Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) recently unveiled a redesigned, technology-rich innovation space at Everglades K-8 Center. The new space includes an interactive floor and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities.
Read more FIU and Baptist Health break ground on new academic medical center
“With this innovation space, you can cultivate joy because of your involvement with all of the technology,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “You can build a community here because this is an open space for collaboration. Find your spark, because that’s exactly what innovation should do.”
In addition to Dr. Dotres, the ribbon-cutting included Everglades K-8 Center principal Daniel Diaz, chief academic officer Lourdes Diaz, chief human capital officer Dr. Dawn Baglos, Miami-Dadee School Board vice chair Monica M. Colucci, executive director of the College Football Playoff Foundation Britton Banowsky, Miami-Dade Schools Police Social Emotional K-9 Team, school staff, teachers, and students joined 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 on their feet. The Education Fund Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials also donated Lego sets, arts and crafts, chess and checkers sets, and fun activities from which students can choose.
There is also a broadcasting studio with cameras and podcasting equipment, and new computer tables and chairs. This was done in part to coincide with a new broadcasting/TV production class now being offered at the middle school as an elective.
“This innovation space represents more than a physical transformation,” Diaz said. “It reflects a mindset, a conviction to create an environment where students can collaborate, think clearly, explore boldly, and bring their ideas to life.”
The media center redesign includes adding modular, comfortable furniture that allows students to relax and accommodates 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.
The redesign includes 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 DSWM announces Juneteenth 2026 holiday service schedule
“I feel like it’s not just a library anymore; it’s a space where students can have fun and take a break from all of the stresses of school and I feel like this was a really good thing,” said Rey Garcia, an eighth-grader at the school. “When we’re juggling classes and schoolwork, a space like this is important so that you don’t burn out.”
The initiative, funding 18 innovation spaces for M-DCPS middle school students over the course of three years, is supported by a $2 million partnership between the school district, College Football Playoff Foundation, 2026 Miami Host Committee, andOrange Bowl Committee. By the fall, 38 innovation spaces will be operational on M-DCPS campuses.
For the most up-to-date information, download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device.
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].