Purple Star Application

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.