Category: High School 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.
Athletic field improvements begin at Liberty
With shovels in hand and hard hats on, several Liberty Redhawk student-athletes ceremoniously broke ground on the new athletic facility on the middle/high school campus on Friday, June 13.
The groundbreaking was held to mark the start of the first phase of construction of the capital project approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January 2024.
Among the improvements to the area that currently holds the track and football field are a new turf field that will be used by football and soccer teams, new bleachers and grandstand, a new pressbox, a new scoreboard and lighting.
After the national anthem was played by student-athlete and trumpeter Luis Molina-Gonzalez, LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan welcomed those in attendance.
“This project represents opportunity, growth, and a commitment to the future of Liberty,” he said. “It stands as a testament to the hard work, determination, and shared dreams of so many people.”
The improvements will have many benefits, the student-athletes said.
“With a turf field we would not have to worry so much about weather,” football player Tayler Schwartz said. “With the addition of the lights to this field, we will be able to create a more flexible schedule for all of our sports so that our students wouldn’t have to leave their classes so early,”
The turf field will level competition against powerhouses in their league, soccer player Justin Simon said. “While hard work, love of the game and determination of the athletes and coaches has gotten us this far, having regular use of a turf field will allow us to elevate our game play and help us to compete on an even playing field with the rest of our league.”
The new field and track will also be able to be used by community organizations, including youth and travel teams. Allowing programs such as Liberty United, a feeder program for Liberty Redhawk soccer, year-round use will “allow us to now diversify our skill and ability to play on different kinds of fields,” Elizabeth “Licha” Cruz Cruz said.
But the new facility is more than a playing field, the students said.
“For us athletes, this means more than a track, turf, jumping areas and bleachers,” said Brook Bull, representing the track and field team. “It’s where we learn discipline, teamwork and resilience. Where we show up early, stay late, build friendships, push our limits, and sometimes fall short, only to come back stronger.”
Dr. Sullivan thanked those involved in the project: the Board of Education, architect LAN Associates and their partners, Gerard Associates, LA Group, Construction Manager School House, Clark Companies, Southern Bleachers, Musco Lighting, Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna, administration, faculty, coaches, staff, state and local officials, students and the Liberty community.
The athletic field and track area was closed to the public following the groundbreaking. Construction will begin on Monday, June 16.
The turf field is expected to be completed in time to play a few games in the 2025-26 school year, with other improvements going into 2027.
The first phase of the capital project also includes construction of the maintenance building; 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.
For more information on the project, visit the district’s Capital Project page.
LHS issues hold in place following student altercation
Liberty High School issued a hold in place earlier today, June 12, for a little over 20 minutes.
A student was asked to leave the building following a violation of the Code of Conduct but refused. After the student made threatening statements toward the school resource officer and threatening additional disruptive behavior, Liberty Police Department was called, on request of the school resource officer. Shortly after arrival, LPD officers removed the student from the building.
At no time during the hold in place were any students or staff in immediate danger.
The student will face consequences in accordance with the Liberty CSD Code of Conduct, and any further determination by law enforcement officials.
“Safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We thank LPD for their quick response.”
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.
Message from the principal on end of the year testing, Chromebook collection and summer school
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
Happy June! As we come into the final month of the school year this letter shares more detail of Final/Regent exam schedules, Chromebook collection, and summer school criteria.
Regents Information:
On Wednesday, June 11, normal bussing will occur and there will be no 12-noon bussing home. Only students taking the Geometry exam attend school. Students needing a ride home will be supervised in the cafeteria and may take the 3 p.m. bus home.
From June 17 through June 20, we will be giving Regents exams and Final exams at LHS. There will be normal bus runs, which students can take for transportation into school for a morning and/or afternoon exam. There will be a 12-noon bus that will only take students home who have finished their morning exams. Students who finish their exams between bus runs will wait in our cafeteria for the next bus run or for a ride. Any student who needs to ride into school on the morning bus, and wait in the cafeteria for the afternoon test, may do so. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but no food will be allowed in testing locations. Students must enter through the main entrance beginning at 7:50 a.m. each morning.
From Monday, June 23 through June 25, normal bussing will occur and there will be no 12-noon bussing home. Students needing a ride home will be supervised in the cafeteria and may take the 3 p.m. bus home.
It’s important to note that students are not allowed to have any personal electronics in their possession during Regents exams or Final exams. The best solution is to leave them home, or in their vehicle. If students bring their electronic device(s) into school, they will be provided with an envelope to store them in, and they will be collected until their exam is submitted. If a student is found to have a personal electronic device in their possession, then we are required by the New York State Education Department to invalidate the exam and no score will be given. The excerpt below is the exact language that will be read to students prior to each exam:
You cannot have any communications device, including a cell phone, with you during this examination or during any breaks (such as a restroom visit). Such devices include, but are not limited to:
- Cell phones
- iPods and MP3 players
- iPads, tablets, and other eReaders
- Personal laptops, notebooks, or any other computing devices
- Cameras or other photographic equipment
- Wearable devices/smart wearables, including smartwatches and health wearables with a display
- Headphones, headsets, or in-ear headphones such as earbuds, and
- Any other device capable of recording audio, photographic or video content, or capable of viewing or playing back such content
If you brought any of these items to the building today, and have not already stored it in your locker or turned it over to me, a test monitor, or school official, you must give it to me now. You may not keep your cell phone or any of these items with you, or near you, including in your pockets, backpack, desk, etc. If you keep a cell phone or any of these items with you, your examination will be invalidated and you will get no score.
Regents and Finals Schedule
Any final exams not listed will be given in class. The last day of classes for the 2024-2025 school year is Monday, June 16, 2025.
- Friday, June 6
- 8 a.m.: College finals: Advanced Algebra, Pre Calculus. Classes are in session for all students.
- Wednesday, June 11
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Geometry. No classes
- Friday, June 13
- 8 a.m.: College final: Calculus. Classes are in session for all students
- Tuesday, June 17
- 8 a.m.: Regents: English Language Arts
- Noon: Regents: Living Environment
- Wednesday, June 18
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Global History & Geography II; College Final: U.S. History
- Noon: Regents: Algebra I
- Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth (no school)
- Friday, June 20:
- 8 a.m.: Regents: U.S. History
- Noon: Regents: Earth Science
- Monday, June 23
- 8 a.m.: Final: ELA 10
- Tuesday, June 24
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Chemistry
- Noon: Final: Physics
- Wednesday, June 25
- 8 a.m.: Regents: Algebra 2
Locker Clean Out
There will be large garbage cans placed in the hallways beginning on Monday, June 9, 2025, for students to be able to clean out their lockers.
Chromebook Collection
- Students in grades 9-11 will return their Chromebook on the date of their last Regents exam or Final exam. Seniors can return their Chromebooks on the day of Senior walk, 6/16, the date of their last test, or any day leading to 6/25/25, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Seniors may also pick up their graduation tickets after returning their devices.
- Students who have a circumstance that requires the Chromebook for a longer duration must request permission to return it at a later date.
- The last Chromebook collection day is Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Please make sure your Chromebook is charged, and the charger block and cable are returned with it.
- Please state anything needing repair at time of return (screen issues, mouse problems etc) so tech staff can square it away over the summer for you.
Fees for items not returned will be:
- Non-returned Chromebook – $350
- Non-returned Chromebook charger/cable – $50
- Cost of intentional repairs and damage beyond normal wear and tear (smashed screen, keys broken off, etc).
Summer School Eligibility Criteria
- Students must have a 60 end of year average in order to attend summer school.
- Students with an end of year average lower than 60 are eligible to attend with teacher recommendation and a parent meeting with administration.
- Summer school is offered through a partnership with Sullivan County BOCES.
- Three (3) absences require automatic withdrawal from summer school.
- Counselors will reach out to the parents/guardians of qualified students June 23 through June 27.
All the best,
Dr. Derek Adams
Principal
Instagram and X- @LibertyHS_NY
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.