Lockport City School District

*Please note that this is a TIES-funded position and not a district-employed role.
We’re looking for a parent to take on this meaningful, part-time role supporting inclusive activities across the district.

Details:
– Approx. 10 hrs/week
– Year-round, part-time
– $16/hour
– HS diploma required
– 2+ years experience with individuals/families with developmental disabilities

What is TIES?
Together Including Every Student (TIES) empowers students with developmental disabilities to join clubs, sports, and community activities—with the support of trained peer volunteers.

Interested? Email Erik Vohwinkel, Director of Special Education, evohwinkel@lockportschools.net

We had so many fun photos and stories coming in at the end of the year, we have a few leftovers we're going to share moving into the summer! At Anna Merritt, Mrs. Rude 's students wrapped up the school year with some camping fun! They told campfire stories, went fishing, and made smores- the perfect way to end the school year!

🎢☀️ First up in our #SummerofLions series: Jaziyus from Roy B. Kelley kicked off summer with some thrills at Six Flags Darien Lake! From roller coasters to water rides, he's making the most of the break—and repping RBK with pride!

Where are our Lions heading next?

Let’s give a huge High Five to LHS sophomore Blake Warchocki, a Spring 2025 recipient of the Niagara Police Athletic League Do The Right Thing Award! While leaving the lacrosse field this spring, Blake spotted a camera bag left behind near the fence. Instead of ignoring it, he brought it home for safekeeping and returned it to school the next day. Inside? A valuable camera lens and flash—tools we use to capture moments across the district. Blake’s honesty and integrity didn’t just return lost items—they ensured that we can continue sharing the stories of our students with families and the community. Thanks for setting a tremendous example, Blake. You’re what being a Lion is all about!

Emmet Belknap's Olympic Day was a gold medal event! Each homeroom represented a different country, bringing culture, creativity, and tons of team spirit to the track. Students gave it their all in races and relays, showing off their sportsmanship and Lion pride. What a fun way to celebrate movement, unity, and the end of a great school year!

As part of their final unit on Human Impact on Earth, 8th grade AMJHS general science students faced a survival challenge: What if the world as we know it ended… could you survive? Using only limited and recycled materials donated by staff, students worked in teams to design and build devices to meet one of the five basic survival needs. The results? Incredible creativity and problem-solving! From animal traps and fishing poles to shelters and first aid kits, these students proved they’re ready for anything—even the end of the world.

Field Day fun was in full swing at Anna Merritt Elementary last week too! From the school wide race to our students bringing the energy, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. A huge thank you to Anna Merritt staff and volunteers who made the day unforgettable, as well as the PTA at Anna Merritt! What a way to wrap up the school year with laughter, movement, and Lion pride!

We're covering all things Field Days this week! First up, we had Roy B. Kelley students celebrate last Wednesday. The day was all about sunshine, smiles, and serious school spirit students leaped, raced, and laughed their way through an unforgettable Field Day! From relay races to water games, the energy was off the charts — and our Lions showed up ready to PLAY! A huge shoutout to our amazing PTA for making it all happen. Your support, planning, and dedication helped create a day filled with joy and memories our students won’t forget. THANK YOU!

The kindergarteners at George Southard are getting ready to move on up! With proud smiles, practiced songs, and a whole lot of heart, these soon-to-be first graders are preparing for their Moving Up Day ceremony. Good luck to them all!

Charles A. Upson celebrated Juneteenth with a special visit from author Kim Taylor, who traveled from NYC to read A Flag for Juneteenth to Kindergarten and 3rd-grade students. The story follows 10-year-old Huldah and her Texas community as they celebrate freedom on June 19, 1865. Taylor’s unique hand-sewn, quilted illustrations brought the history to life in a memorable and meaningful way.

Last month, AMJHS 8th graders took on Washington, D.C. — and made memories to last a lifetime. From the powerful silence of Arlington Cemetery to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, students soaked in history at every turn. They visited multiple Smithsonian museums, stopped by the White House, and explored the nation’s capital like pros!

SAFETY FAIR – June 16, 2025 for Class of 2025 seniors! Attendance Required for Prom Admittance for all seniors! As part of our continued commitment to student safety and education, Lockport High School is hosting a Safety Fair on Monday, June 16. Seniors will rotate through engaging and informative stations featuring local safety partners and emergency responders. You may notice some extra activity at the school — including a planned landing from Mercy Flight! No need for concern — it's all part of this important and exciting event. This is a planned demonstration to help students better understand emergency response procedures and services available in our community.

In June, Ms. Mack's second grade class at Anna Merritt is celebrating Pride Month. They learned that everyone has reasons to be proud of who they are! Each student came up with seven reasons they are proud of themselves. The students shared some of their reasons and we celebrated each other!

Mr. Flaherty’s class at George Southard welcomed volunteers from the LHS TALAT (Take a Look at Teaching) club, while Mrs. O’Brien’s (George Southard) and Mr. Gueli’s (Emmet Belknap) classes were joined by DECA students serving as “teachers” and Junior Achievement volunteers. The LHS students delivered engaging, grade-appropriate Junior Achievement lessons that introduced important business vocabulary and showed how communities and neighborhoods collaborate to build financially literate employees and thriving businesses. It was an inspiring experience for all groups of students, sparking excitement about future careers and the power of teamwork!

Mrs. Navarro took Aaron Mossell Junior High students to Shea’s Performing Arts Center, where they had the exciting opportunity to perform on stage as part of the Junior Theatre Festival. Chosen by Shea’s to participate, students toured the historic theatre, learned new techniques, and showcased their talent in a professional setting. This event is part of a national initiative led by iTheatrics, an organization dedicated to making musical theatre accessible to young people and schools around the world.

Lockport High School senior Zachary Simeone has earned an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy—one of the most prestigious honors a graduating senior can achieve. Each year, fewer than 1,200 students are selected from over 10,000 applicants nationwide. This appointment represents not only a tremendous academic and personal accomplishment, but also a scholarship valued at over $600,000, including four years of world-class education, military and leadership training. To be selected, Zachary demonstrated outstanding performance across academics, physical fitness, service, and leadership—and also secured a nomination from a member of Congress or another qualifying authority. Those who accept this challenge and go on to graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an officer in the United States Air or Space Force. Because he has already been summoned to report for his appointment this summer, Zachary will not be able to attend our graduation ceremony. At Tuesday's LHS Senior Awards night, Lockport City School District took the special opportunity to celebrate his achievements and wish him the very best as he begins this next incredible chapter with his official Certificate of Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2029. Congratulations, Zachary!

Tonight - Come listen to some great music as our choral department performs for the LHS Star Concert on Monday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m. at LHS Visual and Performing Arts Center. The concert is free, but a collection will be taken during the concerts for Kids Escaping Drugs.

Roy B. Kelley and George Southard Elementary Schools celebrated Career Day! Check out Lockport's future workforce. We've got up and coming doctors, broadcasters, astronauts, pilots, chefs, athletes, dancers, veterinarians, engineers, teachers, and more! Did you take a pic of your kiddos for Career Day this year? Please post them and tag us!

LHS West doesn't just celebrate the end of the year, they create something meaningful to remember it by! As part of the end-of-year picnic, students take part in a friendly design contest where the whole school votes on the winning shirt design. Then, the real work begins! From screen printing and multiple test runs to ironing, tie-dyeing, setting the ink, and carefully drying each shirt, our students roll up their sleeves and make it happen. Each student is responsible for five shirts, and the process is as detailed as it is rewarding. Shoutout to Mrs. Waz, who has this production down to a science. Her guidance and passion make this tradition possible year after year. 💙💛

Calling all future Kindergarteners! Lockport families—get your little one ready for success with our FREE Kindergarten Readiness Summer Camp! Dates: July 7 – August 15, 2025 (Monday–Friday) Location: Roy B. Kelley Elementary School Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & snacks included! Open to children entering Kindergarten in the Lockport City School District during the 2025-2026 School Year. Daily Schedule: 🔹 8–11:30 a.m. (Required): Literacy, Math & Social-Emotional Skill Building 🔹 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (Optional): Arts & crafts, motor skills, outdoor play & more! Register by calling the YWCA at (716) 433-6714 or visit 👉 lockportschools.org/kindergartencamp.