• Don’t miss the Liberty Redhawks staff take on the Harlem Wizards on Monday, March 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the game at 6:30.  For more information, click here.
  • Liberty Central School District has reopened its Date Triangle parent survey. Text and email messages with links to the survey have been sent to district parents and guardians. If you haven’t received the link, please contact Marianne Serratore, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, at 845-292-5400, ext. 2063, or mserratore@libertyk12.org. The survey closes March 22.
  • LCSD families, please take the Digital Equity Survey. Learn more about the Digital Equity here or take the Digital Equity Survey here.

Hundreds see All Things Liberty has to offer at winter festival

The Liberty High School gymnasium lobby and surrounding hallways were packed Saturday, Feb. 24, with vendors, informational booths and games to bring the community together for the inaugural All Things Liberty Winter Festival.

A police officer shows a young student how to dust for fingerprints on a glass.Hundreds of students, parents and guardians, as well as community members, flocked to the event, where they could play carnival-type games, sing karaoke, learn about programs and activities in the district and get information about 15 local programs and organizations. Attendees also were able to purchase wares from nearly a dozen craft vendors

“I am bursting with pride to be a part of such an extraordinary community,” said Community Schools Coordinator Stacy Feasel, who organized the event. “Our exceptional teachers and staff demonstrated unwavering dedication, with many devoting not only their time on Saturday but also months of meticulous planning and organization.”

Dozens of student volunteers took part as well.

A student reads a book to an audience seated in chairs as another student holds a microphone for her“Our student volunteers were simply outstanding, taking ownership of their roles and offering assistance wherever needed,” Feasel added.

More than $400 in monetary and food contributions benefited the Snack Pack Program, which provides meals to families in need over weekends and breaks.

The All Things Liberty Winter Festival supports the district’s five-year strategic plan pillar of culture.

“We are proud to be able to showcase what makes Liberty — the school and community — a great place in which to learn and live,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

More photos from the event can be found on the LCSD Facebook page and LCSD Instagram page.

Faculty, staff learn on students’ day off

Liberty Central School students didn’t have to answer the morning bell Friday, Feb. 16, but that was not the case for the faculty and staff.

It was a conference day full of learning and working to improve faculty and staff skills and knowledge to enhance their students’ classroom experience.

“It is important to offer time for our teachers to become students by offering vital professional development opportunities,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

The day started in the high school cafeteria with breakfast for all district staff.

Faculty and staff then broke into professional development sessions based on school or job description.

Elementary and middle school teachers started by working on their curriculum maps, which outlines the expectations and standards for each subject and grade level.

A woman stands to the right of screen with a display about educational superheroes as a teacher sits in the foreground
MaryAnn Brittingham presented “Strategies for Working with ‘I Don’t Care’ students, to high school teachers during the Feb. 16 conference day.

At that time, high school staff took part in a workshop with education consultant MaryAnn Brittingham, who focused on working with students who have an “I don’t care” attitude, explaining what is behind it and providing strategies to approach these students with a different mindset

Middle school staff was next for Brittingham, who addressed problems with students whose difficult home lives may impact their behavior in school. She explained methods to de-escalate situations and discussed: “What is under anger?” “Window of tolerance” and “The 3 R’s to assist in de-escalation.”

After lunch, Brittingham then spoke to elementary staff on understanding and handling attention-seeking and manipulative behaviors among students. “Utilizing and Documenting Tier 2 Behavior Interventions in the Classroom; Put the Game on the Table” aimed to help staff decipher the underlying needs behind such behavior and find ways to address them.

Brittingham finished the day working with middle school administration and student services staff on  implementation of strategies and accountability measures.

A group of teachers sit at a circular table working on Chromebooks
Elementary teachers worked collaboratively on curriculum maps during the Feb. 16 Conference Day

Other professional development opportunities included training for new substitutes, teacher assistants and aides, strategies for English Language Learners classrooms, using the DESSA/Aperture social and emotional screener, working with education consultants PLC Associates on Explicit Direct Instruction methods for giving transparent learning targets, breaking down complex concepts and setting up clear instructions for learning and more.

LCSD holds regular conference days to offer faculty and staff professional development in support of the five-year strategic plan. The sessions cover all pillars of the plan — curriculum, coherence, culture and MTSS, or Multi-Tier System of Supports.

Three earn Excellence in Service Awards

Three Liberty Central School District staff members were honored by the Board of Education during the Feb. 13 meeting. Earning Excellence in Service awards were Liberty Elementary School Psychologist Mary Bayer, Middle School head custodian Anthony Lesczynski and High School Teacher Assistant Paul Minton.

Mary Bayer

A woman hold a folder with two men standing on either side of herBayer was recognized for her advocacy for students and teachers at the school.

“Mary is admired and loved by every teacher and student at Liberty Elementary,” the nomination read. “She is always available to speak with colleagues, give them advice, and help them through situations with students.”

Her efforts to do what is best for students and staff sets her apart.

“Mary works hard every day in her role as school psychologist and chairs the Elementary 504 meetings,” the nomination read. “Mary is an invaluable resource for her department and works tirelessly to make sure all the needs of students are met.”

Anthony Lesczynski

Two men stand together one holding an 8x10 certificate in a folderwith the other holds a smaller certificateLesczynski was honored for going “above and beyond for all staff in the Middle School.”

“Anything that is asked of him and his team, gets done efficiently and with professionalism,” the nomination read. “He is a true leader and builds relationships with his colleagues and co-workers. He is one of the biggest assets to our building.”

Paul Minton

Two men stand together one holding an 8x10 certificate in a folder with the other holds a smaller certificateMinton’s willingness to assist in any capacity at the school earned him the honor.

“We rely on Paul to help us with kids, faculty, and any other needs we may have,” the nomination read. “He is and has been a huge part of LHS for years.”

Each month, 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 three staff members on their awards.

LES students complete winter reading challenge at Liberty Library

Five students hold stuffed polar bearsTen Liberty Elementary Students completed the Winter Reading Challenge at the Liberty Library and earned their tickets to make a “Build a Buddy,” a stuffed polar bear, on Feb. 3.

To complete the challenge, students had to read 20 picture books by themselves or with a grown-up’s help, or read four chapter books by themselves between Dec. 18 and Jan. 31.

Congratulations to Athena Dailey, Parker Gissentaner, Kyra Magie, Anastasia Honcharenko, Sevyn Straker, Nova Keating, Lillian Keating, Emily Marques, Jayden Thomas and James Crandall.

Liberty student photographers earn honors at regional event

Liberty High School student photographers were honored Friday, Feb. 2, for their award-winning work at the Mid Hudson Region Scholastic Art & Writing Awards ceremony at SUNY New Paltz.

Liberty photo students and Liberty Photo Club members earned eight Gold Keys,14 Silver Keys and 18 Honorable Mentions. The ceremony was followed by the opening of the show containing all Key winners’ work. Seven of Liberty’s Key winners were able to attend the ceremony.

Gold Key winners, the top 5% of all photographs, were Kaitlyn Bodolosky, who won two, and Endya Alvarez, Maria Quintanilla Bonilla, Joaquin Isler Diaz, Allison Vasko, Leonel Malaga Ventura and Rachel Yaun, who each won one.

Silver Key winners, the top 10%, were Leonel Malaga Ventura with four, Jill Baumander, Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Allison Vasko and Rachel Yaun, each with two, and  Endya Alvarez and Giovanni Flores Leon each with one.

Honorable mentions, top 11% and 12%, were awarded to  Leonel Malaga Ventura with four,  Joaquin Isler Diaz, Madelline Kelly and Rachel Yaun, each with three, Allison Vasko with two, and Endya Alvarez, Kaitlyn Bodolosky and Maria Quintanilla Bonilla, each with one.

The winning photographs can be seen here.

Middle schoolers learn “Real Food Rules”

Students in sixth grade at Liberty Middle School spent two Fridays in the fall learning — and singing — about food.

STEAM Fund (Siegel Trust Enriching Arts & Music) at CFOS (Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan) brought its Real Food Song Program to LMS on Oct.13 and 24.

There, the students learned about where food comes from and how it is delivered, with the goal of helping create a generational change in the choices they make.

“We were happy to welcome the Real Food Song Program to Liberty Middle School,” Principal Heather Cheh said. “With Sullivan County being near the bottom in statewide health rankings, we want to do our part to help change that statistic for the positive.”

A student in the front row raises her hands as two adults speak at the front of the classroom

Facilitated through the STEAM fund at CFOS, the program is supported educationally in collaboration with the not-for-profit, A Single Bite, whose mission is to feed —  and educate — Sullivan County residents with real, local food.

“It was great to witness the excitement and enthusiasm the LMS students exhibited,” STEAM Founder Gary Siegel said..  “As part of STEAM’s Healthy Habits Initiative, the Real Food Song Program is one of many local programs designed to improve the health of the children, teens and adults in our schools and communities, providing them with tools to make healthier choices while having fun.”

Students stand on risers with chairs behind them and singThe songwriting program presents the students with the opportunity to ponder questions such as “What does food mean to you?  Where does it come from?  What does it do?  What are your favorites … are they real?  How does food make you feel?”

“The experience was so cool. I was grateful to be able to do that,” student Madison Allen said. “I learned the importance of eating real food.”

A man with his right pointer finger up and a woman holding her right palm out direct students as they singIn the interactive songwriting workshops, the singer-songwriter teaching artists, Scott Bierko and Beth Bierko, introduced the concepts of real vs. processed food to the students and taught about songwriting and musical concepts such as rhythm and form. Under the guidance of Bierkos, the students collectively wrote their own lyrics to the song “Real Food Rules” and then recorded their own version.

“I think that real food is good and healthy,” student Atticus Macnimara said. As for the song? “The best part is the chorus.”

A video was created with the participating students, shared in recent assemblies at LMS and can be seen below:

Two inducted into Liberty Wall of Fame

Two Liberty Central School District graduates who had huge impacts on the school and community were honored Friday, June 23, during the annual Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame ceremony that was held before graduation.

More than 80 friends and family of Joyce Eggler Teed and Daniel C. Thalmann attended the ceremony, which was moved from the high school lobby to the cafeteria because of the large number of attendees.

“The overwhelming response of those who wished to honor these two worthy alumni was impressive,” said LCSD Assistant Superintendent Lynnette Brunger, who led the ceremony. “They both show the positive impact one individual can have on a community.”

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.

Danny Thalmann

A man hands a proclamation to two women at left in front of a Liberty Pride banner, as a woman watches at right.
Danny Thalmann’s daughters Alyssa Thalmann and Jessica Osterhout receive a proclamation from Sullivan County Legislator Luis Alvarez, as Assistant Superintendent Lynnette Brunger watches.

First to be honored was Danny Thalmann, who passed away last year. Thalmann graduated from Liberty in 1981, and after a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, opened Thalmann’s Service Center in 1989. His business was more than a place where vehicles were fixed, it was also a place where generosity flowed easily.

His daughters, Alyssa Thalmann and Jessica Osterhout, accepted the award on his behalf. They spoke of their father’s love of Liberty and how much he loved to give back to the community.

He served in several local organizations, including the Elks and Lions. He also donated his time and money to several organizations, including Liberty Rotary Club, the Boys & Girls Club, Liberty Cub Scout Pack 717, AYSO Soccer, Little Leagues, Soap Box Derby and the Liberty Fire Department. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow Award winner for his contributions to Rotary.

Thalmann’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic also showed his commitment to Liberty. His donations helped ensure the LHS Class of 2022 was able to have prom and a senior trip since fundraising efforts were disrupted by the shutdowns. He also volunteered to bag and deliver vegetables to A Single Bite sites for two summers.

After Thalmann’s daughters spoke, they were presented with proclamations from New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Sullivan County Legislator Luis Alvarez. Alvarez spoke of Thalmann’s big heart that he extended even to those he didn’t know. Alvarez said that when he moved to the area, he didn’t know that many people. When his car broke down, he brought it to Thalmann’s garage to get fixed. He didn’t have much money, and Thalmann told him to pay him back whenever he could. Alvarez said the two became friends, as their children grew up together.

Joyce Teed

A woman speaks at a podium with a Liberty Pride backdrop behind her
Joyce Teed speaks at the podium during the Wall of Fame induction.

The next honoree, Joyce Teed, also recognized Thalmann’s generosity and love of the community, saying she wished he was there so they could be honored together.

Teed, a 1958 graduate and longtime Liberty employee and school board member, was recognized for her contributions to the school and community. She assisted in the establishment of systems and processes that helped the school run efficiently. She was quick to learn and implement computer technology and became the go-to tech person across the district. She held many roles at Liberty from secretary to board member.

Her service to the community went beyond the school setting. She was a star athlete who saw the need to provide various opportunities for girls and young women in the community. Teed was a co-founder of a weekly girls softball team and chartered a 4-H Group. She was also involved in her community through her church as well as various municipal and community boards.

“The last two months, I’ve been asking myself, ‘Why me?’ Why me when there are so many others who are so deserving?” she said, speaking to the crowd.

The reason was evident. She followed her parents’ advice.

“My parents told me to do good, help other people, try to make a difference in the world,” she said.

Her mother gave her additional advice, she added: “Don’t waste your life.”

During the ceremony, Teed was also presented with state and county proclamations from Gunther and Alvarez that recognize her commitment to the community.

“We are honored to recognize these two stalwarts of the community,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “They are truly an inspiration for the graduating Class of 2023.”

Class of 2023 perseveres; 105 students graduate

Liberty Central School District gained more than 100 new alumni as 105 seniors crossed the stage of the high school’s Robert Van Slyke Gymnasium on Friday, June 23, to officially become graduates. 

Graduates prepare to shift their tassels
Graduates prepare to shift their tassels.

The overarching theme of the evening was perseverance, even to the musical selection of the “Rocky” theme song, played by the high school band. 

“The Class of 2023 represents a class of perseverance and courage,” Principal Derek Adams said. “This class is the last high school class to experience pre-COVID, COVID and post-COVID high school life.”

Class President Grace Hernandez said the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic required the class to adapt to the ever-changing situations. “Every challenge in life presents us with an opportunity to learn and grow and to be something positive,” she said. “We had to learn to be more flexible, more adaptable, and most importantly, we learned to hang in there and stick it out in the most difficult of times.”

Class Valedictorian Dylan Nichols and Salutatorian Jackson Wolcott
Class Valedictorian Dylan Nichols and Salutatorian Jackson Wolcott

Learning from the difficulties is important, valedictorian Dylan Nichols said. 

“Hardship defines your character. It is the catalyst for growth. So, as we enter into this new territory, I’m going to challenge you all to embrace the difficulties that you experience. Handle them to the best of your ability, and learn from those experiences,” he said.

That thought was echoed by Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan.

“Throughout our academic and career experiences, we will always face setbacks, and only you can allow these setbacks to become failures,” he said “There is a difference between setbacks and failures, but that difference is up to you. If you allow a setback to stop you from moving forward, it becomes a failure.”

A man speaks at a podium on a stage.
Principal Derek Adams speaks as members of the administration and school board watch on the stage.

Showing the flexibility that the Class of 2023 has had to embrace over the past four years, the ceremony was originally scheduled to be held outside on the football field, but storms forced the event to be moved into the high school gym.

“I think it may be fitting to have the Class of 2023 to have graduation in this gym as the last class to be recognized as Liberty Indians,” Adams said. “This gym represents the history and pride of Liberty as the Indians, and I cannot think of a better class to carry this legacy.”

Because of a state mandate, Liberty has chosen a new mascot and team name, the RedHawks, that will be effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

“This class has overcome too much to think that this graduation is where it ends, so don’t be sad that it’s over, but instead be happy. Be happy for the good times that we’ve had at Liberty, and the good times to come,” Salutatorian Jackson Wolcott said. “Be proud of our accomplishments here at Liberty. To my class, remember to be thankful for those who helped you get to this moment because without them, who knows what the Class of 2023 would look like.”

Students lineup in the aisle ready to cross the stage to get their diplomas
Students line up to cross the stage to get their diplomas

Those classmates have been important, Nichols said. 

“I’ve learned what it means to be a part of a community where we have all done our best for one another,” he said. “Whether it was the painting of senior rock, playing sports, or waking up at 4 a.m. to see the sunset together, this year has taught me what Liberty Pride is all about.”

Nichols’ father, Board of Education President John Nichols, also spoke of the importance of community. 

“It takes a community to raise a child,” he said. “Remember all those that played a role as you grew into the incredible young adults that you are.” 

He also offered advice for the Class of 2023.

A student in a cap and gown speaks at a podium on a stage as adults sit in two rows behind her
Class President Grace Hernandez speaks at the podium.

“You have the choice between good and bad. I’m not talking about right and wrong. I’m not talking about good from evil. What I’m talking about is people and circumstances,” he said. “If you do focus on the negative, this is what will drive your future. Conversely, if you can focus on the good in people and the good in situations, and find the silver lining, your future will reflect those positive attributes and your future will be bright.”

Hernendez challenged her classmates to make that future bright, for themselves and others. “Wherever you go in life, go with all of your heart,” Hernandez said. “Go into the world and do well, but most importantly, go into the world and do good.”

To see the full ceremony, click here.

See more photos on our Facebook page. 

 

Seventh graders get tasty lessons on healthy eating

Liberty Middle School seventh grade students recently learned about the health benefits of consuming local foods and the farm-to-table philosophy thanks to Foster Hospitality and its nonprofit, A Single Bite.

This is the second year LMS and A Single Bite have partnered in this program, which is coordinated by Sara Hazlenis, a LCS alumna. 

A chef prepares a meal as students sit at tables“This program is a great way for students to see different foods that are produced locally, and get them out of their comfort zone by trying new foods that are prepared fresh,” said seventh grade health and PE teacher Rich Feeney.

In January, Kyle Goldstein, A Single Bite presenter and LCS alumnus, visited classes and discussed health and nutrition related statistics for New York state and Sullivan County. Chef Peter Yurasits prepared three “bites” for students to taste and then discuss characteristics of each with their classmates. All ingredients came from different areas of the county, and each student was encouraged to try “A Single Bite” of each snack. 

A person talks to students in a greenhouseThe bites included cheddar cheese on a Granny Smith apple, smoked trout on cucumber, and a potato pancake with applesauce.

Students then took a field trip to Sprouting Dreams Farms in February where they were given the opportunity to explore the grounds with farmer Eugene Thalmann. He discussed goal setting and using resources, as well as conducted a tour of his vegetable farm, which includes three greenhouses that he discussed the purpose for each during the tour. Students sampled a few greens fresh from the garden and enjoyed the company of the farm dog, Loki.

Students eat a meal at a long tableThe following week, students were treated to a farm-to-table, family-style lunch at The Arnold House. The meal included fresh salad, roasted chicken, carrots, fingerling potatoes and a lemon honey tart. All ingredients were locally produced and freshly prepared. Students discussed the tastes, smells and textures of the food while enjoying the meal. After each course, the chef shared with the students where the food came from and how it was prepared. 

A person talks to students sitting at tablesGoldstein returned to the Liberty classrooms mid-February to recap the field trips as well as discuss the difference between real versus processed foods, as well as health benefits. Yurasits prepared three more snacks for the class, and they were asked to once again try “A Single Bite” while describing the food. The bites included parsnip soup, venison summer sausage on a sweet potato chip, and a garlic scape on a roasted carrot.

“It was a great experience,” student Tyler Juron said, “because we learned about local foods and got to eat an amazing lunch.”

Goals are more powerful than wishes

How Liberty schools use goal-setting for improvement

A wish is something we hope happens. A goal is something we make happen. The main difference between wishes and goals are: clear purpose, effort and priority.

Goal-setting is an integral part of the Leader in Me program, which Liberty has instituted in all of its buildings.

This year, elementary and middle school students have begun setting Wildly Important Goals, or WIGs. SMART goals have been a feature at the high school level for several years. In each case, these goals are those determined to be more important than all others. They are specific, measurable and realistic and can be personal or academic.

But setting the goal is only the first step.

Once a goal is identified, action steps are planned to help reach that goal.

For example, an elementary student’s WIG may be to read a chapter book each month. The student decides that goal can be achieved by reading 20 minutes each night. That task, known as a lead measure, can be used to track progress each day. This is habit building.

At the elementary school, goals can be academic, behavioral or social, and generally focus on the individual student. Although the goal may be personalized, the progress is shared with a partner, group, class or building. At LES, there are school-wide, classroom and individual student goals.

A wall display to encourage goal setting

Sharing your progress toward a goal is important, according to LES Principal Robert England. “Letting your accountability partners know how you are doing is key. When students know that other people are invested in their daily progress, students are more likely to change their behaviors to achieve their goals. Eventually, these healthy behaviors turn into self-sustaining habits for long term wellness.”

At the middle school, the WIG starts at the building level: ”By May 2023, 80% of grade 5-8 students’ current Student Growth Percentile will be at or above proficiency level (25+) as evidenced by the Spring 2023 STAR Assessment in Reading.”

Each student’s goal is set using the STAR assessment given at the beginning of the year. The assessment breaks down each student’s progress and offers areas on which a student can improve. The students set their WIGs and list at least two things (lead measures) that can be used to help them reach that goal, such as taking notes during daily reading or effectively logging their reading time. Students will be reviewing their new STAR Assessment data from this winter to update their WIGs and Lead Measures.

APapers used to help track wigs in a display case.t LMS, time is set aside during classes to focus on the individual WIGs, and the teachers track the time spent. The time spent is compiled by grade on a google form. The tracking also makes it more fun for students, there is a schoolwide scoreboard displayed in the lobby and grade levels are celebrated at the monthly LIM DEAL (Leader in Me Drop Everything and Lead) Assemblies, said LMS Principal Heather Cheh.

At the high school level, goal-setting is done slightly differently, using  Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Bound goals, which encompass the same dynamics of WIGs.

The high school has been using SMART goals since the Professional Learning Community model was introduced a few years ago. Each Content Teacher Team, those who teach the same course, has a SMART goal. Tracking progress is specific to each goal, but is accomplished through common assessments and data analysis.

Each level of goal-setting builds on the others.

When students do better, classrooms do better, then grade-levels do better, and the building does better, and eventually the district, as a whole, will see improvement.

These improvements could be academic, behavioral or social. Improvement in all three helps make for a better community schoolwide.

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