OPMS

November 24, Volume 3, Issue 12
Dear OPMS Parents, Students, and Staff:
We hope you are had a wonderful weekend. Please take a moment to review the important events and time-sensitive information below.
A Thanksgiving Message to Our OPMS Community
As we head into the Thanksgiving break, we want to take a moment to share our gratitude for each of you. We are truly thankful for the partnership we have with our families and for the trust you place in us every day. Every school day gives students a chance to learn, connect, grow, and feel part of a larger community. Thank you for helping your children arrive ready to learn and for keeping school attendance a priority, even when the mornings are busy or the days feel long. We are grateful for:
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Our students and their families, who show up each day with resilience and curiosity.
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Our staff, who work tirelessly to make school a safe, welcoming, and engaging place for all learners.
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Our support staff and volunteers, whose extra care and attention help our students feel seen, supported, and encouraged.
If your family or your child needs anything, please reach out to us. We are always here to help.
Thank you as well for doing your best to limit extra days off during this busy season. We appreciate your efforts and look forward to welcoming everyone back when school resumes on Monday, December 1. Wishing you and your loved ones a restful, joyful Thanksgiving break. Thank you for being part of the OPMS community.
Late Bus Update for November 25
The late bus will not run on Tuesday, November 25. Please plan ahead if your child participates in clubs, extra help sessions, or after-school activities that day. Thank you for making any needed arrangements.
Beauty and the Beast Jr. Shines at OPMS
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast Jr. on an unforgettable performance. Our students delivered a show filled with talent, energy, and heart. It was clear how much time, effort, and pride they put into bringing this story to life. We are so lucky to have such an incredible group of students who are willing to take risks, work hard, and showcase their gifts on stage. Their performance was a wonderful reminder of the creativity and dedication that make the OPMS community so special. A special thank-you to Mr. Carson, Mrs. Strohmeier, Mrs. Washburn-Kelleran, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Totaro, and Ms. Calderone for guiding and supporting our students throughout the production. Their leadership helped create an experience our students will remember for years to come. Amazing work, everyone!
OP Outfitters Special Holiday Collection
Our limited-edition holiday collection is here, featuring brand-new ways to deck the halls with OP pride.Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year with exclusive holiday merchandise from OP Outfitters, your official school bookstore! Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or want to show your school pride this season, we have what you need. All items are designed, created, and sold by OPMS Entrepreneurship students, with proceeds going to fund their next big idea! These unique items are only available for a short time, so don't miss out!
Specialty Ornaments ($4.00)
School Logo Magnets ($3.00):
Holiday-Themed Sweatshirts ($20.00)
8th Grade Life and Careers Marking Period 2
OPMS Code of Conduct
A copy of the District Code of Conduct is included in the Student Agenda. Please sign off electronically in the Parent Portal by Friday, September 26 that you and your child have read and understand the information in the Student Agenda and Code of Conduct. There is a link in the Parent Portal on the left-hand menu and in the forms section of the PowerSchool App. The Student Agenda information and district Code of Conduct are linked below.
OPMS World Affairs Club; Washington DC Trip It’s trip registration time
The OPMS World Affairs Club’s sole purpose is to bring 8th grade students to Washington, D.C.
each spring. All 8th graders are eligible to be members of World Affairs Club and may choose to
participate in the trip. The trip will be May 1, 2, and 3, 2026; so it is time to register. Click the link below for more information. WorldStrides is the tour company that we work with.
When you click the link below you will find:
1. A cover letter, which details the program information and highlights of the trip (a sample itinerary).
2. Trip details: dates, pricing, and registration process.
3. Information on how to apply for FLAG Scholarship funding, which is available to families with an
adjusted gross income of up to $85,000.
4. Information explaining how to register and manage your account with World Strides online, including
the option to purchase trip insurance.
5. Registration ID information: www.worldstrides.com
The Orchard Park Trip ID # is 222429
The registration window will remain open until January 26, 2026.
FYI- There will be two optional fundraising opportunities’ that students may participant in, one in the fall and one in the spring. More information to follow.
Please contact Mrs. Sanchez at ksanchez@opschools.org with any questions.
OPMS Yearbooks for Sale
Back-to-School pricing is available. Click the image below to buy your 25-26 OPMS yearbook today!
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Our school office will be open, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM to address any concerns you may have. Here's to another great week at Orchard Park Middle School. Go Quakers!
Thanks,
Mary Kate Graham
OPMS Principal
A note to our families at Orchard Park Middle Schools:
The OPMS Observer is the weekly newsletter that is sent to families. You will receive a text link and an email each time a new issue is released. This is the best source of receiving updated information weekly from the school.
Attendance Matters
The Orchard Park Central School District is committed to partnering with parents and guardians to support strong student attendance, helping every child reach their full potential each day. We understand that absences can add up, often due to illness or other unexpected circumstances, and our goal is to work together with families to support students’ academic success.
To make the process easier, parents and guardians can now submit attendance notes and pick up information online. Simply log in to the Parent Portal, click on Attendance Notes, and complete and submit the form. Please view the video below for detailed instructions.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Here are some important reminders for our traffic patterns to help keep all of the OPMS community safe. We understand that the pick-up/drop-off traffic lines can be long, however, the safety of our students and staff is critical.
Drop off: Buses use the front loop on South Lincoln. Parent drop-off is not allowed in the front loop. Parent drop-off is behind the building, please enter the lot from 20A and follow the directions of the staff. Student drop-off is not allowed before 7:45 a.m. This is to prevent a potentially serious safety risk, as students aren’t permitted to go to homeroom before then, and there is limited supervision in the foyer.
Pick up: Parents should use the front loop for student pick up for early releases and normal dismissal at 2:35 p.m. The buses will use the lot behind the school for pick up.
OPMS Distraction Free Policy
Parent Portal
Please check the Parent Portal throughout the year to receive information on your child’s academic progress. Information such as report cards are now solely on the Parent Portal. If you are having difficulty accessing the Parent Portal, please contact the Counseling Center at 209-6233.
Also, please update your contact information on the Parent Portal by selecting the "Update Information" page. Additionally, update your settings to continue to receive important communications from the Middle School and the District. If you have trouble logging into Parent Portal click the link below for more assistance.
OPMS PTO Updates
PTO Meeting Dates 25-26
The OPMS PTO monthly meeting dates are included below. All PTO meetings will take place at 9:00 AM at OPMS. Meetings will take place in the OPMS conference room.
September 15, 2025
October 6, 2025
November 3, 2025 - Meeting moved to 7:00 PM in the OPMS Library
January 12, 2026
February 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
April 20, 2026
May 11, 2026
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
- NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 27, 2025
- NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 28, 2025
- NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 4, 2025
- Half Day - 10:30 AM Dismissal
Friday, December 5, 2025
- Half Day - 10:30 AM Dismissal
- PTO Poinsettia and Wreath Pick-up