Academies at the OC

Today, our Academy staff spent the day doing what we ask our students to do every day...thinking differently.

During our July Professional Learning, we challenged ourselves to define the boundaries that allow us to innovate within the box. Instead of seeing constraints as limitations, we embraced them as opportunities to design learning experiences that are creative, meaningful, and centered on what matters most for students.

The conversations were inspiring as teams reimagined our learning blocks, explored new possibilities, and collaborated to create experiences that simply don't fit the traditional mold.

Innovation doesn't happen by accident, it happens when passionate educators come together with a shared vision and a willingness to think beyond "the way it's always been."

We can't wait to see today's ideas come to life this school year as we continue creating unique opportunities that inspire curiosity, ignite passions, and transform learning for every Academy student.

The future is being built...one innovative idea at a time. 💚

Today marked the beginning of an exciting journey as our Student Summer Advisory Team came together to begin shaping the upcoming school year!

At the Academies, we believe some of the best ideas come from the students we serve. That's why student voice isn't just something we value, it's something we intentionally build into the work we do. From learning experiences and campus traditions to spaces and opportunities, our students help us think differently and create a school that truly reflects their needs, passions, and ideas.

We're incredibly grateful for these student leaders who are giving their time this summer to dream, collaborate, and help us build an even stronger year ahead.

Have a listen and meet our team: https://open.spotify.com/show/033yRuORQSwLn39arVBtFJ?si=CXG525pmSlS3-KqxbXIuzQ

🎙️ We’re excited to officially launch our new podcast, Academies Beyond Walls!

This podcast is dedicated to sharing the stories, people, and innovative ideas that make our Academies so special. Through conversations with educators, students, families, and community partners, we'll explore how meaningful relationships, real-world learning, and a learner-centered approach are transforming education.

Our first episode is now live! Join us as we introduce the vision behind the Academies and celebrate the incredible staff who are helping us reimagine what learning can be.

🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LiG7XWSkVisIWDQWc9Oyh?si=OkMDPhdWQFGZIPRG-wj52w

We have exciting news to celebrate!

Please join us in congratulating four of our incredible teachers for earning a TIA designation from the Texas Education Agency. This recognition honors their dedication to student growth, excellence in the classroom, and the lasting impact they make on students every day.

We are so proud of the hard work, passion, and commitment they bring to our campus. Their achievement is a reflection of the high expectations they set for themselves and the success they inspire in their students.

Help us celebrate and congratulate these amazing teachers in the comments below! 🎉🍎👏

Today, our K–8 Academies teams from the OC and Wilson Elementary came together with one purpose: to reimagine what education can be.

It was a day filled with collaboration, innovation, and big dreams as we explored new possibilities for teaching and learning. Together, we challenged traditional thinking, shared ideas, and envisioned a future where every student has opportunities to thrive, discover their passions, and reach their full potential.

The future of education isn’t something that happens to us, it’s something we create together. Today was an exciting step forward, and we can’t wait to see where this shared vision takes us. Thank you Steelcase Dallas for hosting us!

While summer has officially begun, learning never stops for our team! 8 of our 17 Academy teachers are spending their first two weeks of summer pouring into fellow Forney ISD educators through professional learning and training opportunities. 🎉

Seeing half of our teaching staff step into leadership roles beyond our campus is something worth celebrating. Their willingness to share ideas, inspire others, and invest in the growth of educators across the district speaks volumes about the talent, passion, and servant leadership that make our team so special.

We are incredibly proud of these educators for representing our campus so well and helping kick off summer learning across Forney ISD!

Thank you Acker, Emmert, Strong, Bratcher, Cornelison, Wheeler, Mercer and Powell for your dedication to Forney ISD!

A huge shout out to a few of our teachers for spending today setting up for the Forney ISD Forcast Learning Conference that begins tomorrow! Your impact goes beyond our Academies, and we are so grateful!

What a way to wrap up an incredible school year! 🎉

Our End of Year Bash was filled with so many fun memories — from Polaroid pictures and karaoke singing & dancing, to bingo, yearbook signing, popcorn, and a slideshow full of moments from this amazing year together.

A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for helping make today so special. Your time, support, and willingness to jump in helped create such a fun and memorable celebration for our students!

The laughter, friendships, and memories made tonight were the perfect way to celebrate all we’ve accomplished. Hello summer! 😎

Tomorrow is Academies Jeans & Spirit Shirt Day! 👖💙
Break out your favorite jeans and show your school pride by wearing your spirit shirt. Please remember—jeans must have no holes, rips, or tears.