July 2024 - Liberty Central School District

A message on SchoolTool changes

Dear Liberty Parents and Guardians,

Liberty Central School District’s SchoolTool parent and student portal mobile apps and website is now hosted on the AWS Mindex cloud going forward.

What does this mean to you?

Better performance and availability
Better security
An overall better experience when using SchoolTool

What do you need to know ?

The new District URL will be https://st10.schooltool.com/liberty/
You will need to update the mobile app to the new URL (Please see the instructions below)
Your SchoolTool Username and Password will remain the same as it was before the cloud migration

Please note:

Should anyone have any questions regarding our move to the cloud please contact Teresa Couitt at 845-292-5400, ext. 2222, or email her at tcouitt@libertyk12.org.

Thank you very much,
Stacy Feasel
District Data Coordinator
District Security and Privacy Officer
Community School Coordinator
Liberty Central School District
115 Buckley Street
Liberty, NY 12754
Office: 845-292-5400 x2332
Fax: 845-292-1164

How to update the URL on your SchoolTool Mobile App

When you open the mobile app, click the edit button (Circled in red below)
Enter the new District URL, https://st10.schooltool.com/liberty/ in the box with URL (Make sure that the forward slash (/) is at the end of the URL (The URL will default to the old District URL)
Click the blue box with the white arrow to proceed to the login screen
Enter your user name and password in the spaces provided.

A message from the AD about fall sports signups

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

I hope you are well and enjoying summer! My name is Kim Craft and I am the new Athletic Director at the Liberty Central School District. I am very excited for the upcoming school year and cannot wait to see the Liberty Redhawks in action! I am writing to inform you about sign-up dates for fall athletics. We are using the platform Arbiter Sports, which was previously Family ID. This link can be found on our website by clicking on “Athletics,” scrolling down to “Athletic Links,” and then clicking on “Arbiter Sports-Sports Registration.”

The Arbiter portal for Fall JV/Varsity Sports will open on July 26, 2024. The Arbiter portal for Fall Modified Sports will open on Aug. 4, 2024. The following sports will be available:

varsity football
modified A (grades 7-9) football
boys varsity soccer
boys JV soccer
boys modified soccer
girls varsity soccer
girls JV soccer
girls modified soccer
girls varsity volleyball
girls JV volleyball
girls modified volleyball
girls varsity tennis
boys and girls varsity cross country
boys and girls modified cross country, and
varsity cheerleading

Click this link for the Fall JV/Varsity Sports registration (open on July 26, 2024).

Click this link for the Fall Modified Sports registration (open on Aug. 4, 2024).

I am looking forward to an exciting fall season. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Kim Craft
Athletic Director

New AD begins at Liberty Central School District

Kim Craft has joined Liberty Central School District as its athletic director, a position that was elevated to an administrative role starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Kim Craft Craft, an Ellenville resident, earned her bachelor’s degree from Sage College of Albany in K-12 physical education, a master’s degree in health, physical education and Recreation from Emporia State University and a Certification of Advanced Study in School Leadership from SUNY New Paltz.

Before coming to Liberty, Craft taught health and physical education for seven years at Crispell Middle School, part of the Pine Bush Central School District. She also coached basketball and softball.

She said she enjoys traveling, anything active or sports related, and spending quality time with family, friends and her dogs in her spare time.

“I am very excited to be a Liberty Redhawk,” Craft said. “I chose Liberty because I really enjoy the small school atmosphere where I will be able to get to know everyone. I also am very excited to work with the supportive and involved community that Liberty has to offer.”

She said she hopes to encourage more students to become student-athletes and ensure Liberty students are able to receive the opportunities they deserve.

New assistant principal joins LES

Liberty Elementary School welcomed a new assistant principal, Paul Voigtland, earlier this month.

Paul Voigtland He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics education from SUNY Cortland in 2006, his Master of Arts degree in mathematics education from SUNY Albany in 2009, and his advanced certificate of educational leadership from Long Island University in 2024.

Voigtland taught mathematics at the secondary level for 18 years before becoming an administrator. He began his teaching career in Paulding County, Georgia, before moving back to upstate New York where he taught at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District. He then moved back to his home area and taught at Middletown City Schools before pursuing educational leadership.

He lives outside of Otisville with his wife and four children. He is passionate about educating youth and said he wants to make a difference every day in the lives of the students at Liberty.

A letter from the LHS principal on updates to academic offerings and grade weighting

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

School supplies to be provided for LES students

For the 2024-25 school year, Liberty Central School District will provide all essential school supplies for Liberty Elementary School students. Backpacks and lunch boxes will need to be purchased by the families. Families of Liberty Middle and High School students will need to provide all supplies. Middle School supply lists are available at https://www.libertyk12.org/about-us/student-supply-lists/.

About 200 LMS students named to fourth-quarter honor rolls

Liberty Middle School recently released the Principal’s Honor and Honor Rolls for the fourth quarter. Honor Roll students have an overall average of 90-96. The Principal’s Honor Roll requires an average of 97-100.

Eighth grade

Principal’s Honor: Colten Jay Allen, Angeliz Arriaga Munoz, Sophia Duarte, Belle Gandulla, Leah Herbek, Tyler Juron, Hunter Kavleski, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Adriana Ponce Agredano and Jayla Ramon.

Honor: Brandon Amador, Stephanie Amaya Bonilla, Karla Aucaquizhpi Perez, Irwin Barragan Rojas, Zachariah Bickham, Gabriel Bossert, Alyssia Boyles, Emily Cardenas Reyes, Ted Caycho Jr., Hope Corbett, Keven Cordero Lima, Michael Feijo, McKayla Figueroa, Janelis Flores, Ami Garcia Garcia, Brooke Golzak, Stephanie Gomez Nivelo, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Starriah Harris, Savannah Jennings Rivera, Lena LaGattuta, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Jermaine McKay Jr, Patrick McNamara, Giselle Payton, Anai Perez Sanchez, Aaliyah Rodriguez, Gabriella Sheridan, Baileigh Steinberg, Samantha Vidalis, Mason Williams and Alonso Yupanqui.

Seventh grade

Principal’s Honor: Samantha Bull, Luca Burgio, Phillip Burrous Jr., Amelia Cole, Joshua DiBartolo, Grace Fitzgerald, Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Jasmine Garcia-Reyes, Mariana Joya-Reyes, Sara Liddle, Elizabeth MacNamara, Olivia Matuszak, Sariah Ocasio, Alex Olivares-Reyes, Alena Tarabichi and Sophia Vasko.

Honor: Nathan Alvord, Jahir Brown, Evelin Castillo Hernandez, Selene Crespo, Matthew Decker, Yorleny DeJesus Padilla, Casity DiBartolo, Laudy D’Oleo, Anthony Gavidia Reyes, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Miles Harman, Victoria Henry, Savannah Johnson, Damien Keating, Tristan Maloney, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Christopher Nicholas, Jacob Pennell, Carla Perez Perez, Arturo Perez Reyes, Louise Perry, Aaron Ponce Flores, Kimberly Rodriguez, Sulenny Romero, Quinn Santiago, Jace Snowden and Emma Tacti.

Sixth grade

Principal’s Honor: Madison Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Lilly Kehrley, Antoni Klys, Harper Matuszak and Brycen Smith.

Honor: Conner J. Baum, Faith Boyles, Maria Cinfuentes, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Analina Garcia, Michael Garzon Valle, Chase Golzak, Gavin Grant, Liam Greaves, Jacob Grossman, Raegan Harman, Damier Godfrey Harrington, Alan Hernandez Lopez, Aiden Hernandez Mejia, Jolisa Hernandez, Luna Pixie Hulse, Sidra Koen James, Matthew Kolarik, Liam LaGattuta, Corinne Lake, Madison LaMantia, Denis Leon Aldana, Gabriel Lotz, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Pricilla Matute, Adner Mejia Aguilar, Americus Mott, Pearl Mott, Liriel Mueses Valdez, Zalaina Nash, Americus Newhall, Genesis Paz, Luke Poley, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Myla Rielly, Angelick Rivera, Kameren Samuel, Aiden Satz, Namarpreet Singh, Hayden Smith, Ana Sosa, Angel Terraza Raymundo, Erick Torres Garcia, Aleigha Travis, Evan Vidalis and Ethan Zheng.

Fifth grade

Principal’s Honor: Elisa Barragan, Owen Brust, Riley Church-Bradley, Farrah Conklin-Degraw, Dia D’Agata, Tristian Degroat, Delilah Flores-Serapio, Lilliana Garzon Ferrufino, Mia Grant, Tyler Kavleski, Aubrie Keating and Scarlett Ratner.

Honor: Muhammad Awais, Guiliana Birkett, Emma Boyles, Katarina Card, Marcel Davis, Avery Decker, Ellis Dilworth, Ronal Dubon Duque, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Astrid Guardado Diaz, Anabel Hernandez Fuentes, Madison Hernandez, Isabella Intranuovo, Hudson Jeffrey Jardon, Dylan Joya Reyes, Mateusz Klys, Makenzie Knack, Leandro Leon, Alexandria Lyden, Megan Martinez Gomez, Abel McClain, Bentley Moore, Karen Mosso, Samuel Negroni, Paul Odior 2nd, Denali Owens, Randy Panchana, Makaela Parsons, Lily Paynter, Alayna Pomerantz, Joseph Portillo Larios, Milsi Ramirez Martinez, Jordanno Rivera, Kailani Jaclyn Rivera, Aaliyssa Rodriguez, Sherlene Romero, Caleb Rusin, Reinier Stanton, Demari Stinson, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Sophie Toledo, Katherine Valdez Calle, Cecia Vallejo Cruz, Belinda VanGordon, Raegan Wagner, Sophie Zayas and Subhan Zeeshan

LCSD superintendent advocates for funding in D.C.

Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan took part in The Legislative Advocacy Conference, presented by AASA and ASBO, earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

Two men pose for a photo — Dr. Sullivan poses with Rep. Marc Molinaro.

During that time, Sullivan along with other members of the School Superintendents Association, met with U.S. senators and representatives, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Marc Molinaro, to discuss key issues impacting school districts.

A focus by the group was fully funding several programs important to effectively educating all students. Modest increases to programs such as Title 4 (funding to provide enrichment and 21st century skills) and IDEA (designed to help level the education playing field for students with disabilities) have been introduced at the expense of other programs, including Title I and 2 (funding to assist low-income and at-risk students).

Superintendents also voiced their support for the CARE for Student Mental Health Act, introduced in the Senate, which would make changes to two key competitive grant programs to better support efforts to train, recruit and retain school mental health professionals and increase access to services in high-need school districts as well as promotes equitable distribution of the funds and reduces barriers to applying for these grants.

“These programs are vital to Liberty Central School District in helping us empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Dr. Sullivan said. “We encourage our federal congressional representatives to fully support our students by funding these important programs.”

LCSD stories earn NSPRA Awards

Two stories featured on the Liberty Central School District website and shared with local media recently earned an “Excellence” rating in the National School Public Relations Association’s contest.

The two stories, written by public information specialist Denielle Cazzolla, were used to highlight the district’s five-year strategic plan in action.

The first, “LHS senior uses NASA opportunities to help further her goals beyond the rainbow” focused on Jayla Edwards, who was selected for a very competitive program hosted by NASA between her junior and senior year, and then was among a select few in the program to have an additional learning experience. The story also highlighted her interests in theater, as she was playing Dorothy in the Liberty Performing Arts fall production, “The Wizard of Oz.”

The second story, “New technology brings history to life,” featured how the sixth grade social studies classes of Samantha Abplanalp are using AI to “interview” Egyptian pharaohs. Beside learning about the leaders from centuries ago, the students were able to assess the accuracy of the information provided by ChatGPT, bringing 21st century skills into the classroom.

“It’s important to see the impact our district and its strategic plan are having on students and the district’s mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan. “These stories are just two of many ways our district is working to help our community see what makes Liberty a great place in which to learn, grow and thrive.”

First class of Liberty Redhawks graduates

The first Class of Liberty Redhawks flew the nest Friday, June 28, with 117 students recognized during the 127th annual commencement ceremony.

The evening, held on the high school football field, carried themes of community and resilience.

“Look around you. You are not merely a group of individuals sharing the same space; you are a community. A community that has laughed together, cried together, persevered through hybrid learning together, and most importantly, triumphed together,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

There were several challenges for the Class of 2024, starting with the COVID pandemic and including the loss of a classmate, Javon Islam, who passed away in May 2023.

“Despite all the difficulties we faced, the classmates surrounding you right now are the people who navigated through these years alongside you,” Class President Zoe Kip said. “Now we stand together, one last time, preparing for our futures with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

And it is important to cherish those memories and also take time to make new ones, Salutatorian Jumana Abu Al Ghanam said.

“I encourage all those here today to not only work hard, but also have fun,” she said. “Our futures don’t just consist of mind-numbing work, but new memories we will make when we find ourselves and enjoy our lives.”

But the choices graduates make and how they respond will decide their futures, LHS Principal Derek Adams said. “Challenges will continue, but instead of letting life happen to you, choose your challenges and let your struggles become your strengths.”

Valedictorian Benjamin Visconti encouraged his classmates to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. “Motivate and inspire others to make their own legacy,” he said as he quoted Mother Teresa: “‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.’

“So I stress to all of you, go out and make your own ripples,” he said, “make our world brighter, one stone at a time.”

But no matter where those ripples are made, Liberty will forever be home for the graduates, Board of Education President Matthew DeWitt said. Board President Matthew DeWitt:

“To the Class of 2024, This is not the end, this is the beginning. I hope your travels take you all around this country and all around the world but remember you’ll always have a place in Liberty and within this community.”