Administration
A message from our Principal
Welcome Students, Parents, and Staff!
As I start my third year as the principal of Palm Springs Middle School, I must admit, I continue to be amazed and proud at the wonderful accomplishments we continue to achieve every single year! Our successes would not be possible if not for the hard work of our teachers, students, and parents working together each step of the way.
This past school year Palm Springs Middle School was nationally recognized by Magnet Schools of America as a Merit School of Distinction for the first time in school history. Every year we look for ways to improve the academic integrity of Palm Springs Middle. The only way to achieve this goal, is by providing a diverse rigorous academic program in a safe learning environment that meets the needs of all our Pacers. Palm Springs Middle is proud to offer an endless array of resources and opportunities that makes learning fun and challenging, Below please note the successes from 2022-2023 school year:
- Nationally recognized by Magnet Schools of America as a Merit School of Distinction. First time in school history.
- Silver STEAM designation school.
- 94% passing rate on the AP Spanish language exam from College Board which is reserved for high school students only.
- La Finka (school farm), the school’s Agriscience Program was featured on Univision and our two potbelly pigs were pardoned by our amazing Mayor, Esteban Bovo for Noche Buena.
- Eight Palm Springs students qualified for Dual Enrollment at MDC and were part of Project Sea Stars earning college credits this summer.
- English Language Learners (ELL) published books that are available to be checked out at the school and public library.
- Law Studies students Project Citizen District Champions and State Runner-Ups.
- The PSMS Chess Team earned second place in the Regional Competition
- The ASD Pacer Bot Robotics Team exhibited their work for all to see.
- SECME second place Banner Competition.
- The PSM Dance Team State Champions. 1st Place Youth Fair Dance Competition
- Finalist in the Science and Engineering Fair
- College visit to St. Augustine, FSU, and State Capitol
- Art student’s work chosen to be displayed at Miami International Airport Art Gallery Exhibit.
- 1st Place DECA District Competition beating out all high school competitors.
- Participated in the City of Hialeah Annual Jose Marti Parade.
Students succeed when teachers, parents, students, and community partners work together as a TEAM!
Sincerely,
Heriberto Sanchez, Principal Palm Springs Middle School
A message from our Assistant Principal
DEAR FACULTY AND STAFF,
WHAT A WONDERFUL YEAR IT WILL BE!
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you as the new Assistant Principal of Palm Springs Middle School for the 2023-2024 School Year. As a first-time AP, I am committed to continuing the Pacer Legacy that has become part of the historical fabric of this community. I am also committed to your values, growth, and excellence.
Prior to Palm Springs Middle, I have served in many school site positions, including as an Academic Recovery Coach, Dean of Discipline, Cambridge Coordinator, Department Chairperson, and various other school-site leadership roles. My passion is in the classroom and thus I have also worked in various instructional positions including ESOL, AP, and AICE classes and have been recognized by peers as my school’s Rookie Teacher of the Year (South Miami High, 2019). I have worked in several high schools across different regions and look forward to a new adventure serving at the middle school configuration. I have a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, a second master’s in Ed Leadership, and successfully completed the MDCPS AP BENCH Program.
Coming into this new role at such a wonderful place, my top priority is to work together to continue building on our school’s amazing reputation and wide-range of programs. I am proud to represent a school that prioritizes every child’s interest, safety, and developmental needs. Invite me to your awesome lessons, come by my office and tell me about your classes, because your work drives mine. Your energy fuels mine. Let’s make this a PACER strong year, together!
LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW YOU!
SINCERELY,
NIDIA M. GARCIA
