Talented & Gifted Showcase Highlights Real World Tech

Throughout the year, our TAG students work on various research projects. These projects range anywhere from researching future careers to possible pets they would like to own. Upon doing all the hard work and gathering their information, they are asked to create a final product. The students create a presentation using either Microsoft PowerPoint or Prezi, an online presentation tool. When working on these presentations, students are charged with the task of adding their researched information, inserting pictures and short videos. They also learn how to change fonts, colors, backgrounds and include transitions.  In addition to their presentation, they create to a second end product of their choosing. These second products sometimes include making short videos using Animoto, an online short movie maker. Students enjoy using these various programs as they allow creativity. As an added bonus, these programs require a certain degree of problem solving, as students have to figure out how to customize their projects. 

While the projects are presented in class to their peers, their hard work doesn't get near the attention and accolades they deserve. Recently, our Voigt TAG students were invited to share their hard work and projects at a district event. Ten of our 2nd-5th graders seized the opportunity to present one of their favorite projects from this year. They were able to share their projects with their families, as well as community members. Mrs. Stockton, the Voigt TAG teacher, couldn't be prouder of all the hard work these students put into their projects.

Voigt Named Regional Finalist in Video Contest

Voigt Elementary school was named as one of the finalists in the 2014 Celebrate Texas Public Schools (CTPS) 60-second Video Contest, sponsored by Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union and the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA). Voigt’s student created video featured students asking peers and teachers, “What makes Voigt the place to be?” and highlighted the successes of math and literacy family nights.

Eight Round Rock ISD schools submitted videos for the TSPRA competition. Ridgeview and Voigt have advanced to the state round where they are eligible to win $1,000. State winners will be announced at the 2014 TSPRA annual conference in February.  To learn more about CTPS go to celebratetps.org.

PowToon Promotion of Wonder

Round Rock ISD students, staff and community members have been reading and sharing "Wonder" throughout the year as part of the “One Book, One Community” initiative funded by the 2013 H-E-B Excellence in Education Large District Award proceeds. In preparation for the author, R.J. Palacio's, visit students were encouraged to create a video submission depicting how they Share Out the Wonder in their community. Voigt students used PowToon to create their campaign that focused on raising the awareness of the value of being kind to others. 

Celebrate Texas Public Schools Video Contest

A small group of students in Mrs. Stockton's class took on the challenge of creating and producing a video for the Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week video contest. They brainstormed all of the qualities they loved about their school and made a plan for how to capture those qualities on video. With lots of quality video footage, it was quite tricky to narrow it down to sixty seconds, but they got it done. Fingers crossed, we win! Great work to all of the kids highlighting why Voigt is the Place to Be!

Photostory Fans

Second grade students in Mrs. Laredo and Ms. Morales' classes are researching animals, including their life cycle and habitat, and creating Photostory presentations to share what they have learned. Students import pictures, add facts, and design their own music track! The are targeting several technology TEKS such as creating original products using multimedia for a defined audience. And most importantly...they are having fun!

Digital Book Trailers

Students in Mr. Carter's fourth grade class along with the librarian, Mrs. Jackson, are working on creating book trailers for one of their favorite books. Students will be using Animoto which allows for visual imagery, music, and movement--a combination that will excite kids about reading throughout the summer! Check back to watch!