The Sioux Falls School District marked a major milestone on Tuesday, August 19, with the ribbon-cutting of its first-ever SmartLab at the newly built Marcella LeBeau Elementary School. The state-of-the-art STEM learning environment is designed to give students hands-on, project-based learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while preparing them for future careers.
Principal Patrick Purdy highlighted the transformative potential of the lab. “I’m thrilled to see our students grow and discover new ways to collaborate and learn academically with our STEM lab,” Purdy said. “The possibilities for students to explore, create, and engage in hands-on projects will prepare them for the careers they pursue in the future. The STEM lab is a gateway to endless possibilities, and it’s so fun to hear how excited the kids are about what they’re building, learning about, and exploring in class.”
The SmartLab Approach integrates a career-connected, project-based learning curriculum with hands-on tools and equipment, turning theory into practice. Students work in customized STEM learning environments guided by a SmartLab Certified Facilitator, with ongoing support from the program to ensure long-term success.
Jessica Freeman, the school’s SmartLab Facilitator, emphasized the lab’s unique opportunities. “The STEM lab is an exciting place with so many opportunities to work together with unique materials,” Freeman said. “The learning experiences students are having—and will continue to have—here are truly one of a kind.”
The lab’s design encourages students to collaborate, solve problems, and discover their potential. Each hands-on challenge helps students build technical skills while developing confidence, resilience, and a belief in their ability to innovate.
District leaders described the SmartLab as a groundbreaking step in educational innovation. “Opening a new school is always exciting, but the SmartLab brings something truly unique,” said Dr. Kirk Zeeck, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. “As the first in our District, it offers students and staff at Marcella LeBeau Elementary a daily adventure in hands-on learning unlike anything they’ve experienced before.”
The ribbon-cutting event drew community members, educators, and families eager to witness the start of a new era in Sioux Falls education. With students already engaged in projects and experiments, the SmartLab is expected to inspire curiosity and innovation across grade levels.