Community members and students browse booths set up in the learning commons during ORMS Humanities Night.
By Kate MacLeod
On Thursday, March 26, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) welcomed families and community members for Humanities Night, an evening dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the arts and humanities. The first floor, especially the Learning Commons, was filled with activities as ORMS clubs and local organizations hosted interactive tables and displays.
New Hampshire Turtle Rescue showcased turtle shells and educational materials. Seacoast Pride Outreach invited guests to create beaded bracelets. Additional participating groups included Arts in Reach, Durham and Madbury Public Libraries, The Freedom Café, New Hampshire Outright, Waysmeet Center, the Durham Historic Association, and Bedrock Gardens. The ORMS Save the Sea Turtles sold student-made ceramic turtles to raise money for their cause. The ORMS Fashion Design Club raised money for women in Liberia to purchase sewing machines to help empower future generations. Other ORMS clubs hosted tables with information about their activities.
A silent auction and cash raffle, held in the Learning Commons, raised over $600 to support New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, Waysmeet Food Pantry, and End 68 Hours of Hunger (Oyster River chapter). In the gym, families enjoyed games such as cornhole and basketball.
On the second floor, student artwork and projects were displayed throughout the World Language, Health, and Art classrooms. Featured works included clay luminaries, ceramic bowls, cyanotypes, and agamographs. Mud City Potters held pottery demonstrations in the art room. The STEM and Robotics programs captivated visitors with live robot demonstrations, while Coffee Connection offered snacks and craft beverages. Student musicians entertained visitors on both floors. Sixth grade students showcased science experiments, including liquid nitrogen ice cream, alongside science teacher Sue Bissell.
Thanks to the efforts of ORMS art teachers Joseph Boucher and Kim Marshall, along with students, staff, families, PTO members, volunteers, and community members, Humanities Night brought the community together in a celebration of creativity and talent.
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Coffee Connection served treats and beverages throughout the evening.
Students design custom badges in the ORMS library.
Highlights from the Humanities Night silent auction table.
Community members stop by the Durham and Madbury public libraries' booth.