Month: September 2023
Library to host children’s book author
Liberty Public Library will host local children’s book author Helena Clare Pittman in October and November.
She will read from two of her books and lead children in a related activity at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, and will return at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, for a book reading and Thanksgiving-themed author talk, as well as leading children in an activity where they will make their own books.
Pittman has written 18 children’s books, including “Once When I Was Scared, “A Grain of Rice,” and “Jacob’s Statue,” and teaches creative writing a many colleges and university.
Liberty Public Library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty. For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.
ATI donates 100 backpacks to Liberty
On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Action Toward Independence donated 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Liberty Central School District Student Services Department to distribute to students who are most in need.
ATI advocates for people with disabilities and has a mission to promote the independence, inclusion, participation, and personal choice of individuals with disabilities. ATI offers a variety of services and programs that are available to children, youth and families in Sullivan and Orange counties.
The donation was part of ATI’s third annual Back to School Backpack Outreach Program in partnership with NYSEG.
“We appreciate all our community partners do to help our students pursue their potential and make Liberty a great place to learn,” Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
Students, Sullivan 180 help beautify Liberty Middle School
On Wednesday, Sept. 27, students from Liberty Middle School assisted in planting six trees to help provide shade at the playground.
About three dozen students came out in shifts to help back fill the holes, dug by the school maintenance crew, who also placed the trees in the holes.
“I think it was a fun experience,” sixth grader Conner Baum said. “It felt good to help.”
Lily Kehrley agreed.
“It was really fun and I want to see them grow!” the sixth grader said. “It was fun because we will be a part of the school when we graduate.”
Earlier in the week, bushes were also planted in front of the school by the maintenance crew. Funding for the project was made possible, in part, by a $1,880 School Beautification Grant from Sullivan 180.
“Liberty Middle School is thrilled to accept the Sullivan 180 Beautification Grant. This generous support will help us enhance the beauty and vitality of our environment, one tree at a time,” Middle School Principal Heather Cheh said. “Together, we will create a greener, more vibrant community that future generations will cherish. Thank you for investing in the natural beauty that surrounds us and for being a partner in our mission to make our school a better place.”
As students separated the rocks and sod from the dirt and filled in around the trees, they learned more about the trees planted — two each of hawthorne, river birch and October glory maple — as well as proper planting techniques from Carmela Hugel, beautification program manager with Sullivan 180.
“I loved the planting and I wish we could do it again next year before going to the high school,” seventh grader Damien Keating said.
The students who participated were chosen by teachers and administrators because they have embraced the Leader in Me principles and have displayed 7 Habits.
“Creating student leaders and good citizens is important,” Cheh said. “We offer opportunities such as this for students who show those vital qualities.”
There was an added benefit of taking time to be outside on a beautiful day while helping the school.
“It was really nice to be able to get outside and be a part of making our school a better place and beautiful place,” eighth grader Shea-Leigh Kristiansen said. “I think that it is important to not only create a healthy school community, but a beautiful place to have that community too.”
“There were also several people at LCSD who we couldn’t have done this without,” Cheh said. “A special thank you to LMS staff Malinda Kristiansen and Tony Lesczynski, and LCSD Building and Grounds crew James Black, Joe Davis and Michael Black.”
All Things Liberty to take place at Fall Fest; mascot logo to be unveiled
Liberty Central School District’s All Things Liberty event will move to downtown Liberty during the Liberty Fall Festival on Oct. 14, with a highlight being the unveiling of the district’s new Redhawks mascot logo.
“Our goal in moving our event to coincide with the popular downtown festival is to show the community all we do to make Liberty a great place to learn,” said Community Schools Coordinator Stacy Feasel, who is organizing the LCSD activities. “We hope people will stop by, ask questions and learn more about what we have to offer.”
The district’s tables will be set up in front of the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a variety of activities for all ages throughout the day, including a prize wheel and a scavenger hunt. The mascot reveal will take place at noon. The district will also collect donations for the district’s snack pack program, which provides healthy food and snacks for students who are facing food insecurity.
“We are excited to unveil our new mascot logo,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We look forward to seeing our Liberty families and members of our community on Oct. 14.”
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2023
Our athletes will be in action in cross country, football, soccer and volleyball this week.
Here is the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Sept. 25
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Sept. 26
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
5 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy Chester Academy-Middle/High School
5:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
Results: Beacon 6 Liberty 0
5:30 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
6:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy Chester Academy-Middle/High School
Wednesday, Sept. 27
4:15 p.m.: Modified A 11 Man Football vs. Rondout Valley Central at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 1 O’Neill 1 (2 OT). Liberty goal: Jackson Bustillo. Liberty Saves: David Philips 5. O’Neill goal: Johnny Nauta, O’Neill saves: Lucas Haley 9. Record: Liberty 2-3-1
5 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
5:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School.
7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Thursday, Sept. 28
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV League Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
5 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty Middle School
Friday, Sept. 29
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Middletown at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Fallsburg @ Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
Saturday, Sept. 30
1 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School
Sunday, Oct. 1.
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
Middle School Open House set for Oct. 5
The Liberty Middle School Open House will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5.
Schedule
- 5:45-6 p.m.: Student Schedule Pick-Up (Main Lobby)
- 6-6:05 p.m.: Parents released to classes
- 6:05-8 p.m.: Follow students’ A Day Schedule (as listed below)
- Teachers will share information regarding;
- curriculum, expectations, multi tiered systems of support, social emotional learning, inclusive/nurturing environments
- During Study Hall/CCS/Lab/Lunch:
- visit the cafeteria for contact with guidance staff and various outside agencies
- visit with the nurse – feel free to bring any required forms
- visit with other grade level teachers if you have more than one child in middle school
- visit the cafeteria for refreshments
- Teachers will share information regarding;
- Bell Schedule: A Day Schedule
- 1st – 6:05 to 6:14
- 2nd – 6:17 to 6:26
- 3rd – 6:29 to 6:38
- 4th – 6:41 to 6:50
- 5th – 6:53 to 7:02
- 6th – 7:05 to 7:14
- 7th – 7:17 to 7:26
- 8th – 7:29 to 7:38
- 9th – 7:41 to 7:50
SAVE THE DATES:
- School Closed: Oct. 9
- Picture Days: Oct. 12 and 13, 2023 / Retakes: Nov. 16, 2023
- LMS Parent/Teacher Conferences: Nov. 15, 2023, 6-8 p.m.
Cub Scout signup set for Oct. 5 in White Sulphur Springs
Cub Scout Pack 1717 will have a signup night at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department.
Cub Scouts is open to all boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade. A parent or guardian must accompany the prospective Scout to the signup event.
For more information, contact Nancy Esposito at 845-292-2683 or nesposito@hvc.rr.com.
For more information on Scouting, visit www.beascout.org.
Digital Equity Survey responses needed
Dear Liberty Families,
The Liberty Central School District is asking all parents, guardians and students to take a Digital Equity Survey to help identify students who may need access to reliable internet and/or a digital device for completing schoolwork at home. New York state requires that school districts collect this information to better serve our families’ needs.
The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete. Access the Digital Equity Survey here.
If your situation changes after you submit the survey, please complete the survey again.
For more information or if you have trouble submitting the survey, email Stacy Feasel at sfeasel@libertyk12.org or call her at 845-292-5400, ext. 2322.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 18-24 2023
Our athletes will be in action in cross country, football, soccer and volleyball this week.
Here is the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Sept. 18
4:15 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
5:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Goshen at Goshen High School
5:30 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer at vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Goshen at Goshen High School.
Tuesday, Sept. 19
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Eldred at Mackenzie Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Livingston Manor at Livingston Manor High School
5:15 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Seward Soccer Complex
Result: Liberty 7, S.S. Seward 1. Goals: Franklin Barrera 3, Justin Simon 2, Zack Alvord 1, Brayan Deras 1. Assists: Zaid Rameriz 1, Emanuel Espinoza 1
Wednesday, Sept. 20
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Chester Academy at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 0, Chester 3
5:45 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
Thursday, Sept. 21
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
Result: The Boys Varsity Soccer team won in a strongly played game against cross-county rival Fallsburg. Jackson Bustillo scored the lone goal of the game. David Philips played an aggressive game in goal, making several saves. Liberty 1, Fallsburg 0. Liberty goal: Jackson Bustillo; Liberty Saves: David Philips 2; Fallsburg Saves: Selvin Reyes 4; Record : Liberty 2-3; Fallsburg 3-2
4:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Monticello at Liberty Middle School
4:45 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
Result: Liberty 3, Monticello 0. Goals: Franklin Barrera Andrade 2, Jose Moreno Reyes 1. Assists: Harrison Cruz Marin, Jeffrey Banegas Barahona, Kevin Garcia Martinez. Clean sheet: Justin Simon
Friday, Sept. 22
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School Upper Field
5 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
Saturday, Sept. 23
10 a.m.: Modified A Football vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
1 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Saugerties at Saugerties High School
Sunday, Sept. 24
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
Take steps to stay safe from respiratory illnesses
It is important to us here at Liberty that we keep our school community safe and healthy. Respiratory illnesses are on the rise here and across the nation, with the triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. These viruses, while usually manageable, can lead to illness, hospitalizations or death, according to the state Departments of Health and Education.
There are several simple steps that can be taken to help prevent the spread of these illnesses.
- Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching commonly touched surfaces such as door knobs.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands; sneeze or cough into your elbow or into a disposable tissue.
- Although we want our students and teachers to be in school as often as possible, we’d rather they stay home when they are sick or symptomatic.
- Stay up to date on vaccines, including flu and COVID-19. Find a location to get vaccinated here.
- If you have been exposed to someone who is sick, are at high risk for infection or just feel more comfortable wearing a mask while in public indoor spaces, wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask.
Masks and rapid COVID tests are available in the health office of each building.
To learn more about COVID, RSV and flu, visit the state Health Department page on respiratory illnesses.
The state Health Department also has information for parents and guardians about fighting flu. Click here for printable a flu information flyer in English, and click here for a printable flu information flyer in Spanish.