Through actions of the State Legislature the existing Ocoee Middle School was selected to be rebuilt as the demonstration school for the state of Florida. Planning began with extensive discussions on how children of this age learn and how technology can enhance that learning. The design minimizes circulation spaces and emphasizes the community aspect of learning. Two classrooms in every team area have operable walls that allow for flexibility in the size of the instructional space. Every classroom includes an infrared Audio Enhancement system.
Teachers wear a wireless microphone so that every student hears clearly.
Ceiling mounted projectors in every classroom are used to project morning announcements, videos and multimedia presentations on large screens. The school is totally networked and is a pilot site for the School Interoperability Framework implementation. Students will wear proximity ID cards in order to gain access to the keyless entry system installed on all exterior doors and team area doors. The ID card also serves as the student passport to the various programs designed by the SIF software partners. Two tours of Ocoee Middle School will be scheduled for Friday, January 12, 2001.