On March 19, the district celebrated the grand opening of Crete Elementary’s SmartLab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. District administrators, Board Member Janine Woolfolk, students, and SmartLab representatives—including Senior Vice President of Sales Raymond Mitchell and CEO Dr. Jennifer Berry—were present to mark the occasion.
Speakers, along with district leaders, emphasized the importance of SmartLabs in supporting continued STEM exploration throughout students’ education and into future careers. Dr. Berry highlighted the value of perseverance, noting that failure is an essential part of the learning process and often leads to success.
“This SmartLab represents an investment in our students’ futures,” said Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese.” It is more than a lab—it’s a space where students will explore, create, and begin to see themselves as future innovators and problem solvers, opening doors to opportunities and helping them discover their passions at an early age.”
The new SmartLab is fully equipped with design, production, and installation components, creating a hands-on learning environment through which students can explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through creative, project-based learning experiences.
Students worked collaboratively in groups during a hands-on STEM activity, using magnetic tiles to compete in building the tallest and sturdiest tower. The event concluded with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the lab.
Crete Elementary principal Kathleen Prado encouraged students to think beyond their current use of technology, sharing that while Chromebooks are an important tool, the SmartLab will take their learning to the next level and better prepare them for the future.
District Technology Integration STEM Coordinator Jamila Bynum is overseeing SmartLab implementation across the district. Facilitators Christine Quinlan and Garridan Mitchell will rotate among Monee, Talala, and Balmoral Elementary Schools, while Lakisha Carter will lead sessions at Monee Elementary. Students will begin weekly 60-minute, hands-on sessions this fall.
This marks an exciting step forward in expanding STEM opportunities for Crete-Monee students and fostering a culture of innovation. One additional SmartLab will open at Coretta Scott King Magnet School in University Park this upcoming fall. At that point, every elementary school in the district will have a SmartLab.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Dr. Ghantel Perkins shared that it has been an honor to help bring this vision to life for students. She noted that seeing the district so close to the finish line is a truly remarkable achievement.