Month: October 2024
LAN offers update on capital project, introduction
On Oct. 22, LAN Associates provided an update on the capital project to the Board of Education at Liberty Central School District. In July 2024, LAN Associates was hired by LCSD to design and manage the capital project approved by voters in January 2024.
LAN reported that a geotechnical investigation was recently completed. The geotechnical investigation included soil borings at the athletics fields, and near the softball field, where the new maintenance building will be constructed. This due diligence enabled LAN to advance the first phase of the project, which includes construction of a new maintenance building; athletic facility improvements, including the installation of a new synthetic turf field, track and field improvements, installation of a grandstand and press box, and installation of new athletic field lighting; upgrades to the HVAC controls upgrades at the middle and high school; upgraders to the carbon monoxide alarm system and replacement of exterior stairs at the high school; and replacements of some interior doors at the middle school.
Plans for the first part of the project are expected to be submitted to the New York State Education Department at the end of November, with construction beginning in late spring-to-early summer 2025. LCSD hopes to complete the first phase of work by late spring 2026.
The second phase of the project includes renovations to the high school at the 300 wing, cafeteria and Innovation Lab, a generator replacement, as well as finishing the interior door replacement in the middle school, site drainage improvements, electrical distribution panel replacement, installation of an emergency generator and upgrading the carbon monoxide alarm system at the middle school. Construction is expected to begin on this phase in spring 2026, with completion expected in early 2027.
The final phase of the project includes work at the Liberty Elementary School and District Office. At the elementary school, the work consists of roofing repairs and upgrades, asbestos flooring abatement and replacement, wood flooring replacement, new railings on the elevated bleachers in the gym, upgrades to the classroom and gymnasium ventilation, a boiler conversion, as well as upgrades to the HVAC controls and the carbon monoxide alarm system. At the District Office, a new emergency generator will be installed, and the carbon monoxide alarm system will be upgraded. This phase of work is expected to begin in late spring 2026 with completion before school begins for the 2026-27 school year.
During their presentation, LAN mentioned a bill passed in June by the state Legislature, but not yet signed by the governor, that would require public schools to take action to relieve heat-related discomfort when an occupied instructional space’s temperatures reach 82 degrees, and if temperatures reach 88 degrees, students must leave those areas. This potential regulatory change is being considered by the design team and may influence the design of the HVAC upgrades.
LAN also referenced other potential projects that could benefit the Liberty Central School District in the future.
For nearly 60 years, LAN has provided architecture, engineering and surveying services in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. LAN is an industry leader in the design of K12 educational facilities in New Jersey and the Hudson Valley.
For more information on LAN Associates, visit lanassociates.com.
LES offering blender bike usage for birthday celebrations
Liberty Elementary School is offering a new, healthier way for students to celebrate their birthdays in school.
Parents and guardians who would like to have an alternative to unhealthy and expensive cupcakes to help their children celebrate their special day in school may now request the use of a blender bike to make healthy smoothies.
The request should be made at least two weeks in advance to the child’s teacher via a form sent home with students. The form includes the child’s name, classroom teacher and the requested date of the celebration. Ingredients may be sent in with the student or there are two flavor options, mixed berry or banana/pineapple, available through the school. Requests may be made to use the bike during breakfast, which is free, or at other times during the day, which will cost a dollar per student if ingredients will be provided by the school. Cash or checks made payable to Liberty Central School District should be sent in with the form. The English version of the form is available here. The Spanish version of the form is available here.
For more information, email LES Sullivan 180 Healthier Generations Advisors Mary Bayer or Alicia Houghtaling at mbayer@libertyk12.org or ahoughtaling@libertyk12.org
Curriculum alignment, improvement, review progressing under strategic plan
As Liberty Central School District approaches the midway point of its five-year strategic plan, officials are taking time to evaluate what has been accomplished so far and what still needs to be done. Last month, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs. Now focus turns to the Curriculum pillar.
To review the strategic intents of the Curriculum pillar:
- By June 2027, 100% of PreK-12 curriculum will be vertically and horizontally aligned to meet all New York State standards for all content areas as evidenced by improved student outcomes (in all subgroups) on NYS and local assessments and an increased graduation rate.
- By June 2027, 100% of the administrators and teachers will use identified data protocols to analyze content area assessment results, identify student gaps and strengths in order to grow students (in all subgroups) to a new level of performance.
What does this mean?
Curriculum is the core of the education system. Without a strong, consistent curriculum, Liberty cannot give its students the tools they need to succeed.
That is why ensuring curriculum is aligned with New York State standards and that that curriculum is consistent across classes and grade levels is so important. District officials also must regularly review and analyze the plans and adjust if needed.
What is LCSD doing?
Over the past few years, the district has instituted and/or expanded several curricular programs that offer consistency through the elementary and middle school years, including the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt math and reading curriculum and the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Social Studies and Science 21 programs.
The Woz ED curriculum has been expanded to help Liberty students enhance the 21st-century skills they will need now and in the future. That curriculum will also expand into the high school once the Innovation Lab is completed.
At the high school level, Liberty has expanded college-level course offerings to include Syracuse University Project Advance classes. These are the same courses offered at Syracuse University, taught by our teachers, that will offer transferable college credit.
The district is working diligently on making sure curriculum maps are being updated, completed, filed and followed. Mastery standards per grade level and course are also being established. These steps allow educators to clearly set expectations for students, and students will know what they must accomplish. Administrators also use all available resources, including Star Renaissance testing and state assessments, to analyze the effectiveness of the curriculum and make adjustments as needed.
“An effective, consistent, responsive curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students is vital to the success of our district,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are moving in the right direction, with student performance improving, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future.”
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the second in a series of stories that focus on different aspects of LCSD’s strategic plan and what it means for the Redhawk students, staff, families and community.
LCSD working with PhotonFi to install LiFi technology in select classrooms
Liberty Central School District has partnered with PhotonFi to install LiFi, or Light Fidelity, wireless connectivity initially in two classrooms, one each in the middle school and high school.
When the technology is installed, expected to be this fall, we will be the first district in the region to adopt this innovative technology.
LiFi technology uses invisible light to transmit data, offering a fast, more secure and reliable network. This installation will provide the faculty with the tools they need to keep their students thriving in today’s increasingly digital world, while ensuring a safe learning environment.
“At Liberty Central School District, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible tools for success,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Our collaboration with PhotonFi allows us to stay at the forefront of technology while maintaining the safety and security of our students as a top priority.”
PhotonFi Inc. is an industry leader in LiFi technology, dedicated to transforming the way institutions deliver connectivity.
“I want to thank Pat Killian, our director of technology, for researching this technology and being the driving force behind bringing it to Liberty,” Sullivan said.
“As the digital landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring our students are equipped with the resources and technology needed to succeed in the 21st century,” Sullivan added.
Once installed, the district will watch the performance and evaluate. The technology has the possibility of being an alternative to running new Ethernet to keep up with the category changes of the cables, Killian said.
Those with questions may email questions@libertyk12.org.
LES puts healthy eating at forefront
Liberty Elementary has put nutrition high on its list of priorities this year.
The Empowering a Healthier Generation Wellness Committee at LES is working hard to make the cafeteria and classrooms spaces where students will enjoy eating healthy foods.
On Sept. 26, LES students learned about nutrition and health choices thanks to Nutrition Mission Assemblies with Beth & Scott. The Bierkos taught students the importance of drinking water instead of sugary beverages to quench thirst, the importance of getting adequate rest, 60 minutes of daily exercise, and the importance of putting healthy foods into their bodies.
LES encourages students to use the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable snack carts (provided free, much like breakfast and lunch here at LES) instead of eating items such as cookies and chips for snacks. Students are also encouraged to use the salad bar at lunch time and to sign out the blender bike for healthier birthday celebrations.
All of these messages connect with Leader in Me Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Balance is Best.
This year, LES is setting a goal to eat 1,000 servings of fruits and vegetables a month. This will be tracked on a new bulletin board in the cafeteria. There are also brand new light up menu boards in the cafeteria where the daily lunch menu is posted and new signage to encourage healthy eating.
Students will be acting as leaders as they work together to track servings of fruits and vegetables consumed at lunch time.