Dear Freshman Students, New Students, and Parents/Guardians:

We hope your summer has been full of family, fresh air, and enjoyable times. We will be having our Freshman/New Student Orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 3. You and your immediate family are cordially encouraged to attend!

Our Freshman/New Student Orientation will be from 6-8 p.m. in the David E. Panebaker (High School) Auditorium and will include:

• Introduction and information specific to Liberty High School.
• A scavenger hunt to learn the outline of the high school building. Liberty Pride prizes will be given upon completion of the scavenger hunt tasks.
• Community Services available.
• Dinner will be served.

This event will be an enjoyable opportunity to meet with the teachers and staff from Liberty High School. A strong parent-teacher, and parent-school bond is important for the success of our children. This is the first step and a fantastic opportunity for freshmen, new students, and parents to understand the culture, expectations, and the offerings that make Liberty High School a “Great place to learn!”

If you have any questions, please ask. For more frequent communication, updates, and learning showcases, please follow us on X and Instagram (LibertyHS_NY). Additionally, our Liberty Central School District Facebook account and website (www.libertyk12.org) are great sources for updates and information. I look forward to seeing you on Sept. 5!

All the best,
Derek Adams, Principal
Instagram and X- @LibertyHS_NY

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

I hope all is well. I am writing to inform you about some important updates to our school’s academic policies and offerings for the upcoming academic year. These changes are designed to better support our students’ educational experiences and provide them with opportunities for academic growth.

Changes to Grade Weighting (GPA Factor)

To better reflect the rigor of different courses, we are adjusting the GPA weighting system. Effective with this coming school year, the GPA factor for our courses will be as follows:

• Regents/All Courses: 1.00
• Accelerated (ACC) Courses: 1.05
• Honors Courses: 1.05
• Algebra 2, Regents Chemistry, and Regents Physics = 1.05 (NEW and beginning with the 2027 Sophomore class only)
• Sullivan Community College Courses: 1.07
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: 1.07
• Syracuse University (SUPA) Courses: 1.09 (NEW)

These adjustments are intended to provide a more accurate representation of the level of difficulty and challenge associated with each type of course. We believe this change will better acknowledge the hard work and dedication of students enrolled in more advanced and rigorous courses.

Addition of New Classes

We are excited to announce the addition of a new class to our curriculum: General Biology I & II – Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA). This course will be available starting this year. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, we plan to offer General Chemistry I & II – Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA). We believe this new offering will provide valuable learning opportunities and enhance our students’ educational experience.

Program of Studies

In addition to these updates, we are also sharing our updated Liberty High School Program of Study 2024-2025, which outlines all available courses, their descriptions, and any prerequisites. Although student course request meetings have taken place and students have chosen their schedules, the updated Program of Studies will help guide students in selecting courses that align with their academic goals and interests.

You can access the Program of Studies via the following link: https://www.libertyk12.org/middlehigh-school-grades-9-12/guidance-department/liberty-high-school-program-of-studies/. We encourage you to review this document to make informed decisions about their course selections.

Why These Changes?

• GPA Weighting: Adjusting the GPA weighting reflects the increased academic challenge of advanced courses and provides students with appropriate recognition for their efforts.
• New Class: Introducing new classes aligns with our commitment to offering diverse and enriching educational opportunities.
• Program of Studies: Providing a comprehensive Program of Studies ensures transparency and helps students and parents make informed decisions about course selections.

We appreciate your support in these changes and are confident that they will enhance our students’ learning experiences and academic success. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact the school office at [insert contact information].

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ education.

All the best,

Derek Adams
Principal
Instagram and X- @LibertyHS_NY

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

I hope you are well and enjoying the summer season! I am writing to inform you about important updates to our school’s electronics procedures for instructional periods, which will be implemented starting this school year. Personal electronic devices (cellphones and ear buds mostly) have become directly and substantially disruptive to learning. The changes to our Red Zone Personal Electronics Procedures During Instructional Periods were discussed in depth with our building leadership team (consisting of staff, parents and students) and our faculty throughout the last several years. The procedures are designed to foster a more focused and productive learning environment and are supported by recent research on the impact of personal electronics in educational settings. In addition, the procedures allow students to keep possession of their device provided they are compliant with the expectations.

Red Zone: Personal Electronics Procedures During Instructional Periods

To better manage the use of personal electronics and reduce distractions, we are implementing the following procedures:

First Direction/Warning:

• Teachers and staff will remind students that all classrooms and instructional spaces are designated as “red zones” for personal electronic device(s). Students must place their personal electronic device(s) on the designated tape on their desks or tables.
• Exceptions:
  • Woodshop: Personal electronic device(s) must be stored in their woodshop locker.
  • Physical Education: Personal electronic device(s) must be stored in their gym locker.
  • Music Ensembles: Personal electronic device(s) must be stored in a location designated by their music teacher.
  • Personal Fitness: Students may use personal electronic device(s)to access the web-based program (PLT4M) required for the course.

Second Direction/Warning:

• If a student continues to use their personal electronic device(s) inappropriately, a specific directive will be issued to them to put the device away.

Third Direction/Warning:

• An E-Hallpass will be issued, and the student will be instructed to report to the main office. At the main office:
  • Device Deposit Procedure:
    1. Students will deposit their personal electronic device(s) for the remainder of the school day and follow the Student Personal Electronic Device Deposit Checklist and Acknowledgement Form. If they comply, no referral will be issued at this stage.
    2. Students who refuse to comply will receive a disciplinary referral for unacceptable use of technology and insubordination, and the situation will be handled promptly.
• Student Personal Electronic Device Deposit Checklist: To deposit their personal electronic device(s), the student will complete the following checklist:
  • Text a parent/guardian to notify them that they will not have access to their personal electronic device(s) until the end of the day and that communications can be made through the main office phone line: 845-292-5400.
  • Turn off the personal electronic device(s).
  • Write your name on an envelope and sign the acknowledgment form.
    Place the personal electronic device(s) in the envelope.
  • Seal the envelope with tape.
  • Office staff will secure the device in a designated box located in an administrative office.
  • After the final bell at 2:57 p.m., students can pick up their device from the main office and sign to acknowledge receipt.
• Acknowledgment Form:
  • Students will complete and sign an acknowledgment form, which includes:
  • Acknowledgment of depositing the personal electronic device(s).
  • Agreement to pick up the personal electronic device(s) after 2:57 p.m. and sign for its receipt.

Why These Changes?

Recent research highlights the negative impact of unrestricted personal electronics on students’ academic performance and classroom behavior. Studies have shown that excessive device use can lead to decreased attention, lower academic achievement, and increased classroom disruptions. By implementing these new procedures, we aim to:

• Enhance Focus: Reducing device use during instructional time helps students concentrate better on their studies and participate more actively in class.
• Promote Engagement: A focused classroom environment fosters better engagement and learning outcomes.
• Encourage Responsibility: Clear procedures and consequences help students understand the importance of following guidelines and taking responsibility for their actions. Teaching self-discipline and routines for college and career readiness is further reinforced.

We appreciate your support in enforcing these new procedures and helping us create an optimal learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ success.

All the best,

Derek Adams
Principal
Instagram and X- @LibertyHS_NY