseling office for ongoing support; Buc Ambassadors maintain informal peer contact.
Midyear “Re-Orientation” Touchpoint:
Brief midyear session for students who arrived after opening or need a refresh on resources and opportunities.
Leadership Pipeline:
As the school year progresses, “new” students are encouraged to transition into Buc Ambassadors for the following year, building a cycle of peer leadership and service.

Professional Development Plan

Awareness Workshop
- 60-minute introductory session.
- Includes videos from the Florida Purple Star website and Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC).
- Focus on challenges military-connected students face and strategies for successful transitions.
- Audience: All faculty and staff.
- Evidence: Agenda, sign-in sheets, reflection forms.
Role-Based Training
- Breakout sessions for specific groups:
  - Counselors and registrars: streamlined registration and records transfer.
  - Teachers: classroom strategies for supporting students during transitions.
  - Support staff: communication and family resource connections.
- Conducted once annually.
- Evidence: Session outlines, handouts, attendance records.
Guest Speaker or Panel
- Invite a military parent, JROTC instructor, or local service member to share lived experiences.
- Provides staff with authentic perspectives on military family needs.
- Audience: All faculty and staff.
- Evidence: Speaker bio, agenda, notes from Q&A.
Micro-Learning Series
- Ten-minute “spotlights” delivered at monthly faculty meetings.
- Short video clips, key resources, or discussion questions about supporting military-connected learners.
- Audience: All faculty and staff.
- Evidence: Faculty meeting agendas, topics list.
Ongoing Resources
- Continuous access to professional learning resources.
- Includes links to Florida DOE Purple Star videos, MCEC toolkits, and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) guides.
- Audience: All faculty and staff.
- Evidence: Resource links, shared folder, screenshots of webpage postings.

Implementation Timeline

August: Awareness Workshop during opening PD days.
September–May: Micro-Learning Series at monthly faculty meetings.
October: Role-Based Training sessions by staff group.
January: Guest Speaker or Military Family Panel.
May: Reflection and feedback session to plan improvements for the following year.

Upcoming Events

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Each year, South Dade Senior High hosts a solemn 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives lost and the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. Students, faculty, and community members gather to reflect, with participation from our JROTC unit and Buc Ambassadors. The event includes guest speakers, a presentation of colors, and student-led tributes. This ceremony instills respect for service, sacrifice, and resilience in our students.

Flags on Gravesites

South Dade students participate in a service project placing American flags on veterans’ graves at local cemeteries. This meaningful tradition allows students to personally honor the memory of those who served our country. By engaging directly in this act of remembrance, students gain a deeper appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans while demonstrating respect and gratitude as members of the community.

Homestead Veterans Day Parade

Our students proudly take part in the annual Homestead Veterans Day Parade, marching alongside service members, community organizations, and local leaders. Participation in this parade allows students to demonstrate school pride, connect with community traditions, and publicly honor the contributions of veterans. It also provides an opportunity for military-connected students at South Dade to celebrate their families’ service within a supportive and appreciative community.

Reading Around the World

At South Dade Senior High, we proudly honor and celebrate our military families throughout the school year. One of our key collaborations is Reading Around the World, where military personnel volunteer their time to read to our students. These visits allow service members to share stories that broaden students’ perspectives while also strengthening the connection between our school and the military community.

Career Day and Our Military

Each year, South Dade hosts a vibrant Career Day that highlights a diverse range of professions. Our students explore pathways through presentations, equipment displays, and interactive discussions. A highlight of this event is the participation of military branches including the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. Representatives share their professional journeys, showcase vehicles and equipment, and inspire students by discussing the education and skills needed for success. Their presence ensures military careers are recognized alongside other vital professions.

Purple Up for Military Children

April is nationally recognized as the Month of the Military Child, and South Dade proudly participates in Purple Up Day on April 15th. This celebration includes engaging, hands-on activities that bring together military-connected students and service members from all branches. Faculty, staff, and students wear purple to show unity and appreciation for military children, emphasizing that they are a valued and integral part of our Buc Family.