Words of Windom October 25
Notes From The Office
We are off to a wonderful start to the 2025–26 school year, and I want to thank our students, staff, and families for helping to make these first weeks so positive and productive.
As we move into October, we’d like to share a few important updates:
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Next week, our 4th and 5th grade students will participate in a Well-Being Survey to help us better understand and support their experiences at school. Parents of 4th and 5th grade students received more information via an Iconnect earlier today. Please reach out with any questions.
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During the week of October 14th, we will conduct our Universal Screening process, which helps us identify students’ strengths and needs so we can continue providing the right supports.
🎃 Halloween at Windom 🎃
Halloween is fast approaching, and we encourage everyone to join in the fun of the season! To ensure the day is safe and enjoyable for all, please keep these guidelines in mind:
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Costumes should not be violent, gory, or include weapons (even toy versions).
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Costume masks should be saved for home, and face painting is strongly discouraged.
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Classroom celebrations vary by teacher. Homeroom teachers will communicate if they are hosting a celebration and whether volunteers are needed.
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No homemade treats, please. Only pre-packaged, store-bought, individually wrapped snacks may be shared, in line with each teacher’s plan.
If you have any questions about costumes, celebrations, or snacks, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher directly.
We look forward to a month filled with learning, community, and plenty of fall fun!
September Recap
Spirit Week
Windom had an incredible Spirit Week filled with energy, excitement, and school pride! One of the highlights was welcoming special visitors from the high school football and cheerleading teams, who greeted our students on Friday morning before the big game. Their enthusiasm set the tone for a fantastic day and helped us all feel connected to the larger school community.
Homecoming Parade
A huge thank you to our PTO as well as Ms. Pawarski, Ms. Budney and Mrs. Crawford for helping Windom shine during this year’s Homecoming Parade! We had the best turnout in years, and the beautiful sunny day made it all the more special. Your hard work and school spirit helped make Windom stand out and gave our community a chance to come together and celebrate.
New York State Assessment Parent Reports
The 2025 NYS Assessment Parent reports have been upload to the Parent Portal.
Here are the directions to access the reports in the Parent Portal:
- Select "Student Portfolio" from the menu on the left. A new screen will open.
- Select "NYS Assessment Reports" from the menu on the top left. A drop-down menu will open.
- You can then select either ELA or Math and then the year they are looking for.
Distraction Free Policy
A Message From Our Family Solution Center
Universal Free Lunch for 2025-2026 School Year
OT/PT Newsletter
Orchard Park SEPTSA
The Orchard Park Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (SEPTSA) would like to share their upcoming meeting schedule. If you are a parent who is interested in learning more please click this link for more information: opseptsa.org.
Attendance Initiative
Upcoming Events
🍂 October 🍂
- October 13th - Indigenous Peoples' Day - No School
- October 14th - Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM, OPMS
- October 15th - Community Engagement Series: Emerging Trends and Youth Gambling 6:00 PM, OPMS Auditorium
- October 17th - PTO Trunk or Treat 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Windom Parking Lot
- October 20th - Superintendent's Conference Day- No School
The OP Public Library is hosting their first Trunk or Treat event on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Information is below:
District Calendar
Windom PTO
Online Clothing Store
Looking for new Windom apparel??? Please see the link below to purchase all of your Windom gear!
Upcoming Events
Please see the list below for this years PTO meeting dates. All PTO meetings will start at 7:00 PM in the Windom Library:
Helpful Links
It is essential that anyone who feels they may be eligible for free and reduced meals to fill out the 2025-2026 Free and Reduced lunch application that is available above. Procedures are in place to protect the privacy of students participating in the free and reduced program. Receiving Free and Reduced meals does not solely benefit the student receiving the meal, it also benefits the district community; depending on the amount of need within our district, we will receive/be eligible for additional funding. Completed applications should be sent to J. Schwarz at 4040 Baker Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127.
If you need an application printed and sent to you, please call Jody Schwarz at (716) 209-6244.