Category: Elementary News
Superintendent offers update on DCIP
Dear Liberty,
As we prepare for the end of the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to provide our school community with an update on the District’s Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Improvement Plan. In our ongoing effort to help students innovate, persevere and thrive, we’ve made meaningful progress toward our strategic priorities.
This year, we continued advancing the Strategic Plan’s pillars of MTSS, Curriculum, Culture and Coherence. Building on the work of previous years, we introduced several key initiatives, including the implementation of our new curriculum mapping platform, Eduplanet, and the launch of the Syracuse University Project Advanced Biology course at Liberty High School. We also continued to expand the use of our Woz Ed STEM-based curriculum, grew our Student-Led Conference initiatives, and piloted a data warehouse program designed to help us more efficiently analyze and support our students’ academic, social and emotional growth.
While I’m happy to share additional details about ongoing initiatives, I especially want to highlight the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP) goals we achieved this year, as these accomplishments reflect the collective work of our students, administrators, faculty, staff and community.
Here is an update on our growth towards achieving our DCIP Priorities
Priority 1: Provide an accessible, culturally responsive, relevant, engaging, vertically and horizontally aligned PK-12 curriculum, that makes connections to our students and community.
- We are especially proud of our growth in math proficiency. We easily met our goal of 7% growth per grade level since the start of the year. Based on Renaissance STAR Math testing, all grades measured showed substantial increases, with many gaining more than 20%.
- In two other areas, reading proficiency and student engagement, results were mixed, but overall positive.
- Based on Renaissance STAR Reading testing, all but one grade level saw growth. While grades 2-4 had increases far above the 7% goal (18.9-36.6%), grades 5–8 had more modest gains (1.1%–5%).
- Using Triangle survey data on student engagement, the district had hoped to see a 5% increase in positive responses on student engagement in the classroom. Middle school responders met the goal across all survey items. While there was progress in some areas, responses at the high school level did not fully meet the goal and showed some declines, which influenced the overall results.
End-of-year testing passing rates and Regents scores for the secondary level are not yet available. However, we anticipate positive gains and look forward to reviewing the results.
Priority 2: Provide a MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) for academics, behavior and attendance that cultivates wellness and safety for students, staff and families.
- The district set a goal to achieve a 10% reduction in the number of students receiving out-of-school suspensions districtwide. This goal was exceeded during the 2024–25 school year, with the number of suspended students decreasing from 132 in 2023–24 to 97—a reduction of 35 students, or 26.5%. This outcome significantly surpassed the original target, more than doubling the anticipated decrease in out-of-school suspensions.
- Building on efforts to improve student engagement, the District also aimed to reduce chronic absenteeism by 5% from the 2023–24 to the 2024–25 school year. At the end of the 2023–24 school year, the chronic absenteeism rate was 39.7%. As of June 10, it has declined to 38.6%, marking a 1.1% reduction. While this reflects modest progress, chronic absenteeism remains a widespread national issue—one that demands ongoing attention and resources. Students must be present to fully engage in learning and succeed academically.
- An additional goal under Priority 2 was to achieve a 5% decrease in the number of students identified as at-risk based on DESSA (Social and Emotional Screener) results by June 2025. We did see a small reduction (1%) in students identified as at-risk, but many more showed as having strong social and emotional skills (6%). This positive shift suggests growth in students’ social-emotional skills and well-being, even as we continue working toward the targeted reduction in at-risk classifications.
- Lastly, we aimed for a 5% increase in students feeling safe, as measured by the Student Voice Triangle Survey. While the elementary level experienced a 6% decrease in positive responses, the middle school successfully met the goal with a 5% increase. The high school showed no change compared to last year. This remains an important area of focus, and we will continue to explore ways to ensure all students feel safe and supported in their learning environments.
Priority 3: Create a positive, welcoming student centered environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity to empower students, staff and families.
- Our goals for Priority 3 focused on increasing family and community engagement through student-led conferences, parent-teacher conference attendance and participation in schoolwide and community events. We successfully met our target of a minimum of five student-led conferences per building, demonstrating clear areas of student growth.
- While we did not have precise data for the 10% increase in parent attendance at fall and spring parent-teacher conferences, we observed strong participation at family engagement nights and other events. Notably, our Winter Fest attracted more than 150 attendees, meeting the goal for large community event attendance.
- Additionally, participation in schoolwide family events showed a positive increase throughout the year.
- These outcomes highlight encouraging progress in building stronger connections with families and the community, and we will continue to refine our tracking methods to better measure and support these efforts moving forward.
These results demonstrate that while we are making meaningful progress, there is still important work ahead. We remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Liberty is a great place to learn
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Liberty seeks input on cellphone ban
New York state has passed a law banning the use of internet-enabled devices, such as cellphones, tablets and smart watches, by students on school grounds during the school day, except in specific circumstances.
As part of the legislation, districts are required to have a policy in place by Aug. 1. As part of its policy-making process, Liberty Central School District is seeking family input. Parents and guardians are asked to take a moment to fill out the following survey: https://forms.gle/jMuwNuuYLdKjUAFj9. The survey will close June 30.
Free meals for children to be available
Liberty Central School District will again offer free summer meals to all children 18 and younger through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.
Starting June 30, sit-down and bagged breakfasts and lunches will be served at Francis A. Hanofee Park at 136 Sunset Lake Road in Liberty. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m., with lunch served from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Meals will be served weekdays, except Friday, July 4, through Aug. 18 at the park. From Aug. 18 to 22, meals will be served at Liberty Elementary, with breakfast offered from 8:15 to 9 a.m. and breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A link to the menus will be available on the district website’s Food Services Department page when they are available.
For more information, contact Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna at 845-292-6171 or lmmckenna@libertyk12.org.
Traffic patterns to be adjusted at LES starting June 23
Beginning Monday, June 23, the entire Main Street entrance and the “Kiss and Drop” parking lot at Liberty Elementary will be temporarily closed due to ongoing construction repairs of the box culvert hole in front of the school. This change will impact all parking and traffic patterns until further notice.
Below are the procedures:
Drop-Off Procedures
- Morning drop-off begins at 7:15 a.m.
- The North Main Street entrance will be CLOSED to all vehicle and foot traffic.
- All drop-off traffic must enter campus via the rear School Street driveway.
- Vehicles will loop through the parking lot and pull up along the curb near the main entrance.
- No parking is allowed in the drop-off line. Staff will assist students exiting vehicles between 7:45 and 9 a.m.
- All students must enter through the main entrance.
- Walking drop-off is strongly encouraged. Pedestrians must enter campus from School Street and use the sidewalk to walk to the main entrance.
Please note:
- From about 7:38 to 7:53 a.m., the rear driveway will be closed temporarily as buses begin to arrive.
- Civilian vehicles will not be permitted to enter or remain on campus during this time and will be directed to wait off-campus. Municipal parking can be utilized to support walking drop off.
- Foot traffic will also be restricted while students are disembarking from buses. Families may release students at the front of the bus line to join the bus students walking in.
- The driveway will reopen once all buses have cleared the area.
Dismissal procedures
- From about 2:15 to 2:40 p.m. on full days and 11:40 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. on half days, no civilian vehicles or pedestrians will be permitted to enter or access the rear School Street driveway while buses are staging and loading students.
- Once all buses have departed and the area is cleared (about 2:40 p.m. on full days and 12:05 p.m. on half days), the rear driveway will reopen for both vehicle and foot traffic.
- Escort pick-up will then. from the same locations as previously assigned except for third grade and A. Philips class, which will be dismissed outside of door 6 near the cafeteria windows.
- Vehicle traffic will enter campus through the rear School Street driveway, loop through the parking lot and park in designated areas only.
- Do not double park, block traffic flow, or park in unauthorized areas.
- All foot traffic will use the sidewalks and crosswalks to walk to and from your child’s assigned pick-up location.
- Consider using the municipal parking if campus parking is full. The Lemonade parking lot is not to be used for pick up or drop off
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
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.
Free showing of ‘Dog Man’ scheduled at library
The Liberty Public Library will host a free showing of the family movie, “Dog Man,” at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7.
Students and their parents/guardians are invited to enjoy this movie together at the library. There will be popcorn for all who attend.
An adult MUST stay with children younger than 12.
The library is at 189 N. Main St. in front of the Liberty Elementary School. For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.
Liberty CSD voters approve $68.5M school budget proposal, $7.5M capital project
On Tuesday, May 20, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved, 658-131, the district’s $68.5 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year.
“We thank the residents of Liberty Central School District for their continued support so we can empower our students to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are also happy we could present a budget that, for the seventh year in a row, did not increase the tax levy.”
The $68,508,362 budget funds all current student programs and services as the district continues its vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum, adding the curriculum management platform Eduplanet to aid in curriculum mapping. The district is also expanding partnerships with colleges and universities to offer additional credit-bearing classes for high school students.
Voters also approved a nearly $7.5 million capital project, 616-167. The project will add air conditioning to the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in educational and support services spaces. The project also includes related boiler and electrical upgrades. There is no expected tax levy impact, as fund balances will be used to offset the costs not covered by state reimbursements.
“We are glad that this project was approved so that we can help keep our students cool in a more cost-effective manner by working this into our ongoing project,” Dr. Sullivan said.
Three board of education members were elected to three-year terms on the board. John L. Nichols with 761 votes, Timothy Hamblin with 759 votes and Matthew DeWitt with 762 votes Also on the ballot were: Miriam Rivka Singer who received 28 votes, and Miriam Heimlich who received 27 votes. Six write-in votes were also cast: four for Richard Ienuso and one each for Mike Grosman and Pamela Hamlin.
Groundbreaking set for Phase 1 of capital project
Dirt will soon be moved for the Liberty Central School District capital project that was approved by voters in January 2024. Following final approval by the state Education Department earlier this month, Phase 1 of the project is set to begin on June 16.
A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the football field at 9 a.m. Friday, June 13, featuring officials from the district as well as project partners construction management firm Schoolhouse Construction, design and architecture firm LAN Associates, and construction firm Clark Companies, who is contracted to complete the work for the athletic field improvements..
Phase1 of the project includes construction of the 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 at the middle and high school; upgrades 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.