Middle school GT students tackle community issues at State Civics Fair

As part of the GT Explorations curriculum, students from all seven district middle schools have spent the year working in teams to identify real-world community problems and design innovative solutions. Through this experience, students developed the tools, skills, and confidence to take meaningful action and make a lasting impact.

In December, student teams gathered at the Legacy Learning Center to present their projects to a panel of judges. Topics ranged from distracted driving to bullying and beyond. The top five teams advanced to represent the district at the State Civics Fair in Austin on April 5.

The State Civics Fair is the culminating event of Speak Up Speak Out, a statewide civic engagement program hosted by the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at the University of Texas at Austin. Student teams from across Texas presented their work, competing for the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. The first-place prize includes a $600 grant to support the continued implementation of their project.

We are thrilled to announce that Tidwell Middle School’s “Knowledge Nook Tutoring Program” earned 1st place among all middle school teams statewide! The team identified a slow decline in academic performance and responded by creating Knowledge Nook, a peer-tutoring program designed to inspire, support, and uplift fellow students. Their goal is to:

• Enhance academic achievement
• Reduce stress levels
• Foster a positive and collaborative learning environment

Adams Middle School’s “Impact Supply” project earned 2nd place for their thoughtful approach to educational equity. Their team recognized that many students lacked access to basic school supplies due to financial hardship, which negatively impacted learning and motivation. They designed a plan to discreetly provide care packages to families in need—ensuring privacy, dignity, and opportunity for all.

We’d also like to congratulate Worthington Middle School, whose project Uneducated Distracted Driving received special recognition for Best Research. Their work raised awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and the need for better education around the issue.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their creativity, compassion, and commitment to positive change. Their voices truly make a difference!