Miami, FL
Miami-Dade Public Schools expand programs to acclimate migrant students
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County Public Schools are bracing for a potential influx of migrant students as the district continues to recruit ESOL teachers and offers specialized programs to help foreign-born students acclimate.
Although official numbers for the current year are not yet available, the district told Local 10 News Tuesday it has the resources to welcome all students, regardless of how many arrive.
Over the past three years, the district has seen a fluctuating number of foreign-born students entering its schools.
During the 2021-2022 school year, 14,643 foreign-born students enrolled in Miami-Dade schools.
This number rose significantly to over 22,000 students during the 2022-2023 school year, before slightly decreasing to just under 21,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.
To address the needs of these students, Miami-Dade school district officials are utilizing the Title I Migrant Education Program, which was established by the county’s bilingual department, to support migrant students who face challenges in acclimating to environments with U.S.-born students.
The program provides a range of services, including the Newcomer Program, which offers a set curriculum designed to help new immigrant students assimilate into Miami-Dade schools. This program assists students with everything from school registration to language learning opportunities.
The district has also shared its ongoing efforts to recruit talented ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers.
In a statement, Miami-Dade School district district officials said, “M-DCPS continues to recruit talented candidates to help students whose first language is not English.”
Erica Garcia, Executive Director of the Migrant Education Program, spoke with Local 10 News about the district’s preparedness.
“Miami-Dade County Public Schools has several programs to handle the influx of new immigrant students,” she said.
Among the top three countries from which these students are arriving are Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti.
The district’s available services also include free lunch programs and after-school activities, aimed at providing comprehensive support to these students as they transition into their new academic environment.
As the school year progresses, school district officials remain committed to ensuring that all students, including those from migrant backgrounds, receive the education and support they need to succeed.
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A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.
Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.
“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.
For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.
During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.
Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.
“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”
Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.
“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.
The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.
The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.
Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.
Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.
READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker
The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.
“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.
Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.
“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”
Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.
“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.
Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.
“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.
More About the 2028 Class
The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.
Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.
Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.
While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.
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