Month: April 2026
Liberty issues reminder of communication policies, safety procedures
With spring here, Liberty Central School District is reminding families of some communication policies and safety procedures.
The district encourages the community to come out to support the students in their academic, athletic and fine art endeavors, while ensuring the campuses remain safe.
With capital project construction ongoing, those who are visiting the middle and high school campus are asked to be mindful of the work in progress. While significant progress has been made, the new turf athletic field and the surrounding areas are still off limits to the public. Work on the track is expected to begin soon. Construction of the maintenance building has also begun, which means the parking lot on Winthrop Avenue, as well as the walkway from the lot to the high school is closed. Those who are attending softball, baseball or tennis matches should park in the lot between the high school and district office.
Parents and guardians are also reminded of the most efficient ways to communicate any concerns they may have. The Chain of Command Calling Guide includes details on whom to contact for what. Concerns regarding bullying and safety may also be reported through the Anonymous Alerts system.
The district adheres to our visitor expectations and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association guidelines, which encourage positivity, support and sportsmanship, and reminds spectators to follow the policy. Tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or other drug use is prohibited on school grounds, as are pets. Staff members are onsite during all contests and they will ask those who violate the policies to comply or leave.
The district also issued reminders of the steps in place to make Liberty a safe place in which to learn. Entry to all buildings requires keycard access for staff, and LCSD has a strict visiting procedure. Visitors are restricted to a single point of entry in each building. All visitors must show a valid ID at an automated kiosk before entering any of our school buildings, and will be buzzed in. All classrooms require keycard access, and doors are expected to remain closed and locked when occupied.
Through the district’s door lock system, school officials are able to immediately lock all doors if there is an emergency. Digital signs throughout common areas will help inform students and staff of what is happening. There are also strobe lights inside and outside the building, which will help alert of emergencies and advise those outside the building not to enter. If an emergency occurs, the Liberty Police Department is able to monitor school cameras.
LPD is an important partner, as a school resource officer from LPD is placed in each building. They regularly patrol and check for vulnerabilities and are a valuable resource to students and staff.
Faculty and staff are trained in what to do, in line with the districtwide safety plan, if an emergency occurs, and our schools have emergency drills several times a year.
“Safety is always one of the top priorities for Liberty Central School District, and we appreciate your support and assistance,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 13-19, 2026
Spring sports continues this week with baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, April 13
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Chester Academy at Liberty High School
Results: Chester 26, Liberty 5
The Varsity Softball team faced a dual challenge this week, squaring off against a powerhouse Chester lineup and a grueling 30-minute torrential downpour. While Chester secured the victory, the game served as a vital learning ground for an inexperienced Redhawks roster that continues to show growth through every bump in the road.
Chester’s high-powered offense pounded out 11 hits, taking advantage of defensive miscues and walks.. The Hambletonians were led by Brooke Diaz, who finished 3-for-4 with a double, 4 runs scored, and 3 RBI. Diaz was one of three Chester batters to record multiple hits and score at least four times, keeping the pressure on the Redhawks throughout the afternoon.
Despite the final score and the difficult playing conditions, the Varsity had some bright spots on the day that highlights their potential. In the 3rd inning, Amy Szuba stepped up with the bases loaded and delivered a line-drive 2-run single, sparking the dugout. Maddy Stewart extended her hitting streak to three games, finishing 1-for-3 with a run scored and also continued her dominance in center field, tracking down a difficult sinking line drive for another spectacular catch. Angie Wheeler provided a bright spot in the circle, racking up 8 strikeouts in just 3.1 innings of work in relief.
With an inexperienced roster, the Redhawks understand that this season is a journey of learning and perseverance. While the elements and the opponent were formidable, the team’s work ethic remains high. The heartbeat of the game was once again the Redhawk bench. Despite the rain and the scoreboard, the dugout remained enthusiastic, loud, and relentlessly positive, spurring their teammates on until the final out. This unwavering team spirit remains the foundation as Liberty continues to grow and improve with every inning played.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
Tuesday, April 14
2:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Ellenville at Shawangunk Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Minisink Valley at Minisink Valley High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Eldred at Liberty Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
Wednesday, April 15
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Washingtonville at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School
Results: Liberty 18, Beacon 12
The Liberty Redhawks Varsity Softball team reached a major milestone this week, securing their first-ever Class A Division III League win since the state’s reclassification. In a gritty, come-from-behind performance, the Redhawks defeated their division rival, marking their second win in their last three outings and proving that this team is working hard to grow and doing what they need to do to win.
The game didn’t start in Liberty’s favor, as the Redhawks found themselves trailing 4-1 after the first inning. They continued to battle through the middle frames, chipping away at the lead but still trailing 6-4 heading into the later stages of the contest.
The true turning point arrived in the top of the 6th inning when the Redhawks exploded for an 11-run rally. The marathon inning included 4 timely hits that drove in runs , 3 batters reaching on errors as the Redhawks forced the defense into mistakes, and 6 disciplined walks, showing the hitters ability to have good at bats.
The Liberty’s offense was led by a mix of veteran consistency and included a career-first. Maddy Stewart continued her torrid pace at the plate, turning in a massive 4-for-5 performance with a walk, 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI. Giuliana Wagner remained a force in the lineup, finishing 3-for-6 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Lilli Black achieved a personal milestone by hitting her first-ever Varsity double, finishing the day with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Arianna Wilson proved to be a force on the bases, reaching safely three times and scoring twice.
While the offense provided the fireworks, Angie Wheeler delivered a strong complete-game performance, silencing the opposition’s bats when it mattered most. Angie’s finished with 7.0 innings pitched allowing just 2 Earned Runs while scattering 6 hits and striking out 13.
With this victory, the Redhawks improve to 1-1 in the division and 2-3 overall. This win is definitive proof that the team’s hard work is paying off, and that their ability to overcome early deficits with a relentless, positive attitude is becoming a hallmark of their season.
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School
Thursday, April 16
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Villa Roma Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Roscoe Mountain Club
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland Middle/High School
Friday, April 17
4:15 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Eldred at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Middletown at Middletown High School
Saturday, April 18
11 a.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Monticello in the Rockland Wolves tournament at Rockland Middle/High School
11 a.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Harpursville/Afton in the Rockland Wolves tournament at Rockland Middle/High School
Result: Liberty 3, Monticello 12
The Liberty Redhawks Varsity Softball team traveled to the Rockland Softball Tournament today, facing strong pitching and a demanding doubleheader. While the day proved to be a tough test for the squad, it featured one of the most remarkable pitching performances in recent memory.
The opening game of the tournament was defined by an elite pitching showdown between Liberty’s ace, Angie Wheeler, and Monticello’s Madison Taggart. The two hurlers put on a pitching masterclass, combining for a staggering 32 strikeouts in a game that remained a tight contest until the 2 1/2 final frames.
Angie Wheeler was the undisputed highlight of the day for the Redhawks. Delivering a performance built on precision and power, she finished with a 6-inning complete game, striking out 16 batters while yielding only a single walk. Most impressively, Wheeler maintained a dominant 75% strike percentage, consistently challenging the Panthers’ hitters.
Despite the brilliance in the circle, the Monticello offense found its spark in the closing stages. The Panthers broke the game open in the final two innings, capitalizing on five hits and a few defensive miscues by the Redhawks to plate eight runs. Monticello’s 12-3 victory was led by a trio of multi-hit performers: Taggart, Ryleigh Schoomaker, and Jeannah Mckinney.
While the Redhawks struggled to string together a sustained rally against Taggart’s 16-strikeout performance, a few players had good days at the plate. Maddy Stewart continued her breakout season, leading the Liberty offense with a sharp 2-for-3 performance and scoring a run. Giuliana Wagner provided a massive spark with a clutch triple that drove in an RBI while Angie Wheeler contributed on both sides of the ball, utilizing her speed to cross the plate for two runs scored.
1 p.m.: Consolation games at Rockland Middle/High School
Results: Softball: Liberty3, South Kortright 12
In the consolation game against South Kortright, Liberty started quickly as they jumped out to a quick lead in the second inning when Maddy Stewart singled to drive in Brooke Porter. After Lilli Black crossed the plate on a wild pitch, Angie Wheeler laced an RBI single to center field, giving the Redhawks a 3-0 cushion.
The Redhawks held a 3-2 lead through five innings behind the impressive Varsity debut of Harper Matuszak, who was called up from the JV squad to assist for the day. Harper’s performance was so stellar it earned accolades from the opposing coach, as she finished with 7 strikeouts and allowed only six hits.
However, the game turned in the 6th inning as the Rams’ offense, led by Madysen Reeves’ 2-run HR, exploded for 10 runs over the final two frames to secure a 12-3 victory. Reeves finished the day with 3 hits, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI.
For Liberty, Harper recorded her first-ever Varsity hit, another milestone on the day to go with her first Varsity start. Maddy Stewart and Angie Wheeler both continued their productive day with a hit and an RBI each while Arianna Wilson contributed to the offensive effort with a base hit of her own.
While dropping two games at a tournament is a difficult “bump in the road,” the Redhawks continue to use these high-pressure moments as learning opportunities. Facing the area’s various talent and elite pitching allows this inexperienced roster to gain valuable learning experience.
Angie Wheeler was named to the All-Tournament Team for her outstanding performance in both games.
The Varsity remains focused on the long game—honing their skills, tightening their defense, and maintaining the positive dugout energy that has become their trademark. With the squad showing steady growth after every inning, the Redhawks are ready to bring these lessons home as they prepare to host Burke Catholic on Monday.
3 p.m.: Championship games at Rockland Middle/High School
Sunday, April 19
No events scheduled
Liberty junior earns BCANY basketball All-Star honors
Liberty junior Zack Alvord was recently named to the BCANY Section IX Class A All-Star boys basketball team.
“I couldn’t be more proud to see Zack named as a BCANY Mid-Hudson Class A All star for the second season in a row,” his coach Matthew Robinson said. “This honor is a direct reflection of the countless hours of hard work he has put in when no one is watching.”
To be eligible for any BCANY award the team’s head coach must be an active BCANY member, member coaches then nominate players from their team to form an All-Star ballot. From this pool of nominees, coaches within each class voted to determine award recipients. In accordance with BCANY guidelines, coaches were not permitted to vote for themselves, their own players or their own teams.
““It’s always an honor for the coaches in Section IX to acknowledge my hard work,” Zack said. “I would also like to thank Coach Robinson, Coach Ferguson and my teammates for a great season.”
Zack averaged 14.3 points 3.9 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game.
“When you see a player work that hard and remain so humble, you love to see them get this recognition,” Coach Robinson said. “As good as a player Zack is he is an even better person and I’m looking forward to seeing what he has in store for his senior season.
LES kindergarten, pre-k registration available
Registration is now open for kindergarten at Liberty Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. There are also open slots available for pre-kindergarten, and a lottery will not be held. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To qualify for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026, and a resident of the Liberty Central School District. Students that are in the Liberty Central School District universal pre-k program at LES do not need to register.
Eligible pre-kindergarten students must be residents of the Liberty Central School District and turn 4 years old before Dec. 1, 2026.
To register, parents or guardians must fill out a registration packet for kindergarten or a registration packet for pre-kindergarten, and provide 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. The child’s healthcare insurance card is also requested.
For more information about pre-k, visit our UPK FAQs page.
To register, email haustin@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.
Superintendent offers update on lead-based paint found at LES
Dear Liberty,
As the health and safety of our staff and students are our top priorities, we want to update you on the steps we have taken to address the identified lead-based paint in the older section of Liberty Elementary School. To ensure a healthy environment, the district worked with environmental and cleanup experts to address these areas until we complete a full remediation process.
Even though professional tests showed that dust levels were already well within safe limits, we took extra steps to make sure everyone stays safe. Our cleanup teams used a thorough safety process in classrooms and hallways. This included using specialized air filters to keep the air clean while workers carefully removed any loose or peeling paint. After the paint was removed, all surfaces were deep-cleaned using industrial vacuums and wet-wiping. To provide a long-term safety barrier, a white sealant was painted over these areas to lock everything in place.
Throughout this process, all school supplies and furniture were either moved or covered in protective plastic to keep them clean. Upon your child’s return from Spring Break, they will find their classrooms ready for learning. Some of the walls have been finished with a new white sealant, and all items have been moved back into place by the contractors. To ensure a healthy environment, the contractors used green, plant-based products to clean the building, making it safe for both students and staff.
We are committed to providing a safe place to learn and look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, April 7.
If you have any questions please email Questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 6-12, 2026
Spring sports kicks off this week with baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, April 6
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, April 7
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Wallkill Golf Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 0, Port Jervis 23
Despite the biting cold and relentless winds, the Redhawks took to the field for their home opener with an unwavering spirit. Even though the scoreboard favored Port Jervis 23-0, the final tally doesn’t tell the full story of a team that did not to let the elements or a tough opponent dampen their resolve.
Playing on the field for only the second time this spring, several Redhawks found ways to shine against a dominant pitching performance by the Raiders’ Abbey Montalvo. Giuliana Wagner led the charge offensively, going a perfect 2-2 at the plate. Wagner’s performance, featuring both a sharp single and a powerful double, accounted for the team’s hits on the day. Lilli Black showed great range and focus in the outfield, reeling in several difficult catches despite the blustery conditions. She also displayed discipline at the plate to reach base safely once in two at bats. Brooke Porter also stayed very patient at the plate, going deep into the count and battled to earn a walk as well, contributing to the team’s offensive effort.
While Port Jervis brought a heavy-hitting offense, the Redhawks remained vocal and supportive of one another through all five innings of the cold, cold day. Facing 13 hits and three extra-base hits is a challenge for any defense, but the Redhawks used the experience as to “learn on the fly.”
The team’s ability to maintain a positive attitude despite the weather is something to be proud of.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty Elementary School
Wednesday, April 8
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. James I. O’Neill at West Point Golf Course
4 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
Result: Liberty 1, Sullivan West 19
In a season defined by growth and perseverance, the Redhawks took the field again this Wednesday with a focus on teamwork and growth. While the final score was 19-1 in favor of a strong Sullivan West team, the Redhawks remained a united front, filling the dugout with cheers and encouragement for one another from the first pitch to the final out.
Facing a dominant performance in the circle by Sullivan West’s Jocelyn Doyle, the Redhawks stayed disciplined and continued to put the ball into play. Maddy Stewart Ignited the Liberty offense with a sharp line drive to right field and used her speed to cross the plate for the Redhawks’ run. Amy Szuba added a base hit later in the game. Lilli Black put together two exceptional at-bats, showing great patience to draw two walks and reach base twice.
What the box score doesn’t show is the positivity displayed by the team as they continued to cheer each other on right up to the last at bat. Throughout five tough innings, the Redhawks never let their heads hang. Instead, they focused on the “small wins”—learning to back up plays, communicate on the field, and celebrating every hard-fought out.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville.
Thursday, April 9
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Washingtonville at The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge.
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Elementary School
Friday, April 10
4 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty High School
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Warwick Valley School District at Warwick Valley Country Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Result: Liberty 6, O’Neill 5
The Redhawks Varsity Softball team proved that resilience is their greatest strength last night, shaking off two difficult opening games to claim a thrilling 6-5 victory over James I. O’Neill. In a contest that featured four lead changes, the Redhawks showcased a perfect blend of “small ball” execution, stellar defense, and a dominant closing performance in the circle.
Angie Wheeler was the story of the game, delivering a masterful performance that kept the Raiders off balance. Wheeler tossed a complete game, and as the pressure mounted, she only got stronger. She dominated the final stretch, retiring the last seven Raiders batters in order to seal the win. Angie gave up 4 earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 11 and walking none.
The Redhawk bats came alive exactly when they were needed most. After O’Neill rallied for three runs to snatch a 5-3 lead in the 5th, Liberty refused to flinch. In a masterclass of situational hitting and baserunning, the Redhawks manufactured a three-run 6th inning to reclaim the lead for good. The rally began as Lilli Black took one for the team, reaching base after being hit by a pitch. Charlotte Horton followed with a walk, putting two runners on. After both runners advanced on a wild pitch, Tianna Wilson came through with a clutch groundout to first, driving in Lilli to cut the deficit to one. Then the Redhawks’ top of the order delivered: Maddy Stewart and Angie Wheeler ignited the dugout with back-to-back line-drive singles, scoring Horton and knotting the game at 5-5. Giuliana Wagner then provided the decisive blow, grounding out to second base to drive in Stewart for the go-ahead run.
Angie then closed out the game, quieting the O’Neill bats in consecutive scoreless innings and striking out the final batter to secure the Varsity’s first win of the season.
Angie finished the day at the plate going 3-for-4 with two runs scored while Maddy was stellar from the leadoff spot, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Giuliana provided some key at bats for the offense, driving in 3 RBI to power the Redhawk scoring surges.
It was a total team effort for the Redhawks to secure the win. From the defense, to the clutch hitting to the solid work by Angie and the bench never letting up the vocal support from the sidelines, it was a day to remember.
Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12
No events scheduled.
A message from the superintendent regarding lead-based paint discovered at LES
Dear Redhawk family,
The New York State Department of Health’s Middletown District Office (DOH) conducted an assessment for lead in classrooms at the Liberty Elementary School on March 26 and March 31. DOH identified the presence of lead-based paint in several classrooms. We want to reassure families that the presence of lead-based paint alone does not pose a health risk. Lead-based paint becomes hazardous when it is damaged, chipping or peeling. The School District is working closely with DOH to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to address any areas where lead-based paint remediation is required, and to confirm that learning environments remain safe for students and staff.
As a reminder, water from all outlets that are used or could potentially be used for drinking or cooking were tested in the Liberty Elementary School in April 2025. All water outlets with levels of lead at or above the lead action level of 5 parts per billion (ppb) were immediately removed from service. The school retested all replaced outlets in May 2025 and the test results were below the action level.
If you have questions or concerns about lead exposure and your child’s health, we encourage you to contact your pediatrician. For additional information, we are sharing a resource from the New York State Department of Health: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/. We will provide updates as they become available.
If you have any questions, email Questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
LMS students take the lead in spring conferences
Spring conferences looked quite a bit different at Liberty Middle School last week.
Rather than parents and guardians meeting with their child’s teachers, the students took the lead in reviewing their year so far.
During the meetings on March 26 students shared their Leadership Portfolio, a curated collection of their work, goals and reflections; talked about specific learning successes; discussed their academic strengths and growth areas and set personal goals for the remainder of the school year.
“Our data from the last three years shows that when students are responsible for explaining their own progress, they become more engaged and motivated,” LMS administrators said in a letter home to families. “This shift is a key part of our commitment to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment. It moves the conversation from a report of grades to a meaningful dialogue about growth, character, and leadership.”
The student-led conferences align with the Middle School’s Comprehensive Education Plan as well as the district’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.
The student-led conferences have helped lead to more family involvement during the spring meetings. The number of families attending more than doubled from the 2023-24 school year, with more than 260 attending the most recent conferences.
