‘A brighter future for our students’

By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic

NORTH MIAMI | Gabriel Cambert was in shock and awe when he saw the transformation of the St. James School library into a technology center.

“The school had federally available Covid-related funding,” said Cambert, archdiocesan associate school superintendent for government programs, when he saw the new SmartLab at the school in North Miami.

Lori Bryant, principal of St. James School, researched the possibility of creating a SmartLab at the school. She connected with Creative Learning Systems, a company that sets up labs in schools.

The SmartLab opened in August 2024, and on Jan. 22, 2025, Archbishop Thomas Wenski blessed the lab and cut a green ribbon along with Father Fenly Saint-Jean, pastor of St. James Church and Bryant to officially open the SmartLab.

Bryant said the school is grateful for the funding and thanked Creative Learning Systems for setting up the Lab.

With this lab “our students will step into a fully prepared modern environment,” said Bryant. “Today, we are celebrating a brighter future for our students. This is a testimony to our school. We are a hidden gem.”

Ragasten Paul, the inner-city school’s SmartLab facilitator, said the lab is establishing a model of excellence in education.

“In this innovative space, our students and teachers will explore, create, demonstrate, thrive, and share the benefits of 21st century teaching and learning technology,” said Paul and added, “Hold on to your hats, only God knows where this will lead us. Now, we have cutting-edge technology, such as learning basic computer coding. This has brought excitement to our school as students sharpen their skills. We will see how dynamic and intelligent our students are. Our kindergarten students are learning things that others in public school are not learning until fifth grade.”

A poster on the wall describes the room as based on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math. The design of the lab cultivates collaboration and inquiry. Everything in the room accentuates technology. Five computer islands highlight the center of the room with a total of 15 computers. All of the computers have swivel bases for easy maneuvering.

“Everything is meant for trial and error,” said Emily Woolston, customer success manager for Creative Learning Systems, who attended the dedication. “The lab is a problem-based learning environment. We provide the school with curriculum and technical support, equipment refurbishment, training, professional development, and an annual SmartLab conference for facilitators.

Colorful poles cover the wires in the center desks, with each pole bearing inspirational sayings such as, “Everyone is an explorer,” “Learners become Problem-solvers,” “Learning is different here,” “Explore, plan, do and reflect, share,” “Find your ah-Ha moment.” The sayings are written on green, gold, blue, and rose-colored poles, topped with the words SmartLab. Tech kits in well-organized plastic containers occupy an entire wall of the room. The Lab includes a 3D printer. A digital clock with the date, day, and time has replaced the traditional classroom clock.

“Here, we will advance new and novel modes of discovery of who we are and how we use God’s gifts of transformation to advance, not only science, technology, art, engineering and math, but, also religion, faith, service, zeal and goodness,” said Paul. “This will benefit all who are privileged to participate in this new approach to the art and science of education in a Catholic environment.”

During the dedication, students worked on various projects incorporating their Catholic identity. One group worked on an animation of a person climbing stairs to heaven. They used the Stop Motion Pro app to work on the animation. First, they created a cardboard storyboard using a clay figure of a man climbing steps. Then they photographed the scene with an i-Pad, step by step, and set the man on the stairs in motion using minor movements in sequence. The app adds timing to the animation.

“It’s called, The Gates of Heaven,” said the student. “The sinner is seeking salvation by going up the steps with good deeds.”

Another group worked on an animation of a dog lost in an enchanted forest following a butterfly. They took measurements of the scene then moved into production using Stop-Motion Pro.

“It’s engineering, not just using an i-Pad,” said Carmita Lucien, their fifth-grade teacher. “They’re creating.”

Students at St. James School are eager to work in the SmartLab. “It’s unique,” said eighth-grader Mahalia Beaudouin, 13, who has attended the school since kindergarten. “The lab opens new opportunities for us.”