Year: 2025
Liberty High School graduates 141
One of the, if not the, largest class in Liberty High School history crossed the stage Friday, June 27, during the 128th annual commencement exercises.
The musical talents of the senior class were on display during the ceremony with several seniors singing the national anthem, and Luis Molina Gonzalez playing the alma mater.
With a theme of resilience, perseverance and shaping the future, 141 graduates officially became members of the Liberty alumni following graduation ceremonies held in the Liberty High School gymnasium.
“My good friend once told me that ‘It doesn’t have to be good, it just has to get done,’ and my gosh we have done it, and we deserve to celebrate that,” Class President and Salutatorian Sophia Ferguson said in her welcome.
Now that it is done, it is time to look forward, several speakers said. But the path will lead the class in several different directions.
“As we walk up this stage, we welcome a new chapter in our lives. Each of us stands on a threshold of endless possibilities,” Valedictorian Kaitlyn Bodolosky said. “Each of us has unique talents and dreams that will shape our paths ahead.”
And each individual’s path will probably not be a straight one.
“Most of us don’t know what we want to be when we graduate high school,” Liberty Board of Education Vice President Pamela Teed Fisk said. “Don’t be afraid to change direction.”
But when you choose your path, “choose it boldly,” High School Principal Dr. Derek Adams said.
“Own your direction. Take initiative in your life,” he said. “And when things get hard—and they will—remember that responsibility isn’t a burden; it’s your launchpad.”
It’s a launchpad that started at Liberty.
“Take what you’ve learned here, not just the facts and formulas, but the friendships, the lessons, the challenges, and let it guide you as you step forward,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “You are capable. You are needed. And you are just getting started.”
Meals to be served at LES starting July 1
In addition to summer meals being served at Hanofee Park, breakfast and lunch will be served at Liberty Elementary starting July 1. Meals will be served Monday through Friday, except July 4, at Liberty Elementary, through Aug. 22, with breakfast offered from 8:15 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meals at Hanofee Park will be served weekdays through Aug. 18, with breakfast served from 8 to 9 a.m., with lunch from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
For more information, visit https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/food-services/summer-meals-and-menus/.
Liberty Wall of Fame inducts special education pioneer, community leader
Two Liberty Central School District alumni shared a special moment on Friday, June 27, as one was honored with induction into the Wall of Fame and the other spoke in tribute to her late father, who was also being inducted.
The 14th annual Liberty Wall of Fame induction ceremony took place in the Liberty High School auditorium recognizing Class of 1979 graduate Samuel Sanders Jr. and Class of 1948 graduate Albert Van Dyke.
“Each of our inductees represents a unique blend of personal and professional achievements,” said Liberty Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore. “Together, they reflect the spirit, pride, and legacy of the Liberty Central School District and the broader Liberty community.”
Albert Van Dyke
Van Dyke’s daughter Diane Mutter took the stage first to accept the honor on his behalf. She briefly spoke of his accomplishments as a trailblazer in special education, a devoted community leader, and a champion for students with special needs.
She spoke of the early days when he established the district’s first special education class, which 10 years later expanded into a countywide program under Sullivan County BOCES. The organization’s first director of special education, he created and expanded programs at a time when special education was often overlooked.
Van Dyke was also an Eagle Scout, a member and Sunday School superintendent of the Liberty United Methodist Church, and a participant in civic organizations such as the Liberty Lions Club and the Sullivan County Mental Health Board. A historian and collector of local artifacts, he donated more than 2,000 cataloged postcards to the Sullivan County Museum.
Whether helping a Liberty graduate become a police officer by arranging for a civil service test to be read aloud or even rescuing two small children from a burning building, Van Dyke’s selflessness knew no bounds.
Van Dyke continued to serve his community after his 20-year career at BOCES by designing and implementing the county’s preschool special education program.
But what stood out to Mutter the most was his role as a father and family man. She recalled him teaching her how to bowl, play horseshoes, as well as all his work in the greater community.
“I miss him,” she said. “I miss his humor, and I miss his help, but I don’t miss his love, as it lives on.”
Samuel Sanders Jr.
Sanders’ friend and former teammate Dean Smith spoke next, telling stories of their days in Liberty.
As a standout multi-sport athlete, Sanders was a four-year varsity basketball player, team captain and two-time recipient of the Ivan Richards MVP Award. His athletic talents led him to play at Mansfield College, earn all-star status in a semi-pro league, and receive a tryout with the New Jersey Nets.
But where Sanders shined was helping others, especially the children of Liberty, so much so that he literally gave them the clothes off his back.
“His clothes can be found across Liberty because he gave his gear away to kids who wanted it,” Smith said.
Sanders is founder of Rising Stars Basketball, worked as a coach at LHS as well as the Hudson Valley Hawks and Hudson Valley Rivermen, where he has shaped the lives of many aspiring athletes.
For Sanders, it is all about community and family. After receiving his award, Sanders brought the family members who were in attendance on to the stage to recognize all they had done for him. He also thanked members and the pastor of his church, Friendship Baptist, for inspiring him.
Finding a place for everyone has been his hallmark. He has organized community events such as the “Pursuing Your Dreams” workshop and the “Fathers and Men’s Unity Event” as well as mentored prisoners.
“I love everyone,” Sanders said. “It doesn’t matter your race or your color.”
Each of the honorees were also presented with proclamations from state Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay, state Senator Peter Oberacker and the county legislature.
The Wall of Fame was established in 2011 by the Board of Education to honor extraordinary alumni. Nominees are judged on exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions within their career, community or personal life.
Superintendent offers update on DCIP
Dear Liberty,
As we prepare for the end of the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to provide our school community with an update on the District’s Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Improvement Plan. In our ongoing effort to help students innovate, persevere and thrive, we’ve made meaningful progress toward our strategic priorities.
This year, we continued advancing the Strategic Plan’s pillars of MTSS, Curriculum, Culture and Coherence. Building on the work of previous years, we introduced several key initiatives, including the implementation of our new curriculum mapping platform, Eduplanet, and the launch of the Syracuse University Project Advanced Biology course at Liberty High School. We also continued to expand the use of our Woz Ed STEM-based curriculum, grew our Student-Led Conference initiatives, and piloted a data warehouse program designed to help us more efficiently analyze and support our students’ academic, social and emotional growth.
While I’m happy to share additional details about ongoing initiatives, I especially want to highlight the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP) goals we achieved this year, as these accomplishments reflect the collective work of our students, administrators, faculty, staff and community.
Here is an update on our growth towards achieving our DCIP Priorities
Priority 1: Provide an accessible, culturally responsive, relevant, engaging, vertically and horizontally aligned PK-12 curriculum, that makes connections to our students and community.
- We are especially proud of our growth in math proficiency. We easily met our goal of 7% growth per grade level since the start of the year. Based on Renaissance STAR Math testing, all grades measured showed substantial increases, with many gaining more than 20%.
- In two other areas, reading proficiency and student engagement, results were mixed, but overall positive.
- Based on Renaissance STAR Reading testing, all but one grade level saw growth. While grades 2-4 had increases far above the 7% goal (18.9-36.6%), grades 5–8 had more modest gains (1.1%–5%).
- Using Triangle survey data on student engagement, the district had hoped to see a 5% increase in positive responses on student engagement in the classroom. Middle school responders met the goal across all survey items. While there was progress in some areas, responses at the high school level did not fully meet the goal and showed some declines, which influenced the overall results.
End-of-year testing passing rates and Regents scores for the secondary level are not yet available. However, we anticipate positive gains and look forward to reviewing the results.
Priority 2: Provide a MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) for academics, behavior and attendance that cultivates wellness and safety for students, staff and families.
- The district set a goal to achieve a 10% reduction in the number of students receiving out-of-school suspensions districtwide. This goal was exceeded during the 2024–25 school year, with the number of suspended students decreasing from 132 in 2023–24 to 97—a reduction of 35 students, or 26.5%. This outcome significantly surpassed the original target, more than doubling the anticipated decrease in out-of-school suspensions.
- Building on efforts to improve student engagement, the District also aimed to reduce chronic absenteeism by 5% from the 2023–24 to the 2024–25 school year. At the end of the 2023–24 school year, the chronic absenteeism rate was 39.7%. As of June 10, it has declined to 38.6%, marking a 1.1% reduction. While this reflects modest progress, chronic absenteeism remains a widespread national issue—one that demands ongoing attention and resources. Students must be present to fully engage in learning and succeed academically.
- An additional goal under Priority 2 was to achieve a 5% decrease in the number of students identified as at-risk based on DESSA (Social and Emotional Screener) results by June 2025. We did see a small reduction (1%) in students identified as at-risk, but many more showed as having strong social and emotional skills (6%). This positive shift suggests growth in students’ social-emotional skills and well-being, even as we continue working toward the targeted reduction in at-risk classifications.
- Lastly, we aimed for a 5% increase in students feeling safe, as measured by the Student Voice Triangle Survey. While the elementary level experienced a 6% decrease in positive responses, the middle school successfully met the goal with a 5% increase. The high school showed no change compared to last year. This remains an important area of focus, and we will continue to explore ways to ensure all students feel safe and supported in their learning environments.
Priority 3: Create a positive, welcoming student centered environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity to empower students, staff and families.
- Our goals for Priority 3 focused on increasing family and community engagement through student-led conferences, parent-teacher conference attendance and participation in schoolwide and community events. We successfully met our target of a minimum of five student-led conferences per building, demonstrating clear areas of student growth.
- While we did not have precise data for the 10% increase in parent attendance at fall and spring parent-teacher conferences, we observed strong participation at family engagement nights and other events. Notably, our Winter Fest attracted more than 150 attendees, meeting the goal for large community event attendance.
- Additionally, participation in schoolwide family events showed a positive increase throughout the year.
- These outcomes highlight encouraging progress in building stronger connections with families and the community, and we will continue to refine our tracking methods to better measure and support these efforts moving forward.
These results demonstrate that while we are making meaningful progress, there is still important work ahead. We remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Liberty is a great place to learn
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
LMS Junior Honor Society member spearheads woodworking project
Thanks to the initiative of a Liberty Middle School student, dozens of students, staff and community volunteers came together earlier this month to construct a variety of wooden projects.
Montgomery Allen, president of the National Junior Honor Society, spearheaded the initiative by drafting a proposal, which she presented to NJHS members and their advisor for approval. She also presented to the Liberty Rotary Club, securing a $500 donation, wrote a formal request to the Liberty PTA, which resulted in a $300 contribution, and pitched the project to Fallsburg Lumber, who donated all the lumber, screws, wood glue, and sandpaper.
To further support the project, the Lighthouse Team hosted a onesie fundraiser, raising an additional $94.
The end result was 53 students, six staff members, and seven community volunteers building 35 birdhouses, two picnic tables, two modern benches, and two raised garden beds.
Ms. Alyssa Thalmann helped organize and preplan, including getting the plans together for all the stations and pre-cutting all the wood.
On build day, students had the opportunity to read plans, measure wood and use hand tools to bring their projects to life. They were fully immersed in the hands-on experience—learning new skills, collaborating with peers, problem-solving and sharing plenty of laughter along the way. For four hours, they worked with focus and determination.. Though they ended the day with sore hands and a few blisters, they were beyond proud.
LMS teacher reflects on her work, Teacher of the Year journey
A longtime Liberty Middle School teacher is among the best in New York.
Melissa Murphy was one of only seven educators statewide to make it to the third round in the New York State Teacher of the Year Award program.
“Her passion for education inspires all of us to aim higher, and her impact on our school community is immeasurable,” Liberty Central School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said in his nomination letter.
The third round, which included a site visit and interviews by members of the TOTY committee, took place on May 22. Although she was not included in the top three, the committee was appreciative of her work. “In no way does this diminish the remarkable work you have done inside and outside the classroom,” wrote TOTY Program Coordinator Lisa Pingelski.
From bank teller to teacher
The journey to the classroom was not straightforward for Mrs. Murphy. She started her career as a bank teller, with a degree in business. She said she enjoyed the customer service, but when it turned more to sales, she knew it wasn’t her dream job. She also had two young children, ages 3 and 6, at the time. Education was where she wanted to be, as she loved “playing school” as a kid.
That is something friend and former LCSD parent Rachel Reeves-Graves can attest to.
“Even as a student herself, she demonstrated the natural instincts of an instructor,” she wrote in her support letter. “When we studied together for tests, finals and the SATs, it was often Melissa who we turned to for guidance.”
So with the support of her husband and family, Mrs. Murphy enrolled in SUNY New Paltz to get her teaching degree. She also began subbing at St. Peter’s Regional School in Liberty. She eventually earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as her certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from the college.
A Liberty High School graduate, Mrs. Murphy returned to her alma mater, serving as a leave replacement at Liberty Middle School in February 2004, becoming full time that September, teaching science and ELA, She has also taught social studies, and from 2013 to 2022, she was a reading intervention specialist. But she wanted to get back into the classroom, so she returned to teaching social studies and ELA as well as English as a New Language students.
A difference maker in ENL
Mrs. Murphy’s work has helped change the ENL program at the district for the better, according to Community School Administrator Stacy Feasel. “Her commitment has led to significant improvements in the support systems for ENL students, making her an essential advocate for change and progress.”
But her connection with her students, especially her ENL students, is what set her apart.
“They are drawn to her not only for her expertise in teaching English but also for the genuine care and compassion she extends to each and every one of them,” fellow teacher Catherine Clifford wrote in her letter of support.
Mrs. Murphy is an advocate for equity and inclusion, especially of ENL learners.
“As teachers, we must take the time to learn about our students’ backgrounds, traditions and experiences,” Mrs. Murphy wrote her initial nomination letter. “This knowledge enables us to design lessons that connect with their lives, fostering both engagement and understanding. Additionally, we must recognize the assets that multilingual learners bring to the classroom: resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective that enriches the learning environment for everyone.”
And when she says everyone, that includes herself.
She is not bilingual, but began learning Spanish when she started working with her ENL students.
“She is so dedicated that she is learning a whole other language so she can help us even more,” wrote student Mariana Joya Reyes in her letter of support
Mrs. Murphy’s students now correct her (and sometimes poke fun at her) if she pronounces something incorrectly.
Teacher of the Year process
The road to becoming teacher of the year isn’t an easy one. Upon her nomination by Mrs. Feasel and Dr. Sullivan, Mrs. Murphy completed a resume, biography and message, and gathered letters of support from colleagues, students and community members, which were submitted by Feb. 7.
She was informed she made the second round on March 14, and was asked to respond to four questions on lessons, leadership initiatives, the role of an educator, and public education issues within two weeks. In her answers, she highlighted her book-tasting lesson and READBowl competition, her work as a co-advisor for Student Council in leading Cross-Cultural Day and Career Day, her efforts to recognize ENL students who have achieved commanding level on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test and her commitment to equity and access.
A month later, she was informed she was one of seven teachers from across the state who made it to the third round..
On June 3, she was informed she did not advance to the final interviews with the full committee, which would determine the three finalists. Although she didn’t advance, “I’m proud of how far I got and the work that got me there,” Mrs. Murphy said.
The Teacher of the Year process was a challenge, she said. “You have to look at yourself, and really look at what you do and what its impact is.”
An impactful teacher and colleague
From her work with ENL students to her adviser roles with Student Council and National Junior Honor Society, and beyond, her impact can be seen across the middle school. Her ability to build connections is apparent. Her colleagues and students created a banner in advance of the TOTY site visit with encouraging messages and saying why she should be New York State Teacher of the Year, and ensured it was hung in her classroom before the visit.
Her students often let her know what she means to them, whether it is a daily hug or a personal note.
For her birthday, a student wrote her a note expressing appreciation for all she has done.
“All of my teachers teach me how to read books and help me to understand the sentence of that book. But there are really very few teachers like you who can teach students how to improve real life by implementing that book’s sentence. …. You always inspire me to try my best. How can I ever forget the woman who never forgot to make me smile.”
Liberty seeks input on cellphone ban
New York state has passed a law banning the use of internet-enabled devices, such as cellphones, tablets and smart watches, by students on school grounds during the school day, except in specific circumstances.
As part of the legislation, districts are required to have a policy in place by Aug. 1. As part of its policy-making process, Liberty Central School District is seeking family input. Parents and guardians are asked to take a moment to fill out the following survey: https://forms.gle/jMuwNuuYLdKjUAFj9. The survey will close June 30.
Free meals for children to be available
Liberty Central School District will again offer free summer meals to all children 18 and younger through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.
Starting June 30, sit-down and bagged breakfasts and lunches will be served at Francis A. Hanofee Park at 136 Sunset Lake Road in Liberty. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m., with lunch served from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Meals will be served weekdays, except Friday, July 4, through Aug. 18 at the park. From Aug. 18 to 22, meals will be served at Liberty Elementary, with breakfast offered from 8:15 to 9 a.m. and breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A link to the menus will be available on the district website’s Food Services Department page when they are available.
For more information, contact Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna at 845-292-6171 or lmmckenna@libertyk12.org.
Athletic field improvements begin at Liberty
With shovels in hand and hard hats on, several Liberty Redhawk student-athletes ceremoniously broke ground on the new athletic facility on the middle/high school campus on Friday, June 13.
The groundbreaking was held to mark the start of the first phase of construction of the capital project approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January 2024.
Among the improvements to the area that currently holds the track and football field are a new turf field that will be used by football and soccer teams, new bleachers and grandstand, a new pressbox, a new scoreboard and lighting.
After the national anthem was played by student-athlete and trumpeter Luis Molina-Gonzalez, LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan welcomed those in attendance.
“This project represents opportunity, growth, and a commitment to the future of Liberty,” he said. “It stands as a testament to the hard work, determination, and shared dreams of so many people.”
The improvements will have many benefits, the student-athletes said.
“With a turf field we would not have to worry so much about weather,” football player Tayler Schwartz said. “With the addition of the lights to this field, we will be able to create a more flexible schedule for all of our sports so that our students wouldn’t have to leave their classes so early,”
The turf field will level competition against powerhouses in their league, soccer player Justin Simon said. “While hard work, love of the game and determination of the athletes and coaches has gotten us this far, having regular use of a turf field will allow us to elevate our game play and help us to compete on an even playing field with the rest of our league.”
The new field and track will also be able to be used by community organizations, including youth and travel teams. Allowing programs such as Liberty United, a feeder program for Liberty Redhawk soccer, year-round use will “allow us to now diversify our skill and ability to play on different kinds of fields,” Elizabeth “Licha” Cruz Cruz said.
But the new facility is more than a playing field, the students said.
“For us athletes, this means more than a track, turf, jumping areas and bleachers,” said Brook Bull, representing the track and field team. “It’s where we learn discipline, teamwork and resilience. Where we show up early, stay late, build friendships, push our limits, and sometimes fall short, only to come back stronger.”
Dr. Sullivan thanked those involved in the project: the Board of Education, architect LAN Associates and their partners, Gerard Associates, LA Group, Construction Manager School House, Clark Companies, Southern Bleachers, Musco Lighting, Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna, administration, faculty, coaches, staff, state and local officials, students and the Liberty community.
The athletic field and track area was closed to the public following the groundbreaking. Construction will begin on Monday, June 16.
The turf field is expected to be completed in time to play a few games in the 2025-26 school year, with other improvements going into 2027.
The first phase of the capital project also includes construction of the maintenance building; upgrades to the HVAC controls at the middle and high school; upgrades 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.
For more information on the project, visit the district’s Capital Project page.
Traffic patterns to be adjusted at LES starting June 23
Beginning Monday, June 23, the entire Main Street entrance and the “Kiss and Drop” parking lot at Liberty Elementary will be temporarily closed due to ongoing construction repairs of the box culvert hole in front of the school. This change will impact all parking and traffic patterns until further notice.
Below are the procedures:
Drop-Off Procedures
- Morning drop-off begins at 7:15 a.m.
- The North Main Street entrance will be CLOSED to all vehicle and foot traffic.
- All drop-off traffic must enter campus via the rear School Street driveway.
- Vehicles will loop through the parking lot and pull up along the curb near the main entrance.
- No parking is allowed in the drop-off line. Staff will assist students exiting vehicles between 7:45 and 9 a.m.
- All students must enter through the main entrance.
- Walking drop-off is strongly encouraged. Pedestrians must enter campus from School Street and use the sidewalk to walk to the main entrance.
Please note:
- From about 7:38 to 7:53 a.m., the rear driveway will be closed temporarily as buses begin to arrive.
- Civilian vehicles will not be permitted to enter or remain on campus during this time and will be directed to wait off-campus. Municipal parking can be utilized to support walking drop off.
- Foot traffic will also be restricted while students are disembarking from buses. Families may release students at the front of the bus line to join the bus students walking in.
- The driveway will reopen once all buses have cleared the area.
Dismissal procedures
- From about 2:15 to 2:40 p.m. on full days and 11:40 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. on half days, no civilian vehicles or pedestrians will be permitted to enter or access the rear School Street driveway while buses are staging and loading students.
- Once all buses have departed and the area is cleared (about 2:40 p.m. on full days and 12:05 p.m. on half days), the rear driveway will reopen for both vehicle and foot traffic.
- Escort pick-up will then. from the same locations as previously assigned except for third grade and A. Philips class, which will be dismissed outside of door 6 near the cafeteria windows.
- Vehicle traffic will enter campus through the rear School Street driveway, loop through the parking lot and park in designated areas only.
- Do not double park, block traffic flow, or park in unauthorized areas.
- All foot traffic will use the sidewalks and crosswalks to walk to and from your child’s assigned pick-up location.
- Consider using the municipal parking if campus parking is full. The Lemonade parking lot is not to be used for pick up or drop off