The Quaker Gazette

On Thursday, October 2, students from Mrs. Feldman's Ecology class and Mrs. Bastedo's Environmental Literature class participated in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Day in the Life of the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed event. They joined community scientists from all over Western NY by conducting water quality field tests, including a study on macroinvertebrate populations.The group focused on Smokes Creek at Honeycrest playground in Orchard Park. It was a day full of hands-on learning and engagement!

Windom Elementary School is looking for students to assist with their annual Trunk or Treat event on Friday October 17th from 5:30-7:30pm. If you have a question about what these hours can count towards please see Mr. Pafk. Interested students can email Windompto@opschools.org to sign up.

The deadline for ordering your Quaker Yearbook is February 1, 2026. To order your yearbook, go to https://yearbookordercenter.com/ and enter school code 4747. All yearbook sales are online only. Furthermore, you MUST pre-order your yearbook by February 1, 2026.

Any questions, please contact us a ophsyearbook@opschools.org

• 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 Daemen University on October 28th, 2025. Colleges and agencies that support this transition across the state will present valuable information.




• Please visit the WNYCCDA website for details and registration information.




• OPHS is a test center for the October ACT, November SAT, May SAT, and June ACT. The deadline for the October ACT is September 12th. The deadline for the November SAT is October 24th. Please visit the ACT and SAT websites 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.




• College Application season is underway! Students must fill out a Transcript Request Form for each college application completed. Please give your teachers and counselors at least two weeks notice when requesting transcripts and letters of recommendations. 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 20th to November 3rd. Don’t miss out!




• Parents of seniors, please encourage your student to be aware of the following college application deadlines:
• Transcript Request Forms must be turned in to the school counselor by October 20 for a November 1 application deadline.
• Transcript Request Forms must be turned in to the school counselor by October 31 for a November 15 deadline.
• Transcript Request Forms must be turned in to the school counselor by November 17 for a December 1 deadline.
• Transcript Request Form must be turned in to the school counselor by December 12 for a January 1 deadline.
• Transcript Request Form must be turned in to the school counselor by December 19 for a January 15 deadline.




• The 2026-27 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. Visit https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support for more information.




• 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 here.




• 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.

OPHS PTO News!

The PTO Board would like to thank Sarah Rera for organizing the Coat Check at the Homecoming Dance and Nancy and Brian DeBroka for organizing the Refreshments at the Homecoming Dance. We would also like to thank all the volunteers for their donations and their time spent at the dance helping with the event. We couldn’t do it without your help!!!

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Have you joined the PTO yet? Click this link to do so. No commitment required. Your membership fee of $7.00 helps to support all students.

PTO Membership Link

Keep up to date on all things PTO by joining our Facebook page here: Facebook Link

Please check out the PTO Website for information about the PTO and the Post Prom Meetings, Senior Timelines, Post Prom information, and other PTO related information.

PTO Website Link

There are still a few PTO Positions available if you are interested. No experience necessary! You will not be left alone to figure these events out. The PTO Board will help you. Written notes/instructions are available. The positions are:

Nominating Chair

Staff Appreciation Lunch Chair

National Honor Society Induction Reception Chair

Reach out to Jen Domzalski at jmdomzalski@hotmail.com if you are interested in finding out more information.

The next 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course will be held on the following dates at the Orchard Park High School:

Monday & Wednesday, October 6 & 8 from 6:30-9:00pm.

You must attend both evenings, be 16 or older and have a valid NYS Learner’s Permit. There is a $40.00 fee. Sign up and pay online at www.opschools.org/communityed or register in person at the Community Education Office (cash or make checks payable to Orchard Park Central School District). Call 209-6295 for more information.