Quaker Gazette

Dear Quaker Families,

As I popped in and out of classrooms this week I saw snippets of the incredible work of teaching and learning by our students and our teachers. I heard the sounds of learning a world language in one classroom, and in another the sounds of a hula hoop being used as a teaching tool while a student recalled the derivative of the cosine function. I saw readers, pen in hand, engaging with a novel in one classroom, and a teacher encouraging students to go back to the text to find the source of information in another. I saw students grouping and evaluating measurements in a lab, while then checking one another’s work and working together.

The classroom has always been one of my favorite places. It is a place of inquiry, discussion, and discovery, where questions lead to new ideas and students are encouraged to think deeply, explore different perspectives, and learn from one another. It is a place for celebrations and challenges - where successes are recognized, setbacks become opportunities for growth, and students learn the value of perseverance. Just as importantly, the classroom is a place for friendships, connections, and laughter. It is where students build confidence in their abilities and develop a sense of belonging. While learning and academic growth are the objectives, the relationships we build and the experiences we share are what make it such a meaningful journey and place to be. All of these moments, both big and small, are an important part of the high school experience and help shape the people our students are becoming.

As we move through the school year, we remain committed to providing students with the support and challenges they need to grow. A strong partnership between school and home is essential to this work. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to help every student at OPHS maximize their potential, every day.

Go Quakers!

Alexis Langheier, Ed.D

The next PTO and Post Prom meetings will be on Monday October 26th. The Post Prom meeting is at 6:00pm and the PTO meeting is at 7:00pm. Both meetings are in the Library on the second floor.

• OP's annual NCAA Night will be on Thursday, October 22nd at 7:00pm in the High School Auditorium. This evening is for the high school student-athlete who is considering playing at a Division I or Division II level in college. We will have a guest speaker from UB's Athletic and Compliance office to provide insight into recruiting, scholarships, eligibility, and more! Parents and their athletes from all grades are encouraged to attend.
  
  

• The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for current seniors interested in applying for college financial aid. It is recommended that the FAFSA be completed as soon as possible.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• The Scott Krueger Memorial Scholarship application is now available for seniors in the Scholarships-Class of 2027 Google Classroom! This scholarship totals $40,000 and is awarded to 2 students each year. For more information, please have your student visit the Scholarships-Class of 2027 Google Classroom. There are several steps required to complete the application process, so students should not wait until the last minute. Completed applications are due in the House 1 office by 2:30 pm on Monday, November 16th.
  
  

• 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. 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.
  
  

• 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.