Category: Middle School News
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.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2024
Our athletes will be in action in cross country, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball this week.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Sept. 30
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri-Valley) vs. Valley Central at Valley Central High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
Tuesday, Oct. 1
4:15 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Greenwood Lake Middle at Liberty Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty Middle School.
5 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School
Wednesday, Oct. 2
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy Chester Academy-Middle/High School
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri-Valley) vs. Pine Bush at Liberty High School
Thursday, Oct. 3
4 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Modified A 11 Man Football vs. Chester/S.S. Seward at Chester Commons Park
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Chester Academy at Maple Avenue School (Chester)
Friday, Oct. 4
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri-Valley) vs. Washingtonville at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute.
4:45 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty Elementary School
4:45 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
7 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Marlboro at Marlboro Central High School
Saturday, Oct. 5
9 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country Invitational
vs. Chenango Valley at Chenango Valley High School.
Sunday, Oct. 6
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
LMS students featured at EverGreen event
Five Liberty Middle School students were featured earlier this week at “An Evening With EverGreen.”
The students are part of the LMS Girls Empowerment Group, led by Adrienne Jensen and Carmen Martinez of EverGreen Meadow Services.
The students—Helen Munoz Barragan, Asia Hurley, Tahjleyah Miller, Jazmia Padilla and Isabella Pujols—performed a song they co-wrote based on thoughts, feelings and expressions after their group sessions. The song was created with the help of Beth and Scott Bierko through the STEAM Fund.
“I really liked being in the empowerment group with really kind people like Ms. Adrienne and Ms. Carmen,” Helen said. “Creating a song that other people enjoyed hearing made me feel really good.”
The partnership between LMS and EverGreen was spotlighted at the event, held Sept. 23 at Arnold House in Livingston Manor.
“It was such an inspirational evening to hear Stacey (Millman, EverGreen founder and president), and other speakers share their personal stories and meaning behind the work,” said LMS Principal Heather Cheh, who attended the event along with Assistant Principal Katlyn Rusin. “We are so proud of Helen, Asia, Tahjleyah, Jazmia and Isabella for all the growth they’ve made over the past few years, and the collaboration with Adrienne and Carmen.”
EverGreen has become an important partner of LMS over the past two years LMS School Counselor. Michelle Behrman has done a “tremendous job” collaborating with EverGreen on attending the LMS Back to School Nights and Open Houses to share information with families, Cheh said. In alignment with the district’s MTSS pillar of the five-year strategic plan, EverGreen is continuing its Girls Empowerment Groups and the organization has met with students during lunches and hosted activities for all students.
“Intervening with girls in their middle school years offers the best opportunity to change their lives,” Cheh said. “By addressing social and emotional concerns early and providing necessary support, EverGreen Meadow plays a crucial role in nurturing a healthy and resilient community.”
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 23-29, 2024
Our athletes will be in action in cross country, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball this week.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Sept. 23
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
Tuesday, Sept. 24
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri Valley) vs. Warwick Valley School District at Warwick Valley Middle School
4:15 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Chapel Field Christian School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. Liberty, Sullivan West, Livingston Manor/Roscoe and Eldred at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington.
Results: Liberty times at the three mile course at Sullivan West High School: Colin Dasraj 23:56, Braedan Clark 23:54, Angel Gomez 26:39, Konnor Williams 28:48, Eli Desrochers 28:28, Josiah Crump 24:26, Gia Matullo 33:06
Wednesday, Sept. 25
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Results: Liberty 2, Port Jervis 1 (OT)
On a cold and rainy afternoon the J.V girls hosted Port Jervis for a rematch from earlier in the season. This time The Redhawks demonstrated skilled passing in creating many scoring opportunities. After allowing a goal late in the first half Junior Goalkeeper Cassandra Porter built a wall not allowing another goal in the game posting 10 saves. On the offensive end after Junior Valeria Cruz was fouled just outside the 18 yard line. Fellow Junior defender Jenifer Panama sent a bending shot past the Port Jervis Keeper to even the score. Following a great deal of pressure applied by the Redhawks they were unable to break the tie in regulation. Once overtime started the team took control and created intense pressure for the Port Jervis defense and goal keeper. Sophomore Juanita Garcia Lopez took control dribbling around defenders and driving a shot past the keeper to end the game. A strong performance attacking by Yarel Diaz Lopez, Quinn Santiago, and Valeria Cruz applying pressure up front. Controlling the middle of the field and distributing the ball was Genna DeFrank, Adriana Leon Gavilan and Katherine Panama. Defending all over the field was Alyssa Padilla who was everywhere during the game. Standing tall on defense was Brooke Porter, Gwen Meddaugh and Jenifer Panama.
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School
Thursday, Sept. 26
All events canceled.
Friday, Sept. 27
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri-Valley) vs. Minisink Valley at Minisink Valley High School.
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Pine Bush at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Chapel Field Christian School at Chapel Field Christian School.
Result: Liberty 2, Chapel Field 1. Landing the goals were Elizabeth Cruz Cruz and Charlotte Horton De Morla. Making this possible through her powerful assists was Angela Wheeler. Playing an incredible and well-structured fort of steel were defenders Brooke Bull, Sophia Duarte, Carmela Burgio and Adriana Ponce Agredano. Closing off the angles of attack on the opponent were center midfielders Brenna Mangan, Audrey Krum, Haylee Gomez, Stephanie Gomez Nivelo, and Elizabeth Cruz Cruz. Storming the Bastille were wing midfielders Sydania Foster, Madelynn Stewart, Charlotte Horton De Morla, Elizabeth Navarrete along with forward, Angela Wheeler. Cutting off dangerous attack runs at goal was keeper Jenifer Jadan Panama. A special shoutout goes to Audrey Krum and Adriana Ponce Agredano whose dynamic duo made this win possible thanks to their high level of coordination on their side of the field. Through communication and organization, the Liberty Redhawks were able to prevail.
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Cornwall Central at Cornwall High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Cornwall Central at Cornwall High School
Saturday, Sept. 28
1 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Saugerties at Liberty High School.
Sunday, Sept. 29
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
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.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 16-22, 2024
Our athletes will be in action in cross country, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball this week.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Sept. 16
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at James I O’Neill High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri-Valley) vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School.
4:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Volleyball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Roscoe Central School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
Tuesday, Sept. 17
4:15 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools at Tri-Valley Central School TV – Iatauro Sports Complex.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at James I O’Neill High School.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis (with Tri-Valley) vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
5:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
Thursday, Sept. 19
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Middletown at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 1, Middletown 2 (OT) The JV girls lost a hard fought game to Middletown in overtime. After a scoreless first half, Middletown scored in the second half. The team rallied and moved the ball effectively challenging every shot and fighting for possession of the ball. A brilliant pass from freshman Yarel Diaz Lopez found the foot of junior Valeria Cruz who notched the tying goal. The Redhawks’ passing allowed pressure to be placed on the Middletown goal keeper for the remainder of the half. Entering a 10 minute overtime period Middletown was awarded a penalty kick, which they were able to convert. A strong showing from Cassandra Porter in goal with eight saves.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Elementary School.
Friday, Sept. 20
4:15 p.m.: Girls Modified Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
4:15 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
Result: Liberty 5, Sullivan West 0. The entire team contributed to the effort.
5 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Goshen at Liberty High School
6:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Goshen at Liberty High School
Saturday, Sept. 21
10 a.m.: Modified A 11 Man Football vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
1 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
Sunday, Sept. 22
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.
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.
MHSSC to honor LMS aide/safety duty staffer
Liberty Middle School Aide/Safety Duty staff member Cindy Mercado will be honored later this fall as one the recipients of the Mid-Hudson School Study Council’s Support Staff Award for Excellence in Education.
Mercado was recognized for her positive attitude, professionalism and dedication to making Liberty Middle School a safe and welcoming place to learn.
“What sets Cindy apart is her genuine connection with the students,” LMS Principal Heather Cheh said in her nomination letter. “She has a unique ability to engage with them in a way that is both nurturing and authoritative, earning their respect and trust.”
She has been named a LMS Staff Standout several times. She often goes above and beyond her duties, helping special events and assisting colleagues, her nominators said.
“Her collaborative spirit and proactive approach make her an exceptional team player,” Cheh said, “and her contributions significantly enhance our school’s operations.”
Her ability to de-escalate was noted by LMS Assistant Principal Kaitlyn Rusin, as was her assistance in translation for non-English speaking families.
She also embodies what it means to be a Liberty Redhawk, in line with the culture pillar of the district’s strategic plan.
“I’m proud to be a parent in the Liberty community, but also an employee of the district. I take pride in coming to work every morning and greeting the students with a smile,” Mercado said. “I genuinely show up to work to make a difference in the lives of the students and also keep them safe when they walk through the Middle School doors. I will continue to nurture the school culture and am proud to say I definitely have Liberty Pride.”
The MHSSC awards for administration, pupil personnel services and support staff services will be presented Oct. 16 at The Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown. The school board service and community service awards will be presented in the spring
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.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 9-15, 2024
Our athletes will be in action in cross country, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball this week.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Sept. 9
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
5:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Tuesday, Sept. 10
4:15 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country Multi-Matches vs. Multiple Schools at Monticello High School
Boys result: The Liberty Boys Varsity Cross Country team competed on a 2.8 mile course against Monticello, Sullivan West Eldred and Fallsburg with the LCSD boys recording the following times Colin Dasraj: 18:18; Braedan Clark: 18:19; Angel Gomez: 20:53, Konnor Williams 21:46, Eli Desrochers 21:52. “The team has been working hard to compete and has proven that all of that hard work pays off!,” Coach Samantha Abplanalp said.
4:15 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
5 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School Chase Field.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Seward Soccer Complex
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Cornwall Central at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Cornwall Central at Liberty High School
Thursday, Sept. 12
4:15 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
Friday, Sept. 13
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Volleyball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
4:40 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School.
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School.
7 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School Chase Field
Saturday, Sept. 14
9 a.m.: Girls Varsity Volleyball Tournament vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen High School
Sunday, Sept. 15
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section 9 website for the latest.