Copy
View this email in your browser
 
Let's Celebrate!

If you missed this morning's message celebrating the 2021-2022 school year, click the button below to view it now!

Read More
 
Your School Information Source


2020-2030 Strategic Plan

Several faculty and staff members will be serving on a summer team to continue work on our 2020-2030 Strategic Plan. To learn more, and view the outline for the Strategic Plan, click the button below.

Learn More

Middle & Upper School Theater and Choir Teacher Updates
 

We have spent the last several weeks collaborating with Mrs. Headley, Mrs. McWilliams, Mr. Snyder, and many students, interviewing ten phenomenal candidates. Our committee invited the top two candidates for both Choir and Theater to campus to do a mock lesson with our students, Thespians, and the leadership team. From there, two outstanding candidates were selected to continue the Choir/Theater legacy at TFA.

In order to meet the growing need for Theater support, we have divided the program into two focus areas: Middle School Theater and Upper School Theater.

Mrs. Allison Hodges will serve as the Middle School Theater Director and instructor.  Mrs. Hodges is a graduate of Texas Christian University, where she earned a B.A. degree in Theatre with a minor in Speech Communications and a Secondary Teaching certificate. Early in her career, she served as a Middle School Theater, Speech, and Choir Teacher. In the years following, she served in several capacities in the Performing Arts, including a Kidstuf Director, Children's Large Group Coordinator, and a Contract Actor, Director, Producer, and Choreographer.  Mrs. Hodges joined our Fine Arts team as a Fine Arts Activities Assistant in January 2022. She is excited about this new opportunity to serve at TFA in a full-time capacity. Mrs. Hodges’ husband serves as a pastor at First Orlando, and she is the proud mom of three TFA students.

Mr. Jason Porrata will serve as the Upper School Theater Director and instructor. Mr. Porrata is a graduate of Florida State University, where he earned a B.A. degree in History and Theater. He has since worked in several theater and artistic roles on his professional journey. Since 2017, he has served at Orlando Christian Prep, first as a History Teacher & Theater Director. In 2020, he was promoted to the position of Fine Arts Director at the school. Mr. Porrata is excited to bring his talents to The First Academy and looks forward to serving our students. He and his wife are members of Lake Baldwin Church.

Mr. Jordan Castillo will serve as the Middle and Upper School Choir Director. Jordan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Florida. He furthered his studies at the University of Florida and went on to earn a Master’s of Music in Music Performance (percussion). He currently serves as the Choral Director and Music Instructor at King High School in Tampa, FL. Mr. Castillo also holds a K-12 Music Certification. Mr. Castillo is an active member of Grace Family Church. He has served as a music coordinator and also enjoys working with small groups, particularly in student ministry.

We are grateful to Mrs. Headley and Mrs. McWilliams for their commitment to working with this new team to transition them seamlessly into our thriving programs. They will continue to be a vital part of this transition throughout the summer.

We look forward to formally introducing the Fine Arts Department in August for a student and family meet-and-greet. 

Dr. Grove
Upper School Principal

Dr. Holter
Middle School Principal

 
Camp Roar Midsummer Mashup!

The Camp Roar Midsummer Mashup schedule is here! Join us after the July 4th holiday from Tuesday through Friday for this unique week of camp. We'll kick off the week by having cuddly critters coming to camp on Tuesday morning, including a ferret, a chinchilla, a bunny, a guinea pig, a bearded dragon, and a hedgehog! Tuesday afternoon, Inspirit Yoga will lead campers through yoga for kids! On Wednesday we'll go see Sing 2 and have a picnic lunch at a local park. Thursday we're off to Medieval Times, for lunch and a live show! We'll wrap up the week with glow-in-the-dark laser tag and a gametruck on Friday! Register today to ensure your child has a spot in this limited camp! https://thefirstacademysummer.campbrainregistration.com/

Visit Webpage & Register!

Middle & Upper School Summer Offerings

We have exciting news - TFA is expanding our Middle and Upper School Fine Arts, Athletic, and Academic summer offerings!

From Cooking with FLIK and Digital Photography to Lacrosse and Volleyball, your student can enjoy a wide range of academic or sports programs. The direct link to register is http://tfasi.campbrainregistration.com 

For questions and information, please contact Corey Wall at summer@thefirstacademy.org

We look forward to seeing our students this summer!

Visit Webpage & Register
Alumni Spotlight - Armand Woodley

TFA taught me to value the importance of connections and relationships. Everyone you meet and interact with has the potential to bless you and help you along your journey. So many of the bonds I built at TFA laid the groundwork for my success or still bless me today, and I will cherish them always.

Read More


2022-2023 Calendar Main Dates

Visit the link below to view the main calendar dates for the 2022-2023 school year.

View 2022-2023 Main Calendar Dates

Campus Health Protocols Update

The First Academy is committed to the ongoing health, safety, and wellness of our school community. Beginning May 31, 2022, TFA Health Protocols as outlined on our Campus Health webpage will be implemented throughout the entire campus (visitors, team members, students, etc.). Previous COVID-specific protocols and communication will be discontinued. Read more by clicking the button below

View Campus Health Protocols

School Calendar

The most updated school calendar can be found on our Website. Click on the button below to access the calendar.
View Calendar


Rio de Janeiro Mission Trip

COVID-19 may have interrupted First Orlando’s incredible history of mission trips in Brazil, but God’s mission did not stop. In fact, the Lord is doing great things in Brazil - and we are joining Him again!

First Orlando is returning to Brazil this summer for a mission trip to the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro! We are partnering with Restore Brazil, an incredible ministry dedicated to church planting, pastoral training, and mercy ministry.

What are the trip basics?

  • Dates: July 1st - 8th, 2022
  • Location: Rio de Janeiro
  • Cost: $2,300 

What will the team be doing?

We will be partnering with local churches and Restore Brazil missionaries to support child discipleship and evangelism, encourage/equip church planters, teach English, and meet important compassion ministry needs (opportunities may include poverty, homelessness, medical, and jail ministry).

What are my next steps?

Space is limited and July 1st is approaching quickly, so be sure to complete the Brazil 2022 interest form here and start your application today!


Follow The First Academy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 
Facebook
Twitter
The First Academy
Instagram
Our mailing address is:
The First Academy
2667 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32805

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.