Stakeholders and students from OPCSD, along with local community members, gathered with representatives from the New York State Comptroller's Office to discuss incorporating essential financial skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing into a Personal Finance graduation requirement. The OPHS Business Department is proud to lead this initiative, committed to preparing students for a lifetime of financial well-being. We are honored to be part of a statewide effort to make financial literacy a priority for every graduate!
On November 5, students from SUNY Fredonia's opera production of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte visited OPHS and performed for Maria Szezepanik's Choraliers students. The Fredonia students, along with their director Don Marrazzo, did a performance and then a little outreach program.
On Monday, October 28, OPHS biology students participated in the annual Cider Pressing Day, transforming Room 161 into an interactive, hands-on learning lab. Led by OPHS biology teacher Mr. VanDerwater, over 400 students engaged in an activity that combined biology, ecology, and local history—all while crafting fresh apple cider. Throughout the day, students explored fundamental concepts in agriculture, cell biology, food chains, natural selection, and plant reproduction. They took turns operating Mr. VanDerwater’s traditional hand-crank cider press, learning about the mechanics of food production and enjoying a refreshing taste of the "fruits of their labor." Through their hands-on involvement in the cider-making process, students connected personally with the experience, deepening their understanding of the links between science and everyday life. This year’s Cider Pressing Day demonstrated the high school’s commitment to experiential learning, bringing biology to life for students and staff alike. It was made possible by the generous support of the Orchard Park High School PTO, who funded the purchase of the apples.
Students in Mrs. Guetta and Mrs. Masters' science classes recently embarked on an exciting hands-on learning experience by launching rockets. This engaging activity provided students with the opportunity to explore key concepts in their 6th grade science curriculum. Through collaborative teamwork and experimentation, our young scientists applied their critical thinking skills to design, build, and successfully launch their rockets.
On Wednesday, October 9, South Davis Elementary students took part in the school’s annual Bike to School event, a tradition held each fall and spring to encourage a healthy and active start to the day. With support from the Orchard Park Police Department and the South Davis PTO, students and their families were invited to enjoy a morning bike ride to school. Led by Principal Jeff Dolce, the group rode together on a beautiful fall morning, making the most of the fresh air and exercise before classes began. The event brought students, families, and staff together for a fun, active start to the day, and everyone had a great time.
On October 8, Ellicott Elementary School in Orchard Park, N.Y. welcomed a very special guest – Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins and representatives from Crayola – to celebrate creativity and its importance in students’ lives. The event was part of Crayola’s Campaign for Creativity, which focuses on inspiring children to express themselves through art. Hollins, known for his passion for creativity, encouraged students to embrace drawing and dancing as fun ways to show their individuality. One of the highlights of the celebration was the return of a special piece of artwork created by Kailey Artiles, a former Ellicott Elementary student. Her artwork, made over 25 years ago in 1997, had been safely kept at Crayola’s headquarters in Pennsylvania. Now, it was coming home, showing students the lasting impact creativity can have on their lives. This was part of a larger Crayola program that began in 1984, where children’s artwork from across the country was showcased in museums and galleries. In addition to inspiring the students with stories of creativity, Crayola made a generous donation of more than $1500 worth of art supplies to Ellicott Elementary School and The Teacher’s Desk, a local nonprofit. These supplies will help students continue to explore their creative sides, ensuring that their artistic journeys are just beginning. The day was filled with excitement, art, and the reminder that creativity plays a key role in helping students reach their full potential.
Liz Love, STEM teacher at Ellicott Elementary, has been awarded a NYSCATE grant for her project, Reimagine Play: Board Game Design with Glowforge. Click here to learn more.
Parents and guardians are able to submit attendance notes and pick up information online, i.e. excuses for absences. Log in to the Parent Portal, click Forms, and complete and submit the General Attendance Form. Click here for more information.
The Orchard Park Central School District, along with Erie 2 BOCES, has joined with Sandy Hook Promise to deploy an anonymous reporting system as an additional layer to our school district safety plan. Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving, evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. Click here to learn more.
Please click here to learn more about registering your student for kindergarten for the 24-25 school year.
7:00 PM HS Choral Pops Concert
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM EG Picture Day Make Ups
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM HS Collegiate Athletic Commitment Day
7:00 PM HS Fall Orchestra Concert
The Community Education course catalogue is now available online! Click here to research, register and pay for Community Education classes. In-person registration and mail in registration is still available.
Please click the title to learn more about photo/video opt out procedures and district use of student information.
Please click the headline to read instructions on how to subscribe to the Orchard Park Central School District iCal calendar.
The OP Schools mobile app contains essential information on district news, events, and important reference information. Download the app for free by searching for “OP Schools” in the App Store or Google Play.
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