The Orchard Park Central Schools actually has a completely functional mobile app. The technology department released this app in 2017 in hopes of consolidating important information improving student and parents’ access to PowerSchool’s parent portal, a building directory, staff listings, athletic events, and so much more. The OP schools mobile app provides a platform for users to access vital information anytime, anywhere, Though the app has been around for quite some time, many remain unfamilar with it, despite District efforts to push it.
“We did have a large push and a lot of engagement with the app for about two years. We slowed down our advertising of it when Covid hit and haven’t really picked it back up to the same level we were before. We do still have parents who are actively utilizing it,” said Julianne Becker, District public relations official.
It is evident that high school students struggle to stay on their feet at times. All throughout the hallways of OPHS, there is talk of what cycle day it is, or of students wondering if they have a lab class, gym, or study hall. When students were informally asked if they had the OP Schools app, roughly half of students asked did not know the application was an option. The other half of students agreed downloading the application would be beneficial. Students can sign into the app with their 900 number and password, and it will sync all of their information.
The OP Schools app was introduced to minimize the amount of questions people may have and to provide a format for parents, faculty, and staff to always have a foot in the door with the School District. This technology benefits parents, especially, as this mobile application provides parents with a calendar to ensure they don’t miss a beat when PTO details are released. The app also shows the District’s social media posts so that all necessary information is consolidated in one place.
The OP Schools application is found in the app store, is compatible with any Apple device, and gives users the ability to choose from 32 different languages so will meet the needs of all families in Orchard Park.
