Category: Middle School News
Students help preserve local history at Walnut Mountain
Throughout the spring, students at Liberty Middle School have been learning about the rich history of Walnut Mountain during Flex Period. As part of this educational experience, students explored the story of the historic Walnut Mountain House, a five-story mountain hotel built in 1887 at the summit of Walnut Mountain. The hotel welcomed visitors from near and far, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Catskill region. Although the hotel no longer stands, its foundation remains as an important reminder of Liberty’s past.
Taking their learning beyond the classroom, Liberty Middle School hosted a community service project on Sunday, May 31. Students, staff, families, and community members came together to help clear and improve the trail surrounding the original Walnut Mountain House foundation.
The project was a success, with 34 volunteers participating in the cleanup effort. Volunteers worked to remove brush, clear debris, and create a safe, walkable path around the historic site. Their hard work will allow visitors to better experience and appreciate this important piece of local history.
The project is part of the ongoing Walnut Mountain House History Trail initiative, which will officially celebrate its grand opening on June 6. The self-guided trail features six interpretive panels that share the history of Walnut Mountain, the Walnut Mountain House, and the people who helped shape Liberty’s heritage.
Liberty Middle School students have also played an important role in the project through the Interact Club. Club members designed and built benches that will be placed along the trail, providing visitors with opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenic views that have attracted visitors to Walnut Mountain for generations.
This project highlights the power of community partnerships and hands-on learning. By helping preserve a local landmark, students gained a deeper appreciation for Liberty’s history while making a lasting contribution that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.
LHS students create video about LES Leader in Me program
Leader in Me is a program used throughout the district to help teach life skills and empower students to thrive.
Liberty High School students Jose Rivera, Kamoren Connell and Teodulo Banegas, who are in the Media Program at Sullivan BOCES, partnered with Liberty Elementary to create a video highlighting the eight habits of Leader in Me and how they are used at LES and in real life. Watch the video below:
End-of-the-year busing schedules change
As Liberty approaches the end of the school year, the busing schedules will change to meet the needs of the students.
The following changes are planned:
- The last day of the 6 p.m. bus will be Friday, June 5.
- The final 4 p.m. bus will run Thursday, June 18.
- There will be a mid-day bus home to accommodate high school students taking the Algebra 1 Regents on June 17.
Those who have any questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org
Village to flush water system, possibly impacting water at school buildings
The village of Liberty will flush its water mains by opening hydrants throughout the system starting next week. This may cause low water pressure and water throughout the village to become brown. The water will not be contaminated.
The flushing will likely impact the Liberty Elementary, Middle and High Schools and the District Office.
Flushing of the Parksville transmission line will take place June 8-12, with the Village Water System starting June 15 until complete. Flushing will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
If water begins to get brown in a building, water fountains will be temporarily shut down until the water clears. Bottled water will be available if fountains are shut down. All staff and students are encouraged to limit water use.
Updates will be available on the village website.
LMS celebrates cultural diversity
Liberty Middle School continued its tradition of celebrating the diverse cultures that can be found in our school community. In the 2026 edition of the Cross Cultural Celebration, held in the LMS gym, 19 countries were represented by 128 students. Students visited the tables holding presentations created by the students, and were encouraged to ask questions to learn more about their classmates’ cultural displays. Students were greeted at the entrance by a series of banner displays explaining immigration throughout history in the U.S. There was also a table featuring dolls and projects set up by the entrance to the middle school gym. There were also corresponding classroom activities leading up to the event. The celebration culminated with a performance by Youth Tecuanes Dance Mixteco Pride.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of June 1-7, 2026
We are in the homestretch of the 2025-26 athletics season. This week, we only have Track and Field state qualifiers.
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-Tuesday, June 1-2
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, June 3
2:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State Qualifiers vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School
Thursday, June 4
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State Qualifiers vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen High School
Results from qualifiers: Brooke Bull qualified for states in pole vault. Starriah Harris placed 6th in 100 meter hurdles. Sydania Foster placed 4th in 100m and 6th in 400m. Victoria Henry placed 5th in long jump. Audrey Krum placed 4th in pentathlon. Girls 4×100 placed 3rd. Girls 4×400 placed 4th. Dylan Romero 4th in 400m. Boys 4×400 placed 4th and set a new school record.
Friday-Sunday, June 5-7
No events scheduled
Liberty CSD’s first Community Farmstand serves about 130 families
On Friday, May 22, the Liberty Central School District community came together for the first Community Farmstand event at Liberty Middle School, and about 130 families were served.
Thanks to the partnerships with the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank and Sullivan 180, the district was able to distribute a bounty of free dairy items, fresh fruit, vegetables and snacks to its neighbors.
Here are a few highlights from the day:
- SNAP Benefits Advocacy: A huge thank you to the guest advocate who spoke with many community members, providing vital info and resources.
- Looking Ahead: There was fantastic turnout for next year’s sign-ups for both A Single Bite and the Snack Pack program.
- Volunteer Power: This couldn’t have happened without the incredible energy and hard work of the student and staff volunteers.
- Missed out? Don’t worry! There will be one more farmstand coming up in June, at a date TBA.
“Thank you to everyone who came out, volunteered and supported making this event such a success!” said Community Schools Coordinator Katlyn Rusin.
Interact Club spearheads bench-building effort
The Liberty Interact Club recently completed a community service project in partnership with community volunteers, Interact advisers, and Liberty Middle School students to construct benches for the town of Liberty. Through the efforts of 23 volunteers, six benches were successfully built during the project. Three benches will be placed along the Walnut Mountain House History Trail, while the remaining three benches will be installed throughout the community for residents and visitors to enjoy.
This project provided students with valuable hands-on experience in teamwork, woodworking, problem solving, and community service. Students had the opportunity to work alongside community members while learning practical construction skills and the importance of giving back to their community.
A special thank you goes to the Liberty High School Woodworking Class for engraving the boards used for the benches. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail added a personalized and lasting touch to the project that will be appreciated for years to come.
The Liberty Interact Club also funded the purchase of the wood and materials needed to complete the benches, demonstrating the club’s continued commitment to service and community improvement initiatives within the town of Liberty.
“This project reflects the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth to become involved in their community, build pride in where they live, and experience the impact of volunteerism firsthand,” adviser Alyssa Thalmann said.
The completed benches and trail improvements will officially be showcased during the Grand Opening of the Walnut Mountain House History Trail starting at 10 a.m. June 6.
LCSD District-wide Safety Plan available for review
The Liberty Central School District’s District-wide Safety Plan is available for review on our website and at the district office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty. It will be available for public comment through June 26, 2026.
Comments may be submitted to questions@libertyk12.org or to the Liberty Central School Office, 115 Buckley St, Liberty, NY 12754.
Liberty helps celebrate 10 years of Creating Healthier Schools and Communities
Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan recently attended the Creating Healthier Schools and Community Awards & Recognition Celebration at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan. The celebration showcased the culmination of 10 years of successful collaboration and projects that have been implemented to improve physical activity and nutrition for individuals of all ages in Sullivan County. As part of the celebration, Liberty Central School District received a $2,500 celebratory check. We thank CCE Sullivan for their partnership over the past decade and look forward to more in the future.