STEM lab managers go above and beyond
These STEM lab managers are STEMtacular!
Four Arlington ISD STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lab managers were recently surprised on their campuses with a special district recognition for their outstanding contributions to STEM education. 
Each year, Arlington ISD honors STEM lab managers who go above and beyond in their roles — leading high-impact STEM activities, supporting cross-curricular learning, introducing students to coding and computational thinking and implementing the pre-K 4 STEM program with excellence. This year’s honorees exemplified all of those qualities and more.
Deputy superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collins joined the surprise visits to personally congratulate each recipient and present them with a certificate and a $300 check in appreciation of their exceptional work.
One of those managers was Christina Benites from Little Elementary.
“She works so hard,” said Little principal Beth Anne Woodard. “She’s come so far in such a short time, that’s how amazing she is!”
After three years in the STEM lab, Benites plans to use the check for new supplies such as geoboards, circuit kits, alligator clips, buzzers, motors and battery holders.
“I’m very thankful to be awarded a check so I can buy more supplies and materials for our STEM lab,” Benites said. “My favorite part of STEM is doing circuits, coding and working with different robots with the students.”
This year’s honored STEM Lab Managers also included:
- Farah Said from McNutt Elementary
- Gabriela Gonzales from Wimbish Elementary
- Sadia Ali from Speer Elementary
Congratulations to all four!