With winter now upon us, we want to remind staff and families about our procedures for school closings, delays, and early dismissals due to inclement weather or emergencies. Safety remains our top priority, and we carefully consider many factors before making adjustments to the school day.
How We Communicate Closings or Delays
Announcements will typically be made by 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. via the following:
Radio stations: WLVL 1340 AM and WBEN 930 AM
Television stations: WGRZ Channel 2, WIVB Channel 4, WKBW Channel 7 and Spectrum
Websites and social media: Lockport City School District website, Lockport City School District Facebook, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Messages will also be shared through our calling and texting systems. Please ensure your most current contact information is on file with your child’s school to receive these updates.
Important: If the announcement is a delay, continue monitoring as it may change to a cancellation. Please do not call school offices for updates, as phone lines need to remain open for emergencies.
Closures and Delays
If school is closed, all classes and activities are canceled unless otherwise announced.
For a delayed start, school and bus pick-up times will begin two hours later than usual.
Additional Information for Delays:
Before-school activities, including clubs and intramurals, are canceled.
Bagged breakfasts will be available; lunch will be served as usual.
YMCA, YWCA, and The Boys & Girls Club Before School Programs are not LCSD programs; follow their handbooks for closures or delays.
Students attending schools outside LCSD will follow their school’s schedule.
Morning BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students will report to Lockport High School, where they will be supervised until afternoon classes.
Early Dismissals
In rare cases, we may need to release students early due to worsening weather or other emergencies. Afternoon and evening activities will be canceled unless announced otherwise.
It is important to have an emergency plan in place:
Talk to your child about what to do if they arrive home early and you are not there.
Arrange with neighbors or provide your child with a reliable contact number to call and check in.
Winter Safety Tips for Students
Please remind children of the following:
Dress for the weather. Buses may not heat as quickly as cars, and breakdowns could leave students without heat temporarily.
Allow extra time for the bus to arrive. Snowy or icy roads may slow traffic.
Stand back from the curb, as vehicles may slide on slick roads.
Be cautious on sidewalks and crosswalks, which may be slippery.
Emergency Closures and the School Calendar
State law requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction. The district has four emergency closing days built into the calendar. If we exceed those days, adjustments may be necessary, such as using scheduled recess days. A copy of the current school calendar is available on the district website.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely and communicate updates to ensure the safety of our students. As always, the decision to send your child to school during inclement weather ultimately rests with you, the parent or guardian, and we respect your judgment.
Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate the winter season together.