Category: Middle School News
MTSS growing at Liberty, giving students the support they need to succeed
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. Earlier this year, the district reviewed its mission, vision and beliefs. Last month, the Curriculum pillar was the focus, with Multi-Tier System of Supports, or MTSS, up now.
To review the strategic intents of the MTSS pillar:
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk academically, students needing language acquisition, and students needing enrichment, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- By 2027, Liberty Central School District will have a comprehensive MTSS model that equitably supports ALL students, including those at-risk socially, emotionally and behaviorally, based upon serving a community of diverse cultural and socio-economic needs.
- The District will implement post benchmark data analysis meetings that require at least three data points (Academic/SEL Screener and two additional data points) to identify or refer students to Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions through vertically articulated Student Support/MTSS meetings that are regularly scheduled and attended.
What does this mean?
Many factors impact how a student learns. These factors include academic skills, cultural barriers, socio-economic struggles, as well as social, emotional or behavioral challenges. An effective MTSS model will allow schools to provide ALL students the tools they need to succeed, as well as assess if those tools are working.
What is LCSD doing?
The Leader in Me (LIM) framework has been implemented in all schools to provide all students the leadership and life skills they need. But to determine what supports students may require, screenings are needed. The DESSA SEL (social-emotional learning) screener has been implemented at all schools to help identify students who may need interventions. At the Elementary and Middle schools, Renaissance STAR and HMH assessments are provided three times a year to assess students progress in reading and math. The schools also use interventions from HMH, and other SEL interventions, aligned with LIM. At Liberty High School, Academic Intervention Service (AIS) classes help prepare students for Regents. There are also language acquisition supports, such as the Newcomer Global Learner program, for multilingual learners at LHS..
These have helped the schools set up small-group support as well as more intense behavior interventions for SEL support.
Implementation of MTSS model is underway at the elementary and middle schools by providing a referral form, creating meeting structures and post-benchmark analysis meetings as well as using common intervention programs for Grades K-8, such as student-centered Wildly Important Goals, enrichment for grades K-8, and cross-cultural based events.
The goal is to set aside more time for analysis, continue the meet between buildings to align approach, implementation and results, while enhancing academic intervention systems for the High School.
“Our MTSS model is getting stronger and we are committed to ensuring all of our students are given the support they need,” Superintendent Dr. Sullivan said. “It is critical to our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.”
For more information, email questions@libertyk12.org.
This is the third 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.
Winter concerts planned for December
The Liberty Central School District will present four concerts this month featuring students in fifth through 12th grade.
The public is welcome to attend all of the concerts, which will take place at 7 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. The concerts will also be livestreamed.
The schedule, with the livestream links, is as follows:
- Tuesday, Dec. 3: HS Honors Winter Concert, https://events.locallive.tv/events/162195
- Thursday, Dec. 5: 7th and 8th grade Winter Concert, https://events.locallive.tv/events/162196
- Wednesday, Dec. 11: Mixed HS Winter Concert, https://events.locallive.tv/events/162197
- Tuesday, Dec. 17: 5th and 6th grade Winter Concert: https://events.locallive.tv/events/162198
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec. 2-8, 2024
Our student athletes are in action this week in basketball.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Dec. 2
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Dec. 3
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Events postponed due to weather.
Friday, Dec. 6
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Dec.7
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 8
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 2024
The winter sports season kicks off this week with a boys basketball multi-scrimmage.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
Monday, Nov. 25
No events scheduled
Tuesday, Nov. 26
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball multi-scrimmage vs. multiple schools at Sullivan County Community College
Wednesday, Nov. 27
No events scheduled.
Thursday, Nov. 28
No events scheduled.
Friday, Nov. 29
No events scheduled.
Saturday, Nov. 30
No events scheduled.
Sunday, Dec. 1
No events scheduled.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
A reminder of emergency closure notifications
Some snow is in the forecast for later this week. Whether it has the potential to interrupt the school day is not yet known. We are taking this opportunity to remind parents, guardians and the community how they will receive notice if school will be operating under a delay, will be dismissed early or will be closed due to inclement weather.
The district will contact parents and guardians directly by phone, email and text if there are any changes in the daily school schedule. Those who wish to verify their contact information is correct should reach out to the main office of their child’s school, as well sign up for ParentSquare and download the app. Closing, delay and early dismissal information will also be posted on the district website and shared with local media outlets. Calls may also be made to the district at 845-292-5400. Any schedule changes will follow the initial greeting.
When there is early dismissal, all after-school activities are canceled.
The district has scheduled seven snow days. If all snow days are used by Feb. 13, Feb. 14 will become a student day. Any additional days needed will be virtual learning days. Please refer to our Districtwide Safety Plan regarding remote learning.
LCSD stories earn recognition from state school PR group
Two stories featured on the Liberty Central School District website and shared with local media during the 2023-24 school year earned an “Excellence” rating in the New York School Public Relations Association’s contest.
The two stories, written by public information specialist Denielle Cazzolla, were used to highlight the district’s five-year strategic plan in action. They each earned an “Excellence” rating by the National School Public Relations Association this summer, as well..
The first story, “LHS senior uses NASA opportunities to help further her goals beyond the rainbow,” focused on Jayla Edwards. The 2024 graduate was selected for a very competitive program hosted by NASA between her junior and senior years at Liberty High School. She then was among a select few in the program to have an additional learning experience. The story also highlighted her interests in theater, as she played Dorothy in the Liberty Performing Arts fall production, “The Wizard of Oz” her senior year.
The second story, “New technology brings history to life,” showed the sixth grade social studies classes of Samantha Abplanalp using AI to “interview” Egyptian pharaohs. Not only did students learn about the leaders from centuries ago, they also were required to assess the accuracy of the information provided by ChatGPT, bringing 21st century skills into the classroom.
“These two stories highlight just two of the many ways our district is working to embrace and enact our strategic plan. They show the dedication Liberty Central School District, as a whole, has to our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “The recognition shows how effectively we communicate to our community what makes Liberty a great place to learn.”
Liberty Middle School recognized by Woz ED
Liberty Elementary to earn honor in 2025-26
Liberty Middle School has been officially recognized as a Woz ED Career Pathway School. At the recent Woz ED Pathway Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, Technical Education Teacher Mike Diehl accepted this prestigious award on behalf of the school.
To earn this recognition, a school must demonstrate a strong commitment to providing career-focused pathways for students, including the integration of at least five distinct Career Pathways, offering STEM education to all learners, and maintaining a 1:3 or higher student-to-device ratio. Liberty Middle School is working to implement dynamic STEM curricula in robotics, engineering and design, coding, drones and cybersecurity, helping students develop skills that will prepare them for the future.
In addition, Liberty Elementary School will also be recognized as a Woz ED Pathway School during the 2025-26 school year. The elementary school is moving forward with the implementation of the Woz ED STEM curriculum, setting the stage for even more STEM opportunities for Liberty’s youngest learners.
These curricula are designed to provide students with specialized pathways in the rapidly evolving STEM fields, offering a structured learning environment that emphasizes hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and creativity.
“At Liberty, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world,” said Assistant Superintendent Marianne Serratore. “We look forward to seeing how these programs will continue to shape and inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
LMS to recognize honor roll students
Liberty Middle School will recognize the students who were named to the first quarter honor rolls on starting at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. The event will be livestreamed.
Honor Roll students have an overall average of 90-96. The Principal’s Honor Roll requires an average of 97-100.
Eighth Grade
Principal’s Honor: Luca Burgio, Amelia Cole, Matthew Decker, Joshua DiBartolo, Grace Fitzgerald, Anthony Gavidia Reyes, Yoscari Gomez Mejia, Mariana Joya-Reyes, Noel Leonardo Valerio, Sara Liddle, Elizabeth MacNamara, Olivia Matuszak, Gabriel Mosso, Jacob Pennell, Arturo Perez Reyes, Sulenny Romero, Jace Snowden, Alena Tarabichi and Sophia Vasko.
Honor: Nathan Alvord, Jahir Brown, Samantha Bull, Phillip Burrous Jr, Lya Camille, Evelin Castillo Hernandez, Aryiah Cottman, Selene Crespo, Yorleny DeJesus Padilla, Casity DiBartolo, Laudy D’Oleo, Abraham Fuentes, Alexandra Galeas Osorio, Jasmine Garcia-Reyes, Miles Harman, Nazarah Heglar, Victoria Henry, Zaniah Hernandez, Dana Jimbo Montero, Damien Keating, Alexandra Kelly, Balmore Lopez Argueta, Paola Lopez Perez, Alex Luna Diaz, Tristan Maloney, Wilton Mata, Selkir Molina Gonzalez, Justin Molina Munoz, Sariah Ocasio, Alex Olivares-Reyes, Javier Ortiz Paz, Christopher Patton, Christian Perez Lorenzana, Aaron Ponce Flores, Kimberly Rodriguez, Scarlett Saltos Zapatanga, Quinn Santiago, Everett Schwartz and Anthony Valdez Calle.
Seventh Grade
Principal’s Honor: Madison Montgomery Allen, Mya Davis, Claire Ferguson, Michael Garzon Valle, Gavin Grant, Lilly Kehrley, Antoni Klys, Sidra Koen James, Corinne Lake, Harper Matuszak, Americus Newhall, Myla Rielly, Angelick Rivera, Namarpreet Singh, Brycen Smith and Avery Wilson.
Honor: Alexander Alvarado, Conner J Baum, Cristian Castillo Pineda, Amy Cortes Cruz, Jose Cruz Lopez, Juan De La Cruz De La Cruz, Keily Dominguez-Chabla, Daniel Doty, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Analina Garcia, Chase Golzak, Litzy Gonzalez Chevez, Jacob Grossman, Damier Harrington, Alan Hernandez Lopez, Jolisa Hernandez, Wyatt Herschel, Luna Pixie Hulse, Matthew Kolarik, Liam LaGattuta, Madison LaMantia, Denis Leon Aldana, Gabriel Lotz, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Pricilla Matute, Ava McNett, Adner Mejia Aguilar, Americus Mott, Liriel Mueses Valdez, Zalaina Nash, Sofia Navarrete, Erika Panama, Luke Poley, Valeria Ponce Vazquez, Aaron Quiroz Gomez, Michelle Ramirez Medina, Aiden Satz, Hayden Smith, Ana Sosa, Angel E Terraza Raymundo, Erick Torres Garcia, Nakai Toscano-Gardner, Nahum Vallejo Sandoval, Evan Vidalis and Ethan Zheng.
Sixth Grade
Principal’s Honor: Owen Brust, Farrah Conklin-Degraw, Dia D’Agata, Delilah Flores-Serapio, Mia Grant, Tyler Kavleski, Aubrie Keating, Karen Mosso, Denali Owens, Milsi Ramirez Martinez, Scarlett Ratner and Katherine Valdez Calle.
Honor: Muhammad Awais, Elisa Barragan, Guiliana Birkett, Emma Boyles, Andry Caal Chub, Genesis Caiza Viracocha, Katarina Card, Riley Church-Bradley, Raymond Cottman Jr, Marcel Davis, Avery Decker, Ellis Dilworth, Ronal Dubon Duque, Madelyn Garcia Cuellar, Ely Garcia Garcia, Lilliana Garzon Ferrufino, Dariana Gonzalez Suarez, Astrid Guardado Diaz, Andrew Gutierrez Canales, Genesis E Harrison, Madison Hernandez, Isabella Intranuovo, Dylan Joya Reyes, Allison Juarez Perez, Mateusz P Klys, Makenzie Angelica Knack, Leandro Leon, Torion Marquis Lindsay, Keidy Llano Luciano, Jayden Lopez Olivares, Alexandria Noelle Lyden, Megan Martinez Gomez, Ayanelson Mazariegos Cuz, Abel McClain, Bentley Alexander Moore, Samuel Negroni, Paul Odior 2nd, Randy Panchana, Lily Paynter, Christopher Perez Lorenzana, Uriel Rios, Jordanno Rivera, Kailani Jaclyn Rivera, Aaliyssa Rodriguez, Jordyn Roebuck, Abigail Romero, Alan Romero, Sherlene Romero, Caleb Rusin, Reinier Stanton, Sarah Steingart, Marjorie Tejada Servellon, Sophie Toledo, Amiyah Travis, Belinda VanGordon, Raegan Wagner, Sophie Zayas and Subhan Zeeshan.
Fifth Grade
Principal’s Honor: Annabella Buryiak, Darius Dawkins, Blake Dennison, Joseph Geoghan, Dean Ryan Harte, Nayeli Hernandez Soperanez, Ana Hernandez, Laurel Hook, Damaris Jadan Pangolo, Ryleigh LaMantia, Josslynn Letohic, Lilith Lynker, Caleb McNett, Tierney Meddaugh, Levi Poley, Isabella Puente and Henry Vogler.
Honor: Riley Baum, Chase Blume, Amaya Burton, Paul Cando, Simaj Clark, Gisselle Colon, Maciah Costello-Acevedo, Crisnelly D’Oleo Garcia, Alannis Flores, Willis Gamble Jr, Erik Garzon, Parker Gissentaner, Marlo Gonzales Chevez, Savannah Gonzalez, Bryson Hendrickson, Lillian Keating, Elvis Lucero Guzman, Ivanna Malaga Ventura, Derek Mateo Cruz, John Matute, Aaliyah McClain, Nicholas McPhillips, Juritzi Molina Reyes, Anthony Philippe, Nevaeh Poole, Anabella Ramos, Yarixa Reyes Cardenas, Camila Reyes Cortez, Dylenne Reyes Garcia, Brian Nicholas Rivas, Isabel Thomas, Masharib Uddin, Karter Velde, Edgreanna Waldron-Martinez, Darick Winfrey III, Linnise Courtney Young and Ivan Zheng.
LPD beats LCSD again in annual basketball game; scholarship fund wins
The Liberty Central School District team was looking for its first victory over the Liberty Police Department team in the third annual LPD vs LCSD basketball game on Wednesday, Nov. 14. But it was not meant to be, as LPD kept its winning streak alive. The real winner, though, was the Senior Athlete Scholarship, which earned more than $900 through the event.
Organizer Erin Alvord, a LHS physical education teacher, offered the following thanks:
- Officer/Coach Lake for organizing the officers and for his continued support of this event.
- The LPD for their generous donation to scholarships as they have for the last three years.
- Our LCSD team: Joe Franke, Beth Quatrale, Rich Feeney, Felix Colon, Jenna Genco, Andrew Philips, Jamie Black, Peter Owens, Sonia Lemus, Roothland Medina, Kate Rusin, Jermaine Ferguson, Derek Adams and Dr. Sullivan for showing up and working hard despite the loss.
- LCSD Coach Dave Philips!
- The LPD team. Congrats on the win!
- Ralph Bressler for announcing, singing the National Anthem and keeping the clock.
- All of our chaperones for helping to keep the event safe.
- Sarah Davis, Ashley Bury and Paul Voigtland for taking entry fees.
- The Booster Club for their bake sale and 50/50.
- Mrs. Bull for taking pics and gathering the Junior class to sell concessions.
- The officials for coming out long before their season starts.
- LMS students Montgomery Allen and Grace Fitzgerald for keeping the book.
- Everyday Apparel for making the staff t-shirts.
- The community, staff and all the students who came out for the event; and
- A huge, huge, THANK YOU to our custodial staff for setting up before and cleaning up after.
“As you can see, although I organize this, it takes a village, and I truly appreciate everyone who shows up to play or help in any way they can,” Alvord said.
Three honored for Excellence in Service
An elementary speech teacher, a middle school counselor and a member of the grounds crew were recognized by the Liberty Central School District Board of Education with Excellence in Service Awards on Nov. 12.
Jena Schwartz
Schwartz was recognized for meeting the high level of need for speech services in the elementary school. Her nominator highlighted her supplying resources for teachers, as well as guiding and directing two new speech pathologists in the building.
“She juggles all of this with meeting the demands of her own schedule, and always goes above and beyond to advocate for the importance of and need for speech services,” her nominator wrote.
Michelle Behrman
Behrman was described as an asset to the middle school. Her nominator spotlighted her willingness to help teachers and students at any time, and her knowledge of SchoolTool.
“She puts on more than a school counselor hat for Liberty Middle School and should get the award for excellence,” her nomination read. “It is well deserved!”
Joe Davis
Davis’ willingness to lend a hand, with a smile on his face, even when he is busy was featured in his nomination. His diligence during a recent drill was also recognized.
“When our school community was being tested by law enforcement trying to gain access to our buildings, Joe recognized the scam and refused to let the person in,” the nomination read. “Kudos to Joe!”
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.