Preparing Students for Future STEM Careers

Crete-Monee School District 201-U has launched an exciting educational initiative by opening two cutting-edge SmartLabs—one at Balmoral Elementary and another at Talala Elementary. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies took place on November 8 to celebrate this important milestone, coinciding with National STEM and STEAM Day. The event was attended by school leaders, educators, students, community members, and a representative from SmartLab, highlighting the district’s commitment to equipping young learners with essential skills for the future.

The SmartLabs are designed to provide a hands-on learning environment centered around STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Students will engage in robotics, coding, and engineering activities that promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This initiative seeks to ignite curiosity and foster perseverance through experimentation and problem-solving, preparing students for the evolving demands of a technology-driven world.

Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese remarked, “Integrating SmartLabs into our educational framework represents our strategic plan to create a more adaptive, student-centric learning environment.” She emphasized that this is just the beginning of establishing a SmartLab in every elementary school in the district.

Ghantel Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, added, “We are committed to empowering our students with the opportunities they need to succeed, and we could not be more excited to see how these SmartLabs will ignite their passion for discovery.”

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