OMS Student of the Week- Connor! He was nominated by two teachers!
Connor is an outstanding human being. He is very quiet, but intentionally goes out of his way to show kindness, compassion, and outstanding character to his peers through the decisions and choices he makes within a class period. Connor displays this behavior consistently every day. He doesn't need attention or accolades for it; he chooses to do good because of who he is at his core. He is humble, kind, and mature, and understands the value of treating others with kindness and respect. We need more young people to have the approach that Connor does in life. He is a quiet but impactful leader and an exemplary role model in our school. -Mrs. Weller
Connor is a quiet leader. He works hard to complete assignments and is a great listener in class. He is willing to help his classmates and is very friendly.- Ms. Casey
Connor is an outstanding human being. He is very quiet, but intentionally goes out of his way to show kindness, compassion, and outstanding character to his peers through the decisions and choices he makes within a class period. Connor displays this behavior consistently every day. He doesn't need attention or accolades for it; he chooses to do good because of who he is at his core. He is humble, kind, and mature, and understands the value of treating others with kindness and respect. We need more young people to have the approach that Connor does in life. He is a quiet but impactful leader and an exemplary role model in our school. -Mrs. Weller
Connor is a quiet leader. He works hard to complete assignments and is a great listener in class. He is willing to help his classmates and is very friendly.- Ms. Casey
OMS 8th Grade girls' basketball team cheering on the 7th grade team! We love to see students cheering on their school!
OMS 6th graders had an amazing day at Maquoketa Caves State Park! Students hiked the scenic trails, explored the caves, and discovered the beauty of the area's natural landscapes. It was a day full of adventure, learning, and teamwork in the great outdoors!
OMS PE Student of the Week!
Rachel is our PE Student of the Week. Rachel is an exemplary student in PE and always comes prepared to class and puts full effort and attitude into learning and improving. She has great determination in wanting to master whatever skills we may be learning in PE, and she refuses to give up even when she is frustrated. She goes out of her way to be inclusive and show kindness to all of her peers in class, and can often be found helping someone who might need a friend on any particular day. She notices these things and extends friendliness, compassion, and kindness. Rachel is a role model student for our school. -Mrs. Weller
Rachel is our PE Student of the Week. Rachel is an exemplary student in PE and always comes prepared to class and puts full effort and attitude into learning and improving. She has great determination in wanting to master whatever skills we may be learning in PE, and she refuses to give up even when she is frustrated. She goes out of her way to be inclusive and show kindness to all of her peers in class, and can often be found helping someone who might need a friend on any particular day. She notices these things and extends friendliness, compassion, and kindness. Rachel is a role model student for our school. -Mrs. Weller
Get ready for a night of unforgettable music and haunting melodies that will leave you with an earworm for the next week! The Orion Choirs will be presenting Songs That Stay, with performances by Sixth Grade Choir, The OMS Concert Choir, The OHS Concert Choir, and OHS’s A Cappella Ensemble: Syncopation! Come see what they have been working on all year with songs by Michael Jackson, Billie Eilish, The Beatles and more! The concert is October 9th in the high school gymnasium at 7:00PM! Admission is free, but students will be collecting donations before and after the concert to benefit our program through the Orion Music Boosters!
Announcements Tuesday September 30, 2025
Announcements Monday September 29, 2025
OMS Student of the Week-Vinny!
"I am nominating Vinny as an outstanding student. He always shows responsibility and takes charge of his learning. If he’s been absent, he goes right to his teachers in the morning to get his makeup work. This shows how much he cares about his learning and sets a great example for others. I am proud to recognize him for his hard work and responsibility!"- Mrs. Ferry
"I am nominating Vinny as an outstanding student. He always shows responsibility and takes charge of his learning. If he’s been absent, he goes right to his teachers in the morning to get his makeup work. This shows how much he cares about his learning and sets a great example for others. I am proud to recognize him for his hard work and responsibility!"- Mrs. Ferry
Announcements Friday September 26, 2025
Charger News Network has published its second episode! Mrs. Ferry and her mini-course students have delivered some spectacular news. Their work is definitely not a NEWS-ance. They had some NEWS-tastic information and gave us a NEWS-plosion! 📰 📢 📝
https://youtu.be/8uTTSI4_mbY
https://youtu.be/8uTTSI4_mbY
Announcements September 25, 2025
OMS Student of the Week-Vinnie!
"I am nominating Vinnie as an outstanding student. He always shows responsibility and takes charge of his learning. If he’s been absent, he goes right to his teachers in the morning to get his makeup work. This shows how much he cares about his learning and sets a great example for others. I am proud to recognize him for his hard work and responsibility!"- Mrs. Ferry
"I am nominating Vinnie as an outstanding student. He always shows responsibility and takes charge of his learning. If he’s been absent, he goes right to his teachers in the morning to get his makeup work. This shows how much he cares about his learning and sets a great example for others. I am proud to recognize him for his hard work and responsibility!"- Mrs. Ferry
OMS PE has begun their next unit- tennis! Today, they focused on the backhand stroke. The students made a big "racket" with their effort. These are not "backhanded" compliments. Maybe these jokes aren't "serving" us well. We'll be sure to "ace" them next time. 🎾
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
