Author: Denielle.Cazzolla
MTSS growing at Liberty, giving students the support they need to succeed
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. Earlier this year, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs. Last month, the Curriculum pillar was the focus, with Multi-Tier System of Supports, or MTSS, up now.
To review the strategic intents of the MTSS pillar:
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk academically, students needing language acquisition, and students needing enrichment, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk socially, emotionally and behaviorally, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- The District will implement post benchmark data analysis meetings that require at least three data points (Academic/SEL Screener and two additional data points) to identify or refer students to Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions through vertically articulated Student Support/MTSS meetings that are regularly scheduled and attended.
What does this mean?
Many factors impact how a student learns. These factors include academic skills, cultural barriers, socio-economic struggles, as well as social, emotional or behavioral challenges. An effective MTSS model will allow schools to provide ALL students the tools they need to succeed, as well as assess if those tools are working.
What is LCSD doing?
The Leader in Me (LIM) framework has been implemented in all schools to provide all students the leadership and life skills they need. But to determine what supports students may require, screenings are needed. The DESSA SEL (social-emotional learning) screener has been implemented at all schools to help identify students who may need interventions. At the Elementary and Middle schools, Renaissance STAR and HMH assessments are provided three times a year to assess students progress in reading and math. The schools also use interventions from HMH, and other SEL interventions, aligned with LIM. At Liberty High School, Academic Intervention Service (AIS) classes help prepare students for Regents. There are also language acquisition supports, such as the Newcomer Global Learner program, for multilingual learners at LHS..
These have helped the schools set up small-group support as well as more intense behavior interventions for SEL support.
Implementation of MTSS model is underway at the elementary and middle schools by providing a referral form, creating meeting structures and post-benchmark analysis meetings as well as using common intervention programs for Grades K-8, such as student-centered Wildly Important Goals, enrichment for grades K-8, and cross-cultural based events.
The goal is to set aside more time for analysis, continue the meet between buildings to align approach, implementation and results, while enhancing academic intervention systems for the High School.
“Our MTSS model is getting stronger and we are committed to ensuring all of our students are given the support they need,” Superintendent Dr. Sullivan said. “It is critical to our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.”
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the third 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.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 2-8, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 2
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 3
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Events postponed due to weather.
Friday, Dec. 6
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Dec.7
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 8
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Traffic pattern temporarily changing at LES
Because of a sinkhole in the Liberty Elementary School lawn near the “Kiss and Drop” area next to the Liberty Public Library, the “Kiss and Drop” area will be closed until further notice. The doorway at that school entrance has been closed off and the area around the sinkhole has been cordoned off.
Starting Monday, Dec.2, all traffic for Liberty Elementary will enter the main driveway. Through traffic will proceed as usual to School Street while buses are not on campus.
The main entrance will be two-way traffic while buses are on campus.
Students may be dropped off for early arrival at the Main Entrance starting at 7:15 a.m.
Buses will enter the driveway at 7:35 a.m. and assemble in the rear driveway. No vehicles will exit through the rear driveway until the buses release and exit.
From 7:35 to about 7:50 a.m., vehicles may enter the driveway to drop off students on the main entrance curb, and then will proceed to follow traffic through the first tier parking area and exit through the main entrance. There will be staff members outside to help direct traffic
This traffic pattern will remain in effect until the situation with the sinkhole is resolved.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2024
The winter sports season kicks off this week with a boys basketball multi-scrimmage.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Nov. 25
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Nov. 26
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball multi-scrimmage vs. multiple schools at Sullivan County Community College
Wednesday, Nov. 27
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Nov. 28
No events scheduled.
Friday, Nov. 29
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Nov. 30
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 1
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
LCSD stories earn recognition from state school PR group
Two stories featured on the Liberty Central School District website and shared with local media during the 2023-24 school year earned an “Excellence” rating in the New York School Public Relations Association’s contest.
The two stories, written by public information specialist Denielle Cazzolla, were used to highlight the district’s five-year strategic plan in action. They each earned an “Excellence” rating by the National School Public Relations Association this summer, as well..
The first story, “LHS senior uses NASA opportunities to help further her goals beyond the rainbow,” focused on Jayla Edwards. The 2024 graduate was selected for a very competitive program hosted by NASA between her junior and senior years at Liberty High School. She then was among a select few in the program to have an additional learning experience. The story also highlighted her interests in theater, as she played Dorothy in the Liberty Performing Arts fall production, “The Wizard of Oz” her senior year.
The second story, “New technology brings history to life,” showed the sixth grade social studies classes of Samantha Abplanalp using AI to “interview” Egyptian pharaohs. Not only did students learn about the leaders from centuries ago, they also were required to assess the accuracy of the information provided by ChatGPT, bringing 21st century skills into the classroom.
“These two stories highlight just two of the many ways our district is working to embrace and enact our strategic plan. They show the dedication Liberty Central School District, as a whole, has to our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “The recognition shows how effectively we communicate to our community what makes Liberty a great place to learn.”
Liberty Middle School recognized by Woz ED
Liberty Elementary to earn honor in 2025-26
Liberty Middle School has been officially recognized as a Woz ED Career Pathway School. At the recent Woz ED Pathway Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, Technical Education Teacher Mike Diehl accepted this prestigious award on behalf of the school.
To earn this recognition, a school must demonstrate a strong commitment to providing career-focused pathways for students, including the integration of at least five distinct Career Pathways, offering STEM education to all learners, and maintaining a 1:3 or higher student-to-device ratio. Liberty Middle School is working to implement dynamic STEM curricula in robotics, engineering and design, coding, drones and cybersecurity, helping students develop skills that will prepare them for the future.
In addition, Liberty Elementary School will also be recognized as a Woz ED Pathway School during the 2025-26 school year. The elementary school is moving forward with the implementation of the Woz ED STEM curriculum, setting the stage for even more STEM opportunities for Liberty’s youngest learners.
These curricula are designed to provide students with specialized pathways in the rapidly evolving STEM fields, offering a structured learning environment that emphasizes hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and creativity.
“At Liberty, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world,” said Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore. “We look forward to seeing how these programs will continue to shape and inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
LPD beats LCSD again in annual basketball game; scholarship fund wins
The Liberty Central School District team was looking for its first victory over the Liberty Police Department team in the third annual LPD vs LCSD basketball game on Wednesday, Nov. 14. But it was not meant to be, as LPD kept its winning streak alive. The real winner, though, was the Senior Athlete Scholarship, which earned more than $900 through the event.
Organizer Erin Alvord, a LHS physical education teacher, offered the following thanks:
- Officer/Coach Lake for organizing the officers and for his continued support of this event.
- The LPD for their generous donation to scholarships as they have for the last three years.
- Our LCSD team: Joe Franke, Beth Quatrale, Rich Feeney, Felix Colon, Jenna Genco, Andrew Philips, Jamie Black, Peter Owens, Sonia Lemus, Roothland Medina, Kate Rusin, Jermaine Ferguson, Derek Adams and Dr. Sullivan for showing up and working hard despite the loss.
- LCSD Coach Dave Philips!
- The LPD team. Congrats on the win!
- Ralph Bressler for announcing, singing the National Anthem and keeping the clock.
- All of our chaperones for helping to keep the event safe.
- Sarah Davis, Ashley Bury and Paul Voigtland for taking entry fees.
- The Booster Club for their bake sale and 50/50.
- Mrs. Bull for taking pics and gathering the Junior class to sell concessions.
- The officials for coming out long before their season starts.
- LMS students Montgomery Allen and Grace Fitzgerald for keeping the book.
- Everyday Apparel for making the staff t-shirts.
- The community, staff and all the students who came out for the event; and
- A huge, huge, THANK YOU to our custodial staff for setting up before and cleaning up after.
“As you can see, although I organize this, it takes a village, and I truly appreciate everyone who shows up to play or help in any way they can,” Alvord said.
Syracuse adds acceptance, scholarship benefit for eligible SUPA participants
This year, Liberty Central School District began a partnership with Syracuse University to offer Syracuse University Project Advance to Liberty High School Students. SUPA offers advanced courses for college credit. Biology 1 and 2 is being offered at Liberty this year, with Chemistry to be added for the 2025-26 school year.
An added benefit recently announced by Syracuse University is “Guaranteed Orange,” the opportunity to have guaranteed acceptance into Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Science with a $20,000 per year tuition scholarship for eligible students.
“We were excited to partner with Syracuse University on SUPA,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “This additional benefit can have a huge positive impact on the college and career choices of our students who chose to participate.”
To be eligible for “Guaranteed Orange,” students must have completed or plan to complete at least six credit hours through SUPA, Syracuse University Summer College or Accelerated Semester Online by the end of their high school senior spring semester, have a 3.0 grade-point average in the courses completed, have an overall high school GPA of 3.7 or higher and apply to Syracuse University by the deadline of Nov. 15 for Early Decision or Jan. 5 for regular decision or Early Decision II.
For more information, visit the Guaranteed Orange page on the Syracuse University website.
LCSD faculty and staff start November with a day of learning
A day off? Not for Liberty Central School District faculty and staff. Friday, Nov. 1, was a day of learning and professional development.
The day started with the presentation of “Disrupt and Adapt:Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI” by keynote speaker Eric Sheninger, founder and chief executive officer of Aspire Change EDU. Sheninger offered thoughts on how faculty and staff can make artificial intelligence work for them by helping them plan, save time, make learning personal, and rethink and adjust the classroom experience to embrace emerging technology.
After the keynote, faculty and staff had breakout sessions and time for professional development, focusing on specific responsibilities, curriculum, teaching methods and trainings. Specially Designed Instruction and Integrated Co-Teaching sessions were offered to address the needs of LCSD’s special education teachers. Sheninger also led breakout sessions for each school.
A highlight of the day was welcoming media specialists and librarians from across the county to see the Middle School’s InventionLand Innovation Lab.
“Learning is a lifelong process,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “It is important to provide opportunities for our faculty and staff to develop new methods and skills to give our students the best education possible.”
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.