We’re honored to welcome military-connected students and their families to our school community. At Howard Drive Elementary, we understand the unique challenges that come with a parent’s change in duty station. Our mission is to ease school transitions and remove barriers to academic success. Whether you’re navigating frequent relocations, deployments, or differences in educational systems across states, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Military Point of Contact:
Garth Gourley
School Liaison Officer, Child and Youth Services
US Army Garrison – Miami
EMail: garth.b.gourley.naf@mail.mil
DSN 567-2633
Office: 305-437-2633
School Liaison Services:
Mrs. Jenny Barreto
305-235-1412
Military Families Assistance (and add this link: https://mfa.dadeschools.net/#!/fullWidth/3717
Military Families Resources (and add this link: https://api.dadeschools.net/WMSFiles/255/Resources/Copy%20of%20REV%20MI%20Resources.pdf
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (and add this link: https://mic3.net/
Sesame Street for Military Families (and add this link: https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/
USCG P.I.E. Program (and add this link: https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/Partnership-in-Education-Program/
Exceptional Student Education Services (and add this link: https://ese2.dadeschools.net/#!/fullWidth/5649
Military School Events
Celebrating the Navy’s Birthday
Each October, we proudly celebrate the Navy’s Birthday by inviting military families and students to Howard Drive Elementary for a special gathering. The celebration includes cake, camaraderie, and a chance to honor the service and dedication of our Navy community. For the past four years the Citizen’s Crime Watch, Youth Crime Watch (YCW) Club as well as the fifth-grade class participated in celebrating the US Navy’s Birthday. Navel history as well as navel traditions were explained to the students. The US Navy flag was flown at the school for the 2026 birthday.
Career & Truck Day and the Military
Career & Truck Day is a special event where professionals from a wide variety of fields visit our school to share their experiences, showcase their vehicles and equipment, and talk about the education and skills that led to their success. Each year brings exciting new opportunities for students to learn and explore.
We’ve been proud to welcome representatives from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, who have brought trucks, helicopters, and boats to campus, along
with engaging classroom presentations. These memorable experiences have inspired many of our students to consider future careers in the military and beyond.
POW/MIA
Observed each year on the third Friday of September, POW/MIA Recognition Day is a time to remember the service members who never returned home and to reaffirm our commitment to never forget their sacrifices.
2026-2027 Gallery
Purple Up for Military Children
April is the Month of the Military Child, and we proudly celebrate Purple Up Day on April 15th. This meaningful event brings together military-connected students and service members from all branches for hands-on activities and engaging experiences. Our faculty and staff wear purple to show their heartfelt support and appreciation for the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military children.
2024-2025 Gallery
Youth Crime Watch
For the past two years the YCW club has attended Fleet Week Miami. The students went onboard the USS Bataan in Fort Lauderdale Fl and the USS Cole in Miami.
2026-2027 YCW Gallery
2025-2026 YCW Gallery
2024-2025 Gallery
2024-2025 YCW Gallery
Hero Project
All grade levels participated in the project. Students colored in military related coloring sheets and provided photographs of family members who are and were serving the military.