OPCSD - Focused On Supporting Individual Learners
Curriculum and Pupil Services Office 

As reflected in our Vision and Mission Statements, we strive to support students to achieve their fullest potential.  This is done by focusing on three pillars:

• Creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students are socially-emotionally sound. Our character education programs and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program provide a foundation for our school climate and culture. 

• Engaging learning experiences and curricula where students are challenged to critically think, collaborate and communicate with others, and have opportunities to be creative.  Our re-designed K-5 STEM Innovation Labs is an example of our focus on the 4 C’s: creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

• Empowering parents and families to help support children to not only be successful students but to be prepared for life.  Our Family Solutions Center and our Parent Information Series workshops are examples of our commitment to supporting students and their families.

At the elementary level, students' instructional needs are met through differentiated instruction.  Using guided reading and the Reading Workshop model, students are challenged and supported to read text at their "right fit" level.  Within a classroom, an advanced student may be reading beyond grade level text, while a student who needs additional time and support may be reading a text at grade level.  Our ELA instructional leadership team is aware of the Science of Reading research and this latest phase in the “reading wars,” and have deepened our commitment to developing students’ phonemic awareness and phonics skills.  Our Kindergarten through 2nd grade teachers participate in a 30-hour classroom educator Orton-Gillingham training, which provides them with a systematic approach to teaching phonics. This program is research and evidenced-based and has proven to be effective in teaching all readers, particularly those students who struggle to learn to read such as students with dyslexia.  To learn more about Orton-Gillingham, please click here. Our K-5 mathematics focuses on developing number sense, mathematical reasoning and conceptual understanding - all of which are higher-level thinking skills beyond rote memorization of facts and procedures.  

Technology is infused in our program to support collaboration, creativity and communication.  Our 1:1 initiative entered its final phase in 2020, and now all students in grades K-12 have access to a Chromebook.  We strive for a responsible and healthy balance of screen time, with structured computer classes where computer and technological skills are developed.  We also value time when technology is strategically limited during the school day.  This provides the much-needed emphasis on fine and gross motor development with younger learners, and face-to-face interpersonal communications for all students.  In our STEM students learn the engineering and design processes while being hands-on with technology, including drones, robotics and advanced manufacturing tools including Glowforge laser printers and 3-D printers.

Beginning at the middle school level, there are additional choices and opportunities for students ready to be challenged, which extend to our high school level. Opportunities include accelerated courses, honors level programming, and Advanced Placement (where students follow a college level curriculum).  Our belief that middle and high school should be times of individual exploration - to learn about yourself, your talents, and your interests - are reflected in the comprehensive nature of our program.  The rich variety of elective courses, after school clubs, activities, athletics, and opportunities to participate in the visual and performing areas are extensive.  Whether studying a foreign language or participating in our Academy of Finance, students have choice and opportunity.

Our faculty benefits from an extensive staff development program to stay with the most current research, literature, and instructional strategies. Our students' success is attributed to their own commitment to learning, our strong parental interest and support, quality instructional materials and curriculum, and a highly dedicated faculty, staff, and administration.

Orchard Park Central School District's Vision Statement

We give our students the vision to reach for the stars, the skills and fortitude to climb the ladder, and the wisdom to appreciate the beauty of the journey.

Mission Statement

Through partnership with families, community, and the Orchard Park Central School District, students will:

• Achieve their fullest potential
• Develop critical thinking, creativity, and character
• Become healthy, lifelong learners
• Be responsible and contributing members of an ever-changing and global society