Month: August 2024
Liberty administration offers updates for 2024-25 school year at community forum
About two dozen people gathered outside the main entrance to Liberty High School on Thursday, Aug. 29, to hear an overview of updates and changes for the 2024-25 school year at Liberty Central School District.
District administration has held these forums annually as a way to better communicate and interact with the LCSD community, in accordance with the district’s five-year strategic plan.
The plan, now in its third year, is the district’s roadmap for improvement across the district.
LCSD Dr. Patrick Sullivan led the presentation, with assistance from Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore and translation by ENL teacher Susana Alvarado.
The school year begins for students on Thursday, Sept. 5, and the district is eager to welcome them back.
“Our teachers and staff generally care about and want what’s best for our students,” Sullivan said at the start of the presentation.
After reviewing the strategic plan, Sullivan and Serratore highlighted the progress the district has made in each pillar — Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum and Culture — and what the district is doing to move forward this year.
The full update can be found here.
The plan informed changes for the 2024-25 school year that were highlighted in the forum.
Serratore reviewed current curricular program and highlighted, changes include expanding HMH math curriculum to seventh grade, offering algebra to all eighth graders, the introduction of Syracuse University Project Advance college credit courses (and the updated high school grade weighting system), as well as a full-day, expanded Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program, and a new partnership with Inventionland to expand opportunities for STEM learning in the Middle School Innovation Lab.
The Seal of Civic Readiness program, introduced last year with one graduate, expands curricular opportunities and empowers each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential, tying back to the curriculum and culture pillars.
Other improvements were geared toward the culture pillar, which includes better communicating the mission and vision of the district. Those included the change to ParentSquare, which is streamlining two-way communication between Liberty families and the district and schools, and the re-introduction of Anonymous Alerts, which assists the district in its commitment to the Dignity for All Students Act and safety.
“We take the Dignity for All Students Act seriously to ensure that each child who sets foot into our schools and our classrooms feel they are safe, welcome and comfortable,” Sullivan said.
Some of the district’s programs, including Gaggle, the DESSA social-emotional screener, the Global Learners Newcomer Program, are being reviewed and adjusted to better inform our MTSS procedures in accordance with that pillar.
As part of the coherence pillars, Liberty Elementary has better aligned report cards with key standards to enhance students’ learning opportunities.
The safety initiatives, visitor procedures, chain of command calling guide and District Comprehensive Improvement Plan priorities were reviewed at the forum, hitting both the coherence and culture pillars.
Sullivan offered an update on the capital project, approved in January, now led by the architecture firm LAN Associates. The focus now is on the first portion of the project, reviewing the schematics of the athletic field, maintenance storage building, and the building updates. A few projects not directly related to the capital project were completed or underway this summer, including updating the high school stage, resurfacing the gymnasium floor to include the district’s new logo, and resurfacing the tennis courts.
No questions were asked publicly at the end of the forum. But administrators did meet with those in attendance to answer questions one-on-one and to assist in signing up for ParentSquare. Sullivan also reminded those in attendance and watching the livestream that any questions could be emailed to questions@libertyk12.org.
The livestream of the forum can be found at https://events.locallive.tv/events/154258.
A message from the superintendent regarding LifeWise
Dear Liberty,
As you may have seen, a religious education organization, LifeWise, has been advertising for a program director for its services within the geographic boundaries of the Liberty Central School District (the “District”). The advertising may imply that LifeWise is offering a bible education program in affiliation or partnership with the District. We want to make it clear that Liberty CSD is not affiliated with, and does not offer any religious education programs in partnership with, LifeWise or any other religious entity.
We understand and respect that religious education is important to many families in the District. Parents may choose to submit a written request to release their children from school for religious instruction by any religious organization of their choice. The District will honor those requests to the extent required by law. However, the District is not involved in scheduling, programming, or transportation for the religious instruction.
We have sent the following message to LifeWise asking it to remove the District from any of its advertising:
The Liberty Central School District has received inquiries from our community regarding the District’s affiliation with LifeWise. In particular, we are concerned about a social media posting which states, in pertinent part, that LifeWise is “Now Hiring a Program Director for Liberty New York Central School District. Bible Education Coming Soon.” This posting may be creating the misleading and inaccurate impression that Liberty CSD is affiliated with LifeWise, or is partnering with LifeWise to offer religious instruction to Liberty students, or is jointly employing a “program director,” none of which is true.
We respectfully request that LifeWise remove any and all references to Liberty CSD in the above-mentioned posting and in any other promotional materials which may suggest that Liberty CSD has any connection with LifeWise. Liberty CSD does not endorse or support any particular religious organization, including but not limited to LifeWise.
As mentioned in our correspondence dated July 24, 2024, “The Liberty Central School District will honor its obligation to excuse a student from school for off-site religious instruction upon written request from their parent, consistent with applicable law. Any arrangements for transportation and/or scheduling should be addressed with the parents of each student.” This applies equally to religious instruction offered by LifeWise and any other religious organization of parent choice.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
CEP income forms requested
Dear Liberty,
Liberty is pleased that our participation in the Community Eligibility Provision, offering free breakfast and lunch to all students, will continue for the 2024-25 school year.
One benefit of this program is income forms are not required for students to receive free meals. However, we ask that you please fill out the CEP income forms, attached in English here and the CEP income forms in Spanish here (or those sent home to parents/guardians) as this information will help determine eligibility for additional state, federal and school program benefits for which students may qualify. Benefits may include covering fees for technology, athletics, band instruments, testing and college applications as well be a factor in some grant funding for the district. The data provided from these forms also factor into state aid, foundation aid and local funding.
Only one form needs to be filled out per household. If you have any questions, please the District Business Office at 845-292-6171.
Forms may be returned to your child’s school building or emailed to awoolard@libertyk12.org
Thank you for your continued support in making Liberty a great place to learn.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Space still available in Liberty UPK program
There are seats available in Liberty Central School District’s free Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program at G&D Services in the former White Sulphur Springs Elementary School.
Students must be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, to qualify for the program. Busing will be provided.
To register, 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.
Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, email Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore at mserratore@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2052.
Girl Scouts seeking members, volunteers
Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson is starting a new Girl Scout troop in Liberty and is seeking more members and volunteers.
Registration is $35 and is valid through September 2025. Financial aid is available upon request.
For more information, contact Lynn Morales at membercare@girlscoutshh.org or 1-855-232-4744.
For more information on Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, visit https://www.girlscoutshh.org/en/discover/about/what-girl-scouts-do.html
LCSD administrators, facilitators prepare for upcoming school year
Liberty Central School District administrators engaged in a weeklong professional development and planning workshop. They began by reviewing LCSD’s five-year Strategic Plan and the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan, focusing on strategies for effective implementation and support.
Training sessions covered various topics including the new ParentSquare communication system, recent changes in special education law, and updates on safety and incident command procedures, presented by Liberty Village Police Chief Steven D’Agata. Additionally, administrators explored restorative strategies introduced by MaryAnn Brittingham and discussed how these strategies could be implemented into their plans.
Teacher facilitators joined the retreat mid-week to participate in sessions dedicated to refining professional learning communities’ best practices. They also collaborated on finalizing and presenting the Middle School Comprehensive Education Plan, as well as the High School, Elementary School, and Student Services Priority Plans.
The retreat concluded with preparations for upcoming conference days on Sept. 3 and 4, as well as professional learning plans for the 2024-25 school year.
LCSD to offer free breakfast and lunch in 2024-25
Dear Parent or Guardian:
We are pleased to announce that all students enrolled at Liberty Central School District will be able to receive a FREE breakfast and lunch meal at school beginning on Sept. 5, 2024.
This implementation is a result of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanding access to the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows eligible schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to offer school meals at no charge to all students.
What does this mean for your child(ren) attending Liberty? Effective Sept. 4, 2024, all students enrolled at Liberty Central School District will receive meals at no cost to your household. No further action is required of you.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at 845-292-5400.
Sincerely,
Dawn Parsons, SNS
FS Director
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
A message from the Middle School Health Office
Dear Parent / Guardians:
I hope everyone is having a fantastic and healthy summer. It is time to think about our upcoming school year. This letter is to help prepare you and your student(s) in regard to your child’s health requirements.
Many students have medical diagnosis, take medications, or need nursing services. New York State and our school have policies and regulations in place for these needs. Following the guidelines below will ensure a quicker response to your child’s needs and help us prepare a safe, healthy environment for them.
ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE PROOF OF IMMUNIZATIONS within 14 days of the first day of school:
- proof of their child’s up-to-date vaccinations, OR
- Provide a valid medical exemption from vaccination.
In order to attend or remain in school, children who are unvaccinated or overdue must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days. They also must receive subsequent vaccines in the series within a 14-day period of when they are due to complete the immunization series.
Students in grades 9 through 12 must meet the requirements for all immunizations.
- The Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) booster and MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) vaccines.
Requirements per grade level:
5th Grade
- Heath Exam completed by NYS provider, must be completed on NYS form. Must received within first 30 days of school
6th Grade
- Tdap immunization — must be provided to school within first 14 days of school
7th Grade
- Meningococcal immunizations-must be provided to school within first 14 days of school
- Health Exam completed by NYS provider, must be completed on NYS form. Must be received within first 30 days of school
- Dental Certificate- completed by parent/ guardian and dental hygienist.
8th Grade
- If the student has not received 1st dose yet, Meningococcal immunizations must be provided to school within first 14 days of school
- If your child wants to play a sport, a Health Exam must be completed by a NYS provider and must be completed on NYS form.
REQUIRED NYS SCHOOL HEALTH EXAMINATION FORM: https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/health-exam-form.pdf
Please refer to the health office link for access forms and additional information: https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/health-office/
Medication in School
My child needs to take medication in school
- Please review the schools medication policy Medication Policy.
No child is allowed to bring a medication to school, All medications must be brought in by an adult - Please have the student’s physician complete the Liberty 2024-2025 authorization for administration of medication in school
- The physician must complete the entirety of this form
- You must complete the top portion of this form
- if the child is a self carry, Self Carry-Medication 2024-25
- Physician and parent must ALSO complete the Self-Medication Release form
- Original authorization must state self carry
Medical Conditions requiring further documentation
My Child Has Asthma and Needs a Inhaler
- Please review the schools medication policy
- Please have the following completed
- Asthma Action Plan
- If your child requires medication please follow above guidelines for medication administration
- Medication Form 24-25
- Self Carry-Medication 2024-25
My Child has a Seizure Disorder
- Please have the following completed
- Seizure Action Plan ( may use what your physician provides) or Seizure Disorder care plan
- If your child requires medication please follow above guidelines for medication administration Medication Form 2024-25
My Child has a life threatening allergy
- Please complete the following
- If your child requires medication please follow the the approved guidelines for medication administration Medication Form 2024-25
My Child has Diabetes
- Please complete the following
- Diabetes Medical Management Plan
- Endocrinologist orders
- If your child requires medication please follow the the approved guidelines for medication administration Medication Form 2024-25
My Child has additional medical needs
- Contact the Health office to discus if further documentation is needed
I hope this checklist will better help both you as the parent and me prepare for your child’s arrival next year. All medical forms must be completed each year, as each medical order is only good for that school year.
If you have any questions or need help obtaining any of the above forms please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Melissa Funcheon Kolarik, RN
845-292-5400, ext. 2316
845-292-1714- Fax
mfuncheon@libertyk12.org
A message from the High School Health Office
Dear Parent / Guardians:
I hope everyone is having a fantastic and healthy summer. It is time to think about our upcoming school year. This letter is to help prepare you and your student(s) in regard to your child’s health requirements.
Many students have medical diagnosis, take medications, or need nursing services. New York State and our school have policies and regulations in place for these needs. Following the guidelines below will ensure a quicker response to your child’s needs and help us prepare a safe, healthy environment for them.
ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE PROOF OF IMMUNIZATIONS within 14 days of the first day of school:
- proof of their child’s up-to-date vaccinations, OR
- Provide a valid medical exemption from vaccination.
In order to attend or remain in school, children who are unvaccinated or overdue must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days. They also must receive subsequent vaccines in the series within a 14-day period of when they are due to complete the immunization series.
Students in grades 9 through 12 must meet the requirements for all immunizations.
- The Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) booster and MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) vaccines.
Requirements per grade level:
9th Grade
- Heath Exam completed by NYS provider, must be completed on NYS form.
- Must be received within the first 30 days of school.
- Dental Certificate
10th Grade
- If your child wants to play a sport, a Health Exam must be completed by a NYS provider and must be completed on NYS form.
11th Grade
- Health Exam completed by NYS provider, must be completed on NYS form.
- Must be received within first 30 days of school
- Dental Certificate
12th Grade
- If the student has not received the 2nd dose yet, Meningococcal immunizations must be provided to school within the first 14 days of school. *(2 doses or 1 dose ONLY if the first dose was received at age 16 years or older.)
- If your child wants to play a sport, a Health Exam must be completed by a NYS provider and must be completed on NYS form.
REQUIRED NYS SCHOOL HEALTH EXAMINATION FORM: https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/health-exam-form.pdf
Please refer to the health office link for access forms and additional information: https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/health-office/
Medication in School
My child needs to take medication in school
- Please review the schools medication policy Medication Policy.
No child is allowed to bring a medication to school, All medications must be brought in by an adult - Please have the student’s physician complete the Liberty 2024-2025 authorization for administration of medication in school
- The physician must complete the entirety of this form
- You must complete the top portion of this form
- if the child is a self carry, Self Carry-Medication 2024-25
- Physician and parent must ALSO complete the Self-Medication Release form
- Original authorization must state self carry
Medical Conditions requiring further documentation
My Child Has Asthma and Needs a Inhaler
- Please review the schools medication policy
- Please have the following completed
- Asthma Action Plan
- If your child requires medication please follow above guidelines for medication administration
- Medication Form 24-25
- Self Carry-Medication 2024-25
My Child has a Seizure Disorder
- Please have the following completed
- Seizure Action Plan ( may use what your physician provides) or Seizure Disorder care plan
- If your child requires medication please follow above guidelines for medication administration Medication Form 2024-25
My Child has a life threatening allergy
- Please complete the following
- If your child requires medication please follow the the approved guidelines for medication administration Medication Form 2024-25
My Child has Diabetes
- Please complete the following
- Diabetes Medical Management Plan
- Endocrinologist orders
- If your child requires medication please follow the the approved guidelines for medication administration Medication Form 2024-25
My Child has additional medical needs
- Contact the Health office to discus if further documentation is needed
I hope this checklist will better help both you as the parent and me prepare for your child’s arrival next year. All medical forms must be completed each year, as each medical order is only good for that school year.
If you have any questions or need help obtaining any of the above forms please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Megan Molusky RN
845-292-5400, ext. 2016
845-292-0727 Fax
mmolusky@libertyk12.org
A message from the superintendent
Dear families,
A lawsuit was recently filed against the district related to a personnel decision made in the 2018-19 school year. We are reviewing the complaint with our school attorneys. With this litigation ongoing, we don’t have more information to share at this time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent