OPMS

October is Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the different ways children think, learn, and process information. Students with dyslexia and ADHD bring many strengths to our classrooms and school community. Building awareness and understanding helps us better support all students and celebrate what makes each learner unique.

In recognition of Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month, the Special Education Committee has organized several events for families to learn more. Check out the images below for information about these upcoming opportunities.

Did you know? Dyslexia and ADHD are not measures of intelligence. Students with dyslexia or ADHD can thrive when they have the right strategies, supports, and opportunities to build on their strengths.

Costume Contest
Students are welcome to wear costumes to the event! To help ensure a fun, safe, and school-appropriate experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

• Costumes must be school-appropriate.
• Masks of any kind are not permitted.
• Weapons of any kind, including toy or pretend weapons, are strictly prohibited. Costume accessories that could pose a safety concern are not permitted.
• Costumes should allow students to move freely and participate safely in event activities.
• No bags, backpacks, or purses will be permitted into the event.

IMPORTANT: Activity Night Dismissal
We want to share an important update regarding dismissal from Activity Night. Students will not be permitted to leave the event before 7:00 PM unless they are being picked up by a parent or guardian. Students may not leave the event on their own to walk around the Village, go to the playground at South Davis, or visit other locations. This will help us ensure that all students remain safe and supervised throughout the event. If you need to pick up your child before 7:00 PM, please come to the front desk at the Middle School to sign them out.

Volunteers Needed
The PTO is also looking for volunteers to help make Activity Night a success! We need approximately 20 volunteers from 4:30–7:30 PM. OPHS students who are inducted members of NHS are welcome to volunteer as well. Interested parents or OPHS NHS students can use the volunteer sign-up link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A45A9A72FA5F85-65125469-7th8th#/

Food Drive & Raffle
During our Fall Activity Night on Friday, October 16, we will be collecting non-perishable food items to support the Family Solutions Center. For every can donated, students will receive one raffle ticket for a chance to win a 24" x 30" Dion Dawkins autographed canvas! The more cans you bring, the more chances you have to win! Donations will be collected when students check in to the event. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the night, and students must be present to win! Thank you for helping us support families in our community!

Thank you for helping us make Activity Night a safe and fun evening for our 7th and 8th graders. We are looking forward to a great night!

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Creating a safe and positive learning environment for students is a top priority in our district. As part of our district’s strategic plan, we are committed to supporting a positive climate and culture, which includes a focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The social and emotional well-being of our children is directly tied to their success in school. When those needs are not addressed, students can face challenges with self-perception, academics, attendance, and relationships.

This fall, all students in grades 5–8 will participate in a daily survey designed to assess and track changes in their social-emotional well-being. The survey will help us better understand individual student experiences, peer relationships, and student-to-staff connections, while also identifying students who may need immediate support.

Survey Details:

• The fall survey administration will be on October 20, 2026

• The survey will be administered again in spring 2026

• Estimated completion time: 10 minutes

• 31 questions total, 2 of them are open ended

If you would prefer that your child not participate, you may complete the “Survey Opt-out” form in the Parent Portal. To access it, log in and select “Forms” from the menu on the left-hand side of the page. We believe this survey will provide valuable insights to help us further support students socially and emotionally. Thank you for your partnership in this important work.

Students are welcome to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30! We encourage students to have fun and be creative while keeping the school day safe and comfortable for everyone.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Costumes must be school-appropriate and follow our regular school dress expectations.

• Costumes may not include violent, gory, or inappropriate themes.

• Masks of any kind are not permitted. Students' faces must remain visible throughout the school day.

• Weapons of any kind, including toy or pretend weapons, are strictly prohibited.

• Costume accessories are permitted as long as they do not create a safety concern or interfere with learning.

• Inflatable costumes are permitted but may be restricted at the teacher's discretion if they interfere with safety or classroom activities.

• Costumes should allow students to move comfortably and participate in their regular school activities.

We look forward to seeing everyone's creativity and appreciate your help in making Halloween a fun and safe day at OPMS!

The OPMS World Affairs Club’s sole purpose is to bring 8th grade students to Washington, D.C.

each spring. All 8 th graders are eligible to be members of World Affairs Club and may choose to

participate in the trip. The trip will be April 30, May 1 and 2, 2027; so it is time to register.

Scan the QR Code below, or go to www.worldstrides.com WorldStrides is the tour company

that we work with.

When you click the line below you will find:

1. A cover letter, which details the program information and highlights of the trip (a sample itinerary).

2. Trip details: dates, pricing, and registration process.

3. Information on how to apply for FLAG Scholarship funding, which is available to families with an

adjusted gross income of up to $85,000.

4. Information explaining how to register and manage your account with World Strides online, including

the option to purchase trip insurance.

5. Registration ID information: www.worldstrides.com

The Orchard Park Trip ID # is 228908

The registration window will remain open until January 22, 2027.

There will be two optional fundraising opportunities’ that students may participant in, one in the fall and one in the spring. More information to follow.

Please contact Mrs. Sanchez with any questions, World Affairs Club Grade 8 Advisor.

ksanchez@opschools.org

Dear OPMS Parents/Guardians,

Is your child taking 8th Grade Life & Careers this quarter? If so, I am delighted to invite you to join us for our 8th Grade Career Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for our 8th graders to be introduced to a wide array of career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain invaluable insights into the world of work. Presenters who sign up will showcase the job they are currently in to their child's 8th Grade Life & Careers Class. If you or an adult family member is interested in being a Career Day Presenter, please sign up below. Also, it would make sense that you would sign up for the period your child has Life & Careers class this quarter. If your child does not have Life & Careers this quarter, there will be an opportunity to sign up for that specific quarter in a future OPMS Observer installment.

In terms of presenting, please plan to have approximately 15- 20 minutes for your presentation. You are welcome to bring in materials/prompts with you to enhance your presentation, or plan a hands-on activity with the students. There will be a ViewBoard in the room for you to project if you choose to make a slides presentation. I also have a presentation that can simply guide you while you speak. It has question prompts if you would prefer that. Click here to access a presentation template if you want to make a slides presentation. You can make a copy of the presentation and make it your own. Of course, it is not mandatory to have a slides presentation. Any questions, please contact Valerie Velasquez: vvelasquez@opschools.org. Thank you in advance for volunteering! We look forward to an amazing Career Day with you!

Sincerely,

Valerie Velasquez

Orchard Park Middle School

Gr. 8 Life & Careers Teacher

Join Orchard Park Middle School PTO as a member and help our students’ days feel fuller, brighter, and more fun. 🎒 Your membership supports school events, classroom needs, and student programs—from dances to enrichment activities. Even if you can’t volunteer often, joining the PTO shows your support for our kids, teachers, and staff. 💚

You can complete your membership form and pay your $5 dues by clicking on the link below:

• Monday, November 2, 2026 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, January 11, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, February 1, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, March 8, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, April 12, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, May 10, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet
• Monday, June 14, 2027 @ 7:00 PM over Google Meet

All events for 2026-27 school year are in need for volunteers. Please think about participating in all our amazing opportunities and fun for our students.

Monday, October 12, 2026

• No School - Indigenous Peoples Day

Friday, October 16, 2026

• 7th/8th Grade Activity Night - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM