Category: Elementary News
Curriculum alignment, improvement, review progressing under strategic plan
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. Last month, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs. Now focus turns to the Curriculum pillar.
To review the strategic intents of the Curriculum pillar:
- By June 2027, 100% of PreK-12 curriculum will be vertically and horizontally aligned to meet all New York State standards for all content areas as evidenced by improved student outcomes (in all subgroups) on NYS and local assessments and an increased graduation rate.
- By June 2027, 100% of the administrators and teachers will use identified data protocols to analyze content area assessment results, identify student gaps and strengths in order to grow students (in all subgroups) to a new level of performance.
What does this mean?
Curriculum is the core of the education system. Without a strong, consistent curriculum, Liberty cannot give its students the tools they need to succeed.
That is why ensuring curriculum is aligned with New York State standards and that that curriculum is consistent across classes and grade levels is so important. District officials also must regularly review and analyze the plans and adjust if needed.
What is LCSD doing?
Over the past few years, the district has instituted and/or expanded several curricular programs that offer consistency through the elementary and middle school years, including the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt math and reading curriculum and the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Social Studies and Science 21 programs.
The Woz ED curriculum has been expanded to help Liberty students enhance the 21st-century skills they will need now and in the future. That curriculum will also expand into the high school once the Innovation Lab is completed.
At the high school level, Liberty has expanded college-level course offerings to include Syracuse University Project Advance classes. These are the same courses offered at Syracuse University, taught by our teachers, that will offer transferable college credit.
The district is working diligently on making sure curriculum maps are being updated, completed, filed and followed. Mastery standards per grade level and course are also being established. These steps allow educators to clearly set expectations for students, and students will know what they must accomplish. Administrators also use all available resources, including Star Renaissance testing and state assessments, to analyze the effectiveness of the curriculum and make adjustments as needed.
“An effective, consistent, responsive curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students is vital to the success of our district,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We are moving in the right direction, with student performance improving, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future.”
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the second 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.
Noncredible threat circulates again on social media
A social media post of a potential threat of violence against several schools on a list, including a Liberty Middle School, that was disseminated in mid-September has begun circulating again. The report was investigated and found to be noncredible. The list originated from an out-of-state department of education list of schools that were targeted for educational improvement and spread via social media.
The district reminds students that if they see a threat they should report as soon as they see it via Anonymous Alerts or to a trusted adult, and they should never share it via social networks or text messages.
“Liberty puts safety at the top of our priority list, and we investigate every threat,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We thank the community for their vigilance and concern for the safety of our school community.”
Three earn LCSD Excellence in Service Awards
Three more Liberty Redhawks were honored Oct. 8 by the Liberty Central School Board with Excellence in Service Awards.
Samantha Davis
Samantha Davis, a typist at Liberty Elementary School, was recognized for her willingness to help and that she is always smiling. “I could not do my job if it was not for her constant assistance,” her nominator said. “She is caring not only for staff but also all about the students!”
Ben Abrams
Ben Abrams, a special education teacher and facilitator at Liberty Middle School, was recognized for his leadership, knowledge and going beyond what is needed.
“He is a true asset to the Special Education Program at the Middle School and we are lucky to have him,” a nominator said. “Plus … he does magic tricks!”
Another nominator said he is able to keep students engaged, and “makes learning social studies interesting and fun.”
Kellie White
Kellie White, a guidance counselor and co-director of Guidance, “is a very knowledgeable and organized and compassionate counselor that takes pride in her work,” her nominator said.
Her ability to accommodate students’ needs, with a clear head and a smile on her face no matter the situation was also recognized.
“I respect her immensely,” the nominator said.
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.
LCSD working with PhotonFi to install LiFi technology in select classrooms
Liberty Central School District has partnered with PhotonFi to install LiFi, or Light Fidelity, wireless connectivity initially in two classrooms, one each in the middle school and high school.
When the technology is installed, expected to be this fall, we will be the first district in the region to adopt this innovative technology.
LiFi technology uses invisible light to transmit data, offering a fast, more secure and reliable network. This installation will provide the faculty with the tools they need to keep their students thriving in today’s increasingly digital world, while ensuring a safe learning environment.
“At Liberty Central School District, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible tools for success,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Our collaboration with PhotonFi allows us to stay at the forefront of technology while maintaining the safety and security of our students as a top priority.”
PhotonFi Inc. is an industry leader in LiFi technology, dedicated to transforming the way institutions deliver connectivity.
“I want to thank Pat Killian, our director of technology, for researching this technology and being the driving force behind bringing it to Liberty,” Sullivan said.
“As the digital landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring our students are equipped with the resources and technology needed to succeed in the 21st century,” Sullivan added.
Once installed, the district will watch the performance and evaluate. The technology has the possibility of being an alternative to running new Ethernet to keep up with the category changes of the cables, Killian said.
Those with questions may email questions@libertyk12.org.
LCSD conducts entry drill
For the past several weeks, Liberty Central School District and the Liberty Police Department have been planning a drill that helps the district evaluate its safety practices and protocols.
Earlier today, Oct. 3, an individual (who is a police officer from another county) attempted to enter our buildings to help the district identify any safety measures that need to be addressed and/or enhanced.
District officials will review the findings and will address and communicate any changes needed.
Please know that this type of drill is used throughout our neighboring counties, and our School Resources Officers were monitoring the drill the whole time.
LES puts healthy eating at forefront
Liberty Elementary has put nutrition high on its list of priorities this year.
The Empowering a Healthier Generation Wellness Committee at LES is working hard to make the cafeteria and classrooms spaces where students will enjoy eating healthy foods.
On Sept. 26, LES students learned about nutrition and health choices thanks to Nutrition Mission Assemblies with Beth & Scott. The Bierkos taught students the importance of drinking water instead of sugary beverages to quench thirst, the importance of getting adequate rest, 60 minutes of daily exercise, and the importance of putting healthy foods into their bodies.
LES encourages students to use the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable snack carts (provided free, much like breakfast and lunch here at LES) instead of eating items such as cookies and chips for snacks. Students are also encouraged to use the salad bar at lunch time and to sign out the blender bike for healthier birthday celebrations.
All of these messages connect with Leader in Me Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Balance is Best.
This year, LES is setting a goal to eat 1,000 servings of fruits and vegetables a month. This will be tracked on a new bulletin board in the cafeteria. There are also brand new light up menu boards in the cafeteria where the daily lunch menu is posted and new signage to encourage healthy eating.
Students will be acting as leaders as they work together to track servings of fruits and vegetables consumed at lunch time.
Strategic plan centered on district’s mission, vision, beliefs
Liberty Central School District is now in the third year of its five-year strategic plan. The district is consistently evaluating its work and is making progress. The district’s mission, vision and beliefs are at the heart of the plan.
To review:
- The mission of the Liberty Central School District is to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
- The district’s vision is “cultivating trust and courage to be innovative and to persevere.”
- LCSD believes the mission and vision represent our core values and dedication to remain innovative, forward thinking and focused on all students. To that end, it believes in:
- Committing to fiscal responsibility.
- Providing physical and emotional safety for all.
- Partnering with educators, families and community for all students’ success.
- Delivering a robust educational program PreK-12.
- Fostering a sense of belonging.
- Ensuring all students have the necessary resources to be successful.
What does all this mean?
It means the district recognizes the important role it has in preparing its students for the world beyond the LCSD’s walls. The district must do all it can to give them the tools, knowledge and confidence to be their own person and make a difference in a world that is growing and diversifying while at the same time getting smaller through technology.
The board, administration, faculty and staff strive to give their students a safe place to learn and be innovative, while not being afraid to fail forward (learning from their mistakes and continuing to make progress).
The district does this while keeping in mind and embracing the realities of our community’s financial, social and cultural differences.
“We work to ensure every child who enters the halls of each of Liberty’s schools has the opportunity to not just get by but to thrive within our walls and beyond, making Liberty a great place to learn,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the first in a series of messages going out this year that will focus on different aspects of the strategic plan and what it means for LCSD students, staff, families and community.
Attendance notifications are changing
Starting Monday, Sept. 16, parents and guardians will begin receiving notifications via ParentSquare if their child is absent from school.
They will receive a text or an email notification in regards to their child’s absence. If the text or email cannot be delivered, the parent will automatically receive a phone call.
An advantage of signing up for ParentSquare is that notes can be submitted through the ParentSquare App or website. The absence notification can be found on the alerts button at the bottom of the app or on the left hand side of the webpage. For more details on how to access the notifications, visit ParentSquare’s help page here.
Submitting the note is as easy as 1, 2, 3. (images are only for reference)
- Click Send Note to School.
- Enter the reason for the absence and click Submit.
- The note will be sent immediately to the school’s attendance office.
If the parent or guardian hasn’t yet registered for ParentSquare, they must send the reason for the absence via email to centralregistration@libertyk12.org or send in a physical note with their child to be turned into the school’s main office or with the child’s teacher or homeroom teacher.
For more information and instructions on how to sign up for ParentSquare, visit the ParentSquare page on our website.
LHS student earns Soapbox Derby title
LES student competes, finishes eighth
When asked what they did over summer break, two Liberty students are able to say they competed in the 2024 All-American Soapbox Derby. One of those students can add that he is a world champion.
Hudson Danzilo, a 10th grader, earned the 2024 masters division championship and received a $1,000 scholarship. Fourth-grader Ava Diehl finished in eighth place in the stock division.
The two pursued their potential by competing with racers from around the world in Akron, Ohio, in July.
Racers qualify by competing in local Soapbox Derby or via earning enough rally points to qualify. Ava and Hudson won their divisions in the Sullivan County Soapbox Derby, held annually, the first Saturday after Memorial Day in Liberty. Ava competed in the stock division (ages 7-13) and Hudson competed in the Masters division (ages 12-21). Competitors race against each other in gravity-driven vehicles built within specifications determined by the organization in a single elimination bracket style race to determine a champion.
For more information on the Soapbox Derby, visit https://www.soapboxderby.org/
LCSD welcomes new director of facilities
Liberty Central School District recently welcomed Randy Kleingardner as the district’s director of facilities.
Kleingardner, who began in his role in late August, has been involved in the building construction and building maintenance industries for more than 45 years. He has worked in all positions of project management and building renovations; being responsible from start to finish and budgets from small to large scale. He owned and operated a successful maintenance and excavating company.
He was born and raised in Liberty and has lived here for most of his life. He and his wife own a successful local restaurant and bar.
He said he is looking forward to making the Liberty schools a great place to attend and to work.