Meeting offers info on Title1, ESSA at LMS
Liberty Middle School held a community meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 9 in the Middle School cafeteria to go over details of Title I and the ESSA designation of LMS as an Additional Target Support and Improvement/Potential TSI school for the 2025-26 school year.
Principal Heather Cheh led the presentation that explained what the designations mean, and how they have changed since last year.
She also explained how LMS uses Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) and reviewed the Middle School Program of Study.
Ms. Cheh offered an overview of the curriculum and programs used:.
- ELA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) curriculum Into Reading is used in fifth grade, and Into Literature for sixth through eighth grades.
- Math: HMH Into Math is used for fifth though seventh grades, and EMath Instruction is used for eighth graders’ Algebra 1 classes.
- Science: Science 21 is used for fifth grade, and the Kesler Science program is used for sixth through eighth grades. The state has also implemented science investigations for third through eighth grades, with four specific investigations required before each state science test, in fifth and eighth grades
- Social Studies: Resources and technology used includes PNW BOCES Integrated SS/ELA Curriculum, Stanford History Education Group, Library of Congress , National Archives, BrainPOP, SMART Learning Suite, Google Suite (docs, forms, slides, jamboard, etc.) and Newsela. The Western Hemisphere is covered in fifth grade, with the Eastern hemisphere the topic in sixth grade. The history of the United States and New York is taught across seventh and eighth grades.
Ms. Cheh also highlighted the Seal of Civic Readiness program, which provides a distinction on the transcripts and diplomas of the students who complete the program. Students can begin the program in Middle School.
The Innovation Lab, in collaboration with Inventionland, has also had an impact on classes, allowing hands-on STEM based learning.
Social Emotional Learning is also very important at LMS. Leader in Me, Sweethearts and Heroes and DESSA (Devereux Student Strengths Assessment) are central to ensuring students receive the skills and knowledge they need to contribute and thrive in a diverse community while pursuing their potential. To help build leadership skills, student-led parent-teacher conferences were instituted this year. The school also celebrates leaders and accomplishments through various events through the year. Through Multi-Tiered System of Supports, LMS works to ensure every student gets the support they need, academically and socially, for the best education possible.
For more information, contact Ms. Cheh at hcheh@libertyk12.org, or call 845-292-2302.
