M-DCPS Unveils Innovation Space at Rockway Middle School

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) unveiled a redesigned, technology-rich Innovation Space at Rockway Middle School. The new space includes an interactive floor and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities. 

District representatives, School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 10 Anthony Rodriguez, Rockway Principal Ruben Morales, teachers, and students attended the ribbon-cutting.

“You’re going to be able to come here with your classmates and really share, really innovate in your learning,” said M-DCPS Chief Academic Officer Lourdes Diaz. “Taking what you have and making it what you need it to be is what we hope this space will provide for each and every one of you.”

The media center redesign included adding 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.  

“What’s great about this new furniture at our new Innovation Space is that it adapts to what the students need to make them feel comfortable while they are here,” said Rockway Middle School Principal Ruben Morales. “There are new bookshelves, soft-seating and collaboration tables. We’re simply bringing the learning experience to the 21st century.”

There is also a Makerspace area, which includes robotics, arts and crafts, hands-on technology, and board games. 

“I love how school has evolved, making this space amazing. I wish we had this when we were growing up, to open our eyes and to give us the opportunity to explore new things and try out new things,” said Alain Morera, an alumnus whose daughters, Amanda and Madison, currently attend the school. “I’m very proud that my daughters are Falcons and that they’re going to continue the tradition of the school.”

The redesign includes new, large windows throughout the Innovation Space as well as new shelving for books. The area is also equipped with 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.

“Now with the open windows, it looks so much better – with the new chairs, new desks and the books,” said eighth-grader Michael Marrero. “Everything is changed now, and the lights and the new colors make it bright, vibrant and eye-catching, a major change for Rockway.”

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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