Category: High School News
Three earn Excellence in Service awards
A high school special education teacher, a fifth-grade ELA/Social Studies teacher and a kindergarten teacher were recognized by the Liberty Central School District Board of Education with Excellence in Service Awards on Dec. 10.
Carol Gillespie
Ms. Gillespie was recognized for her connection to students.
“If students were able to nominate a staff member, I am confident Carol would have already been honored multiple times,” her nominator said.
Her connection to students goes beyond those who are in her classes.
“On days that Carol is absent, I have multiple students sadly asking me ‘she’s not here today?!’ as their day will no longer be as great without her here to give a hug, smile, or just say hello,” the nomination read.
In her special education classroom, Ms. Gillespie gets to know her students and chooses novels and other texts based on the students interests.
“Carol goes above and beyond to ensure her students are engaged in their content and guides the students to take ownership of their learning,” the nomination read.
Natalie Guido
Mrs. Guido was honored for her innovation in her fifth-grade classroom and her collaboration and support of colleagues.
“Natalie is an extraordinary educator whose innovative use of technology transforms her classroom into an engaging and dynamic learning environment,” her nominator wrote. “ By staying at the forefront of educational trends, she integrates the newest technology tools to captivate her students and tailor lessons to their interests.”
Mrs. Guido was also recognized as a role model to new teachers and being a teacher who fosters a positive and forward-thinking school culture.
“Her dedication, creativity and impact make her an exceptional candidate for this honor,” her nomination read.
Amanda Ritz
Mrs. Ritz’s work as a grade-level facilitator, a leader and a mentor was highlighted in her nomination.
“Amanda goes above and beyond in every role that she fills in the Elementary School,” her nominator wrote.
Her preparation for the grade-level meetings,helpfulness, knowledge and ability to ensure the teachers have what they need set her apart, the nomination said
She also works with student teachers and observers.
“She gives them the tools they need to become the next best generation of teachers,” the nomination read. “I am proud to nominate someone who goes above and beyond every day for both our students and our staff.”
Each month, faculty and 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 employees on their awards.
LHS names Stellar Students for first quarter
Liberty High School recently honored its Stellar Students for the first quarter. The Stellar Student Awards recognize students who for the quarter were referral-free, had no more than two absences, had no unexcused late entries, and had a 75 or above quarter average with no failures or incompletes.
12th grade
Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Lewis Bound, Noah Call, Andres Castillo Hernandez, Abdi Coy Pop, Eugene Davis-Andino, Faith Fitzgerald, Jose Galeas Aguilar, Evelin Garzon Ferrufino, Lianna Gissentaner, Anjay Harripersad, Nora Liddle, Jordan Loucks, Skylar Loyce, Kimberlin Malaga, Gonzalez, Ariel Miguel, Sierra Norris, Luis Otero Jr., Joshuaj Reyes Escobedo, Angel Valladares, Austin Werlau and Rita Zheng
11th grade
Cristian Argenal, Tarek Benadim, Rene Bernal Huezo, Shawn Bickham Jr., Brooke Bull, Addison Bury, Marcus Curry, Joshua Decker Jr., Giada DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, Sydania Foster, Lia Guillerme, Alyson Hernandez Lopez, Kelsey Hopkins, Jaspreet Kaur, Zane Kip, Gustavo Leon, Belen Leon Martinez, Gianna Lewis, Arwyn Lucero-Bonilla, Angelina Magie, Leonel Malaga Ventura, Jhony Maradiaga Palma, Kimberlin Mejia Alvarado, Quelin Molina Gavilan, Serenity Moore, Makayla Morales, Iris Ogden, William Pennell, Jose Rivera, Phillo Romero, Elijah Warren, Tatianna Warren and Pheobe Wilson.
10th grade
Yanelis Aguilar Reyes, Derick Aliers Amparo, Zackary Alvord, Gianino Amendola, Jill Baumander, Marlow Cedillos Saravia, Kent Clarke, Riley Cox, Ashley De Leon, Yamilet Garcia Gonzalez, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Isiah Johnson, Peyton Klein, Bartlomiej Klys, Orchid Langlois, Kevin Leon Gavilan, AnnaMay Lopez, Bridgette Mateo Cruz, Jeremiah, McLeod, Mariely Medina Orellana, Jose Moreno Reyes, Giselle Perez Sanchez, Daniela Ponce Flores, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Katterin, Reyes Guardado, Dylan Romero, Allison Vasko, Lige Young and Sebastian Yupanqui.
Ninth Grade
Jaden Antonutti, Irwin Barragan Rojas, Lillianna Black, Ezra Dilworth, Sophia Duarte, Stephanie Gomez Nivelo, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Kimberly Hernandez Contreras, Savannah Jennings Rivera, Tyler Juron, Hunter Kavleski, Radek Klys, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Evelyn Molina Ax, Maynor Monroy Aldana, Anai Perez Sanchez, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Gabriella Sheridan and Alonso Yupanqui.
LCSD School Counseling Department addresses variety of needs for all students
Liberty Central School District provides a comprehensive school counseling program for all students. Our school counselors, school social workers, behavioral specialists and school psychologists are certified educators trained to provide a range of assistance.
The traditional role of what was once known as a guidance counselor was primarily academic and future planning. But that role today encompasses so much more, including focusing on the social and emotional, as well as academic, well-being of students now and into the future.. Because they now offer much more than academic guidance, they are now known as school counselors.
Our school social workers are the link between the school, home and community, providing support to address students’ social, emotional and behavioral needs that may impact learning, as well as connecting students to resources in the community that can assist them.
Our behavior specialists assess student behaviors, develop intervention plans, work with teachers and staff to implement those plans, and monitor progress to adjust the plan as needed, helping students with behavioral obstacles succeed.
Our school psychologists help identify academic, social and emotional obstacles that may prevent students from reaching their full potential, and they work with the school counseling team to provide interventions to address those obstacles. These obstacles could be long-term issues or crisis situations.
The members of our School Counseling Department work together, and with teachers, staff and administration, to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
We encourage our students to reach out to the School Counseling Department, not only for academic and career advice, but also for the social and emotional support and guidance they need.
Learn more about our school counseling program at https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/guidance-departments/
LHS names more than 250 students to first marking period honor rolls
The following students were named to the honor rolls for the first marking period at Liberty High School. High honor students must have attained a marking period average of 90 or better and have no failing or incomplete grades. Honor roll students must have attained a marking period average of 85 or better and have no failing or incomplete grades. They were honored during breakfasts on Dec. 4 and 5.
12th grade
High honor: Elmida Aguilar-Reyes, Quinn Allen, Endya Alvarez, Guillermo Arauz Gonzalez, Ayaan Awais, Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Mailyn Caal Chub, Noah Call, Andres Castillo Hernandez, Eugene Davis-Andino, Cathy Delgado-Flores, Colin Doeinck, James Dworetsky, Sara Fajardo Reyes, Sophia Ferguson, Faith Fitzgerald, Jose Galeas Aguilar, Lianna Gissentaner, Wyatt Green, Sandra Hanofee, Anjay Harripersad, Jordan Hewlett, Gianna Journet, Alex Kearney, Joshua Kratz, Jack Krum, Carla Lara Fernandez, Kenisha Ledoux, Nora Liddle, Skylar Loyce, Addison Makky, Kimberlin Malaga Gonzalez, Colin Mangan, Matthew McKoy, Andrew McPhillips, Luis Molina Gonzalez, Sierra Norris, Liam Parks, Jeferson Pineda Monzon, Wenifer Ramos Mata, Joshuaj Reyes Escobedo, Melody Rivera, Megan Schmidt, Mason Smith, Austin Werlau, Konnar Williams, Mykenzi Williams, Rachel Yaun and Rita Zheng.
Honor: Yedrick Aliers Cruz, Lewis Bound, Ryan Britton, Jackson Bustillo Martinez, Wendy Chabla, Shelby Clack, Braedan Clarke, Abdi Coy Pop, James Fancher, Irvin Garcia Garcia, Evelin Garzon Ferrufino, Bryan Garzon, Sherlyn Garzon, Gabriella Gentile, Haylee Gomez, Mia Gorr, Anthony Lemus, Rosmery Leonardo Valerio, Jordan Loucks, Sofia Marty, Owen Moore, Adamaris Navarro-Leon, Luis Otero Jr., Ryan Porter, Ivan Rodriguez Jr., Serenity Ryder, Samya Sarita, Jacob Schulte, David Sellers, Jonathan Stonick and Kayla Tapia.
11th grade
High honor: Brayan Abrego Medina, Maliea Agapito, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Cristian Argenal, Aubrey Botsford, Carmela Burgio, Runxian Chen, Marcus Curry, Joshua Decker Jr., Genna DeFrank, Giada DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, Allisson Diaz Lopez, Lia Guillerme, Kelsey Hopkins, Jaspreet Kaur, Jacob Kelly, Zane Kip, Kaley Klein, Belen Leon Martinez, Gianna Lewis, DaShaun Loyce, Angelina Magie, Brenna Mangan, Serenity Moore, Genesis Munoz Valladares, Genesis Munoz Valladares, Soleil Ocasio-Lombardi, John Palacios Medran, William Pennell, Brooke Porter, Cassandra Porter, Randy Romero-Bello, Justin Simon, Emma Stonick, Valeria Uroza Martinez, Elijah Warren, Angela Wheeler and Cameryn Will.
Honor: Teodulo Banegas Jr., Tarek Benadim, Shawn Bickham Jr., Brooke Bull, Addison Bury, Naima Byam Canady, Shirley Cando, Kamoren Connell, Jake Cross, Elizabeth Cruz Cruz, Valeria Cruz, Lincoln Davis, Cameron Degroat, Vanaya Dudley, Adrien Ferguson, Christopher Flores Osorto, Sydania Foster, Lincoln Klein, Cynthia Leon, Angel Leon Gustavo, Leonel Malaga Ventura, Yuritzy Martinez Ramirez, Kimberlin Mejia Alvarado, Sarai Miranda, Quelin Molina Gavilan, Makayla Morales, Mia Nunura Galan, Iris Ogden, Jose Rivera, Phillo Romero, Joseph Sarney, Tayler Schwartz, Jaidon Simmons, Elmer Son Vincente, Ashley Szuba, Tatianna Warren, Jada-Lynn Williams and Pheobe Wilson.
10th grade
High honor: Derick Aliers Amparo, Zackary Alvord, Gianino Amendola, Sophia Marie Avellino, Jill Baumander, Eyanna Castro, Jr Cobbs, Olivia Corrigan, Liliana Crespo, Hudson Danzilo, Frandy De La Cruz Solano, Ashley De Leon, Dung Duong, Austin Frunzi, Kylie Fuller, Yamilet Garcia Gonzalez, Jeffrey Greve, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo, Misael Juarez Perez, Peyton Klein, Bartlomiej Klys, Audrey Krum, Orchid Langlois, Nester Leon Aldana, Maria Lewis, Roger Lynker III, Gia Matullo, Jeremiah McLeod, Mariely Medina Orellana, Savannah, Pagan Van Wagner, Katherine, Panama Guailazaca, Giselle Perez Sanchez, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Katterin Reyes Guardado, Ruth Sellers, Amy Szuba, Olivia Tyler, Allison Vasko and Sebastian Yupanqui.
Honor: Naiara Alvarado Piedy, Yanelis Aguilar Reyes, Liam Araniva, Isabella Caycho, Riley Cox, Alan Cruz, Colin Dasraj, Colin Dole, Angel Figueroa, Carlos Garzon Cruz, Mayrelis Gonzalez Ramirez, Isiah Johnson, Kevin Leon Gavilan, Katherine Maldonado, Nathan Mendoza Ramirez, Jose Moreno Reyes, Elizabeth Navarrete, Angele Osorio Ramirez, Daniela Ponce Flores, Sarai Quiroz Gomez, Beth Santiago Riley, Jordan Smith, Olivia Torres, Jeronimo Velez Osorio, Giuliana Wagner and Lige Young.
Ninth grade
High honor: Colten Allen, Angeliz Arriaga Munoz, Zachariah Bickham, Emily Cardenas Reyes, Hope Corbett, Kevin Dilworth Ezra, Sophia Duarte, McKayla Figueroa, Belle Gandulla, Leah Herbek, Tyler Juron, Hunter Kavleski, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Lena Lagattuta, Nakeah Lewis, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Evelyn Molina Ax, Anai Perez Sanchez, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Jayla Ramon, Raul Rios, Karol Rosa Espejo, Gabriella Sheridan, Mason Williams and Jairo Zhicay Jadan.
Honor: Lillianna Black, Samuel Blandon Cardona, David Cortes Cruz, Brayan Deras Berrios, Ami Garcia Garcia, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Kimberly Hernandez Contreras, Charlotte Horton DeMorla, Mckinzie Paterson, Danilo Paz, Gimena Quiroz Ramirez, Baileigh Steinberg, Samantha Vidalis, Keyanna White and Alonso Yupanqui.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 9-15, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball, indoor track and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 9
5 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling multi-matches vs. multiple schools at Port Jervis High School
Tuesday, Dec. 10
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Ellenville at Ellenville High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Wallkill High School Vinnie DeAngelis High School Gym
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Wallkill High School Vinnie DeAngelis High School Gym
Wednesday, Dec. 11
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
5:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
Thursday, Dec. 12
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
5 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
Friday, Dec. 13
All events postponed.
Saturday, Dec. 14
8 a.m.: Boys Wrestling Varsity Tournament vs. Multiple Schools at John Jay High School – East Fishkill
11 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track and Field meet vs. multiple schools at West Point – United States Military Academy
Sunday, Dec. 15
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Notes needed for bus pick up changes
Parents or guardians of students who wish to be picked up from a different location than their normal bus pickup location in the morning must provide a note requesting the change stating the dates and new location in advance. Notes should be sent to the student’s school’s main office by the end of the previous school day. Requests will be approved if space allows. If the request cannot be granted the family will be notified. For safety reasons, the bus drivers are only able to pick up the students on the bus roster.
MTSS growing at Liberty, giving students the support they need to succeed
As Liberty Central School District approaches the midway point of its five-year strategic plan, officials are taking time to evaluate what has been accomplished so far and what still needs to be done. Earlier this year, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs. Last month, the Curriculum pillar was the focus, with Multi-Tier System of Supports, or MTSS, up now.
To review the strategic intents of the MTSS pillar:
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk academically, students needing language acquisition, and students needing enrichment, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk socially, emotionally and behaviorally, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- The District will implement post benchmark data analysis meetings that require at least three data points (Academic/SEL Screener and two additional data points) to identify or refer students to Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions through vertically articulated Student Support/MTSS meetings that are regularly scheduled and attended.
What does this mean?
Many factors impact how a student learns. These factors include academic skills, cultural barriers, socio-economic struggles, as well as social, emotional or behavioral challenges. An effective MTSS model will allow schools to provide ALL students the tools they need to succeed, as well as assess if those tools are working.
What is LCSD doing?
The Leader in Me (LIM) framework has been implemented in all schools to provide all students the leadership and life skills they need. But to determine what supports students may require, screenings are needed. The DESSA SEL (social-emotional learning) screener has been implemented at all schools to help identify students who may need interventions. At the Elementary and Middle schools, Renaissance STAR and HMH assessments are provided three times a year to assess students progress in reading and math. The schools also use interventions from HMH, and other SEL interventions, aligned with LIM. At Liberty High School, Academic Intervention Service (AIS) classes help prepare students for Regents. There are also language acquisition supports, such as the Newcomer Global Learner program, for multilingual learners at LHS..
These have helped the schools set up small-group support as well as more intense behavior interventions for SEL support.
Implementation of MTSS model is underway at the elementary and middle schools by providing a referral form, creating meeting structures and post-benchmark analysis meetings as well as using common intervention programs for Grades K-8, such as student-centered Wildly Important Goals, enrichment for grades K-8, and cross-cultural based events.
The goal is to set aside more time for analysis, continue the meet between buildings to align approach, implementation and results, while enhancing academic intervention systems for the High School.
“Our MTSS model is getting stronger and we are committed to ensuring all of our students are given the support they need,” Superintendent Dr. Sullivan said. “It is critical to our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.”
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the third in a series of stories that focus on different aspects of LCSD’s strategic plan and what it means for the Redhawk students, staff, families and community.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 2-8, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 2
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 3
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Events postponed due to weather.
Friday, Dec. 6
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Dec.7
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 8
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2024
The winter sports season kicks off this week with a boys basketball multi-scrimmage.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Nov. 25
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Nov. 26
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball multi-scrimmage vs. multiple schools at Sullivan County Community College
Wednesday, Nov. 27
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Nov. 28
No events scheduled.
Friday, Nov. 29
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Nov. 30
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 1
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
A reminder of emergency closure notifications
Some snow is in the forecast for later this week. Whether it has the potential to interrupt the school day is not yet known. We are taking this opportunity to remind parents, guardians and the community how they will receive notice if school will be operating under a delay, will be dismissed early or will be closed due to inclement weather.
The district will contact parents and guardians directly by phone, email and text if there are any changes in the daily school schedule. Those who wish to verify their contact information is correct should reach out to the main office of their child’s school, as well sign up for ParentSquare and download the app. Closing, delay and early dismissal information will also be posted on the district website and shared with local media outlets. Calls may also be made to the district at 845-292-5400. Any schedule changes will follow the initial greeting.
When there is early dismissal, all after-school activities are canceled.
The district has scheduled seven snow days. If all snow days are used by Feb. 13, Feb. 14 will become a student day. Any additional days needed will be virtual learning days. Please refer to our Districtwide Safety Plan regarding remote learning.