M-DCPS Unveils Innovation Space at Riviera Middle School

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) held a ribbon-cutting event for a redesigned, technology-rich, innovation space at Riviera Middle School’s media center. The new space includes virtual reality (VR) headsets, a Makerspace area with robotics for hands-on learning, and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities.

The project was funded by a $2 million partnership between M-DCPS, the College Football Playoff Foundation, and the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Host Committee. The project will modernize media centers with bright colors, new comfortable furniture, VR equipment, interactive boards, a robotics section, and typically more than a dozen computer stations.

“This partnership is not only about an innovation space, but it is also about rewarding, retaining, and recruiting teachers," said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. "I want to thank you for this partnership that in many ways makes us all much better on behalf of the students."

Rivera Middle’s media center, which hadn’t been renovated since the school’s opening in 1958, was completely redone as part of the innovation space redesign. There is now new shelving, and high-top tables perfect for working on creative hands-on projects. The layout now offers a big open space for students to work with robotics kits or VR headsets.

“The students are excited that the media center got a makeover. This will give them room to spread out and use the VR headsets or use the high-top tables with their laptops,” said Riviera Middle School Principal Javier G. Nora. “Teachers can also use this technology of the future to enhance their curriculum.”

The 15 VR donated headsets are designed to supplement students’ math and science curriculum. The Makerspace area includes robotics, as well as arts and crafts, and other hands-on technology. The Innovation Space also has two drones that students can use to participate in school-wide competitions.

“What I like about the new media center is that it’s a good innovation space, there’s the Legos and you can use your creativity to build and to open up your imagination,” said eighth grader Vanessa Franco. “It will help students expand their minds.”

Riviera Middle School students trying out one of the Makerspace activities

Over the next two years, the partners will redesign a total of 18 M-DCPS middle school media centers to meet the unique social, emotional, and academic needs of students and teachers.

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TOP CAPTION: Students testing out the new virtual reality headsets at Riviera Middle School's Innovation Space.