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Criminal justice is the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts. Those accused of crime have protections against abuse of investigatory and prosecution powers.
About Our Staff
We strive to educate students of diverse backgrounds to become effective, ethical professionals who are employable in a variety of legal settings. Together our instructors have over 50 years of combined experience and service in the fields of law enforcement and criminal justice as sworn officers. Additionally, our educators are passionate about their areas of expertise and demonstrate great pride in developing the members of the Legal Academy.
Our Services
To help students build a framework for life that is ethical, service-oriented, appreciative of diversity and committed to continuing education.
Lead Teacher
Ms. Jena L. Snow
jenasnow@dadeschools.net
305-232-2044 ext 2111
Office Hours
A-Days: By Appointment
B-Days: By Appointment
Dear Legal Cuda Family,
On behalf of our teachers Ms. Cushnie, and Mr. Nyberg and our counselor Ms. Andre, we would like to welcome you to our Legal Family. With great enthusiasm, we welcome our Legal Cudas back to the Reef this year. We have an exciting year planned where students will engage in lessons and hands-on activities that will cover the Criminal Justice framework as outlined by the State curriculum.
The 2020-2021 school year was challenging but was nevertheless successful! Our teachers were able to compete in We the People, Mock Trial, and FPSA State Competition, and SkillsUSA. We are proud to announce that under the guidance of Ms. Cushnie, our FPSA was honored as the Top Criminal Justice Chapter in the State of Florida. Our Honor Guard team excels and continues with their impressive winning streak; four years in a row they have earned first place.
This year we continue to offer clubs related to our academy such as FPSA, Mock Trial and SADD. Coral Reef also offers a Police Explorer Post under the guidance of the Miami-Dade Schools Police. We encourage our students to participate in any clubs offered at Coral Reef and create friendships for a lifetime.
Our parents are also very involved. The Legal Cuda Boosters Club has been instrumental in providing our students with an opportunity to purchase PT uniforms, spirit wear, and assist us in fieldtrips, field day and academy activities! Parental involvement is so valuable that we encourage you to join. A membership form will be sent to your children in an email by the end of September. Even if you don’t want to join but would like to stay informed, please fill out the form with your email address so we can add you to our mailing list! Together we are Legal Proud and Legal Strong.
We are excited to embark on a new journey and understand that there may be obstacles in the way. Please know we are here to assist you, so do not hesitate to contact us. On behalf of our entire team, we wish you a healthy, exciting, and successful school year! Together let’s “make it happen”!
Sincerely,
Jena L. Snow
Academy of Legal and Public Affairs
Lead Teacher
Counselor
Mrs. Shirley André
sjfandre@dadeschools.net
Student Counselor Request Form
305-232-2044 ext. 2331
Office Hours
A-Days: 7:20am – 2:20pm
B-Days: 7:20am – 2:20pm
- Resources
- Class Documents
- Community Service
- Club Information
- Booster