M-DCPS Unveils Innovation Space at Palm Springs North K-8

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) unveiled a redesigned, technology-rich Innovation Space at Palm Springs North K-8 Center. The new space includes an Active Floor and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities. 

“These innovation spaces are game changers for the school and the community,” said M-DCPS Chief Academic Officer Lourdes Diaz. “When students come in here, I want them to think about sharing the space, utilizing the tools to collaborate with their friends, and share those special learning experiences.”

The Active Floor is designed for students to navigate and play various activities and learning games
by using their feet. There is also a Makerspace area, which includes robotics, arts and crafts, hands-on technology, as well as board games. 

The media center redesign also includes modular, comfortable furniture for students to relax and to accommodate a variety of uses, and a high-top table that can seat students with their laptops, for studying or playing games. 

“It’s all for the students. This special space is not only going to be used for experiments and collaboration, but also for a lot of learning and innovation. So, we’re super excited,” said Palm Springs North K-8 Principal Dr. Christina M. Ravelo.

The center is also equipped with flip-and-nest tables, which can be used for classroom instruction and then stored when not in use, maintaining an open space for other activities.

“I’m excited to use the new tables. It’s a place where my friends and I can study or just hang out and play games,” said sixth-grader Adrian Piloto. “It feels more like home—a place where I can really just come to chill."

Dade Technology Solutions, a local tech company, donated 50 laptops with a cart and two 3D printers for teachers and students to use on their class projects.

District representatives, School Board Member Roberto Alonso, Palm Springs North K-8 Principal Dr. Christina M. Ravelo, teachers, and students attended the ribbon-cutting.

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, the College Football Playoff
Foundation, the 2026 Miami Host Committee, and the Orange Bowl Committee. 

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