Military Families

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. 

Upon enrolling at John I. Smith, 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.  

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. 

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. 

Please contact Ms. Rabelo at irabelo@dadeschools.net for more information or Ms. Morillo our school registrar at 305 406-0220.   

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.  

Our Student-led transition program is designed to provide your child a peer able to act as a first point of contact at the school. Their student contact will help them connect them to resources at the school site as well as provide a peer sounding board for any initial questions. 

For more information on our student-led transition program or to get your child involved please reach out to Ms. Rabelo – irabelo@dadeschools.net, our Student-Led Transition Program Youth Advisor.

Please check our calendar of events  for upcoming school events. 

Writing Letters to our Military 

Ms. Nolan engages in activities throughout the school year, where students write  
letters/notes to our Military heroes. 

Reading Around the World 

We proudly honor and celebrates our military families throughout the school year, working closely with our military partners. One of our key collaborations is during 
the year, Reading Around the World, where military personnel/heroes volunteer  
their time to read to our students. 

Career Day and our Military 

At our school, Career Day we invite a diverse range of professionals to share insights about their jobs, vehicles, and equipment, as well as the education and skills needed for success in their fields. Each year brings something unique, and we’ve been fortunate to host representatives from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, who share their experience along with classroom presentations for our students.  

Purple Up for Military Children 

April is the Month of the Military Child, and we celebrate Purple Up on April 15th. This special event features engaging hands-on activities that bring together military-connected students and service members from all branches. Our faculty and staff proudly wear purple to show their support for all military children on this day. 

Cambridge Program Certified  

Clubs / In School Enrichment Opportunities 

• Chess Club 

• Gaming Club 

• Robotics Club 

• Journalism Club 

• Dance Club 

• Journalism/Yearbook Club 

• Multicultural Club  

• First Priorities/Mindfulness Club 

• Speech and Debate  

• Music Elective  

• News Cast Team  

• Safety Patrol  

• National Junior Honor Society  

• Mentoring  

Upcoming Events 

• Fall Dance (10/31/2024) 

• Presentations from the National Guard throughout the school year  

Tutoring  

• Tutoring through our national honor society students 

• Reading and Math tutoring starting on January 2025 

 We also provide before and after school care with many enrichment opportunities for our students.  

*Opportunity to also try out and for ours seasonal sports team during the fall and spring! 

Other Resources:  

MDCPS-Military Families Assistance 

List of Military Family Resources 

Miami Army MWR School Support Services Website 

MDCPS Exceptional Student Education 

Family Empowerment Scholarship Unique Abilities Program   

Military Teens and Mental Health 

Interstate Compact Questions and Answers  

Partnership-in-Education-Program  

Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission 

Military One Source Military and Family Counseling  

Military Point of Contact  

Ms. Rabelo - Trust Counselor 
Email: irabelo@dadeschools.net 
305-406-0220 ext. 2152 
 
 School Liaison Services 

Garth Gourley 
School Liaison Officer, Child and Youth Services 
US Army Garrison - Miami 
9301 NW 33rd St 
Doral, FL 33172 
Email: garth.b.gourley.naf@mail.mil 

John I Smith K-8 CENTER - THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!