Category: Middle School News
Liberty BOE to meet Jan. 13
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the HS Media Center at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty. The Board anticipates to enter into executive session (not open to the public) immediately. The regular portion of the meeting, open to the public, is expected to resume at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available on Monday, Jan. 12, at Board Docs.
HPAC to host Someone Special dance
The Hurleyville Performing Arts Center will host a Someone Special Dance from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.
Students are welcome to grab their favorite grown-up and hit the dance floor. There will also be bake treats, festive crafts and a family-friendly atmosphere.
HPAC is at 219 Main St. in Hurleyville. For more information, call 845-985-4722, email info@hpacny.org or visit HPACNY.org.
LCSD reshares FAQ on rights of migrant and immigrant students
Liberty Central School District is aware of increases in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities across the state and nation, raising concerns among many families in the LCSD community. The goal of the district is to make the learning environment a safe one for all Redhawk students.
The district is appreciative of the diverse community that comprises the district is committed to providing all students a quality education. As part of the commitment, the district embraces the Parent Bill of Rights for New York State’s English Language Learners. The District’s English as a New Language webpage has more information and resources.
Liberty Central School District is resharing a list of frequently asked questions regarding the rights of migrant and immigrant students.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Rights of Immigrant Students
Does immigration status impact a student’s right to education in New York State?
No. Under New York law, all students ages 5 to 21 who have not received a high school diploma are entitled to a free public education in the district in which they live. Liberty Central School District (“LCSD”) will not refuse admission to any student based on national origin, race, language proficiency, country of origin, immigration status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Must LCSD immediately enroll migrant students?
Yes. Consistent with law, LCSD will immediately enroll migrant students, even if they lack proof of residency, immunizations, school records, or other documents typically required for registration. LCSD may allow students who are from out of state or county to attend school for up to 30 calendar days if the student does not have immunization documentation but there is evidence of a good faith effort to obtain immunizations.
Are there any documents LCSD may not ask for when a student seeks to enroll in one of its schools?
Yes. LCSD may not request a Social Security Card or number, or any information that would reveal immigration status of the student or the student’s parent/guardian or person in parental relation at the time of enrollment.
What will LCSD do if it receives a request from an ICE or other law enforcement officer to access student records?
Absent parent/guardian or eligible student (age 18 or older) consent, LCSD may only release student records to an ICE or other law enforcement officer where the officer has a court order or a lawfully issued subpoena. If LCSD is legally required to disclose student records, LCSD will attempt to notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the court order or subpoena before disclosing the records (unless the court order or subpoena prohibits LCSD from doing so).
What will LCSD do if an ICE or other law enforcement officer demands to question a student on school property and/or remove a student from school property?
Generally, ICE and other law enforcement officers may only question a student on school property or remove a student from school property (1) where they have a lawfully issued warrant providing court-authorized access to a student; (2) with consent from a parent/guardian; or (3) if the student is accused of committing a crime on school property and school or LCSD personnel invite law enforcement officers to investigate. If none of these criteria are met, LCSD will not permit officers to speak or access the student on school property.
What will LCSD do if a School Resource Officer (“SRO”) requests to access a student’s records to determine a student’s immigration status?
LCSD has a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Village of Liberty Police Department and the Village of Liberty outlining the duties of SROs and the scope of SRO responsibilities at LCSD. The MOU can be accessed on the LCSD’s website.
Consistent with the MOU, an SRO may not access a student’s education records for the purpose of determining a student’s immigration status. If an SRO obtains information about a student’s immigration status, the SRO is not authorized to re-disclose that information to other law enforcement officers or federal immigration officials.
What will LCSD do if an SRO demands to question a student on school property about the student’s immigration status?
Consistent with the MOU, SROs cannot detain or otherwise interrogate a student for the purpose of determining the student’s (or their family’s) immigration status.
What happens if a student is being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against based on their actual or perceived immigration status?
Federal law, New York State law, and LCSD policy prohibit harassment, bullying, and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, citizen or immigration status, and any other legally protected characteristic. Consistent with LCSD’s Dignity for All Students Act Policy, LCSD is committed to creating a school environment free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. If LCSD receives information that harassment, bullying, or discrimination has or is occurring, it will investigate the situation and discipline offenders consistent with LCSD policy.
For more information or resources, families may reach out to the district’s Student Services and School Counseling/Guidance Offices. Further questions may be emailed to questions@libertyk12.org.
LMS teacher honored for essay on town history
Town of Liberty Historian and Liberty Middle School teacher Kort Wheeler was selected as a finalist in the Association of Towns Builders of America: “How Towns Have Shaped Our Country” project.
Mr. Wheeler’s love of history can be seen inside and outside the classroom. He has taught American history to seventh and eighth graders at LMS for 20 years and has been the town historian for a year.
“My love of history impacts my class so hopefully I can show the students that our history impacts us every day,” Mr. Wheeler said. “I try to get the students to know that we need to know where we came from in order to know why we are here.”
Mr. Wheeler’s family history in America goes back to the Mayflower on his father’s side, and his mother’s side of the family farmed in Harlem when they got here in 1628, he said.
A 1990 graduate of Liberty High School, Mr. Wheeler’s roots in the town go back before 1800. That local connection adds to the local history unit, which he teaches to his eighth graders each year.
“I just want to show the kids what was here before them,” he said.
The “How Towns Have Shaped Our Country” project is a promotion for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, which is being celebrated this year. The association asked towns statewide for a brief essay about their towns and the significant role it played in shaping the country’s overall history.
“History is a story, a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Mr. Wheeler said.
Mr. Wheeler was one of six finalists that were chosen from across the state, and he was interviewed last month for a documentary featuring the finalists that will be shown for the Association of Towns in February.
“Having a connection to the subject you teach adds an important element to learning,” Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Mr. Wheeler’s connection to history, our community and his students is evident every time you step into his classroom.”
Town officials also voiced their appreciation for his dedication.
“We cannot be more proud of Mr. Wheeler for this submission and thankful for his service to this community,” they said in a statement regarding the honor.
Mr. Wheeler’s full essay is below:
The Town of Liberty, incorporated in 1807, is nestled in the Catskill mountains just ninety miles north of New York City. The town has not only played an important role in both our state’s and nation’s history but continues today as the release valve for the pressure cooker that is New York City.
Historically, Liberty has been a leader among towns in so many ways. Throughout the town’s history Liberty has been welcoming to all religions and ethnicities when other areas were not. The cultural diversity shown here is unrivaled for a town of our size. A generation of entertainers got their start in Liberty at the world famous Grossinger Hotel during the “Borscht Belt” era. Grossingers started the all inclusive concept for hotels and inspired the movie “Dirty Dancing”. Every day was a “Who’s Who” of actors, sports stars, and political figures parading through the lobby of that grand hotel. Grossingers may have been the most famous, but countless more hotels were here providing the fresh air, clean water, and wonderful food that made Liberty the place to vacation. When air travel was in its infancy Otto Hillig’s airplane, “Liberty”, began its journey here; taking off from the local golf course en route to Copenhagen in 1931.
The fresh air of the mountains that pulled so many people here to vacation also brought many here to regain their health. The Loomis Sanitarium was one of the premier Tuberculosis treatment facilities in the early 20th century; combining the quality air, healthy living and accessibility from New York City.
As New York City grew in the late 1800 and early 1900’s, Liberty was a key part of that growth. The numerous dairy and chicken farms provided much needed milk and eggs to residents there. The Ontario and Western Railroad provided those necessary provisions to the rapidly growing area.
The Town of Liberty is also resilient; although the hotels of the Borscht Belt are gone, this area remains popular with second homeowners in search of weekend getaways. The mountains provide that necessary relief of the daily stresses. Liberty’s Parks and Rec department maintains two parks; Walnut Mountain and Hanofee park. Within these two parks are a town pool, softball fields, a soccer field, hiking trails, disc golf, sand volleyball, basketball, fishing and playgrounds. Pavilions are also available for use. The Town buzzes every weekend as people fill the area to look at the foliage, go fishing, hike the rail trail, take in a show or just to soak up the peace and quiet. Although only ninety miles, it can feel as if you are a world away.
The story of Liberty is not complete, the contributions that the Town of Liberty has made to the history of the State of New York, New York City and to the United States are subtle in ways and yet extremely valuable and continue to this day.
A post-winter break message from the superintendent
Dear Liberty,
I want to welcome you back from what I hope was a restful and relaxing winter break. As we enter 2026, I would like to reshare the district’s chain of command calling guide, along with some reminders and updates as school is back in session.
DASA and Safety
As previously mentioned, safety is always of utmost importance, and we are committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. Please take a moment to review the district’s safety measures and visitor procedures.
I would also like to remind you about our Anonymous Alerts system, which allows students and families to report concerns regarding safety or bullying. Furthermore, we continue to utilize the Gaggle platform to monitor student internet usage and alert officials to concerning searches or messages. Ultimately, both programs support our commitment to the Dignity for All Students Act and overall safety
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As we move forward, I want to look back at the start of the school year. We have visited classrooms throughout the district and seen some amazing things. Our building administrators, teachers and staff have been working diligently to create engaging learning opportunities aligned with the district’s curriculum.
In addition, we have seen our students enhance their leadership skills by leveraging our Leader In Me program and taking part in extracurricular activities. Moreover, students have taken steps to impact the Liberty school community and beyond by working with A Single Bite and Sullivan 180, planting daffodils with our Liberty Middle School FFA, performing at our winter concerts and the Sullivan County Government Center, taking part in the LPA’s production of All Shook Up, competing in interscholastic sports, and more.
As the school year continues, we look forward to ongoing learning opportunities for our students. We continue to work towards our yearly and long-term goals, helping our students innovate and persevere for the remainder of this year and beyond.
Finally, I invite you to revisit our Strategic Plan page, which details our pillars of Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum, and Culture. We are also sharing this year’s District Comprehensive Improvement Plan outlining our goals for the 2025-2026 school year, along with the presentation from the opening day forum regarding our latest educational programs.
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to our schools and the entire Liberty Central School District community.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Jan. 5-11, 2026
With school back in session, our athletics events are back in full force with, basketball, indoor track and wrestling scheduled.
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, Jan. 5
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School.
6:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Events canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Events canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
Thursday, Jan. 8
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Basketball vs. Tuxedo at Tuxedo High School
6 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Tuxedo at Tuxedo High School
Friday, Jan. 9
5 p.m.: Girls JV Basketball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Kingston High School
6:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-11
No events scheduled.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 29, 2025,-Jan. 4, 2026
With winter break underway, our sports schedule is light again this week
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, Dec. 29
1 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament vs. Multiple School at Cornwall High School
Tuesday, Dec. 30
11 a.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament Consolation at Cornwall High School
12:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament Championship at Cornwall High School
2 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament Consolation at Cornwall High School
Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 31, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
No events scheduled.
A message from the superintendent on the winter break
Dear Liberty,
As we enter our winter break, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our Redhawk family for what they do to build our school community to be one in which we cultivate trust and courage in our students to be innovative and to persevere.
I wish everyone a very happy holiday season and hope you can take time during break to relax, recharge and enjoy the time off.
I can’t wait to see everyone back on Jan. 5, 2026, to continue our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 22-28, 2025
With winter break starting Dec. 24, our sports schedule is light this week
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, Dec. 22
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Liberty High School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Liberty High School.
Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 23-28
No events scheduled.
Library to host family movie afternoon, Minute to Win It game day and Bookworm Clubs
The Liberty Public Library will offer a series of activities open to Liberty students and families.
On Saturday, Jan. 3, the library will host a family movie afternoon starting at 1 p.m. featuring the live-action movie “How to Train Your Dragon.” Popcorn will be provided. an adult must stay with children younger than 12.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, students in grades 5-12 are invited to a Minute to Win It game day, starting at 3:15 p.m. Students will be able to test their skills in Stack Attack, ping pong challenges and more. There will be small, fun (and funny) prizes to win. Snacks will be provided.
For elementary students, the library will host its winter Bookworm Clubs for elementary students in February and March.
The club will be offered Mondays, Feb. 23-March 23, or Tuesdays, Feb. 24-March 24, for children in first and second grades. The club for third and fourth graders will be Wednesdays, Feb. 25-March 25, or Thursdays, Feb. 26-March 26.
They will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. afterschool. Library staff will pick children from Liberty Elementary to escort them to the library.
Participating children will read books, play games, have snacks, do crafts and more.
Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 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. Students in third and fourth grade also have the option to take the late bus home from the elementary school.
For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit the library’s website. The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.