Category: District News
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/
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.
Notes needed for bus pick up changes
Parents or guardians of students who wish to be picked up from a different location than their normal bus pickup location in the morning must provide a note requesting the change stating the dates and new location in advance. Notes should be sent to the student’s school’s main office by the end of the previous school day. Requests will be approved if space allows. If the request cannot be granted the family will be notified. For safety reasons, the bus drivers are only able to pick up the students on the bus roster.
MTSS growing at Liberty, giving students the support they need to succeed
As Liberty Central School District approaches the midway point of its five-year strategic plan, officials are taking time to evaluate what has been accomplished so far and what still needs to be done. Earlier this year, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs. Last month, the Curriculum pillar was the focus, with Multi-Tier System of Supports, or MTSS, up now.
To review the strategic intents of the MTSS pillar:
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk academically, students needing language acquisition, and students needing enrichment, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk socially, emotionally and behaviorally, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- The District will implement post benchmark data analysis meetings that require at least three data points (Academic/SEL Screener and two additional data points) to identify or refer students to Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions through vertically articulated Student Support/MTSS meetings that are regularly scheduled and attended.
What does this mean?
Many factors impact how a student learns. These factors include academic skills, cultural barriers, socio-economic struggles, as well as social, emotional or behavioral challenges. An effective MTSS model will allow schools to provide ALL students the tools they need to succeed, as well as assess if those tools are working.
What is LCSD doing?
The Leader in Me (LIM) framework has been implemented in all schools to provide all students the leadership and life skills they need. But to determine what supports students may require, screenings are needed. The DESSA SEL (social-emotional learning) screener has been implemented at all schools to help identify students who may need interventions. At the Elementary and Middle schools, Renaissance STAR and HMH assessments are provided three times a year to assess students progress in reading and math. The schools also use interventions from HMH, and other SEL interventions, aligned with LIM. At Liberty High School, Academic Intervention Service (AIS) classes help prepare students for Regents. There are also language acquisition supports, such as the Newcomer Global Learner program, for multilingual learners at LHS..
These have helped the schools set up small-group support as well as more intense behavior interventions for SEL support.
Implementation of MTSS model is underway at the elementary and middle schools by providing a referral form, creating meeting structures and post-benchmark analysis meetings as well as using common intervention programs for Grades K-8, such as student-centered Wildly Important Goals, enrichment for grades K-8, and cross-cultural based events.
The goal is to set aside more time for analysis, continue the meet between buildings to align approach, implementation and results, while enhancing academic intervention systems for the High School.
“Our MTSS model is getting stronger and we are committed to ensuring all of our students are given the support they need,” Superintendent Dr. Sullivan said. “It is critical to our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.”
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the third in a series of stories 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 Dec. 2-8, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 2
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 3
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Events postponed due to weather.
Friday, Dec. 6
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Dec.7
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 8
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Traffic pattern temporarily changing at LES
Because of a sinkhole in the Liberty Elementary School lawn near the “Kiss and Drop” area next to the Liberty Public Library, the “Kiss and Drop” area will be closed until further notice. The doorway at that school entrance has been closed off and the area around the sinkhole has been cordoned off.
Starting Monday, Dec.2, all traffic for Liberty Elementary will enter the main driveway. Through traffic will proceed as usual to School Street while buses are not on campus.
The main entrance will be two-way traffic while buses are on campus.
Students may be dropped off for early arrival at the Main Entrance starting at 7:15 a.m.
Buses will enter the driveway at 7:35 a.m. and assemble in the rear driveway. No vehicles will exit through the rear driveway until the buses release and exit.
From 7:35 to about 7:50 a.m., vehicles may enter the driveway to drop off students on the main entrance curb, and then will proceed to follow traffic through the first tier parking area and exit through the main entrance. There will be staff members outside to help direct traffic
This traffic pattern will remain in effect until the situation with the sinkhole is resolved.