OMS Announcements Wednesday September 24, 2025
OMS PE Student of the Week
"We picked Jace for student of the week because he always shows up to class with a great attitude, helps to keep others on track, and never shies away from helping other students when they need it." - Mr. Endress
"We picked Jace for student of the week because he always shows up to class with a great attitude, helps to keep others on track, and never shies away from helping other students when they need it." - Mr. Endress
Announcements Tuesday September 23, 2025
A recent article about the new OMS SmartLab!
Orion Middle School Unveils Cutting-Edge SmartLab to Ignite Student Innovation
Ribbon-cutting celebrates a hands-on STEM learning environment that inspires confidence, curiosity, and future-ready skills
Orion, IL – August 29, 2025 – Orion Middle School proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 29, to officially open its brand-new SmartLab, a state-of-the-art STEM learning environment designed to prepare students for future academic and career success through hands-on, project-based learning.
SmartLab is a career-connected STEM ecosystem that empowers students to build strong technical skills while developing resilience, creativity, and confidence. More than just learning content, students are discovering their own STEM identity—the belief that “I belong here, I can master rigorous challenges, and my ideas make an impact.” Through meaningful projects and collaborative problem-solving, Orion Middle School students are engaging in real-world applications across multiple industry pathways.
Educators and administrators are already seeing the profound impact of the SmartLab. Oliver Jones, STEaM Teacher and Student Success Coordinator for the Orion School District, described how students have responded: “It's incredible to see students in our new STEM lab. They're not just reading about concepts anymore; they're actually building, experimenting, and trying until they start seeing things click. You can literally see their eyes light up when they figure something out – it's those 'aha!' moments that make this experience so rewarding for our students.”
Veteran science teacher Kevin Roling shared his enthusiasm for the program: “As a science teacher of over 34 years it is exciting for me to be a part of Orion Middle School's SmartLab. It is easy to see the engagement of students in the classroom and the coding program we have been using definitely allows for differentiation among the students. We are very lucky to have this program in our school.”
Principal Chad Bahnks emphasized how the lab is shaping student mindsets: “The SmartLab empowers our middle school students to imagine boldly, collaborate fearlessly, and take initiative with confidence. They no longer fear mistakes, but embrace them as stepping stones to growth. Each day, they walk into the lab engaged, inspired, and excited to learn.” Seventh Grade Science Teacher Feryl Cutkomp added, “The SmartLab offers our students a chance to explore concepts that are difficult to incorporate into a regular science classroom in an engaging way that keeps them focused on learning. Students are clearly enjoying the experience of working in these novel scenarios.”
The SmartLab approach integrates hands-on, project-based learning (PBL+STEM) with grade-appropriate tools and challenges connected to eight distinct industry pathways. By tackling meaningful problems, students develop both technical know-how and a mindset that prepares them for the future—whether or not they ultimately choose STEM careers. Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, explained, “The spark of curiosity becomes a flame of confidence when learners experience an ah-HA! moment. These moments are not accidents—they’re the product of thoughtful design, hands-on learning, and the right kind of challenge.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted Orion Middle School’s commitment to cultivating an engaging, future-focused education that equips every student to thrive in an ever-changing world.
About Orion Middle School
Orion Middle School, part of the Orion School District in Orion, Illinois, serves students in grades 6–8. With a focus on academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation, the school is committed to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. To learn more, visit https://www.orionschools.us/o/oms.
About SmartLab
SmartLab delivers turnkey, career-centered K-12 STEM programs that equip today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges. Every hands-on PBL solution integrates grade-appropriate STEM applications across eight industry pathways. SmartLab programs include dedicated classroom setups or flexible systems designed for mobility, along with standards-aligned curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing technical and curricular support. To learn more, visit https://www.smartlablearning.com.
Orion Middle School Unveils Cutting-Edge SmartLab to Ignite Student Innovation
Ribbon-cutting celebrates a hands-on STEM learning environment that inspires confidence, curiosity, and future-ready skills
Orion, IL – August 29, 2025 – Orion Middle School proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 29, to officially open its brand-new SmartLab, a state-of-the-art STEM learning environment designed to prepare students for future academic and career success through hands-on, project-based learning.
SmartLab is a career-connected STEM ecosystem that empowers students to build strong technical skills while developing resilience, creativity, and confidence. More than just learning content, students are discovering their own STEM identity—the belief that “I belong here, I can master rigorous challenges, and my ideas make an impact.” Through meaningful projects and collaborative problem-solving, Orion Middle School students are engaging in real-world applications across multiple industry pathways.
Educators and administrators are already seeing the profound impact of the SmartLab. Oliver Jones, STEaM Teacher and Student Success Coordinator for the Orion School District, described how students have responded: “It's incredible to see students in our new STEM lab. They're not just reading about concepts anymore; they're actually building, experimenting, and trying until they start seeing things click. You can literally see their eyes light up when they figure something out – it's those 'aha!' moments that make this experience so rewarding for our students.”
Veteran science teacher Kevin Roling shared his enthusiasm for the program: “As a science teacher of over 34 years it is exciting for me to be a part of Orion Middle School's SmartLab. It is easy to see the engagement of students in the classroom and the coding program we have been using definitely allows for differentiation among the students. We are very lucky to have this program in our school.”
Principal Chad Bahnks emphasized how the lab is shaping student mindsets: “The SmartLab empowers our middle school students to imagine boldly, collaborate fearlessly, and take initiative with confidence. They no longer fear mistakes, but embrace them as stepping stones to growth. Each day, they walk into the lab engaged, inspired, and excited to learn.” Seventh Grade Science Teacher Feryl Cutkomp added, “The SmartLab offers our students a chance to explore concepts that are difficult to incorporate into a regular science classroom in an engaging way that keeps them focused on learning. Students are clearly enjoying the experience of working in these novel scenarios.”
The SmartLab approach integrates hands-on, project-based learning (PBL+STEM) with grade-appropriate tools and challenges connected to eight distinct industry pathways. By tackling meaningful problems, students develop both technical know-how and a mindset that prepares them for the future—whether or not they ultimately choose STEM careers. Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, explained, “The spark of curiosity becomes a flame of confidence when learners experience an ah-HA! moment. These moments are not accidents—they’re the product of thoughtful design, hands-on learning, and the right kind of challenge.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted Orion Middle School’s commitment to cultivating an engaging, future-focused education that equips every student to thrive in an ever-changing world.
About Orion Middle School
Orion Middle School, part of the Orion School District in Orion, Illinois, serves students in grades 6–8. With a focus on academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation, the school is committed to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. To learn more, visit https://www.orionschools.us/o/oms.
About SmartLab
SmartLab delivers turnkey, career-centered K-12 STEM programs that equip today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges. Every hands-on PBL solution integrates grade-appropriate STEM applications across eight industry pathways. SmartLab programs include dedicated classroom setups or flexible systems designed for mobility, along with standards-aligned curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing technical and curricular support. To learn more, visit https://www.smartlablearning.com.
OMS Announcements Monday, September 22, 2025
OMS Announcements Friday, September 19, 2025
OMS Announcements Thursday September 18, 2025
6th graders in Mrs. Walker's social studies class are learning about ancient civilizations. They created some ancient civilization communication symbols in Play-Doh! This is a doh-lightful way to learn. Soon they'll be making whole doh-cuments. They're doh-ing it right!
Congrats to the OMS football team on their 14-0 win over Rockridge! The team was really CHARGED up! They kept CHARGING forward and never gave up! Shout out to the student section cheering on their classmates! 🏈📣🎉🙌
OMS PE Student of the Week!
Campbell (7th grade) is this week's OMS PE student of the week. Campbell has been a great leader during the flag football unit. She pays attention in class and is able to help other students who might be confused or unsure. She has a very gentle loving kind demeanor when she is explaining something to her peers. She loves to see others master a skill or succeed, and she is genuinely happy for them. Thank you Campbell, for being such a postive role model in our school! Proud of you!!
Campbell (7th grade) is this week's OMS PE student of the week. Campbell has been a great leader during the flag football unit. She pays attention in class and is able to help other students who might be confused or unsure. She has a very gentle loving kind demeanor when she is explaining something to her peers. She loves to see others master a skill or succeed, and she is genuinely happy for them. Thank you Campbell, for being such a postive role model in our school! Proud of you!!
OMS Announcements 9/17/25
OMS Announcements Tuesday September 16, 2025
OMS Student of the Week!
Donovan is a very respectful young man every day in class. He works hard to focus his peers and ensures they complete the daily objectives. He is a leader that is appreciated in class! - Cutkomp.
Donovan is a very respectful young man every day in class. He works hard to focus his peers and ensures they complete the daily objectives. He is a leader that is appreciated in class! - Cutkomp.
OMS Announcements Monday, September 15, 2025
OMS Cheerleading is about to begin! Cheer clinic will be September 23 from 3:15-5:15 pm. Tryous will be September 25 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Information packets can be picked up in the office. Good luck to all trying out! 🎀👏🏻📣🎉🤸🏼♀️🎊
Scholastic Book Fair is Coming Soon!
OMS library will be hosting the Book Fair on Monday, Sept. 22 through Friday, Sept. 26 during school hours.
Family/Friends Night will be Monday, Sept. 22 from 5pm to 7pm. Everyone is welcome, and all visitors will have a chance to win a poster of their choice. Chances to win increase with every purchase. And, as always, all purchases allow our library to buy more books. 📚
OMS library will be hosting the Book Fair on Monday, Sept. 22 through Friday, Sept. 26 during school hours.
Family/Friends Night will be Monday, Sept. 22 from 5pm to 7pm. Everyone is welcome, and all visitors will have a chance to win a poster of their choice. Chances to win increase with every purchase. And, as always, all purchases allow our library to buy more books. 📚
OMS students in Mrs. Ferry's mini-course publish periodic news publications. Take a look at their first Charger News Network! They are really CHARGED with energy and taking CHARGE of their work. They are CHARGING forward. Their news was great and positively CHARGED.
https://youtu.be/bQ69uEAktik
https://youtu.be/bQ69uEAktik
OMS Student of the Week!
Evelynn has repeatedly, between almost every class period, helped a struggling locker neighbor with his combination. She also helps him remember what to take to each class, etc. She has picked things up off the floor he has accidently left behind and made sure he took the items with him. She does all of this with gentleness and kindness. Her efforts have helped him to get to class on time and has often made her late for her own.-Mrs. Ferry
Evelynn has repeatedly, between almost every class period, helped a struggling locker neighbor with his combination. She also helps him remember what to take to each class, etc. She has picked things up off the floor he has accidently left behind and made sure he took the items with him. She does all of this with gentleness and kindness. Her efforts have helped him to get to class on time and has often made her late for her own.-Mrs. Ferry
OMS Homecoming Dress Up days! Thank you Student Council for planning our dress-up days!
Students in Mrs. Walker's 6th-grade Social Studies class recently turned wheat into flour! These students are on a ROLL with their learning and may KNEAD more lessons like this. Their hard work really FLOURED us! 🍞🌾
