Quaker Gazette
September 24, 2026
A Message from the Principal 🖊️
Dear Quaker Families,
The high school is bustling with tremendous pride and excitement as we head into our Homecoming festivities for the weekend. I’m thrilled for all our students, faculty and staff, and families to experience the incredible Orchard Park 2026 Homecoming. See the outline below with all of the details. All of these events are only possible because of the extraordinary dedication and leadership of many student leaders, coaches, teachers and advisors! I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with you all and cheering on our Quakers throughout the weekend.
Go Quakers!
Alexis Langheier, Ed.D
5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
The 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course will be offered through Community Education on October 5 & 7, 2026 from 6:30-9:00 each evening. You must be 16 or older, bring your valid NYS Learner’s Permit to class and attend both evenings to receive your certificate. Register here:
PTO News 📰
Homecoming
The PTO needs your help with Homecoming! Check out the sign up to see how you can help out. Thank you!
Welcome Back
Check out the PTO Welcome Back Packet for important PTO information about what the PTO does, meetings, Post Prom info, chairpersons, our Facebook page, and more!
Mark your calendars!
The first PTO meeting of the 26-27 school year has been changed! The PTO meeting will take place on October 5th at 7:00pm in the HS Library. The first Post Prom meeting will also take place on October 5th at 6:00pm in the HS Library. Hope to see you there!
Be aware!
Please do not respond to emails from any PTO board members requesting gift cards. We will never ask you to purchase gift cards for us through email. Please reach out if you receive these emails to confirm. Check the email from who it was sent by as well. This is usually not the person's correct email.
Homecoming
🌺 Friday, September 25
- 6 p.m. – Homecoming Pep Rally at OPHS (Current OPHS Students Only) 🎉
- 7:15 p.m. – Senior vs. Junior Girls Flag Football at the OP Stadium 🏈
🌺 Saturday, September 26
- 10 a.m. – Homecoming Parade! The parade begins at OPMS and travels down 20A to the Baker Road Parking lot of OPHS 🥁
- 11 a.m. – Homecoming Carnival at the Baker Road Parking lot of OPHS. Free rides, games, prizes, candy, and more! 🎡
- 1:45 p.m. - 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Recognized prior to Varsity Football Game 🏆
- 2 p.m. – Homecoming Football Game at OP Stadium 🏈
- 7:30 p.m. – Orchard Park High School Homecoming Dance 🪩
2026 Homecoming Dance Reminders 💃🕺
- Who: Orchard Park High School students in grades 9–12 only
- When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Time: 7:30–10:30 p.m.
- Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
- No admission after 8:30 p.m.
- Where: OPHS Gym
- Tickets: $22 — online only (Today September 24, is the last day to purchase tickets!)
- Purchase at opschools.org/hsdance
- No tickets sold at the door
- KKS Requirement: Parent/guardian must complete the Keeping Kids Safe (KKS) video/signoff before a ticket can be purchased. Deadline: Sept. 24
- Bring your current OPHS Student ID!
- Your ID is your ticket
- No ID = No Entrance
- Students cannot enter by typing in their student number.
- Entry: Enter through the Baker Rd. or Freeman Rd. side selected when purchasing the ticket.
- Drop-off/Parking: Use the side corresponding to your selected entrance. Students may leave through either exit.
- Dress: Semi-formal and must follow the OPHS Student Handbook dress code.
- Appropriate dress shoes/footwear required.
- No athletic shoes, Crocs, slides, or flip-flops.
- Clean, stylish sneakers are acceptable.
- No going barefoot.
- Rules: All OPHS rules in the 2026–2027 Student Handbook/Agenda apply.
- Questions: Call OPHS at 716-209-6242.
OPHS is Planning a Trip to France & Spain 🗺️
Dear OPHS Students and Parents:
As mentioned last spring, OPHS is taking a student trip to the cities of Paris and Barcelona as well as the Pyrenees region of France and Spain during the 2027 spring break. This cultural and historical adventure is open to all current 26-27 Orchard Park High School students. Several OPHS students have already enrolled but we still have a few spots available. Therefore, we will be holding a second recruitment meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 6pm in the High School library.
This 10-day trip is scheduled to take place next spring recess from March 25, 2027 to April 3, 2027.
However, there could be a slight fluctuation by a few days due to flight availability.
The main advisor for the trip is Mrs. Kathleen Holtermann (High School World Languages teacher) but Miss Rachel Adel (High School Social Studies Techer) is also signed on as a chaperone. Other staff chaperones will be added in accordance with the size of the group. Please RSVP for this meeting.
School Counseling News
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. Many visits are virtual and will occur after the school day, starting at 2 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursday visits will be in-person and will take place in room 150. 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.
The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open for current seniors interested in applying for financial aid for college on October 1st. It is recommended that the FAFSA be completed as soon as possible after October 1st.
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.
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.
WNY College Consortium of Higher Education College Fair will take place on Wednesday, September 30th. Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to attend. Underclass students may attend with permission from their teachers. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities for Students
Volunteer at South Davis
South Davis Elementary School PTO runs many activities for students and parents outside the school day, and they are always looking for volunteers to assist throughout the school year. From the Homecoming Parade to Trunk or Treat to Holiday Market or Family Fun Night, there are many opportunities for high school students to lend a hand and make a connection with our younger learners.
Some dates include:
9/26 - Homecoming Parade Float
10/23 - Trunk or Treat
12/4 - Holiday Market
3/19 - Family Fun Night
If you are interested in volunteering at these or any other event, please contact Mr. Dolce at jdolce@opschools.org.
Volunteer at OPMS
Orchard Park Middle School is looking for high school volunteers to help with our upcoming Activity Nights!
Our middle school students get so excited when high school students come over to help at these events, and we would love to have you join us. This is a great opportunity to earn service hours while helping us create a fun night for our students.
7th & 8th Grade Activity Night
Friday, October 16
Volunteers needed from 4:30–7:30 PM
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A45A9A72FA5F85-65125469-7th8th#/
We would really appreciate your help, and our middle school students would love to have you there!