OPMS

Our Student Council has been working hard to make Homecoming Week exciting and fun for everyone. They recently decided to make some changes to the original spirit week lineup. Please see the updated themes below so students can plan accordingly. Thank you for your flexibility as our students take the lead in shaping this tradition. We’re looking forward to a week filled with school spirit and celebrating together.

To help us keep classrooms safe, clean, and free of distractions, we are updating our beverage policy. Moving forward, only water will be permitted in classrooms. We’ve noticed that drinks such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, and other specialty beverages can be distracting in class and messy when spilled, often requiring custodial support during the day. Some of these drinks also present concerns for students with airborne allergies. Allowing only water helps us keep learning spaces safe, focused, and clean.

Students may still bring other beverages to school, but they must remain in lockers. These drinks can be enjoyed in the cafeteria during lunch. Teachers and staff will not ask students to throw items away; they will simply ask students to store them in their lockers until lunch. Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate dismissal at Orchard Park Middle School. With 36 buses and more than 1,100 students, it takes coordination to make sure everyone leaves safely each afternoon. We are monitoring dismissal times closely and releasing students as soon as it is safe to do so. We appreciate your flexibility as we work through the start of the school year and ensure that safety remains our top priority.

This is to inform you the week of September 22, Orchard Park Middle School will be conducting multiple fire drills, or evacuation drills. The purpose of these drills is to ensure the safety and preparedness of our students and staff in case of an emergency. We conduct these drills regularly as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment. Please rest assured that this is only a drill and not an actual emergency. For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the main office.

A copy of the District Code of Conduct is included in the Student Agenda. Please sign off electronically in the Parent Portal by Friday, September 26 that you and your child have read and understand the information in the Student Agenda and Code of Conduct. There is a link in the Parent Portal on the left-hand menu and in the forms section of the PowerSchool App. The Student Agenda information and district Code of Conduct are linked below.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming 7th and 8th Grade Open House event on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM. This is a great opportunity you to meet your student's teachers, learn more about our curriculum, and explore the various programs we offer. Our goal is to provide insights into the learning environment and the ways we are working together to ensure your student’s success this school year. We look forward to seeing you and sharing how we can support your student's growth! Below is some information about the Open House event:

• Open House is for parents/guardians only.
• During study hall periods, you may visit one of your student's cycle 2 day classes.
• You will be following your student's cycle 1-day schedule that evening.
• Please report to their student's 1st-period class at 6:30 PM.
• You will have the opportunity to meet all of your student's teachers. Each period will be seven minutes with three minutes passing time.
• A digital version of the schedule for the evening will be available on the Parent Portal and can be accessed by selecting the "Open House Schedule" link on the left-hand menu. Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 day schedules will appear. We will follow cycle 1. Cycle 2 is there in case you would like to visit a cycle 2 day teacher's classrooms.

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

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

participate in the trip. The trip will be May 1, 2, and 3, 2026; so it is time to register. Click the link below for more information. WorldStrides is the tour company that we work with.

When you click the link 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 222429

The registration window will remain open until January 26, 2026.

FYI- 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 at ksanchez@opschools.org with any questions.

Back-to-School pricing is available. Click the image below to buy your 25-26 OPMS yearbook today!

Please see below for more information about the OPMS Ski and Snowboard Program.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Our school office will be open, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM to address any concerns you may have. Here's to another great week at Orchard Park Middle School. Go Quakers!

Thanks,

Mary Kate Graham

OPMS Principal

The OPMS Observer is the weekly newsletter that is sent to families. You will receive a text link and an email each time a new issue is released. This is the best source of receiving updated information weekly from the school.

The Orchard Park Central School District is committed to partnering with parents and guardians to support strong student attendance, helping every child reach their full potential each day. We understand that absences can add up, often due to illness or other unexpected circumstances, and our goal is to work together with families to support students’ academic success.

To make the process easier, parents and guardians can now submit attendance notes and pick up information online. Simply log in to the Parent Portal, click on Attendance Notes, and complete and submit the form. Please view the video below for detailed instructions.

Here are some important reminders for our traffic patterns to help keep all of the OPMS community safe. We understand that the pick-up/drop-off traffic lines can be long, however, the safety of our students and staff is critical.

• Drop off: Buses use the front loop on South Lincoln. Parent drop-off is not allowed in the front loop. Parent drop-off is behind the building, please enter the lot from 20A and follow the directions of the staff. Student drop-off is not allowed before 7:45 a.m. This is to prevent a potentially serious safety risk, as students aren’t permitted to go to homeroom before then, and there is limited supervision in the foyer.

• Pick up: Parents should use the front loop for student pick up for early releases and normal dismissal at 2:30 p.m. The buses will use the lot behind the school for pick up.

Please check the Parent Portal throughout the year to receive information on your child’s academic progress. Information such as report cards are now solely on the Parent Portal. If you are having difficulty accessing the Parent Portal, please contact the Counseling Center at 209-6233.

Also, please update your contact information on the Parent Portal by selecting the "Update Information" page. Additionally, update your settings to continue to receive important communications from the Middle School and the District. If you have trouble logging into Parent Portal click the link below for more assistance.

The OPMS PTO monthly meeting dates are included below. All PTO meetings will take place at 9:00 AM at OPMS. Meetings will take place in the OPMS conference room.

September 15, 2025

October 6, 2025

November 3, 2025

January 12, 2026

February 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

April 20, 2026

May 11, 2026

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

• 7th and 8th Grade Open House 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, September 27. 2025

• Homecoming Parade