OPMS

October is Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the different ways children think, learn, and process information. Students with dyslexia and ADHD bring many strengths to our classrooms and school community. Building awareness and understanding helps us better support all students and celebrate what makes each learner unique.

In recognition of Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month, the Special Education Committee has organized several events for families to learn more. Check out the images below for information about these upcoming opportunities.

Did you know? Dyslexia and ADHD are not measures of intelligence. Students with dyslexia or ADHD can thrive when they have the right strategies, supports, and opportunities to build on their strengths.

From September 15th to October 15th, we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and countless contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Throughout the month, we encourage our students, staff, and families to explore and appreciate the vibrant traditions, impactful stories, and incredible achievements of Hispanic and Latinx individuals both past and present. Let’s take this opportunity to learn from one another and continue to build a school culture that embraces inclusion and unity!

The next OPMS PTO meeting will take place on Monday, October 5 at 7:00 PM via Google Meet. All OPMS families are welcome to attend!

This is to inform you the week of October 5, Orchard Park Middle School will be conducting a fire drill, or evacuation drill. The purpose of these drills is to ensure the safety and preparedness of our students and staff in case of an emergency. We conduct these drills regularly as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment. Please rest assured that this is only a drill and not an actual emergency. For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the main office.

The OPMS PTO is sponsoring 7th & 8th Grade Activity Night on Friday, October 16 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Please check out the flyer below for more information. Tickets will be sold this week and are $5 each. You can purchase by clicking the link below.

The PTO is looking for volunteers to assist with the event and will gladly accept OPHS inducted NHS members to assist. We need about 20 volunteers between the hours of 4:30 - 7:30 PM. Please help us with this amazing event! Any interested students or parents should click the link below to sign-up.

IMPORTANT: As an update for 7th & 8th Grade Activity Night, students will not be permitted to leave the event before 7:00 PM unless they are being picked up by a parent or guardian. Students will not be able to leave the event early on their own to walk around the Village, go to the playground at South Davis, or visit other locations. This is to ensure that all students remain safe and supervised throughout the event. If you need to pick up your child before 7:00 PM, please come to the front desk at the Middle School to sign them out. Thank you for helping us keep Activity Night a safe and enjoyable event for all of our students!

The OPMS World Affairs Club’s sole purpose is to bring 8th grade students to Washington, D.C.

each spring. All 8 th graders are eligible to be members of World Affairs Club and may choose to

participate in the trip. The trip will be April 30, May 1 and 2, 2027; so it is time to register.

Scan the QR Code below, or go to www.worldstrides.com WorldStrides is the tour company

that we work with.

When you click the line 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 228908

The registration window will remain open until January 22, 2027.

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 with any questions, World Affairs Club Grade 8 Advisor.

ksanchez@opschools.org

Dear OPMS Parents/Guardians,

Is your child taking 8th Grade Life & Careers this quarter? If so, I am delighted to invite you to join us for our 8th Grade Career Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for our 8th graders to be introduced to a wide array of career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain invaluable insights into the world of work. Presenters who sign up will showcase the job they are currently in to their child's 8th Grade Life & Careers Class. If you or an adult family member is interested in being a Career Day Presenter, please sign up below. Also, it would make sense that you would sign up for the period your child has Life & Careers class this quarter. If your child does not have Life & Careers this quarter, there will be an opportunity to sign up for that specific quarter in a future OPMS Observer installment.

In terms of presenting, please plan to have approximately 15- 20 minutes for your presentation. You are welcome to bring in materials/prompts with you to enhance your presentation, or plan a hands-on activity with the students. There will be a ViewBoard in the room for you to project if you choose to make a slides presentation. I also have a presentation that can simply guide you while you speak. It has question prompts if you would prefer that. Click here to access a presentation template if you want to make a slides presentation. You can make a copy of the presentation and make it your own. Of course, it is not mandatory to have a slides presentation. Any questions, please contact Valerie Velasquez: vvelasquez@opschools.org. Thank you in advance for volunteering! We look forward to an amazing Career Day with you!

Sincerely,

Valerie Velasquez

Orchard Park Middle School

Gr. 8 Life & Careers Teacher

Join Orchard Park Middle School PTO as a member and help our students’ days feel fuller, brighter, and more fun. 🎒 Your membership supports school events, classroom needs, and student programs—from dances to enrichment activities. Even if you can’t volunteer often, joining the PTO shows your support for our kids, teachers, and staff. 💚

You can complete your membership form and pay your $5 dues by clicking on the link below:

• Monday, September 14, 2026 @ 7:00 PM in the OPMS Library
• Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, November 2, 2026 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, January 11, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, February 1, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, March 8, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, April 12, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, May 10, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, June 14, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet

All events for 2026-27 school year are in need for volunteers. Please think about participating in all our amazing opportunities and fun for our students.

Monday, October 5, 2026

• OPMS PTO meeting

Monday, October 12, 2026

• No School - Indigenous Peoples Day

Friday, October 16, 2026

• 7th/8th Grade Activity Night - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM