Orchard Park Summer Update

The Class of 2024 is an outstanding representation of young leaders who will work to improve our community. They have collectively earned over $12.6 million dollars in scholarship money, given back to the community through volunteer work, and advocated for causes that are near and dear to their hearts. We are exceptionally proud of all they have done during their time with us and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future!

Collectively, our 2023-2024 retirees have worked in the Orchard Park Central School District for more than 955.2 years! We had an opportunity to celebrate with them before the June 11 Board of Education meeting. We will miss their experience and knowledge and we thank them for their dedication to our district. Good luck and best wishes to each of you in your future endeavors.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. It is hard to believe that the season is already in full swing. I am hopeful that all of you are able to spend quality time with friends and family.

I would like to take this opportunity to update the community on potential changes coming from the state regarding graduation requirements and proposed modifications to high school athletics.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recently discussed implementing recommendations from the NYS Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures to enhance equity. The proposed changes include:

• Adopting the New York State Portrait of a Graduate
• Redefining credits
• Phasing out diploma assessment requirements
• Transitioning to a single diploma
  
  

Additionally, NYSED has proposed changes to athletic regulations, allowing mixed-gender participation in sports teams. You can review and comment on these proposals during the 60-day public comment period starting May 22, 2024.

• Proposed amendments
• Public comment details
  
  

Please visit the button below to access my full article and learn more.

As always, thank you for your partnership as we work towards maximizing the potential of all students.

The Class of 2024 Academic Top 10 pose for a photo outside of Orchard Park High School.

On Friday, June 28, the Orchard Park Educational Outreach Club donated over $1,000 in supplies to Jewish Family Services, an organization actively assisting many refugee families as they settle into their new homes in Buffalo. Students helped load the truck with the supplies, including pots and pans, toiletries, cleaning products, and bedding, which will greatly assist the families in acclimating to their new lives here. The donation items were purchased with funds raised during a basket raffle fundraiser held by Educational Outreach Club in March.

This year, Eggert Elementary introduced a new American Sign Language (ASL) Club for students in grades 3-5. Meeting ten times after school for 45 minutes each session, the club provided an enriching experience for the Eggert students.

Throughout the meetings, students delved into Deaf culture, learning various signs and watching sign language videos. They gained insights into how the Deaf community interacts, including methods for getting someone's attention and conveying emotions through facial expressions. The club also explored how songs, books, and theater are signed, offering a comprehensive view of ASL in different contexts.

In addition to cultural knowledge, students acquired practical ASL skills, learning basic signs such as greetings, the alphabet, food, sports, and colors. The club concluded on a high note with students learning to sign the National Anthem. Please check out the video below to see the students perform what they learned and demonstrate some of their favorite signs.

Chief Hendershot from the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company arranged to have a fire truck visit South Davis Elementary at the end of June to help students cool off. All interested students were divided into groups to go out and play with their classmates under the spray of the fire hose. It was a refreshing way to beat the heat. ☀️

The Buffalo Bills did a community takeover at the end of May and visited 12 local schools, including OPHS and Ellicott Elementary! Players and coaches met with small groups and decorated cookies at OPHS. At Ellicott, they hosted fun activity stations and held a school-wide parade. What an inspiring day for our students!

Pre-K students at Windom Elementary showcased their skills at the annual Pre-K carnival. This year, students performed songs and guided their families through various carnival stations to demonstrate what they had learned, including their phone numbers and ABCs. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a special year of learning and accomplishments.

ArtSplash, the annual district-wide art show, opened on Friday, May 17. Artists and their families were invited to come to the opening night celebration. The student artwork was displayed between May 17 - June 9 at the Orchard Park Public Library. ArtSplash provides an opportunity for Orchard Park students in elementary, middle, and high school to showcase their talents and passion for creativity in an authentic presentation. It is a true collaboration between the school district and the community. The district is proud of our students and our outstanding art teachers who help and guide students to realize their creative potential regardless of their career aspirations.

Orchard Park High School participated in the Bald for Bucks event on Thursday, May 23. Hosted by Mrs. Downs's Leadership Class, the fundraiser supported the Bald for Bucks organization and successfully raised over $10,000 for cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

The event offered participants and attendees a variety of activities, including the opportunity to cut, shave, or style their hair in support of the cause. Additionally, there was a spikeball tournament, a basket raffle, and a bake sale, making it an engaging and enjoyable afternoon. The event was a tremendous success, bringing the community together to fundraise for a worthy cause.

Eleven Orchard Park High School seniors signed their letters of intent to continue their sports at the collegiate level this spring. We couldn't be prouder of these athletes for their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations:

Patrick S. will be playing lacrosse at John Carroll University. 🥍

Alexis G. will be playing softball at Minot State University. 🥎

Brady B. will be volleyball at Buffalo State University. 🏐

Drew B. will be volleyball at Buffalo State University. 🏐

Evan H. will be playing volleyball at St. John Fisher University.🏐

Kate G. will be playing volleyball at St. John Fisher University.🏐

Logan W. will be playing lacrosse at Oswego State. 🥍

Gabrielle S. will be playing lacrosse at SUNY Geneseo. 🥍

Laila S. will be playing lacrosse at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 🥍

Gabriella C. will be playing lacrosse at SUNY Geneseo. 🥍

Coleton F. will be running cross country and track and field at Edinboro College. 🏃

The Orchard Park High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees.

The selection committee has chosen the following individuals among many

student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who have contributed to Orchard Park’s long and proud tradition of excellence in the area of scholastic athletics. This year’s inductees are Brian Dux (Class of 1999) and Gregory Michael (Class of 2007).

The selection to the Hall of Fame compliments each individual’s highly successful athletic career at Orchard Park High School and their accomplishments beyond their years as a student at Orchard Park High School.

The Hall of Fame festivities are planned around the 2024 OPHS Homecoming Weekend. This year’s homecoming is Saturday, September 28, 2024. Our inductees will be honored in the homecoming parade, at a brunch in the OPHS Cafeteria and introduced before the varsity football game.

The Orchard Park Central School District-Wide Safety & Emergency Management Plan is an important document that is revised by a committee and adopted by our Board of Education. In accordance with the Commissioner's Regulations 155.17 (c) (3) and New York State Education Law §2801-a. the Orchard Park Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing on the District-Wide Safety & Emergency Management Plan at its Regular Meeting on August 20 at 6 p.m., at the Orchard Park Middle School, 60 South Lincoln Drive, Orchard Park, New York, 14127. The Plan has been posted as of July 17, 2024, for a 30-day comment period and is available on the Districtwide website: https://www.opschools.org/safety

The public can send comments about the proposed 2024-25 District-Wide Safety & Emergency Management Plan via this Google Form.

It is expected that the Board of Education will adopt the Plan after the Public Hearing at the August 20, 2024, Board of Education meeting.

The Orchard Park Central School District is seeking bus drivers. There are great benefits including: competitive pay, annual wage increases, health insurance coverage, paid training, flexible schedule, permanent routes and NYS retirement. If you are interested, please contact the Orchard Park Central School District Transportation Department at 716-209-6237 or visit https://www.opschools.org/Page/10856.