Category: Elementary News
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)
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.
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.
LES to host Camp Invention in August
Liberty Elementary School will again host Camp Invention, kindergarten through sixth-grade students, this summer. The program, which is open to all area students, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty Elementary School, at 201 N. Main St. in Liberty.
This year’s all-new DISCOVER program is packed with hands-on adventures that spark creativity and innovation and include:
- Claw Arcade – Build a DIY claw machine, explore physics, and pitch your arcade experience to investors!
- Illusion Workshop – Become a special effects expert and create a spinning animation device.
- In Control – Discover AI in everyday life, design a Control Panel, and send secret Morse code messages.
- Penguin Launch – Join an eco-expedition with Snow-ver, a robotic penguin, and engineer flippers to launch plush penguins across the South Pole!
The cost is $275, with two discounts available through Thursday, Feb. 13. Program alumni can use the code ALUMNI35 to get a $35 discount and new attendees can use CREATE30 to get a $30 discount. Payment plans are available. Registration can be completed at https://www.invent.org/program-search/camp-invention/ny17/11041
For more information, email Camp Invention Director Stefanie Donohue at sdonohue@libertyk12.org
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.
Liberty conducting school experience surveys
All staff, families and students in grades 3-12 have been asked to complete a short, anonymous and confidential survey to provide feedback about perceptions of Liberty’s schools and the learning environment.
Results will be summarized for the school in an online report. The goal is to help teachers and staff effectively serve LCSD students.
Liberty Central School District has partnered with Tripod Education Partners and PLC Associates to administer the school experience surveys for students, families and staff. This survey will be administered through March 14. Students will take the survey during class time.
The core purpose of the surveys is to gather data, both quantitative and qualitative, to help us make informed decisions about the district’s future and plan strategies.
Those who have not received a survey link or have questions may reach out to Marianne Serratore, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, at 845-292-5400, ext. 2063, or mserratore@libertyk12.org.
All Things Liberty Winter Festival set for Feb. 22
The All Things Liberty Winter Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in the high school gymnasium.
The event will feature sled riding (weather permitting), hot chocolate, carnival games, maker faire activities, crafts, karaoke, concessions, Liberty Redhawk swag and book giveaways.
Craft vendors will have items including novelties, dog treats, plastic canvas, candles, character clips, tumblers and cups, pens, dolls, paintings, soap and jewelry.
Community organizations participating include Liberty Library, Sullivan County Department of Health, Liberty Town Parks and Recreation, SALT, Independent Living, Liberty Faculty Association, Sullivan County, Child Care Council, Liberty PTA and Old Skewl Sports.
All students below ninth grade must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information, contact Community School Coordinator Stacy Feasel at 845-292-5400, ext. 2332, or sfeasel@libertyk12.org.
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.
LCSD offers emergency closure day usage update
As of Tuesday, Feb. 4, Liberty Central School District has used four 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.
LCSD to seek input from staff, families, students via surveys
Within the next few weeks, all staff, families and students in grades 3-12 will be asked to complete a short, anonymous and confidential survey. The purpose is to provide feedback about perceptions about Liberty’s schools and the learning environment. Results will be summarized for the school in an online report. The goal is to help teachers and staff effectively serve LCSD students.
Liberty Central School District has partnered with Tripod Education Partners and PLC Associates to administer the surveys for students, families and staff. This survey will be administered from Feb. 10 through March 14. Students will take the survey during class time.
The Surveys are aligned to current school improvement research and is designed to:
- reflect research across comprehensive school improvement, student
engagement, leadership and school climate - measure internal systems and practices of schools and
- provide an accurate indicator of student views and their insights on structure, instruction, and learning processes
The core purpose of the surveys is to gather data, both quantitative and qualitative, to help us make informed decisions about the district’s future and plan strategies.
For more information, reach out to Marianne Serratore, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, at 845-292-5400, ext. 2063.