Author: Denielle.Cazzolla
Parents, guardians encouraged to sign up for ParentSquare
Liberty Middle School parents and guardians can stay involved with their students’ learning and activities of school anywhere with the ParentSquare app.
Invitations to sign up for ParentSquare have been sent to all parent or guardian email addresses on file with the district. Those who did not get the invitation or may have missed it, can visit www.parentsquare.com/signin and register their account using the phone number or email address on file with the district. Those who are unable to sign in should reach out to the LMS main office at 845-292-5400, ext. 2311, to confirm the correct information is on file.
All critical information is sent to parents and guardians via phone, email and/or text, even if they are not signed up. However, to receive all communications, including district-, school- and classroom-level posts, as well as access to direct messaging with staff, signup is required. ParentSquare can be accessed via the computer, but for even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).
Those who have questions can click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version of Parent Square or the Help tab on the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most questions.
Learn more about ParentSquare at https://www.libertyk12.org/academics/family-involvement/parentsquare/
BOE recognizes Excellence in Service award winners
A high school school counselor, a middle school special education teacher and an elementary school teacher assistant were recognized by the Liberty Central School District Board of Education with Excellence in Service Awards on Jan. 7
Meaghan Anstee
Mrs. Anstee, a school counselor, was nominated by three people who work closely with her in the High School Guidance Department. They highlighted her work with her colleagues and with Liberty students, calling her “invaluable” and a “huge asset” to the department.
“She is such a positive influence for her students, and her ability to stay calm, cool and collected always is such an inspiration,” one nomination read.
Her compassion set her apart, another nominator wrote. “Always smiling, always a feeling of open arms when students come to her door, she takes time to sit and explain things to her caseload,” the nomination read. “She always makes time for people and Liberty couldn’t be luckier to have such an asset like Mrs. Anstee.”
Danielle Cummins
Mrs. Cummins, a special education teacher, was recognized for her commitment to being a positive influence in her students’ lives.
“Her commitment to education isn’t just about academic success—it’s about the well-being and growth of each individual student,” her nominator wrote. “Whether it’s providing extra support in the classroom, offering a listening ear, or simply making students feel seen and heard, she always creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”
Her nomination also highlighted her school spirit and her dedication to the broader school community.
“Her positive attitude is contagious, and she inspires both students and staff to engage with the school community in meaningful ways,” the nomination read. “She frequently volunteers for committees, collaborates with fellow teachers, and lends her expertise whenever and wherever it’s needed.
“Above all, Mrs. Cummins is a kind-hearted, fun-loving teacher who brings joy to those around her… she makes the school a better place for everyone. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, and her positive impact will be felt for years to come,” the nomination concluded.
Ellen Blais
Mrs. Blais, a teacher assistant, was described as “the epitome of a patient, kind and engaging educator” by her nominator.
She regularly evaluates and readjusts plans to meet her AIS students’ needs while challenging them to learn more, according to her nomination. She works at multiple grade levels, “bringing encouragement and a smile wherever she goes. We are extremely lucky to have her as part of our AIS Reading team,” the nomination read.
Each month, faculty and staff members nominate others they believe are going above and beyond, be it a single act of excellence or kindness or a continuous work ethic.
We congratulate these employees on their awards.
Culture pillar ensures LCSD’s focus is on mission, vision
As Liberty Central School District approaches the midway point of its five-year strategic plan, the district is taking time to evaluate what has been accomplished so far and what still needs to be done. Earlier this school year, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs, the Curriculum pillar and the Multi-Tier System of Supports pillar. Now it is time to take a look at the Culture pillar.
To review the strategic intent of the Culture pillar:
- By 2027, all policies, procedures and communication will encompass the key elements of the district’s mission and vision as evidenced by perception survey data.
What does this mean?
While this pillar may be the shortest, in terms of words in its strategic intent, it perhaps holds the largest overall impact. This pillar’s goal is to ensure that the district keeps its mission and vision at the center of what it does, in words and in actions, as well as clearly communicate to all its staff, families and community that commitment.
What is LCSD doing?
The district reinforces its mission, vision and beliefs internally at staff meetings and conference days. Community forums are used to provide information to and seek feedback from families. Administrators also present the district’s efforts at community and governmental organization meetings.
The district has also taken the steps to bring the community together through community-school based activities such as All Things Liberty Winter Festival.
It is also important to see if the efforts are working, so the district administers culture and climate surveys and focus groups to allow the school community to evaluate the district’s progress.
For more information on the Culture pillar or the strategic plan, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the fourth 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 Jan. 6-12, 2025
Our student athletes are in action this week in alpine skiing, basketball, indoor track and field and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Jan. 6
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track & Field Exhibition vs. Multiple Schools at SUNY Sullivan.
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Eldred at Liberty Middle School
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
5:45 a.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Eldred at Liberty Middle School.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
Wednesday, Jan. 8
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track & Field Invitational vs. Multiple Schools at SUNY Sullivan.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Livingston Manor High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty High School.
5:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Livingston Manor High School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Red Hook Central at Red Hook High School
Thursday, Jan. 9
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Alpine Skiing Giant Slalom vs. Multiple Schools at Holiday Mountain
5:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Wrestling vs. Goshen at C. J. Hooker Middle School
5:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
7 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
Friday, Jan. 10
All events postponed or canceled.
Saturday, Jan. 11
7:45 a.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling Tournament vs. Owego Free Academy at Owego Free Academy
Sunday, Jan. 12
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 30, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 30
7:30 a.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Tournament vs. Coxsackie-Athens at Coxsackie-Athens High School
Tuesday, Dec. 31
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Jan. 2
No events scheduled.
Friday, Jan. 3
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
Saturday, Jan. 4
8 a.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Tournament vs. Edgemont Junior Senior at Edgemont High School
8 a.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling Tournament vs. multiple at Edgemont High School.
Sunday, Jan. 5
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 23-29, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball and indoor track and field
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 23
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 24
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
No events scheduled
Thursday, Dec. 26
No events scheduled.
Friday, Dec. 27
1 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament vs. Walton/Downsville at Downsville Central School.
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament vs. Walton/Downsville at Downsville Central School.
6 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track and Field vs. multiple schools at Armory Track.
Highlights: A few standout performances were had by the 4x200m relay team of Starr Harris, Alyssa Padilla, Brooke Bull and Sydania Forster who took third place overall out of 29 teams. Brooke Bull took 5th place overall in the pole vault with a vault of 9’6” breaking the school record which was previously 9’3” and Starr Harris was 9th overall in the 55m hurdles.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Time TBD: Boys JV and Varsity Basketball tournament at Downsville Central School.
Sunday, Dec. 29
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 16-22, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in alpine skiing, basketball, indoor track and field and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 16
All events canceled.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Alpine Skiing Scrimmage vs. multiple schools at Belleayre Mountain Ski Area.
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track and Field Invitational vs. Multiple schools at SUNY Sullivan.
4 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello Middle School.
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
5:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello Middle School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. New Paltz at New Paltz High School.
Thursday, Dec. 19
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Modified Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Monticello High School.
Friday, Dec. 20
All events postponed or canceled
Saturday, Dec. 21
8 a.m.: Boys Wrestling Varsity Tournament vs. Hudson Falls at Hudson Falls High School
Sunday, Dec. 22
9 a.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Tournament vs. Red Creek at Red Creek High School
Highlight: Isabella Wagner took third at the Girls Freestyle Round Robin .
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
New temporary traffic pattern at LES to begin Dec. 16
Beginning Monday, Dec. 16, there will be a temporary closure of a portion of the main driveway over the box culvert that runs under the “Kiss and Drop” lawn.
Arrival and dismissal traffic will be permitted to enter the rear School Street driveway to drop off at the Main Entrance starting at 7:15 a.m. through 7:33 a.m. No drop off traffic will be permitted while buses are on campus. Traffic may resume after the buses exit at 7:55 a.m.
The North Main Street entrance is open for student drop off through the “kiss and drop” loop. NO vehicles will be permitted to park in the “Kiss and Drop” loop. Vehicles will exit onto Main Street and will be required to make a right turn into the flow of traffic.
There will be staff outside to help direct traffic.
The district is working to resume regular traffic patterns as soon as possible.
Amid rumors of retaliation, games postponed
Liberty Central School District has been made aware of rumors spreading on social media of retaliation potentially being made against those involved in the stabbing incident yesterday, Dec. 12. The rumors have been investigated by the Liberty Police Department and have been deemed non-credible.
Safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
As a precautionary measure, the basketball games scheduled for today at Liberty Middle and High Schools have been postponed.
Also, out of an abundance of caution, the increased police presence will continue at the Middle and High Schools.
Those with questions may email questions@libertyk12.org.
Five arrests made in stabbing near MS/HS campus
Liberty Police Department has arrested five individuals in relation to the altercation that led to the stabbing yesterday, Dec.12, just off the Liberty Middle/High School campus at the end of the school day.
Below is LPD’s statement, in part, released about 9:30 p.m. yesterday:
“On Thursday 12/12/24 at approximately 3:00 pm the Village of Liberty Police Department responded to a report of a fight in progress near the Liberty High School on Buckley Street in the Village of Liberty. School Resource Officers (SROs) at Liberty Middle and High Schools, in collaboration with Liberty School staff, located a 16-year-old stabbing victim who had entered school grounds seeking help after being attacked on Buckley Street. Responding officers immediately identified two suspects fleeing from the scene and after a short foot pursuit arrested two 15 year old male juveniles. School Resource Officers provided immediate first aid to the victim including applying a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding from multiple stab wounds. Care of the 16 year old juvenile was transferred to Mobile Medic EMS and the juvenile was transported via helicopter to Westchester Medical Center. At the time of the writing of this release the juvenile was in stable but critical condition.
“Within hours the investigation had resulted in the Village of Liberty Police Department locating and arresting two additional 17 year old female juveniles and Ricco Molina, 18 of Liberty. All five individuals were charged with Assault in the 1st degree and Gang Assault in the 1st degree, felonies. Ricco Molina was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and remanded to Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 secured bond or $40,000 partially secured bond. All 4 of the juvenile suspects were arraigned in front of the Honorable Troy Johnstone sitting as the accessible after hour’s magistrate for the Youth Part of Sullivan County Superior Court. Both of the 17 year old female juveniles as well as one of the 15 year old male juveniles were released on their own recognizance to appear at the Youth Part of Superior Court on a later date. The second 15 year old male juvenile was remanded to the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services at a secure detention facility.
“The Village of Liberty Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police. …
“The investigation into this incident is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Village of Liberty Police Department Detective Division. Specifically if anyone has cell phone video of the incident please call 845-292-4422.”
In addition, Liberty Central School District will be taking action, according to its Code of Conduct, against all Liberty students involved in this incident.
“I want to thank our SROs for their swift actions on treating the victim, as well as LPD for their quick response to this incident,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
The district has additional law enforcement on the Middle/High School campus today, as a precaution and to enhance the safety of students and staff. Counselors are available to all students or staff members who wish to talk about this incident.
Those who have questions may email questions@libertyk12.org.