Month: November 2023
LMS students earn first quarter honors
The following students were named to the first quarter honor rolls at Liberty Middle School. Honor Roll students have an overall average of 90-96. The Principal’s Honor Roll requires an average of 97-100. The replay of the livestream ceremony held the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 29, can be seen here.
Eighth grade
Principal’s Honor Roll: Colten Allen, Sophia Duarte, Belle Gandulla, Leah Herbek, Hunter Kavleski, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen and Adriana Ponce Agredano.
Honor Roll: Brandon Amador, Stephanie Amaya Bonilla, Angeliz Arriaga Munoz, Irwin Barragan Rojas, Zachariah Bickham, Alyssia Boyles, Jared Briggs, Hope Corbett, Keven Cordero Lima, Michael Feijo, McKayla Figueroa, Starriah Harris, Tyler Juron, Alice King, Lena LaGattuta, Peter Miralle Jr., Giselle Payton, Jayla Ramon, Mason Williams and Alonso Yupanqui.
Seventh grade
Principal’s Honor Roll: Luca Burgio, Phillip Burrous Jr, Amelia Cole, Joshua DiBartolo, Grace Fitzgerald, Anthony Gavidia Reyes, Mariana Joya-Reyes, Elizabeth MacNamara, Olivia Matuszak, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Sariah Ocasio, Jacob Pennell, Aaron Ponce Flores, Alena Tarabichi and Anthony Valdez Calle.
Honor Roll: Nathan Alvord, Samantha Bull, Evelin Castillo Hernandez, Joseph Certo, Matthew Decker, Casity DiBartolo, Laudy D’Oleo, Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Jasmine Garcia-Reyes, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Miles Harman, Victoria Henry, Damien Keating, Alexandra Kelly, Sara Liddle, Tristan Maloney, Alex Olivares-Reyes, Arturo Perez Reyes, Arianna Rodriguez, Kimberly Rodriguez, Quinn Santiago, Everett Schwartz, MaKaidyn J Smith and Sophia Vasko.
Sixth grade
Principal’s Honor Roll: Madison Montgomery Allem Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon Valle, Gavin Grant, Jacob Grossman, Luna Pixie Hulse, Antoni Klys, Matthew Kolarik, Corinne Lake, Harper Matuszak, Angelick Rivera, Namarpreet Singh and Angel Terraza Raymundo.
Honor Roll: Conner Baum, Maria Cinfuentes, Jeremy Correa, Keily Dominguez-Chabla, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Chase Golzak, Randall Guncay Encalada, Alan Hernandez Lopez, Aiden Hernandez Mejia, Jolisa Hernandez, Lilly Kehrley, Brody Kelly, Sidra Koen James, Liam LaGattuta, Madison LaMantia, Denis Leon Aldana, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Pricilla Matute, Riot McCoy, Ava McNett, Americus Mott, Pearl Mott, Zalaina Nash, Americus Newhall, Jordan Ocasio, Erika Panama, Luke Poley, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Myla Rielly, Kameren Samuel, Aiden Satz, Alyson Smith, Brycen Smith, Hayden Smith, Ana Sosa, Meily Valencia Bamac, Nahum Vallejo Sandoval, Francisco Vicente-Gonzalez and Aaliyah Walker.
Fifth Grade
Principal’s Honor Roll: Elisa Barragan, Owen Brust, Riley Church-Bradley, Farrah Conklin-Degraw, Dia D’Agata, Avery Decker, Tristian Degroat, Delilah Flores-Serapio, Isabella Intranuovo, Tyler Kavleski, Aubrie Keating, Megan Martinez Gomez, Karen Mosso, Denali Owens, Randy Panchana, Lily Paynter, Scarlett Ratner, Caleb Rusin, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Sophie Toledo, Raegan Wagner and Subhan Zeeshan.
Honor Roll: Muhammad Awais, Guiliana Birkett, Emma Boyles, Andry Caal Chub, Katarina Card, Raymond Cottman Jr., Gregory Dasraj, Marcel Davis, Briann Leigh Decker, Conor Deis, Ellis Dilworth, Ronal Dubon Duque, Royce Fingers, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Ely Garcia Garcia, Lilliana Garzon Ferrufino, Dariana Gonzalez Suarez, Mia Grant, Astrid Guardado Diaz, Anabel Hernandez Fuentes, Hudson Jardon, Dylan Joya Reyes, Allyson Juarez, Mateusz Klys, Makenzie Knack, Kaleb Laidley, Leandro Leon, Keidy Llano Luciano, Alexandria Lyden, Daisuke Mapes, Ayanelson Mazariegos Cuz, Abel McClain, Hunter Miranda, Michael Mishquero Arevalo, Bentley Moore, Samuel Negroni, Paul Odior 2nd, Makaela Parsons, Joseph Portillo Larios, Milsi Ramirez Martinez, Uriel Rios, Jordanno Rivera, Kailani Rivera, Genesis Robles Burgos, Aaliyssa Rodriguez, Jordyn Roebuck, Abigail Romero, Alan Romero, Sherlene Romero, MaKynlie Smith, Reinier Stanton, Jorge Tacuri Llano, Katherine Valdez Calle, Belinda VanGordon, Carolina Vera Rivera, Delanie Yupanqui and Sophie Zayas.
District notified of cybersecurity incident
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan sent the following message to Liberty families.
Dear Liberty families,
Late Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 28, the Liberty Central School District was informed that there was a cybersecurity incident reported by our local BOCES that could involve personally identifiable information of some of our elementary and middle school students who have used Sphero robots in class.
Sphero is a STEAM company where educators and students login to an account to interact with Sphero robots. The scope of the potentially affected data is still being determined as each district using the Sphero service could have configured their information differently. Depending on the setup method used, it’s possible that no Liberty student’s data was entered into the system.
The incident took place around September 2023 and was reported to the New York State Department of Education. Although there is no evidence at this time suggesting misuse of the aforementioned information, we believe it is essential to keep you informed about this disclosure. The district will be following up individually with any families whose students may have been affected.
Safeguarding educational data is a top priority. Our staff undergoes training in data security and privacy, and our systems are equipped with multiple layers of control to protect your child’s educational records. We have received assurances that Sphero has taken necessary measures to address the incident and is reinforcing security measures to prevent similar occurrences.
I appreciate your patience as we wait for more information and will provide an update when we have more to share.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Seventh graders learn about local, healthy food
Mr. Feeney’s seventh grade health and Mr. Diehl’s technology classes were able to learn about healthy eating and farm-to-table philosophy earlier this fall thanks to Foster Supply and A Single Bite.
This is the third year that Liberty Middle School and A Single Bite have partnered to teach students about local food and healthy nutrition.
During the series, the students had two in-class lessons, took a trip to Sprouting Dreams Farm and ate lunch at the Arnold House.
During the lessons, educators from A Single Bite talked to students about real vs. processed foods and talked about health and nutrition related statistics for New York state and Sullivan County, noting that Sullivan County’s rankings are slowly improving but still have far to go.
The students were offered three healthy snacks prepared with local, fresh ingredients. Students were encouraged to take one bite of each snack and describe the taste, texture and more. The reaction to each bite was mixed. Some students took a nibble and shook their heads, while others took larger bites. Some gave thumbs up and finished eating, others placed their snack on their plates, waiting for the next one.
At Sprouting Dreams, Eugene Thalmann educated the students about locally grown produce, starting your own business, importance of farms and offered samples. “The mustard plant at Sprouting Dreams farm was spicy but tasty,” student Miles Harman said.
It wasn’t just the produce that caught the attention of students.
“Farmer Eugene’s flowers were pretty and he gave us a lot of good information about life,” student Sophia Vasko said.
“Loki the farm dog was adorable and made the tour more fun,” student Alena Tarabichi added.
At the Arnold House, students were provided a meal that was served family style made with locally and regionally grown products, including a first course of an autumn salad of leaf lettuce, dried cranberries, red onion, feta cheese and apple cider vinaigrette, a second course of herb roasted chicken with gremolata, seasoned fingerlings potatoes and seasoned broccolini, and a dessert of chocolate pudding.
Students discussed the taste, smell and texture of each course.
“Those were some good potatoes; the seasoning was great,” student Adele Gulley said.
“The broccolini was perfectly cooked and well seasoned,” Joseph Certo added.
After each course, the chef shared with the students where the food came from and how it was prepared.
“The students and staff enjoyed themselves during the experience and are looking forward to next year already,” Feeney said.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2023
Winter sports games begin this week and our athletes will be in action in basketball.
Here is the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Nov. 27
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. multiple schools at Monticello High School.
Tuesday, Nov. 28
5 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Multiple Schools. at Monticello High School Monticello Main Gym.
Wednesday, Nov. 29
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School.
6:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School.
Thursday, Nov. 30
4:45 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School.
Friday, Dec. 1
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Dec. 2
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 3
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
Redhawk logo to be redesigned
The Liberty Central School District has determined that it is not in the district’s interest to use the Redhawk logo design that was previously approved. We will work with a new art and graphic design team to develop new designs for the Redhawk logo. We recognize that some individuals, organizations and entities may have made purchases of merchandise bearing the previous Redhawks logo. We are considering whether and how to equitably resolve any concerns about such purchases and will provide more details when they are available.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Has anyone demanded that the district not use the previous Redhawk logo?
A. No.
Q. Why is the Redhawk logo being changed?
A. To avoid any potential legal concerns that might arise.
Q. Will the district refund out-of-pocket costs for prior purchases of merchandise bearing the discarded mascot/logo?
A. We are working with the district’s legal team to consider whether and how that might be accomplished.
Q. How much money has the district spent on the discarded logo?
A. No significant expenditures have been made, in that we have not used the mascot on signage, sports equipment or sports uniforms. There have been some smaller expenditures, which we estimate to be a total of less than $2,350.
Q. Is the name “Redhawks” going to change?
A. No.
A reminder of LCSD’s inclement weather procedures
Liberty has already seen some light snow this fall, and more is in the forecast. The district is taking this opportunity to remind parents, guardians and the community how they will receive notice if school will be operating under a delay, will be dismissed early or will be closed due to inclement weather.
The district will contact parents and guardians directly by phone, email and text if there are any changes in the daily school schedule. Those who wish to verify their contact information is correct should reach out to the main office of their child’s school. Closing, delay and early dismissal information will also be posted on the district website and shared with local media outlets. Calls may also be made to the district at 845-292-5400 with any schedule changes following the initial greeting.
If there is a two-hour delay, morning pre-k will be canceled. When there is early dismissal, all after-school activities are canceled.
The district has scheduled seven snow days. If all snow days are used by Feb. 15, Feb. 16 will become a student day. Any additional days needed will be virtual learning days. Please refer to our Districtwide Safety Plan regarding remote learning.
A message from the superintendent about district logos
Dear Liberty community,
Because of an ongoing review of possible copyright issues with our new logos, Liberty Central School District is immediately discontinuing the use of the Redhawk logos unveiled last month.
We are in the process of removing the logos from any district-owned properties.
All sales of merchandise using the logos have been halted. We are currently exploring our options, and in the meantime we will use the Block L logo we had used previously.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Four earn Excellence in Service awards
Four Liberty Central School District employees were honored by the Board of Education during the Nov. 14 meeting.
Earning Excellence in Service awards were Aeowyn Brust, Keysy Mendez, High School typist Kelli Arpino and District Office typist Mary Kortright.
Aeowyn Brust
Brust, an ESL teacher at the Elementary School, was cited for her support of her fellow teachers and students who are still learning English.
“I have seen her support the many new ELL teachers that have entered in recent years as well as new ELL teachers,” a co-worker said in nominating her for the award. “She is always willing to share advice, collaborate with new and creative ideas and reach out to families.”
Brust does her best to make sure students feel part of the school community.
“She has been instrumental in our ELL population feeling welcome and safe within the Liberty schools. Her insights into a student’s first language crossing over to English learning supports meeting the student where they are,” the nomination read. “This is a huge confidence boost for students and makes her an ideal candidate for this teaching excellence award.”
Keysy Mendez
The positive attitude, flexibility and preparation that Mendez, a teacher aide in a fifth and sixth grade classroom at the Middle School, puts into her work was noted by her co-worker.
“Keysy goes above and beyond every single day. She greets all staff and students with a great smile. Her enthusiastic approach is contagious and inspiring,” her nomination read. “Keysy is an adaptable employee who handles many unexpected schedule changes with ease. Keysy even takes her time to read over the lessons prior to class to ensure she is able to assist the students during the lesson. Keysy is motivated to help in any way she can.”
Kelli Arpino
Co-workers recognized High School typist Arpino’s helpfulness and professionalism in their nominations
“She is so kind and helpful to all students and staff,” read one nomination.
“Kelli is amazing at being able to juggle all of her responsibilities, and still be able to answer teacher’s questions, and help students, with a truly professional and caring demeanor,” read another.
Mary Kortright
Kortright, a District Office typist who will be retiring at the end of the month, was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the district over decades.
“Mary has been dedicated to the Liberty CSD for 28 years,” read one nomination. “Mary is the kind of employee who gets their job done. And done well. All without fanfare and all without complaint.
“In fact when Mary retires later this month, I know we will be amazed at just how much she handles,” the nomination continued. “Mary is kind, competent and a good decent person I have been honored to work along side of.”
We congratulate these employees on their awards.
Liberty Central School District seeks input from alumni
Liberty Central School District is conducting its first Alumni Survey, asking alumni to reflect on their school experiences and whether the district did enough to prepare them for college and the workforce.
The district will evaluate the results in an effort to improve and better meet the needs of the students.
All Liberty Central School alumni are asked to complete the survey available by clicking here. Surveys can be taken from any computer, tablet or smartphone. All responses are strictly confidential.
The district has partnered with independent research and communications firm K12 Insight to administer the survey and compile the results. K12 Insight’s final reports will include only the overall results, not individual responses or comments. No one at the district will be able to connect participants to their answers.
For more information about the survey, please contact Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan at 845-292-6990.
BOE approves vote on capital project
A nearly $42.7 million capital project will go before Liberty Central School District voters on Jan. 16, 2024.
The proposal, which received Board of Education approval Nov. 14 to move forward to a public vote, addresses issues identified in the latest building survey condition, upgrades mechanical, heating and electrical systems, improves, extends and expands the use of the current football field and track, enhances safety and reconfigures spaces to better meet the needs of today’s learners for future careers.
The proposal was reviewed by the board during the Oct. 10 meeting.
There is no expected tax impact from the project, as capital reserve funds, a bond and state aid are anticipated to cover all costs.
“I want to thank our architects CSArch, construction management team from Schoolhouse Construction Services, Fiscal Advisors and the board of education for their thoroughness and thoughtfulness in putting together this proposal,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Together we have a plan that will provide a productive learning environment for our students well into the future.”
The district will schedule community forums and walkthroughs to explain the project and address any questions the public may have. They will be announced as they are scheduled.
Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the high school gymnasium, with a snow date of Jan. 17.
If approved, design is expected to be completed by July 2024, with New York State Education Department review and approval by November 2024. The contracts are expected to be awarded in March 2025, with construction to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by early fall 2027.
More information, as it becomes available, will be provided on the district’s website.