Cars filled the parking lots at the Liberty Middle/High School on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, as faculty and staff were welcomed back to their first day of school.

After catching up with colleagues and meeting new ones, the Liberty Redhawks gathered in the auditorium for the opening day program.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan welcomed everyone with a theme of “impact.”

“I encourage everyone to think about the person who impacted you,” he said, “that person might be why you are here today. Impact creates hope, and hope inspires greatness.”

The goals of the opening conference days are to help ensure that impact aligns with the district’s five-year strategic plan and to ensure all are on the same page to make Liberty a great place to learn.

After speeches by Board of Education President Pamela Teed Fisk and union presidents, Dr. Sullivan and the school principals presented years of service pins to several staff members, with special recognition to three who have served LCSD for 32 years.

The strategic plan, District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and related plans were next on the agenda. Dr. Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Derek Adams reviewed the plans and specific programs, policies and procedures with faculty and staff.

The important issues of mental health and technology safety were also addressed Tuesday morning.

Following union meetings and lunch, faculty and staff returned to their classrooms and buildings to complete required courses and trainings.

The learning will continue on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with building- and department-based meetings and activities throughout the day in preparation for the first day of school for students on Thursday, Sept. 4.