Year: 2024
Student found with empty bullet casing
This afternoon, Dec. 12, an elementary school student was found displaying an empty bullet casing to other students. The empty casing was confiscated and the situation was handled in accordance with the Liberty Central School District code of conduct. Families of the students involved have been notified. Please be aware that at no time was there any danger to students or staff.
LHS senior earns Section 9 football honors
Liberty High School senior Christopher Rodgers was named to the Class B Section 9/League Football team.
A team captain, he was a wide receiver, returner and cornerback for the Redhawks. He has played for Liberty for three years.
Chris, the team’s leading score, always led by example, verbally and physically, Head Coach Adam Lake said. “Chris is the perfect example of the standard we are looking for in a Redhawk football player—100 percent effort 100 percent of the time.”
LMS to recognize students with perfect attendance, two or fewer absences
An important part of success for students is being in class.
For the first quarter, Liberty Middle School had 92.73% student attendance. Students who achieved perfect attendance as well as those who had two or fewer absences (95% attendance rate and higher) will be honored during ceremonies the week of Dec. 16. The Liberty Middle School Leaders of the Month and the Good News Notes awardees will also be recognized.
The following LMS students earned attendance awards for the first quarter:
Eighth grade
Perfect Attendance: Abraham Fuentes, Alex Luna Diaz, Alex Olivares-Reyes, Alyessia Avellino, Anthony Gavidia Reyes, Balmore Lopez Argueta, Branden Edwards, Christian Perez Lorenzana, Dana Jimbo Montero, Edwin Maldonado Gomez, Emelin Suarez Rosario, Gavin Lisacchi, Grace Fitzgerald, Jace Snowden, Jacob Pennell, Joshua DiBartolo, Kendry Cordero-Lima, Laudy D’Oleo, Lya Camille, Makaidyn Smith, Matthew Romero, Quinn Santiago, Samantha Tinger, Samantha Bull, Sariah Ocasio, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Wilton Mata and Yorleny DeJesus Padilla.
95% Attendance: Amaiya Williamson, Amelia Cole, Arthur Uhl Jr., Aryiah Cottom, Briana Bermeo, Chris Rivas, Deniel Sarmiento Borjas, Imani La Rue Chaney, Jasmine Garcia-Reyes, Sara Liddle, Tristan Maloney and Victoria Henry.
Seventh grade
Perfect Attendance: Adela Paz Perez, Angelick Rivera, Araceliss Gomez, Arian Rodriguez, Chase Golzak, Claire Ferguson, Corinne Lake, Cristian Castillo Pineda, Daniel Doty, Erick Torres Garcia, Ethan Zheng, Francisco Vicente-Gonzalez, Gabriel Lotz, Harper Matuszak, Jolisa Hernandez, Juan Carlos De La Cruz De La Cruz, Lilly Kehrley, Liriel Mueses Valdez, Luke Poley, Luna Pixie Hulse, Madison Lamantia, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Michael Garzon Valle, Michelle Ramirez Medina, Nakai Toscano-Gardner, Mya Davis, Namarpreet Singh, Princilla Matute, Rebecca Norris, Santiago Moguel, Sidra Koen James, Syron Harrigan, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Wyatt Herschel and Zalaina Nash.
95% Attendance: Altair Stanton, Hayden Smith, Liam Greaves, Madison Allen and Salvador Vidal Lopez.
Sixth grade
Perfect Attendance: Abigail Romero, Alexandria Lyden, Allison Juarez Perez, Aubrie Keating, Ayanelson Mazariegos Cruz, Dylan Reyes Garcia, Ellis Dilworth, Emma Boyles, Gian Garcia-Melgar, Gregory Dasraj, Isabella Intranuovo, Jayden Lopen Olivares, Jerimiah Wilson, Johan Llangoma Lema, Jonathan Contreras Martinez, Jordanno Rivera, Josseph Llangoma Lema, Katrina Card, Kendriel Aliers Amparo, Madison Hernandez, Makenzie Knack, Makynlie Smith, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Mason Hopkins, Mia Grant, Ralph Urgiles Montero, Randy Panchana, Raymond Cottman Jr., Ronal Dubon Duque, Sophie Toledo, Sophie Zayas, Stephani Smith, Subhan Zeeshan, Trebor McCoy, Tyler Kavleski and Ximena Malaga Gonzalez.
95% Attendance: Abraham Garcia Martinez, Daisuke Mapes, Delanie Yupanqui, Elisa Barragan, Genesis Caiza Viracocha, Helen Munoz Barragan, Jonathan Reyes Escobedo, Joseph Portillo Larios, Owen Brust, Sara Steingart and Uriel Rios.
Fifth grade
Perfect Attendance: Alec Feliciano, Anabella Ramos, Ariana Alvarez Leiva, Bryan Garcia Romualdo, Camila Reyes Cortez, Damari Jadan Pangolo, Darick Winfrey III, Darius Dawkins, Dylenne Reyes Garcia, Elvis Lucero Guzman, Heidy Guambi Aules, Helen Lucero Bonilla, Henry Vogler, Isabella Puente, Ivan Zheng, Ivanna Malaga Ventura, Jacy Ramos Lopez, Joel Cruz Lopez, John Matute, Karter Velde, Keylin Lopez Nunez, Levi Poley, Logan Moore, Maciah Costello-Acevedo, Mia Travis, Nayeli Hernandez Soperanez, Nicholas McPhillips and Yarixa Reyes Cardenas.
95% Attendance: Alieska Perez Perz, Alonso Sierra Nunez, Altair Stanton, Anthony Myers, Arysta Murphy, Derek Mateo Cruz, Jerin Burton, Riley Baum, Tierney Meddaugh, Virginia Nivelo Cruz and Willis Gamble Jr.
Three earn Excellence in Service awards
A high school special education teacher, a fifth-grade ELA/Social Studies teacher and a kindergarten teacher were recognized by the Liberty Central School District Board of Education with Excellence in Service Awards on Dec. 10.
Carol Gillespie
Ms. Gillespie was recognized for her connection to students.
“If students were able to nominate a staff member, I am confident Carol would have already been honored multiple times,” her nominator said.
Her connection to students goes beyond those who are in her classes.
“On days that Carol is absent, I have multiple students sadly asking me ‘she’s not here today?!’ as their day will no longer be as great without her here to give a hug, smile, or just say hello,” the nomination read.
In her special education classroom, Ms. Gillespie gets to know her students and chooses novels and other texts based on the students interests.
“Carol goes above and beyond to ensure her students are engaged in their content and guides the students to take ownership of their learning,” the nomination read.
Natalie Guido
Mrs. Guido was honored for her innovation in her fifth-grade classroom and her collaboration and support of colleagues.
“Natalie is an extraordinary educator whose innovative use of technology transforms her classroom into an engaging and dynamic learning environment,” her nominator wrote. “ By staying at the forefront of educational trends, she integrates the newest technology tools to captivate her students and tailor lessons to their interests.”
Mrs. Guido was also recognized as a role model to new teachers and being a teacher who fosters a positive and forward-thinking school culture.
“Her dedication, creativity and impact make her an exceptional candidate for this honor,” her nomination read.
Amanda Ritz
Mrs. Ritz’s work as a grade-level facilitator, a leader and a mentor was highlighted in her nomination.
“Amanda goes above and beyond in every role that she fills in the Elementary School,” her nominator wrote.
Her preparation for the grade-level meetings,helpfulness, knowledge and ability to ensure the teachers have what they need set her apart, the nomination said
She also works with student teachers and observers.
“She gives them the tools they need to become the next best generation of teachers,” the nomination read. “I am proud to nominate someone who goes above and beyond every day for both our students and our staff.”
Each month, faculty and 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.
LHS names Stellar Students for first quarter
Liberty High School recently honored its Stellar Students for the first quarter. The Stellar Student Awards recognize students who for the quarter were referral-free, had no more than two absences, had no unexcused late entries, and had a 75 or above quarter average with no failures or incompletes.
12th grade
Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Lewis Bound, Noah Call, Andres Castillo Hernandez, Abdi Coy Pop, Eugene Davis-Andino, Faith Fitzgerald, Jose Galeas Aguilar, Evelin Garzon Ferrufino, Lianna Gissentaner, Anjay Harripersad, Nora Liddle, Jordan Loucks, Skylar Loyce, Kimberlin Malaga, Gonzalez, Ariel Miguel, Sierra Norris, Luis Otero Jr., Joshuaj Reyes Escobedo, Angel Valladares, Austin Werlau and Rita Zheng
11th grade
Cristian Argenal, Tarek Benadim, Rene Bernal Huezo, Shawn Bickham Jr., Brooke Bull, Addison Bury, Marcus Curry, Joshua Decker Jr., Giada DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, Sydania Foster, Lia Guillerme, Alyson Hernandez Lopez, Kelsey Hopkins, Jaspreet Kaur, Zane Kip, Gustavo Leon, Belen Leon Martinez, Gianna Lewis, Arwyn Lucero-Bonilla, Angelina Magie, Leonel Malaga Ventura, Jhony Maradiaga Palma, Kimberlin Mejia Alvarado, Quelin Molina Gavilan, Serenity Moore, Makayla Morales, Iris Ogden, William Pennell, Jose Rivera, Phillo Romero, Elijah Warren, Tatianna Warren and Pheobe Wilson.
10th grade
Yanelis Aguilar Reyes, Derick Aliers Amparo, Zackary Alvord, Gianino Amendola, Jill Baumander, Marlow Cedillos Saravia, Kent Clarke, Riley Cox, Ashley De Leon, Yamilet Garcia Gonzalez, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Isiah Johnson, Peyton Klein, Bartlomiej Klys, Orchid Langlois, Kevin Leon Gavilan, AnnaMay Lopez, Bridgette Mateo Cruz, Jeremiah, McLeod, Mariely Medina Orellana, Jose Moreno Reyes, Giselle Perez Sanchez, Daniela Ponce Flores, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Katterin, Reyes Guardado, Dylan Romero, Allison Vasko, Lige Young and Sebastian Yupanqui.
Ninth Grade
Jaden Antonutti, Irwin Barragan Rojas, Lillianna Black, Ezra Dilworth, Sophia Duarte, Stephanie Gomez Nivelo, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Kimberly Hernandez Contreras, Savannah Jennings Rivera, Tyler Juron, Hunter Kavleski, Radek Klys, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Evelyn Molina Ax, Maynor Monroy Aldana, Anai Perez Sanchez, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Gabriella Sheridan and Alonso Yupanqui.
LCSD School Counseling Department addresses variety of needs for all students
Liberty Central School District provides a comprehensive school counseling program for all students. Our school counselors, school social workers, behavioral specialists and school psychologists are certified educators trained to provide a range of assistance.
The traditional role of what was once known as a guidance counselor was primarily academic and future planning. But that role today encompasses so much more, including focusing on the social and emotional, as well as academic, well-being of students now and into the future.. Because they now offer much more than academic guidance, they are now known as school counselors.
Our school social workers are the link between the school, home and community, providing support to address students’ social, emotional and behavioral needs that may impact learning, as well as connecting students to resources in the community that can assist them.
Our behavior specialists assess student behaviors, develop intervention plans, work with teachers and staff to implement those plans, and monitor progress to adjust the plan as needed, helping students with behavioral obstacles succeed.
Our school psychologists help identify academic, social and emotional obstacles that may prevent students from reaching their full potential, and they work with the school counseling team to provide interventions to address those obstacles. These obstacles could be long-term issues or crisis situations.
The members of our School Counseling Department work together, and with teachers, staff and administration, to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
We encourage our students to reach out to the School Counseling Department, not only for academic and career advice, but also for the social and emotional support and guidance they need.
Learn more about our school counseling program at https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/guidance-departments/
Student tests positive for pertussis
A Liberty Middle School student has tested positive for pertussis. The last day the student was in school was Dec. 3, 2024. The district has notified the Sullivan County Department of Health of students who are at risk of exposure. DOH will be notifying families impacted. The district has also notified staff and teachers of the possible exposure.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial lung infection most severe for babies, those with autoimmune diseases and/or those who are not vaccinated against the infection.
Those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for pertussis are encouraged to see their doctor. Symptoms of pertussis begin as a common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever or a mild occasional cough. Late symptoms include a cough that gets more severe with coughing fits that can be followed by a high-pitched whoop.
The infection is contagious as soon as symptoms appear and up to three weeks after. Those treated with the appropriate antibiotic will not be contagious after the full five days of treatment.
Staff and students are encouraged to take measures to help prevent the spread of respiratory infections, such as frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, sneezing into a tissue or an elbow if a tissue isn’t available, and not touching their face and nose.
For more information on pertussis, please visit the New York State Department of Health website.
LMS names Leaders of the Month, Good News Notes honorees
Liberty Middle School recently celebrated students who were named Leaders of the Month for October as well as those who earned Good News Notes.
The honorees are as follows:
Eighth Grade
Leaders of the Month: Ayelene Ines-Leon and Dana Jimbo Montero
Good News Notes: Joel Cuji-Angamarca, Yorleny DeJesus Padilla, Anthony Gavidia Reyes and Yoscari Gomez-Mejia.
Seventh Grade
Leaders of the Month: Montgomery Allen and Namarpreet Singh,
Good News Notes: Mya Davis, Andy Hernandez Gomez, Araceliss Gomez and Gavin Grant.
Sixth Grade
Leaders of the Month: Syndy Ixchalchal Lagos and Christopher (Javi) Perez Lorenzana
Good News Notes: Annabella Buryiak, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Abraham Garcia Martinez, Tyrone Harris, Anastasia Kelly, Daisuke Mapes, Americus Newhall, Reinier Stanton, Noel Leonardo Valerio, Cecia Vallejo Cruz, Avery Wilson and Sophie Zayas.
Fifth grade
Leaders of the month: Nicholas McPhillips and Camila Reyes Cortez
Good News Notes: Madeliz Cubero-Vargas, Melanie Hernandez Santiago, Savannah Jones, Nyjha Miranda Hernan Munoz Aldana, Prince Patterson, Sebastian Ramirez, Yarixa Reyes Cardenas, Camila Reyes Cortez, Chelsea Scott, Keyrin Tercero and Mariah Williamson.
LHS names more than 250 students to first marking period honor rolls
The following students were named to the honor rolls for the first marking period at Liberty High School. High honor students must have attained a marking period average of 90 or better and have no failing or incomplete grades. Honor roll students must have attained a marking period average of 85 or better and have no failing or incomplete grades. They were honored during breakfasts on Dec. 4 and 5.
12th grade
High honor: Elmida Aguilar-Reyes, Quinn Allen, Endya Alvarez, Guillermo Arauz Gonzalez, Ayaan Awais, Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Mailyn Caal Chub, Noah Call, Andres Castillo Hernandez, Eugene Davis-Andino, Cathy Delgado-Flores, Colin Doeinck, James Dworetsky, Sara Fajardo Reyes, Sophia Ferguson, Faith Fitzgerald, Jose Galeas Aguilar, Lianna Gissentaner, Wyatt Green, Sandra Hanofee, Anjay Harripersad, Jordan Hewlett, Gianna Journet, Alex Kearney, Joshua Kratz, Jack Krum, Carla Lara Fernandez, Kenisha Ledoux, Nora Liddle, Skylar Loyce, Addison Makky, Kimberlin Malaga Gonzalez, Colin Mangan, Matthew McKoy, Andrew McPhillips, Luis Molina Gonzalez, Sierra Norris, Liam Parks, Jeferson Pineda Monzon, Wenifer Ramos Mata, Joshuaj Reyes Escobedo, Melody Rivera, Megan Schmidt, Mason Smith, Austin Werlau, Konnar Williams, Mykenzi Williams, Rachel Yaun and Rita Zheng.
Honor: Yedrick Aliers Cruz, Lewis Bound, Ryan Britton, Jackson Bustillo Martinez, Wendy Chabla, Shelby Clack, Braedan Clarke, Abdi Coy Pop, James Fancher, Irvin Garcia Garcia, Evelin Garzon Ferrufino, Bryan Garzon, Sherlyn Garzon, Gabriella Gentile, Haylee Gomez, Mia Gorr, Anthony Lemus, Rosmery Leonardo Valerio, Jordan Loucks, Sofia Marty, Owen Moore, Adamaris Navarro-Leon, Luis Otero Jr., Ryan Porter, Ivan Rodriguez Jr., Serenity Ryder, Samya Sarita, Jacob Schulte, David Sellers, Jonathan Stonick and Kayla Tapia.
11th grade
High honor: Brayan Abrego Medina, Maliea Agapito, Sheyla Anguisaca-Llanos, Cristian Argenal, Aubrey Botsford, Carmela Burgio, Runxian Chen, Marcus Curry, Joshua Decker Jr., Genna DeFrank, Giada DeFrank, Eli Desrochers, Allisson Diaz Lopez, Lia Guillerme, Kelsey Hopkins, Jaspreet Kaur, Jacob Kelly, Zane Kip, Kaley Klein, Belen Leon Martinez, Gianna Lewis, DaShaun Loyce, Angelina Magie, Brenna Mangan, Serenity Moore, Genesis Munoz Valladares, Genesis Munoz Valladares, Soleil Ocasio-Lombardi, John Palacios Medran, William Pennell, Brooke Porter, Cassandra Porter, Randy Romero-Bello, Justin Simon, Emma Stonick, Valeria Uroza Martinez, Elijah Warren, Angela Wheeler and Cameryn Will.
Honor: Teodulo Banegas Jr., Tarek Benadim, Shawn Bickham Jr., Brooke Bull, Addison Bury, Naima Byam Canady, Shirley Cando, Kamoren Connell, Jake Cross, Elizabeth Cruz Cruz, Valeria Cruz, Lincoln Davis, Cameron Degroat, Vanaya Dudley, Adrien Ferguson, Christopher Flores Osorto, Sydania Foster, Lincoln Klein, Cynthia Leon, Angel Leon Gustavo, Leonel Malaga Ventura, Yuritzy Martinez Ramirez, Kimberlin Mejia Alvarado, Sarai Miranda, Quelin Molina Gavilan, Makayla Morales, Mia Nunura Galan, Iris Ogden, Jose Rivera, Phillo Romero, Joseph Sarney, Tayler Schwartz, Jaidon Simmons, Elmer Son Vincente, Ashley Szuba, Tatianna Warren, Jada-Lynn Williams and Pheobe Wilson.
10th grade
High honor: Derick Aliers Amparo, Zackary Alvord, Gianino Amendola, Sophia Marie Avellino, Jill Baumander, Eyanna Castro, Jr Cobbs, Olivia Corrigan, Liliana Crespo, Hudson Danzilo, Frandy De La Cruz Solano, Ashley De Leon, Dung Duong, Austin Frunzi, Kylie Fuller, Yamilet Garcia Gonzalez, Jeffrey Greve, Peyton Hadjstylianos, Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo, Misael Juarez Perez, Peyton Klein, Bartlomiej Klys, Audrey Krum, Orchid Langlois, Nester Leon Aldana, Maria Lewis, Roger Lynker III, Gia Matullo, Jeremiah McLeod, Mariely Medina Orellana, Savannah, Pagan Van Wagner, Katherine, Panama Guailazaca, Giselle Perez Sanchez, Lucio Ponce Vazquez, Katterin Reyes Guardado, Ruth Sellers, Amy Szuba, Olivia Tyler, Allison Vasko and Sebastian Yupanqui.
Honor: Naiara Alvarado Piedy, Yanelis Aguilar Reyes, Liam Araniva, Isabella Caycho, Riley Cox, Alan Cruz, Colin Dasraj, Colin Dole, Angel Figueroa, Carlos Garzon Cruz, Mayrelis Gonzalez Ramirez, Isiah Johnson, Kevin Leon Gavilan, Katherine Maldonado, Nathan Mendoza Ramirez, Jose Moreno Reyes, Elizabeth Navarrete, Angele Osorio Ramirez, Daniela Ponce Flores, Sarai Quiroz Gomez, Beth Santiago Riley, Jordan Smith, Olivia Torres, Jeronimo Velez Osorio, Giuliana Wagner and Lige Young.
Ninth grade
High honor: Colten Allen, Angeliz Arriaga Munoz, Zachariah Bickham, Emily Cardenas Reyes, Hope Corbett, Kevin Dilworth Ezra, Sophia Duarte, McKayla Figueroa, Belle Gandulla, Leah Herbek, Tyler Juron, Hunter Kavleski, Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, Lena Lagattuta, Nakeah Lewis, Danna Lopez Ojeda, Evelyn Molina Ax, Anai Perez Sanchez, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Jayla Ramon, Raul Rios, Karol Rosa Espejo, Gabriella Sheridan, Mason Williams and Jairo Zhicay Jadan.
Honor: Lillianna Black, Samuel Blandon Cardona, David Cortes Cruz, Brayan Deras Berrios, Ami Garcia Garcia, Jade Guaillazaca Lopez, Kimberly Hernandez Contreras, Charlotte Horton DeMorla, Mckinzie Paterson, Danilo Paz, Gimena Quiroz Ramirez, Baileigh Steinberg, Samantha Vidalis, Keyanna White and Alonso Yupanqui.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 9-15, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball, indoor track and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 9
5 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling multi-matches vs. multiple schools at Port Jervis High School
Tuesday, Dec. 10
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Ellenville at Ellenville High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Wallkill High School Vinnie DeAngelis High School Gym
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Wallkill High School Vinnie DeAngelis High School Gym
Wednesday, Dec. 11
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
5:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
Thursday, Dec. 12
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
5 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
Friday, Dec. 13
All events postponed.
Saturday, Dec. 14
8 a.m.: Boys Wrestling Varsity Tournament vs. Multiple Schools at John Jay High School – East Fishkill
11 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track and Field meet vs. multiple schools at West Point – United States Military Academy
Sunday, Dec. 15
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.