Attention: Board of Education approved updates to the district’s 2025–26 school calendar at last night’s Board meeting. Please review the following important changes:
Friday, January 2, 2026 is now designated as a winter recess day. There will be no school for students on this date.
Friday, March 13, 2026, which was previously scheduled as a Superintendent’s Conference Day, will now be a regular school day for all students.
Friday, January 2, 2026 is now designated as a winter recess day. There will be no school for students on this date.
Friday, March 13, 2026, which was previously scheduled as a Superintendent’s Conference Day, will now be a regular school day for all students.

These Aaron Mossell JHS students were recognized by their Team Leaders for demonstrating excellence during the month. Your hard work, dedication, and positive impact don’t go unnoticed - congratulations to all! #WeAllBelong

At Anna Merritt, Mrs. Santana’s Reading Buddy Program is helping students build confidence and a love of reading - one stuffed animal at a time! Students pick a plush “reading partner” and read aloud in a cozy, no-pressure space that makes the library feel even more welcoming.




Our George Southard Elementary teachers are getting into the holiday spirit! 🎄
Thanks to the Health & Wellness Committee, elves are on the loose around the school, and staff have been spotting them while wearing their coziest Christmas sweaters. Check out the photos of the winners showing off their festive sweaters and elf-spotting skills!
Thanks to the Health & Wellness Committee, elves are on the loose around the school, and staff have been spotting them while wearing their coziest Christmas sweaters. Check out the photos of the winners showing off their festive sweaters and elf-spotting skills!
FREE Winter Coats for Families & Community!
LHS intern at Family Empowerment Center (FEC), Zara is hard at work preparing for the upcoming coat drive. Our Lockport community continues to show what it truly means to take care of one another. The FEC, in partnership with Coats4Kids, is proud to host our annual FREE Winter Coat Giveaway to help families stay warm this season.
Pick Up Dates & Times:
🗓 Friday, December 5 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM
🗓 Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Lock City Center
2 Locks Plaza (former Friendly’s building)
This is what community looks like - neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting families.
LHS intern at Family Empowerment Center (FEC), Zara is hard at work preparing for the upcoming coat drive. Our Lockport community continues to show what it truly means to take care of one another. The FEC, in partnership with Coats4Kids, is proud to host our annual FREE Winter Coat Giveaway to help families stay warm this season.
Pick Up Dates & Times:
🗓 Friday, December 5 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM
🗓 Saturday, December 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Lock City Center
2 Locks Plaza (former Friendly’s building)
This is what community looks like - neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting families.

Whether you’re just beginning to navigate special education services or you’ve been part of the IEP process for years, there’s always something new to learn.
Join us for a FREE virtual workshop focused on helping families better understand and support their child’s role in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Participants will learn how to:
• Meaningfully engage in IEP and CSE meetings
• Build and support their child’s self-determination skills
• Use practical tools and resources to encourage student involvement
• Learn from real family experiences to strengthen their process
📅 December 11th
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Via Zoom
🎓 CTLE Credits Available
This session is designed for families who are new to the process and those who want a helpful refresher — because there’s always more to grow and learn.
* Make sure to register here: www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Questions? 716-332-4170 | info@parentnetworkwny.org
Join us for a FREE virtual workshop focused on helping families better understand and support their child’s role in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Participants will learn how to:
• Meaningfully engage in IEP and CSE meetings
• Build and support their child’s self-determination skills
• Use practical tools and resources to encourage student involvement
• Learn from real family experiences to strengthen their process
📅 December 11th
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Via Zoom
🎓 CTLE Credits Available
This session is designed for families who are new to the process and those who want a helpful refresher — because there’s always more to grow and learn.
* Make sure to register here: www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Questions? 716-332-4170 | info@parentnetworkwny.org

LCSD held their annual ENL Family Night in the LHS Cafeteria last week. K-12 families had the opportunity to receive information about the district, resources available to families and academic expectations at the various levels. Hands-on activities were provided for younger students and many secondary level students volunteered. A delicious meal was enjoyed by all. We are one!

Students from Aaron Mossell JHS and Emmet Belknap Intermediate competed in the Pageturners competition and they tied for FIRST PLACE! PageTurners is a literature-based competition for students in grades 3-12. Teams compete in a round-robin format with nearby schools, and division winners advance to a regional competition. We are so proud of their teamwork, enthusiasm, and love for reading. Way to represent LCSD!




Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with family and friends, we are incredibly grateful for the wonderful students, supportive families, and dedicated staff who make our school community feel like home. Your hard work, kindness, and dedication inspire us every day.
There will be No School during our Thanksgiving Break:
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Friday, November 28, 2025
Wishing you all a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness!
There will be No School during our Thanksgiving Break:
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Friday, November 28, 2025
Wishing you all a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness!

🧥 FREE Winter Coats for Families & Community! The Lockport City School District Family Empowerment Center, in partnership with Coats4Kids, is proud to host their annual FREE Winter Coat Giveaway to help our families stay warm this season.
Dates & Times:
• Friday, December 5 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Lock City Center
2 Locks Plaza (The old Friendly's building)
✅ Any of our Lockport school families and community members are welcome to pick out coats
✅ Many sizes available
⚠️ While supplies last. First come, first served.
This is what community looks like ! Neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting families. See you next week! 💙💛
Dates & Times:
• Friday, December 5 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Lock City Center
2 Locks Plaza (The old Friendly's building)
✅ Any of our Lockport school families and community members are welcome to pick out coats
✅ Many sizes available
⚠️ While supplies last. First come, first served.
This is what community looks like ! Neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting families. See you next week! 💙💛

Charles Upson students are busy shopping at PawMart! 🐾
With their hard-earned Desk-Pet Dollars, students pick out food and new “friends” to add to their Desk-Pet habitats. They calculate their totals, pay the weekly cashier, and even figure out their own change. The Banker records each transaction, all under the watchful eye of PawMart Manager, Mrs. Newman.
With their hard-earned Desk-Pet Dollars, students pick out food and new “friends” to add to their Desk-Pet habitats. They calculate their totals, pay the weekly cashier, and even figure out their own change. The Banker records each transaction, all under the watchful eye of PawMart Manager, Mrs. Newman.

LHS hosted its DECA Installation Ceremony, celebrating the newest group of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs!
Keynote speakers Malik Harden, LHS DECA Alumni ’14, and Dr. Mathis Calvin II, Superintendent of Schools, shared their wisdom, experiences, and encouragement as our DECA students step into a year of growth, leadership, and opportunity.
Congratulations to all who were installed - your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what you create!
Keynote speakers Malik Harden, LHS DECA Alumni ’14, and Dr. Mathis Calvin II, Superintendent of Schools, shared their wisdom, experiences, and encouragement as our DECA students step into a year of growth, leadership, and opportunity.
Congratulations to all who were installed - your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what you create!
LHS Principal Dawn Wylke has been nominated for the 2025 WNY Influential Female Leader Award!
This honor celebrates leaders who collaborate, connect, and lift others higher and if you know Mrs. Wylke, you know she does all that and more. She leads with heart, vision, courage, and the kind of positivity that inspires everyone around her.
Please join us in giving her the biggest Lion-sized congratulations!
This honor celebrates leaders who collaborate, connect, and lift others higher and if you know Mrs. Wylke, you know she does all that and more. She leads with heart, vision, courage, and the kind of positivity that inspires everyone around her.
Please join us in giving her the biggest Lion-sized congratulations!

📢 Attention all Parents and Guardians! (Keep reading there's coffee and donuts in it for you).☕️ 🍩
We're inviting all Lockport parents and guardians to "Perk Up with the Principal" across the district. Join us for coffee, donuts, and casual conversation at your child's school. It's the perfect drop-in time to chat with the principal about programs, logistics, or anything else! Check your email (or the attached photo) for all dates and times.
*Note for Aaron Mossell Junior High Families: We are actively planning a special "Perk Up" event with Dr. Bailey and will share the date/time ASAP via school email and the website. Thanks for your patience!

SUNY campus experts across the state will be hosting in-person events on November 22nd and December 6th. These events are free and open to all New Yorkers seeking hands-on assistance with FAFSA completion, regardless of whether they applied to SUNY or the campus hosting the event. Students can register at https://www.suny.edu/attend/events/.

🥪💜 PB&J Drive Alert! 💜🥪
Lockport City School District is spreading kindness, one sandwich at a time! Each school in our district is collecting peanut butter and jelly donations to support our community and help families in need.
You can make a difference - bring your PB&J contributions to your school and help us fill hearts and pantries this season. Every jar counts!
Lockport City School District is spreading kindness, one sandwich at a time! Each school in our district is collecting peanut butter and jelly donations to support our community and help families in need.
You can make a difference - bring your PB&J contributions to your school and help us fill hearts and pantries this season. Every jar counts!

Niagara-Orleans BOCES recently held its 2025–2026 National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) induction ceremony, celebrating the outstanding achievements of students committed to excellence in technical education, leadership, and service.
We are proud to recognize the following Lockport High School students who have earned this distinguished honor:
Bella Andes - Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
Icess Britton - Automotive Technology
Kara Browning - Security & Law Enforcement
A'Niya Cornwell - Health Occupations Technician
Cheyanne Cunningham - Cosmetology
Matthew Donahue - Security & Law Enforcement
Conner Kam - Security & Law Enforcement
Alyssa Killock - Cosmetology
Lauren Nagel - Animal Science
Alexandrea Patrick - Cosmetology
Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to skill mastery exemplify the values of the National Technical Honor Society. Congratulations to all inductees on this well-deserved recognition!
We are proud to recognize the following Lockport High School students who have earned this distinguished honor:
Bella Andes - Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
Icess Britton - Automotive Technology
Kara Browning - Security & Law Enforcement
A'Niya Cornwell - Health Occupations Technician
Cheyanne Cunningham - Cosmetology
Matthew Donahue - Security & Law Enforcement
Conner Kam - Security & Law Enforcement
Alyssa Killock - Cosmetology
Lauren Nagel - Animal Science
Alexandrea Patrick - Cosmetology
Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to skill mastery exemplify the values of the National Technical Honor Society. Congratulations to all inductees on this well-deserved recognition!

Lockport is strengthening its commitment to safe, supportive learning environments through Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training.
During Superintendent's Conference Day, Dorian Polk, TA/Mediator at LHS, led a TCI refresher for staff focused on creating trauma-sensitive spaces, preventing conflict, and supporting student emotional growth.
Thank you, Dorian, for helping build a culture of care and connection across our district!
During Superintendent's Conference Day, Dorian Polk, TA/Mediator at LHS, led a TCI refresher for staff focused on creating trauma-sensitive spaces, preventing conflict, and supporting student emotional growth.
Thank you, Dorian, for helping build a culture of care and connection across our district!

Last week students at AMJHS participated in Red Ribbon Week. This year's theme was "Life is A Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free," which reminds us that every choice we make is a piece of our future. By making healthy decisions, you’re building a puzzle filled with success, happiness, and purpose. Students were invited to sign their name on the banner throughout the week and take the pledge to be drug free.

Reminder: Friday, November 7 is our 15 Minute Emergency Early Release Drill!
All K–12 students will be dismissed 15 minutes early. Bus riders may arrive home slightly earlier than usual. This is a required test of our Emergency Management Plan. Before and after school programs will run as usual, but all other after-school activities are canceled, except for sectional playoffs.
Please plan accordingly and use this as a reminder to review your family’s emergency dismissal plan.
All K–12 students will be dismissed 15 minutes early. Bus riders may arrive home slightly earlier than usual. This is a required test of our Emergency Management Plan. Before and after school programs will run as usual, but all other after-school activities are canceled, except for sectional playoffs.
Please plan accordingly and use this as a reminder to review your family’s emergency dismissal plan.

