Years later, Orion Junior High still feels the support of students, parents and community members. Orion is defined by motivated students, involved parents, and a caring staff of faculty members. Parents and community members are actively involved with the school and their students. Students are motivated and they are looking into the future to take advantage of the many educational opportunities that exist today in our culture. Teachers and staff members educate students and get to know the students. These groups of stakeholders make Orion Junior High an exceptional school and create a culture for learning.
The physical facility has filled up quickly. In 2003, the student enrollment was 750. Several classrooms were empty and used as storage rooms. Today the student enrollment is just over 1,000 students and every classroom is filled. The first portable building was added in 2011 and the second portable was added in 2014. Additional portables were added in 2018.
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| Steve Elsnab |
Art Hansen |
Kirt Swalberg |
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| Nick Harris |
Chris Earnest |
Matt Patterson |
Orion Junior High has been lead by 6 principals since being built. Steve Elsnab opened the school and served as the principal from 2003-2007. Art Hansen served as the principal from 2007-2009. Kirt Swalberg served as the principal from 2009-2012. Nick Harris was principal from 2012 to 2016, and Chris Earnest from 2016-2018. Our current principal is Matthew Patterson, 2018-.
The physical building of Orion was built on a piece of land isolated from many homes and businesses. Today many homes, subdivisions, and condominium complexes have been built around the school. These changes have helped Orion grow in numbers and diversity. Throughout the past few years, staffing and administration have changed, the physical building and surrounding areas have changed, and the technology and educational outlooks have changed for students. As a result of these changes, the faculty and staff at Orion have developed new and innovative ideas for teaching our students and giving students the vital knowledge they need.
Orion Junior High has become a data-driven school which promotes the best teaching practices and data review. We are excited to have the chance to be a part of the community and promote student learning.