Category: Middle School News
LMS teacher honored for essay on town history
Town of Liberty Historian and Liberty Middle School teacher Kort Wheeler was selected as a finalist in the Association of Towns Builders of America: “How Towns Have Shaped Our Country” project.
Mr. Wheeler’s love of history can be seen inside and outside the classroom. He has taught American history to seventh and eighth graders at LMS for 20 years and has been the town historian for a year.
“My love of history impacts my class so hopefully I can show the students that our history impacts us every day,” Mr. Wheeler said. “I try to get the students to know that we need to know where we came from in order to know why we are here.”
Mr. Wheeler’s family history in America goes back to the Mayflower on his father’s side, and his mother’s side of the family farmed in Harlem when they got here in 1628, he said.
A 1990 graduate of Liberty High School, Mr. Wheeler’s roots in the town go back before 1800. That local connection adds to the local history unit, which he teaches to his eighth graders each year.
“I just want to show the kids what was here before them,” he said.
The “How Towns Have Shaped Our Country” project is a promotion for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, which is being celebrated this year. The association asked towns statewide for a brief essay about their towns and the significant role it played in shaping the country’s overall history.
“History is a story, a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Mr. Wheeler said.
Mr. Wheeler was one of six finalists that were chosen from across the state, and he was interviewed last month for a documentary featuring the finalists that will be shown for the Association of Towns in February.
“Having a connection to the subject you teach adds an important element to learning,” Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Mr. Wheeler’s connection to history, our community and his students is evident every time you step into his classroom.”
Town officials also voiced their appreciation for his dedication.
“We cannot be more proud of Mr. Wheeler for this submission and thankful for his service to this community,” they said in a statement regarding the honor.
Mr. Wheeler’s full essay is below:
The Town of Liberty, incorporated in 1807, is nestled in the Catskill mountains just ninety miles north of New York City. The town has not only played an important role in both our state’s and nation’s history but continues today as the release valve for the pressure cooker that is New York City.
Historically, Liberty has been a leader among towns in so many ways. Throughout the town’s history Liberty has been welcoming to all religions and ethnicities when other areas were not. The cultural diversity shown here is unrivaled for a town of our size. A generation of entertainers got their start in Liberty at the world famous Grossinger Hotel during the “Borscht Belt” era. Grossingers started the all inclusive concept for hotels and inspired the movie “Dirty Dancing”. Every day was a “Who’s Who” of actors, sports stars, and political figures parading through the lobby of that grand hotel. Grossingers may have been the most famous, but countless more hotels were here providing the fresh air, clean water, and wonderful food that made Liberty the place to vacation. When air travel was in its infancy Otto Hillig’s airplane, “Liberty”, began its journey here; taking off from the local golf course en route to Copenhagen in 1931.
The fresh air of the mountains that pulled so many people here to vacation also brought many here to regain their health. The Loomis Sanitarium was one of the premier Tuberculosis treatment facilities in the early 20th century; combining the quality air, healthy living and accessibility from New York City.
As New York City grew in the late 1800 and early 1900’s, Liberty was a key part of that growth. The numerous dairy and chicken farms provided much needed milk and eggs to residents there. The Ontario and Western Railroad provided those necessary provisions to the rapidly growing area.
The Town of Liberty is also resilient; although the hotels of the Borscht Belt are gone, this area remains popular with second homeowners in search of weekend getaways. The mountains provide that necessary relief of the daily stresses. Liberty’s Parks and Rec department maintains two parks; Walnut Mountain and Hanofee park. Within these two parks are a town pool, softball fields, a soccer field, hiking trails, disc golf, sand volleyball, basketball, fishing and playgrounds. Pavilions are also available for use. The Town buzzes every weekend as people fill the area to look at the foliage, go fishing, hike the rail trail, take in a show or just to soak up the peace and quiet. Although only ninety miles, it can feel as if you are a world away.
The story of Liberty is not complete, the contributions that the Town of Liberty has made to the history of the State of New York, New York City and to the United States are subtle in ways and yet extremely valuable and continue to this day.
A post-winter break message from the superintendent
Dear Liberty,
I want to welcome you back from what I hope was a restful and relaxing winter break. As we enter 2026, I would like to reshare the district’s chain of command calling guide, along with some reminders and updates as school is back in session.
DASA and Safety
As previously mentioned, safety is always of utmost importance, and we are committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. Please take a moment to review the district’s safety measures and visitor procedures.
I would also like to remind you about our Anonymous Alerts system, which allows students and families to report concerns regarding safety or bullying. Furthermore, we continue to utilize the Gaggle platform to monitor student internet usage and alert officials to concerning searches or messages. Ultimately, both programs support our commitment to the Dignity for All Students Act and overall safety
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As we move forward, I want to look back at the start of the school year. We have visited classrooms throughout the district and seen some amazing things. Our building administrators, teachers and staff have been working diligently to create engaging learning opportunities aligned with the district’s curriculum.
In addition, we have seen our students enhance their leadership skills by leveraging our Leader In Me program and taking part in extracurricular activities. Moreover, students have taken steps to impact the Liberty school community and beyond by working with A Single Bite and Sullivan 180, planting daffodils with our Liberty Middle School FFA, performing at our winter concerts and the Sullivan County Government Center, taking part in the LPA’s production of All Shook Up, competing in interscholastic sports, and more.
As the school year continues, we look forward to ongoing learning opportunities for our students. We continue to work towards our yearly and long-term goals, helping our students innovate and persevere for the remainder of this year and beyond.
Finally, I invite you to revisit our Strategic Plan page, which details our pillars of Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum, and Culture. We are also sharing this year’s District Comprehensive Improvement Plan outlining our goals for the 2025-2026 school year, along with the presentation from the opening day forum regarding our latest educational programs.
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to our schools and the entire Liberty Central School District community.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Jan. 5-11, 2026
With school back in session, our athletics events are back in full force with, basketball, indoor track and wrestling scheduled.
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, Jan. 5
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School.
6:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Events canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Events canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.
Thursday, Jan. 8
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
4:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Girls JV Basketball vs. Tuxedo at Tuxedo High School
6 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Tuxedo at Tuxedo High School
Friday, Jan. 9
5 p.m.: Girls JV Basketball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Kingston High School
6:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-11
No events scheduled.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 29, 2025,-Jan. 4, 2026
With winter break underway, our sports schedule is light again this week
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, Dec. 29
1 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School
5:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament vs. Multiple School at Cornwall High School
Tuesday, Dec. 30
11 a.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament Consolation at Cornwall High School
12:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball Tournament Championship at Cornwall High School
2 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament Consolation at Cornwall High School
Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 31, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
No events scheduled.
A message from the superintendent on the winter break
Dear Liberty,
As we enter our winter break, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our Redhawk family for what they do to build our school community to be one in which we cultivate trust and courage in our students to be innovative and to persevere.
I wish everyone a very happy holiday season and hope you can take time during break to relax, recharge and enjoy the time off.
I can’t wait to see everyone back on Jan. 5, 2026, to continue our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 22-28, 2025
With winter break starting Dec. 24, our sports schedule is light this week
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, Dec. 22
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Liberty High School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Wallkill Central at Liberty High School.
Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 23-28
No events scheduled.
SUNY Sullivan offering ‘free’ programs as part of SUNY Reconnect
SUNY Sullivan taking part a new program for New York residents ages 25–55 who do not have a college degree. The purpose of SUNY Reconnect is to provide individuals with the opportunity to earn an associate degree and expand their career opportunities. One of the available degrees is an Associate of Arts degree in Childhood Education, which offers aides a pathway to become certified teaching assistants and may inspire them to pursue teaching careers in the future.
The program covers tuition, fees, books and supplies, making it essentially free for eligible participants.
Who is eligible?
- New York Residents ages 25-55 without a high school diploma or with a diploma but no college degree.
- Those who enroll full- or part-time in an eligible associate degree at SUNY Sullivan:
- Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling, Associate of Applied Science
- Childhood Education, Associate of Arts
- Green Building Technology, Associate of Applied Science
- Computer Information Systems, Associate of Applied Science
- Computer Programming, Associate of Applied Science
- Respiratory Care, Associate of Applied Science
- Medical Assistant, Associate of Applied Science
- Nursing, Associate of Applied Science
What does “free” mean?
The SUNY Reconnect program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies after all other financial aid is applied. Housing is not covered.
How do I get started?
Visit https://sunysullivan.edu/and select APPLY to complete a free application. Choose one of the programs listed above and start your free journey with SUNY Sullivan.
How do I enroll?
After you’ve submitted your application, SUNY Sullivan will send you a letter and an email with details on the next steps.
- Submit final high school or GED transcript
- Please contact the high school guidance office of the high school you graduated from and request that they send your official transcript to admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
- If you have earned a GED, please email photos of your certificate and transcript to admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
- Submit official Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, and/or college transcripts
- If you’ve earned credits at another institution or through AP, IB, and/or CLEP, please request that your official transcript(s) be sent to admissions@sunysullivan.edu. The Registrar will review your transcript(s) and transfer any equivalent credits earned with a grade of “C” or higher that are required for your program of study.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships
- Be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and Excelsior Scholarship Program (if applicable) applications. Links are available at studentaid.gov.
- If you’re unable to complete the FAFSA, don’t worry—you can still apply for TAP and the Senator Jose A. Peralta application at hesc.ny.gov/.
- SUNY Sullivan’s Federal School Code is 002879 and New York State School Code is 2225.
Need more information?
- Call 845-434-5750, ext. 4287 or email admissions@sunysullivan.edu.
- Visit 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 15-21, 2025
Our winter sports will be in action this week with basketball, indoor track and field and wrestling.
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, Dec. 15
3:15 p.m.: Girls and Boys Varsity Track & Field Invitational vs. Multiple Schools at SUNY Sullivan
Tuesday, Dec. 16
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Liberty High School
Wednesday, Dec. 17
3:15 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Indoor Track & Field Exhibition vs. Multiple School at SUNY Sullivan
5 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Rondout Valley Central at Liberty High School
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
6:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Rondout Valley Central at Liberty High School
Thursday, Dec. 18
4 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
4:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
5: p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Our Lady of Lourdes at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie
5:30 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Multiple Schools at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie
Friday, Dec. 19
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Multi-Matches vs. Multiple Schools at Minisink Valley High School
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 20-21
No events scheduled.
Capital project moves forward as board OKs bids for maintenance building
While not much physical progress has been seen over the last few weeks on Liberty Central School District’s capital projects, there has been movement behind the scenes.
The initial capital project was approved by voters in January 2024, with additional HVAC upgrades approved in the 2025 project to address state-mandated temperature limits in classroom spaces.
Phase 1
The largest was the approval of contracts for the construction of the maintenance building on Winthrop Avenue near the softball and soccer fields.
At a meeting last month, the Board of Education approved contracts as follows:
- General Construction: Standback General Contractors LLC
- Mechanical Construction: C.R.Wolfe Heating Corp.
- Plumbing Construction to S&O Construction Services Inc,
- Electrical Construction to Hewitt Young Electrical LLC,
- Site Construction to NGS Construction
- Construction is expected to begin this spring.
In other aspects of Phase 1:
The turf field, lights, goal posts and goals have been installed on the athletic fields, as has the foundations for the bleachers and pressbox. The bleacher and pressbox installation is expected to take place early spring, with the installation of the track and track and field components this spring. The field is expected to be completed in time for graduation.
The bid for door replacement in the middle and high schools was also finalized last month, with the replacements expected to be completed in the spring.
Phase 2
The second phase of the capital project, which includes work at the high school and middle school, has been submitted to the state Education Department for approval, with work expected to begin in the early summer
The work at the high school includes renovations in the 300 wing and cafeteria, creation of the Innovation Lab, a generator replacement, stair removal, and upgrades to the HVAC controls, carbon monoxide alarm system and code-mandated items.
The work at the middle school includes site drainage improvements, replacement of the electrical main distribution panel and some internal doors, upgrades to the HVAC controls and carbon monoxide alarm system and a new emergency generator.
Phase 3
The final phase of the project includes work at the elementary school and the district office. The project is in the design phase with work expected to take place in 2026 and 2027.
The work at the district office includes carbon monoxide alarm system upgrades and a new emergency generator.
The work at the elementary school includes roofing repairs and upgrades, asbestos flooring abatement and replacement, wood flooring replacement, new complaint railing on the interior bleachers in the gym, and carbon monoxide alarm system and gym ventilation upgrades. HVAC work includes unit ventilator upgrades in the classrooms, boiler conversion to accommodate the additional air conditioning and HVAC control upgrades.
LAN Associates, the project architect, has completed all major architectural and mechanical site survey work, with additional visits to the school needed as the design is developed and finalized. The HVAC load calculations were finalized earlier this year, and the preparation of demolition drawing is ongoing. The options for providing ventilation air in the gymnasium are being reviewed and coordinated. LAN has also been in communication with Day Automation, which provides energy services to the district, in regard to the boiler replacement in the original building or expansion of the existing boiler plant.
“We thank LAN and our construction manager Schoolhouse Construction Services for their work on these projects,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “These projects will provide our students with the best environment to help our students contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.”
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Dec 8-14, 2025
Winter sports are in full swing with basketball, indoor track and field and wrestling.
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, Dec. 8
4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School.
6 p.m.: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
6 p.m.: Girls Varsity Wrestling Multimatches vs. Multiple Schools at Valley Central High School.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Events postponed because of weather.
Thursday, Dec. 11
No events scheduled.
Friday, Dec. 12
4 p.m.: Girls Modified Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Middle School.
5:30 p.m.: Boys Modified Basketball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Middle School
Saturday, Dec. 13
9 a.m.: Boys Varsity Wrestling vs. Multiple schools at John Jay High School for Patriot Invitational.
Results: Placing for Liberty were 190 Shawn Bickham (2nd), 215 Tarek Benadim (4th), and 215 Elmer Son Vicente (5th). Also picking up wins were Gabriel Rodriguez, Miguel Guzman, and Zane Kip
Sunday, Dec. 14
No events scheduled.