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School for Integrated Academics and Technologies
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Florida - Homestead

 

Florida SIATech at Homestead Job Corps Center
12350 SW 285th Street
Homestead, FL 33033
Tel: (305) 258-9477
Principal: Andrea Loring
andrea.loring@siatech.org

 

Overview

 

SIATech at Homestead is located in the southernmost part of Miami-Dade County. Situated on the Homestead Air Force Base, the school location is rural in nature. Many of the students come from other parts of Florida and the Caribbean to join the Job Corps program.

 

Ninety percent of the students live on campus in the dorms which gives the Job Corps Center the feel of a small college campus. Within this community, SIATech has become a “home away from home” for many of the 236 students who attend the school. With the ongoing support of the dedicated instructional staff at SIATech, it is not unusual to find students working after hours and on weekends when various staff members come in to work.

 

The students in this location have such a sense of belonging that is translated into their every action. The staff members have structured the school in such a way that the students have no doubt what to expect and what is expected from them. They are on the road to excellence.

 

Principal Profile

 

Andrea joined SIATech in August 2009 and is the Principal at the Homestead campus. She brings over 30 years of experience as teacher and administrator in Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alternative Education programs.  Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge in curriuclum and instruction and thrives on mentoring at-promise students. She received her master's degree and educational credentials from Florida International University.

 

 

Success Stories

 

SIATech's New Principal Honors Former Principal with Appreciation Garden
by Lesly Diaz, Business and Community Liaison, Homestead Job Corps Center

Two students at Homestead Job Corps Center work together to plant garden to honor principalSIATech at Homestead Job Corps Center has a new principal, Ms. Andrea Loring.  In the time since she arrived, she has consistently looked for ways to make a difference.  “I’ve heard wonderful things about the outgoing principal Ms. Marjorie Lopez and want her work here at SIATech to be honored.   Hence, the idea for the Marjorie Lopez Appreciation Garden.  The colorful flowers in the garden will be a beautiful way to say thank you to Ms. Lopez,” stated Ms. Loring. 

 

Students, staff and community members joined together to make the Garden a reality. Dr. Marvin Dunn, local historian and urban gardener, contributed his time to teach the students about landscaping.   A hand-painted mural frames the garden.  The mural was painted by students under the direction of Mr. Collie Coats, Recreation Specialist and a well-known artist on Center.

 

In response to this heartfelt gesture, Ms. Lopez wrote to Lesly Diaz: "Thank you for highlighting the amazing work that Ms. Loring and the SIATech students have put forth to beautify the Homestead Job Corps Center. Ms. Loring has certainly made a positive difference in the short time she has been here and I know she will continue to do wonderful things. The fact that she attached my name to the garden is near and dear to my heart. I appreciate the attention you have given this project as it is well-deserved."

 

Shown in photo: Giovanni Hernandez and (right) Victor Ubieta are proud to work on planting the Marjorie Lopez Appreciation Garden in honor of their former principal, Marjorie Lopez, founding principal of SIATech Charter High School at Homestead Job Corps Center.