M-DCPS Unveils State-of-the-Art Innovation Space at Ponce de Leon Middle School

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

“The idea for this innovation space was advancement, to evolve it and create a space where kids want to come to learn and read and hang out and really engage with academics, with curriculum, with their peers and their teachers,” said Ponce de Leon Middle School Principal Angela C. Gonzalez, who noted that the new space has gotten students excited about reading books as well, not just engaging in technology.

In addition to Principal Gonzalez, the ribbon-cutting included Assistant Superintendent of School Choice and Parental Options Daniel Mateo, School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation Britton Banowsky, and school staff, teachers, and students, all joining 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 with their feet.

The media center redesign includes adding modular, comfortable furniture for students to relax and accommodate 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.  

“Kids get to experience a lot more hands-on learning,” said eighth-grader Leylani Berlanga. “It’s a better learning environment because it’s pretty and comfortable. I love the colors, the couches, the games, and I’m excited to be here with my friends and enjoy this place.”

The redesign includes new shelving for books as well as 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. 

On the left is a display of the students’ artwork, and on the right, a student is using one of the robotics kits.

Parents are impressed by the difference between the old library and their new, high-tech hybrid of library and technology playground.

“It’s super modern, it’s an inviting space for the kids to be here and for the teachers to organize classes, events, and study groups,” said Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) President Roxana Rassi, who noted that the old media center was closed before, so the students had nowhere to meet. “Clubs like drama and robotics will be using the space as well.” 

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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