M-DCPS Unveils State-of-the-Art Innovation Space at Everglades K-8 Center

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) unveiled a redesigned, technology-rich innovation space at Everglades K-8 Center. The new space includes an interactive floor and new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities. 

“With this innovation space, you can cultivate joy because of your involvement with all of the technology,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “You can build a community here because this is an open space for collaboration. Find your spark, because that’s exactly what innovation should do.”

In addition to Dr. Dotres, the ribbon-cutting included Everglades K-8 Center Principal Daniel Diaz, Chief Academic Officer Lourdes Diaz, Chief Human Capital Officer Dr. Dawn Baglos, School Board Vice Chair Monica M. Colucci, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation Britton Banowsky, Miami-Dade Schools Police Social Emotional K-9 Team, school staff, teachers, and students joined 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 on their feet. The Education Fund Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials also donated Lego sets, arts and crafts, chess and checkers sets and fun activities for students to choose from.

There is also a broadcasting studio with cameras and podcasting equipment, and new computer tables and chairs. This was done in part to coincide with a new broadcasting/TV production class now being offered at the middle school as an elective.

“This innovation space represents more than a physical transformation,” said Principal Daniel Diaz. “It reflects a mindset, a conviction to create an environment where students can collaborate, think clearly, explore boldly, and bring their ideas to life.”

The media center redesign includes adding modular, comfortable furniture that allows students to relax and accommodates 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.

The redesign includes 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. 

Students in the Innovation Space’s story time area with Principal Daniel Diaz, Officer Richard Praschnik, and K-9 Mayo.

“I feel like it’s not just a library anymore, it’s a space where students can have fun and take a break from all of the stresses of school and I feel like this was a really good thing,” said Rey Garcia, an eighth-grader at the school. “When we’re juggling classes and schoolwork, a space like this is important so that you don’t burn out.”

The initiative, funding 18 innovation spaces for M-DCPS middle school students over the course of three years, is supported by a $2 million partnership between the school district, the College Football Playoff Foundation, the 2026 Miami Host Committee, and the Orange Bowl Committee. By the fall, 38 innovation spaces will be operational on M-DCPS campuses. 

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TOP CAPTION: Everglades K-8 Center students playing on the Active Floor at the school’s new innovation space.