ISTEP+ Scores continue to exceed state averages. On the 2008 ISTEP+, over 76% of Orange Elementary students passed both the language arts and mathematics sections of the test as compared to 74% at the state level.
Attendance rates continue to exceed the state average at Orange Elementary School at 96.5%.
An Open House BBQ and Meet the Teachers was held to welcome students and parents.
PTO wrote a grant to Rush-Shelby REMC and received over $3,000 for playground improvements.
A family literacy night was held with a Hawaiian theme which included a tropical backdrop and tropical snacks. Books were given away to all students present. Teachers led individual literacy activities in their rooms.
Mr. Lindsay Vanderpohl became our media assistant in January, 2009. She applied for a FCSC Education Foundation grant for library books and was awarded $600.00 for books.
Parent/Teacher Conferences were well attended with 100% of our parents attending on the specified dates or at an arranged individual appointment.
The Orange Student Council sponsored fundraising activities to support Riley Hospital and needy families. Students donated over $600 in a single campaign during a one week period.
Justin Newhall was named first place in the Grade 6 DAR essay contest.
Students participated in the Jump Rope for Heart Program during the year.
Orange Elementary continues its partnerships with Stant Manufacturing and New Heights Church of Christ. Volunteers from New Heights visit each week for work with students.
Fourth grade students and teacher, Mrs. Julia Myers, hosted a Veterans' Day breakfast with 32 veterans in attendance.
Each month a specific character trait was emphasized with the students and listed on the monthly calendar.
Every student in every classroom participated in writing a book to vie for a chance to represent our school at the Young Author's Conference. Three students from each room were chosen to represent Orange Elementary at Maplewood Elementary for the conference. Orange Elementary was the only school to send representatives for each grade level.
Orange Elementary was also chosen to host the author, Lynn Plourde, for a morning assembly.
Orange students participated in a musical celebration of the Christmas season.
"Tiger Tones" our bell choir, also entertained at our programs and went on tour in downtown Connersville in December.
Third grade students under the direction of Ms. Vanderpoh., planted a garden with Jonathan Ferris, Fayette County Extension Agent and enjoyed their vegetables at a year end tasting party.
The Junior Great Books program was offered at our school during second semester for selected students in Grade 2-6. The students spent two nights after school studying several quality novels and were involved in many hands-on activities. Mrs. Cooley wrote a grant for this program and challenged these students with an interesting and innovative curriculum. Mrs. Edwards volunteered to work with this group also. The culminating activity for this class was a field trip to the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis.
Earth Day was celebrated in a special way with a guest speaker from IDEM. In addition, the students did a choral reading of the poem, "Trees", and planted a tree and flowers.
Grade 5 raised baby rats provided by the Dairy and Nutrition Council. The students took them to the School Board meeting when Orange Elementary was spotlighted.
An Orange Spelling Bee was held for the 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. Drew Barricklow was the school winner with Madison Sarmiento as the runner-up.
Students participated in several Math stations designed by teachers on Math day. Students were assigned to cross-grade level groups and assisted each other as they proceeded through the activities during the day.
Students participated in a canned food drive prior to the Christmas break.
Students participated in a Spring Musical Celebration entitled, "I Believe in Music".
Orange Science Fair was held on Special Person Day with students displaying science projects.
Orange 5th and 1st grade students performed "Reindeer Rebellion" for parents and students.
Special Person's Day with lots of "special" people in attendance.
Orange students participated in Spell Bowl and Math Bowl.
Student Council sponsored Red Ribbon week.
Mr. Gable scheduled outdoor activities for Field Day.
Awards Programs were held at the end of the First Semester and at the end of the year for Second Semester and Year End winners.
Orange 6th grade students were treated to an after school dinner celebration with their families to congratulate them and wish them good luck at CMS.
Orange students went on several educational field trips: Clowes Memorial Hall, Cope Environmental Center, Indiana State Museum, Muncie Children's Museum, Emens Auditorium Ball State, Indianapolis Zoo, Cincinnati Museum Center, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kings' Island and the Eiteljorg Museum, Levi Coffin house and the Huddleston house.