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Heartland Education Foundation Powers Robotics Success in Crandall ISD Middle Schools

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:10:57 GMT

Innovation is alive and well in Crandall ISD middle schools, where students are designing, building, and programming competitive robots thanks to the support of the Heartland Education Foundation.

Through the Foundation’s sponsorship, middle school students can enroll in a robotics course that prepares them to compete in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQC). This course goes far beyond an introduction to robotics — it immerses students in hands-on engineering, coding, collaboration, and strategic problem-solving.

Inside the Classroom

Each season, students are presented with a new engineering challenge.

Working in teams, they use the VEX IQ system — including structural pieces, motors, sensors, and programmable components — to design and build robots capable of competing on an official competition field.

Throughout the process, students:

Test and refine their designs
Develop and troubleshoot code
Practice strategic thinking
Strengthen communication and teamwork skills

In addition to competition performance, teams document their progress in engineering notebooks and participate in design interviews, where they explain their problem-solving process and design decisions.

Competition Highlights

This season has already brought strong results for Crandall ISD students.

At a recent competition, the team advanced to the finals — qualifying among the top-scoring half of all participating teams — and finished 14th out of 40 teams overall.

On Valentine’s Day, the Heartland Middle School robotics team traveled to Miller Grove ISD to compete. Representing HMS as the Pixel Pirates, the team advanced to finals and placed 8th out of 32 teams.

Their success reflects months of preparation, perseverance, and teamwork.

If the team earns a first-place finish at an upcoming competition, they will qualify for the state middle school robotics competition.

Investing in the Future

Programs like this are made possible through the continued support of the Heartland Education Foundation.

By sponsoring robotics in Crandall ISD middle schools, the Foundation is investing in future engineers, programmers, designers, and problem-solvers. Students are not just building robots — they are building confidence, resilience, and skills that will serve them far beyond the competition field.

The robotics program stands as a powerful example of what happens when community support meets student curiosity and hard work. Crandall ISD is proud of its middle school robotics teams and grateful for a Foundation that continues to create opportunities for students to explore, compete, and excel.

Sixth Graders Across Crandall ISD Experience Real-World Learning at JA BizTown

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:04:20 GMT

Sixth Graders Across Crandall ISD Experience Real-World Learning at JA BizTown

Sixth grade students across Crandall ISD are stepping beyond the classroom and into the real world through their visit to JA BizTown at the JA Discovery Center.

Recently, students from Central Middle School — including Ms. Gena Thomas’s 6th grade Social Studies class — participated in the immersive BizTown simulation, where learning comes to life through hands-on experience.

From Classroom Lessons to Real-World Application

Before visiting the Crandall ISD Discovery Center, students complete approximately ten in-class lessons focused on financial literacy, economics, budgeting, citizenship, and workforce readiness. These lessons prepare students for what they will experience during their time at BizTown.

When students arrive at the Discovery Center, they take part in a full-scale, real-world simulation. For the day, they step into professional roles such as business owners, bank tellers, CEOs, city officials, and employees. They operate businesses, manage bank accounts, deposit paychecks, write checks, and make financial decisions — all while working collaboratively to keep their town running successfully.

Learning the Real Cost of Living

JA BizTown is designed to:

Teach students to develop and follow a monthly budget
Help students research and understand the real “costs of living” for life’s basic necessities
Encourage personal responsibility for learning and self-management
Promote communication and teamwork
Challenge students to think critically, analyze tasks, and solve problems creatively

Throughout the day, students quickly learn that every decision has consequences. They must balance their budgets, meet business goals, and support their teammates in order for the town to function effectively.

A Meaningful Opportunity

For many students, BizTown provides their first hands-on experience managing money in a realistic setting. Rather than simply learning about economics in a textbook, students actively practice financial literacy skills in a dynamic, interactive environment.

Ms. Gena Thomas, 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Central Middle School, shared her appreciation for the opportunity.

“Experiences like BizTown truly bring our lessons to life,” Thomas said. “Our students gain confidence, responsibility, and a real understanding of how financial decisions impact their future. We are incredibly grateful to the Heartland Education Foundation for providing this opportunity and investing in meaningful learning experiences for our students.”

Crandall ISD is proud to offer experiences like JA BizTown that connect classroom instruction to real-world application. Through strong partnerships and community support, students are building the financial knowledge and life skills that will serve them well beyond middle school.

Heartland Education Foundation Brings Hands-On Science to Every CISD Campus with the Perot Museum

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:31:16 GMT

Heartland Education Foundation Brings Hands-On Science to Every CISD Campus with the Perot Museum

Crandall ISD students are experiencing science in powerfu l and memorable ways thanks to the continued generosity of the Heartland Education Foundation. Now in its fourth year, Heartland’s sponsorship of the Perot Museum education visits has ensured that every CISD elementary and middle school receives high-quality, hands-on STEM programming that enriches classroom learning and inspires student curiosity.

This past week, students explored Pangea and plate tectonics during the Perot Museum’s “Puzzling Out the Past” program. Learners investigated Earth’s shifting continents, worked through scientific puzzles, and engaged in collaborative problem-solving—all designed to build a deeper understanding of Earth science. Photos from both Heartland Education Foundation and Central Middle School showcase the excitement and engagement in action.

A Year of STEM Exploration Across CISD

Through Heartland’s support, Perot Museum educators visited all CISD Elementary campuses this year, delivering grade-level science experiences aligned to TEKS:

CISD Elementaries

Pre-K: Amazing Animals
Kindergarten: Solar Superstars
1st Grade: Do Bugs Bug You?
2nd Grade: Dig Those Dinos
3rd Grade: What’s the Matter?
4th Grade: Air and Weather
5th Grade: Field Trip to the Perot Museum

CISD Middle Schools

6th Grade: Chemistry Detectives
7th Grade: Crash Test Cars
8th Grade: Puzzling Out the Past

The partnership continues to grow at the high school level as well. Crandall High School AP Physics students will welcome the Perot Museum on January 14, 2026, for the Truss Bridge Challenge, an engineering experience where students design and test truss structures using real-world physics principles.

Thanks to the Heartland Education Foundation, thousands of CISD students, our youngest explorers through our high school scientists, are participating in immersive STEM learning that sparks interest, deepens understanding, and supports academic success.

Heartland Education Foundation Proudly Sponsors Crandall ISD Teachers at AVID Summer Institute

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:41:18 GMT

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The Heartland Education Foundation is proud to continue investing in the future of Crandall ISD by sponsoring middle school and high school teachers to attend last week’s AVID Summer Institute in Dallas. This professional learning experience gives educators valuable tools to better equip students for academic success and lifelong achievement.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally recognized program that helps students develop skills in organization, time management, critical thinking, and collaboration. The program focuses on preparing students—particularly those in the academic middle—for college, career, and life success by providing them with the strategies and support needed to thrive in rigorous coursework.

Thanks to Heartland’s full sponsorship, Crandall ISD teachers were able to participate in intensive training sessions, collaborate with fellow educators, and gain new approaches to engage and empower students in the classroom. The knowledge and strategies they bring back will directly benefit students across the district, helping them build confidence, set goals, and realize their full potential.

“At Heartland, we believe that investing in educators is one of the most powerful ways to impact students,” said Foundation representatives. “We are proud to partner with Crandall ISD to strengthen teaching, support learning, and help students build bright futures.”

With the new school year just around the corner, Heartland looks forward to seeing the positive impact these dedicated educators will have on students across Crandall ISD. The foundation remains committed to supporting opportunities that help every student succeed.

Heartland Education Foundation Sponsors Summer of STEM Learning at Camp Invention

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:45:17 GMT

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The Heartland Education Foundation is proud to continue investing in Crandall ISD students by sponsoring 30 campers to attend this summer’s Camp Invention — a nationally recognized STEM program designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage problem-solving.

Over the course of four days, students engaged in hands-on projects that challenged them to think critically, collaborate with their peers, and design their own unique inventions. Led by Crandall’s own educators, campers explored open-ended challenges that combined science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and interactive environment.

“Camp Invention is more than just summer fun—it’s an opportunity for students to develop key skills that will serve them for years to come,” said Heartland Education Foundation representatives. “We are proud to make this experience accessible to more Crandall ISD families through our sponsorship.”

The Foundation’s support ensures that more students have access to high-quality enrichment experiences that promote curiosity, innovation, and confidence. As Heartland continues its mission to invest in educational opportunities, programs like Camp Invention remain a shining example of how community partnerships can empower the next generation of problem-solvers.

To view photos from this year’s Camp Invention, visit: Photo Gallery

Heartland Education Foundation Honors Crandall ISD Staff During Teacher Appreciation Week

Sat, 10 May 2025 18:48:31 GMT

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At Heartland Education Foundation, we believe that behind every successful student stands a dedicated teacher or staff member. Educators play a vital role in shaping the future, and their daily commitment is the heart of what makes Crandall ISD an exceptional place to learn and grow.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Foundation was excited to find a small way to show our gratitude and encouragement. As a special treat, Heartland Education Foundation purchased Nothing Bundt Cakes for the entire Crandall ISD staff, hoping to bring a smile and a sweet pick-me-up as they continued their important work to finish the school year strong.

“We know that great schools are built by great people,” shared Heartland representatives. “The teachers, support staff, and administrators of Crandall ISD give so much every day to help students succeed. We simply wanted to say thank you and remind them how valued they are.”

The Heartland Education Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting the people who make a difference every single day in our schools. As the year comes to a close, we celebrate the passion, care, and dedication of every Crandall ISD staff member—and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the district in recognizing their incredible work.

Heartland Education Foundation Celebrates Innovation at Crandall ISD JA Discovery Center

Fri, 02 May 2025 18:55:53 GMT

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The Heartland Education Foundation was proud to witness another exciting day at the Crandall ISD Junior Achievement Discovery Center, as the Dallas Mavericks Cheerleaders and ManiAACs energized students and showed that learning can be fun, engaging, and inspiring.

The Crandall ISD Junior Achievement Discovery Center, which opened its doors in February 2024, continues to grow and expand its reach—providing real-world learning experiences for all Crandall ISD students. Sponsored by the Heartland Education Foundation, the center offers innovative programs that bring financial literacy, career exploration, and leadership skills to life.

We are grateful for our ongoing partnership in Crandall ISD, where we are able to support innovative programs and learning opportunities like Junior Achievement. These hands-on experiences give students the tools and confidence to make informed decisions and build bright futures.

Through continued collaboration with Crandall ISD, Junior Achievement, and partners like the Dallas Mavericks, Heartland remains committed to investing in meaningful learning opportunities that inspire and empower students across the district.

Welcome to the Heartland Education Foundation News Center!

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:04:27 GMT

Exciting things are happening in Heartland & Crandall.

Here, you'll stay informed about the latest news and exciting updates from both the Heartland Education Foundation and Crandall ISD. We’ll keep you updated on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, impact reports, and much more. Be sure to check back often for new updates!

Heartland Education Foundation Helps Crandall Middle School Students Step Into Real-World Finance

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:58:20 GMT

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The Heartland Education Foundation is proud to continue its mission of empowering Crandall ISD students through real-world learning experiences. Most recently, Heartland sponsored Crandall Middle School 7th graders as they participated in JA Finance Park at the Crandall ISD JA Discovery Center — an interactive experience designed to build essential financial literacy skills.

In preparation for their visit, students completed a series of classroom lessons covering critical topics such as budgeting, credit, and responsible financial decision-making. Once at JA Finance Park, students stepped into an immersive simulation where they were each assigned a unique life scenario, complete with an education level, career, income, and family structure. With their assigned profiles, students navigated financial decisions like housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, and more—while working to balance a real-life budget.

Throughout the day, students encountered situations that required them to apply for loans, evaluate expenses, and see firsthand how credit scores influence financial opportunities. With guidance from dedicated community volunteers, students made informed choices while developing a deeper understanding of how financial responsibility shapes long-term stability and success.

This powerful experience took place at the JA Discovery Center, located at Crandall ISD’s Rayne Education Center—the first JA Discovery Center of its kind in Texas. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Heartland Education Foundation, the center provides Crandall ISD students in grades 4–12 with engaging, hands-on learning that connects classroom lessons to real-world applications.

“Heartland Education Foundation is committed to investing in opportunities that prepare students for success beyond the classroom,” said Foundation representatives. “By providing experiences like JA Finance Park, we’re helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they’ll need to navigate their financial futures.”

The Foundation is honored to support these innovative learning experiences and remains dedicated to helping every Crandall ISD student build a strong foundation for life-long success.