Category: District News
Sweethearts and Heroes returns to LMS
Sweethearts and Heroes, a nationally recognized organization specializing in social-emotional learning and anti-bullying education, returned to Liberty Middle School for a two-day event aimed at strengthening school culture. More than 250 students and 25 staff members participated in impactful circle sessions and group conversations designed to build a supportive environment rooted in connection, belonging and peer-led support.
Social studies teacher Kort Wheeler reflected on the experience with his class, noting that the circles created a valuable space for students to engage in face-to-face conversations and practice patience as they listened to one another. Eighth-grade student Wilton Mata said that speaking in a small group with a single speaker at a time made it easier for him to open up, adding that the welcoming atmosphere and supportive facilitator gave him the confidence to share personal stories.
Skills such as empathy, communication and attentive listening—often challenged in a tech-driven world—were brought to the forefront through these sessions. The event encouraged students to form meaningful relationships and contributed to a stronger sense of school community. By highlighting student voice and promoting emotional connection, Sweethearts and Heroes continues to help foster a safe, inclusive and empowered school climate at Liberty Middle School.
Free Lego show to be in Hurleyville
Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, at 219 Main St. in Hurleyville, will host the 2025 Spring Lego Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14.
It will feature a collection of “Out of this World” builds from community member across the county and beyond. There will be space-themed builds, free builds, sets, historic builds and more.
The event is free and for all ages.
Special meeting of Liberty BOE to be June 9
There will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Education at 5 p.m. Monday, June 9, in the District Office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty. The Board anticipates entering into executive session immediately. There will be no other business and the meeting will be adjourned at the end of the executive session. The meeting is not open to the public. The agenda will be available at Board Docs on Sunday, June 8.
Liberty BOE to meet June 10
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in the HS Media Center. The board anticipates to enter into executive session (not open to the public) immediately. The regular portion of the meeting, open to the public, is expected to resume at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available on Monday, June 9, at Board Docs.
LHS junior to perform solo with Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra
Liberty High School junior Genna DeFrank will be a featured soloist during the Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra’s family concert, “Peter and the Wolf,” at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
A cellist, Genna played in the pit for the LHS school musical and is a regular guest artist with the Sullivan County Community Chorus. She became involved with Nesin Cultural Arts, based in Monticello, last summer and plans to continue pursuing cello in college, with a minor in music.
Genna is one of four students in the Aspiring Young Musicians program, an SCCO Educates initiative, who auditioned and were selected to perform in one of the two final concerts of the season.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is at 15 St. John St. in Monticello. The concert is free with a $25 suggested donation at the door.
LCSD music education honored for sixth consecutive year by NAMM Foundation
For the sixth year in a row, Liberty Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Liberty answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Music education is essential to the development of the whole child. It nurtures creativity, builds discipline, strengthens cognitive and motor skills, and promotes emotional expression,” LCSD Director of Music Eric Aweh said. “Participation in music fosters collaboration, boosts confidence and cultivates a sense of community. Through music, students learn not only how to create and perform, but also how to listen, lead and connect. A well-rounded education is incomplete without the inclusion of the arts, and music is a vital part of that foundation.”
Liberty musicians and vocalists take part in a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, ensembles, parades, all-county and all-state events, and the Liberty Jazz Festival. On Wednesday, June 11, the LCSD Music Department will host its annual Liberty Music and Community Festival at 4:30 p.m. in Lapolt Park. The rain date is Friday, June 13.
“The educational experience would not be complete without music,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We appreciate the NAMM Foundation’s continued recognition of our dedication to providing a quality music education for our students.”
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org.
A message from the superintendent on heat mitigation
Dear Liberty,
Meteorological summer is here, and the temperatures are reflecting that. With temperatures expected to be in the 70s today, and 80s throughout the week, I want to take the opportunity to remind students and staff to take steps to help combat the heat.
Most important is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages. Water bottle filling stations can be found throughout the school buildings. I encourage everyone to bring their own reusable bottles and fill them often.
Another step is to wear lightweight, light-colored and breathable fabrics, such as cotton.
The Middle School has air conditioning, and it will be turned on as needed. At the Elementary School and High School, which do not have air conditioning, the district will take steps to provide additional cooling, including air movers in the hallways, putting shades down and leaving windows and classroom doors open to help with air circulation.
Other steps that may include turning off the overhead lights and unused electronics that produce heat; and providing water breaks.
Per policy, if temperatures in classrooms and support services spaces reach 88 degrees, students and staff may be removed from those locations. When practicable, students and staff may be moved to cooler locations. If not, school may be dismissed early.
On days when the outside temperature is expected to be high enough that temperatures in occupiable educational or support service spaces are likely to reach 88 degrees, even with the heat mitigation measures taken, the district may hold classes remotely or close school entirely.
Any changes to the schedule will be communicated via our normal emergency closure channels: ParentSquare, our website www.libertyk12.org and local media.
If you have any questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of June 2-8 2025
Our student-athletes are in action this week in baseball, softball and track and field.
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, June 2
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, June 3
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School.
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
Wednesday, June 4
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field State Qualifier vs.
vs. Multiple Schools at Monroe Woodbury High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Central School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Secondary School
Thursday, June 5
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field State Qualifier vs.
vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Sullivan West at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
Friday, June 6
No events scheduled.
Saturday, June 7
No events scheduled.
Sunday, June 8
No events scheduled.
Real Food Rules for LMS sixth-graders
Students create songs, posters during healthy eating program
The Liberty Middle School Wellness Committee once again hosted the STEAM FUND for The Real Food Rules Program—an innovative initiative designed to educate students about the origins and importance of food, and to inspire healthy, informed choices.
This year, sixth-grade students participated in dynamic sessions with musicians and educators Scott and Beth Bierko. Through engaging discussions and interactive songwriting activities, students explored the concept of “real food,” where it comes from, and how it impacts their health and well-being.
These creative workshops encouraged students to reflect on their eating habits and think critically about nutrition. The program culminated in a unique musical collaboration, with students composing original songs focused on wellness, healthy eating and nutrition. These student-created songs will be proudly featured during the school’s morning announcements, as well as in radio spots and on the STEAM Fund’s YouTube Page.
The following songs, with their links, were produced:
- Find Balance – Mrs. Klein’s Class
- Eat More Real Food – Mrs. Clifford’s Class
- My Heart Is Important (Mi Corazón es Importante) – Ms. Murphy’s Class
- Know Your Facts – Mr. Jones’ Class
- Sharpen The Saw – Ms. Abplanalp’s Class
- Junk Food – Ms. Cummins’ Class
- Sodium Blues – Mr. Golden’s Class
The classes also took part in a poster contest with four students earning top honors for their awards. The winning posters were created by Dia D’Agata, Genesis Harrison, Raegan Wagner and Stephani Smith.
The LMS Wellness Committee is grateful for the continued support of the STEAM FUND and look forward to inspiring more students to make smart, healthy choices through the power of music and education.
Liberty Public Library to host summer events
The Liberty Public Library will offer series of activities for students of all ages throughout the summer.
For younger students, the library will host Color Our World programming throughout the summer.
A summer reading challenge will start June 30 and end Aug. 8. Those who participate will receive weekly prizes for reading. Reading logs are available at the front desk and those who bring it back each week to show what they have read will receive prizes. Young students can be read to and those who are starting to read should read on their own.
Fun for the whole family will be offered at three interactive family shows: “Color Our World’ Mime Show at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10; Repco Wildlife Reptile Show at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24; and Owls and Falcons, at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4.
There will also be weekly craft days for students entering kindergarten though fourth grade at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 1-Aug. 5, as well as STEM Stations at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 3-31, where students will be able to code robots, build circuit paths and use Lego blocks.
For infants and preschool children, there will be Summer Storytimes at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, June 25-Aug.6, featuring stories, songs, crafts and games, as well as Movement & Music at 11 a.m. Mondays, June 23-July 28, except July 7, where young children can make music, learn new songs, dance and make a musical craft.
The Teen Zone, for students entering fifth through 12th grade will be activated from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays with different events each week.
Scratch Art will be offered June 23, with sticker design on June 30. Ink art, using alcohol inks, will be offered July 7. There will be a game day July 14, and an opportunity to make a “FrankenToy” or art using old toys, glue and spray paint. The final event will by July 28, where old CDs will be upcycled into art using stencils or paint.
The older students can also take part in a reading challenge by recording what books they read this summer. Sign up will be done at the front desk. Each book entered into the reading log will earn an entry to win an Amazon Gift Card. All participants will receive a prize when completed logs are turned in.
The Liberty Public Library is at 189 N. Main St. in front of the Elementary School. For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypublicibrary.org.