Category: Elementary News
Registration open for Camp Invention
Camp Invention, a weeklong STEM-focused program for children, will return to Liberty Elementary School this summer, with a new program, “Illuminate!”
From Aug. 19 to Aug. 23, children in grades K-6 will collaborate to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges, from designing a light-up ball game to tackling global water challenges to starring in a prototyping game show.
It is open to all children, including those outside of Liberty Central School District, entering kindergarten through sixth grade.
Registration can be done online at http://tinyurl.com/LEScamp2024. The cost is $270. Use promo code SUM25 by March 27 to save $25. There are also $100 scholarships available. For more information on the program, scholarships or registration, email Camp Director Stefanie Benjamin at sbenjamin@libertyk12.org.
Children keep all of the projects they make at Camp Invention. More information on Camp Invention is available at https://www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention.
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.
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.
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.
LCSD seeks input on use of ARP-ESSER funds
Liberty Central School District is gathering input from the community regarding the district’s use of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) funding. To review how LCSD allocated the funds, visit the LCSD ARP-ESSER plan webpage.
LCSD residents and staff are asked to take this quick, anonymous survey to offer their feedback.
Asbestos abatement underway at LES
Asbestos abatement is underway for a damaged vinyl asbestos tile found under a rug on an uneven floor in a Liberty Elementary School classroom on Jan. 24.
The work is being done after school hours and other days when school is not in session. Because of the remediation, no activities will take place in the building after school hours. School is closed for students Friday, Feb. 16, for a Conference Day, as well as Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 19-20, for Presidents’ Day break. The project is expected to be completed by Feb. 20
The work presents no danger to the staff or students in the elementary school. To remove the asbestos, the district is following New York State regulations that require us to seal the room off from the rest of the building. The district will conduct air monitoring throughout the project.
Safety of the staff and students is of the utmost importance to the district.
If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna at lmmckenna@libertyk12.org.
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
Bayer 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
Lesczynski 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
Minton’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
Ten 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.
Asbestos remediation work planned at LES
After school hours on Wednesday, Jan. 24, staff discovered a damaged vinyl asbestos tile under a rug on an uneven floor in a Liberty Elementary School classroom. The class was relocated the next morning to another space in the building to allow for inspection and remediation of the flooring.
Asbestos remediation work is expected to begin Feb. 15. The work will present no danger to the staff or students in the elementary school. To remove the asbestos, the district will follow New York State regulations that require the district to seal the room off from the rest of the building. The district will conduct air monitoring throughout the project. The asbestos work will be done after school hours and other days when the building will not be occupied and should be completed by Feb. 20.
Additional work may be required following the abatement. After the project is complete and the room is deemed safe for occupation, the displaced class will return to its classroom.
Safety of district staff and students is of the utmost importance.
Those who have questions may contact Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna at lmmckenna@libertyk12.org.
A message from the superintendent (Video)
Please watch the following video message from Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan:
Text of the video:
Hello Liberty,
First, I want to thank everyone who came out to vote on our capital project last month. With your support, Liberty will be even better equipped to continue our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
It’s hard to believe the year is already half over. We’ve already accomplished and celebrated so much.
Hundreds of our students are honored by earning placement on our Middle and High School honor rolls each quarter, and scores of elementary students are recognized each month for embodying one of the Leader in Me principles during the Character Counts awards.
Recently, 10 of our student photographers received nearly 40 honors in the Mid-Hudson Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
We’ve enjoyed the musical talents of our students during our winter concerts and are happy to again host the annual Liberty Jazz Festival this weekend, which will bring student musicians from across the county to learn from an expert and perform together.
Also this weekend, our High School Science Olympiad team will be showcasing their knowledge during the Mid-Hudson regional contest.
Our athletes have continued to work hard across all sports, and I am especially proud of Zoe Kip, who, for the second year, achieved a podium finish in the state girls’ wrestling invitational.
Our Liberty Pride is strong and continues to grow, thanks to the efforts of our Liberty students, staff and families.
Surveys to seek feedback about LCSD
Within the next few weeks, all staff, families and students in grades 3-12 will be asked to complete a short, anonymous and confidential survey. The purpose is to provide feedback about perceptions about Liberty’s schools and the learning environment. Results will be summarized for the school in an online report. The goal is to help teachers and staff effectively serve LCSD students.
Liberty Central School District has partnered with Tripod Education Partners and PLC Associates to administer the Data Triangle Surveys for students, families and staff. This survey will be administered from Feb. 12 through March 8. Students will take the survey during class time.
The Data Triangle is aligned to current school improvement research and is designed to:
- reflect research across comprehensive school improvement, student engagement, leadership and school climate
- measure internal systems and practices of schools and
- provide an accurate indicator of student views and their insights on structure, instruction, and learning processes
The core purpose of the Data Triangle is to gather data, both quantitative and qualitative, to help us make informed decisions about the district’s future and plan strategies.
For more information, reach out to Marianne Serratore, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, at 845-292-5400, ext. 2063.
District asks families to review remote learning plan
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Liberty Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Sullivan sent the following message to students’ families.
Dear Liberty families,
With more than a month left of winter weather, I wanted to remind you of our district’s plan for remote learning should we exceed our seven allotted emergency closure days, which are used for inclement weather or another situation that requires the closing of school, such as a power failure. As of today, Jan. 30, we have used four of our seven emergency closure days.
Because the state Education Department requires school districts to remain in session for at least 180 days, using a remote learning day in the event that we exceed our allotted emergency days would reduce the need for the district to meet that requirement by extending the regular school year or taking away already planned days off, such as Memorial Day.
While we still have emergency days left to use, we are asking all parents and guardians to please review the Emergency Closing Remote Learning Plan now so you are familiar with the expectations of your student on a remote learning day so you and they are prepared if there is a need for one. If you have questions or concerns about the activities on a remote learning day, please contact the main office of your student’s school. If you have technology concerns, contact Director of Technology Patrick Killian at 845-292-5400, ext. 2068 or pkillian@libertyk12.org.
I understand that a remote learning day may pose challenges for some families, and I appreciate your flexibility as we work together to fulfill our district’s mission of empowering each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent of Schools