The Campos Foundation Presents Check for SmartLab

The Campos Foundation Presents $176,000 Check for Monee Elementary SmartLab

Posted on 10/20/2025

Monee Elementary receives check from Campos for SmartLab

On October 14, representatives from The Campos Foundation, based in Denver, Colorado, visited the Crete-Monee School District 201-U to present a generous $176,000 check in support of the installation of a new K–5 HQ Explorer SmartLab at Monee Elementary School.

The new SmartLab is fully equipped with design, production, and installation components to create a hands-on learning environment where students can explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through creative, project-based learning experiences.

The Campos Foundation’s mission is to elevate underrepresented minority and female students through STEM education initiatives. Crete-Monee School District was recommended for this opportunity by SmartLab, a national organization that partners with schools to develop interactive STEM learning spaces.

Technology Integration STEM Coordinator Jamila Bynum is overseeing the SmartLab implementation across the district, with facilitators Christine Quinlan and Garridan Mitchell rotating between Monee, Talala, and Balmoral Elementary Schools. In addition, Lakisha Carter will lead a class session at Monee Elementary. This partnership marks an exciting step forward in expanding STEM learning opportunities for Crete-Monee students and fostering a culture of innovation across the district.

Pictured below are representatives from The Campos Foundation, including Benjamin Kaplan, Kevin McCarthy, Mary Bateman, and Anne Burnett. Raymond Mitchell represented SmartLab. District representatives included Board of Education President Maurice Brown, Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Dr. Ghantel Perkins, Director of Teaching & Learning Robert Genardo, Technology Integration STEM Coordinator Jamila Bynum, Second-Grade Teacher Adrianna Varela, Principal Dr. Kiwana Sanders, Assistant Principal Myetta Ali, and SmartLab Facilitator Christine Quinlan.

Monee SmartLab

Pictured below, representatives from SmartLab and The Campos Foundation are joined by the Office of Teaching & Learning team—Dr. Sara Machamer, Rita Soto, Lynn Hardaway, Nicole Plesha-Chism, Dawn Poces—along with Elementary Enrichment Coordinator Lakisha Carter.

Pictured below is Adrianna Varela, second-grade teacher at Monee Elementary, with her class, alongside Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ghantel Perkins.