Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) recently unveiled a redesigned, technology-rich innovation space at Ponce de Leon Middle School. The new space includes an interactive floor and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities.
Read more U. Miami Architecture sweeps Villagers’ scholarship awards
“The idea for this innovation space was advancement, to evolve it and create a space where kids want to come to learn and read and hang out and really engage with academics, with curriculum, with their peers and their teachers,” said Ponce de Leon Middle School principal Angela C. Gonzalez, who noted that the new space has gotten students excited about reading books as well, not just engaging in technology.
In addition to Gonzalez, the ribbon-cutting included Daniel Mateo, assistant superintendent of School Choice and Parental Options; School Board chair Mari Tere Rojas; Britton Banowsky, executive director of the College Football Playoff Foundation, and school staff, teachers, and students, all joining in the celebration.
The innovation space features an open-concept area with arts and crafts, hands-on technology, board games, and an interactive floor for students to explore and enjoy various activities and learning games they play with their feet.
The media center redesign includes adding modular, comfortable furniture for students to relax and accommodate a variety of uses, as well as several large architect-style high-top tables and seats, where students can use their laptops for studying, creative class projects and playing games.
“Kids get to experience a lot more hands-on learning,” said eighth-grader Leylani Berlanga.
“It’s a better learning environment because it’s pretty and comfortable. I love the colors, the couches, the games, and I’m excited to be here with my friends and enjoy this place.”
The redesign includes new shelving for books as well as flip-and-nest tables, which can be used for classroom instruction and then quickly and efficiently stored when not in use, maximizing and maintaining an open space for other activities.
Read more The Underline celebrates five years and expansion to five continuous miles
Parents are impressed by the difference between the old library and their new, high-tech hybrid of library and technology playground.
“It’s super modern; it’s an inviting space for the kids to be here and for the teachers to organize classes, events, and study groups,” said Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) president Roxana Rassi, who noted that the old media center was closed before, so the students had nowhere to meet. “Clubs like drama and robotics will be using the space as well.”
The initiative, which is creating 18 innovation spaces for middle school students over the course of two years, is supported by a $2 million partnership between M-DCPS, College Football Playoff Foundation, 2026 Miami Host Committee, and the Orange Bowl Committee.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] or [email protected].
Read more WellNXT Miami x Fest 2026 draws thousands to event