Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Students' Inspiring Journey to the 2024 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals: A Tale of Creativity & Teamwork
 

 

The journey to the 2024 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is one of sheer determination, innovation, and Collaborative Spirit for students in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD).

Students from thirteen district schools took part in Odyssey of the Mind this year, and out of those, an impressive six will be advancing to the World Finals in May. The participants in the competition exhibited exceptional skills as resourceful problem-solvers, displaying persistence and adaptability, which are traits of of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate.

Season Begins

As the season began, students across SBISD, from Cornerstone to Westwood Elementary, threw themselves into the competition's problems, with each team selecting a problem that sparked their collective imaginations.

They gathered in classrooms, libraries, and living rooms, brainstorming and building, writing, and rehearsing all under the watchful eyes of their dedicated coaches. Participating schools included:

Regionals

At the Houston Area Region Odyssey ("HARO") Competition in February, anticipation was high. Cedarbrook, Frostwood, Meadow Wood, Ridgecrest Elementary, Rummel Creek, Sherwood, Terrace, Thornwood, Valley Oaks, Westwood, Cornerstone, Spring Forest, and Westchester Academy (WAIS) each presented their long-crafted solutions with enthusiasm.

The challenges ranged from creating a Drive-In Movie scene to devising a skit around Classics... Opening Night Antics, and even constructing a Deep Space Structure that could withstand certain tests.

View regional scores here.

State Competition

Riding on their regional successes, a Cornerstone team, two Frostwood Elementary teams, two Ridgecrest teams, a Rummel Creek team, a Spring Forest Middle School, and two Westchester Academy teams headed to state competition at Texas Woman’s University with new ideas to refine their presentations. Here, they were representing their schools and the aspirations of their entire district.

Frostwood Elementary and Ridgecrest Elementary bagged the highly coveted, Renatra Fusca award, ensuring their spots at the World Finals. Judges said the award was for “exceptional creativity in the structure of their entire performance.”  Their performances embodied the spirit of the program - solving problems with creativity and teamwork.

State results for SBISD teams:

  • Frostwood: Problem 3 team placed 1st + Renatra Fusca Award
  • Ridgecrest: Problem 4 team placed 4th + Renatra Fusca Award
  • Spring Forest: Problem Problem 3 teams placed 2nd
  • Westchester Academy: Problem 3 team placed 1st
  • Westchester Academy: Problem 5 team placed 2nd

View state scores here.

World Finals

Having secured their spot in the World Finals, the teams have shifted their focus towards preparing for the upcoming international stage. Diligent and tireless practices will be the norm as they work on refining every detail in readiness for the competition scheduled for May. We can’t wait to see the results!

Our congratulations to the Odyssey of the Mind teams who have made us all #SBISDProud.