Category: Middle School News
A follow-up message from the superintendent on a faculty member’s death
Dear Liberty families,
As a follow up to my earlier message: Middle School Counselor Michelle Behrman, a dedicated member of the Liberty faculty for 24 years, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Oct. 14. She made a profound impact on countless students, faculty, staff and families. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to her family and friends.
During this time, as the school community processes the sad news and copes with grief, the school district is offering counseling and bereavement support services to all of our students and staff. We have spoken to students in groups. Counseling spaces and therapy dogs are available in each building for students and staff. The countywide crisis team is available throughout the buildings for additional support.
For many of our students, Mrs. Behrman was someone they turned to in times of difficulty. Losing a trusted adult is a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress. If your children are having difficulty coping with this news, we encourage you to talk with them about their thoughts and feelings to help them work through their grief or concerns. For tips, see the Helping Children Cope with Grief Guide by the Child Mind Institute. Please also consider monitoring and discussing your student’s communications (social media, phone, emails, text messages) to further assess their potential needs.
If you feel that your student needs to speak to a counselor or other caring adult, please do not hesitate to call our schools and let us know. Other resources include a 24-Hour Mobile Mental Health line at 845-790-0911 or 800-710-7083, the Sullivan County Department of Community Service at 845-292-8770, and grief support from Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties at 845-561-6111 or 800-294-0157.
More information about the grieving process, courtesy of the Countywide School Critical Incident Stress Management, can be found on our website: https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/guidance-departments/the-sullivan-county-cism-response-team/
This is a difficult time for everyone, but I know our students and staff will lean on each other as they remember Mrs. Behrman. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, your building principal or your child’s counseling department.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Oct. 13-19, 2025
Our student-athletes will be in action this week with cross country, football, soccer and volleyball.
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 Arbiter website for the latest.
Monday, Oct. 13
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Oct. 14
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified and Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Monticello High School Field.
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West High School at Liberty Elementary School
4 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Sullivan West High School at Sullivan West Jeffersonville Campus ES Lower Field.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
4 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West High School at Liberty Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Port Jervis High School at Liberty High School gym
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 5, Fallsburg. This puts the team on a three-game win streak and five-game unbeaten streak as they work toward the end of the regular season. During this span, the team has scored 15 goals and allowed only one. Defense and goal keeper Justin Simon have tallied four clean sheets as well. Keep it up!
4:30 p.m.: Modified Football vs. John S. burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School Field
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Port Jervis High School at Liberty High School gym
Thursday, Oct. 16
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Rockland Central School District at Liberty Elementary School
Friday, Oct. 17
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varity Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School Soccer Field, Montgomery
4:45 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute Golden Hill Elementary School, Florida
6:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute Golden Hill Elementary School, Florida
Saturday, Oct. 18
1 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Chester Academy at Liberty High School
5 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Red Hook Central School at Dietz Stadium, Kingston
Sunday, Oct. 19
No events scheduled
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Oct. 6-12, 2025
Our student-athletes will be in action this week with cross country, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
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 Arbiter website for the latest.
Monday, Oct. 6
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland Middle/High School in Livingston Manor
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
4:45 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Tuxedo High School at Tuxedo High School
Tuesday, Oct. 7
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Monticello High School at Monticello High School
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Sullivan West High School at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Ellenville Central at Liberty Middle School
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified and Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen High School Lower Field
Wednesday, Oct. 8
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School Field
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs Beacon City at Beacon High School Gym
4:30 p.m.: Boys Modified Football vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School Turf Field
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs Beacon City at Beacon High School Gym
Thursday, Oct. 9
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Port Jervis High School at Port Jervis High School Field
4:45 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Beacon City at Rombout Middle School in Beacon
Friday, Oct. 10
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varity Soccer vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Chapel Field
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Monticello High School at Liberty High School
6:30 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. New Paltz High School at New Paltz High School Floyd Patterson Field
Saturday, Oct. 11
No events scheduled
Sunday, Oct. 12
No events scheduled
Two Redhawks get a glimpse of Real Futures through A Single Bite program
Over the summer, two Redhawks expanded their knowledge and skills related to nonprofit culinary education during the first Real Futures program hosted by A Single Bite.
The program was built on the success of a Single Bite’s Real Food Education program, which has been helping educate students about the importance of healthy, locally grown food since 2019.
Liberty student AnnaMay Lopez and graduate Stefan Schloss were among the first class of six in the six-week program.
Students in the program are drawn from participating school districts—Liberty, Sullivan West and the newly merged Rockland central school district—who have displayed an interest in exploring food-centric career and college pathways.
Throughout the program, students worked in a number of departments: real food education; research, nonprofit administration and fundraising; warehouse real food logistics and distribution; and with the culinary program in the kitchen preparing food for community meal programs for food insecure families. Work also included “real food jobs” in restaurants and hospitality settings.
They developed workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and responsibility. They participated in mentorship opportunities with professionals (e.g., chefs, hospitality leaders), and completed projects such as research, recipe/menu development, baking, warehouse management, writing articles, and contributing to local food programs.
“AnnaMay Lopez made a marvelous contribution during her six weeks with us,” Real Food Education Manager Liz Stretch said. “She consistently demonstrated commitment, creativity and a strong work ethic, and it was a genuine pleasure to have her on our team.”
The program made quite the impact on recent graduate Stefan Schloss. “This program was an incredible opportunity to explore my passion for food and community,” he said. “Every day offered a new challenge and a chance to learn skills I know I’ll carry forward in my career.”
Liberty Middle School has been working with A Single Bite to bring the message of healthy eating to students since the Real Food Program’s start.
“We know that working with young people can be both rewarding and challenging, but we want to share how much we value this partnership,” Stretch said in a letter to Liberty Middle School Principal Heather Cheh. “Liberty School is doing a wonderful job, and we are very appreciative of your school’s time and effort in supporting our Real Food Education Program.”
The Real Futures program serves as the next step beyond Real Food Education and Real Food Rewards—a new digital tool that helps students keep exploring real vs. processed food, local farms and healthy eating habits—putting classroom learning into action.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2025
Our student-athletes will be in action this week with cross country, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
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 Arbiter website for the latest.
Monday, Sept. 29
4 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Tri Valley Central School at Liberty Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Sullivan West at Sullivan West Lake Huntington Campus Gym
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Monticello High School at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Monticello High School at Somerville Field in Monticello
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Sullivan West at Sullivan West Lake Huntington Campus Gym
Tuesday, Sept. 30
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Tri Valley Central High School at Liberty Elementary School
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Goshen Sports Complex Tennis Court
4:15 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Fallsburg High School XC Track
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Fallsburg High School XC Track
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Modified Football vs. Chester Academy at Chester Commons Park Football Field
Wednesday, Oct. 1
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland Elementary in Roscoe
Thursday, Oct. 2
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Tri Valley Central High School at Tri Valley Central High School Field
Friday, Oct. 3
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Eldred at George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School Soccer Field in Glen Spey
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Port Jervis High School at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Monticello High School at Liberty High School Gym
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Boys Soccer Vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
5 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Middletown at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Monticello High School at Liberty High School Gym
Saturday, Oct. 4
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs Chenango Valley High School at Chenango Valley High School Cross Country in Binghamton
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Football vs. Rondout Valley High School at Rondout Valley HS Stadium in Accord
Sunday, Oct. 5
No events scheduled
Board hears project updates
Work is moving forward on the capital projects approved by voters in January 2024 and May 2025.
The Liberty Central School Board of Education heard an update from project architect LAN Associates and construction manager Schoolhouse Construction Services during the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Phase 1
Dirt was turned on the first phase of construction, the athletic facility, in late spring with work progressing throughout the summer and into the fall. The lights were installed in late summer. The turf field installation is expected to begin next week and take about three weeks to complete. Work on the bleacher and press box foundations have started and will continue over the next two weeks, with delivery and installation scheduled for early next year, depending on weather Construction of the six lane track will begin after the bleachers are installed. The facility is expected to be ready for graduation 2026.
The second part of the first phase is the new maintenance building. The project is being prepared to go for bid.
Phase 2
Basic design work is complete for the second phase of the project, which includes work at the high school and middle school.
The work at the high school includes renovations in the 300 wing and cafeteria, creation of the Innovation Lab, a generator replacement, stair removal, and upgrades to the HVAC controls, carbon monoxide alarm system and code-mandated items.
The work at the middle school includes site drainage improvements, replacement of the electrical main distribution panel and some internal doors, upgrades to the HVAC controls and carbon monoxide alarm system and a new emergency generator.
The project design is being prepared for submission to the New York State Education Department for approval, with work expected to begin next year.
Phase 3
The final phase of the project includes work at the elementary school and the district office. The project is in the design phase with work expected to take place in 2026 and 2027.
The work at the district office includes carbon monoxide alarm system upgrades and a new emergency generator.
The work at the elementary school includes items approved in both capital project proposals: Roofing repairs and upgrades, asbestos flooring abatement and replacement, wood flooring replacement, new complaint railing on the interior bleachers in the gym, and carbon monoxide alarm system and gym ventilation upgrades. Additional HVAC upgrades were approved in the 2025 project to address state-mandated temperature limits in classroom spaces. HVAC work includes unit ventilator upgrades in the classrooms, boiler conversion to accommodate the additional air conditioning and HVAC control upgrades.
LAN has completed all major architectural and mechanical site survey work, but additional visits to the school may be needed as the design is developed and finalized. The HVAC load calculations have been finalized and the preparation of demolition drawing is ongoing. The vertical package unit ventilators (VUV) locations have been laid out, with a mock of a classroom VUV built and reviewed with the district earlier this month. The options for providing ventilation air in the gymnasium are being reviewed and coordinated. LAN has also been in communication with Day Automation, which provides energy services to the district, in regard to the boiler replacement in the original building or expansion of the existing boiler plant.
LAN and Schoolhouse also offered an update on the emergency culvert replacement at the Elementary School. A majority of the work was completed before school began, with a few minor items yet to be completed
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 22-28, 2025
Our student-athletes will be in action this week with cross country, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
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 Arbiter website for the latest.
Monday, Sept. 22
4 p.m.: Varsity Girls Tennis vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School.
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Sullivan West-Jeffersonville Campus
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Port Jervis High School at Liberty High School
Tuesday, Sept. 23
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Liberty High School gym.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg High School.
4:45 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School.
Thursday, Sept. 25
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity and Modified Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Port Jervis High School/Camp Huguenot.
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Port Jervis High School at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Sullivan West High School at Sullivan West Lake Huntington Campus.
4:30 p.m.: Modified Football vs Wallkill High School at Wallkill High School Robinson Turf Field.
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Port Jervis High School at Liberty High School Gym.
Friday, Sept. 26
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School Gym.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy.
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Seward Soccer Complex Soccer Field.
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School Gym.
6 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Port Jervis High School at East Main Elementary School Field
Saturday, Sept. 27
8 a.m.: Girls JV Volleyball at Cornwall and Minisink Valley at Cornwall High School gym
Sunday, Sept. 28
No events scheduled
A back to school message from the superintendent (Video)
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan shares the following message for the Redhawk Community:
Transcription below:
A school is just a building until faculty, staff, and students return. That’s why I’m so happy to have school back in session. It was wonderful to see so many new and returning Redhawks.
As is often the case at the start of the school year, we faced a few minor setbacks, but they were handled with minimal disruption. One disruption we avoided was the alternative traffic pattern at the elementary school. I’m grateful the culvert replacement was completed in time for the first day. I’m also pleased to report that the athletic field turf is expected to be installed by the end of the month.
In the meantime, I hope you’ll attend district and school events, cheer on our athletes, and support our students in the arts.
To stay informed, please visit our website at www.libertyk12.org and sign up for ParentSquare to receive the latest updates from the district, schools, classes, clubs, and more. As always, if you have questions, please email us at questions@libertyk12.org.
Let’s work together to keep Liberty a great place to learn and make the 2025–26 school year one filled with Liberty Pride.
Thank you
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 15-21, 2025
Our student-athletes will be in action this week with cross country, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
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 Arbiter website for the latest.
Monday, Sept. 15
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. vs. Fallsburg at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
Result: Liberty 2, Fallsburg 0. Goals by Dylan Romero and Brayan Hernandez. Clean sheet by Justin Simon. All three tied for man of the match
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty High School.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
4:15 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Cross Country multi-matches vs. multiple schools at Orange County Park (Thomas Bull Memorial Park).
4:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Rockland at Liberty Middle School.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington.
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School.
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School.
Thursday, Sept. 18
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis Vs. Monticello at Liberty High School.
4 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at James I O’Neill High School.
Friday, Sept. 19
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School.
6 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School.
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville.
Saturday, Sept. 20
8 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Suffern High School.
1 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Saugerties at Saugerties High School Football Field.
Sunday, Sept. 21
No events scheduled
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 8-14, 2025
Our student-athletes will be in action this week with cross country, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
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, Sept. 8
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Middletown at Middletown High School Faller Field Complex
Results: Liberty, 3 Middletown 3. The Lady Redhawks started the game strong getting out to a 2-0 advantage on the road. Both goals scored by Freshman Quinn Santiago with fellow freshman Alexandra Galeas Osorio getting an assist on the second goal. Middletown rallied to tie the game near the end of the first half. Sophomore Yarel Diaz Lopez was unwilling to go into the half tied and scored a beautiful goal off of an assist from Alyssa Padilla to end the first half. Nearing the end of the game Middletown managed to score an equalizer sending the game to overtime. There was strong combination play in the middle of the field between Adriana Leon Gavilan and Yarel Diaz Lopez. Neither team was able to break the deadlock leaving the game tied at 3-3. Great defensive work again by Captain Sophia Duarte directing the defense with Carla Perez Perez and Bristol Misner. Strong goalkeeping by eighth grade keeper Montgomery (Gummy) Allen turning away 11 of 14 shots on goal. She is currently holding an 85% save percentage with the shooting a blistering 42% average for shots on goal.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
Tuesday, Sept. 9
4:15 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. multiple schools vs. Tri-Valley Central School TV – Iatauro Sports Complex
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Wednesday, Sept. 10
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
Thursday, Sept. 11
No events scheduled.
Friday, Sept. 12
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
Results: Liberty 2, Monticello 0. Scoring both goals for Liberty was Madelynn Stewart. Assisting the goals were Sydania Foster and Allyson Houser. Working many plays up and down the wings were Charlotte Horton DeMorla and Victoria Henry. Turning over many plays in the midfield were Elizabeth Cruz Cruz, Sophia Vasko, Madysen Rielly, Amaiya Williamson and Genna DeFrank. Keeping order and composure on the defense line were Brooke Bull, Audrey Krum, Jenifer Jadan Panama, Carmela Burgio, and Casity DiBartolo. Keeping a shutout game was goalkeeper Adriana Ponce Agredano.
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Middletown at Middletown High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Port Jervis/Eldred at Liberty High School
Results: Liberty 4, Port Jervis/Eldred 0. Kevin Garcia Martinez – man of the match with four goals; Rene Bernal Huezo with three assists, Michael Reyes one assist Justin Simon clean sheet
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School Chase Field
5:15 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
6:30 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. James I. O’Neill at James I O’Neill High School
6:45 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
Saturday, Sept. 13
No events scheduled
Sunday, Sept. 14
No events scheduled