Month: October 2024
LMS recognizes leaders and achievers
Liberty Middle School recently recognized students for their leadership skills and following the Leader in Me 7 Healthy Habits with Leaders of the Month and Good News Notes Awards, as well as the Fall STAR Awards .
Leaders of the Month
In fifth grade, Darius Dawkins was recognized for being committed to displaying leadership and living by the 7 Habits every day.
In sixth grade, Denali Owens was honored for always thinking win-win, and Alex Pate was recognized for being proactive and putting first things first.
Seventh graders Claire Ferguson and Angel Terraza Raymoundo were both described as being proactive, driven young people who are excellent members of any team.
Selkir Molina Gonzalez and Jahir Brown were the eighth grade honorees. Both were recognized for remind others it is important to keep the end in mind and be proactive so they can reach their goals, while also maintaining a balance that allows them to enjoy the good things along the way, never forgetting to sharpen the saw so they can be the best they can be announcement.
Good News Notes
Fifth grade
The following students were recognized by their teachers for working hard, doing what’s right, and displaying the 7 habits this month:
Dominique Banks, Anthony Myers, Cailynn Pate, Josslynn Letohic, Karter Velde, Nayeli Hernandez Soperanez, Crisnelly D’Oleo Garcia, Anthony Myers, Dean Harte, Virginia Nivelo Cruz, Darius Dawkins, Ailani Chavis, Brian Rivas, Brayden Razukas, Alieska Perez Perez, Mia Travis, Logan Moore, Dylenne Reyes Garcia, Carter Funcheon, Isabella Puente, Juritzi Molina Reyes and Yarixa Reyes Cardenas.
Sixth grade
The following students were recognized by their teachers for going above and beyond, doing what’s right, and displaying the 7 habits:
Tatianna Decker, William Schauerhamer, Justin Dowe, Ralph Urgiles Montero, Lorelai McCarthy, Ellis Dilworth, Sylas Pagan Vanwagner, Amare Serrano, Reinier Stanton, Anthony Myers, Astrid Guardado Diaz, Ayanelson Mazariegos Cruz, Cole Lynch-Kelsey, Alex Pate and Isabella Intranuovo.
Seventh grade
The following students were recognized by their teachers for displaying many of the 7 habits:
Kameren Samuel, Faith Boyles, Janee Golzak, Erick Torres Garcia, Ethan DuBois, Denis Leon Aldana, Amy Cortez Cruz, Santiago Moguel, Montgomery Allen, Harper Matuszak, Angelick Rivera, Namarpreet Singh, Marelyn Ardon Lopez, Jose Cruz Lopez, Michelle Ramirez Medina and Juan Carlos De La Cruz De La Cruz.
Eighth grade
The following students who were recognized by their teachers for displaying many of the 7 habits:
Wilton Mata, Jace Snowden, Miles Harman, Damien Keating, Nazarah Heglar, Briana Bermeo, Alex Luna Diaz, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Joao Guilherme Moraes and Carlos Portillo Larios.
Fall STAR Awards
The following students were recognized for showing growth (SGP) in STAR testing as well as those who were in the top percentile rank (PR) within the school but nationwide:
Fifth grade
Math SGP: Isabella Smith, Masharib Uddin, Cailynn Pate, Alieska Perez Perez and Joseph Wilson Jr.
Math PR: Masharib Uddin, Darius Dawkins, Henry Vogler, Ivan Zheng and Caleb McNett.
ELA SGP: Carlos Hernandez Aldana, Crisnelly D’Oleo Garcia, Dean Harte, Jerin Burton and Linnise Young.
ELA PR: Henry Vogler, Caleb McNett, Dean Harte, Josslynn Letohic and Tierney Meddaugh.
Sixth grade
Math SGP: Alan Romero, Hudson Jardon, Ximena Malaga Gonzalez, Marcel Davis and William Schauerhamer.
Math PR: Muhammad Awais, Caleb Rusin, Delilah Flores-Serapio, Ellis Dilworth and Owen Burst.
ELA SGP: Katherine Valdez Calle, William Schauerhamer, Marcel Davis, Sophie Zayas and Hunter Miranda.
ELA PR: Delilah Flores-Serapio, Aubrie Keating, Lily Paynter, Samuel Negroni and Dia D’Agata.
Seventh grade
Math SGP: Luna Pixie Hulse, Angel Terraza Raymundo, Lilly Kehrley, Evan Vidalis and Liam Lagattuta.
Math PR: Claire Ferguson, Chase Golzak, Angel Terraza Ramundo, Namarpreet Singh and Michael Garzon Valle.
ELA SGP: Arian Rodriguez, Luke Poley, Fabian Reyes Banegas, Amy Cortes Cruz and Josiah Lopez.
ELA PR: Claire Ferguson, Anthoni Klys, Luke Poley, Michael Garzon Valle and Aiden Satz.
Eighth grade
Math SGP: Grace Fitzgerald, Arturo Perez Reyes, Xander McCarthy, Christopher Nicholas and Irving Lopez-Garzon.
Math PR: Tristan Maloney, Phillip Burrous Jr., Elizabeth Macnamara, Jacob Pennell and Alena Tarabichi.
ELA SGP: Christian Malave, Jace Snowden, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Tristan Maloney and Arianna Rodriguez.
ELA PR: Elizabeth Macnamara, Laudy D’Oleo, Alena Tarabichi, Scarlett Saltos Zapatanga and Amelia Cole.
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.
LPA to present ‘Cinderella’ in November
Liberty Performing Arts will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the David E. Panebaker High School Auditorium.
The classic story of Cinderella (Lia Guillerme) unfolds as Cinderella is treated poorly by her stepmother (Rachel Yaun) and two stepsisters, Joy (Shea-Leigh Kristiansen) and Portia (Lianna Gissentaner). The King and Queen (Joshua Kratz and Sophia Ferguson) are hosting a ball to find a bride for their son, Christopher (Jacob Kelly). The stepmother and stepsisters are off to the ball and leave Cinderella behind. A fairy godmother (Jordan Hewlett) appears to help out Cinderella with a touch of magic. Cinderella attends the ball and falls madly in love with the Prince. At the stroke of midnight, Cinderella must leave the ball. When she does, she leaves a glass slipper behind. The prince must search the kingdom to find his love.
In the ensemble, playing townspeople and attendees of the ball, are Tyler Juron (Town Crier), Sebastian Yupanqui, Rita Zheng, James Letohic III, Eli Desrochers, Christopher DiBartolo, Liliana Crespo, Kelsey Hopkins, Mckinzie Paterson, Gabriella Sheriden, Riley Santiago and Lena Lagattuta from the high school and Harper Matuszak, Lilly Kehrley, Aryiah Cottman, Corinne Lake, Luna-Pixie Hulse, Jasmine Garcia Reyes, Nevaeh Jones, Asia Hurley, Vina Graham and Alena Tarabichi from the middle school.
The stage crew and pit band members are Shelby Clack, Belle Gandulla, Kylie Fuller, Skylar Loyce, Olivia Corrigan, Endya Alvarez, Pheobe Wilson, Braeden Clarke, Ryan Porter, Paul Burger, Angelina Magie, Melody Rivera, Gia Matullo, Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Nora Liddle, Sydania Foster, Faith Thomas and Genna DeFrank on cello, Luis Molina Gonzales on trumpet and Cassandra Porter on flute.
The show is directed by Emily McConnell and Ben Abrams. Music directed by Meghan Kehrer and the ensemble choreographed by Jamie Ward.
Tickets, at $10 each, can be purchased online or at the door.
The seniors in the cast and crew will be recognized before the Saturday show.
The show is performed under contract with Concord Theatricals.
For more information, email emcconnell@libertyk12.org.
Liberty Middle School student arrested after investigation of false social media post
On Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, the Village of Liberty Police Department arrested a 13-year-old juvenile following an investigation into a false social media post made on Friday afternoon.
Earlier in the day of Oct. 25, 2024, the Liberty Middle and High Schools briefly went into a lockdown due to an accidental activation of the school’s automated warning system during maintenance. There was no threat to either building, and Liberty Police Department officers, in coordination with school officials, quickly searched both buildings, lifted the lockdown, and returned the schools to normal operations.
Approximately two hours after the lockdown was lifted, a falsified image purporting to be an actual communication from the Liberty Central School District began circulating on social media. The fraudulent image falsely claimed that the prior lockdown had been prompted by an actual incident resulting in harm to students and teachers.
The police investigation identified the originator of the fake post as a 13-year-old Liberty Middle School student. The student was subsequently charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the Third Degree, a misdemeanor, and was petitioned to Sullivan County Family Court. Additionally, the district is taking appropriate action in accordance with the LCSD Code of Conduct.
Chief of Police Steven D’Agata stated, “This malicious, fraudulent post was made with the clear intent of frightening, alarming, and disrupting the lives of students, teachers, parents, and the entire school community. For someone to falsely claim that harm came to students and staff in a potential tragedy is deeply disturbing. It is absolutely essential that parents talk to their children about the very real consequences reckless behavior on social media can have for both individuals and the community. Our department, along with Liberty Central School District staff, remains deeply committed to the safety and security of all students and staff.”
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Oct. 28 – Nov. 3, 2024
Our athletes will be in action in football, soccer and volleyball this week.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Oct. 28
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington.
Tuesday, Oct. 29
2 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer Sectional Pre-lims vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
Wednesday, Oct. 30
4:30 p.m.: Modified A 11 Man Football vs. Valley Central at Valley Central High School
Thursday, Oct. 31
No events scheduled.
Friday, Nov. 1
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Nov. 2
1 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Red Hook Central at Liberty High School.
Sunday, Nov. 3
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Sign-up for modified winter sports open; coaches needed
Sign-ups for Modified Winter Sports is open and can be completed at the Arbiter Sports page for modified sports registration. Modified sports are for students in Grades 7 and 8.
The Arbiter Sports portal will close when the season starts on Nov. 25.
The following sports will be available for Modified Winter Sports: Girls and Boys Basketball, Boys and Girls Indoor Track and Field and Wrestling. At this point there is no coach for boys basketball, boys indoor track and field, and wrestling. If a coach cannot be found, those sports will be canceled for the season.
For more information about registration or becoming a coach, reach out to Athletic Director Kim Craft at kcraft@libertyk12.org or via phone at 845-292-5400, ext. 2012.
Fake screenshot circulating about lockdown
A fake screenshot of a ParentSquare alert is circulating stating that there was a lockdown following a threat at the Middle and High School and that students and a teacher were harmed. A lockdown was accidentally triggered at the Middle and High School earlier today during maintenance work. There was never any threat at the buildings, and there were no injuries. The district is investigating the fake message and will take appropriate action in accordance with the Code of Conduct and law enforcement if necessary.
Accidental lockdown at LHS/LMS
Liberty High School and Middle School were briefly in a lockdown earlier today (Oct. 25) triggered by maintenance of the system. There was no threat to our buildings. Apologies for any issues this may have caused.
SED issues warning on scam calls targeting SAT, PSAT takers
The state Education Department recently issued a warning about scam calls targeting parents and guardians of students who have recently taken an SAT or PSAT.
The following is the message:
Dear parent or guardian please let this serve as a reminder that you should not share personal or financial information over the phone with unsolicited callers. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. We are sending this reminder because parents and/or guardians of children who have recently taken an SAT or PSAT exam have been receiving scam calls requesting personal information, including a credit card number, to mail the test results.
Additional tips about how to protect yourself from SAT test-related scams can be found on the Better Business Bureau website and below:
- Always be wary of unsolicited callers: If you receive a random call from someone asking for payment, research their organization before sharing any personal information.
- Double check with your child: If someone claims they’re calling because of a service your child requested, hang up and check with your child first.
- Understand the College Board’s practices: The College Board will never ask you for your bank or credit card information over the phone or through email.
- Don’t give your financial information to strangers: Never agree to pay a stranger with any form of payment for a purchase you didn’t initiate.
All Things Liberty Winter Festival date set; vendors wanted
The All Things Liberty Winter Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in the Liberty Middle and High School gyms.
The district is inviting all Liberty organizations and craft vendors to join in the festival. Those interested in attending or getting involved are asked to reach out to Stacy Feasel at sfeasel@libertyk12.org or 845-292-5400, ext. 2332.
“Let’s make this year’s festival bigger and better together,” Feasel said. “Don’t miss out.”
Craft vendor tables will cost $40 with all proceeds going to the Liberty Snack Pack Program. Payment must be made by money order or bank checks payable to the LSEA Snack Pack Program and sent to Stacy Feasel, LCSD District Office, 115 Buckley St, Liberty, NY 12754.
The snow date will be Saturday, March 1.