Miami-Dade County Public Schools

08/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2024 15:46

M DCPS Students, Parents How to Prepare, What to Expect for the 2024 2025 School Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 13, 2024

M-DCPS Students, Parents - How to Prepare, What to Expect for the 2024-2025 School Year

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is buzzing with excitement as we prepare for the start of the 2024-2025 school year on Thursday, August 15. The upcoming academic year promises to be another stimulating and rewarding one for students, parents, and employees, as M-DCPS continues to provide students with extraordinary educational programs and experiences.

The Back-to-School website contains important information about requirements and available services to ensure your children are ready to start and do not miss a thing. Click herefor the 2024-2025 Back-to-School webpage.

Dadeschools Mobile App<_o3a_p>

The Dadeschools Mobile App is a one-stop shop for parents. Access important information including class schedules, school grades lunch menus, class and bus schedules, District news, and much more. Download the free app to your iPhone or Android device.

Immunizations<_o3a_p>

Parents are urged to check their children's immunization records to see if they are due for any mandated school-entry vaccines. According to Florida Statute, immunizations are mandatory for all students when entering Kindergarten, 7th grade, and for some, 12th grade.

Children, whose parents cannot afford to pay for vaccines, may receive free immunizations, under the Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccines at county health department centers. For more information, visit the M-DCPS website at dadeschools.net<_o3a_p>

or contact the Miami-Dade County Department of Health at 786--845-0550 or dial 211 and ask for immunization providers in your area.

School Meals
M-DCPS announced that all students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at all schools for the 2024-2025 school year.School Zones<_o3a_p>

Slow down, stay alert, and stop for buses. Observe the 15-mph school zone speed limit.

After-School Care<_o3a_p>

M-DCPS offers a variety of after-school care program options. Contact your child's school for more information.

Safety First<_o3a_p>

Urge your child to say something if they see something suspicious. Anonymous tips can be reported to 305-995-COPS (2677) or on the FortifyFL app, available at getfortifyfl.com

Contact Information<_o3a_p>

M-DCPS can communicate accurately and efficiently with parents through voice, text, and email messages. It is important that your child's school has the most current parent contact information. Parents can update their details by contacting their child's principal. They may also opt-in for emergency text messages by texting "Y" to 67587 on their mobile device.

Mental Health Resources<_o3a_p>

M-DCPS is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students and families. To help students readjust to school, we've provided extensive social-emotional learning and mental health training to our staff.Parents can play a crucial role in easing their child's anxiety. By modeling calm behavior and establishing consistent routines, you can create a supportive home environment. If your child exhibits signs of severe anxiety or struggles significantly in school, please reach out to your child's school or contact our Mental Health Services Parent/Student Assistance Line, which offers support seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 305-995-7100. Employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program at 305-995-7111. We're here to help

Transportation<_o3a_p>

Students who are eligible for District transportation services will receive a mailed notification. Parents can also check the Dadeschools Mobile App and the Student Portal for bus route information.

M-DCPS Resources<_o3a_p>

· The M-DCPS Opening of Schools Customer Service Center is available to assist parents, students, and employees with any questions or concerns from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through August 23. The Customer Service Center provides parents with the option to call, text, or engage in LiveChat with one of our Customer Service Agents. Visit www.dadeschools.netto access the Live Chat as well as our Customer Service Center, call 305-995-HELP, or text 1-844-908-1674 for assistance.<_o3a_p>

· M-DCPS Hotline: 305-995-3000 for general questions.<_o3a_p>

· Back-to-School Parent Information: backtoschool.dadeschools.netprovides continuous updates and resources, including FAQs and helpful links.<_o3a_p>

· The Parent Academy: parentacademymiami.comsupports and motivates families with access to information and vital resources in the form of a wide variety of training tools, webinars, and resources. The Parent Academy is holding new, weekly webinars in three languages. Visit their Virtual Toolkit for Families for more Back-to-School information.<_o3a_p>

· Department of Mental Health Services: mentalhealthservices.dadeschools.netor 305-995-7100 for support, services, and resources for students and families.<_o3a_p>

· Project UP-START: 305- 995-7558 for students experiencing unstable housing.<_o3a_p>

· Adult and Career/Technical Education: 305-558-8000 for adult and/or career technical students and enrollment information.

Click hereto view a Back-to-School Checklist.

For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device. Follow us on X @MDCPSand @SuptDotres, on Instagram @miamischools and @suptdotres, and on Facebook at MiamiSchools.<_o3a_p>