Year: 2024
Superintendent offers update on Strategic Plan
Dear Liberty,
As we close the year, I want to offer an update on the progress of our Five-Year Strategic Plan. The plan was implemented in the 2022-23 school year, and as with any effective plan, it must be reviewed regularly and adjusted accordingly.
In February 2024, a team of administrators, faculty and staff reviewed the progress we have made and set a plan on how to continue moving forward.
I’d like to highlight some accomplishments we have made in each of our four pillars.
- The first pillar is coherence, which is a shared understanding of our purpose and work. We have made progress in reviewing the data to help us improve our practices. Most importantly, we have created a Professional Learning Plan that gives us a roadmap to better align our professional learning with the Strategic Plan.
- The next pillar is curriculum, what we teach our students. It is important for students to have a consistent method of learning, which is why we are aligning curriculum across grades and subject matters. That helps students have a clear understanding of the learning goals, which will build year to year. ELA and reading is aligned kindergarten through eighth grades, and Social Studies and Science curriculums are aligned K-6. Math curriculum is aligned K-6, and the district is expanding the math curriculum to K-7 in 2024-25, with the introduction of algebra for all eighth graders. Work will also continue on implementing full curriculum mapping, setting mastery standards and entry and exit criteria for grade levels, expanding enrichment opportunities and more.
- The third pillar is MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports. MTSS addresses academic as well as social-emotional needs so we can best help our students learn. We continue to have regular K-8 academic screener sessions for math and reading and have implemented the Leader in Me framework for all students. We have also adjusted our monitoring and intervention programs to help our students succeed. Social-emotional learning is a very important part in ensuring a well-rounded education for our students. That is why we implemented the DESSA SEL screener and expanded the use of an SEL screener for all grades. We will continue to use the data to better align MTSS across buildings.
- Culture is the final pillar of our Strategic Plan. These are the values that impact how our school operates. The mission, vision and beliefs of our district are at the heart of what we do. We have continued to communicate these internally and externally at meetings and forums. We also seek input through surveys and focus groups. We also know it is important that the school is part of the community, which is why we were happy to continue to host our All Things Liberty event in the fall and were pleased to re-introduce the Winter Festival in February.
There are three years left of our Strategic Plan. I am happy with the progress we have seen so far, but we know we still have much work to do. To read more about our Strategic Plan, as well as see updates, visit the Strategic Plan page on our website.
I thank you for all of the support you have shown. If you have any questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
A message from the superintendent about ParentSquare
Dear Liberty Families,
We are excited to announce we have adopted a new form of school-to-home communication at Liberty Central School District called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with LCSD.
Invitations to sign up for Parent Square will be sent shortly to all parent or guardian email addresses on file with the district. If you do not receive the invitation, visit www.parentsquare.com/signin and register your account using the phone number or email address on file with the district.
View this video on how to get started. The video is available in Spanish here.
All district and school, grade level and classroom information will be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).
Have questions? Click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version of Parent Square or the Help tab on the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most of your questions.
More information will be provided during open house nights in each of the buildings.
We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
A message from the Superintendent and Lemonade management on parking at LES
Dear Liberty families,
When picking up or dropping off students at Liberty Elementary School, the Lemonade Grocery market parking lot is not to be used. It is also not to be used during special events.
Using the Lemonade parking lot creates a safety hazard for the children and families alike.
Lemonade has expressed interest in allowing the district to use the parking lot at no cost, with the condition that the district provides insurance. However, after speaking with our insurance company, that was not possible.
Lemonade has indicated they will do their best to warn noncustomers who park in their lot and ask them to move before towing or booting cars.
With this change, here’s how families can pick up and drop off their child moving forward:
- At morning arrival, join the car Line from 7:35 to 8 a.m. Stop at the child’s designated entrance and remain in your car. We’ll do the rest!
- Avoid the morning rush by dropping off children early between the 7:15 and 7:35 a.m. each morning.
- At afternoon dismissal, please drive onto campus beginning at 2:40 p.m. for pick up.
- Free parking is available at the two nearby municipal lots on School Street. Limited parking can also be found on Main Street.
- Many Liberty families are eligible for bus transportation, which is among the safest and most reliable ways to get to school. For more information, call the district office at 845-292-6171.
During special events, visitors should enter the main parking lot and attendants will guide drivers to their parking location.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our children safe!
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
LCSD Superintendent
and
Lemonade Management
Seniors receive awards, scholarship at assembly
Families and friends of the class of 2024 gathered in the high school auditorium on Wednesday, June 12, for the annual Senior Assembly.
The annual event recognizes the members of the senior class and the awards and scholarships they are receiving.
The evening also featured musical performances, the presentation of the class gift, the exchange of the Senior Class Gavel from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025 and more
The following scholarship awards were presented:
- Worden Family Scholarship: Lorna DeWitt
- Beaverkill Foundation Awards: Nevaeh Davis, Sincere Warren and Cristian Vargas
- Ed Wolff Memorial Scholarship: Julia Juron
- Lorraine Carrington Memorial Scholarship: Zoe Kip
- Robert Travis Service Award: Haley Gill and Brooke Hessinger
- Sullivan County Shields Scholarship: Mia Barragan
- STEAM Fund Music Achievement Awards in Memory of Lee and Marge Siegel: Jayla Edwards, Julia Juron and Elaina-Louise Ramirez
- Community Foundation for Orange & Sullivan County Award and Liberty Rotary Scholarships:
- Peter Cahalan Scholarship: Yuridia Cristino Lopez
- LRC Community Service Award Sponsored by BLS Law, Rhulen/Loughlin Family, Foster Supply Hospitality: Elaina-Louise Ramirez
- LRC Community Service Award Sponsored by Colonial Ramsey Funeral Home & The Misner Agency: Mia Barragan
- LRC Community Service Award Sponsored by Kaplan Custom Cabinets & STEAM Fund at CFOS: Erin Skinner
- LRC Richard H. Fosler Achievement Award Sponsored by Pepsi Co/Frito Lay Northeast: Jumana Abu Al Ghanam
- LRC Community Service Award in Memory of Theresa Panny Sponsored by New Hope Community Foundation: Yuridia Cristino Lopez
- LRC Community Service Award in memory of Carmela Starpoli Sponsored by Leadership Sullivan: Zoe Kip
- LRC Community Service Award in memory of Bob Blank Sponsored by County Petroleum: Lorna DeWitt
- LRC Community Service Award Sponsored by Mike Martucci: Liliana Ines Leon
- LRC Interact Honorarium Sponsored by E.G. Kopcha & H.A. Wasserman: Jumana Abu Al Ghanam
- LRC Member Graduate Award Sponsored by Liberty Rotary Club: Enrique Mercado
- The Daniel Thalmann Memorial: Adam Houser and Samuel Olivares-Reyes
- Liberty Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary Scholarship: Erin Skinner
- PTA Scholarship: David Philips
- Liberty Elks Lodge Citizenship Awards: Lorna DeWitt and Claudia Herzog
- Christopher Pekny Memorial Scholarship: Jake Parks
- Sullivan County Highway Superintendent Scholarship: Lorna DeWitt
- Brian Ingber Memorial Scholarship: Claudia Herzog
- Sullivan County Postmasters Association Scholarship Award: Lorna DeWitt
- I Can and I Will Award: Noellia Cruz Cruz
- LPA Scholarship: Nathan Desrochers
- Music Department Scholarships: Rayanna Cottman, Jake Luna Guzman and Jayla Edwards
- Ron Francisco Memorial Scholarship Sponsored by the Liberty Central School Phys. Ed. Department: Mya Huebsch, Enrique Mercado, Riley Totten
- Liberty Booster Club Scholarships: Noellia Cruz Cruz, Nathan Desrochers, Zoe Kip and David Philips
- Student Mentorship Program Awards: Mia Barragan, Yuridia Cristino Lopez, Noellia Cruz Cruz, Jake Luna Guzman, Josue Nunura Galan, Lesly Panama, Ronny Rivas, Stefany Sandoval, Benjamin Valladares and Maylluri Vinocunga Llano.
- Liberty Faculty Association Scholarships in Memory of George Hutchinson: Celia Golden, Maria Abreu, Jumana Abu Al Ghanam, Mia Barragan, Noellia Cruz Cruz, Nathan Desrochers, Lorna DeWitt, Cara DiBartolo, Haley Gill, Claudia Herzog, Julia Juron, Zoe Kip, Aylin Leon Martinez, Josue Nunura Galan, Lesly Panama, David Philips and Erin Skinner
- Scholarships for Academic Excellence: Jumana Abu Al Ghanam, Julia Juron, Erin Skinner and Benjamin Visconti.
The Top Ten Students of the Class of 2024 was also recognized as follows: 10. Claudia Herzog; 9. David Philips; 8. Elaina-Louise Ramirez; 7. Jayla Edwards; 6. Mia Barragan; 5. Sincere Warren; 4. Erin Skinner; 3. Julia Juron; 2. (Salutatorian) Jumana Abu Al Ghanam; 1. (Valedictorian) Benjamin Visconti.
See more photos on our social media sites.
Three recognized with Excellence in Service Awards at BOE meeting
Three more staff members were honored during the Liberty Central School Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 11. Earning Excellence in Service Awards were art teacher Kath Johansen, fifth grade teacher Kim Heinle and Elementary 1:1 teachers aide Syndey Portz.
Kath Johansen
Johansen was recognized by two staff members for going above and beyond for students.
“Not only has she worked so hard to contribute to the District Art show, she has given the life skills class a wonderful experience in art this year, “ one nominee wrote. “Kath always connects what the students are learning in science and social studies and incorporates into her art lessons. From sewing pouches for the Pony Express or making bee houses for pollinators, Kath believes that learning with one’s hands is the best. She has been an asset to the life skills class this year and we appreciate her!”
Kim Heinle
Heinle’s long term dedication to making a difference in the district set her apart.
“Mrs. Heinle epitomizes dedication, compassion and excellence in her role as an elementary educator, embodying the values and commitment that we strive to instill in our educators,” her nominator wrote. “Mrs. Heinle has been an integral part of our district for the past two decades, demonstrating unwavering passion and commitment to the education and well-being of our students.”
She fosters growth, in herself and others.
“Her intentional pursuit of diverse teaching experiences reflects her belief in the power of change and personal growth, both for herself and her students,” the nomination read. “Her approach is characterized by high expectations, flexibility, authentic relationships, and creating a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed.”
“An unwavering beacon of positivity and optimism,” Heinle inspires students and colleagues, the nomination said.” Mrs. Heinle is a true facilitator, mentor and collaborator, always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with fellow educators.”
Syndey Portz
Portz’s staunch dedication to supporting “a very challenging student” led to her nomination.
“I was humbled by the way Ms. Portz demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her student in every situation,” her nomination read. “She has an admirable ability to be creative, positive, and an excellent teammate.”
And it isn’t just her work with her student.
“She creates a positive and supportive environment for every child in this building,” the nominator wrote. “Her dedication, compassion, patience, and love make her worthy of this excellence award and more.”
Each month, staff members nominate others they believe are going above and beyond, be it a single act of excellence or kindness or a continuous work ethic.
We congratulate these employees on their awards.
Liberty High School honors athletes
The Liberty High School Athletics Department hosted the Athletic Block “L” Awards banquet Thursday, June 6, in the high school gymnasium.
The event honors the varsity scholar-athletes who participated in Liberty sports during the 2023-24 school year.
The banquet began with remarks by Athletic Director Erin Alvord and a buffet dinner. The ceremony began with a tribute to Javon Islam, who would have been a senior this year but passed away in May 2023. His football helmet, a baseball cap with his number, and a photo, which will be displayed in the school trophy case, were presented to his family.
Before the student-athlete awards began, Alvord recognized two longtime coaches, Anne and Carpio Ramos, who are retiring. Anne coached girls soccer from 2003 to 2023, and alpine ski from 2021-24, with Carpio coaching girls soccer for 25 years, starting in 1999, and alpine ski starting in 2013.
Redhawk Awards
Student recognition began with the presentation of the new Redhawk award. Students who receive the award are chosen by their coaches for often working the hardest and demonstrating great sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication and commitment.
Receiving the award were:
- Boys Soccer: Bryan Jimbo and Luis Molina Gonzalez
- Girls Soccer: Haylee Gomez
- Football: Christopher Rodgers
- Fall Cheer: Sherlyn Garzon and Shelby Clack
- Boys Basketball: James Dworetsky and David Philips
- Girls Basketball: Haylee Gomez and Angela Wheeler
- Boys Indoor Track and Field: Anthony Lemus
- Girls Indoor Track and Field: Elaina Rameriz
- Skiing: Aiden Yaun
- Winter Cheer: Lorena Chevalier and Soleil Ocasio Lombardi
- Baseball: Matt McCoy
- Softball: Brooke Hessinger, Elaina Ramirez and Alesandra Rivera
- Girls Outdoor Track and Field: Brooke Bull and Rayanna Cottman
- Boys Outdoor Track and Field: Nathan Desrochers and Carlos Campos-Castro
- Girls Golf: Maria Abreu
Scholar Athlete Awards
Seventy-six students earned scholar athlete awards, for carrying at least a 90 average while playing a sport: Quinn Allen, Endya Alvarez, Alvord Zackary, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Cristian Argenal, Josue Artiga Martinez, Mia Barragan, Jill Baumander, Shawn Bickham Jr., Zachariah Bickham, Brooke Bull, Carmela Burgio, Kevin Cando, Eyanna Castro, Phoenix Cordero, Olivia Corrigan, Rayanna Cottman, Jake Cross, Alan Cruz, Noellia Cruz Cruz, Colin Dasraj, Nevaeh Davis, Eli Desrochers, Lorna DeWitt, James Dworetsky, Jayla Edwards, Alexandra Etess, Sara Fajardo Reyes, Sydania Foster, Juanita Garcia Lopez, Haley Gill, Lia Guillerme, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Starriah Harris, Claudia Herzog, Adam Houser, Misael Juarez Perez, Julia Juron, Jacob Kelly, Madeline Kelly, Zoe Kip, Joshua Kratz, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Audrey Krum, Kenisha Ledoux, Gianna Lewis, Roger Lynker III, Kimberlin Malaga Gonzalez, Brenna Mangan, Melany Manzanares Orellana, Matthew McKoy, Mariely Medina Orellana, Luis Molina Gonzaliez, Owen Moore, Elizabeth Navarrete, Joseu Nunura Galan, Soleil Ocasio-Lombardi, Lesly Panama, Giselle Payton, David Philips, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Elaina-Louise Ramirez, Alesandra Rivera, Joseph Sarney, Jeremy Simon, Justin Simon, Mason Smith, Amy Szuba, Allison Vasko, Benjamin Visconti, Austin Werlau, Angela Wheeler, Cameryn Will, Aaden Woolard, Aiden Yaun and Sebastian Yupanqi.
The following awards were also presented:
Coaches Presentations
Boys Soccer
- Defensive Players of the Year: Benjamin Visconti and Carlos Campos-Castro
- Most Improved: James Dworetsky
Girls Soccer
- Most Valuable Player: Noellia Cruz
- Outstanding Offensive Player: Angela Wheeler
- Outstanding Defensive Player: Brenna Mangan
- Most Improved Player: Elizabeth Navarrete
Football
- Offensive Most Valuable Player: Enrique Mercado
- Defensive Most Valuable Player: Jameel McCline
- Most Valuable Player: Enrique Mercado
- John O’Hearn Most Improved Player: Aydan Wilson
- 2023 Coach’s Award: Joshua Kratz
Cross Country
- Most Outstanding Runner: Colin Dasraj
Volleyball
- Most Valuable Offensive Player: Aaliyah Williams
- Most Valuable Defensive Player: Kayla Samuel
- Coach’s Awards: Mya Huebsch, Claudia Herzog and Mykenzi Williams
Fall Game Day Cheer
- Most Valuable Cheerleader: Heidi Brown
- Coach’s Award: Haley Gill
- Most Improved Cheerleader: Endya Alvarez
Boys Basketball
- Ivan Richards MVP Award: Riley Totten
- Most Improved Player: Jeremy Simon
- Offensive Player of the Year: Riley Totten
- Defensive Player of the Year: Enrique Mercado
Wrestling
- Most Valuable Wrestlers: Shawn Bickham Jr. and Zoe Kip
- Coach’s Awards: Adam Houser and Tarek Benadim
- Rookie of the Year: Zachariah Bickham
Boys Indoor Track and Field
- Most Outstanding Field Event Award: Nathan Desrochers
- Most Outstanding Runner: Carlos Campos
- Most Improved: Joseph Sarney
Girls Indoor Track and Field
- Most Outstanding Runner: Sydania Foster
- Most Improved: Rayanna Cottman
- Most Outstanding Novice: Brooke Bull
Alpine Ski
- Most Valuable Skiers: Hudson Danzilo and Brenna Mangan
- Most Improved Skiers: Jake Cross and Cameryn Will
- Coach’s Award: Aiden Yaun
Girls Basketball
- Ivan Richards Most Valuable Player: Destiny Loyce
- Most Improved Player: Julissa Velez
- Sportsmanship Award: Mya Huebsch
Winter Game Day Cheer
- Most Improved Cheerleader: Alesandra Rivera
- Most Valuable Cheerleader: Melany Manzanares Orellana
- Coach’s Award: Elyanna Ocasio-Lombardi
Baseball
- Defensive Player of the Year: James Dworestky
- Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Simon
- Coach’s Awards: Zack Alvord and Aidan Yaun
Softball
- Most Improved Player: Mya Huebsch
- Outstanding Offensive Players: Quinn Allen and Aaliyah Williams
- Outstanding Defensive Player: Nevaeh Davis
- Coach’s Award: Olivia Dworetsky
Boys Outdoor Track and Field
- Most Outstanding Novice: Roger Lynker
- Most Outstanding Track Athletes: Christopher Rodgers and Joseph Sarney
- Most Outstanding Field Athletes: Joshua Kratz and Zachariah Bickham
- Most Improved: Alan Cruz and Kevin Leon Gavilan
Girls Outdoor Track and Field
- Most Outstanding Track Athlete: Sydania Foster
- Most Improved: Jill Baumander
- Most Outstanding Novices: Starriah Harris and Adriana Ponce Agredano
Boys Tennis
- Most Valuable Player: Josue Nunura
- Most Improved Player: Misael Juarez Perez
- Coach’s Award: Sebastian Yupanqui
Boys Golf
- Coaches Award: Jeremy Simon
- Most Improved Golfer: Owen Moore
Girls Golf
- Coach’s Award: Mia Barragan
- Most Improved Golfer: Elizabeth Cruz Cruz
Special Recognition Awards
Ross Awards
- Boys Soccer Scholar Athlete: Ben Visconti
- Girls Soccer Scholar Athlete: Elaina-Louise Ramirez
Rattner award
- Boys Basketball Scholar Athlete: David Philips
- Girls Basketball Scholar Athlete: Kenisha Ledoux
Goodstein Award
- Wrestling Perseverance: Manuel Lopez
Kavleski Award
- Boys Track and Field Scholar Athlete: Phoenix Cordero
- Girls Track and Field Scholar Athlete: Jill Baumander
Fred Planica Award
- Most Improved Baseball Player: James Fancher
Buchal Awards
- 2024 Most Valuable Baseball Player: David Philips
- 2024 Most Valuable Softball Player: Angela Wheeler
Senior Presentations
- Elizabeth “Betty” Totten Sportsmanship Awards: Riley Totten and Noellia Cruz Cruz
- Liberty Rotary Club Perseverance Awards: David Philips and Aaliyah Williams
- Tom Kelly Award Outstanding Senior Athletes: Enrique Mercado and Mya Huebsch
Congratulations to all of our 2023-24 student-athletes, and best of luck in the future to the Class of 2024
More photos can be seen on our social media pages.
LES students look to the future at career fair
Students at Liberty Elementary once again had the opportunity to think about their future career and work options in a job fair-like setting in the gymnasium on Monday, June 3.
LES parents volunteered their time at a recruitment table to share the details and skills required in their professions. Parents volunteered from many different career areas, including teachers, salon owners, employment recruitment specialists, business managers, game developers, health inspectors, and our very own Dr. Patrick Sullivan shared his experiences as a superintendent of schools.
Students rotated through the career fair with prepared questions they created in their classrooms. Following the event, students returned to their classrooms to answer self-reflecting questions about their experiences at the career event. They were asked to think about and plan what skills and goals they might want to develop to be ready for their chosen future careers. This point for self reflection helps students begin to separate fantasy from what might be tentative, and, in the years ahead, ultimately realistic. As elementary students ascend into middle school, they begin to think about career choices based on information available to them relative to their interests, skills and values.
“For now, we want our elementary students to dream and fantasize about their career possibilities and believe there are no boundaries to what is possible, if they are willing to set measurable goals and work hard to track their own progress toward success,” LES Principal Robert England said.
More photos can be found on our social media pages.
Liberty unveils new logos
About a year after deciding on a new mascot for Liberty Central School District, the district has finalized a new Redhawks logo.
The design process began in November, with the district working with Gilday Creative to come up with the initial designs. The designs were brought back to the district’s student liaison teams in all three schools for input. After several rounds of redesign and student input, two basic mascot designs were created: one with a redhawk in flight and another featuring the head of the redhawk in a badge form. Versions of each have been created with the words “Liberty Redhawks” and “Redhawks” included in the designs.
“This truly was a student-led design process,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “I appreciate the work and thoughtfulness our student leaders put into the process to create the imagery that will represent Liberty Central School District and our Redhawks into the future.”
Following a mandate from New York State in November 2022, Liberty was required to move to discontinue the use of its Native American mascot and logo. Following a vote by the public in May 2023, the Board of Education approved the use of Redhawks mascot in June 2023.
The district had unveiled new logos in October, but they were discontinued over any potential legal issues that may have arisen from their use.
The new design will begin being put in use over the next several weeks.
Partnership aims to empower girls
On a recent Tuesday, a group of girls at Liberty Middle School sat at a table creating luxury scrubs and labels for their containers. They passed bottles of fragrances around and discussed the properties of each, which led to a greater discussion about morning and nighttime routines.
To a casual observer, this activity may have seemed to be a simple craft time, but it was much more.
The girls are part of LMS’ Girls Empowerment Group, an effort to help build the confidence of the students and empower them to succeed, and the activity was part of a module on self-care with Adrienne Jensen, executive director of EverGreen Meadow Academy, and EverGreen social worker Carmen Martinez.
Jensen encouraged the students to share what they were excited about over the past few weeks and what was coming up. One student shared she was happy about winning a softball game but was convinced the team was going to lose the next game.
“But at least you won your last game, right?” Jensen said. The reassurance is an integral part of the group, which aims to support the mental health of middle schoolers.
“EverGreen Meadow reached out to local school districts in Sullivan County and offered services,” LMS School Counselor Michelle Behrman said. “They saw the need for mental health support and services in our county, and we jumped at the chance to work with them.”
The goal of the group, which began last year with six girls, is to teach communication skills, coping strategies and other skills needed to be a successful leader. The girls are invited to the group based on the recommendation of the guidance staff, social worker and psychologist.
The program fits in with the school’s mission to prepare students by promoting academic excellence, respectfulness, independence and responsibility and its vision to foster growth and potential in an accepting, diverse and enriching community.
“Through activities and discussions in the group, girls are encouraged to learn new things about one another, other people they meet and different cultures,” Behrman said. “They are also encouraged to use critical thinking skills to reason through situations. Girls are encouraged to work on gaining independence and how to be responsible.”
Throughout the current school year, there have been two groups of girls—fifth and sixth grade in one and seventh and eighth in the other—with about 18 students total taking part in the twice-a-week sessions.
Typically, the first weekly session focuses on one of the following subject areas: Relaxation, Grounding, Self Care, Distraction Skills, Creative Outlets, Movement Skills, Good Health Habits, Manners, Thinking Skills, Loneliness, Anger, Sadness/Grief, Body Image, Social Media, Anxiety, Fear (lack of safety) and Internet Safety.
During the next session that week, students participate in an activity that reinforces what they learned.
Seventh-grader Asia Hurley said the group has taught her to not immediately react to a situation.
“You should think for a second, and don’t go to the first thing that comes to your mind,” she said.
Eighth grader Alyssa Padilla agreed, adding she learned to focus on more positive things.
Fifth-grader Savannah Kandic said the activity days are her favorite because she likes spending time with the other students and doing the crafts with the group.
But there are messages in the activities, Jensen said.
“The activity days are creative and enjoyable and at first glance may seem like just play. Play is an evidence-based way for us to learn, and that is what happens here,” she said. “These activities always involve communication and collective interaction, discussing real-life situations and applying the skills learned.”
“Some of the activities help us really think about a situation and how we could have handled it better,” Asia said.
LMS hopes to increase the number of girls taking part in the 2024-25 school year, possibly having three groups: one for fifth graders, one for six and seventh, and one for eighth, because the transition years are tough, Behrman said.
“While EverGreen Meadow Services is available to other schools, the partnership between Liberty Middle School and EverGreen is a special one,” Jensen said. “(Liberty has) committed to expanding their program here at Liberty Middle School first and then to other schools as funding becomes available.”
The impact so far has been great.
“The girls at Liberty that have come through their Empowerment Group are phenomenal,” Jensen said. “They are bursting with potential and intelligence. They have been observative, receptive and kind. Each of them enters with different personalities and backgrounds that don’t necessarily blend together, but they have worked to find ways of interacting with each other in a supportive manner. This is more than so many of us adults have learned to do.”
21 inducted into LMS National Junior Honor Society
Liberty Middle School inducted 21 students into the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony on May 13 in the High School Auditorium.
Those inducted were sixth-graders Madison (Montgomery) Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Gavin Grant, Aiden Hernandez Mejia, Luna Hulse, Matthew Kolarik, Corinne Lake, Madison LaMantia, Harper Matuszak, Americus Mott, Zalaina Nash, Angelick Rivera, Brycen Smith and Hayden Smith, seventh-graders Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Sariah Ocasio and Jacob Pennell and eighth-grader Alonso Yupanqui.
Students are invited to apply for NJHS based on several criteria including scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship; the five pillars of the organization. These students have maintained high academic standing of no less than a 92 GPA all year and have held themselves as exemplary leaders, role models and service-minded citizens in the school and greater liberty community, advisers said. These students have demonstrated high potential to be the great leaders of tomorrow and have pledged to uphold the five pillars of the NJHS, to maintain high scholastic standing, to endeavor intelligently and courageously to be a leader, to practice good character and give of themselves freely in service to help improve their community.
During the event several members spoke about what it means to be dedicated to the pillars and how members work together to contribute their interests, talents and skills to improve the school and Liberty community and shared some encouraging words with our students, families and community members.
Music was also provided by NJHS students in orchestra: Sophia Vasko, Olivia Matuszak, Joshua DiBartolo, Adriana Ponce-Agredano, Belle Gandulla, Sophia Duarte, Zackary Alvord, Mariely Medina Orellana, Roger Lynker III and Allison Vasko, directed by Sarah Weber.
After the ceremony, students and families celebrated the occasion with a reception in their honor.