Lockport City School District

This week students from Buffalo Public Schools, Kenmore Central School District, and Lockport City Schools came together to brainstorm solutions for cell phone usage in schools. Lockport students shined by guiding forums, engaging in debates, and even being interviewed by local news.

Emmet Belknap Parents/Guardians: Event Announcement! Grades, Growth, and Beyond - Part 2: "A Review of Curriculum and Computer Based Testing" is an informational event designed to help families understand Emmet Belknap Intermediate School's ELA and Math curriculum expectations, and provide insight to Computer Based Testing (CBT). The event will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00-6:30PM in the EBIS Auditorium. RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexnX8aUkW0WkFeD3XRDJc-7ULGs2DiarP3Tq8Pa5Uno_hvQA/viewform

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 6:00-7:30 P.M. Location: Family Empowerment Center, 57 Canal Street, Lockport, Suite 2 (enter through the parking lot door) Join the Parent Network of WNY and The LCSD Family Empowerment Center for a VIRTUAL workshop about the Special Education Process. Participants will: Increase knowledge of the Special Education process Have a better understanding of the role of each participant on the Committee for Special Education Increase knowledge, including timelines and vocabulary Increase confidence to meet the student's needs. For Your CONVENIENCE - This workshop is offered with hybrid options. Register and receive a zoom link to participate from your location with your personal device, or come to the Family Empowerment Center and join the zoom with others . Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRpU6fXVry4jkY7VRSYUDcXs-Tn625r9h3Kmi3HuAhwReoEg/viewform

As we navigate the heart of the school year, LCSD is buzzing with excitement, achievements, and meaningful moments. Dive into this month’s Lion Bytes to celebrate student successes, community connections, and new podcast episodes featuring student-led storytelling and school safety! Read more: https://lockportschools.org/lionbytes. Don't forget, Lion Bytes has a new podcast that brings you the same fun energy as our monthly newsletter. Check out Lion Bytes: The Podcast's second episode here: https://www.lockportschools.org/page/lion-bytes-the-podcast!

Community Open House - Summer Expo 2025 Saturday, March 8, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Location: Family Empowerment Center, 57 Canal Street, Lockport, Suite 2 (enter through the parking lot door) We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new and expanded Family Empowerment Center. While we highlight resources and services available to everyone at the FEC, this is also an opportunity to meet representatives from Lockport area leading organizations in youth programs. Check out more information: lockportschools.org/fec

FEC Workshop: Improving Your Interview Skills Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Time: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Family Empowerment Center, 57 Canal Street, Lockport, Suite 2 (enter through the parking lot door) You have gotten the call to interview for your dream job. Now what? You are the best person for the job. Prepare for your best interview. This workshop will include interview protocol, tips, strategies, and guidance from Niagara County Employment and Training Counselor. Registration: https://forms.gle/2SM6URRIHJCQU00U6

Last week, our amazing Sources of Strength students at LHS put kindness into action by creating heartfelt Valentines for the community! ❤️✂️✉️ From handwritten notes to thoughtful designs, these small gestures remind us all that a little kindness goes a long way. 💕

Mrs. Torres' ENL students took on a delicious journey around the world! Each student created a poster and a Google Slides presentation about traditional foods from their home country, then shared their research with the class. The students also learned about popular foods in the U.S.—including the classic s’more! Students got to make and taste their own s’mores, bringing their learning full circle in the sweetest way. 😋

In celebration of Black History Month, Emmet Belknap students welcomed doll collector and curator Lisa Jacobs-Watson. She shared the history and impact of dolls on children. Mrs. Jacobs-Watson also introduced students to unique doll collections, including her favorite—the HBCU collection, which honors Historically Black Colleges and Universities and encourages big dreams. She closed with an inspiring message: "Be yourself, love yourself, and love others based on who they are, not what they look like."

Today, we’re giving a shoutout to our School Resource Officers, Officer Julie and Officer Justin for their dedication to keeping our schools safe, welcoming, and connected! Want to learn more about the incredible work they do? 🎙️ Check out our latest Lion Bytes Podcast, where Officer Julie shares insights on how she and Officer Justin support our students and staff every day! THANK YOU for all you do for our district and community!

❤️ 100 Days Smarter & Full of Love! ❤️ Anna Merritt students had double the fun today, celebrating the 100th Day of School AND Valentine’s Day! From festive activities to sweet treats, it was the perfect way to wrap up before Winter Break! ❄️✨Reminder: ❄️✨ Winter Break for LCSD is all next week - February 17-February 21. Have a safe and relaxing break!

LHS DECA students put their hearts into action by collecting donations and creating heartfelt Valentines for hospitalized and homeless Veterans. Their kindness and generosity made a difference, reminding our heroes that they are appreciated and never forgotten. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful initiative!

Students from Anna Merritt Elementary, Aaron Mossell Junior High, and Lockport High School West experienced the power of rhythm at the African American Cultural Center of Buffalo's Drum Workshop! Through traditional West African drumming, students learned fundamental techniques, explored the connection between African rhythms and modern music, and sharpened their listening skills by echoing beats back to the instructor. It was a hands-on, high-energy workshop that brought culture, music, and learning to life!

Roy B. Kelley Elementary Kindess Club sponsored a Kindness Spirit Week, and today was Mr. Rogers Day. Students in Mrs. Regan's class had some fun with the kiddos who came dressed as Mr. Rogers!

New this year: High School Orientation (for current 8th grade students) will be run in conjunction with our College Fair on Monday, March 10th from 6:30 - 8:30. High School Orientation: Doors open at 6:00, program begins promptly at 6:30 in the High School Auditorium. Parents, guardians and students will learn about: Scheduling, Extra Curricular Opportunities, Graduation Requirements. Social-Emotional Learning College Fair: Begins at 7:15 in the High School Auditorium. Underclassman Students/Parents can arrive from 7:00-7:15 in the Foyer where they will be let in at 7:15 for the College Fair Panel Presentation. College Reps will be available in cafe 104 immediately following the Panel Presentation.

In honor of Black History Month, students at across the district have had the incredible opportunity to meet Annette Daniels Taylor—an award-winning theater artist, poet, artist-filmmaker, and author. She brought 'Marvella Finds Her Magic' to life, leading a powerful discussion on overcoming challenges, discovering inner strength, and embracing creativity. 💫 Annette’s work has been showcased internationally and is part of The Poetry Collection at the University at Buffalo. Through her storytelling, she continues to uplift voices, inspire young minds, and celebrate the power of literacy. Thank you, Annette Daniels Taylor!

Mrs. Nemi, LHSW Mathematics Teacher, created this bulletin board outside of her classroom. The bulletin board shows some favorite heroes from Black History, paired with a verb that describes the inspiration each of them brings to life!

We’re excited to introduce Lion Bytes, the official podcast of the Lockport City School District! Each month, we’ll bring you important topics, student and staff spotlights, and the latest district news and events—all in a format you can take on the go. Whether you're in the car, at home, or at work, you can tune in anytime, anywhere. New episodes drop monthly, so be sure to follow and stay connected! Listen now on our website: https://www.lockportschools.org/podcast Or find us on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/C2OgG Thanks for tuning in! We can’t wait for you to listen! Sincerely, Denyel Beiter & Bridget Licata LCSD Communications Department dbeiter@lockportschools.org blicata@lockportschools.org

At Anna Merritt Elementary, Mrs. Rudz's students read the story "Stone Soup," a classic tale that teaches valuable lessons about sharing, community, and resourcefulness. The second graders brought in different items to add to their classroom soup and everyone got to enjoy a bowl!

LCSD students showcased their incredible talent at the Black History Month Art School, where art became a powerful voice for history, identity, and inspiration. Students honored the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, artists, and change makers. Here's a sample of the work that is on display!