Over 70 students took part in LHS Student Leadership Training, joining activities that built teamwork, connection, and leadership skills. We’re proud of these Lions for stepping up and leading the way!
This September and October, our schools are celebrating Hispanic Cultural Awareness with visits from Amor and Heritage, a nonprofit that spreads diversity, multiculturalism, and kindness through dance! Students learned about self-confidence, kindness, and cultural understanding, all while experiencing the energy of world dance. #WeAllBelong
Last week, we kicked off a brand-new New Staff Orientation Experience for the 2025/2026 school year!
From administrators to teachers, aides to custodians, 56 new staff members joined the LCSD family. This year’s orientation included a district-wide bus tour, with stops at each school where building leaders and administrators personally welcomed our newest Lions and super fun team building exercises to get to know one another!
This enhanced onboarding—complete with mentorship and an introduction to our programs, buildings, and initiatives—is part of LCSD Strategic Plan Priority #5: Investing in and Empowering Our People. 💙💛
Welcome to all!
From administrators to teachers, aides to custodians, 56 new staff members joined the LCSD family. This year’s orientation included a district-wide bus tour, with stops at each school where building leaders and administrators personally welcomed our newest Lions and super fun team building exercises to get to know one another!
This enhanced onboarding—complete with mentorship and an introduction to our programs, buildings, and initiatives—is part of LCSD Strategic Plan Priority #5: Investing in and Empowering Our People. 💙💛
Welcome to all!
LCSD Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin was the guest reader this week for the Niagara County Family Opportunity Center's final story time for summer 2025. Held at Outwater Park, this week's event featured yoga, Dr. Calvin's reading of the book Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and crafts and snacks to go (due to the rain that was moving in). Families that registered in advance received a free copy of the book to take home.
Mark Your Calendars for LCSD's Open Houses!
All Kindergarten & Elementary Schools (Anna Merritt, Charles Upson, George Southard, and Roy B. Kelley)
Kindergarten Open House: Tuesday, September 2 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Open House for Grades 1–4: Tuesday, September 2 at 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Emmet Belknap Intermediate School
Thursday, September 18
Grade 5: 5:00–5:45 p.m. and Grade 6: 6:00–6:45 p.m.
Aaron Mossell Junior High School
Wednesday, September 10 at 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Lockport High School
Thursday, September 4 at 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Lockport High School West
Thursday, September 25: Early dismissal at 11:00 a.m. for LHS West for parent/teacher conferences
All Kindergarten & Elementary Schools (Anna Merritt, Charles Upson, George Southard, and Roy B. Kelley)
Kindergarten Open House: Tuesday, September 2 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Open House for Grades 1–4: Tuesday, September 2 at 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Emmet Belknap Intermediate School
Thursday, September 18
Grade 5: 5:00–5:45 p.m. and Grade 6: 6:00–6:45 p.m.
Aaron Mossell Junior High School
Wednesday, September 10 at 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Lockport High School
Thursday, September 4 at 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Lockport High School West
Thursday, September 25: Early dismissal at 11:00 a.m. for LHS West for parent/teacher conferences
#SummerOfLions is still going strong, and our Lockport Lions have been busy making memories near and far!
Tyler (Grade 8, Aaron Mossell), Grant (Grade 6, Emmet Belknap), and Wyatt (Grade 3, Roy B. Kelley) explored the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park.
Avery & Izzy packed their late-summer adventure full—visiting Bowie, MD, the Luray Caverns in Virginia, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC, and even floating down the Shenandoah River in West Virginia!
Sophia joined her family on a cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate her sister Natalie's graduation from LHS. Sophia had a blast exploring the islands!
Dominic got the ultimate surprise trip—Disney World! He trick-or-treated at Magic Kingdom before starting 2nd grade at George Southard.
Ms. Devine (LHS teacher) and Aiden (LHS senior) enjoyed the sun and sand on their beach vacation to Cape May, NJ.
Madyson, an upcoming 8th grader at AMJHS, had an incredible Hawaiian getaway.
And some of our Lions went local—visiting Katie (11th grade) and her goat Bubs at the Niagara County Fair!
Wherever summer takes you—near or far—our Lions are making it unforgettable. 💙💛
Tyler (Grade 8, Aaron Mossell), Grant (Grade 6, Emmet Belknap), and Wyatt (Grade 3, Roy B. Kelley) explored the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park.
Avery & Izzy packed their late-summer adventure full—visiting Bowie, MD, the Luray Caverns in Virginia, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC, and even floating down the Shenandoah River in West Virginia!
Sophia joined her family on a cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate her sister Natalie's graduation from LHS. Sophia had a blast exploring the islands!
Dominic got the ultimate surprise trip—Disney World! He trick-or-treated at Magic Kingdom before starting 2nd grade at George Southard.
Ms. Devine (LHS teacher) and Aiden (LHS senior) enjoyed the sun and sand on their beach vacation to Cape May, NJ.
Madyson, an upcoming 8th grader at AMJHS, had an incredible Hawaiian getaway.
And some of our Lions went local—visiting Katie (11th grade) and her goat Bubs at the Niagara County Fair!
Wherever summer takes you—near or far—our Lions are making it unforgettable. 💙💛
We’re so proud to share that LCSD was represented at Section VI Media Day at Highmark Stadium — home of the Buffalo Bills!
Scott Stowe, Leland Campbell, Coach Wyche, and Coach Smith stepped onto the same turf where NFL stars play, showcasing the talent and spirit of our Lockport student-athletes.
This event was an amazing opportunity for our athletes to be recognized, connect with peers from across the region, and celebrate everything that makes high school sports special.
💙💛 Go Lions & Go Bills! 💙❤️💙
Scott Stowe, Leland Campbell, Coach Wyche, and Coach Smith stepped onto the same turf where NFL stars play, showcasing the talent and spirit of our Lockport student-athletes.
This event was an amazing opportunity for our athletes to be recognized, connect with peers from across the region, and celebrate everything that makes high school sports special.
💙💛 Go Lions & Go Bills! 💙❤️💙
#SummerOfLions adventures keep rolling in!
🧱 Patrick (5th grade at Emmet) and Harper (2nd grade at George Southard) built lasting memories at LEGOLAND New York this summer!
🪞 Easton Sanford (2nd grade at George Southard) also hit LEGOLAND and explored the Corning Museum of Glass.
🎨 Charlye Smith, heading into her senior year, wowed the crowd at Buffalo Chalk Fest—taking 1st place in her age category and the People’s Choice Award overall! What a star!
🏖 Brayden (6th grade) and Henley Guild (3rd grade at Roy B. Kelley) enjoyed the good life at Mayflower Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Kaity (heading into 6th grade) and her family spent two weeks this summer exploring Europe!
Our Lions are exploring, creating, and making this summer one to remember!
Know someone who still needs to register their child for school? TAG THEM!
Kindergarten and new student registration is open all summer — but school starts in just a few weeks. Don’t wait!
📍 Register at the District Office
🕘 Monday–Friday | 9 AM–12 PM
💻 Details here 👉 lockportschools.org/registration
Let’s make sure every future Lion is ready to ROAR on day one! 🦁
Kindergarten and new student registration is open all summer — but school starts in just a few weeks. Don’t wait!
📍 Register at the District Office
🕘 Monday–Friday | 9 AM–12 PM
💻 Details here 👉 lockportschools.org/registration
Let’s make sure every future Lion is ready to ROAR on day one! 🦁
#SummerOfLions + #GoBills = the perfect preseason combo!
Mrs. Kurtz from Anna Merritt Elementary and her family made unforgettable memories at their first-ever Buffalo Bills game this summer!
Charlotte (heading into 1st grade at Anna Merritt) and AJ (starting 3rd at Niagara Orleans BOCES) got to experience the energy, the cheers, and the roar of the Bills Mafia live! 💙❤️
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead and an even better season for the Bills! 🦬
Let’s go, Buffalo! 🔴🔵
Mrs. Kurtz from Anna Merritt Elementary and her family made unforgettable memories at their first-ever Buffalo Bills game this summer!
Charlotte (heading into 1st grade at Anna Merritt) and AJ (starting 3rd at Niagara Orleans BOCES) got to experience the energy, the cheers, and the roar of the Bills Mafia live! 💙❤️
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead and an even better season for the Bills! 🦬
Let’s go, Buffalo! 🔴🔵
🦁 Another #SummerOfLions roundup full of adventure, learning, and summer smiles!
Aubrey (8th grade) and Parker (2nd grade) are checking off their A–Z summer bucket list—and it’s packed with fun!
Bennett and Emilia (from Charles Upson) dove into discovery at the Whalemobile event at the Lockport Library!
Tanner (2nd grade at George Southard) spent three weeks in his hometown of Las Vegas—from pool days and aquariums to a visit to the Air Force base! He also road-tripped through OH, CO, and WY visiting family and friends along the way.
Our Lions are living big, learning lots, and making the most of every summer moment! #summeroflions
Aubrey (8th grade) and Parker (2nd grade) are checking off their A–Z summer bucket list—and it’s packed with fun!
Bennett and Emilia (from Charles Upson) dove into discovery at the Whalemobile event at the Lockport Library!
Tanner (2nd grade at George Southard) spent three weeks in his hometown of Las Vegas—from pool days and aquariums to a visit to the Air Force base! He also road-tripped through OH, CO, and WY visiting family and friends along the way.
Our Lions are living big, learning lots, and making the most of every summer moment! #summeroflions
Travis (a senior at LHS) took his summer to the next level by attending the Golisano Institute Business Ready Program! He’s pictured here with the President of the Institute (Ian Mortimer). Travis is diving into topics like AI, management, marketing, and more—building a strong foundation for the future.
Travis isn’t just preparing for what’s next—he’s already leading the way. As our next co-President of DECA, he’s bringing big ideas and business savvy back to Lockport! 👏🦁 #summeroflions
Travis isn’t just preparing for what’s next—he’s already leading the way. As our next co-President of DECA, he’s bringing big ideas and business savvy back to Lockport! 👏🦁 #summeroflions
We’re excited to welcome our newest students to Lockport High School! To help ease the transition and build confidence before the first day, we are offering self-guided tours for incoming freshmen and their guardians. Students will have the opportunity to explore the building, find their classrooms, and locate their lockers.
Tour Dates & Times:
Tuesday, August 26 – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 27 – 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 28 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
How It Works:
Please enter through Door 1 and sign in and out at the Attendance Office.
Student schedules and locker assignments will be available in the student portal beginning Monday, August 25.
We encourage students to bring a copy of their schedule to make the most of this opportunity. Staff will be available in the halls to provide assistance if needed.
AMJHS Orientation will take place on Monday, August 25 for all incoming 7th Graders! Orientation Schedule (August 25): 8:30–10:00 a.m. – Last names A–G 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Last names H–Pi 12:30–2:00 p.m. – Last names Pl–Z
In Lockport City School District, We All Belong is more than a tagline. It’s a shared belief that every student, staff member, and family is a vital part of our story. As we enter the 2025–2026 school year, we are embracing an additional theme: We Are One.
This year, we are celebrating what unites us:
- Eight unique schools.
- One unified district.
- One collective mission.
- One unwavering commitment to our students.
Though our buildings span different grades, neighborhoods, and traditions, our strength lies in our connection. From our youngest kindergartener to our graduating seniors, from new educators to long-serving staff, we are all part of something bigger that we build together.
What “We Are One” Represents:
One Purpose – We are all working toward the same goal: empowering every student to reach their fullest potential.
One Community – We are connected by shared values, shared goals, and shared pride in being Lions.
One Voice – We celebrate diversity and individuality while standing united in our belief that everyone matters and everyone belongs.
One Future – From literacy and leadership to innovation and inclusion, what we do in each classroom today builds a better tomorrow for all.
One Standard – High expectations. Strong relationships. Continuous growth. These aren’t goals for some schools—they’re values across the district.
Make sure to follow along this year on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, website, Lion Bytes newsletters, Lion Bytes: The Podcast, and District newsletters for ways we are show casing the "We are One" campaign!
This year, we are celebrating what unites us:
- Eight unique schools.
- One unified district.
- One collective mission.
- One unwavering commitment to our students.
Though our buildings span different grades, neighborhoods, and traditions, our strength lies in our connection. From our youngest kindergartener to our graduating seniors, from new educators to long-serving staff, we are all part of something bigger that we build together.
What “We Are One” Represents:
One Purpose – We are all working toward the same goal: empowering every student to reach their fullest potential.
One Community – We are connected by shared values, shared goals, and shared pride in being Lions.
One Voice – We celebrate diversity and individuality while standing united in our belief that everyone matters and everyone belongs.
One Future – From literacy and leadership to innovation and inclusion, what we do in each classroom today builds a better tomorrow for all.
One Standard – High expectations. Strong relationships. Continuous growth. These aren’t goals for some schools—they’re values across the district.
Make sure to follow along this year on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, website, Lion Bytes newsletters, Lion Bytes: The Podcast, and District newsletters for ways we are show casing the "We are One" campaign!
Emmet Belknap Intermediate School (EBIS) Orientation:
Tuesday, August 26
Grade 5: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Grade 6: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 28
Grade 5: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Grade 6: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Also, Save the Date for EB Open House: Thursday, September 18 Grade 5: 5:00–5:45 p.m. and Grade 6: 6:00–6:45 p.m.
Reminder: Varsity, JV & Modified fall sports begin on August 18th! Make sure you have the following:
1) A valid UBMD sports physical (check your Final Forms account for physical status or contact Mrs. Gailor at LHS)
2) Complete/update your forms on Final Forms for the Fall season.
3) Declare your Fall sport on your Final Forms account! This is how coaches will communicate with teams and create their rosters. You MUST select your Fall sport.
For more information, please see the Fall Sports Newsletter:
https://secure.smore.com/n/bxme9
1) A valid UBMD sports physical (check your Final Forms account for physical status or contact Mrs. Gailor at LHS)
2) Complete/update your forms on Final Forms for the Fall season.
3) Declare your Fall sport on your Final Forms account! This is how coaches will communicate with teams and create their rosters. You MUST select your Fall sport.
For more information, please see the Fall Sports Newsletter:
https://secure.smore.com/n/bxme9
The Friends of Lockport Baseball held their annual Baseball Alumni Game this past Saturday at the LCSD ball diamonds, welcoming players from the classes of 1983 to 2025. Graduates from even years formed the blue team, while odd years suited up in gold. Two recent 2025 grads, Ehren Pettapiece and Tanner Schultz, joined in the fun alongside Mr. Licata, LCSD English teacher and JV baseball coach, who had a great catch in the field and several hits at the plate. This yearly tradition raises funds for the LHS baseball program and wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who helped plan, grill, sell 50/50 tickets, and keep everyone hydrated. We’re already looking forward to summer 2026! #summeroflions
🦁☀️ #SummerOfLions – Staff Edition
Our incredible LCSD staff have been out and about this summer—celebrating community, culture, and achievements both past and present!
🇮🇹 Mr. Molinaro and Mrs. Pencille joined students CJ, JonLuke, and Santino at the Italian Festival for some summer fun, family, and tradition!
🌟 Mrs. Spike & Mrs. Phillips were honored at the Performing Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where the cast of Copacabana earned a place in the spotlight! They now have a star on the wall!
🌮 Mrs. Giansante and Miss Hamluk, LHS Spanish teachers, have been busy this summer visiting local Hispanic restaurants to prepare for Hispanic Heritage Month. When we return in September, look out for a month filled with celebration—featuring the Spanish Club’s popular Empanada Sale and more!
Our incredible LCSD staff have been out and about this summer—celebrating community, culture, and achievements both past and present!
🇮🇹 Mr. Molinaro and Mrs. Pencille joined students CJ, JonLuke, and Santino at the Italian Festival for some summer fun, family, and tradition!
🌟 Mrs. Spike & Mrs. Phillips were honored at the Performing Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where the cast of Copacabana earned a place in the spotlight! They now have a star on the wall!
🌮 Mrs. Giansante and Miss Hamluk, LHS Spanish teachers, have been busy this summer visiting local Hispanic restaurants to prepare for Hispanic Heritage Month. When we return in September, look out for a month filled with celebration—featuring the Spanish Club’s popular Empanada Sale and more!
🦁☀️ From beach trips to backyard hangs and everything in between—our Lions are soaking up every minute of summer fun!
🌊 Chris (9th grade) and his little brother Carson (headed to Kindergarten at George Southard) made memories in Ocean City, Maryland!
💦 Grace (2nd grade, CU) has been living her best pool life all summer long!
🏡 The group chat turned IRL at Claire’s house—Claire, Mya, Stella, Ally, Elyse, and Maggie are all heading into 9th grade at LHS together this fall!
🎭 Samantha (Class of ‘24) & Alexa (a senior at LHS) checked out the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown and learned about a local legend.
🌊 Chris (9th grade) and his little brother Carson (headed to Kindergarten at George Southard) made memories in Ocean City, Maryland!
💦 Grace (2nd grade, CU) has been living her best pool life all summer long!
🏡 The group chat turned IRL at Claire’s house—Claire, Mya, Stella, Ally, Elyse, and Maggie are all heading into 9th grade at LHS together this fall!
🎭 Samantha (Class of ‘24) & Alexa (a senior at LHS) checked out the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown and learned about a local legend.
