Friends of Orono Schools
Project 2026: Outdoor Learning Pavillion
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Creating an Outdoor Classroom for Every Student
Friends of Orono Schools is proud to support it's second project - the development of a new Outdoor Learning Pavilion serving Asa Adams Elementary School, Orono Middle School, and Orono High School. It will sit in the natural area between Asa Adams and the High School.
Built in partnership with the University of Maine's Building Construction Technology program, this shared learning space will provide students and teachers with a year-round outdoor classroom for science, literacy, art, math, environmental studies, and hands-on learning. Located alongside the school garden and tree garden, the pavilion will strengthen connections to nature while creating a welcoming gathering place for our schools and the broader community.
FUNDRAISING FOR OUTDOOR PAVILLION
We hope that all Orono families will consider donating at least $5 (more as able) to help build this learning facility.
Orono Boosters has already committed $10,000 to the $25,000 project goal.
You can donate here. Thank you!
Asa Adams teachers use outdoor learning as part of their practice, but lack appropriate space protected from the sun and conditions to delve into lessons such as - nature journaling, data collection, weather activities, botany observation, leaf and plant identification, Monarch Butterfly and animal migration pattern observations and forestry activities.
The outdoor pavilion will be adjacent to the school garden and a tree species learning garden where many students collaborate with older students to learn about gardening, pollination, and composting.
Orono Middle School will use the pavilion for a variety of lessons for GPS and map reading, data collection and analysis, nature journaling, weather, solar energy experiments, bird and animal migration patterns, and forestry.
Orono High School teachers leverage outdoor learning but need an accessible location for an entire class to conduct botany observations, plant identification, soil pH testing, animal migration patterns and forestry. Students will be able to explore and observe environments and utilize the pavilion for data analysis, discussion and project-based learning. The space will enhance OHS's 9th grade Watershed Academy with interdisciplinary offerings in science, English and social studies.
About Friends: Support the Success of
Orono Schools and Its Students
About Friends: Support the Success of
Orono Schools and Its Students
Friends' Goals
Friends' Goals
At Friends of Orono Schools, we believe in the power of academic achievement, arts, athletics, and community service. The Friends of Orono Schools are driven by a vision to enhance the overall Orono schools experience for every student. We aim to foster a sense of pride, unity, and excellence by providing support to various extracurricular school programs, such as athletics, music, chess team, math team, youth in government, science fairs, robotics, and other school needs.
Support School-wide Excellence: Foster a culture of success and achievement in our academic, arts, competitions, and athletic programs by providing financial support for equipment, training, travel, and facilities.
Enhance School Spirit: Create a vibrant and spirited community that rallies behind our students and celebrates the diverse talents of our students.
Promote Accessibility: Ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities by minimizing financial barriers.
Invest in Future Leaders: Develop leadership skills, discipline, and teamwork by supporting programs that go beyond the classroom, such as service, arts, athletics, and academic competitions.
Honor the Legacy and Build for Tomorrow: Orono schools have provided an amazing educational and growing experience for generations. In an ever changing world, Friends celebrates the history and ensures a bright future for the institution.
Friends Celebrates Completion of Lights Project - August 2025
Friends of Orono Schools, in partnership with RSU26 successfully celebrated the opening of a lighted soccer and nordic ski facility in August of 2025 following just 1 year of community fundraising. The lights allow for increased participation and access to these activities for Orono School's teams, youth skiers, and community members. Friends is deeply grateful for the broad and significant support from community members that invested in this project.
The lights project was Friends' inaugural project and an exciting initiative to enhance the soccer and nordic ski programs, and bring more excitement and engagement to all ages of our community with this long term asset. The lights enable teams to practice regardless of daylight in the late afternoon, host thrilling night games, host youth learn to nordic ski programs, and share the joy of outdoor recreation after the sun sets early in Orono - while creating unforgettable experiences for players, families, and fans. Without these lights, games were being scheduled before families are out of work, practices and games got cut short due to lack of daylight, the likelihood of injury increased in the dark, and night skiing (4 pm on) was limited for community members and youth.
Why Later Practices & Games?
Why Later Practices & Games?
In Orono, it gets dark in the late afternoon. This limits the time available in the late fall and winter for activity. Practice time, in safely lighted conditions is critical for the Orono sports team’s success. Games are a culmination of hard work and a chance to showcase skills to families, community members, and fans. Night practices and games add a new level of intensity and passion to soccer and nordic skiing, and provide a chance for all community members to access nighttime nordic skiing. This lighted, groomed field is a unique asset throughout our region for night nordic skiing. Why not use the lighted football/track facility? RSU26 has determined that for the safety of athletes and community members, and the long term integrity of those facilities, the use of the football/track facility for night soccer and nordic practices/games are not compatible.
Thank you for your support. Donate and get involved here.
Get Involved and Donate
A donation of any amount makes a powerful impact - from $5 to $100 even $10,000. Donations directly contribute to the success of our vision with all funds going directly to support various programs, scholarships, and facility enhancements. You can become an annual member of the Friends of Orono Schools with a donation of $100 or more. Each year, renewing members get one free Orono Schools promotional item if desired - a hat, t-shirt, pen, mug, etc.
Donate to Specific Programs - Target your Contribution
Donate to Specific Programs - Target your Contribution
Choose to direct your donation towards a specific program that resonates with you. Whether it's supporting a particular sports team, academic competitions, or facilities, your contribution makes a targeted impact.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Your time and expertise are invaluable. Volunteer to help organize events and fundraisers, provide concession food, work in a concession stand, proctor competitions, or share your skills to contribute to the success of our programs. A few hours a year has an impact! Email to get involved or visit OHS Boosters on Facebook for concessions sign up.
Spread the Word About Friends of Orono Schools
Spread the Word About Friends of Orono Schools
Help us reach a broader audience of Orono Schools alumni, parents, former staff, or community members by sharing our campaign on social media, through email, and by word of mouth. The more people who know about our vision, the closer we get to achieving our goal.
Donations can be made with a credit card on GoFundMe, Venmo @orono-boosters, in person at the OHS concessions booth,
or by check for tax deductible donations to:
Friends of Orono Schools, 10 Goodridge Drive, Orono, ME 04473
Friends of Orono Schools is an IRS 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
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