The Lewisville ISD Wonder Wagon was unveiled during an official ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Monday, March 6, 2023. Though the titular wagon, part of the district’s elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) department, was only recently revealed, LISD STEM administrators have already begun to introduce Wonder Wagon programming to elementary campuses.
“We have had an exciting first few months of Wonder Wagon, an innovative learning experience designed to support STEM learning for elementary schools across LISD that do not currently have STEM learning on campus,” explained elementary STEM administrator Kimberly Warr. “I am so thankful for the LISD staff who have worked tirelessly to create such a unique learning atmosphere for students.”
The wagon, a custom-built Ford Transit cargo van capable of transporting a mobile STEM classroom, was funded through a Lewisville Education Foundation grant and generous donations by the Rao Foundation. The van was acquired through long-time LISD community partner Five-Star Ford of Lewisville and modified by UBI Truck Upfitters.
Lewisville ISD Superintendent Dr. Lori Rapp, former superintendent Dr. Kevin Rogers, LISD Board of Trustees President Tracy Scott Miller and Elementary Science Facilitator Lori Klimek also provided comments at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Klimek, who has directly overseen the Wonder Wagon program and will continue to drive the operation with the new van, expressed her gratitude and excitement before the ribbon was officially cut.
“Thank you to everyone who has come out today to help us celebrate and officially get these wheels on the road!”
In attendance for the event were constituents from the LISD community, including members of the Board of Trustees: Tracy Scott Miller, Allison Lassahn, Katherine Sells, Dr. Buddy Bonner, Kristi Hassett and Jenny Proznik; Lewisville mayor T.J. Gilmore; Elena Glassman, district liaison for the office Texas Representative Kronda Thimesch; Nagaraj and Seshkumari Rao of the Roa Foundation; city council members and chamber representatives from across the district and many others.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees were invited to inspect the van and participate in a selection of STEM-based educational stations that are offered to students participating in Wonder Wagon events.
