Category: Middle School News

Liberty CSD Dedicates Memorial Tree in Honor of Michelle Behrman

On Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, students, families and staff gathered at Liberty Middle School to dedicate a memorial tree and plaque in honor of Michelle Behrman, a beloved guidance counselor whose compassion, dedication and advocacy left a lasting impact on the school community.

About Michelle Behrman

Michelle completed her early education in the Arlington School District before earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. She later received a master’s degree in school counseling from Radford University, where she was honored with the School Counselor Award.

For more than 20 years, Michelle served as a guidance counselor at Liberty Middle School, beginning her career in the district in 2001. She embodied the qualities the district strives to instill in its students, including intelligence, perseverance and resilience. Throughout her tenure, she was a dedicated mentor, led PBIS initiatives for many years and built meaningful relationships with students, families and colleagues.

Outside of school, Michelle enjoyed traveling with loved ones. She was known for her generous spirit, compassionate heart and unwavering commitment to advocating for her students.

Supporting Students Through Michelle’s Legacy

The Michelle Behrman Memorial Awards honor Michelle’s more than 20 years of service as a Liberty Middle School guidance counselor and the values she modeled: intelligence, perseverance, integrity and courage.

Liberty CSD offers two award opportunities for students. The Middle School Memorial Award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates integrity and stands up for others, even when doing so is difficult. The High School Memorial Scholarship awards one or two scholarships annually to students who reflect on their future goals and share a time they chose to do what was right.

Supported by donations from Michelle’s colleagues, friends and family, along with significant contributions from Walter Behrman and Lois Behrman, these awards ensure her legacy continues to positively impact Liberty students for years to come.

Michelle

Honoring Michelle

Located near the front entrance of Liberty Middle School, the memorial features a commemorative tree donated by Deb of Liberty Home and Garden and an engraved plaque made possible through community support. The project was completed through the collaborative efforts of community and staff members and the Liberty Central School District Buildings and Grounds Department. Jaime Black, Joe Davis and Tony Lescynski prepared the site and oversaw the installation, helping create a lasting tribute to Michelle Behrman and her enduring impact on the school community.

During the dedication ceremony, attendees reflected on the lasting impact Michelle Behrman had on the students, families and colleagues whose lives she touched. Liberty Middle School Principal Heather Cheh shared heartfelt remarks, remembering Michelle as a cherished colleague, mentor and friend whose kindness, compassion and dedication continue to inspire the school community.

“Thank you all for being here as we remember and celebrate our friend and colleague Michelle.

For more than 20 years, Michelle’s kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of countless students, families, and coworkers. This plaque reminds us that although we miss her deeply, her light continues to shine through the many lives she touched and the memories we carry with us.

Today is simply a time to be together, share our stories and memories of Michelle, and celebrate the very special person she was. 

Anyone who would like to say a few words aloud can do so first, then everyone can share amongst yourselves and enjoy each other’s company.”

The memorial was created to ensure that her legacy remains a visible and meaningful part of the school community for future generations. The tree will continue to grow alongside the students who pass it each day, serving as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the lasting connections that shape the Liberty Middle School community.

 

Liberty CSD Welcomes New Teachers During Orientation 

Liberty CSD Welcomes New Teachers During Orientation 

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LIBERTY, NY – Liberty Central School District welcomed its newest educators during a two-day New Teacher Orientation held August 26 and 27 at the Liberty Elementary School Library/Media Center.

The orientation was designed to help new staff members become familiar with district expectations, resources, and instructional practices before the start of the school year. Throughout the program, participants heard from district and building leaders, met support staff, explored educational technology platforms, and learned about Liberty’s strategic priorities.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan opened the orientation by welcoming new teachers to the district and introducing members of the administrative team. Dr. Sullivan, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Derek Adams, provided an overview of the district’s Strategic Plan and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), emphasizing Liberty’s commitment to student success and continuous improvement.

Additional sessions focused on essential technology resources, the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) process, SchoolTool and educational platforms, the district’s mentoring program for new educators, and district procedures. Teachers also participated in a district bus tour to become familiar with the communities and neighborhoods served by Liberty Central School District.

On the second day, teachers engaged in professional learning centered on explicit and direct instruction, lesson planning, student engagement strategies, and the district’s Leader in Me initiative. Sessions also highlighted support services available for students, including special education, English as a New Language (ENL), and services for students in temporary housing.

The orientation concluded with lunch hosted by the Liberty Faculty Association, followed by building tours, meetings with administrators, and classroom preparation time.

Please welcome the following individuals below to Liberty Central School District: 

Elementary School (ES)

  • Sarah Lehrfeld – Elementary Education Teacher

  • Vanelys Malave Cruz – Elementary Education Teacher

  • Olivia Gorr – Social Worker

  • Shana Mavila – Elementary Ed

  • Carly Meckle – Elementary Ed

  • Natalia Musolino – Elementary Education Teacher

  • Deysi Panchana – TESOL

  • Gregory Prousalis – Special Education

  • Sarah Raymond – Elementary Ed

  • Samantha Whatmough – Elementary Ed

Middle School (MS)

  • Jennifer Pisaniello – Secondary Special Education Teacher

  • James Krokus – Technology Teacher

  • Edwin Maldonado – TESOL

  • Vanelys Malave Cruz – Elementary Education Teacher

  • Patricia Rodriguez – Special Education

High School (HS)

  • Abigail Conklin – Music K-12

  • Ryan Holloran – Music Education PreK-12

  • Macy Shamro – PE Teacher

Liberty athletes help lead U16 soccer team to championship

Congratulations to the Girls U16 Liberty United Lady Devils team, made up primarily of students from Liberty, on its 4-3 victory at the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League final against AYSO United Hudson Valley. Scoring and giving Liberty the lead with a hat-trick in the first half of the game was Madelyn Cavello. The opposing team evened the score in the last minute of the game. It was in stoppage time that midfielder Alexandra Galeas Osorio made the winning goal that secured the ladies’ title as champions of the Girls U16 Division. Assisting the goals with precise passes and runs were midfielders Madysen Rielly, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Milenka Tello-Pereyra, Adriana Leon Gavilan, Paola Melendez Deras and Amy Cortes. On defense were defenders Casity DiBartolo, Victoria Henry, Amaiya Williamson, and Sophia Vasko. Diving through and cutting many plays short was goalie Stephanie Gomez Nivelo. 

The team is led by Roothland Medina and assisted by Solomen Conner and Carpio Ramos. “ I want to thank the parents and the community for the support as we made our way down victory lane, Mr. Medina said. “The biggest thing we learned throughout the season was that our success did not derive from any one individual. It was forged through the bonds that we made as a team, a family, but most importantly, being there for each other, always United!”

Liberty United Soccer Club is not directly associated with the Liberty Central School District and is an independent community group with the goal to educate and develop youth through the sport of soccer. 

Free meals for children 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.

Meals will be served Monday through Fridays, except July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

Sit-down and bagged breakfasts and lunches will be served at Francis A. Hanofee Park at 136 Sunset Lake Road in Liberty through Aug. 14. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m., with lunch served from 11 a.m. to noon. Meals will be served at Liberty Elementary through Aug. 21, with breakfast offered from 8:15 to 8:40 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

The menus are available on the district website. 

For more information, contact Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna at 845-292-6171 or lmmckenna@libertyk12.org.

ESSA Title Grants meeting draws variety of stakeholders

Liberty Central School Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Derek Adams led a meeting on ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Title Grants at 3:15 p.m. June 25, in the high school media center and virtually.

The meeting was a collaborative effort with multiple stakeholders, including community members, private school representatives, faculty and staff and families, to review the district’s Title Grant goals and budgetary allocations.

Dr. Adams explained that the federal ESSA holds schools accountable for how students learn and achieve and aims to provide an equal opportunity for disadvantaged students, including those receiving special education.

Dr. Adams identified the needs in the district, with 70% of the student population economically disadvantaged, 17% English Language Learners, 15% students with disabilities, 9% migrant students and 7% homeless. On the performance and proficiency side, 69% of students in grade 3-8 were not proficient in the 2025 ELA assessments, and 75% in the 2025 math assessments, and the district has a 66% graduation rate. The critical gap, he said, is the ELL and economically disadvantaged students perform significantly worse on all assessments including NYS Regents.

There are four grants under ESSA that impact Liberty:

  • Title I: Improving basic programs operated by local education agency
    Title I, Part A provides supplemental financial assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to ensure all children have a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, high-quality education.

    • AIS Teachers: Salaries and employee benefits
    • Family Engagement: Salaries and supplies for engagement nights
    • Student Support: Food and clothing for homeless students
    • Technology: Computer for Abbot House students

The district received $674,162 in 2025-2026

  • Title II: Preparing, training and recruiting high-quality teachers, principals and other school leaders
    Title II, Part A is designed to advance excellence in teaching and learning and to promote equity in educational opportunity throughout the state.

Funds were allocated toward:

    • Class Size Reduction: Salaries and benefits at Liberty Elementary School
    • Ach Tov Vchesed: Professional Development services
    • Development Support: Supplies for Ach Tov V’Chesed PD

The  funding received in 2025-2026 was $69,083.

  • Title III: Language instruction for English learners and Immigrant students
    Title III is designed to enable English Language/Multilingual Learners and Immigrant Students to develop proficiency and access challenging academic standards. In Liberty, 17% of students are classified as ELL

Funds were allocated toward:

  • Bilingual Teaching Aid: Salary and Benefits
  • ESL Teacher: Percentage of Salary
  • Private Schools: Field Trips for Ach Tove V’Chesed

The district received funding of $77,927 in 2025-2026.

  • Title IV, Part A: Student support and enrichment grants
    Title IV, Part A provides supplemental funding to help provide students with a well-rounded education, improve school conditions, and improve the use of technology.

Funds were allocated toward:

  • Social Worker Support: A percentage of the salaries for two Social Workers.
  • STEM & Art Materials: Materials for Ach Tov V,Chesed educational programs.

Funding of $52,825.was received by Liberty in 2025-2026

In New York, “title rollover funds” refer to funds that remain unspent from a previous fiscal period and are carried over to the next period for continued use. They are commonly associated with federal education programs under ESSA and ensure that unspent federal funds are used effectively in subsequent periods, supporting ongoing educational initiatives.

In 2025-2026, Liberty used rollover funding to improve academic attainment via Regents preparation, Eduplanet curriculum mapping training and curriculum writing. Funds were also used to enhance new teacher orientation, summer program training for two new Syracuse University Project Advance Courses, as well as summer work stipends for four instrumental music teachers.

For more information, contact Dr. Adams at dadams@libertyk12.org or 845-292-5400, ext. 2052.

LHS Class of 2003 grad opens exhibit at Liberty Museum

Two men shake hands in a gallery space with framed artwork on the walls.Liberty alum Douglas Yaun, Class of 2003 and descendant of the Town of Liberty’s first supervisor, Thomas Crary, has curated the “Liberty’s 250” exhibit that recently opened at the Liberty Museum & Arts Center featuring Douglas’s contributions to History News Magazine, Caribbean Journal and more. Dr. Patrick Sullivan visited the museum to review the exhibit and talk to Mr. Yaun more about the show, which displays events of the Revolutionary War in space and time from the Boston Massacre, to the Farewell Address declaring no kings and the Caribbean front home to Alexander Hamilton.

A man in a suit stands near a map titled 'From Mt. Beacon to the Hudson River: Beacon's Role During the American Revolution'.Besides highlighting perhaps the most important time period in American history, his goal is to showcase the importance of heritage tourism in the area and contribute further with a community campaign to apply the pursuit of Liberty to now.

As part of the exhibit, Mr. Yaun is collecting essays and pictures on the topic “What does Liberty mean to me?” Essays and photos can be sent to lifelibertyme250@gmail.com  with the submitter’s name and zip code as the subject. The collected items from this region will be used in a future exhibit and as entries in the Sullivan County Democrat over the next seven years celebrating the 250th year of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States of America which culminates in the year 2033.

Two men examine framed charts and photographs displayed on a wall, with an American flag in the background.“Mr. Yaun’s efforts to showcase history and the impact on our area are extraordinary and deserve support,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I will be addressing his efforts with our federal representatives when I meet with them next month.”

Donations to his “Pursuit of Liberty” effort may be made at https://givebutter.com/liberty-to-me-9mmlq.

The “Liberty’s 250” exhibit will be on display through September at the museum at 46 S Main St. For more information about the museum, visit https://www.libertymuseumandartscenter.org/ 

Construction work causes changes at Middle/High school campus

As the summer begins, construction work is in full swing at the middle/high school campus.

Abatement work is beginning on the High School June 29 and is expected to last at least through July. The 300 wing, the high school gymnasium, library media center classroom and high school office will also not be accessible during the process. The high school office and high school guidance office will be located in the middle school as the abatement is completed, with clerical staff at the greeters desk and guidance staff in the library.

During the abatement, the parking lot in front of the high school and near the basketball courts will be reserved for construction vehicles. The middle school parking lot and lot between the high school and district office are to be used by the community.

Construction work is also continuing on the maintenance building. The walkway behind the district office from Winthrop Avenue to the high school is closed until further notice.

Also, the athletic field and track area is still not accessible to the public. The area will be closed as construction continues. The soccer, baseball and softball fields remain open.

Additionally, during the week of July 6, the tennis courts behind the high school will be closed for repairs.

Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.

LMS celebrates eighth-graders moving on to high school

Nearly 90 Liberty eighth graders celebrated the end of their Middle School era with the annual Moving Up Ceremony on Tuesday, June 23, in the David E. Panebaker Auditorium.

Following the pledge of allegiance led by Montgomery Allen and Amy Cortez Cruz, the national anthem and alma mater were sung by the eighth grade choir members.

Principal Heather Cheh welcomed students as well as guests High School Principal Mr. Stephen Matuszak and LHS Class of 2026 salutatorian Lia Guillerme, who each spoke as well.

The following awards were then presented:

Subject Awards

  • Art Awards: Aaliyah Walker, Amy Cortes Cruz, Ana Sosa, Analina Garcia, Angelick Rivera, Antoni Klys, Ava McNett, Claire Ferguson, Corinne Lake, Edwin Moreno Reyes, Eric Vargas Martin, Erick Torres Garcia, Erika Panama, Ethan Zheng, Harper Matuszak, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Jessica Loftus, Keily Dominguez-Chabla, Luis Brizuela Moreno, Luna Pixie Hulse, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Meily Valencia Bamac, Namarpreet Singh, Pricilla Matute, Valeria Ponce Vasquez and Mya Davis.
  • Music Awards: The Director’s award is given to an outstanding eighth grader in Orchestra, Chorus, and Band who exemplify the following criteria: 90 or above average; demonstrates outstanding musical ability, show qualities of leadership, are committed and dedicated to their instrument or voice and the music program, encourage and help others in the ensembles with a positive and genuine integrity and participated in the ensemble since fifth grade.
    • Director’s Award for Orchestra: Angelick Rivera
    • Director’s Award for Chorus: Claire Ferguson 
    • Director’s Award for Band: Claire Ferguson
  • Physical Education Awards: Claire Ferguson, Montgomery Allen, Lilly Kehrley, Amy Cortes Cruz, Erick Torres Garcia, Brycen Smith, Chase Golzak and Edwin Moreno.

Memorial Awards

  • The Michelle Behrman Award: Lilly Kehrley
  • The Lori Bauman Award: Greyson Torres
  • The Lorraine Carrington Award: Chase Golzak
  • The Syd Benton Award: Harper Matuszak
  • The Barbara Sims Award:  Luna Pixie Hulse
  • The Glenna Stieglitz Award: Erick Torres Garcia
  • The Joan Greck Award: Amy Cortes Cruz
  • The Herb Conrad Award: Adner Mejia Aguilar
  • The Barbara Sochinski Award: Meily Valencia Bamac
  • The Renee Friedman Award: Angel Terraza Raymundo
  • The Fogelski Award: Faith Boyles

State Awards

  • Triple C Award: Corinne Lake and Aiden Satz
  • NYS Comptroller Achievement Award: Antoni Klys and Clarie Ferguson
  • OAG Civic Ambassador Award: Antoni Klys

ENL Awards

  • The Glenna Stieglitz Award:  Erick Torres Garcia
  • The Joan Greck Award:  Amy Cortes Cruz
  • The Herb Conrad Award: Adner Mejia Aguilar

After the awards were presented it was time for the students to receive their certificates for completing middle school, presented by Mr. Cort Wheeler, Ms. Cheh, Assistant Principal Mrs. Katlyn Rusin and Assistant Principal Dr. Jodie MacKrell. Students also wore cords indicating if they were members of the National Junior Honor Society or FFA, became ELL Commanding or earned the FFA Discovery Degree.

The event concluded with a video highlighting the class’s time in middle school and closing remarks by Mrs. Rusin.

BOE to have organizational meeting July 1

The next Board of Education meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in the HS Media Center.  starting with the annual organizational meeting.  The regular meeting will follow.  Both meetings are open to the public.  The agenda will be available on Tuesday, June 30,  at Board Docs.

There will also be a special meeting of the board on July 1, at 4:45 p.m. in the District Office.  The board anticipates to enter into executive session immediately and will adjourn at its conclusion.  This special meeting is not open to the public.

Please note that due to the building project in the High School, entry to the meeting will be through door H3 located to the left of the high school breezeway, and parking should be in the middle school parking lot, as the lot in front of the high school is reserved for construction vehicles.

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