Anna Merritt Elementary School

Introduction to American Sign Language, free beginner level lessons at FEC!

Thursdays, March 26 - April 23 (no session April 9)
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
LCSD Family Empowerment Center, 57 Canal Street, suite 102, Lockport

Find out more at https://www.lockportschools.org/page/event-registration.

"This is who..." - LCSD edition.

FEC Workshop Announcement: A workshop for parents and caregivers with students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) vs. 504 Plan.

The workshop compares the two primary frameworks for supporting students with disabilities in public schools. highlights key differences in legal basis, eligibility, and services provided.

This workshop is designed to equip parents with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and advocate for their child's educational needs. We will explore the differences between an IEP and a 504 Plan, helping you determine which path best suits your child's specific situation.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
6:00-7:30 p.m.

This virtual workshop is offered hybrid. As a registered participant, you may choose to receive a Zoom link to login from your own device and location or attend in person at the FEC to use a device and log into the Zoom workshop.

Click here for more information: https://www.lockportschools.org/page/event-registration

Our students celebrated their 100th day of school last week! At George Southard, the kindergarteners participated in a fashion show in their best 100th day outfits complete with stickers and creative flare. And over at Anna Merritt, our students celebrated the day by dressing as 100 year olds!

Prior to Winter Break, students across the district celebrated Lunar New Year. LHS students teamed up with the Chinese Language and Culture Club from Alfred University for a special Lunar New Year celebration including a hands-on dragon dance workshop and live demonstrations.

Our people say it best. Lockport is a place where your voice matters, your passion is encouraged, and your work makes an impact - every single day.

We’re Hiring! lockportschools.org/employment

Your path, your passion, your place.
You belong at Lockport.

From day one, our newest team members tell us the same thing, Lockport feels like home. Come be part of something bigger.

We’re Hiring! lockportschools.org/employment

Your path, your passion, your place.
You belong at Lockport.

Every career path looks different and that’s exactly why Lockport works. We support growth, celebrate passion, and invest in the people who show up for our students every day.

If you’re looking for work that matters, you’ll find it here.

We’re Hiring - lockportschools.org/employment
Your path, your passion, your place.
You belong at Lockport.

American Sign Language Classes beginning Thursdays, February 5 - March 5 (no session February 19) at 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Introduction to American Sign Language, free beginner level lessons at LCSD Family Empowerment Center, 57 Canal Street, suite 102, Lockport.

Open to ALL LCSD Students, Parents, Caregivers, Staff and Community. Find out more: https://www.lockportschools.org/o/lcsd/page/event-registration

Join the LCSD Family Empowerment Center for a Neurodiversity Workshop for Families — offered virtually or in person!

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

In this supportive and inclusive workshop, parents and caregivers will:
✔️ Learn about neurodiversity
✔️ Develop effective behavioral strategies
✔️ Strengthen family communication

Click here for more information and to register: https://www.lockportschools.org/o/lcsd/page/event-registration.

Family Empowerment Series
https://parentnetworkwny.org/family-empowerment-series-2025/

Audience: Parents and family members
Overview: Participants will learn about special education, IEP development, and effective advocacy while building leadership skills and supportive relationships. Completion of this series provides eligibility to join the WNY Parent Leadership Network.

Virtual Sessions:
Saturday, January 17: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Thursday evenings, 6:00–8:00 p.m.: January 22, January 29, February 12, February 26, and March 12
Saturday, February 28: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Independent Study: Completion of a simple advocacy project

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GP6DX7K

Anna Merritt celebrated the 67th day of school in style last week!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

🥪💜 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 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!

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.