Category: Elementary News
‘Magic of Reading’ closes Read Across America, kicks off Readathon
The Great and Powerful Dave mesmerized the students at Liberty Elementary with his “Magic of Reading” show on Friday, March 7. He helped LES close out Read Across America Week and kick off the annual Readathon fundraiser to benefit the PTA. For the Readathon, students will seek pledges according to how much they read over the next 12 days. They will compete for prizes, including credits at the book fair, a popcorn party and, for the student who reads the most, a gift basket. For more information or to donate, call the LES main office at 845-292-5400, ext. 2030.
Liberty musicians to take part in All-County Music Festival
Nearly 100 students from Liberty Central School District will take part in the 70th annual Sullivan County Music Educators’ Association All-County Music Festival in Monticello.
Students will work with notable guest conductors from throughout the United States on Friday, March 7, and during the day on Saturday, March 8.
The event will culminate with three concerts on Saturday at the Monticello High School Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium at 39 Breakey Ave. Elementary Chorus and Middle School Band will perform at 1 p.m., followed by Senior High Mixed Chorus, Junior High Band and Senior High Treble Chorus at 3 p.m., with the final concert, featuring Senior High Jazz Band and Junior High String Orchestra at 5 p.m.
Liberty students scheduled to participate in the festival are:
Elementary Chorus
Katarina Card, Riley Church-Bradley, Avery Decker, Viviana Fraiser, Joseph Geoghan, Tyler Kavleski, Sydney Kehrer, Makenzie Knack, Ryleigh LaMantia, Josslyn Letohic, Daisuke Mapes, Cora McConnell, Nicholas McPhillips, Logan Moore, Denali Owens, Shaleigh Santiago, MaKynlie Smith, Henry Vogler, Raegan Wagner and Sophie Zayas.
Middle School Band
Owen Brust, Raymond Cottman Jr., Dia D’Agata, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon, Chase Golzak, Gavin Grant, Mia Grant, Genesis Harrison, Dylan Joya Reyes, Aubrie Keating, Lilly Kehrley, Antoni Klys, Corinne Lake, Harper Matuszak, Bentley Moore, Scarlett Ratner, Sherlene Romero, Caleb Rusin and Brycen Smith.
Junior High Band
Phillip Burrous, Amelia Cole, Grace Fitzgerald, Jasmine Garcia Reyes, Mariana Joya Reyes, Jacob Pennell and Tyler Smith.
Junior High String Orchestra
Farrah Conklin Degraw, Joshua DiBartolo, Makayla Fuentes-Serapio, Belle Gandulla, Alan Hernandez Lopez, Ayelene Ines-Leon, Isabella Intranuovo, Olivia Matuszak, McKinzie Paterson, Aaliyssa Rodriguez, Sulenny Romero and Alena Tarabichi and Sophia Vasko.
Junior High Band
Zachariah Bickham, Hope Corbett and Timothy Eronimous.
Senior High Jazz Band
Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Brandon Buschmann, Sophia Ferguson, Luis Molina Gonzalez and Phillo Romero.
High School Treble Choir
Endya Alvarez, Liliana Crespo, Sydania Foster, Lianna Gissentaner, Audrey Krum, Lena Lagatutta, Angelina Magie, Katherine Maldonado, Elizabeth Navarette, Riley Santiago and Mykenzi Williams.
High School Mixed Choir
Sophia Avellino, Genna DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, , Allisson Diaz Lopez, Christopher DiBartolo, Lia Guillerme, Jordan Hewlett, Kelsey Hopkins,Tyler Juron, Jacob Kelly, Joshua Kratz, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, James Letohic III, Gabriella Sheridan, Elijah Warren, Rachel Yaun, Sebastian Yupanqui and Rita Zheng.
Participating students have had a chance to pre-purchase tickets. Any remaining tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and are $8 each.
Please note that all concert audience members will go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors. Attendees are asked to leave unnecessary bags in the vehicle and personal knives are not permitted into the building.
For more information on the concert, call Andrew Verdino or Michael Mingo at 845-794-8840, ext. 10853.
No changes in ESSA designations for 2024-25
The New York State Education Department recently released accountability designations for all public school districts as required under the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. There are no changes in the 2024-25 designations.
The Middle School remains a Targeted Support and Improvement School, because four student subgroups — Black, Hispanic, English Language Learners and Economically Disadvantaged — did not meet expectations.
Liberty Elementary School remains designated as a Potential Target School, due to the achievement scores of our students with disabilities.
The District remains a Targeted District, because of the Middle School designation.
Last year Liberty High School was classified a Local Support and Improvement school, formerly known as a “School in Good Standing.” LHS had been on the Targeted Support and Improvement school list for several years, including the two years designations were not changed because of the pause in testing during the COVID pandemic.
For more information about the district’s accountability designations, visit the district’s ESSA webpage, or contact Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore at 845-292-5400, ext. 2063, or mserratore@libertyk12.org.
Pre-K registration opening at Liberty
Pre-K registration for the 2025-26 school year will begin March 1 at Liberty Central School District.
Eligible pre-kindergarten students must be residents of the district and turn 4 years old before Dec. 1, 2025.
All eligible applications received by March 30 will be included in a lottery for any available slots. The lottery will take place in late April. Any applications filed after March 30 will be added to a waitlist. All slots will be full day.
Pre-K registration is held at Liberty School District’s Registration Office, 115 Buckley St., Liberty. To make an appointment call Heather Austin at 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.
Families are asked to bring the following to their appointment, along with a completed registration packet:
- A copy of the parent/guardian’s photo ID
- The child’s birth certificate
- Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or rental lease)
- Immunization records, including proof of lead screen
- Copy of a recent physical exam (must include all school physical exam requirements; please check with doctor)
- Custody papers, if applicable
All Things Liberty Winter Festival offers fun, sense of community
All Things Liberty Winter Festival offers fun, sense of community
On Saturday, Feb. 22, Liberty Central School District hosted its All Things Liberty Winter Festival drawing more than 275 people to the Liberty High School gymnasium.
The event featured numerous activities, including sledding, carnival games provided by the Rotary Club.
“The sledding event brought smiles and laughter to students and parents, and created memories we will cherish,” said Community Schools Coordinator Stacy Feasel, who coordinated the event.
A selection of crafts were available from more than 15 local vendors, but community involvement was at the heart of the festival, with more than 20 organizations lending their support. Catskill Animal Rescue, a local dog kennel, even facilitated two successful dog adoptions.
Numerous student clubs and school organizations offered activities and displays — robotics, a blender bike, a Lego table, a spaghetti bridge building activity and more — showing what makes Liberty a great place to learn. The Liberty Faculty Association gave out more than 100 books to students and the Booster Club provided concessions.
In addition, the festival raised $440 for the Snack Pack Program, which helps provide food for local students in need.
“This event truly shows what we can accomplish when we come together,” Mrs. Feasel said. “It’s amazing to see so many people give their time and energy to make this such a special day for our community.”
She offered a huge thank you to the staff, volunteers and custodial team who worked tirelessly to make this event possible
“This festival is more than just a fun day — it’s about supporting each other and making a real difference,” Mrs. Feasel added. “From the volunteers to the organizations, everyone played a part in making it a success.”
See more photos on our Instagram page and Facebook page.
Budget work underway at Liberty Central School District
Although there is still more than three months until the public will vote on the Liberty Central School District budget, district officials have been hard at work for months to begin crafting a budget that will maintain programs and balance fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers.
The process began in October when Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna requested 2025-26 proposals from administrators.
In December, Ms. McKenna presented the rollover budget information to the Board of Education. Those items include expenses that are carried over from year-to-year such as salaries, health care costs and other contractual obligations.
Preliminary state aid proposals were released last month. Under this proposal, Liberty CSD would see a 3.02% — or more than $1 million — increase in Foundation Aid, the main source of funding from the state. The district did see a loss in reimbursements from capital projects, but that is because a gap in capital project outlays during the current fiscal year.
The first presentation of the budget proposal, which will provide a conceptual framework for the final budget, will go before the Board of Education on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
“Our goal is to maintain the programs put in place during COVID, which used funds from the American Rescue Plan and Every Student Succeeds acts, even though that funding has dropped,” Ms. McKenna said.
The budget will hold true to the district’s strategic plan and continue investments in our students’ education following the District Comprehensive Improvement and building-level plans, Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
Once the budget is finalized, the district will plan a series of informational sessions in the community that will be communicated as they are set.
The budget vote will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the high school Media Center. For more budget information, visit the district’s budget page.
Professional development day gives LCSD admins, faculty, staff an opportunity for growth
Following a snow day and on the eve of a four-day weekend, the Liberty Central School District administration, faculty, and staff dedicated themselves to enhancing their skills and expanding their knowledge.
The Friday, Feb. 14, professional development day was broken into sessions geared for small and large group learning and collaboration.
Educational consultant Eric Sheninger, founder and chief executive officer of Aspire Change EDU, returned to Liberty to lead sessions with administrators and teachers on the use of AI to increase engagement.
Faculty and staff took time early in the day to complete the DESSA social-emotional screening for students as well as worked on curriculum mapping and participated in required training throughout the day.
Faculty and staff were also assigned to specific sessions related to their roles and responsibilities. This included learning new programs, continuing education on others and finding new strategies to help educate students.
“It’s important for educators to keep learning and growing their skills,” Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Our professional development days are vital to helping us meet the goals of our strategic plan and ensuring Liberty is a great place to learn.”
Some of the trainings were on Light Desk (first picture above) EduPlanet (center) and Project Adventure Rock Wall (at right)
Work progresses on alignment via Coherence pillar
As Liberty Central School District passes 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, the Multi-Tier System of Supports pillar, and the Culture pillar. Now we will take a look at the final pillar — Coherence.
To review the strategic intent of the Coherence pillar:
- By June 2027, create and align 100% of applicable district procedures involving the fluid movement of information and expectations throughout all buildings evidenced by annual perception data.
What does this mean?
This pillar helps ensure that Liberty Central School District functions as one cohesive unit. When fully implemented, it will ensure everyone in the district is working toward the same goal, using the same policies, procedures and methods district wide and across buildings, grades and classes.
What is LCSD doing?
The district is adjusting the procedures for monitoring student progress, using Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports and Professional Learning Communities, as well as surveys and focus groups. There is now a Professional Learning Plan that aligns professional learning with the Strategic Plan and the district is working to implement it fully.
The district personnel department procedures are improving and officials are continuing to work toward full implementation.
Educating the school community about the district strategic plan and MTSS is underway and will continue.
For more information on the Coherence pillar or the strategic plan, email questions@libertyk12.org. This is the fifth and final in a series of messages that focus on different aspects of LCSD’s strategic plan and what it means for the Redhawk students, staff, families and community.
LCSD releases FAQ on rights of migrant and immigrant students
Liberty Central School District is aware that the recent changes in immigration policies have caused concerns among many families in the LCSD community. The goal of the district is to make the learning environment a safe one for all Redhawk students. The district recently shared a letter highlighting how Liberty supports the entire school community. The district also has compiled a list of frequently asked questions, listed below, regarding the rights of migrant and immigrant students.
Additional questions may be emailed to questions@libertyk12.org.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Rights of Immigrant Students
Does immigration status impact a student’s right to education in New York State?
No. Under New York law, all students ages 5 to 21 who have not received a high school diploma are entitled to a free public education in the district in which they live. Liberty Central School District (“LCSD”) will not refuse admission to any student based on national origin, race, language proficiency, country of origin, immigration status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Must LCSD immediately enroll migrant students?
Yes. Consistent with law, LCSD will immediately enroll migrant students, even if they lack proof of residency, immunizations, school records, or other documents typically required for registration. LCSD may allow students who are from out of state or county to attend school for up to 30 calendar days if the student does not have immunization documentation but there is evidence of a good faith effort to obtain immunizations.
Are there any documents LCSD may not ask for when a student seeks to enroll in one of its schools?
Yes. LCSD may not request a Social Security Card or number, or any information that would reveal immigration status of the student or the student’s parent/guardian or person in parental relation at the time of enrollment.
What will LCSD do if it receives a request from an ICE or other law enforcement officer to access student records?
Absent parent/guardian or eligible student (age 18 or older) consent, LCSD may only release student records to an ICE or other law enforcement officer where the officer has a court order or a lawfully issued subpoena. If LCSD is legally required to disclose student records, LCSD will attempt to notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the court order or subpoena before disclosing the records (unless the court order or subpoena prohibits LCSD from doing so).
What will LCSD do if an ICE or other law enforcement officer demands to question a student on school property and/or remove a student from school property?
Generally, ICE and other law enforcement officers may only question a student on school property or remove a student from school property (1) where they have a lawfully issued warrant providing court-authorized access to a student; (2) with consent from a parent/guardian; or (3) if the student is accused of committing a crime on school property and school or LCSD personnel invite law enforcement officers to investigate. If none of these criteria are met, LCSD will not permit officers to speak or access the student on school property.
What will LCSD do if a School Resource Officer (“SRO”) requests to access a student’s records to determine a student’s immigration status?
LCSD has a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Village of Liberty Police Department and the Village of Liberty outlining the duties of SROs and the scope of SRO responsibilities at LCSD. The MOU can be accessed on the LCSD’s website.
Consistent with the MOU, an SRO may not access a student’s education records for the purpose of determining a student’s immigration status. If an SRO obtains information about a student’s immigration status, the SRO is not authorized to re-disclose that information to other law enforcement officers or federal immigration officials.
What will LCSD do if an SRO demands to question a student on school property about the student’s immigration status?
Consistent with the MOU, SROs cannot detain or otherwise interrogate a student for the purpose of determining the student’s (or their family’s) immigration status.
What happens if a student is being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against based on their actual or perceived immigration status?
Federal law, New York State law, and LCSD policy prohibit harassment, bullying, and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, citizen or immigration status, and any other legally protected characteristic. Consistent with LCSD’s Dignity for All Students Act Policy, LCSD is committed to creating a school environment free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. If LCSD receives information that harassment, bullying, or discrimination has or is occurring, it will investigate the situation and discipline offenders consistent with LCSD policy.
LCSD awaits state OK of capital project plans
The capital project, approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January 2024, is moving forward, as the district awaits state Education Department approval of its plans.
In July, the district replaced architecture and engineering firm CSArch with LAN Associates.
Following testing and redesign of some aspects of the project, the plans were finalized in November and submitted to SED on Dec. 13. The district expects an update on approval from SED in February and anticipates final SED approval in April.
Once the SED approval is received, the projects will go out to bid, with bids reviewed and awarded by the Board of Education, likely in the spring.
Construction on the maintenance building was initially expected to begin in fall of 2024, with additional phases of the plan expected to begin in the late spring 2025. Because of required testing and changes in the design of the maintenance building, construction was delayed. Construction of the first phase of the capital project, which now 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, is now expected to begin in early summer.