Category: District News
LCSD seeks nominations for Wall of Fame
The Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of those who have walked the halls of Liberty’s schools.
Alumni of Liberty who have made a lasting and outstanding contribution in their lives and career to society upon graduating or leaving the Liberty Central School District are eligible for nomination to the Wall of Fame.
Nominations are reviewed by the Wall of Fame Committee, which is made up of volunteers representing the school district, the local community, and the Board of Education.
To nominate an individual, please complete and submit the Liberty CSD Wall of Fame Application, available in the district office or on the district’s website at https://www.libertyk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/54620_Wall-Fame-Application-ACC20.pdf and email it to WallOfFame@libertyk12.org or mail the application to Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame, LCSD District Office, 115 Buckley St., Liberty, NY 12754.
Nominations must be received by Friday, Feb. 14.
For more information, reach out to Lexie Leon at aleon@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2052.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 16-22, 2024
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, Dec. 16
All events canceled.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Alpine Skiing Scrimmage vs. multiple schools at Belleayre Mountain Ski Area.
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track and Field Invitational vs. Multiple schools at SUNY Sullivan.
4 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello Middle School.
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
5:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Monticello at Monticello Middle School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. New Paltz at New Paltz High School.
Thursday, Dec. 19
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
4:30 p.m.: Boys Modified Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Monticello High School.
Friday, Dec. 20
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
5:45 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Our Lady of Lourdes at Liberty High School
Saturday, Dec. 21
8 a.m.: Boys Wrestling Varsity Tournament vs. Hudson Falls at Hudson Falls High School
Sunday, Dec. 22
9 a.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Tournament vs. Red Creek at Red Creek High School
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
New temporary traffic pattern at LES to begin Dec. 16
Beginning Monday, Dec. 16, there will be a temporary closure of a portion of the main driveway over the box culvert that runs under the “Kiss and Drop” lawn.
Arrival and dismissal traffic will be permitted to enter the rear School Street driveway to drop off at the Main Entrance starting at 7:15 a.m. through 7:33 a.m. No drop off traffic will be permitted while buses are on campus. Traffic may resume after the buses exit at 7:55 a.m.
The North Main Street entrance is open for student drop off through the “kiss and drop” loop. NO vehicles will be permitted to park in the “Kiss and Drop” loop. Vehicles will exit onto Main Street and will be required to make a right turn into the flow of traffic.
There will be staff outside to help direct traffic.
The district is working to resume regular traffic patterns as soon as possible.
Amid rumors of retaliation, games postponed
Liberty Central School District has been made aware of rumors spreading on social media of retaliation potentially being made against those involved in the stabbing incident yesterday, Dec. 12. The rumors have been investigated by the Liberty Police Department and have been deemed non-credible.
Safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
As a precautionary measure, the basketball games scheduled for today at Liberty Middle and High Schools have been postponed.
Also, out of an abundance of caution, the increased police presence will continue at the Middle and High Schools.
Those with questions may email questions@libertyk12.org.
Five arrests made in stabbing near MS/HS campus
Liberty Police Department has arrested five individuals in relation to the altercation that led to the stabbing yesterday, Dec.12, just off the Liberty Middle/High School campus at the end of the school day.
Below is LPD’s statement, in part, released about 9:30 p.m. yesterday:
“On Thursday 12/12/24 at approximately 3:00 pm the Village of Liberty Police Department responded to a report of a fight in progress near the Liberty High School on Buckley Street in the Village of Liberty. School Resource Officers (SROs) at Liberty Middle and High Schools, in collaboration with Liberty School staff, located a 16-year-old stabbing victim who had entered school grounds seeking help after being attacked on Buckley Street. Responding officers immediately identified two suspects fleeing from the scene and after a short foot pursuit arrested two 15 year old male juveniles. School Resource Officers provided immediate first aid to the victim including applying a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding from multiple stab wounds. Care of the 16 year old juvenile was transferred to Mobile Medic EMS and the juvenile was transported via helicopter to Westchester Medical Center. At the time of the writing of this release the juvenile was in stable but critical condition.
“Within hours the investigation had resulted in the Village of Liberty Police Department locating and arresting two additional 17 year old female juveniles and Ricco Molina, 18 of Liberty. All five individuals were charged with Assault in the 1st degree and Gang Assault in the 1st degree, felonies. Ricco Molina was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and remanded to Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 secured bond or $40,000 partially secured bond. All 4 of the juvenile suspects were arraigned in front of the Honorable Troy Johnstone sitting as the accessible after hour’s magistrate for the Youth Part of Sullivan County Superior Court. Both of the 17 year old female juveniles as well as one of the 15 year old male juveniles were released on their own recognizance to appear at the Youth Part of Superior Court on a later date. The second 15 year old male juvenile was remanded to the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services at a secure detention facility.
“The Village of Liberty Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police. …
“The investigation into this incident is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Village of Liberty Police Department Detective Division. Specifically if anyone has cell phone video of the incident please call 845-292-4422.”
In addition, Liberty Central School District will be taking action, according to its Code of Conduct, against all Liberty students involved in this incident.
“I want to thank our SROs for their swift actions on treating the victim, as well as LPD for their quick response to this incident,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
The district has additional law enforcement on the Middle/High School campus today, as a precaution and to enhance the safety of students and staff. Counselors are available to all students or staff members who wish to talk about this incident.
Those who have questions may email questions@libertyk12.org.
A message from the superintendent on the incident earlier today (Dec. 12)
Dear Liberty,
As you may be aware, an incident took place at the end of the school day off campus earlier today, Dec. 12, that resulted in the stabbing of a student who was not from Liberty. I do not have any information regarding the medical status of that student at this time, but I — and the entire Liberty community — wish them a speedy and full recovery.
Police are still investigating the incident, which did involve students from Liberty. Any police action taken will be communicated by Liberty Police Department when available.
The district is also investigating to see what actions will be taken against our students involved in the altercation, according to our code of conduct.
We take the safety of our students and staff very seriously.
All of our school buildings are equipped with cameras, accessible by LPD, and we have a school resource officer stationed at each building during school hours, as well as after hours events hosted on our campuses. All of our buildings require keycard access, and guest access is achieved through a single point of entry. We also hold regular drills to practice our safety procedures. More details can be found in our districtwide safety plan.
We investigate all reports of potential threats to our school community. We encourage everyone to be proactive in safety with the adage “see something, say something” and report immediate concerns to a trusted adult, administration or law enforcement. Non immediate concerns can also be reported via our Anonymous Alerts reporting system.
Students are also encouraged to lean on their school counseling department if they are in crisis, have concerns over their safety or just need to talk.
Our counselors will be available for those who wish to speak to them following this incident.
Out of an abundance of caution and to help our faculty and students feel safer, there will be an increased police presence on the middle school/high school campus tomorrow.
If you have questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Altercation just off MS/HS campus results in stabbing
At the end of the school day today, Dec. 12, there was a physical altercation involving a stabbing just off of the middle/high school campus grounds. The altercation was between Liberty students and others who were not students at Liberty schools.
The stabbing victim was not a student of Liberty. The victim ran to campus seeking medical attention. All traffic was shut down on the campus, and a medivac helicopter landed at the football field. All late bus and student pickup was moved to the parking lot on Winthrop Avenue.
The district and police are investigating the incident. More information will be released as it is available.
There is no danger or threat to the school or Liberty community.
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.
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.