OPMS
This week, we join schools across the country in celebrating National School Psychology Week. This annual event highlights the important work school psychologists do to support students’ learning, behavior, and well-being. The 2025 theme, “Finding Your Path,” focuses on how school psychologists help students, families, and staff set goals, overcome challenges, and grow - both in and out of school.
We are grateful for the dedication of our own school psychologist, Mrs. Weiler, and the many ways she helps our students thrive. Take a moment this week to recognize the impact of school psychologists and learn more about how they support success for all learners.
Beginning with the start of the second marking period, Orchard Park Middle School will be making adjustments to our daily schedule to better accommodate transportation needs and ensure student safety.
Homeroom and Class Times: Starting Thursday, November 6, homeroom will be shortened from 10 minutes to 7 minutes. Each class period will gain an additional minute. Our school day will now officially end at 2:35 PM, which is the dismissal time we have been following throughout this year.
These changes are being made in response to the ongoing bus driver shortage and to support smooth, safe dismissal procedures for all students. Thank you for your flexibility and support as we continue to adjust in ways that best serve our students.
Beginning October 29, 2025, the late bus will now depart at 4:00 PM. The late bus runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This adjustment allows us to continue providing a safe way home while ensuring all students have equal access to after-school activities.
As a reminder, our student handbook outlines the following expectations for dismissal and after-school supervision (with times adjusted to reflect our current schedule, including normal dismissal at 2:35 PM):
- All students, including those who walk or bike, should leave the building immediately at dismissal unless they are involved in a supervised after-school activity.
- Students may not leave school at dismissal and then return later to ride the late bus.
- Students staying for sports or activities that begin later than 2:45 must report to the Cafeteria to wait.
- Loitering in or outside the building after school is not permitted. Students should only be in the building after 2:45 if accompanied by a teacher, advisor, coach, or parent.
- The South Davis playground cannot be accessed by OPMS students until after their dismissal at 3:30.
We appreciate your flexibility and apologize for the short notice change. Thank you for your support in helping us reinforce these expectations so that our students remain safe and can fully participate in after-school opportunities.
