Updates

Good Morning today is Monday, October 7, and today is day 1.

• Attention Winter Athletes - Online signups for the Winter 2024 season begin today and go through Tues., Oct. 15th.  Click the signup link on our Athletics page & follow the directions.  Be sure to print the Parent Consent Form when you sign up.  Consent forms will be accepted in the Health Office through Fri., Oct. 18th.
• Please come and check out Design Club Friday Oct 11th. Snacks will be provided.
• Attention Seniors! This week marks the kick off for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy Program here at Lancaster High School.  You will find a link to a video that explains the program and the application process in your English and World Language classes´ Google Classrooms.  The Seal of Biliteracy is conferred by the New York State Department of Education and is recognized nationally and internationally.  This is a unique opportunity and a prestigious achievement that is noted directly on your diploma with a seal from the New York State Department of Education.  The application deadline is Friday, December 6. See any world language teacher for more information, and good luck!
• Have you earned your Varsity letter in a sport? If so, join us for our first BLOCK L meeting this Tuesday, October 8th, at 2:20 in room 202. We will be discussing this year's activities.
• Our next Chess Club meeting will be after school in Room 137 on Monday October 7th
• The first Student Union meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday, October 9th during 3rd period in room 122.  
• The Girl's Varsity Flag Football team will hold a brief informational meeting on Thursday October 10th from 2:30-3pm in Rm. 122 for those interested in participating for their upcoming season. Please email Coach Hauser with any questions. Dhauser@lancasterschools.org
• The next meeting of the Future Teachers of America is after school on Friday October 11th in room 134. New members are always welcome.
   

Good Morning today is Tuesday, October 8, and today is day 2.

• Today is recycling day, please put your bins and bottles outside your room 5th period! Thank you
• Have you earned your Varsity letter in a sport? If so, join us for our first BLOCK L meeting this Tuesday, October 8th, at 2:20 in room 202. We will be discussing this year's activities.
• On October 25th we will be hosting our 43rd Annual Motorcade! 9th graders can sign up outside of Rm 123, and 10th and 11th graders outside class advisor rooms. Student Driver Info. Packets can be picked up in Rm 124! Sign Ups due by 10/21. Be ready to scream your way to Depew!
• Do you like to be helpful but prefer to stay behind the scenes? Peers Helping Peers is in need of study guide creators and people who can market our club! Come to our General mtg this Thursday after school in rm 217. See Mrs. Falk with questions. There will be cookies!
• Are you good with people?Do you like to help? Peers Helping Peers is in need of tutors and mediators - come to our General mtg this Thursday 10/10 after school in rm 217 to see what's involved. See Mrs. Falk with any questions. There will be cookies!
• Hola, The next scheduled meeting of the Spanish Honor Society is this Wednesday, October 9th after school in room 205 at 2:25. All meetings and events are mandatory. Contact Señora Aungst directly if you are unable to attend. Todos a una!
• Please come and check out Design Club Friday Oct 11th. Snacks will be provided.
• Attention Seniors! This week marks the kick off for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy Program here at Lancaster High School.  You will find a link to a video in your English and World Language classes´ Google Classrooms.  The Seal of Biliteracy is conferred by the New York State Department of Education and is recognized nationally and internationally.  This is a unique opportunity and a prestigious achievement that is noted on your diploma with a seal from the New York State Department of Education.  The application deadline is Friday, December 6. See any world language teacher for more information, and good luck!
• The first Student Union meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday, October 9th during 3rd period in room 122.  
• The Girl's Varsity Flag Football team will hold a brief informational meeting on Thursday October 10th from 2:30-3pm in Rm. 122 for those interested in participating for their upcoming season. Please email Coach Hauser with any questions. Dhauser@lancasterschools.org
• The next meeting of the Future Teachers of America is after school on Friday October 11th in room 134. New members are always welcome.
   

Good Morning today is Wednesday, October 2, and today is day 4.

• CCI will meet on Thursday, October 3rd in room 123 at 2:20 pm. Still interested in making our school feel safe, valued, and connected, then join us!
• First Responders Club will meet today in 143b. All are welcome!
• Don't miss out on being part of the coldest club in the school. That's right I said coldest. Join the Ski & Snowboard club on the hills of Holiday Valley on Thursday nights. SIgn ups are going on now. Scan a QR code in the halls and get involved!
• The first Student Union meeting of the year will take place this Friday, October 4th during 3rd period in room 122. Representatives, please see our Google Classroom or Mr. Skowron for more information and with any questions.

Good Morning today is Thursday, October 3, and today is day 5.

• Have you earned your Varsity letter in a sport? If so, join us for our first BLOCK L meeting this Tuesday, October 8th, at 2:20 in room 202. We will be discussing this year's activities.
• Don't miss out on being part of the coldest club in the school. That's right I said coldest. Join the Ski & Snowboard club on the hills of Holiday Valley on Thursday nights. SIgn ups are going on now. Scan a QR code in the halls and get involved!
• The first Student Union meeting of the year will take place this tomorrow, October 4th during 3rd period in room 122. Representatives, please see our Google Classroom or Mr. Skowron for more information and with any questions.

Good Morning today is Friday, October 4, and today is day 6.

• Attention Winter Athletes - Online signups for the Winter 2024 season are Mon., Oct. 7th, through Tues., Oct. 15th.  Click the signup link on our Athletics page & follow the directions. Be sure to print the Parent Consent Form when you sign up.  Consent forms will be accepted in the Health Office through Fri., Oct. 18th.
• Don't miss out on being part of the coldest club in the school. That's right I said coldest. Join the Ski & Snowboard club on the hills of Holiday Valley on Thursday nights. SIgn ups are going on now. Scan a QR code in the halls and get involved!
• Our next Chess Club meeting will be after school in Room 137 on Monday October 7th
• Have you earned your Varsity letter in a sport? If so, join us for our first BLOCK L meeting this Tuesday, October 8th, at 2:20 in room 202. We will be discussing this year's activities.
• The Girl's Varsity Flag Football team will hold a brief informational meeting on Thursday October 10th from 2:30-3pm in Rm. 122 for those interested in participating for their upcoming season. Please email Coach Hauser with any questions. Dhauser@lancasterschools.org
• The first Student Union meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday, October 9th during 3rd period in room 122.  
   

September/October Newsletter Download

September / October Newsletter Transcript Only

Important Dates
August 2024

27      Freshman Orientation (3:45pm-7:30pm)

28      Transfer Student Program  (10am-12:45pm)

28      Locker Registration/ Agenda Planner

               8am-10am & 1pm-3pm - Cafeteria

28      Parking Permit Purchase - Juniors and Seniors

               8am-10am & 1pm-3pm - Cafeteria

September 2024

3        First Day of School

5&6    Underclassmen School Portraits

13      Freshman Mixer (7-10 pm)

27      Courtyard Dance (7-10 pm)

October 2024

3          LHS Open House

14        No School

15&16  Senior Portrait Retakes

21-26   Spirit Week

25        Underclassman Portrait Retakes

25        Lancaster/Depew Football Game @ Depew

26        Homecoming

***IMPORTANT***

If you have a change of address, phone number or email address you must contact the Registrar’s Office.

(716)-686-3218

   mailto:registration@lancasterschools.org

Annual FERPA Notification

Letter from the Principal

August 9, 2024

Dear Lancaster High School Parents and Guardians:

My hope is you had the time this summer to enjoy some wonderful experiences with the ones you love most.  As a parent of two children in our district, I am often reminded of the excitement and apprehension for parents and students in preparing for the start of the school year.  August will always feel different.  The daylight feels a little shorter, the trees begin to change color, and we all do our best to hold onto the final weekends of summer.  On behalf of the Lancaster High School Faculty and Staff, I would like to welcome everyone to the 2024-25 school year. 

Over the course of the summer, we have worked on finalizing hiring for a variety of positions that were vacated due to retirements.  We welcome these new faces to our building and we are happy they have joined our Legendary Faculty.  Throughout July and August, the majority of our summer school programs were hosted at the Middle School.  Our traditional summer school program once again provided our students with access to coursework that was not attained throughout the school year through a variety of credit recovery options.  Additionally, for our fourth consecutive year, in collaboration with the Lancaster Police Department and the Lancaster Youth Bureau, a Police Academy with an embedded Forensics course was offered for our students.  This commitment to students is always so impressive to witness.

On the administrative side, we’ve spent time retooling our student planners/handbooks to ensure they are consistent with our expectations for students.  As we approach the final weeks of August we are finalizing our teacher and student schedules and going through the remaining “checklist” of items to prepare for the return of students.  We thank our student leaders who are feverishly working on the welcome-back programs for our students.  This could not be possible without their leadership. 

Our goal, as always, is to provide students with a solid, well-rounded education and to prepare them for life beyond our hallways.   I challenge our students to set the tone for this school year and to get the most out of their experiences here.  Each class is supposed to build upon the next because that is where tradition is sustained.  We have a solid selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and College Credit courses, 7 Academy Programs, a tremendous amount of offerings in all academic and special areas, a robust music program and over 120 extracurricular clubs and athletic teams.  If you still have questions, please call our school at (716) 686-3255.

It goes without saying that we are excited about this upcoming school year. Thank you for your continued support. We cannot wait to welcome back our students in September and look forward to what the new school year will bring.

Sincerely,

Michael Candella

From the counseling center………

Student Schedules

Schedules will be available on the student/parent portal prior to the start of school. You will be receiving an automated telephone call advising when student schedules can be accessed. We appreciate your patience. Please know that teacher changes are not accommodated. For a variety of reasons, schedules will continue to change until the first day. Please note, it is expected that students sustain 6 academic periods and physical education within their schedules for each semester.

Counselor Caseload

Please note there has been a change to the Counselor’s assigned alphabet. The new breakdown is below. Please look this over to determine if it affects your student.

A - Cra      Mrs. Hewett  X3229

Crb - Gra   Mrs. O’Connor X3265

Grb - Kro    Mrs. Hejaily  X3264

Krp - Neu    Mrs. Coleman  X3263

Nev - Pl      Mr. Marchese  X3853

Pm - Stam  Miss Rinow  X3399

Stan - Z     Mrs. Len  X3261

Please visit the Counseling Center’s Website for additional information.

https://lhs.lancasterschools.org/our-school/counseling-center

 

From The LHS Health Office

Health Office Emergency Contacts:   A Health Office Update Form was mailed to households in August.  Please complete one form for each student attending the High School.  If you need additional forms or information, they are available in the Health Office, or can be found on the Health Office webpage of the LHS website at the following link:   Health Office Update

Students should bring the completed forms to the Health Office beginning the first day of school. 

Dental Health:  NYS is requesting that your child have a dental exam upon entry into grade 10, or for any new entrant into LHS.  The Dental Health Certificate can also be found on the Health Office webpage at the following link:  Dental Health Certificate.  Please note that this exam is requested, not mandatory.

Seniors:  As of September 2016, all incoming grade 12 students are mandated by NYS to have an updated meningococcal vaccine.  You should have received a letter regarding this if your student is not current with this vaccine.  Grade 12 students will be held out of school in September if this vaccine is not current.

Health Screenings:  Height, weight, vision and hearing testing will begin in late fall for all 11th graders.  Testing will take place during physical education classes.  Students in grades 9, 10, and 12 will only have their height and weight completed, as per NYS Mandate.  Please remind your 11th grader to wear their contacts, or have their glasses with them on a regular basis.  This will give us the correct results in our testing, and save you unnecessary visits to your eye doctor.

Sick Students:  As always, any sick student should report to the Health Office after receiving a pass from their teacher.  All contact to a parent during the school day that is related to illness Must be made through the Health Office Only.  Safety is our priority -- with this in mind, students are not permitted to use their cell phones to call, text, or email a parent (or other) to make their own arrangements to get picked up.   Disciplinary action will result.  Please feel free to contact the nurse with any questions, 716-686-3266. 

Winter Sports:  Winter sports online sign-ups are scheduled to start October 7, 2024.  Please check the Athletic Department’s web page frequently for information regarding the Winter athletic season.  All athletes must have a current physical (within one year of the season start date) on file in the Health Office by November 1st.  Send physicals by:  mail, student drop-off, fax (716-686-3268), or email (pscarpello@lancasterschools.org or eceppaglia@lancaster.org).  If we do not have the paperwork in the Health Office by November 1st, there may be a delay for the athlete to start the season.

If there are any questions, please call the Health Office at 716-686-3266 or 716-686-3343.

Important LHS Policy Reminders

Cell Phone Policy

Students are permitted to possess cell phones. Classroom use is at the discretion of the teacher and should be used for instructional purposes only.  Cell phone use must be appropriate at all times, adhering to the LCSD Code of Conduct and the LHS Student Planner.  Students are prohibited from using them in any manner which invades a person's privacy, disrupts the educational environment, or endangers the safety of other students, employees, volunteers or visitors. 

If a student violates this provision, then he/she is subject to discipline under the Code of Conduct that may be applicable to the circumstances involved. The student is required to turn over the cell phone to the teacher when asked.

No Smoking  /  No Vaping

Possessing, distributing, or smoking a cigarette, e-cigarette or similar device, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco on district property, at school sponsored or school related activities, and all athletic contests is prohibited. This may include properties adjacent to school buildings.   An authorized school official may conduct a search utilizing a handheld detector when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the student has violated the law or the Code of Conduct. Any student in violation will be subject to discipline up to and including suspension from school.

Possessing, distributing, or smoking a cigarette, e-cigarette or similar device, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco on district property, at school sponsored or school related activities, and all athletic contests is prohibited. This may include properties adjacent to school buildings. Students who are suspected to have prohibited paraphernalia in their possession may be subject to the use of a handheld detector. Any student in violation will be subject to discipline up to and including suspension from school.

E-Cigarettes or similar devices that are confiscated

will not be returned to the student or guardians.

They will instead be discarded by the Lancaster Police Department, due to the possibility of illegal substances being contained within them.

Vapes are subject to testing for illegal or inappropriate substances.

For additional information regarding this policy please see the student academic planner.

Academic Eligibility - A student must maintain an overall quarterly average of 72.00% to participate unconditionally in all extracurricular activities and sports.

Chromebooks -Students are issued a Chromebook device, case, and power supply cord for use during the school year. There is no cost to receive these items as it is a primary educational tool. Cases are not to be removed.  Damage and or loss of device due to failure to properly care and maintain the device will result in repair and/or replacement charges being levied to the student.

Important LHS Attendance Policy Reminders

Absence From School - A note for the absence must be turned in to the attendance office within 5 days for an absence to be considered an excused absence. The note must have the date of the absence, student name, student  ID number and the reason for the absence written on it. Parents/Guardians do not need to call to  report their child absent, only the absent note is required to be brought in within 5 days.

Late To School - Any student who comes to school late must bring a note from their parent/guardian upon arrival. After the third instance that a student is late to school without a note, detention will be assigned. Students must attend 5 periods (more than half the day) to get credit for a school day to participate in that day’s clubs, activities or sports.

Early Dismissal - A note signed by a parent/guardian is needed noting the students name, date,  time of release and reason for early dismissal with a verifying phone number.  Early dismissal notes should be turned in to the Main/Attendance Office by 8:15am to receive an Early Dismissal Pass.  As long as the student has an Early Dismissal Pass their transportation does not need to come into the building to sign them out.    Forgot your note or have an unexpected early dismissal only a parent/guardian or listed emergency contact in eSchool will be permitted to sign out students, ID is required and checked in the Main Office before students are released.  Emergency contacts can be viewed and updated on the Parent Portal :

https://www.lancasterschools.org/registration/parent-portal-information

 

LCSD Food Service Webpage

Free/ Reduced Lunch Information

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Online meal application

Questions concerning LCDS Food Service please call (716) 686-3246.

High School Activities

Lancaster High School has many events and activities year round. IFor the  latest information check out the school website:    https://lhs.lancasterschools.org/

JUNIOR & SENIOR

2024/2025 School Year Parking Permits

How to purchase a parking pass:

Step 1: Complete this electronic Parking Registration Form which can also be found on the Lancaster High School Webpage..

Step 2: Pick up Parking Pass in the cafeteria on Wednesday, August 28th from 8 AM - 10 AM and 1 PM to 3 PM.  Students will need to bring the $50.00 parking fee. We accept checks made payable to Lancaster Central School District (LCSD) or EXACT cash. We do not have change to give, if you are paying in cash please have exact payment. We are not set up to accept credit card payments. If a student can not come on August 28th, they may report to room #102 (Assistant Principal's office) at the high school on the first day of school.

Step 3: Your parking pass MUST be displayed on your rearview mirror facing out whenever you are parked on campus.

LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL DRIVING/PARKING RULES:

1) Driving to school is a privilege, not a right. All general rules of the building also apply to the parking lots and school grounds. Violation of any school rules/policy, including the Driving/Parking rules, may result in parking privileges being suspended or revoked without a refund. This will be reinforced by administration.

2) The parking hang tag issued to the student must be visible at all times, on the rear-view mirror facing out.

3) If your car breaks down and you borrow a car temporarily, you may move your parking pass from your primary vehicle to your temporary vehicle. Parking hang tags cannot be transferred to other students, if done, the hang tag will be confiscated without a refund.

4) It is the responsibility of the student to report lost or stolen permits to room #102. Lost/stolen permits found in use will be confiscated.

5) Students must obey the posted speed limit and drive in a prudent and safe manner.

6) The school retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots and inspections of the exterior and interior of student vehicles while on school property.

7) All parking violations/tickets are issued by the Lancaster town police department. The parking violation fine is $25.00 and is payable to the Lancaster town court, not the school. It is up to the discretion of the Lancaster police if a parking ticket is issued, warnings are not given.

8) Students may park in any student spot in the north lot, south lot or field house lot. There are plenty of student parking spaces available. Please Do Not park in a faculty spot, in front of the building, or in an unauthorized area. This may result in a parking ticket and/or tow.

9) Please report vehicle make/model and license plate number changes to room 102. Lancaster High School reserves the right to perform checks to ensure that the vehicle registered at the time of the parking permit purchase is the same.

10) Lancaster town police supervise the outside campus area. Please keep your cars locked at all times. Lancaster high school is not responsible for lost/stolen property or damage while on school grounds.

11) Parking permits from previous school years are not valid.

Picture Dates:

September 5 & 6, 2024 -  Grades 9,10,11 & Staff - Java Gym

October 15 & 16, 2024  -  Senior Retakes  -  Media Center

October 25, 2024 - Retakes Grades 9,10,11 & Staff - Media Center

Upstate Images photographers will be at the HS on September 5th & 6th in the gym taking school portraits.

24-25 FALL UC - Lancaster High School - NY74310 (imagequix.com)

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001147354

Senior Baby Patrons

Information will be mailed home to all senior parents/guardians regarding baby patrons later this fall. We will also schedule a Google Meet live demonstration on the process - date to follow.

Freshman Orientation

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

3:45pm -7:30pm

1 Forton Drive Lancaster NY 14086

Come learn the ins and outs of LHS. Dress casual!

ATTENTION ALL FRESHMEN:

You are invited to this year’s freshman mixer!

Have a “Roaring time at

Your First High School Dance! Join us on

Friday, September 13th from 7Pm - 10Pm

Tickets are $5 Presale Only

Dress Casual

Courtyard Dance

Friday, September 27, 2024

7;10pm

Tickets can be bought in lunches and in Room 124 for $5.00

Dress Buffalo/716 themed!