Category: Elementary News
LCSD inducts two into Wall of Fame
Two Liberty Central School District graduates whose impacts on the school and community were quite different were honored Friday, June 28, at the annual Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame ceremony in the LHS auditorium.
“Our Wall of Fame inductees embody a remarkable spectrum of personal and professional accomplishments, each contributing to the enduring legacy of the Liberty Central School District and the Liberty community at large,” said LCSD Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore, who led the ceremony. “We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to two outstanding individuals joining the ranks of our esteemed honorees: Mr. Kurt Scheibe and Mr. Maurice Gerry.”
More than 100 friends and family attend the ceremony in honor of Scheibe, a 1962 graduate who was integral to the growth of Little League throughout the region, and Gerry, a 1949 LHS graduate whose advocacy went far beyond Liberty but bloomed locally.
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.
Kurt F. Scheibe
There is no doubt that Little League wouldn’t be the same in the region had Scheibe not been passionately involved with the sport.
“Baseball was always on his mind,” his sister Mary Heinle said.
He always worked for a better baseball experience for his “boys,” she said. Serving as a Little League coach, he sought donations and sponsors, ensuring young athletes had uniforms and a pitching machine.
Among his achievements is the transformation of the White Sulphur ballfield from a swampland to what has become an integral part of the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department park.
Before the field was fixed, “I’m sure some of the boys were catching frogs in the outfield,” Heinle said.
Collaborating with neighboring town coaches, Scheibe orchestrated a summer of sports, fostering enjoyment and the development of athletic skills and sportsmanship in the players.
He ensured the WSS ballfield was immaculate, and assisted other communities such as Grahamsville in developing their sports fields. Transitioning from coaching to officiating, he uses his time and sports knowledge to referee youth games and fundraisers.
Beyond his youth-focused endeavors, he serves as the treasurer for the WSS FD, and is a member of the Liberty Elks Lodge, putting in countless hours volunteering over 60 years for both organizations.
Maurice Gerry
Although Gerry traveled far from Liberty, entering the Navy after high school and settling in San Francisco, Liberty was always in his heart.
“This ‘unicorn’ is the most dedicated man I’ve ever seen in the community,” Ron Gozza said in introducing his best friend.
The hamlet of Ferndale holds a special place in Gerry’s heart. So much so, he made it his mission to revitalize the first 10 houses—five on either side of the road—at the entrance of the community, Gozza said.
Gerry’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse on Ferndale-Loomis Road. His first teacher, Mrs. Manion, had such an impact he recently dedicated a plaque in her honor to be displayed on the schoolhouse wall, once the building is restored.
Gerry gave special thanks to the educators in his life. “In memory of my teachers, my principals, my friends, I really want to thank you for this honor,” he said.
While out West he worked with Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Actively involved in Diane Feinstein’s mayoral campaign, Gerry’s efforts to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic earned him the honor of representing Alaska in a Washington, D.C., parade for the cause.
He returned to Liberty to care for his aging parents and immersed himself in local politics, the arts and preservation. The visionary behind the Ms. Sullivan County Beauty Pageant, he championed diversity and inclusion, ensuring financial barriers did not hinder participation. Serving as town councilman for two decades, affectionately known as the “Tree Hugger,” Gerry dedicated himself to maintaining Liberty’s beauty and integrity.
At the age of 91, he assumed the role of interim councilman, a testament to his enduring commitment. Gerry actively supports humanitarian efforts locally and internationally, holding seats at O & M Museum, Liberty Arts Museum, Time and Again Museum and the Shandelee Music Festival.
“I have some comfort knowing my picture will be somewhere other than my tombstone,” Gerry said, referring to the Wall of Fame in the High School lobby, which includes plaques of all of the inductees.
During the ceremony, proclamations and certificates on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, the state Senate and Assembly, the Sullivan County Legislature and the Town of Liberty were presented to each of the inductees.
“We are thankful for the dedication of Mr. Gerry and Mr. Scheibe to the Liberty community,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “They each showed, in different ways, how one person can make a difference.”
Fourth graders honored as they say goodbye to LES
On the morning of Tuesday, June 25, Liberty Elementary School fourth graders accepted their final awards and took their final trips across the stage in the gymnasium as they participated in the Moving Up Ceremony
The event celebrated the achievements and hard work the students put in in their years at LES before they took their next steps in their academic lives—going to middle school.
Principal Robert England reminded students that what they have been learning, not just reading, writing and arithmetic, but social-emotional lessons through the Leader in Me framework, is something they would carry with them throughout their lives.
After recognizing student liaisons Amaya Burton and Henry Vogler, several awards were presented, as follows:
- Music: Band: Alec Feliciano, Alannis Flores, Ana Hernandez, Josslynn Letohic, John Matute and Caleb McNett; Orchestra: Dean Harte, Melanie Hernandez Santiago, Lilith Lynker, Anthony Philippe, Henry Vogler and Ivan Zheng; and Chorus: Joseph Geoghan, Dean Harte, Ana Hernandez and Josslynn Letohic.
- Academic Excellence: Darius Dawkins, Blake Dennison, Damaris Jadan Pangolo, Josslyn Letohic, Lilith Lynker, Caleb McNett, Tierney Meddaugh, Levi Poley, Masharib Uddin and Henry Vogler.
- Academic Achievement: Annabella Buryiak, Joel Cruz Lopez, Crisnelly D’Oleo Garcia, Parker Gissentaner, Mairely Gonzalez Manzueta, Nayeli Hernandez Soperanez, Laurel Hook, Ryleigh LaMantia, Helen Lucero Bonilla, John Matute, Marline Mott, Cailynn Pate, Anthony Philippe, Anabella Ramos, Esmeralda Santiago Sharpe and Mirey’ah Steele.
- Citizenship: Dean Harte, Ana Hernandez, Anastasia Kelly, Caleb McNett and Isabella Puente.
- NYS Attorney General’s Triple “C” Award: Amaya Burton and Tierney Meddaugh.
- NYS Comptroller’s Award: Henry Vogler.
After the awards were presented, the approximately 125 fourth-graders walked across the stage to receive their certificates of competition, signifying they have graduated from elementary school and are now considered fifth graders.
The final portion of the program was perhaps the most emotional and the most fun, for the students, staff and families—the traditional showing of the fourth grade video, produced by fourth-grade teacher David Philips. As the students sang along with many of the tunes, a video screen displayed photos and videos from their time at LES. The video is something the students will look forward to seeing again in eight years during the senior walk.
As the lights came back up, families in the balcony were invited to the floor to congratulate their children on a job well done in elementary school.
A recording of the ceremony can be found at https://events.locallive.tv/events/149092.
More photos can be on the LCSD Facebook and LCSD Instagram pages.
Superintendent offers update on Strategic Plan
Dear Liberty,
As we close the year, I want to offer an update on the progress of our Five-Year Strategic Plan. The plan was implemented in the 2022-23 school year, and as with any effective plan, it must be reviewed regularly and adjusted accordingly.
In February 2024, a team of administrators, faculty and staff reviewed the progress we have made and set a plan on how to continue moving forward.
I’d like to highlight some accomplishments we have made in each of our four pillars.
- The first pillar is coherence, which is a shared understanding of our purpose and work. We have made progress in reviewing the data to help us improve our practices. Most importantly, we have created a Professional Learning Plan that gives us a roadmap to better align our professional learning with the Strategic Plan.
- The next pillar is curriculum, what we teach our students. It is important for students to have a consistent method of learning, which is why we are aligning curriculum across grades and subject matters. That helps students have a clear understanding of the learning goals, which will build year to year. ELA and reading is aligned kindergarten through eighth grades, and Social Studies and Science curriculums are aligned K-6. Math curriculum is aligned K-6, and the district is expanding the math curriculum to K-7 in 2024-25, with the introduction of algebra for all eighth graders. Work will also continue on implementing full curriculum mapping, setting mastery standards and entry and exit criteria for grade levels, expanding enrichment opportunities and more.
- The third pillar is MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports. MTSS addresses academic as well as social-emotional needs so we can best help our students learn. We continue to have regular K-8 academic screener sessions for math and reading and have implemented the Leader in Me framework for all students. We have also adjusted our monitoring and intervention programs to help our students succeed. Social-emotional learning is a very important part in ensuring a well-rounded education for our students. That is why we implemented the DESSA SEL screener and expanded the use of an SEL screener for all grades. We will continue to use the data to better align MTSS across buildings.
- Culture is the final pillar of our Strategic Plan. These are the values that impact how our school operates. The mission, vision and beliefs of our district are at the heart of what we do. We have continued to communicate these internally and externally at meetings and forums. We also seek input through surveys and focus groups. We also know it is important that the school is part of the community, which is why we were happy to continue to host our All Things Liberty event in the fall and were pleased to re-introduce the Winter Festival in February.
There are three years left of our Strategic Plan. I am happy with the progress we have seen so far, but we know we still have much work to do. To read more about our Strategic Plan, as well as see updates, visit the Strategic Plan page on our website.
I thank you for all of the support you have shown. If you have any questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
A message from the Superintendent and Lemonade management on parking at LES
Dear Liberty families,
When picking up or dropping off students at Liberty Elementary School, the Lemonade Grocery market parking lot is not to be used. It is also not to be used during special events.
Using the Lemonade parking lot creates a safety hazard for the children and families alike.
Lemonade has expressed interest in allowing the district to use the parking lot at no cost, with the condition that the district provides insurance. However, after speaking with our insurance company, that was not possible.
Lemonade has indicated they will do their best to warn noncustomers who park in their lot and ask them to move before towing or booting cars.
With this change, here’s how families can pick up and drop off their child moving forward:
- At morning arrival, join the car Line from 7:35 to 8 a.m. Stop at the child’s designated entrance and remain in your car. We’ll do the rest!
- Avoid the morning rush by dropping off children early between the 7:15 and 7:35 a.m. each morning.
- At afternoon dismissal, please drive onto campus beginning at 2:40 p.m. for pick up.
- Free parking is available at the two nearby municipal lots on School Street. Limited parking can also be found on Main Street.
- Many Liberty families are eligible for bus transportation, which is among the safest and most reliable ways to get to school. For more information, call the district office at 845-292-6171.
During special events, visitors should enter the main parking lot and attendants will guide drivers to their parking location.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our children safe!
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
LCSD Superintendent
and
Lemonade Management
LES students look to the future at career fair
Students at Liberty Elementary once again had the opportunity to think about their future career and work options in a job fair-like setting in the gymnasium on Monday, June 3.
LES parents volunteered their time at a recruitment table to share the details and skills required in their professions. Parents volunteered from many different career areas, including teachers, salon owners, employment recruitment specialists, business managers, game developers, health inspectors, and our very own Dr. Patrick Sullivan shared his experiences as a superintendent of schools.
Students rotated through the career fair with prepared questions they created in their classrooms. Following the event, students returned to their classrooms to answer self-reflecting questions about their experiences at the career event. They were asked to think about and plan what skills and goals they might want to develop to be ready for their chosen future careers. This point for self reflection helps students begin to separate fantasy from what might be tentative, and, in the years ahead, ultimately realistic. As elementary students ascend into middle school, they begin to think about career choices based on information available to them relative to their interests, skills and values.
“For now, we want our elementary students to dream and fantasize about their career possibilities and believe there are no boundaries to what is possible, if they are willing to set measurable goals and work hard to track their own progress toward success,” LES Principal Robert England said.
More photos can be found on our social media pages.
Liberty unveils new logos
About a year after deciding on a new mascot for Liberty Central School District, the district has finalized a new Redhawks logo.
The design process began in November, with the district working with Gilday Creative to come up with the initial designs. The designs were brought back to the district’s student liaison teams in all three schools for input. After several rounds of redesign and student input, two basic mascot designs were created: one with a redhawk in flight and another featuring the head of the redhawk in a badge form. Versions of each have been created with the words “Liberty Redhawks” and “Redhawks” included in the designs.
“This truly was a student-led design process,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “I appreciate the work and thoughtfulness our student leaders put into the process to create the imagery that will represent Liberty Central School District and our Redhawks into the future.”
Following a mandate from New York State in November 2022, Liberty was required to move to discontinue the use of its Native American mascot and logo. Following a vote by the public in May 2023, the Board of Education approved the use of Redhawks mascot in June 2023.
The district had unveiled new logos in October, but they were discontinued over any potential legal issues that may have arisen from their use.
The new design will begin being put in use over the next several weeks.
Liberty CSD voters approve $68M school budget proposal
On Tuesday, May 21, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved, 987-69, the district’s $68 million budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year.
“We appreciate Liberty Central School District residents’ continued support and recognition of our efforts to give our students the education they need to pursue their potential and thrive in the future,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are also glad we could do this without increasing the tax levy for the sixth year in a row.”
The $68,034,294 budget funds all current student programs and services, while keeping the tax levy the same as the current year. The budget includes several program expansions that support the district’s five-year strategic plan, including expanding the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) math curriculum to seventh grade, adding Syracuse University Project Advance college credit courses, as well as introducing more computer science and AI-related programs across grades.
The budget also includes the addition of a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)-certified teacher, creating an administrative athletic director position, and converting two part-time teacher aide positions into one full time teacher aid. An update to the middle school library’s innovation lab is also included.
Voters also re-elected three board of education members to three-year terms on the board. Maureen Crescitelli received 605 votes, Peter Racette received 591 and Pamela Teed Fisk, 595. Three write-in candidates, Miriam Singer, Miriam Breuer and Miriam Heimlich, each received more than 400 votes, with several others receiving one vote each.
Capital project schedule set
Construction expected to begin in the fall
While no dirt has been moved nor a sledge hammer yet swung, work on the Capital Project approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January is moving forward.
After speaking with administrators and staff who will be impacted by the work, a basic schedule of the work has been created. The plan was recently presented to the board of education.
Maintenance Building
The maintenance building structure for the Building and Grounds Department, which has already been approved by the state Education Department following the 2021 project vote, is expected to go to bid this summer and early fall, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall and be completed by late summer 2025.
Phase 1
The next phase will be broken into three sections, with all expected to be submitted for SED approval in July, and bidding to be in February and March 2025.
- Phase 1A will include exterior stair replacement and emergency generator replacement at the high school; interior door replacement at the middle school, and hazardous flooring abatement and replacement at the elementary school. The work at the athletics field is also in the phase. That will include the synthetic turf field installation, running track and field events upgrades, scoreboard, public address system and bleacher replacement, the addition of site and athletic lighting, sidewalk replacement, and replacement of the press box with a pre-engineered metal building. Construction of this phase is anticipated to take place spring 2025 through spring 2026.
- Phase 1B will be the boiler replacement in the Elementary School, with construction expected to take place in summer 2025.
- Phase 1C will be the installation of new emergency generators in the middle school and district office and the replacement of electrical distribution panels of the middle school. Construction of this phase is expected in summer 2026.
Phase 2
The second phase of the project will be at the elementary school, with the boiler conversion (steam to hot water) completed, gymnasium ventilation added, HVAC controls upgraded, unit ventilators installed and the wood flooring in classrooms replaced. The project is expected to be submitted for approval to the NYSED in September with bidding anticipated in May or June 2025 and construction to be completed in summer 2026.
Phase 3
The final phase will include renovations to the 300 wing and cafeteria, as well as work needed to convert the former maintenance space into the innovation lab, at the high school. The third phase will also include HVAC controls upgrades at the high school and middle school, new carbon monoxide systems in all three school buildings and the district office, new emergency lighting and repairs for the transformer and chiller at the middle school, and roof fascia repairs and gymnasium seating handrail upgrades at the elementary school. The final phase is expected to be submitted to NYSED for approval in January 2025, with bidding anticipated to follow in November and December 2025. Construction is expected to take place during the summers of 2026 and 2027.
The full capital project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
The presentation can be seen at https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/liberty/Board.nsf/files/D49JCW4C71CF/$file/CS%20Arch%20Presentation%20April%2016%2C%202024.pdf
Two from Liberty to be honored by MHSSC
Liberty High School English Teacher Michele Clark and Liberty Central School District Board of Education member John Nichols will be honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council later this spring.
Michele Clark
Clark will receive a Teaching Excellence Award, which is “designed to recognize those teachers who have demonstrated excellence in achieving the educational mission at their BOCES, district, or campus level,” according to the MHSSC.
Clark, who has taught English for 30 years, 25 of them at Liberty, will be honored for her commitment to her students and the school community.
“Clark is more than just a teacher; she is a dynamic educator who continuously innovates and enhances her craft,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan wrote in nominating her for the award. “Her dedication to professional development and her willingness to explore new teaching methodologies have resulted in engaging and effective lessons that resonate with her students.”
High School Principal Derek Adams agreed, writing in his nomination letter: “In the classroom, Michele exhibits exceptional educational talent, employing effective instructional practices that not only engage students but also yield tangible results in terms of academic growth and achievement.”
Her excellence goes beyond the lessons, Sullivan wrote, calling her “a caring individual who prioritizes building meaningful relationships with her students and colleagues alike.”
“She creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed,” he added. “Her genuine care and concern for her students extend beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in extracurricular activities and mentorship programs to further enrich their educational experience.”
Adams’ noted Clark’s work as Allusions co-advisor, where creative writing, poetry and artistic work come together in the annual Allusions publication.
She is also a leader for her peers, Adams wrote. She is a department facilitator and hosts weekly professional learning community groups to improve her department. “She exemplifies leadership qualities that inspire others and contribute to the professional development of the entire faculty,” he wrote. “She embodies the highest ideals of teaching excellence and is truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”
John Nichols
Nichols, who has served on Liberty’s school board for more than a decade, including time as board vice president and five years as president, will receive a School Board Service Award. The award is “designed to recognize those individuals who through their selfless efforts have helped guide, support, promote and serve the school districts and communities they represent,” according to the MHSSC.
“The mission of the Liberty Central School District is to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Sullivan wrote in his nomination letter for Nichols. “After reading our mission, I am honored to state that Mr. John Nichols has exemplified our mission throughout his work as a Liberty Central School District Board of Education member.”
Nichols’ goals, Sullivan wrote, “are to provide students with the opportunities and resources to help our students achieve, uphold fiscal responsibility, and represent the entire Liberty Community.”
And that is something Nichols has done well, Sullivan wrote.
Nichols “always stresses the importance of leveraging our resources to expand our curriculum, supports each student that walks through our hallways and relays the voice of his constituents,” Sullivan wrote.
Sullivan also pointed out Nichols’ dedication to students and tradition. In his role as board president and a volunteer firefighter, Nichols, a 1985 LHS graduate, helped the district safely resume the homecoming bonfire during the 2021-22 school year.
Fiscal responsibility is also important to Nichols.
“Mr. Nichols has a strong understanding of our school budget, and he continuously balances fiscal responsibility and innovation,” Sullivan wrote. “(He) continuously supports our Strategic Plan from his Board of Education capacity and has advocated for a minimal tax increase for our school community for several years,” calling him “a true champion for our students, faculty, staff and taxpayers.”
“Liberty would not be on its trajectory if it wasn’t for Mr. Nichols’ leadership,” Sullivan wrote.
The awards will be presented at the MHSSC’s Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Wednesday, May 8, in the Fieldstone Auditorium in North Rockland School District
This year, the MHSSC split its awards into two ceremonies. LHS Teaching Assistant Nancy Katzenberger was honored this fall as one the recipients of the MHSSC’s Support Staff Award for Excellence in Education.
BOE approves $68M budget proposal; vote is May 21
On Tuesday, April 16, the Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a $68 million budget proposal to put before the voters on Tuesday, May 21. The proposal for the 2024-25 school year enhances curriculum and improves programs without increasing the tax levy.
This is the sixth consecutive year there is no proposed tax levy increase.
“This budget proposal continues our commitment to fiscal responsibility while providing the increased programming and support our students need to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
The proposed $68,034,294 budget increases spending 2.62%, or $1,737,992, and would fund all current student programs and services. The district’s allowable calculated tax levy limit increase is 5.24%; however, because the governor’s budget proposal allocates a 3.06%, or $1,686,000, increase in state aid to Liberty, the district is able to put forth a proposal with a tax levy of $17,760,162, the same as the current year’s budget.
The proposed spending increase is attributed to increases in such recurring expenses as insurance, energy costs and maintenance materials, as well as proposed expansions to curricular and extracurricular opportunities.
One of the pillars of the district’s five-year strategic plan is curriculum. Several program expansions proposed in the 2024-25 budget would support that pillar, including expanding the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) math curriculum to seventh grade, adding Syracuse University Project Advance college credit courses, as well as introducing more computer science and AI-related programs across grades.
The proposal also includes the addition of a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)-certified teacher, creating an administrative athletic director position, and converting two part-time teacher aide positions into one full time teacher aid. An update to the middle school library’s innovation lab is also in the proposal.
“This budget proposal keeps us focused on the elements of our strategic plan so that we can continue to prepare our students for a successful future,” Sullivan said.
Polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, in the High School Media Center. The time and location are changes from past years. More budget information will be available on the district’s budget page.