Dear MBK Families,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! We are excited to invite you to our first MBK event of the year and bring you important upcoming opportunities for you to connect, engage, and strengthen our school community.
MBK & EPIC “Routines that Make the Grade”
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lockport High School Library (Enter Door 10B)
This event is designed to help families start the school year strong with routines that support student success. This is for all MBK parents/guardians in grades K-12.
-Pizza provided
-Kids enjoy a movie while parents participate
-Backpack giveaways & gift card prizes
-Strategies to help your child stay on track
-Space is limited — only the first 25 people who register will be accepted.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbMk3cMLCyU_RHNL-KanAIfeKgG_TbwicFgn7qwiFrH_nWUw/viewform
Homecoming 2025 is almost here, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our WHOLE LOCKPORT COMMUNITY, #WeAreOneLCSD!
Here is a preview of what to expect:
Alumni Tour — Welcome Back to the Lion's Den
October 1 | 4:30–6:30 p.m. | LHS Door #1
Little Lions Baby Race — Oct. 4 | 9:30 a.m. | LHS Soccer Stadium
Lockport Residents Only Please - Registration Required!
Register: https://forms.gle/gBfzdp3nE46JhwNUA
Powder Puff Game — Oct. 4 | 10 a.m. | LHS Soccer Stadium
Homecoming Parade — Oct. 4 | 12:30 p.m. | Route: LHS → Pine → High → Locust
(open to the community for watching and participating!)
Register to have a float: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-TAbEKuNwEPwA4deHV2XLdU-EUwN4pVePLa1gIb_zWxgf0g/viewform
ROAR Rally — Oct. 4 | 1–3 p.m. | Emmet Belknap
Clubs, food, music, face painting & more!
Homecoming Game — Oct. 4 | 2 p.m. | Emmet Belknap
Lions vs. Lancaster at Max D. Lederer Field
Get the full scoop at www.lockportschools.org/homecoming!
Here is a preview of what to expect:
Alumni Tour — Welcome Back to the Lion's Den
October 1 | 4:30–6:30 p.m. | LHS Door #1
Little Lions Baby Race — Oct. 4 | 9:30 a.m. | LHS Soccer Stadium
Lockport Residents Only Please - Registration Required!
Register: https://forms.gle/gBfzdp3nE46JhwNUA
Powder Puff Game — Oct. 4 | 10 a.m. | LHS Soccer Stadium
Homecoming Parade — Oct. 4 | 12:30 p.m. | Route: LHS → Pine → High → Locust
(open to the community for watching and participating!)
Register to have a float: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-TAbEKuNwEPwA4deHV2XLdU-EUwN4pVePLa1gIb_zWxgf0g/viewform
ROAR Rally — Oct. 4 | 1–3 p.m. | Emmet Belknap
Clubs, food, music, face painting & more!
Homecoming Game — Oct. 4 | 2 p.m. | Emmet Belknap
Lions vs. Lancaster at Max D. Lederer Field
Get the full scoop at www.lockportschools.org/homecoming!
📣 LCSD Parents & Guardians with Students in Grades K–6: We need your voice!
Join us on Thursday, October 2, 2025 to share your experiences and help us build a more welcoming school community.
Session 1: 12–1:30 PM @ Family Empowerment Center (Free lunch)
Session 2: 6–7:30 PM @ LHS Art Gallery (Free dinner + childcare)
We’ll talk about:
-How welcome and included you feel
-Your child’s sense of belonging at school
-What’s working well & where we can do better
Scan the QR code or click here to sign up ➡️ https://forms.gle/YQF37ctycQ5ghVs57
Join us on Thursday, October 2, 2025 to share your experiences and help us build a more welcoming school community.
Session 1: 12–1:30 PM @ Family Empowerment Center (Free lunch)
Session 2: 6–7:30 PM @ LHS Art Gallery (Free dinner + childcare)
We’ll talk about:
-How welcome and included you feel
-Your child’s sense of belonging at school
-What’s working well & where we can do better
Scan the QR code or click here to sign up ➡️ https://forms.gle/YQF37ctycQ5ghVs57
At LCSD the arts are more than performances and paintings - they're a vital part of education! The arts build creativity, strengthen problem-solving, and fuel our community. We are proud to celebrate National Arts in Education Week from September 14-20, 2025. #WeAreOneLCSD
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.
