Superintendent Jose Dotres had a direct message for Haitian families in Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, Aug. 12, the day before the first day of school: "Parents should not keep their children at home. Please bring them to school."

The plea, reported by WPLG Local 10, came as Haitian families across Miami-Dade — home to almost 113,000 Haitian residents — face an uncertain future after Temporary Protected Status for Haiti officially ended July 27. That includes families with students at Coral Gables Senior High School, Coral Gables Preparatory Academy and other area schools.

Statewide, Florida has approximately 113,000 Haitian TPS holders, the most of any state, and South Florida has the nation's largest concentration of Haitians. Neighboring Broward County Public Schools reported 11,000 fewer students on its first day, Aug. 10, a drop district officials there linked partly to the TPS expiration.

Miami-Dade's numbers are not yet available.

Dotres acknowledged the district is also losing staff. Work permits expired for Haitian nationals employed by M-DCPS, and human services staff are reviewing every affected employee's status. He told Local 10 the district is trying to "monitor closely TPS impact on our school district" while taking "the appropriate measures."

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said on July 28, the day after TPS expired, that ending the program "is not just an immigration issue. It is also a workforce and economic issue that will hurt Miami-Dade."

The district said more than 130 mental health coordinators are serving schools this year, and families can call the Parent Assistance Line at 305-995-7100, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

New policies for the school year

Beyond immigration worries, students at Coral Gables Senior High and across M-DCPS are adjusting to the district's "Heads Up, Phones Down" cell phone policy. Elementary and middle school students may not use or display personal devices during the school day. High school students may use them outside instructional time only.

The district also shifted to a hybrid meal model approved by the school board at its July 22 meeting. Of the district's more than 500 schools, 121 will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision. Families at non-CEP schools must apply for free or reduced-price meals at mdcpsnutrition.net, though all students receive free meals during the first 30 days while applications are processed.

The first day also brought the usual excitement. At Auburndale Elementary on Wednesday, fifth grader Keila picked out a free backpack and said she was feeling excited. At Bowman Ashe/Doolin K-8 Academy, teacher Rachel Ruiz told families at a back-to-school event: "The butterflies are good butterflies. I'm ready to teach them."

Families needing support can reach the Parent Assistance Line at 305-995-7100 or visit dadeschools.net for enrollment and meal information.