Students, teachers preparing to return to school

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (WSVN) -- Students, teachers and administrators across South Florida are getting ready to return to school on Monday.

This weekend, students will be enjoying their last few days of summer vacation.

However, students in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties can expect some changes for the 2012-13 school year.

Miami-Dade Schools purchased 225 new school buses that boast fuel efficiency, environmental friendliness and seat belts. "These buses have increased safety features. They all have safety belts, and as a result of us buying these buses, we are completely retiring buses that were not air conditioned," Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.

Miami-Dade Schools will unveil 36 new magnet school programs this school year, along with the Latin Builders Association Academy for ninth grade students. Gyovania Marante, the principal of LBA Academy said, "We will have academies in construction management, which also entails engineering and drafting, we'll have the marketing, and we'll have the business entrepreneurship."

The Broward County School District also has changes for the 2012-13 school year, including the introduction of the Hollywood Hills High School Military Academy. "This military academy offers students the opportunity to engage in rigorous academics while developing leadership skills and personal discipline," said Broward Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, "guided by a team of teachers, mentors and dedicated and retired military instructors."

Also, Dillard Elementary and several others schools will offer single-gender classes, and West Hollywood Elementary will now feature an aeronautical science program.

All Broward County high schools will now have a seven period day instead of a five period day, in an effort to comply with the state mandate to reduce class sizes. "This is not a desirable position and decision that we have to make," Runcie said. "I'd be upset about getting my workload increased, so we're trying to work with the union."

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