Month: May 2024
A message from the high school principal on testing, Chromebook collection
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
Regents Information:
On Tuesday, June 4, and June 14 through June 25, we will be giving Regents exams and Final exams at LHS. There will be normal bus runs, which students can take for transportation into school for a morning and/or afternoon exam. There will be a 12-noon bus that will only take students home who have finished their morning exams. Students who finish their exams between bus runs will wait in our cafeteria for the next bus run or for a ride. Any student who needs to ride into school on the morning bus, and wait in the cafeteria for the afternoon test, may do so. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but no food will be allowed in testing locations. Students must enter through the main entrance beginning at 7:50 a.m. each morning.
It’s important to note that students are not allowed to have any personal electronics in their possession during Regents exams or Final exams. The best solution is to leave them home, or in their vehicle. If students bring their electronic device(s) into school, they will be provided with an envelope to store them in, and they will be collected until their exam is submitted. If a student is found to have a personal electronic device in their possession, then we are required by the New York State Education Department to invalidate the exam and no score will be given. The excerpt below is the exact language that will be read to students prior to each exam:
You cannot have any communications device, including a cell phone, with you during this examination or during any breaks (such as a restroom visit). Such devices include, but are not limited to:
- Cell phones
- iPods and MP3 players
- iPads, tablets, and other eReaders
- Personal laptops, notebooks, or any other computing devices
- Cameras or other photographic equipment
- Wearable devices/smart wearables, including smartwatches and health wearables with a display
- Headphones, headsets, or in-ear headphones such as earbuds, and
- Any other device capable of recording audio, photographic or video content, or capable of viewing or playing back such content
If you brought any of these items to the building today, and have not already stored it in your locker or turned it over to me, a test monitor, or school official, you must give it to me now. You may not keep your cell phone or any of these items with you, or near you, including in your pockets, backpack, desk, etc. If you keep a cell phone or any of these items with you, your examination will be invalidated and you will get no score.
Click here for the Regents and finals schedule. Any final exams not listed will be given in class. The last day of classes for the 2023-2024 school year is Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Chromebook Collection:
- Students in grades 9-11 will return their Chromebook on the date of their last Regents exam or Final exam. Seniors can return their Chromebooks on the day of Senior walk, 6/13, the date of their last test, or any day leading to 6/26/24, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Students who have a circumstance that requires the Chromebook for a longer duration must request permission to return it at a later date.
- The last Chromebook collection day is Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Please make sure your Chromebook is charged, and the charger block and cable are returned with it.
- Please state anything needing repair at time of return (screen issues, mouse problems etc) so tech staff can square it away over the summer for you.
- Fees for items not returned will be:
- Non-returned Chromebook – $350
- Non-returned Chromebook charger/cable – $50
- Cost of intentional repairs and damage beyond normal wear and tear (smashed screen, keys broken off, etc).
Summer School Eligibility Criteria:
- Students must have a 60 end of year average in order to attend summer school.
- Students with an end of year average lower than 60 are eligible to attend with teacher recommendation and a parent meeting with administration.
- Summer school is offered through a partnership with Sullivan County BOCES.
- Three (3) absences require automatic withdrawal from summer school.
- Counselors will reach out to the parents/guardians of qualified students June 24 through June 27.
All the Best,
Derek Adams, Principal
X and Instagram- @LibertyHS_NY
Regents, finals testing schedule set
Liberty High School has announced the schedule for the New York State Regents and final exams.
The last day of classes is Thursday, June 13. Only students taking exams need to attend on their test dates.
Testing will be held in two sessions, starting at 8 a.m. and noon.
The schedule will be as follows:
- Tuesday, June 4
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Algebra 1.
- Note: There will be no school for students who are not taking the Algebra 1 Regents.
- Wednesday, June 5
- 8 a.m.: College finals: Advanced Algebra, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.
- Note: School is in session for all students
- Friday, June 14
- 8 a.m.: Regents: English Language Arts
- Noon: Regents: Living Environment
- Monday, June 17:
- 8 a.m.: Finals: Global 9 and US College History
- Noon: Finals: ELA 10
- Tuesday, June 18:
- 8 a.m.: Regents: U.S. History
- Noon: Global History & Geography II
- Wednesday, June 19
- Juneteenth: No School
- Thursday, June 20
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Earth Science
- Noon: Regents: Chemistry
- Friday, June 21
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Geometry
- Noon: no tests
- Monday, June 24
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Algebra 2
- Noon: Finals: World Language Checkpoint B
- Tuesday, June 25
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Physics
Summer EBT to be available to Liberty families
Beginning this summer, New York will implement Summer EBT, a new federal program to help low-income households with children purchase food over the summer when school is out of session and children can no longer rely on access to free or reduced-price school meals.
The Summer EBT benefit of $120 per eligible child will be issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that the family can use just like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to purchase eligible food items at SNAP participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers. The new program is in addition to free meals that children ages 18 and younger can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Children at Liberty will automatically be enrolled for the Summer EBT program if they received SNAP, Temporary Assistance or submitted an income form to the school that met income requirements for free or reduced priced meals. Certain Medicaid-eligible children will also be automatically enrolled.
An application is needed for households that meet the income guidelines for free and reduced priced meals but did not have an individual eligibility determination in the 2023-24 school year. Applications will be accepted online at OTDA.NY.gov/SummerEBT starting July 1.
The website will also offer more information on the program. Families should seek answers to specific questions using the website before calling the helpline at 1-833-452-0096. The helpline will be able to answer questions about a specific child’s eligibility beginning July 1.
More details on the Summer EBT benefit and summer meals in Liberty will be shared as the program implementation gets closer.
A Message from the Superintendent (VIDEO)
The text of the video is below:
Hello Liberty:
As we approach the final weeks of the 2023-24 school year, I want to thank you for all of your support throughout the year.
The support of the 2024-25 budget proposal was overwhelming, with more than 1,000 votes cast, almost 93.5% in favor of the plan. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, and the continued support of the wonderful Liberty community is vital in meeting our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
I also appreciate the support provided to our students in the athletics, academic and arts realms. Over the past few months we have been treated to terrific concerts, an outstanding art show featuring more than 300 works by our students, celebrations of academic achievements and intense competition by our student athletes at all levels. I wish our track and field athletes who will be competing in postseason competition the best of luck in the coming weeks.
The end of the year is a busy one for our students and their families — with testing, celebrations and events taking place across the district in June, culminating with our graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, on the football field, weather permitting.
I am looking forward to all the activity and energy these last weeks will bring.
I encourage families to do all they can to encourage and support their students in this busy time, and take time to breathe and enjoy and acknowledge all they have accomplished this year. Thank you
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 27-June 2, 2024
Our athletes will be in action in baseball, softball, and track and field this week.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, May 27
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, May 28
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, May 29
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
Thursday, May 30
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State Qualifier vs. Multiple Schools at New Paltz High School.
Friday, May 31
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Varsity Track and Field State Qualifier vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen High School.
Saturday, June 1
No events scheduled
Sunday, June 2
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
Library to host play day, chocolate tasting
Liberty Public Library will host two special events for students next month.
“Afterschool Play at the Library” will be held starting at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, June 6, for elementary students. Students with a parent or guardian will have an opportunity to play outdoor games and use sidewalk chalk if the weather is nice, or inside games if it is rainy.
For teens, there will be a chocolate tasting for middle and high school students starting at 3:15 p.m. Monday, June 10. Students will learn how to test various qualities of different chocolates.
The Library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty. For more information call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.
Liberty expands pre-k program; registration reopens
Liberty Central School District is expanding its pre-kindergarten program in the 2024-25 school year, thanks to the Statewide Universal Full-Day Prekindergarten Expansion Grant.
The grant will allow the district to offer a total of 87 full-time slots, with classes at Liberty Elementary or district partner G&D Services at the former White Sulphur Springs Elementary School. Half-day pre-k will no longer be offered.
Registration for the pre-k program has reopened and will remain open through June 28. If more applications are received than available slots, an additional lottery for new registrants will be held on July 1, 2024. Parents and guardians will be notified of their child’s acceptance and placement by July 10, 2024. If there are more registrants than spots, children will be placed on a wait list. If spaces are still available after June 28, registration will remain open. Busing will be available for all students.
Students must be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, to qualify for the program. Registration is held at Liberty School District’s Registration Office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty. Appointments for registration are required. To make an appointment, call 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.
Parents or guardians will fill out an application at that time. They must also bring a copy of parent/guardian’s photo ID; custody papers, if applicable; proof of residency, such as a utility bill or rental lease; and the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and a copy of recent physical exam, which must include all school physical exam requirements. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their child’s doctor for details.
The application must be completed at the time of registration. All requirements must be provided in order to be eligible for enrollment and the lottery.
For more information, email Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore at mserratore@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2052.
A message from the principal on senior events
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
It’s an exciting time for our Class of 2024! The following letter includes information about the remaining senior events culminating in our graduation ceremony.
- Senior Assembly: Wednesday, June 12, 6-8 p.m. in the David E. Panebaker (LHS) Auditorium
- The Class of 2024, LHS staff, and parents/guardians are all invited to attend the Senior Assembly.
- Seniors wear their Cap & Gown to the event and need to arrive by 5:30 p.m.
- Senior Walk and Senior Picture: Thursday, June 13, 8:10-10:30 a.m.
- The Class of 2024 is invited to walk through each of the Liberty school district buildings as a class for the last time in their high school career.
- The experience includes the showing of a compiled video of their elementary experiences produced by 4th grade teacher, Mr. Philips.
- Seniors wear their Cap & Gown
- LHS Senior Picture- Seniors report to the LHS gym at 8:15 a.m.
- After the walk, Seniors return their Chromebooks if they have no other tests and pick up their graduation tickets.
- LHS Live Graduation Ceremony: Friday, June 28, 2024
- Where: LHS Football Field
- Weather related back up plans:
- Plan B – Shift into the gymnasium depending on weather and field conditions. If shifted into the gym, only the seven (7) ticket holders may attend. Extra tickets can be exchanged from one graduate to another if they will not use them all.
- Times:
- 4:30 p.m. for Graduates in orchestra to rehearse.
- 5:00 p.m. for all Graduates to rehearse.
- 6:00 p.m. for guest arrival. Seven (7) guests per graduate for field seating. Additional guests may attend to sit outside of the track fencing if held on the football field. If shifted into the gym, only the seven (7) ticket holders may attend. Extra tickets can be exchanged from one graduate to another if they will not use them all.
- 7:00 p.m. Ceremony
- Guests enter through the Middle School Gymnasium entrance (just like football games).
- Each guest must bring their ticket to the track entrance gate.
- Any change to the event due to weather will be made by 3 p.m. June 28.
- Save any flower bouquets for your graduate until after the ceremony.
- Graduates will be mailed a 5×7 photo of them receiving their diploma at graduation.
- Individuals requiring handicap access should park by the red administration building where golf carts will be stationed for transport to the field.
- Directions and Tips for our Graduates:
- Wear your cap and gown, and remember your tassel, sashes, and cords (school issued).
- Students may only decorate the top of their cap. No other changes, decorations, or additions are allowed other than what is school issued (e.g. National Honor Society sashes).
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking through grassy, unlevel areas, and stepping onto metal bleachers.
- Bring anything you may need to help your cap stay on or keep your hair in place (bobby pins, etc.)
- Where: LHS Football Field
All the Best,
Derek Adams
Principal
X and Instagram- @LibertyHS_NY
21 inducted into LMS National Junior Honor Society
Liberty Middle School inducted 21 students into the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony on May 13 in the High School Auditorium.
Those inducted were sixth-graders Madison (Montgomery) Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Gavin Grant, Aiden Hernandez Mejia, Luna Hulse, Matthew Kolarik, Corinne Lake, Madison LaMantia, Harper Matuszak, Americus Mott, Zalaina Nash, Angelick Rivera, Brycen Smith and Hayden Smith, seventh-graders Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Sariah Ocasio and Jacob Pennell and eighth-grader Alonso Yupanqui.
Students are invited to apply for NJHS based on several criteria including scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship; the five pillars of the organization. These students have maintained high academic standing of no less than a 92 GPA all year and have held themselves as exemplary leaders, role models and service-minded citizens in the school and greater liberty community, advisers said. These students have demonstrated high potential to be the great leaders of tomorrow and have pledged to uphold the five pillars of the NJHS, to maintain high scholastic standing, to endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader, to practice good character and give of themselves freely in service to help improve their community.
During the event several members spoke about what it means to be dedicated to the pillars and how members work together to contribute their interests, talents and skills to improve the school and Liberty community and shared some encouraging words with our students, families and community members.
Music was also provided by NJHS students in orchestra: Sophia Vasko, Olivia Matuszak, Joshua DiBartolo, Adriana Ponce-Agredano, Belle Gandulla, Sophia Duarte, Zackary Alvord, Mariely Medina Orellana, Roger Lynker III and Allison Vasko, directed by Sarah Weber.
After the ceremony, students and families celebrated the occasion with a reception in their honor.
Liberty CSD voters approve $68M school budget proposal
On Tuesday, May 21, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved, 987-69, the district’s $68 million budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year.
“We appreciate Liberty Central School District residents’ continued support and recognition of our efforts to give our students the education they need to pursue their potential and thrive in the future,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are also glad we could do this without increasing the tax levy for the sixth year in a row.”
The $68,034,294 budget funds all current student programs and services, while keeping the tax levy the same as the current year. The budget includes several program expansions that support the district’s five-year strategic plan, including expanding the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) math curriculum to seventh grade, adding Syracuse University Project Advance college credit courses, as well as introducing more computer science and AI-related programs across grades.
The budget also includes the addition of a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)-certified teacher, creating an administrative athletic director position, and converting two part-time teacher aide positions into one full time teacher aid. An update to the middle school library’s innovation lab is also included.
Voters also re-elected three board of education members to three-year terms on the board. Maureen Crescitelli received 605 votes, Peter Racette received 591 and Pamela Teed Fisk, 595. Three write-in candidates, Miriam Singer, Miriam Breuer and Miriam Heimlich, each received more than 400 votes, with several others receiving one vote each.