MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla. — Students across Miami-Dade County returned to classrooms Thursday, with some starting the school year in new campuses following the closure or consolidation of nine public schools because of declining enrollment.
At Miami Springs Preparatory Academy, sixth through 12th graders arrived before sunrise for the first day of classes. The school is now serving a larger student population after Miami Springs Middle School closed.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent José Dotres spoke at the school and said the changes are intended to give students access to better resources as the district responds to shifting enrollment.
“This role of mine is my the privilege and the honor of my lifetime and I’m just excited to see one more year of schools opening we’ve had,” Dotres said. “With my tenure, we’ve had terrific every single year has been excellent. I’m planning, specially this one more than ever.”
Thursday marked Dotres’ final first day of school as superintendent. His tenure is scheduled to end in February.
The district is also reminding families about changes to its free and reduced-price meal program.
A total of 121 schools across the district will continue providing free breakfast and lunch to all students. Free breakfast will continue to be available at elementary schools, while families with students in middle or high school should check whether their school qualifies for free or reduced-price meals.
Families whose children are not already covered are being urged to apply through the district’s website before the application deadline.
Eighth-grader Jesus Perdomo offered some advice to other students starting the new school year.
“All the students out there should try not to like get in trouble, try and focus on their studies and just generally have a good time,” he said.
Angelica Rodriguez told Local 10 that her son normally takes the bus but did not have an assigned route listed in his schedule.
“He usually comes in the bus, but today something came out in the schedule,” Rodriguez said. “It says that he doesn’t have an assigned bus. I called transportation and they told me just to bring him to school and ask at the office what’s going on and it’s probably something in the system.”
District officials reminded families to make sure emergency contact information is updated and to double-check bus routes, stops and schedules as the new school year begins.
Families can also use the Dadeschools Mobile App, the district’s official mobile application, to access school-related information, including schedules and transportation information.
As students begin returning to classes across South Florida, Local 10 wants to help celebrate the milestone by sharing your favorite back-to-school photos.
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