Category: Middle School News
LPA to present ‘Almost, Maine’ April 17 and 18
Liberty Performing Arts will present “Almost, Maine” at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18.
Set in a small, northern town under the glow of the northern lights, “Almost, Maine,” a play by John Cariani” is a series of charming and poignant vignettes about love in all its forms—falling in and out of love, missed connections, and unexpected second chances. Filled with humor, warmth, and a touch of magic, it’s a story that will leave you smiling long after the final curtain, presenters said.
“Our high school students have been working incredibly hard to bring this heartfelt and whimsical production to life,” said directors Ben Abrams and Meghan Kehrer. “We are excited to share their dedication and talent with the audience.”
Directed by Ben Abrams and Meghan Kehrer, this production showcases the incredible talent and dedication of Liberty High School’s student performers. Performing, in order of appearance, are Sebastian Yupanqui, Kristjana Geirsdotti, Cassandra Porter, Riley Santiago, Orchid Langlois, McKinzie Paterson, Sarai Miranda, Jill Baumander, Lena Lagattuta, Kelsey Hopkins and Kourtney Perry.
Lighting design is by Kathleen Johansen, with set and prop design by Angela Kruger and Michael Fritz and costume design by Emily McConnell.
Community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase online. Children 2 and younger are admitted free, However, the show is most appropriate for ages 13 and older due to content.
LES kindergarten, pre-k registration available
Registration is now open for kindergarten at Liberty Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. There are also open slots available for pre-kindergarten, and a lottery will not be held. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To qualify for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026, and a resident of the Liberty Central School District. Students that are in the Liberty Central School District universal pre-k program at LES do not need to register.
Eligible pre-kindergarten students must be residents of the Liberty Central School District and turn 4 years old before Dec. 1, 2026.
To register, parents or guardians must fill out a registration packet for kindergarten or a registration packet for pre-kindergarten, and provide a copy of parent/guardian’s photo ID; custody papers, if applicable; proof of residency, such as a utility bill or rental lease; and the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and a copy of recent physical exam, which must include all school physical exam requirements. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their child’s doctor for details. The child’s healthcare insurance card is also requested.
For more information about pre-k, visit our UPK FAQs page.
To register, email haustin@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.
Superintendent offers update on lead-based paint found at LES
Dear Liberty,
As the health and safety of our staff and students are our top priorities, we want to update you on the steps we have taken to address the identified lead-based paint in the older section of Liberty Elementary School. To ensure a healthy environment, the district worked with environmental and cleanup experts to address these areas until we complete a full remediation process.
Even though professional tests showed that dust levels were already well within safe limits, we took extra steps to make sure everyone stays safe. Our cleanup teams used a thorough safety process in classrooms and hallways. This included using specialized air filters to keep the air clean while workers carefully removed any loose or peeling paint. After the paint was removed, all surfaces were deep-cleaned using industrial vacuums and wet-wiping. To provide a long-term safety barrier, a white sealant was painted over these areas to lock everything in place.
Throughout this process, all school supplies and furniture were either moved or covered in protective plastic to keep them clean. Upon your child’s return from Spring Break, they will find their classrooms ready for learning. Some of the walls have been finished with a new white sealant, and all items have been moved back into place by the contractors. To ensure a healthy environment, the contractors used green, plant-based products to clean the building, making it safe for both students and staff.
We are committed to providing a safe place to learn and look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, April 7.
If you have any questions please email Questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 6-12, 2026
Spring sports kicks off this week with baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track.
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, April 6
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, April 7
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Wallkill Golf Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 0, Port Jervis 23
Despite the biting cold and relentless winds, the Redhawks took to the field for their home opener with an unwavering spirit. Even though the scoreboard favored Port Jervis 23-0, the final tally doesn’t tell the full story of a team that did not to let the elements or a tough opponent dampen their resolve.
Playing on the field for only the second time this spring, several Redhawks found ways to shine against a dominant pitching performance by the Raiders’ Abbey Montalvo. Giuliana Wagner led the charge offensively, going a perfect 2-2 at the plate. Wagner’s performance, featuring both a sharp single and a powerful double, accounted for the team’s hits on the day. Lilli Black showed great range and focus in the outfield, reeling in several difficult catches despite the blustery conditions. She also displayed discipline at the plate to reach base safely once in two at bats. Brooke Porter also stayed very patient at the plate, going deep into the count and battled to earn a walk as well, contributing to the team’s offensive effort.
While Port Jervis brought a heavy-hitting offense, the Redhawks remained vocal and supportive of one another through all five innings of the cold, cold day. Facing 13 hits and three extra-base hits is a challenge for any defense, but the Redhawks used the experience as to “learn on the fly.”
The team’s ability to maintain a positive attitude despite the weather is something to be proud of.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty Elementary School
Wednesday, April 8
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. James I. O’Neill at West Point Golf Course
4 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. James I. O’Neill at James I O’Neill High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville.
Thursday, April 9
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Washingtonville at The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge.
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Central School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Elementary School
Friday, April 10
4 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty High School
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Warwick Valley School District at Warwick Valley Country Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12
No events scheduled.
BOE to have special meeting April 8
There will be a special meeting of the Liberty Central School District Board of Education at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, in the District Office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty. The board will vote on a brief agenda, and the meeting will be open to the public. There will be no other business. The agenda will be available at Board Docs on Tuesday, April 7.
The next regular meeting of the board will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, in the HS Media Center.
LMS students take the lead in spring conferences
Spring conferences looked quite a bit different at Liberty Middle School last week.
Rather than parents and guardians meeting with their child’s teachers, the students took the lead in reviewing their year so far.
During the meetings on March 26 students shared their Leadership Portfolio, a curated collection of their work, goals and reflections; talked about specific learning successes; discussed their academic strengths and growth areas and set personal goals for the remainder of the school year.
“Our data from the last three years shows that when students are responsible for explaining their own progress, they become more engaged and motivated,” LMS administrators said in a letter home to families. “This shift is a key part of our commitment to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment. It moves the conversation from a report of grades to a meaningful dialogue about growth, character, and leadership.”
The student-led conferences align with the Middle School’s Comprehensive Education Plan as well as the district’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.
The student-led conferences have helped lead to more family involvement during the spring meetings. The number of families attending more than doubled from the 2023-24 school year, with more than 260 attending the most recent conferences.
LCS Interact Club presents to Rotary, looks to future
The Liberty Central School Interact Club members recently presented to the Liberty Rotary Club, highlighting their accomplishments this year and their plans through the end of 2026.
Interact members continue to be enthusiastic and dedicated partners, eager to support Rotary—especially in helping operate the Rotary Games at community events. This year, they also assisted with the annual Liberty Rotary Spaghetti Dinner and played a key role in the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, which successfully raised funds for the purchase of a Book Vending Machine at the Liberty Middle School..
Looking ahead, the Interact Club will soon install a Little Free Library at Liberty High School. As part of this project, students developed and delivered a presentation to the Liberty Board of Education to gain approval, demonstrating leadership, initiative and strong communication skills. They are now preparing to purchase and install the library.
In addition, Interact members are giving back through service by collecting hygiene items to assemble care bags for Fearless. Students who attended Rotary Youth Leadership Awards shared their experiences, expressed their gratitude to the Liberty Rotary Club, and will be presenting to the sophomore class in April.
The Interact Club also demonstrated its commitment to community support by contributing a $500 sponsorship to the Bowls and Bites Fundraiser for A Single Bite.
The Interact Club looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the Liberty Rotary Club and expanding its impact in the community.
In recognition of their hard work and participation in the Spaghetti Dinner, the Liberty Rotary Club presented the Interact Club with a check for $916.
Foster parent training to be offered
Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference and Sullivan County DSS will host a “Become a Foster Parent” training starting April 28.
The 10 week course will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays via Zoom. Those interested may sign up via an online form.
For more information, contact Kateigh Jamieson at 845-720-0717 or kjamieson@chowc.org
Liberty Middle Schoolers become BRAVE Leaders in Action
On March 11, Liberty Middle School hosted the Sweethearts and Heroes BRAVE program, bringing students together for an intensive day focused on leadership, empathy and building a culture of compassion.
Student leaders participated in a series of interactive experiences designed to shift perspectives from bystander to “Hero.” The day began with an Opening Circle, where students explored the philosophy of “Play” and the foundational pillars of leadership. They then engaged in hands-on “Hero Huddles” and “Bully Drills,” practicing real-world strategies to support peers and respond to challenging social situations.
During a Leadership Working Lunch, the school’s Student Leadership Group collaborated with BRAVE trainers to plan how to sustain and expand these efforts throughout the school community.
In the afternoon, student leaders put their learning into action by mentoring fifth-grade students, facilitating sessions that emphasized connection and inclusion. One fifth-grader, Mayleen Lopez Arroyave, said, “I was nervous at first, but once we started talking to the older kids, they were so nice and made me feel less vulnerable.”
Student leaders also reflected on the experience. Eighth-grader Montgomery Allen described it as “a stepping stone to my career of wanting to work with children,” while classmate Namar Singh added, “It was fun to be able to do games and stuff with younger peers.”
Other participating students were seventh-graders Owen Brust, Avery Decker, Denali Owens, Carolina Vera Rivera and Caleb Rusin and eighth-graders Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon Valle, Jacob Grossman, Luna Hulse, Thomas Jandik, Antoni Klys, Corrine Lake, Harper Matusak, Pricilla Matute, Zalaina Nash, Luke Poley and Greyson Torres.
Josiah Mckeon, representing the BRAVE program, summarized its mission: “The BRAVE program isn’t just about stopping a bully; it’s about starting a movement of compassion and connection.”
The kickoff marks an important step for Liberty Middle School in fostering student leadership and creating a more supportive, inclusive school environment. Sweethearts and Heroes will return five more times throughout the year to continue the “movement of compassion and connection.”
“We are incredibly proud of our students for showing the courage to lead and the heart to help,” said MS/HS Behavior Specialist Sheila Wormuth. “Way to go, Liberty Heroes!”
Library to host story times, creation station
The Liberty Public Library will host several events for students in the coming weeks.
On April 4 and May 2, Bilingual Story Time with Xina will continue. The story times, from 11 a.m. to noon, aim to help children’s cognitive flexibility, memory and executive function, and will include stories, songs and crafts. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for the children. No registration is required. These events are held in partnership with Sullivan County Public Health and Liberty Public Library. For more information, call 845-292-5910, ext. 2207.
For kindergartners, the library will host a Junior Bookworm Club afterschool Mondays, April 27-May 18. It will take place from 2:30 to 4 p.m., and library staff will pick children from Liberty Elementary to escort them to the library.
Participating children will enjoy books, play games, have snacks, do crafts and more. Registration will begin at 10 a.m., Monday, April 6, by calling 845-292-6070. Those who call earlier will be asked to call back. Permission slips will be sent home with all children who are registered. Slips must be returned to the library or the child’s teacher indicating pickup preference. Children may be picked up at the library by 4 or they can be escorted to the LES Boys & Girls Club, if they are signed up.
On Tuesday, April 21, starting at 3:!5 p.m., teens are invited to stop by the library, at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty, to create a variety of small artwork to fill the Liberty Museum and Art Center’s Creation Station. Teens can earn an hour of volunteer service time for this activity.
For more information on the Bookwork Club or the Teen Creation Station, call 845-292-6070 or visit the library’s website.