Lone Star Learning & Liftoff: 7th & 8th Graders Take on Austin and Waco

By Susie Rogers, 5th-8th ELA

This spring, our 7th and 8th grade classes took an unforgettable field trip to Austin and Waco, Texas — and it was the perfect mix of learning and fun!

We started our journey in Austin, where we explored the heart of Texas history at the State Capitol. Standing in the grand rotunda and walking the halls where laws are made gave us a real sense of how our government works.

Next up was the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where we dove deeper into the story of Texas — from its earliest days to modern times. The exhibits made history come alive, and we even got to watch an IMAX movie that left us all amazed. We also toured the LBJ Presidential Library where we with through the timeline of his terms and even saw a scaled version of the Oval Office. We ended our UT experience with a personal tour of the Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium and Hall of Fame exhibit where students raced on the field and explored the Founders’ suites for the perfect bird’s eye view of all things orange!

In Waco, we visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, learning about the legendary lawmen who helped shape Texas. It was cool to see real artifacts and hear stories about the Rangers' bravery and dedication.

Of course, no field trip is complete without a little fun! We soared (safely) through the air at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, laughed and competed at Topgolf, and ended the trip with a private Hibachi dinner party, where we celebrated not only our journey but also the friendships and memories we've made this year.

This trip was more than just a break from school — it was a chance to grow, explore, and connect with each other. We’ll be talking about it for years to come!