Category: Elementary News
A message from the superintendent on supporting our entire student community
Dear Liberty families,
I am proud of our diverse community here at Liberty Central School District. Every one of you brings a unique perspective to our district that enriches us all.
I understand that some in our community may be concerned about changes that may occur in the coming weeks and months with a new administration.
We just want you all to know that we are committed to providing all of our students a quality education. As part of the commitment, we embrace the Parent Bill of Rights for New York State’s English Language Learners.
The document guarantees access to free public education in the school district where a student lives, regardless of the immigration status of the parent/guardian or student and the language that the family speaks. It also allows for families to enroll students without submitting paperwork that may reveal immigration status. The document also makes provisions for providing interpreters, a bilingual education and more. For more information, you can call the ELL Parent Hotline at 1-800-469-8224, email nysparenthotline@nyu.edu or mail New York State Education Department, Office of Bilingual Education & World Languages, 55 Hanson Place, Room 594, Brooklyn, NY 11217.
We also understand our rights and responsibilities in protecting and helping all of our students.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the state Office of Attorney General and the state Education Department also recently issued guidance and reminders regarding the educational rights of immigrant families and the responsibilities of school districts in regard to bullying and harassment, law enforcement actions, detainment and deportation of family members. The document also listed numerous resources available to families. The full document is available on the SED website here.
It is important for us to educate our students and their families, beyond the classroom, so they can learn and grow here in Liberty.
To that end, I want to make you aware of an upcoming event to which Liberty families are invited. The New York Immigration Coalition will present a workshop on immigrant rights from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Fallsburg Central School District’s Benjamin Cosor Elementary School Cafeteria at 15 Old Falls Road in Fallsburg.
We are also updating our English as a New Language webpage to provide more resources.
Please reach out to our Student Services and School Counseling/Guidance Offices for more information and resources, and as always, if you have questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
BOE to meet Jan. 21
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in the HS Media Center. The board anticipates to enter into executive session (not open to the public) immediately. The regular portion of the meeting, open to the public, is expected to resume at 6 p.m.
The agenda will be available on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Board Docs.
LCSD seeks UPK proposals
Liberty Central School District has issued a request for proposals for universal pre-kindergarten services for the 2025-26 school year.
The district is looking to provide about 33 full-day pre-kindergarten slots in addition to the 54 provided at Liberty Elementary School.
Questions regarding the request for proposals must be submitted in writing no later than Feb. 14 to Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore at mserratore@libertyk12.org.
To be considered, three copies of a proposal must be received by 2 p.m. March 3 and be sent to Liberty Central School, Attn: Marianne Serratore, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, 115 Buckley Street, Liberty, NY 12754.
For more details, visit https://www.libertyk12.org/academics/RFP-UPK-25-26.
BOE recognizes Excellence in Service award winners
A high school school counselor, a middle school special education teacher and an elementary school teacher assistant were recognized by the Liberty Central School District Board of Education with Excellence in Service Awards on Jan. 7
Meaghan Anstee
Mrs. Anstee, a school counselor, was nominated by three people who work closely with her in the High School Guidance Department. They highlighted her work with her colleagues and with Liberty students, calling her “invaluable” and a “huge asset” to the department.
“She is such a positive influence for her students, and her ability to stay calm, cool and collected always is such an inspiration,” one nomination read.
Her compassion set her apart, another nominator wrote. “Always smiling, always a feeling of open arms when students come to her door, she takes time to sit and explain things to her caseload,” the nomination read. “She always makes time for people and Liberty couldn’t be luckier to have such an asset like Mrs. Anstee.”
Danielle Cummins
Mrs. Cummins, a special education teacher, was recognized for her commitment to being a positive influence in her students’ lives.
“Her commitment to education isn’t just about academic success—it’s about the well-being and growth of each individual student,” her nominator wrote. “Whether it’s providing extra support in the classroom, offering a listening ear, or simply making students feel seen and heard, she always creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”
Her nomination also highlighted her school spirit and her dedication to the broader school community.
“Her positive attitude is contagious, and she inspires both students and staff to engage with the school community in meaningful ways,” the nomination read. “She frequently volunteers for committees, collaborates with fellow teachers, and lends her expertise whenever and wherever it’s needed.
“Above all, Mrs. Cummins is a kind-hearted, fun-loving teacher who brings joy to those around her… she makes the school a better place for everyone. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, and her positive impact will be felt for years to come,” the nomination concluded.
Ellen Blais
Mrs. Blais, a teacher assistant, was described as “the epitome of a patient, kind and engaging educator” by her nominator.
She regularly evaluates and readjusts plans to meet her AIS students’ needs while challenging them to learn more, according to her nomination. She works at multiple grade levels, “bringing encouragement and a smile wherever she goes. We are extremely lucky to have her as part of our AIS Reading team,” the nomination read.
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.
Culture pillar ensures LCSD’s focus is on mission, vision
As Liberty Central School District approaches 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 and the Multi-Tier System of Supports pillar. Now it is time to take a look at the Culture pillar.
To review the strategic intent of the Culture pillar:
- By 2027, all policies, procedures and communication will encompass the key elements of the district’s mission and vision as evidenced by perception survey data.
What does this mean?
While this pillar may be the shortest, in terms of words in its strategic intent, it perhaps holds the largest overall impact. This pillar’s goal is to ensure that the district keeps its mission and vision at the center of what it does, in words and in actions, as well as clearly communicate to all its staff, families and community that commitment.
What is LCSD doing?
The district reinforces its mission, vision and beliefs internally at staff meetings and conference days. Community forums are used to provide information to and seek feedback from families. Administrators also present the district’s efforts at community and governmental organization meetings.
The district has also taken the steps to bring the community together through community-school based activities such as All Things Liberty Winter Festival.
It is also important to see if the efforts are working, so the district administers culture and climate surveys and focus groups to allow the school community to evaluate the district’s progress.
For more information on the Culture pillar or the strategic plan, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the fourth 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.
Library to host Bookworm Clubs for LES students
The Liberty Public Library will host Bookworm Clubs for elementary students in February and March.
The club will be offered Mondays, Feb. 24 to March 24, or Tuesdays, Feb. 25 to March 28, for children in kindergarten through second grades. The club for third and fourth graders will be Wednesdays, Feb. 26 to March 26, or Thursdays, Feb. 27 to March 27.
They will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. afterschool. Library staff will pick children from Liberty Elementary to escort them to the library.
Participating children will read books, play games, have snacks, do crafts and more.
Registration will begin on Monday, Jan. 21, by calling 845-292-6070. Those who call earlier will be asked to call back. Permission slips will be sent home with all children who are registered. Slips must be returned to the library or the child’s teacher indicating pickup preference. Children may be picked up at the library by 4 or they can be escorted to the LES Boys & Girls Club, if they are signed up.
For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit the library’s website. The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.
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.
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.
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.
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.