Category: High School News
Redhawks faculty and staff return to gear up for 2025-26 school year
Cars filled the parking lots at the Liberty Middle/High School on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, as faculty and staff were welcomed back to their first day of school.
After catching up with colleagues and meeting new ones, the Liberty Redhawks gathered in the auditorium for the opening day program.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan welcomed everyone with a theme of “impact.”
“I encourage everyone to think about the person who impacted you,” he said, “that person might be why you are here today. Impact creates hope, and hope inspires greatness.”
The goals of the opening conference days are to help ensure that impact aligns with the district’s five-year strategic plan and to ensure all are on the same page to make Liberty a great place to learn.
After speeches by Board of Education President Pamela Teed Fisk and union presidents, Dr. Sullivan and the school principals presented years of service pins to several staff members, with special recognition to three who have served LCSD for 32 years.
The strategic plan, District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and related plans were next on the agenda. Dr. Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Derek Adams reviewed the plans and specific programs, policies and procedures with faculty and staff.
The important issues of mental health and technology safety were also addressed Tuesday morning.
Following union meetings and lunch, faculty and staff returned to their classrooms and buildings to complete required courses and trainings.
The learning will continue on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with building- and department-based meetings and activities throughout the day in preparation for the first day of school for students on Thursday, Sept. 4.
District issues reminders on safety
Safety is a top priority for the Liberty Central School District. As school begins, the district wanted to remind its families of some of the safety procedures and terms. Families are asked to review the information available at https://www.libertyk12.org/about-us/liberty-central-school-district-emergency-information-guide/.
Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 1-7, 2025
Our student-athletes kick off the season this week (really this time) with soccer and football. The girls varsity game originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 29, was canceled.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, Sept. 1
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
2 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Sidney, Jane Flannery Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School
2 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Sidney, James Campbell Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School
Results: Liberty 5, Sidney 0. Ryan Romero Bello earned Man of the Game with 1 goal and 1 assist. Shout out to Justin Simon as well with the clean sheet.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
4:30 or 7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer, Jane Flannery Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School (4:30 p.m. if Liberty loses game 1, 7 p.m. if wins)
Thursday, Sept. 4
7 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer, James Campbell Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Liberty High School
Friday, Sept. 5
4 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Monticello at Monticello High School.
Results: Liberty 3, Monticello 0. Against Monticello the girls played a great game maintaining space and ball control. Liberty spent most of the game pressuring the Monticello team in their half consistently building up and attacking. Counter attacks were consistently denied by Sophia Duarte, Bristol Misner and Carla Perez Perez. The mid field dominated play led by Adriana Gavilan Leon and Yarel Diaz Lopez winning balls and closing down passing lanes. Alexandra Galeas Osorio denied any counter attacks on the wings and consistently fed balls up line to forwards Olivia Corrigan, Katherine Panama, and Quinn Santiago. Yarel Diaz Lopez opened the scoring with a great shot off a pass from Quinn Santiago. Alyssa Padilla entered the game and wreaked havoc for the Monticello midfield and defense following up with Liberty’s second goal. Quinn Santiago closed out the scoring with the third and final goal for Liberty. Goal Keeper Montgomery Allen finished the game with 6 saves and a clean sheet in her first start in goal. Middletown will be our next opponent.
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School
4:30 or 7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer, Jane Flannery Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School (4:30 p.m. if Liberty loses game 1-fifth or seventh place game, 7 p.m. if wins-consolation or final)
Saturday, Sept. 6
Noon: Varsity football vs. Walton at Walton High School
noon, 2, 4:30 or 7: Boys Varsity Soccer, James Campbell Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School (noon if Liberty loses both games-seventh place game; 2 p.m. if loses game 1 and wins game 2-fifth place game; 4:30 if wins game 1 and loses game 2-consolation; 7 p.m. if wins both games-championship)
Sunday, Sept. 7
No events scheduled.
Liberty Public Library to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up month
This September, Liberty Public Library invites Liberty Central School District families to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities.
With a library card, you can do more than check out books. From free programs, computers, streaming media, and cultural events, today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other.
This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is a reminder that libraries are for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you’re diving into a new hobby, searching for your next great read, borrowing a backpack, learning a new language, or helping your child succeed in school, it all starts with a library card.
At Liberty Public Library you’ll find:
- Ebooks, and e-audiobooks with our Libby app
- Streaming video with Kanopy, and Mango Languages for learning a new language.
- Prefer physical books and media? Try our convenient “RCLS Go app” to search for and request physical books, and dvds, as well as books on CD—Or ask us to help in person!
- Bethel Woods Museum passes for free admission for up to 4 people
- Programs and events for all ages—from storytimes and book clubs, movies, yoga, Senior Coffee Club speakers, afterschool teen clubs, and much more.
Getting a library card is free, easy, and empowering. For students, it’s a key to academic success. For adults, it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. For everyone, it’s a smart way to stay connected to your community.
The public invited to the library throughout September for the following activities:
- Library Card Challenge, Sept. 1 – Oct. 17: Pick up a special Library Card Challenge Activity sheet. Complete any four of the fun activities and win a small prize (all ages).
- Library App installation help: Need help setting up one of our apps, like Libby? Call 845-292-6070 or email lib@rcls.org to arrange an appointment for a one-hour help session.
- Elementary Game Day, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6: Play classic board games at the library with your family and maybe make some new friends.
- Teen Games & Volunteer Sign-ups, 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17: Stop by afterschool to play games with your friends and learn about volunteer opportunities available at the library.
Stop by Liberty Public Library or visit http://www.libertypubliclibrary.org to sign up for a free card. Because with a Liberty Public Library card, the possibilities are truly endless.
Liberty administration offers updates for school year at community forum
Liberty administration offers updates for school year at community forum
About two dozen community members and several more faculty and staff gathered outside the main entrance to Liberty High School on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to hear an overview of updates and changes for the 2025-26 school year at Liberty Central School District.
“It’s important for our community to be informed before the start of the school year,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We appreciate the families who attended and asked questions.”
District administration has held these forums annually as a way to better communicate and interact with the LCSD community, in accordance with the district’s five-year strategic plan.
The plan, now in its fourth year, is the district’s roadmap for improvement across the district.
Dr. Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Derek Adams led the presentation, with translation by Ms. Vanessa Olivo.
The school year begins for students on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Besides the traditional updates on programming and reminders of procedures, district officials also reviewed the new state-mandated policy on student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.
Plan updates
The forum began with a review of the strategic plan and each pillar — Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum and Culture — and an overview of what the district is doing to move forward this year. The plan, along with the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and related building and program plans, informed changes for the 2025-26 school year.
Curricular changes and updates
Dr. Adams reviewed current curricular programs and highlighted changes, including the addition of the Siena College Computer Science course for high schoolers, agricultural courses at the middle school and a new Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom at the elementary school. The district is also in the second year of Algebra for all eighth graders as well as Syracuse University Project Advance programming for high schoolers.
The district is also implementing Eduplanet, a curriculum management system to aid in curriculum mapping, and LinkIt, a data warehouse system designed to help more efficiently analyze and support students’ academic, social and emotional growth, which will also help inform MTSS procedures.
Communications
The forum also offered the opportunity to review items related to the culture pillar, which includes better communicating the mission and vision of the district. Dr. Sullivan highlighted ParentSquare, introduced last year, which helps streamline two-way communication between Liberty families and the district and schools. He also reminded attendees about the district’s chain of command calling guide.
DASA and safety
Safety is always of utmost importance. Dr. Sullivan reviewed the district’s safety measures and visitor procedures, hitting both the coherence and culture pillars. He also reminded attendees about Anonymous Alerts, where students and families can report concerns about safety or bullying, and Gaggle, a program that monitors student usage of the internet and will alert officials of concern searches or messages. Both programs assist the district in its commitment to the Dignity for All Students Act and safety.
Construction projects
Dr. Sullivan reported that work is nearing completion on culvert replacement at the elementary school, and the district expects traffic patterns to return to normal in time for the start of the school year. Work is progressing on the athletic field, part of the capital project approved by voters in January 2024, with the hope that the field will be completed in time to play at least one game on the field this fall. Full completion of the track, bleachers and press box is expected by the spring.
Cellphone policy
Liberty Central School District has implemented a policy in accordance with Education Law §2803, also known as the bell-to-bell cellphone free policy. Dr. Sullivan reviewed the district’s cellphone free policy. A policy FAQ is available here.
Only one question was asked publicly at the end of the forum—regarding student storage of cellphones during sports practices. However, administrators answered several questions one-on-one with families after the forum.
“We are always happy to answer questions and offer support to our families and students,” Dr. Sullivan said at the end of the forum. He also reminded those in attendance that any questions could be emailed to questions@libertyk12.org.
Because of technical difficulties, the planned livestream of the event was unable to take place. A slideshow of the presentation can be found here.
Liberty names high school assistant principal
Liberty High School will have a new assistant principal when school starts on Sept. 4.
On Aug. 19, the Liberty Central School District Board of Education appointed Ms. Destiny Matos to the role, which became vacant with the promotion of Mr. Stephen Matuszak to principal at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
“As a dedicated educator and leader, I am excited to bring my experience and values to Liberty and make a positive impact on the school community,” she said.
She has a master’s degree in school building leadership from Molloy University and a Master of Science degree in general and special education from Manhattan College. She had nine years of experience in the New York City Department of Education, including roles as a special education/early childhood teacher, science content teacher, and a United Federation of Teachers Paraprofessional, before coming to Liberty.
She said she hopes to provide “a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and social growth.”
As a “proud New Yorker” and mother of two, she said her values are consistency, coherency and accountability, and she is committed to building strong partnerships between home and school.
“I chose Liberty because I too believe in the mission of helping graduate lifelong learners who have been empowered through the collaborative efforts of the school, parents and community,” she said. “This sense of belonging helps graduates feel safe and ready to take on new challenges.”
Sullivan 180 to celebrate Healthier Generation schools
Sullivan 180 will host its Empowering a Healthier Generation Celebration at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the Event Gallery at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
During the event, Sullivan 180 will present more than $145,000 in awards recognizing the success of local schools in making healthy, meaningful change.
There will also be a special tribute to Sullivan BOCES Superintendent and Sullivan 180 Board Member Dr. Robert Dufour. Music will be provided by John Zanger.
Empowering a Healthier Generation engages Sullivan County public school in creating a culture of health and wellness among students, staff, parents and their communities.
Schools are eligible for Sullivan 180 grants to support and implement initiatives that advance wellness goals. Healthier Generation advisors serve as liaisons and coordinators for the work in their school building. The Empowering a Healthier Generation Celebration will honor all of the schools that have participated.
The public is invited to attend the celebration to support and celebrate their school community.
Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP online at bit.ly/2025EHGRSVP by Sept. 5.
Bethel Woods is at 200 Hurd Road in Bethel.
Liberty CSD to host Great Pumpkin Dash
Join the Liberty Central School District for its first Great Pumpkin Dash 5K, held in conjunction with the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Walnut Mountain.
The 5K mountain run/walk/hike will kick off events at 9 a.m. Individuals and teams are welcome. There is a minimum donation of $5, with a suggestion donation of $20, per runner. Proceeds will go to Ride 2 Survive and the Liberty High School National Honor Society. Participants may sign up via a Google Form, but walk-ons are welcome. All donations will be collected the day of the event.
The Fall Festival will continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with food, bounce houses, hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking and more at the park at 73 Mountain Road in Liberty.
Throughout the event, Liberty Central School District will be collecting donations for Fearless, a not-for-profit agency in Orange and Sullivan County dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence, teen dating violence and human trafficking by providing free and confidential services.
Food within the expiration date and new and unused personal care products will be accepted.
Potential donations include:
- Food: Rice; pasta and pasta sauce; rice or pasta meal mixes (items similar to Rice-A-Roni, Pasta Roni, Hamburger Helper, etc.); canned vegetables, beans and fruit; all-purpose flour, sugars, artificial sweeteners; seasonings and Spices, adobo, sazón, chicken/beef/ham bouillon; mashed potato mix, canned potatoes; nut butters, jelly/jam; canned/boxed soups and stews; canned tuna and chicken, Vienna sausages; basic condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and mayonnaise; shelf-stable microwavable meals; breakfast cereals (low sugar) and oatmeal; pancake mix and syrup; fruit and pudding cups; granola bars, snack crackers, and other individually-wrapped snacks; 100% juice boxes or pouches; shelf-stable milk; cake and muffin mixes, cake frosting, gelatin and pudding mix.
- Personal care products: Feminine hygiene products: (tampons, pads, panty liners); full-Size toiletries (please, no travel or “hotel” size): (Soap, Body Wash, lotions, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant, cotton balls, cotton swaps); diverse hair care products: (shampoo, conditioners, gels, anti-breakage treatments, etc.); hairbrushes and Combs (bristle hairbrushes, synthetic or detangler style brushes, wide-tooth combs); and hair accessories (hair ties, bobby pins, clips, head wraps).
The rain date will be Sunday, Sept. 21.
For more information on the 5K or Fearless donations, email Liberty Central School District Community Schools Coordinator Katlyn Rusin at krusin@libertyk12.org.
For more information on the festival or to be a vendor, contact Parks and Rec at 845-292-7690 or p.r.dept@townofliberty.org.
A message from Student Services on special education services
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Liberty Central School District (the “District”) is committed to ensuring that all students receive the supports and services they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The District recognizes its obligation of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”) to all eligible students and continues to align its practices with the requirements set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and New York State Education Law.
Recently, the New York State Education Department (“SED”) released guidance and a New York State appellate court issued a decision concerning New York State public schools’ obligation to provide special education and related services to resident students with disabilities up until the student’s 22nd birthday. Effective with the 2026–2027 school year, the District will provide special education and related services to students with disabilities only to the extent required by applicable federal and New York State law.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s special education services, or how this notice may affect your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Services.
We remain committed to collaborating with families to ensure the success of all students.
Sincerely,
Deborah DeGraw
Director of Student Services
Superintendent reminds families information on registered sex offenders available
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In accordance with New York State’s Sex Offender Registration Act, local law enforcement agencies will, at their discretion, notify school administrators of sex offenders living or working in this district. Such information may include the offender’s address or zip code, photograph, crime of conviction, modus of operation, type of victim targeted and the description of any special conditions imposed on the offender.
The information the district receives from local law enforcement will be posted in an appropriate location in all district buildings, and will be available to you upon request. This information can also be located on the Liberty Central School District website at www.libertyk12.org where the link to the NYS Sex Offender Registry is updated continually and the District policy 5450.1 Notification of Sex Offenders is located. In addition, any information received will be circulated to all staff that might come into contact with the offender in the course of doing their jobs, including Building Principals, staff who issue visitors’ passes, bus drivers, custodians, playground monitors and coaches. All other staff members will be informed of the availability of the information. Staff have been directed to notify their supervisor if they observe any suspicious person(s) in an area where children congregate, and law enforcement officials will be notified in cases where the circumstances warrant it.
We are dedicated to the safety of our children while they’re in school. All of our schools have strict sign-in/sign-out procedures for our students, and all visitors must first report to the school’s main office for a visitor’s pass. In addition, our school curriculum includes teaching personal safety and stranger awareness skills.
We encourage you to talk to your children about personal safety. Books and other resources are available from school counselors, if necessary.
Specific questions about this matter may be directed to Police Officer Christopher Orlando at Liberty Police Department, 159 North Main St., Liberty, NY 12754 – Phone: 845-292-4422 or to any School Resource Officer.
Please be assured that the school district will continue to take responsible and appropriate measures to protect our students.
Sincerely,
Patrick Sullivan
Dr. Patrick Sullivan