Quaker Gazette

Dear Quaker Families,

The joy that radiated across our campus last weekend was extraordinary. To the students, you showed up and brought Quaker pride and enthusiasm with fanfare much like our neighborhood stadium. Hold onto your memories and keep making more as the year progresses! To the teachers, coaches, advisors, building and grounds staff, & SROs, thank you for planning and being part of the traditions of OPHS Homecoming. Your investment in our students and the programs shape the shared experiences for our students and school community. To the families, thank you for your unwavering support and endless cheering at the festivities!

The community we create together at Orchard Park provides our students with a sense of connection, belonging, and support.

As we slide into October, the routines started last month are essential to carry forward. From systems in the classroom and building expectations, to the daily rhythms, and dare I say, even sleep for our growing teenagers. Healthy habits are crucial as the academic expectations continue forward for every student. Our school counselors, social workers, and family solutions center are able to offer support for students or families seeking assistance in these areas as well.

As always, I encourage students and parents to connect with teachers, counselors, House Principals or me any time. Thank you for partnering with us.

Go Quakers!

Alexis Langheier, Ed.D

The PTO Board would like to thank everyone who helped out with Homecoming! If you volunteered to help with the coat check, served refreshments, or donated snacks, THANK YOU! We appreciate all of you and your support!

The first PTO and Post Prom meetings will be on Monday October 5th. The Post Prom meeting is at 6:00pm and the PTO meeting is at 7:00pm. Both meetings are in the Library on the second floor.

• The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for current seniors interested in applying for college financial aid. It is recommended that the FAFSA be completed as soon as possible.
  
  

• All seniors have been invited to the Scholarships-Class of 2027 Google Classroom. Please encourage your student to join via the invite in their school email. Important information regarding college, national, and local scholarships will be shared regularly through this classroom.
  
  

• The University of Notre Dame will be hosting an information session on October 15th at St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute. This event will include information on academic, community, and spiritual life at the University of Notre Dame, as well as insights into the admissions and financial aid processes. This is a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about Notre Dame. Preregistration is required.
  
  

• The Western New York Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates will be hosting a college night for students with disabilities interested in learning about the transition from high school to college. The event will take place at Buffalo State University on October 20th, 2026. Colleges and agencies that support this transition across the state will present valuable information. Please visit the WNYCCDA website for details and registration information.

• During September and October, the High School Counselors are meeting with seniors for their Senior Check-In to discuss post-high school plans. Options including college, trades, military, and employment are discussed.
  
  

• Throughout the fall semester, many college representatives visit OPHS. When students meet with these representatives, not only are they learning about the institutions, but they are also meeting with a person who may review their college applications. Keep in mind that "demonstrated interest" is a factor some colleges use when making admissions decisions. We highly encourage Juniors and Seniors to meet with the college representatives. More information can be found on the School Counseling page of the website.
  
  

• College Application season is underway! Students must complete a Transcript Request Form for each college application. Please give your teachers and counselors at least two weeks' notice when requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation. Common deadlines and Transcript Request Form due dates can be found here on the School Counseling page of the high school website.
  
  

• College applications to SUNY schools will be free October 19th to November 2nd. Don’t miss out!
  
  

• Parents of seniors, please encourage your student to be aware of the following college application deadlines:

11/1/26 college deadline. Turned in to Counselor by 10/16/26

11/15/26 college deadline. Turned in to Counselor by 10/30/26

12/1/26 college deadline. Turned in to Counselor by 11/16/26

1/1/27 college deadline: Turned in to Counselor by 12/11/26

1/15/27 college deadline. Turned in to Counselor by 12/14/26

• OPHS is a test center for the October and June ACT, and the November and May SAT. Many WNY schools offer the ACT and SAT on other dates as well. Please visit the ACT and SAT websites for details and registration information.
  
  

• Open Campus: Please be aware that if you have Open Campus but do not leave the building, you must report to Senior Study Hall in the cafeteria. If you are roaming the halls during your open period(s), you may receive a referral, which could result in the removal of Open Campus privileges. If you return from Open Campus and there is still time left in the period, you must remain in the Baker foyer until the bell rings.
  
  

• The High School Counseling department hosts a Google Classroom for each grade level. Ask your child to login and check out the latest announcements.
  
  

• Check out the School Counseling page of the high school website. It includes a variety of resources for students and parents.