Category: Middle School News
LES kindergarten, pre-k registration available
Registration is now open for kindergarten at Liberty Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. There are also open slots available for pre-kindergarten, and a lottery will not be held. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To qualify for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026, and a resident of the Liberty Central School District. Students that are in the Liberty Central School District universal pre-k program at LES do not need to register.
Eligible pre-kindergarten students must be residents of the Liberty Central School District and turn 4 years old before Dec. 1, 2026.
To register, parents or guardians must fill out a registration packet for kindergarten or a registration packet for pre-kindergarten, and provide a copy of parent/guardian’s photo ID; custody papers, if applicable; proof of residency, such as a utility bill or rental lease; and the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and a copy of recent physical exam, which must include all school physical exam requirements. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their child’s doctor for details. The child’s healthcare insurance card is also requested.
For more information about pre-k, visit our UPK FAQs page.
To register, email haustin@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.
Superintendent offers update on lead-based paint found at LES
Dear Liberty,
As the health and safety of our staff and students are our top priorities, we want to update you on the steps we have taken to address the identified lead-based paint in the older section of Liberty Elementary School. To ensure a healthy environment, the district worked with environmental and cleanup experts to address these areas until we complete a full remediation process.
Even though professional tests showed that dust levels were already well within safe limits, we took extra steps to make sure everyone stays safe. Our cleanup teams used a thorough safety process in classrooms and hallways. This included using specialized air filters to keep the air clean while workers carefully removed any loose or peeling paint. After the paint was removed, all surfaces were deep-cleaned using industrial vacuums and wet-wiping. To provide a long-term safety barrier, a white sealant was painted over these areas to lock everything in place.
Throughout this process, all school supplies and furniture were either moved or covered in protective plastic to keep them clean. Upon your child’s return from Spring Break, they will find their classrooms ready for learning. Some of the walls have been finished with a new white sealant, and all items have been moved back into place by the contractors. To ensure a healthy environment, the contractors used green, plant-based products to clean the building, making it safe for both students and staff.
We are committed to providing a safe place to learn and look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, April 7.
If you have any questions please email Questions@libertyk12.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 6-12, 2026
Spring sports kicks off this week with baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track.
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, April 6
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, April 7
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Wallkill Golf Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 0, Port Jervis 23
Despite the biting cold and relentless winds, the Redhawks took to the field for their home opener with an unwavering spirit. Even though the scoreboard favored Port Jervis 23-0, the final tally doesn’t tell the full story of a team that did not to let the elements or a tough opponent dampen their resolve.
Playing on the field for only the second time this spring, several Redhawks found ways to shine against a dominant pitching performance by the Raiders’ Abbey Montalvo. Giuliana Wagner led the charge offensively, going a perfect 2-2 at the plate. Wagner’s performance, featuring both a sharp single and a powerful double, accounted for the team’s hits on the day. Lilli Black showed great range and focus in the outfield, reeling in several difficult catches despite the blustery conditions. She also displayed discipline at the plate to reach base safely once in two at bats. Brooke Porter also stayed very patient at the plate, going deep into the count and battled to earn a walk as well, contributing to the team’s offensive effort.
While Port Jervis brought a heavy-hitting offense, the Redhawks remained vocal and supportive of one another through all five innings of the cold, cold day. Facing 13 hits and three extra-base hits is a challenge for any defense, but the Redhawks used the experience as to “learn on the fly.”
The team’s ability to maintain a positive attitude despite the weather is something to be proud of.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty Elementary School
Wednesday, April 8
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. James I. O’Neill at West Point Golf Course
4 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
Result: Liberty 1, Sullivan West 19
In a season defined by growth and perseverance, the Redhawks took the field again this Wednesday with a focus on teamwork and growth. While the final score was 19-1 in favor of a strong Sullivan West team, the Redhawks remained a united front, filling the dugout with cheers and encouragement for one another from the first pitch to the final out.
Facing a dominant performance in the circle by Sullivan West’s Jocelyn Doyle, the Redhawks stayed disciplined and continued to put the ball into play. Maddy Stewart Ignited the Liberty offense with a sharp line drive to right field and used her speed to cross the plate for the Redhawks’ run. Amy Szuba added a base hit later in the game. Lilli Black put together two exceptional at-bats, showing great patience to draw two walks and reach base twice.
What the box score doesn’t show is the positivity displayed by the team as they continued to cheer each other on right up to the last at bat. Throughout five tough innings, the Redhawks never let their heads hang. Instead, they focused on the “small wins”—learning to back up plays, communicate on the field, and celebrating every hard-fought out.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
Result: Liberty 16, Sullivan West
The JV Softball team secured their first victory of the season Wednesday in a thrilling, high-scoring affair against Sullivan West. Displaying incredible resilience, the Redhawks battled through lead changes and a late Bulldog surge to clinch a hard-fought win.
The game began as a defensive stalemate, with neither side able to break through the opening three frames. The JV finally broke the 0-0 deadlock in the top of the 4th inning, manufacturing a single run to take the lead. They added 2 more in the 5th, building what looked like a comfortable 3-0 cushion. However, the Bulldogs proved they had plenty of fight left. In the bottom of the 5th, Sullivan West stormed back with a 4-run rally, snatching the lead away and putting the Redhawks down 4-3. Faced with their first deficit of the game, Liberty’s bats didn’t just wake up—they caught fire. In a massive 8-run 6th inning, the Redhawks tore the game open, showcasing aggressive baserunning and disciplined hitting to reclaim a commanding lead.
But the rollercoaster continued. Sullivan West answered immediately in the bottom of the 6th with 5 runs of their own, narrowing the gap and setting the stage for a dramatic final frame. Entering the 7th with the game hanging in the balance, the JV showed their true grit. They refused to let the momentum slip away, plating 4 insurance runs in the top of the inning. While the Bulldogs managed one final run in their last at-bat, the Redhawks shut the door to secure the victory.
The Redhawk offense was firing on all cylinders, with several players delivering clutch performances to keep the momentum swinging in Liberty’s favor. Emma Tacti provided the power in the middle of the lineup, finishing with a monster day at the plate. Tacti racked up two doubles, a single and 5 RBI, while also crossing the plate herself. Olivia Matuszak was a constant threat at the plate with two singles and a walk, driving in 4 RBI and leading the team with 4 runs scored. Mya Davis came through in a big way with a clutch double that drove in 2 while Corinne Lake was on the bases all day long, finding her way home to score 3 runs for the team.
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville.
Thursday, April 9
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Washingtonville at The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge.
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Elementary School
Friday, April 10
4 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty High School
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Warwick Valley School District at Warwick Valley Country Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Result: Liberty 6, O’Neill 5
The Redhawks Varsity Softball team proved that resilience is their greatest strength last night, shaking off two difficult opening games to claim a thrilling 6-5 victory over James I. O’Neill. In a contest that featured four lead changes, the Redhawks showcased a perfect blend of “small ball” execution, stellar defense, and a dominant closing performance in the circle.
Angie Wheeler was the story of the game, delivering a masterful performance that kept the Raiders off balance. Wheeler tossed a complete game, and as the pressure mounted, she only got stronger. She dominated the final stretch, retiring the last seven Raiders batters in order to seal the win. Angie gave up 4 earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 11 and walking none.
The Redhawk bats came alive exactly when they were needed most. After O’Neill rallied for three runs to snatch a 5-3 lead in the 5th, Liberty refused to flinch. In a masterclass of situational hitting and baserunning, the Redhawks manufactured a three-run 6th inning to reclaim the lead for good. The rally began as Lilli Black took one for the team, reaching base after being hit by a pitch. Charlotte Horton followed with a walk, putting two runners on. After both runners advanced on a wild pitch, Tianna Wilson came through with a clutch groundout to first, driving in Lilli to cut the deficit to one. Then the Redhawks’ top of the order delivered: Maddy Stewart and Angie Wheeler ignited the dugout with back-to-back line-drive singles, scoring Horton and knotting the game at 5-5. Giuliana Wagner then provided the decisive blow, grounding out to second base to drive in Stewart for the go-ahead run.
Angie then closed out the game, quieting the O’Neill bats in consecutive scoreless innings and striking out the final batter to secure the Varsity’s first win of the season.
Angie finished the day at the plate going 3-for-4 with two runs scored while Maddy was stellar from the leadoff spot, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Giuliana provided some key at bats for the offense, driving in 3 RBI to power the Redhawk scoring surges.
It was a total team effort for the Redhawks to secure the win. From the defense, to the clutch hitting to the solid work by Angie and the bench never letting up the vocal support from the sidelines, it was a day to remember.
Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12
No events scheduled.
LMS students take the lead in spring conferences
Spring conferences looked quite a bit different at Liberty Middle School last week.
Rather than parents and guardians meeting with their child’s teachers, the students took the lead in reviewing their year so far.
During the meetings on March 26 students shared their Leadership Portfolio, a curated collection of their work, goals and reflections; talked about specific learning successes; discussed their academic strengths and growth areas and set personal goals for the remainder of the school year.
“Our data from the last three years shows that when students are responsible for explaining their own progress, they become more engaged and motivated,” LMS administrators said in a letter home to families. “This shift is a key part of our commitment to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment. It moves the conversation from a report of grades to a meaningful dialogue about growth, character, and leadership.”
The student-led conferences align with the Middle School’s Comprehensive Education Plan as well as the district’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.
The student-led conferences have helped lead to more family involvement during the spring meetings. The number of families attending more than doubled from the 2023-24 school year, with more than 260 attending the most recent conferences.
LCS Interact Club presents to Rotary, looks to future
The Liberty Central School Interact Club members recently presented to the Liberty Rotary Club, highlighting their accomplishments this year and their plans through the end of 2026.
Interact members continue to be enthusiastic and dedicated partners, eager to support Rotary—especially in helping operate the Rotary Games at community events. This year, they also assisted with the annual Liberty Rotary Spaghetti Dinner and played a key role in the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, which successfully raised funds for the purchase of a Book Vending Machine at the Liberty Middle School..
Looking ahead, the Interact Club will soon install a Little Free Library at Liberty High School. As part of this project, students developed and delivered a presentation to the Liberty Board of Education to gain approval, demonstrating leadership, initiative and strong communication skills. They are now preparing to purchase and install the library.
In addition, Interact members are giving back through service by collecting hygiene items to assemble care bags for Fearless. Students who attended Rotary Youth Leadership Awards shared their experiences, expressed their gratitude to the Liberty Rotary Club, and will be presenting to the sophomore class in April.
The Interact Club also demonstrated its commitment to community support by contributing a $500 sponsorship to the Bowls and Bites Fundraiser for A Single Bite.
The Interact Club looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the Liberty Rotary Club and expanding its impact in the community.
In recognition of their hard work and participation in the Spaghetti Dinner, the Liberty Rotary Club presented the Interact Club with a check for $916.
Liberty Middle Schoolers become BRAVE Leaders in Action
On March 11, Liberty Middle School hosted the Sweethearts and Heroes BRAVE program, bringing students together for an intensive day focused on leadership, empathy and building a culture of compassion.
Student leaders participated in a series of interactive experiences designed to shift perspectives from bystander to “Hero.” The day began with an Opening Circle, where students explored the philosophy of “Play” and the foundational pillars of leadership. They then engaged in hands-on “Hero Huddles” and “Bully Drills,” practicing real-world strategies to support peers and respond to challenging social situations.
During a Leadership Working Lunch, the school’s Student Leadership Group collaborated with BRAVE trainers to plan how to sustain and expand these efforts throughout the school community.
In the afternoon, student leaders put their learning into action by mentoring fifth-grade students, facilitating sessions that emphasized connection and inclusion. One fifth-grader, Mayleen Lopez Arroyave, said, “I was nervous at first, but once we started talking to the older kids, they were so nice and made me feel less vulnerable.”
Student leaders also reflected on the experience. Eighth-grader Montgomery Allen described it as “a stepping stone to my career of wanting to work with children,” while classmate Namar Singh added, “It was fun to be able to do games and stuff with younger peers.”
Other participating students were seventh-graders Owen Brust, Avery Decker, Denali Owens, Carolina Vera Rivera and Caleb Rusin and eighth-graders Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon Valle, Jacob Grossman, Luna Hulse, Thomas Jandik, Antoni Klys, Corrine Lake, Harper Matusak, Pricilla Matute, Zalaina Nash, Luke Poley and Greyson Torres.
Josiah Mckeon, representing the BRAVE program, summarized its mission: “The BRAVE program isn’t just about stopping a bully; it’s about starting a movement of compassion and connection.”
The kickoff marks an important step for Liberty Middle School in fostering student leadership and creating a more supportive, inclusive school environment. Sweethearts and Heroes will return five more times throughout the year to continue the “movement of compassion and connection.”
“We are incredibly proud of our students for showing the courage to lead and the heart to help,” said MS/HS Behavior Specialist Sheila Wormuth. “Way to go, Liberty Heroes!”
Annual Career Day provides students a look into the future
Middle school students had a chance to explore their possible futures during the Middle School Student Council’s annual Career Day.
“Career Day is an important opportunity for our students to explore the many career paths available to them,” said Student Council Advisor Mrs. Melissa Murphy.
About 20 careers were represented during the event, where students traveled from table to table to hear more about each person’s career and ask questions. Careers from law enforcement to professional gaming and health industry to construction were represented at tables in the middle school gym, alternative gym, lobby and the parking lot.
“We are especially proud to welcome back alumni as presenters, as their experiences make the event even more impactful,” Mrs. Murphy said. “Hearing from individuals who once walked these same halls helps our students see what is possible and opens their eyes to opportunities they may not have previously considered.”
See more photos on the LCSD Facebook page or the Liberty CSD Instagram.
LMS FFA students spark leadership potential, inspire state leaders
A dozen budding leaders from the Liberty FFA chapter joined hundreds of students from across the state at the annual Ignite Conference held at Fonda-Fultonville Central School on Feb. 28 . The Ignite Conference series continues to be a cornerstone of student development, offering specialized tracks including SPARK for middle school exploration, FUEL for high school self-leadership, and ILLUMINATE for advanced community impact.
The delegation, composed of five seventh graders and seven eighth graders, participated in the SPARK focus track, a specialized leadership program designed specifically for middle school members to discover their unique talents and interests within agriculture.
“At first there were so many people it was kind of intimidating, but it was really great,” said eighth-grader and chapter Vice President Luna Pixie Hulse. “Even when we split into groups with different schools nobody judged it was like everyone immediately fit in and accepted everyone else.”
The highlights of the day went beyond the workshops, as Liberty students had the opportunity to meet and speak with the New York State FFA Officer team, a National FFA Officer, and the head of the New York State FFA staff.
“We got to know so many people from all over the state, it’s usually hard for me to talk to new people but even talking to the FFA state officers was cool, it was one of my favorite parts!” said seventh-grader and Secretary Raegan Wagner.
During these conversations, the students shared the powerful origin story of the Liberty FFA chapter—a journey that began with a single student finding their voice and sharing their passion for agriculture with others to build the program from the ground up.
The story resonated so deeply with the state leadership that the New York State FFA staff has invited the Liberty chapter to be honored at the State FFA Convention in May. They expressed interest in sharing their inspiring story of growth and advocacy with the thousands of students and chapters who will be in attendance from across New York.
“Our students plan to use everything they learned at Ignite to continue leading and growing agriculture education and the FFA within our district and community,” said chapter Advisor Ms. Cathryn Dymond.
They haven’t wasted any time implementing what they’ve learned either.
On Wednesday, March 4, at the FFA chapter’s first meeting of the month, students who attended the conference presented on what they learned and led the membership in some of the leadership activities they participated in during the conference.
“We learned about how we can make our own personalized experience in FFA that can help us through high school, college and our career,” said seventh-grader and Treasurer Sophie Zayas. “I learned that there is so much more to FFA than I could have ever imagined, and I can’t wait to do things like state convention, travel to nationals to meet people from all over the country, and take more different classes in high school.”
Students also shared the workbook they received at the conference to showcase the variety of topics that were discussed and explored, each being personalized to the individual student’s self-discovery and reflections throughout the sessions.
It wasn’t just students learning at the conference.
While students were building connections, co-advisers and Liberty agriculture educators Ms. Dymond and Ms. Brandi Mazzucca participated in concurrent professional development hosted by the Cornell Agricultural Education Outreach Teacher Services team. During the program, they explored the newly released National Program Benchmarks, a modern assessment framework that replaced the National Quality Program Standards to stay relevant to current industry needs.
Through this session, Ms. Dymond and Ms. Mazzucca:
- Evaluated the Liberty agricultural education program to determine current strengths and opportunities for growth.
- Refined goals and developed strategic pathways to strengthen the local FFA chapter and classroom offerings.
- Acquired tools to bring back to the Liberty community to grow and strengthen the “three-circle model” of agricultural education: classroom instruction, FFA leadership, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
“The goal is to keep this momentum going, with the hopes of expanding these FFA opportunities to the high school in the near future,” Ms. Mazzucca said.
LES kindergarten registration to open April 1
Registration for kindergarten at Liberty Elementary School will open April 1.
To qualify, children must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026, and a resident of the Liberty Central School District. Students that are in the Liberty Central School District universal pre-k program at LES do not need to register.
To register, parents or guardians must fill out a registration packet and provide a copy of parent/guardian’s photo ID; custody papers, if applicable; proof of residency, such as a utility bill or rental lease; and the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and a copy of recent physical exam, which must include all school physical exam requirements. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their child’s doctor for details. The child’s healthcare insurance card is also requested.
To register, email haustin@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.
Message from the superintendent (video)
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan reviews the winter season, offers updates on the capital project and looks ahead to the budget and the spring season.
Please watch the video below: