M-DCPS Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Three-Story Addition at Herbert A. Ammons Middle School

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) held a ribbon-cutting at Herbert A. Ammons Middle School (Ammons) for their new, modernized,113,000 sq. ft. three-story building. 

“This is a signature building, with all the new features. Eagles can soar as high as they want with this facility,” said M-DCPS Chief Facilities and Design Officer Raul Perez referring to the Ammons school mascot. “It’s state-of- the-art from top to bottom.”

Perez was joined by South Region Superintendent Rafael A. Villalobos, District 7 School Board Member Mary Blanco, Ammons Middle Principal Maria Costa, District and construction representatives, faculty and students in celebration of the new school.

“This building is not just steel, glass and concrete. It is a physical testament to our community’s commitment to our children,” said Ammons Principal Maria Costa. “It represents the boundless potential of every student walking through its doors, a space that matches the talent and dedication of our staff and students.”

The school originally opened in 1997 and in 2007 it was the District’s first fully authorized schoolwide International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. All of the school’s 1,017 students study French or Spanish under the program.

According to Costa, when construction began, the school had to be temporarily moved to an elementary school. For students and staff, being in this beautiful, modern facility is exhilarating, she said.

There are four computer labs, two art rooms, and two demonstration rooms for laboratory work in the science classes. There are also art rooms, and skill development labs

The media center has large windows with open spaces equipped with couches and rocking chairs where students can relax or study in groups. One corner is devoted to STEM activities like Maker’s Space building tools and robotics kits.

The second and third floors have general purpose classrooms, four computer labs, two art rooms, and two demonstration rooms for the laboratory work students’ do in science classes. 

In addition to administration offices, the ground floor is dedicated to performing arts, with a chorus room, a band room, and a drama room along with PE locker rooms. There is also a cafeteria with a large dining area. The cafeteria also has a stage and a sound booth where drama and band students can perform. Previously, students had to perform outside or at nearby high schools.

“My favorite is the new stage,” said eighth-grader Melissa Villares Lopez. “I’m the drama club’s president and I’ve been waiting for this moment to be on the stage, and we even have an amazing sound booth. I’m so ready to perform.”

Florida Lemark Corporation was contracted to deliver the $40.7 million project that can now house 1,337 student stations at the campus located in southern Miami-Dade County.
The school bond projects resulted from voter approval of the $1.2 billion General Obligation Bond. The bond is being used to modernize and construct school buildings throughout the District, expand student capacity, enhance facility safety, and provide technology upgrades at all schools. 

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TOP CAPTION: Herbert A. Ammons Middle School’s new building