Month: February 2025
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Feb. 17-23, 2025
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball, indoor track and field, and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Feb. 17
10 a.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Sectionals vs. Multiple Schools at Mount Saint Mary College. For tickets: https://gofan.co/event/3164564?schoolId=NYSPHSAA9
Tuesday, Feb. 18
No events scheduled
Wednesday, Feb. 19
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track & Field Exhibition vs. Multiple Schools at SUNY Sullivan
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School.
5:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty High School.
Thursday, Feb. 20
No events scheduled.
Friday, Feb. 21
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School.
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville.
5:45 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
Saturday, Feb. 22
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Feb. 23
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Professional development day gives LCSD admins, faculty, staff an opportunity for growth
Following a snow day and on the eve of a four-day weekend, the Liberty Central School District administration, faculty, and staff dedicated themselves to enhancing their skills and expanding their knowledge.
The Friday, Feb. 14, professional development day was broken into sessions geared for small and large group learning and collaboration.
Educational consultant Eric Sheninger, founder and chief executive officer of Aspire Change EDU, returned to Liberty to lead sessions with administrators and teachers on the use of AI to increase engagement.
Faculty and staff took time early in the day to complete the DESSA social-emotional screening for students as well as worked on curriculum mapping and participated in required training throughout the day.
Faculty and staff were also assigned to specific sessions related to their roles and responsibilities. This included learning new programs, continuing education on others and finding new strategies to help educate students.
“It’s important for educators to keep learning and growing their skills,” Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Our professional development days are vital to helping us meet the goals of our strategic plan and ensuring Liberty is a great place to learn.”
Some of the trainings were on Light Desk (first picture above) EduPlanet (center) and Project Adventure Rock Wall (at right)
Liberty skier to compete in states for second time
Liberty sophomore Hunter Danzilo placed second in the giant slalom race and seventh in the slalom race, scoring fifth place overall in Section 9 during the finals at Hunter Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Hudson earned an invitation to the New York State Championship races at Mount Gore on Feb. 24 and 25.
He competed in states last year, placing 33rd out of 66 racers in the giant slalom and 23rd out of 66 racers in the slalom.
Hudson is pictured at left on the slopes and posing with Liberty skiers eighth-grader Alexandra Kelly and junior Jake Cross, who also competed in the Section 9 Championship races.
One emergency closure day remains; remote learning reminder issued
With today’s closure because of freezing rain, Liberty Central School District has used six of its seven emergency closure days allotted for the school year.
If the district uses all of its emergency days, the district will transition to remote learning if weather or other situations require the buildings to be closed.
Liberty will communicate its intention to use remote learning days, if the potential situation arises. The LCSD remote learning plan is available on the website.
Questions may be directed to questions@libertyk12.org.
Seven Liberty wrestlers to compete at sectionals
Congratulations to our Liberty Redhawk wrestlers who will be competing in the Girls and Boys Sectional tournaments.
There are five boys competing in the Section 9 D2 tournament: Everett Schwartz at 116, Misael Juarez-Pere at 138, Shawn Bickham and Tarek Benadi, both at 190, and Elmer Son Vicente at 215. The tournament will be held at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School at 156 South Cross Road in Hyde Park, starting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
On the girls side, Isabella Wagner will be competing at 138 and Cheyenne Graham at 185 in the Section 9 tournament at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Mount Saint Mary College.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Tickets for the boys tournament will cost $10 each and may be purchased at https://gofan.co/event/2933596?schoolId=NYSPHSAA9.
Tickets for the girls tournament are $8 and can be purchased at https://gofan.co/event/3164564?schoolId=NYSPHSAA9.
Two recognized with Excellence in Service Awards at BOE meeting
A high school math teacher and an elementary teacher assistant were honored during the Liberty Central School Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Lindsey Murphy
Ms. Murphy, mentor and department chair of the Liberty High School Math Department, was recognized for her upbeat attitude, preparation, help extracurricular activities and her support of LHS staff.
She offers extra help to her students and to those who aren’t in her class, according to her nomination. She has also coached girls varsity basketball and, with Ms. Golden, has helped keep the George Hutchinson Scholarship running.
She always has a smile on her face, is kind and helps make school fun by playing music between classes and dancing along.
She helps foster a sense of belonging among students and staff.
“Lindsey is the kind of teacher we would all like to be more like,” her nominator wrote, “and kids are happy to see her name on their schedule and her smiling face when they enter the class.”
Katie Chakar
Mrs. Chakar’s pride in her work, positive energy and ability to make lessons fun earned her the Excellence in Service recognition.
“She comes to work every day with the biggest smile on her face, excited to see her students,” her nominator wrote. “Katie is wonderful and caring, always going above and beyond for her students and the teacher she works with.”
She comes up with fun crafts for her students, excels in organizing classroom materials and fosters a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
“Katie is a tremendous asset to Liberty Elementary School, especially in Mrs. Johnston’s class,” the nomination read.
There was no awardee from the middle school this month, as all nominees have already received the award.
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.
Work progresses on alignment via Coherence pillar
As Liberty Central School District passes the midway point of its five-year strategic plan, the district is taking time to evaluate what has been accomplished so far and what still needs to be done. Earlier this school year, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs, the Curriculum pillar, the Multi-Tier System of Supports pillar, and the Culture pillar. Now we will take a look at the final pillar — Coherence.
To review the strategic intent of the Coherence pillar:
- By June 2027, create and align 100% of applicable district procedures involving the fluid movement of information and expectations throughout all buildings evidenced by annual perception data.
What does this mean?
This pillar helps ensure that Liberty Central School District functions as one cohesive unit. When fully implemented, it will ensure everyone in the district is working toward the same goal, using the same policies, procedures and methods district wide and across buildings, grades and classes.
What is LCSD doing?
The district is adjusting the procedures for monitoring student progress, using Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports and Professional Learning Communities, as well as surveys and focus groups. There is now a Professional Learning Plan that aligns professional learning with the Strategic Plan and the district is working to implement it fully.
The district personnel department procedures are improving and officials are continuing to work toward full implementation.
Educating the school community about the district strategic plan and MTSS is underway and will continue.
For more information on the Coherence pillar or the strategic plan, email questions@libertyk12.org. This is the fifth and final in a series of messages that focus on different aspects of LCSD’s strategic plan and what it means for the Redhawk students, staff, families and community.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Feb. 10-16, 2025
Our student athletes are in action this week in alpine skiing, basketball, indoor track and field, and wrestling.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Feb. 10
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Indoor Track and Field Varsity Invitational vs. Multiple Schools at SUNY Sullivan
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Middle School.
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School
5:45 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Middle School.
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Port Jervis High School.
6:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Beacon City Beacon High School
Tuesday, Feb. 11
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Alpine Skiing Section Finals at Hunter Mountain
Wednesday, Feb. 12
All events canceled.
Thursday, Feb. 13
All events canceled or postponed.
Friday, Feb. 14
4 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Cornwall Central at Cornwall High School
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Cornwall Central at Cornwall High School
Saturday, Feb. 15
9 a.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Sullivan West in the Aurda Sipple Spath Memorial Scholarship Tournament Consolation Game at Livingston Manor
Sunday, Feb. 16
10:30 a.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling Sectional vs. Multiple Schools at F.D. Roosevelt High School. For tickets: https://gofan.co/event/2933596?schoolId=NYSPHSAA9.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
More than 200 LMS students named to honor rolls
The following students were named to the honor rolls for the second quarter at Liberty Middle School. Honor Roll students have an overall average of 90-96. The Principal’s Honor Roll requires an average of 97-100.
Eighth grade
Principal’s Honor: Luca Burgio, Amelia Cole, Anthony Gavidia Reyes, Olivia Matuszak and Jacob Pennell.
Honor: Nathan Alvord, Jahir Brown, Samantha Bull, Phillip Burrous Jr, Evelin Castillo Hernandez, Selene Crespo, Matthew Decker, Casity DiBartolo, Joshua DiBartolo, Grace Fitzgerald, Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Jasmine Garcia-Reyes, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Miles Harman, Nazarah Heglar, Victoria Henry, Mariana Joya-Reyes, Damien Keating, Sara Liddle, Gavin M. Lisacchi, Elizabeth MacNamara, Tristan Maloney, Wilton Mata, Gabriela Mosso, Jason Nolasco Monroy, Sariah Ocasio, Alex Olivares-Reyes, Javier Ortiz Paz, Arturo Perez Reyes, Aaron Ponce Flores, Arianna Rodriguez, Sulenny Romero, Scarlett Saltos Zapatanga, Everett Schwartz, Jace Snowden, Emma Tacti, Alena Tarabichi, Anthony Valdez Calle, Sophia Vasko and Amaiya Williamson.
Seventh grade
Principal’s Honor: Madison Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Antoni Klys, Corinne Lake, Harper Matuszak, Americus Newhall, Brycen Smith and Avery Wilson.
Honor: Conner Baum, Faith Boyles, Dania Duque Enamorado, Khloe Erceg, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Michael Garzon Valle, Chase Golzak, Gavin Grant, Jacob Grossman, Alan Hernandez Lopez, Wyatt Herschel, Luna Pixie Hulse, Lilly Kehrley, Sidra Koen James, Matthew Kolarik, Madison LaMantia, Denis Leon Aldana, Ava McNett, Adner Mejia Aguilar, Zalaina Nash, Luke Poley, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Aaron Quiroz Gomez, Myla Rielly, Angelick Rivera, Vincent Sackett, Namarpreet Singh, Hayden Smith, Angel Terraza Raymundo, Erick Torres Garcia, Evan Vidalis and Ethan Zheng,
Sixth grade
Principal’s Honor: Elisa Barragan, Owen Brust, Farrah Conklin-Degraw, Dia D’Agata, Delilah Flores-Serapio, Mia Grant, Tyler Kavleski, Aubrie Keating, Karen Mosso, Denali Owens, Randy Panchana, Lily Paynter, Milsi Ramirez Martinez, Scarlett Ratner, Reinier Stanton, Katherine Valdez Calle and Raegan Wagner.
Honor: Kendriel Aliers Amparo, Muhammad Awais, Guiliana Birkett, Andry Caal Chub, Genesis Caiza Viracocha, Katarina Ann Card, Riley Church-Bradley, Jonathan Contreras Martinez, Raymond Cottman Jr, Avery Decker, Ellis Dilworth, Ronal Dubon Duque, Royce Fingers, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Ely Garcia Garcia, Lilliana Garzon Ferrufino, Astrid Guardado Diaz, Genesis E Harrison, Madison Hernandez, Isabella Intranuovo, Dylan Joya Reyes, Allyson Juarez, Mateusz P Klys, Makenzie Knack, Leandro Leon, Torion Lindsay, Keidy Llano Luciano, Jayden Lopez Olivares, Alexandria Lyden, Megan Martinez Gomez, Ayanelson Mazariegos Cuz, Lorelai McCarthy, Abel McClain, Hunter Miranda, Bentley Moore, Helen Munoz Barragan, Samuel Negroni, Paul Odior 2nd, Makaela Parsons, Daniela Ramirez-Alvarez, Jonathan B Reyes Escobedo, Jordanno Rivera, Kailani Rivera, Genesis Robles Burgos, Aaliyssa Rodriguez, Jordyn Roebuck, Sherlene Romero, Caleb Rusin, Jasper Sackett, Stephani Smith, Sarah Steingart, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Sophie Toledo, Amiyah Travis, Cecia Vallejo Cruz, Belinda VanGordon, Delanie Yupanqui, Sophie Zayas and Subhan Zeeshan.
Fifth grade
Principal’s Honor: Annabella Crissina Buryiak, Blake Dennison, Joseph Geoghan, Dean Harte, Damaris Jadan Pangolo, Ryleigh LaMantia, Caleb McNett, Tierney Meddaugh, Masharib Uddin, Henry Vogler and Ivan Zheng.
Honor: Chase Blume, Finley Blume, Amaya Burton, Jerin Burton, Paul Cando, Arabella Chaney, Gisselle Colon, Darius Dawkins, Crisnelly D’Oleo Garcia, Alannis Flores, Willis J Gamble Jr, Erik Garzon, Parker Gissentaner, Marlo Gonzales Chevez, Savannah Gonzalez, Bryson Hendrickson, Nayeli Hernandez Soperanez, Ana Hernandez, Laurel Hook, Lillian Keating, Josslynn Letohic, Elvis Lucero Guzman, Lilith Lynker, Ivanna Malaga Ventura, John Matute, Aaliyah McClain, Nicholas McPhillips, Juritzi Molina Reyes, Logan Moore, Levi Poley, Isabella Puente, Anabella Ramos, Yarixa Reyes Cardenas, Camila Reyes Cortez, Brian Rivas, Alonso Sierra Nunez, Isabel Carmen Thomas, Karter Velde and Audrey Yaun.
LCSD releases FAQ on rights of migrant and immigrant students
Liberty Central School District is aware that the recent changes in immigration policies have caused concerns among many families in the LCSD community. The goal of the district is to make the learning environment a safe one for all Redhawk students. The district recently shared a letter highlighting how Liberty supports the entire school community. The district also has compiled a list of frequently asked questions, listed below, regarding the rights of migrant and immigrant students.
Additional questions may be emailed to questions@libertyk12.org.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Rights of Immigrant Students
Does immigration status impact a student’s right to education in New York State?
No. Under New York law, all students ages 5 to 21 who have not received a high school diploma are entitled to a free public education in the district in which they live. Liberty Central School District (“LCSD”) will not refuse admission to any student based on national origin, race, language proficiency, country of origin, immigration status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Must LCSD immediately enroll migrant students?
Yes. Consistent with law, LCSD will immediately enroll migrant students, even if they lack proof of residency, immunizations, school records, or other documents typically required for registration. LCSD may allow students who are from out of state or county to attend school for up to 30 calendar days if the student does not have immunization documentation but there is evidence of a good faith effort to obtain immunizations.
Are there any documents LCSD may not ask for when a student seeks to enroll in one of its schools?
Yes. LCSD may not request a Social Security Card or number, or any information that would reveal immigration status of the student or the student’s parent/guardian or person in parental relation at the time of enrollment.
What will LCSD do if it receives a request from an ICE or other law enforcement officer to access student records?
Absent parent/guardian or eligible student (age 18 or older) consent, LCSD may only release student records to an ICE or other law enforcement officer where the officer has a court order or a lawfully issued subpoena. If LCSD is legally required to disclose student records, LCSD will attempt to notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the court order or subpoena before disclosing the records (unless the court order or subpoena prohibits LCSD from doing so).
What will LCSD do if an ICE or other law enforcement officer demands to question a student on school property and/or remove a student from school property?
Generally, ICE and other law enforcement officers may only question a student on school property or remove a student from school property (1) where they have a lawfully issued warrant providing court-authorized access to a student; (2) with consent from a parent/guardian; or (3) if the student is accused of committing a crime on school property and school or LCSD personnel invite law enforcement officers to investigate. If none of these criteria are met, LCSD will not permit officers to speak or access the student on school property.
What will LCSD do if a School Resource Officer (“SRO”) requests to access a student’s records to determine a student’s immigration status?
LCSD has a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Village of Liberty Police Department and the Village of Liberty outlining the duties of SROs and the scope of SRO responsibilities at LCSD. The MOU can be accessed on the LCSD’s website.
Consistent with the MOU, an SRO may not access a student’s education records for the purpose of determining a student’s immigration status. If an SRO obtains information about a student’s immigration status, the SRO is not authorized to re-disclose that information to other law enforcement officers or federal immigration officials.
What will LCSD do if an SRO demands to question a student on school property about the student’s immigration status?
Consistent with the MOU, SROs cannot detain or otherwise interrogate a student for the purpose of determining the student’s (or their family’s) immigration status.
What happens if a student is being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against based on their actual or perceived immigration status?
Federal law, New York State law, and LCSD policy prohibit harassment, bullying, and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, citizen or immigration status, and any other legally protected characteristic. Consistent with LCSD’s Dignity for All Students Act Policy, LCSD is committed to creating a school environment free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. If LCSD receives information that harassment, bullying, or discrimination has or is occurring, it will investigate the situation and discipline offenders consistent with LCSD policy.