The Quaker Gazette
February 7, 2026
IMPORTANT: NHS Invitation Timeline & Service Requirements
National Honor Society (NHS) invitation letters will be distributed via email and USPS mail before February break. Please check you mail prior to Friday February 13th. We'd like for students to monitor their email accounts closely for these notifications.
Important Deadlines & Requirements:
Community Service: Please ensure all required service hours are completed and logged with the school, as these are a mandatory component of the application.
Midweek (First week back from break): Letter of Intent due.
End of the following week: Final application deadline.
Have you ordered your 2025/26 Yearbook yet?
Any questions, please contact us a ophsyearbook@opschools.org
Every Day Matters!
We wish you a restful and refreshing February break beginning Monday, February 16. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us reestablish a consistent school routine. We truly appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking additional time off before or after the scheduled break, as every school day provides valuable opportunities for students to learn and to connect with their peers and teachers.
Even missing just 10% of school—approximately two days per month—over the course of the year can negatively impact a student’s academic success. We understand that some absences are unavoidable due to illness or other circumstances beyond a family’s control. However, frequent absences, tardiness, or early dismissals can cause students to fall behind academically and socially and may lead to ongoing attendance challenges.
Together, we can make school attendance a priority by:
Emphasizing the importance of arriving at school on time each day and staying for the full school day
Supporting consistent daily routines, including completing homework and getting enough sleep
Avoiding non-urgent appointments during the school day whenever possible
Keeping students healthy and contacting the school nurse with any concerns
Monitoring academic progress and seeking support when needed
Staying aware of your child’s social connections
Encouraging participation in meaningful after-school activities, such as sports and clubs
Regularly reviewing attendance to ensure absences are not accumulating
We look forward to welcoming students back when school resumes on Monday, February 23. Frequent absences can sometimes signal that a student is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, or may need additional support or connection. If your child or family needs assistance, please reach out to your school building or connect with the Family Solutions Center.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
✅ Make a plan that works for YOU.
✅ Do the FAFSA.
✅ Get the money you need for college.
This is your future—get started at https://bit.ly/DoTheFAFSA
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Employment Opportunities
There are none this week.
OPHS School Counseling News
February Information
College Night will take place Thursday, February 26th at 7pm in the OPHS Commons. Students (and parents) from all grade levels are encouraged to attend to hear from college admissions officers on a variety of topics related to the college admissions process. This event is a “must'' for any junior planning on applying to college in the fall of their senior year.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now available for the 2025-2026 academic year. All students attending college in Fall 2026 and their parents need to complete the FAFSA. Click here for more information.
The NYS TAP application is open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Click here for more information.
OPHS is a test center for the October ACT, November SAT, May SAT, and June ACT. Please visit the ACT and SAT websites for details and registration information.
Students attended a scheduling assembly on January 8th and learned how to enter their course requests for the 2026-27 school year. Students need to submit their course requests through their student portal by the end of the day on Wednesday, January 14th. Counselors will be meeting with students individually to review/update requests starting on Wednesday, January 28th. Students have until June 1st to make changes to their requests.
The High School Counseling Department hosts a Google Classroom for each grade level. Ask your child to log in and check out the latest announcements.
OPHS PTO News
Please be aware of spam and phishing emails coming from the “PTO”. They are going around again. If you are unsure if an email you have received is legitimate, please reach out to the person who supposedly sent it. Thanks!
OPSEPTSA
Our remaining meetings this year will be:
2/25/2026
3/18/2026
4/22/2026
5/20/2026
6/17/2026
Website
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/share/16L1zq8TB8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/opseptsa?igsh=dHBhajY5OHpvejJm
Best,
Orchard Park Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association
Orchard Park, NY 14127 | opseptsa.org
Community Education
5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
New drivers must complete this course (or a New York State approved Driver Education Course) before they can schedule their driving test for their driver’s license. You must attend both evenings, be 16 or older and bring your valid NYS Learner’s Permit to class.
Cost: $40
When: Tuesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 12
High School Room 113
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Instructor: Evan DeWald
Register online at www.opschools.org/communityed
SAT Prep Course
Orchard Park Community Education will be accepting registrations for the SAT Prep Course. There will be no refunds after classes begin. The course will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays OR Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
One evening will cover math, the other verbal. Classes will begin the week of March 23rd and end April 30th. There will be no class during spring recess, 4/6-4/10. The exam will be May 2nd at the High School. Registration for this course is through Community Education. Students register for the exam on-line at www.collegeboard.com.
Cost: $165
Instructors: OP Teachers
When: Select One: Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs (5 Weeks) 7:00-9:00pm
(Room assignments will be posted on the first day of class on the door of the Community Education Office located off the HS cafeteria, formerly the location of the Vault Student Bank.) Fee includes SAT Review book.
Please bring your chromebooks to class.
Register online at www.opschools.org/communityed
