Orion Elementary School - JBER, AK

Consistently high levels of collaboration and commitment amongst staff, students, and families make Orion Elementary School a great place to learn and achieve. Located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Orion's families transition frequently, therefore our success begins with their willingness to commit to our school from day one and our intentionally welcoming all students. Families encourage children to engage in academics and extra-curricular experiences. Students take advantage of enrichment offerings ranging from sports and music to academic tutoring and competitions to leadership experiences like student government. Parents demonstrate support by volunteering, ensuring children are prepared and attend daily, and communicating regularly with school staff. Orion's teaching staff is highly collaborative, meeting weekly in grade and school level teams to review data, plan instruction, monitor progress, and engage in professional development that moves their individual and collective practice forward. They emphasize direct instruction and infusion of Social-Emotional Learning skills and utilize a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports approach school wide, resulting in a positive, proactive school climate and culture conducive to learning and success for all. Our community holds and communicates high expectations for all students while regularly recognizing and celebrating growth and achievement. Each of these factors contributes to Orion's proud tradition of academic and social-emotional success and engagement. It is this combination of commitment and collaboration amongst staff, students and families that allows us to fulfill our mission of every child receiving excellent instruction, every day, in every class in a safe and civil environment that inspires them to learn.