UPDATE: SBISD on the World Stage
March 30, 2026: The momentum continues. Of the nine teams that advanced to state, two SBISD teams have now earned their place at World Finals—and both brought home FIRST PLACE finishes.
Spring Forest Middle School (SFMS) (Problem 3, Division 2) not only placed first, but also earned the competition’s highest honor—the Ranatra Fusca Award.
Valley Oaks Elementary (VOE) also captured a first-place finish, a testament to the strength of the program and leadership on that campus.
This is what it looks like when students are given the space to think, adapt, and create at the highest level.
(Spring Forest Middle OM Team)
(Valley Oaks Elementary OM Team)
#SBISDProud
Originally published March 2026:
Creative. Composed. Ready for Anything.
A set won’t fit. A plan falls apart. A key piece is missing.
And in that moment, there are no instructions only a team, a problem, and the expectation to figure it out. That’s where SBISD’s Odyssey of the Mind students stand out. At this year’s Regional academic competition, teams didn’t just showcase what they prepared, they demonstrated how they think. Measuring, adjusting, and solving complex challenges in real time, without adult direction.
At Spring Forest Middle School (SFMS), students reworked their entire setup to make it into the competition space and then earned first place. At Sherwood Elementary, a last-minute disruption became a test of teamwork and adaptability and another first-place finish. This is what high-level problem solving looks like in action. And it’s why 9 of 17 SBISD teams are advancing to state.
What Is Odyssey of the Mind?
Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition where students design and perform original solutions to complex challenges. Each team selects a problem and develops an eight-minute performance—complete with scripts, props, costumes, and technical elements—while staying within strict guidelines. In addition to their long-term solution, teams also compete in a “Spontaneous” challenge, solving a problem in real time within minutes. The experience builds far more than a performance. Students develop collaboration, adaptability, communication, and resourcefulness—skills that extend far beyond the stage.
From Ideas to Performance
After months of planning, building, and practicing, 17 SBISD teams competed at the regional tournament. Once inside the competition space, teams had just minutes to set up and perform. Judges evaluated creativity, technical design, storytelling, and overall execution. Then came Spontaneous where teams had to think quickly, collaborate, and deliver solutions on the spot. The combined scores determined which teams would advance.
SBISD Teams Advancing to State
More than half of SBISD’s teams earned top placements and are moving on to the state competition.
Problem 3: The Epic Quest
Division 1 (Elementary)
Frostwood Elementary (2nd Place) → Read their story
Valley Oaks Elementary (4th Place) → Read their story
Division 2 (Middle School)
Spring Forest Middle School (1st Place) → Read their story
Westchester Academy for International Studies (2nd Place) → Read their story
Division 3 (High School)
Westchester Academy for International Studies (1st Place) → Read their story
Problem 5: Taller Tales of John Jivery
Division 1 (Elementary)
Sherwood Elementary (1st Place) → Read their story
Valley Oaks Elementary (2nd Place) → Read their story
Frostwood Elementary (4th Place) → Read their story
Division 2 (Middle School)
Cornerstone Academy (3rd Place) → Read their story
What Students Gained
Across teams and campuses, one thing was consistent: growth.
Students learned how to:
Work through challenges without adult direction
Give and receive feedback
Manage time, materials, and budgets
Adapt when things didn’t go as planned
They built confidence—not just in performing, but in solving problems together.
What’s Next
These nine teams will represent SBISD at the state competition this month. The work doesn’t stop here. Teams will continue refining their performances, improving technical elements, and preparing for the next level of competition. Because in Odyssey of the Mind, success isn’t just about the final result. It’s about how students think, adapt, and create along the way.