OPMS

March 3, Volume 3, Issue 19
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.
National School Social Worker Week
This week, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our school social workers, Mrs. Kumro, Mrs. Mulawka-Baumgartner, Mrs. Quinn, and Mrs. Prunoske. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting our students, families, and staff make a meaningful difference every single day. Whether they are providing counseling, connecting families with resources, or offering a listening ear, their impact is immeasurable.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing social workers for all that you do to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive school community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful to have you on our team!
National World Language Week
Next week, we are excited to celebrate National World Language Week at OPMS. This is a great opportunity to recognize the importance of learning about different languages and cultures, and the ways these experiences help our students become more curious, open-minded, and connected to the world around them. Throughout the week, our World Language teachers will be highlighting cultural traditions, global perspectives, and the value of communication across cultures in their classrooms.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a fun, schoolwide song challenge. Each morning, they will hear a song in a language other than English and will be invited to guess the language for a chance to win a prize. This is just one of the many ways we are celebrating and encouraging curiosity, engagement, and a love of learning about the world around us. We encourage families to talk with their children about the languages they are learning and the cultures they are exploring. Learning a new language is not only an academic skill, but also a way to build empathy, confidence, and a deeper understanding of others. Thank you for supporting this important work as we continue to prepare our students to thrive in an increasingly global community.
Vaping - What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know
The Orchard Park Central School District will host Vaping – What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know, presented by Erin Parr, Project Director with Horizon Health Services, along with members of the Orchard Park Police Department, and Amanda King, a social worker for the Orchard Park Central School District.
This event is part of the Orchard Park Central School District’s Community Engagement Series and will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Orchard Park Middle School. The event is free and open to the public.
Recent data indicate that approximately 1.63 million students in the United States are currently using e-cigarettes. Research also shows that many youth who vape cannabis are also using nicotine products, a pattern known as dual use. This combination can intensify health risks, increasing the likelihood of addiction, lung disease, mental health challenges, and disrupted brain development.
This presentation explores youth vaping trends in the wake of recreational cannabis legalization and addresses the common perception that vaping is a safer alternative to traditional tobacco use. Participants will learn about the impact of nicotine and THC on the developing brain and body, the toxic effects of second- and third-hand vapor, safety considerations, and practical tips for talking with young people about vaping.
About the Presenter
Erin Parr, CASAC-M, is a Project Director at Horizon Health Services with more than 20 years of clinical experience in substance use and co-occurring disorders. She holds a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, along with advanced credentials in addiction treatment and prevention. Erin has worked extensively with adolescents and families, including a decade as an Addiction Specialist in the Early Intervention Psychosis field. A sought-after speaker across healthcare, criminal justice, and educational sectors, she specializes in the psychological effects of cannabis use, brain health across the lifespan, and the intersection of substance use, mental health, and public safety. Erin currently directs a grant-funded prevention and assessment initiative serving youth and young adults and is an active member of Horizon’s Speakers’ Bureau.
Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members are encouraged to attend this informative and timely session. By increasing awareness and equipping families with accurate information and practical tools, the Orchard Park Central School District continues its commitment to fostering the health, safety, and well-being of its students and community.
OPMS 6th Grade Field Trip - 3/5/2026
Dear OPMS 6th Grade Families,
We are excited to share that our 6th grade students will be attending a field trip to the Theatre of Youth on Thursday, March 5th to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical.
Students will depart the middle school at 9:00 a.m. and return at approximately 1 p.m. Students will have lunch upon their return. If your child typically purchases lunch at school, they will be able to do so as usual.
Important: In order for your child to attend this field trip, a digital permission form must be completed. You can access the digital permission form through the Parent Portal website; this cannot be done in the app. The directions for completing the form are linked here.
Students will not be permitted to attend the trip without a submitted permission form. We kindly ask that you complete the form as soon as possible to ensure your child’s participation. All permission forms must be completed by Monday, March 2, 2026.
We are looking forward to a wonderful experience for our students! If you have any questions, please contact the main office.
Sincerely,
The OPMS 6th Grade Team
OPMS STEAM Expo Shirt Sale
The OPMS Entrepreneurship students have designed shirts for the upcoming STEAM Expo. If anyone is interested, please fill out the Google Form below and pay via cash at the OP Outfitters cart located at the 1st floor "T" any day before homeroom.
Note: Filling out the form does NOT place your order. Orders are placed after payment is made.
If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt, please place your order by March 6. The cost is $15 and ordering details are listed below:
How to order: Order Form
Growth and Development Program (Project Know) Information
Dear 5th and 6th Grade Parents and Guardians,
The Orchard Park Central School District invites you and your fifth grade student to participate in the Growth and Development Program (Project Know). Middle School sixth graders are welcome to attend the session with a parent/guardian.
The program offers pre-adolescents and their parents information and insights into human sexuality and puberty, and how students’ bodies will be changing during puberty. This overview is intended to be an introduction to growth and development, and families can continue the conversations at home to their level of comfort and readiness for their child.
The presenters for the program are from Erie 2 BOCES and are Human Sexuality Educators.
We encourage parents from all four elementary schools to learn more about the content of the student presentations by visiting:
Password (case-sensitive): OP!PK2@025
This will allow you to make an informed choice as to whether or not you would like your child to participate in the evening student program. The evening student programs are designed for students and parents to attend together.
Growth & Development Program (Project Know)
For fifth grade students accompanied by a parent
Both programs begin at 7:00 PM at OPMS Auditorium
Project Know for Boys: Monday, March 16, 2026
Project Know for Girls: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
We are pleased to present this opportunity to the children in the Orchard Park School District and we encourage you to participate. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Sarah Hornung
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Innovation and Pupil Services
716-209-6236
Ramadan Mubarek🌙✨
Orchard Park Middle School wishes a blessed and peaceful Ramadan to all who are observing! To support our students during this time, we have:
✅ A food-free alternative location available during lunch for those who are fasting.
✅ A quiet/private space for prayer available for students staying after school during the Dhuhr prayer window.
If your student requires any accommodations, please let us know. We are happy to support them in any way we can! Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful Ramadan!
OPMS PTO Meeting - Now on 3/16/26
Due to a scheduling conflict, the OPMS PTO meeting will now take place on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM via Google Meet. The meeting link is provided here. We hope you are able to join us.
OPMS Presents the 5th Annual STEAM Expo
The Orchard Park Middle School will host its fifth annual STEAM Expo on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Students, alumni, teachers, and community members will be actively engaging attendees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math activities. Teachers involved in the STEAM Expo expect over 50 scientific projects, ranging from a dog treat invention, a hologram projector box, making butter, (and more!) -- all to be presented by over 50 students in grades 6-8.
The OPMS Robotics Club will give attendees an opportunity to drive student-built competition robots. The district-wide Art Department, the Orchard Park Visual Arts Boosters, and district-wide Technology and Math teachers will all be providing hands-on STEAM activities while the Science Department will be running an immersive planetarium experience for all attendees.
All in attendance will have a chance to partake in many hands-on activities and can purchase snacks and OPMS gear from the PTO and Entrepreneurship students. The night will conclude with live student-created cardboard boat races.
OPHS PTO Fundraiser - Get Egged
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 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 - @ 7:00 PM via https://meet.google.com/qpm-wyhh-ene
February 9, 2026 - @ 7:00 PM via https://meet.google.com/qpm-wyhh-ene
March 16, 2026 - @ 7:00 PM via https://meet.google.com/qpm-wyhh-ene
April 20, 2026
May 11, 2026
OPHS PTO - 8th Grade Parents
Attention Parents of 8th Graders!
Hello! Please consider helping with the High School PTO next year. Here is the list of
open PTO positions for the next school year. This list includes Chairs needed for events
and Representatives needed for committees. There are a certain number of slots
available for the committees. If you're interested in chairing an event you don’t have to
do it alone. Feel free to ask a friend and chair the event together. The deadline for
nominations is May 1st 2026. Email Jen Domzalski @ jmdomzalski@hotmail.com if you are interested in a position.
These positions are a 2 year term:
- President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Nominating Chair
- BET (Building Effectives Team) Representative - 1 position
- STAP-Comm (Students, Teachers, and Parents) Representative- 2 positions - 1 Rep
- must be a member of SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)
- ILC (Instructional Learning Council) Representative - 1 position
- New Student/Freshman Orientation Chair
- Staff Appreciation Lunch Chair
- Science Honor Society Induction Reception Chair
For more information regarding the duties and responsibilities of each Chair or
Representative, please follow this link to read descriptions of each. OPHS PTO Chair Descriptions Link
Feel free to reach out to the PTO President Jen Domzalski at jmdomzalski@hotmail.com for more information as well. Thank you!
Orchard Park is fortunate to have a strong partner in OPSEPTSA, the Orchard Park Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association. OPSEPTSA is a welcoming network of parents, family members, teachers, students, administrators, and community members who work together to support students with special needs and their families. Their mission is to advocate for the education and well-being of every child while helping families navigate services within the Orchard Park Central School District.
Through monthly informational meetings, OPSEPTSA provides valuable opportunities to connect with other families, hear from guest speakers and service providers, and learn more about topics such as CSE meetings, student rights under New York State Education Law, and resources available both in and outside of school. These meetings are a great way to ask questions, share experiences, and stay informed about upcoming events and supports in our community.
All families and community members are welcome to get involved. To learn more, become a member, or attend a meeting, you can follow OPSEPTSA on Facebook and Instagram or email opseptsa@gmail.com to sign up. Working together, we can continue to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Meeting dates for the 25-26 school year are below:
October 22, 2025
November 19, 2025
December 17, 2025
January 21, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 22, 2026
May 20, 2026
June 17, 2026
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Mid-Winter Concert - 8th Grade Band & Orchestra @ 6:30 PM
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- OPCSD Presents: Vaping - What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know @ OPMS - 6:00 PM
Thursday, March 5, 2026
- 6th Grade Field Trip to Theater of Youth
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- News & Views Club Field Trip
Monday, March 16, 2026
- OPMS PTO Meeting @ 7:00 PM via https://meet.google.com/qpm-wyhh-ene
Thursday, March 19, 2026
- STEAM Expo at OPMS from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20, 2026
- Superintendent's Conference Day - No Students
Monday, March 23, 2026
- 5th to 6th Grade Special Education Information Night @ OPMS - 6:00 PM