Beyond the Screen-Behind the Scene

Learning doesn’t just happen on a screen, it happens when you see how things work in the real world! Each of our field trip locations gives students a behind-the-scenes look at amazing industries, museums, and businesses, turning curiosity into hands-on learning and meeting friends/peers.

Plus, every location will have a Regional Point-of-contact on hand, ready to host you virtually or in-person, answer questions, and make sure every Narwhal has an unforgettable experience.

We're kicking off the new school year with a TOPS Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, and we can't wait to celebrate with our Narwhal families!

Join us for a sweet treat, the opportunity to connect with fellow students, families, teachers, and staff, and a fun way to start the school year together.

📍 Locations and event details are coming soon! We'll be hosting Ice Cream Socials at local ice cream shops and parlors across Texas, making it easy to find a location near you.

Stay tuned, we'll share dates, locations, and registration information as soon as they're available. We look forward to celebrating the start of an amazing school year with you!

September 24th In-Person & Virtual Experience

Get ready for another exciting day of discovery with our September Learn, Create, Explore!

Students and families will have opportunities to learn something new, explore exciting experiences, and get creative through engaging activities designed to inspire curiosity and fun.

Whether you choose to participate virtually or join us for an in-person experience, this is an event you won't want to miss!

✨ More details, locations, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned as we put the finishing touches on another memorable TOPS experience for our Narwhal families!

October 21 | In-Person & Virtual Experience

Prepare for liftoff, Narwhals!

Join us on October 21 as we explore the incredible worlds of space, science, technology, and innovation. This exciting event will inspire curiosity, encourage discovery, and give students opportunities to think like scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Whether you participate virtually or attend one of our in-person experiences, you'll be part of an unforgettable day filled with learning, exploration, and wonder.

🌟 Event details, locations, and registration information are coming soon. Stay tuned as we prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure!

ARTWORK GUIDELINES

Before you submit, make sure your artwork follows these guidelines:

YOUR ARTWORK MUST BE:

• Your own original creation.
• Connected to the theme “Through My Eyes.”
• School-appropriate and respectful.
• Appropriate for a K–12 school community and all ages.
• Submitted as ONE piece of artwork.
• Clear enough to see when uploaded to the Padlet.

🚫 PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT:

• Artwork containing profanity or inappropriate language.
• Graphic violence, gore, or disturbing imagery.
• Sexual or suggestive content.
• Hate symbols, hateful or discriminatory content.
• Content that targets, threatens, bullies, or makes fun of another person or group.
• Anything that would not be appropriate to display in a school setting.
• Artwork created entirely by AI and submitted as your own original artwork.

When in doubt, email Mrs. Alexander (taalexander@texasonlineprep.org) or TOPS staff member before submitting.

You MUST follow these guidelines to be considered for the competition.

November 20th | In-Person & Virtual Experience

Every community is stronger because of the people who lead, serve, and make a difference behind the scenes.

Join us on November 20th as we celebrate the power of service, leadership, and giving back. Through meaningful experiences, students and families will have the opportunity to explore how everyday acts of kindness, teamwork, and leadership can create a lasting impact in our schools and communities.

Whether you participate virtually or attend an in-person experience, this event is designed to inspire, connect, and empower our Narwhal community.

💙 More details, locations, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned as we finalize plans for this special event!

January 8 | In-Person & Virtual Experience

Step into a world of creativity, imagination, and inspiration!

Join us on January 8 for Art, Culture & Hidden Works, where students and families will have the opportunity to explore the arts in exciting new ways. From discovering the creative process to learning what happens behind the scenes, this event is designed to showcase the talent, innovation, and teamwork that bring art, theater, music, and culture to life.

Whether you participate virtually or attend an in-person experience, you'll gain a new appreciation for the people, places, and stories that make the arts so impactful.

🎨 More details, locations, and registration information will be announced soon. Stay tuned as we put the finishing touches on this creative adventure!

On February 2nd, TOPS students will have the opportunity to experience our In-Person and Virtual Experience designed to bring learning, technology, and connections to life!

This year’s theme, “Tech & Connections Revealed,” will take students behind the scenes to explore the innovation, creativity, and people who make the world around us work.

We’re putting together an exciting experience filled with exploration, engagement, and opportunities for our Narwhals to connect and discover.

More details, including activities and event information, will be revealed soon, stay tuned!

On March 12th, TOPS students will have the opportunity to experience our In-Person and Virtual Experience as we go behind the scenes to discover the amazing work, care, and creativity that bring the animal world to life!

This year’s theme, “Wild & Wonderful,” will take students beyond the exhibits and into the hidden stories behind zoos, aquariums, wildlife conservation, and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting and understanding the creatures around us.

On May 19th, we’re ending the year with a celebration created just for our Narwhals!

Get ready for our End-of-Year Bash: Thrills & Skills in Action, where we’ll celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and memories made throughout the school year. This exciting experience will be the perfect way to wrap up another amazing year at TOPS with fun, connections, and plenty of surprises.

We can’t wait to celebrate YOU and all the incredible things our students have achieved this year.

More details and event information coming soon. Stay tuned! 🎊

In case of bad weather, we’ve got you covered!
If weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll see an alternate option listed on the RSVP form or the in-person outing may be canceled for that day.

Be sure to check your email, text and autodialers for the latest updates!

Our amazing POC team is here to guide you and your student through a year filled with exciting experiences! They’re the ones behind the planning, organizing, and hosting of each outing in your area, both virtual and in-person. If you have questions, need help with RSVP details, or just want to say hi, don’t hesitate to reach out. They’re here to make sure your student has the chance to explore, connect, and enjoy every moment along the way!

The adventure is officially on the horizon! Our TOPS Middle School students are headed to Washington, D.C. in June 2027!

Want to learn more about this exciting opportunity? Mark your calendar for our Parent Information Meeting on Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 PM.

📲 Scan the QR code in the graphic below to join the meeting!

Have questions? Please contact Ms. Baucke at sbaucke@texasonlineprep.org.

We can’t wait to help our Narwhals get ready to explore our nation’s capital!

We’re continually working to expand our reach across Texas! According to TOPS policy, all school organized outings must be led by a TOPS staff member. While we aren’t yet able to host events in every area, we’re actively building our team to bring more experiences to more regions. If there isn’t an outing near you just yet, we encourage your student to join one of our many engaging virtual events, we’d love to see them there!

⏰ Outing Times
Most in-person outings will take place from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, unless the location has different operating or event hours. Specific times and details will be communicated through the RSVP invitation for each outing.

👨‍👩‍👧 Adult Supervision
All students must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) during in-person outings.

🚗 Students Driving Themselves
Any participant over the age of 18 who drives themselves to an outing will be required to complete a form prior to attendance.

💳 Outing Costs
Texas Online Preparatory School does not cover costs associated with outings. Families are responsible for any expenses related to participation, including food, beverages, entry fees, parking, transportation, or additional expenses.

📌 Be sure to review the RSVP invitation for each outing for specific dates, times, costs, deadlines, and additional information.

For questions, you can always reach out to any of our outing Regional POC's.

If you are experiencing an immediate emergency, please dial 911.

For all other questions or concerns related to the outing, please contact Tamara Alexander at taalexander@texasonlineprep.org