liberty school scene 2013

SCHOOLA S p e c i a l S u p p l e m e n t t o t h e S u l l i v a n C o u n t y D e m o c r a t

A look at activities in the Liberty Central School District

SCENE

S E C T I O N L • N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 1 3 • C A L L I C O O N , N Y

Proud Sponsor of the2013-14 Education Series

As Liberty Central SchoolDistrict hired teachers lastsummer, the Superintendent

of Schools was intrigued to find thatsome seasoned teachers seekingwork had waited to see if Libertywould hire them first.

Whether it was the support of thecommunity for its schools, the dedi-cation of the staff, or just the man-ageable size of the District, Dr.William Silver was heartened.

“There’s a strong administrativeteam here, a strong core of teachers,tremendous pride in schools andpride in the community aboutschools,” the superintendent said.

Faced with new Common CoreLearning Standards and the AnnualProfessional Performance Review forteacher and principal evaluation,Liberty as most others across the U.S.is a school system in flux, and sup-port for staff is essential.

That support is particularly perti-

nent as Liberty grows in enrollment,heading in the opposite directionfrom most other Sullivan Countyschool districts, where enrollment isshrinking.

In past years, any particular gradeat Liberty Elementary held from 105to 115 kids total. This year, 145 chil-dren compose the first grade and 155are in second grade.

“We are thinking that this is more ofa trend than a blip,” said Silver. “It’sputting lots of pressure on the ele-mentary school.”

With many of the new studentsarriving from countries whereSpanish is the native language, thework of English as a SecondLanguage teachers and special edu-cation staff is particularly importantin meeting students’ needs.

A BOOST FROM BREAKFASTA metaphor for the way in which

the District tries to nurture kids

might be its expandedbreakfast program. The ini-tiative brings free breakfastto all students at the ele-mentary school, regardlessof their poverty level. Itbegan in September and hasspurred a drop in discipli-nary problems and a leap inschool attendance.

Dr. Silver describes theprogram as a “bucket ofbreakfast” – healthy bagels,burritos, French toast –delivered mornings to eachclassroom from pre-K tofourth grade.

In past years, “we had a freebreakfast program for(income) eligible students,”said Silver, “but only 10 per-cent of those eligible actually used it.”

This year, the number of breakfasteaters has leapt to 600, from about 80last year. The District receives federal

reimbursement money for the pro-gram, and the federal dollars do more

Liberty Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Silverand Assistant Superintendent Carol Napolitano viewon-going support for teachers and principals as key tostudent success in a changing educational world.

Enrollment swells, teachers’ dialogues and free breakfast for everybody!

2L LIBERTY SCHOOL SCENE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT NOVEMBER 5, 2013

PLEASE SEE ENROLLMENT,4L

11542

NOVEMBER 5, 2013 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT LIBERTY SCHOOL SCENE 3L

2009 PONTIAC VIBE2009 PONTIAC VIBE

2012 FORD FIESTA2012 FORD FIESTA

2012 NISSAN SENTRA2012 NISSAN SENTRA

2012 TOYOTA YARIS2012 TOYOTA YARIS

2012 FORD FOCUS SEL2012 FORD FOCUS SEL

2012 CHEVROLET 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA LSIMPALA LS

2010 CHRYSLER 3002010 CHRYSLER 300TOURINGTOURING

2012 DODGE AVENGER2012 DODGE AVENGER

2012 CHRYSLER 200 LX2012 CHRYSLER 200 LX

2012 FIAT 500 SPORT2012 FIAT 500 SPORT

2012 CHEVROLET2012 CHEVROLETCRUZE 1 LTCRUZE 1 LT

2012 VOLKSWAGEN2012 VOLKSWAGENPASSAT SPASSAT S

NO MONEYDOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN! NO MONEY

DOWN!NO MONEY

DOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN!NO MONEY

DOWN!NO MONEY

DOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN!

NO MONEYDOWN!

NO

ONEYMNO !NWDO

ONEYMNO !NWDO

NO

ONEYMNO !NWDO

ONEYMNO !NWDO

$235thnmoa

!NWDO

$214nmoa

!NWDO

214thn

$228thnmoa

!NWDO

$198nmoa

!NWDO

198thn

NO

$236

ONEYMNO !NWDO

$239

ONEYMNO !NWDO

239

NO

$219

ONEYMNO !NWDO

$229

ONEYMNO !NWDO

229

NO

236thnmoa

ONEYMNO !NWDO

239moa

ONEYMNO !NWDO

239thnmo

NO

219thnmoa

ONEYMNO !NWDO

229moa

ONEYMNO !NWDO

229thnmo

$229thnmoa

Prices

$214moa

and

214thnmo

ags tax,texceptcostall include Prices

only

$244thnmoa

ad h witvalid is Price ees.ffeDMV and

.

$245thnmoa

yy.

12077

245th


Credits:All photographs and stories forthis special School Scene are bySul livan County Demo crat

Photo grapher/Reporter Kathy Daley.

The Democrat would also like to thank the

Liberty Central School District forall its cooperation in this project.

Synergy of Monticello, Inc.We offer Psychiatric Evaluations, Individual

and Family Psychotherapy and Medication ManagementWe are happy to announce the following programs:

We now offer a comprehensiveSubstance Abuse program consisting of:

• Weekly Group Therapy

• Medication Management

(Including Suboxone)

• Individual Therapy (as needed)

• Family & Friends Support Group

Child & Adolescent Treatment:• Focus on managing ADHD symptoms with or without medication.• Develop strategies for controlling anger, time management and impulsivity, etc.• Take control of your symptoms and your life.• Helping families cope with children with ADHD, emotional, and behavioral problems.

Accepting Following Insurances• Hudson Health/Beacon

• Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield• Aetna • 1199 • Empire Plan• United Behavioral Health

• MVP/Value Options • GHI/Emblem•United Healthcare • Medicare • Oxford

Please call 845-791-8800 for more details and to schedule an appointment.Synergy of Monticello, Inc., 64 Jefferson Street, Monticello, NY 12701

Peter J. Panzarino Jr., MD, DFAPAPhone Win, MD

Jenny A. Blanchard, DOChristine Sachakov, NP

Ken Miller, LCSWRBeth Barker, NP

12019

than cover the cost.“We actually might be looking at a

money maker of between $30,000and $50,000,” the superintendentsaid of the breakfast initiative.

Cost benefits aside, researchshows that when kids are no longerhungry as they start their schoolday, attendance goes up, bad behav-ior down and learning improves. It’stoo early to determine academicperformance, but LibertyElementary is seeing its daily atten-dance up by three points and disci-pline referrals slashed in half.

RECREATING A LEARNING SYSTEMEmbracing the new Common Core

Learning Standards and integratingthem into the fabric of each schoolis the clear focus in classrooms thisyear.

Last August, a weeklong, voluntaryprogram on the instructional shiftsin English Language Arts and mathattracted 70 teachers, an impressivenumber.

A program for administrators and

for teacher leaders across the aca-demic disciplines addressed the useof data to meet the needs of eachstudent, from the highly achievingchild to the struggling youngster.

The District uses the StateEducation Department-approvedNWEA testing tools to help teach-ers identify student strengths andneeds so they can adjust their plan-ning and teaching methods to meetthose needs. Data workshops forteachers and administrators tookplace last year and this past sum-mer, and are ongoing.

The District is also working onlaunching a comprehensive datastructure that is valued and visible.

Because sharing activities andstrategies is so important, Libertyensures that educators benefit fromdialogue and feedback.

“Each building has establishedmeeting times for teacher-to-teacher dialogue and administrator-to-teacher dialogue,” said AssistantSuperintendent Carol Napolitano.

During faculty meetings at theirschools, the principals deal morewith instructional practices ratherthan issues like “the bus was late,”

noted Silver.

NEW ENERGY ABOUNDSEighteen new teachers – some vet-

erans and others brand new toteaching – took to the classrooms inLiberty this September.

“We think they have great prom-ise, bringing a whole new energy,”Silver said.

For its part, the Board ofEducation is devoting energy todetermining the scope of the sec-ond half of a building plan begunseven years ago. Phase Two of themulti-million dollar capital projectwould renovate the interior of theelementary school, renovate class-rooms at the high school and teardown the high school’s exterior cur-tain wall, which lets in wind andrain.

But the Board is debating justwhich pieces of the plan are “nice tohave versus need to do,” said Silver.If the Board makes a decision byDecember, a referendum wouldtake place in the spring; if not, thereferendum would be next fall.

The superintendent, who tookleadership of Liberty in January and

who moved into the Village with hiswife, noted he is constantly awarethat people choose a community oravoid it because of the quality of itsschools.

“There are a lot of exciting thingshappening in Sullivan County –Bethel Woods, niche agriculture,people starting breweries,” he said.“The schools can be a part of theprocess of revitalizing the economy.We have a commitment to do that.”

PLEASE SEE ENROLLMENT, PAGE 4L


(845) 292-3455• Most Insurance & HMOs Accepted

• Old Fashioned Doctor Patient Relationshipin a warm comfortable atmosphere.

10 Hanofee Dr. Liberty, N.Y.

Dr. Jorge R. DelgadoBoard Certified

Chiropractic Neurologist

Effective, Natural Relief For:• Headaches, Dizziness • Neck Pain, Tight Muscles• Shoulder & Arm Pain • Low Back, Hip & Leg Pain

CARING, QUALITY CHIROPRACTIC CAREBacked By 24 Years of Experience

10630

SENO-104755

LARGE PLAIN PIEonly with this coupon • eat in only

$200 OFF TWO DINNERSonly with this coupon • eat in only

- or -

$10 $10

SENO-111871

12080

Philip E. Olsen, D.D.S.Jon K. Sutherland, D.D.S.

Office Hours By Appointment

68 Academy St., Liberty, NY(845) 292-8022

We wish all of Liberty a healthyand successful school year!

11700

Immunizations are The Smart Choice

Sullivan County Public Health Services 50 Community Lane , Liberty, NY 12754 845-292-5910

Sign up for an appointment at: www.co.sullivan.ny.us

Click on: Public Health Services

CLINIC The First

Wednesday of the month

5-7 PM

CLINIC The Third

Tuesday of the month 4-6 PM

Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for all girls 11 12 years old and

available for free to all girls through the age of 18.

The Pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) combined with Tetanus and diphtheria is required for all

students entering the 6th grade.

Tdap is especially important for anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months.

Meningitis vaccine is available for all students under the age of 19 attending college.

12014

The high school art department isworking with Sullivan Renaissanceon a project that would place bannersof student art on Main Street, saidLambert. A grant to paint a largemural is also a possibility.

“We are also working on gainingaccess to four empty buildings to dis-play art work from each of theschools,” she added.

But first, in order to “see” art atwork, they took to the streets. On Oct.15, Lambert accompanied 20 stu-dents enrolled in studio art, photoclass and photo club as they walkedthe beginnings of the Liberty art dis-trict.

“The walk was fun,” said studentAndrew Davis. “It was cool to see thechanges on Main Street.”

The tour began at Floyd and Bobo’sBakery with a welcome by LouPetraglia, who co-owns the 98 NorthMain St. bake shop and eatery withhis wife, Ellen Marino.

“I loved talking to the kids and hear-ing their reaction to what’s going on,”said Petraglia. “They were really intoit – taking pictures of everything, ofleaves on the sidewalk and flowers inthe ground.”

Petraglia and other business own-ers have formed a group called ArtLibwith the goal of organizing public artexhibitions and cultural projects topromote Liberty’s revitalizationthrough the creative arts.

The students toured the art galleryat the office of the Green Door maga-zine at 34 South Main St., and metwith Liberty High School graduateZac Shavrick, whose 10-foot-tallsculpture of steel and metal adorns apiece of Main Street lawn at the Townof Liberty’s Government Center.

Shavrick shared his own journey tosuccess – his work is displayed inManhattan galleries as well as at var-ious sites in Sullivan County – andoffered to help students to mature asartists. Zac’s artist father, BarryShavrick, was also present.

Then it was off to the LibertyMuseum, which, in fact, has dis-played school artwork frequently,including in an annual Memorial Dayweekend show.

“It’s great for students to get exhibi-tion time,” pointed out Lambert.“They learn to curate, to hang a show,how to write an artist statement. Theyare getting more opportunities to dothat – they are finding themselvesconsidered as artists rather than stu-

dents.”All along the art walk, they wit-

nessed their own autumn creations –18 hand-crafted scarecrows by studioart, sculpture and advanced studioart students – gracing the businessdistrict.

“There’s definitely a facelift hap-pening in Liberty,” Lambert said,“and our artwork is a part of it.”

Of course, students are engaged intransforming their own school com-munity as well. They work with chil-dren at the elementary school onsafety and anti-bullying posters.Music, art and creative writing are thefocus for the Expressions Café, heldonce each year.

An official book opening intro-duced a 60-page volume of studentwork designed, edited and publishedby the English and Art departments.

It’s all up Liberty’s alley, said LouPetraglia of ArtLib.

“We want to inspire our young andbring out our old,” he said. “The kidsare a big part of that.”

NOVEMBER 5, 2013 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT LIBERTY SCHOOL SCENE 7L6L LIBERTY SCHOOL SCENE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT NOVEMBER 5, 2013

LOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

85 N. Main St., Liberty • 845-292-0756

M d F id 6 9 S t d 8 30 4 GIFT CERTIFICATESOPEN 7 Check Out Our

1202

3

*$7 Fee may apply thru 11/1?/13

1170

4

Soccer is not just a game, its a LIFESTYLE.

Serving All of Your Soccer Needs

We are a family run businesswith roots deep in the community.

OUR STORE carries ALL GEAR

for the Soccer athlete and Soccer fan!

187 MILL STREET LIBERTY, NY 12754

845-747-9482

Athletes of All Sports... We have

CLEATS, SHIN GUARDS, JERSEYS, SHORTS,

NIKE and ADIDAS SPORTSWEAR:

HEADBANDS, SOCKS including NIKE ELITE,

SPORTS BAGS and SOCCER BALLS.

Soccer Fans...We have POSTERS, FLAGS

and a variety of GREAT GIFTS.

We also have...A full line of MUELLER SPORTS CARE Items,

PRE-TAPES and MEDICAL TAPES in all colors, COLD

SPRAY for instant relief of a pulled muscleor sprain, WRAPS and BRACES for elbows,

knees, calves and ankles.

One must come in to seehow much we really have to offer

any athlete of any sport.

Follow Goal Poston Facebook:

Goal Post

Open 7 Days A Week42 So. Main St.,Liberty, NY 12754845-397-0034

www.thecybershackcafe.com

COMPUTERREPAIRS

(Most repairs done while you wait)

Sales • InternetNetworking • Gaming

Xbox 360Wii U

Playstation 3Flavored Coff ee & Tea

Energy DrinksCandy Bars - Chips

– ALL AGES WELCOME –A Great Place To Do Homework

FREEWi-Fi Available

Game CardsHeadsets

Flash Drivesand Other

Accessories

12029

1208

8Full Service Nail Care, Waxing,

& Eyelash Extensions

LIBERTY MALL15 Sullivan Ave., Liberty, NY 12754

Tel: 845-747-9144

EVERYDAY SPECIAL2 Large Pies $17.99

Toppings ExtraCreate Your Own

Try Our

Buffalo WingsMild, Medium, Hot, Thermo, BBQ, Teriyaki,

Lemon Pepper, Honey Mustard or Ranch

Only $7.00/dozenboneless wings availablepricing does not include sales tax

12103Students from Liberty High

School took the first unofficialtour of Liberty’s unofficial art

district a few weeks ago and onething is for certain – the village’syoung artists are likely to play aprominent, if not official, role in therecreation of the village as an art des-tination.

“Art is part of what these studentsdo and who they are,” says KathyLambert, Liberty High School artteacher.

Art teacher Kathy Lambert says many of herstudents are being recognized as trueartists.

Students aim to contributeto Liberty’s art district

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

On a tour of Liberty, high school Art andPhotography students met with sculptorZac Shavrick (at rear, left) and his 10-foot-high metal and steel piece called Ed.Zavrick is a graduate of Liberty High School.

The high school art department isworking with Sullivan Renaissanceon a project that would place bannersof student art on Main Street, saidLambert. A grant to paint a largemural is also a possibility.

“We are also working on gainingaccess to four empty buildings to dis-play art work from each of theschools,” she added.

But first, in order to “see” art atwork, they took to the streets. On Oct.15, Lambert accompanied 20 stu-dents enrolled in studio art, photoclass and photo club as they walkedthe beginnings of the Liberty art dis-trict.

“The walk was fun,” said studentAndrew Davis. “It was cool to see thechanges on Main Street.”

The tour began at Floyd and Bobo’sBakery with a welcome by LouPetraglia, who co-owns the 98 NorthMain St. bake shop and eatery withhis wife, Ellen Marino.

“I loved talking to the kids and hear-ing their reaction to what’s going on,”said Petraglia. “They were really intoit – taking pictures of everything, ofleaves on the sidewalk and flowers inthe ground.”

Petraglia and other business own-ers have formed a group called ArtLibwith the goal of organizing public artexhibitions and cultural projects topromote Liberty’s revitalizationthrough the creative arts.

The students toured the art galleryat the office of the Green Door maga-zine at 34 South Main St., and metwith Liberty High School graduateZac Shavrick, whose 10-foot-tallsculpture of steel and metal adorns apiece of Main Street lawn at the Townof Liberty’s Government Center.

Shavrick shared his own journey tosuccess – his work is displayed inManhattan galleries as well as at var-ious sites in Sullivan County – andoffered to help students to mature asartists. Zac’s artist father, BarryShavrick, was also present.

Then it was off to the LibertyMuseum, which, in fact, has dis-played school artwork frequently,including in an annual Memorial Dayweekend show.

“It’s great for students to get exhibi-tion time,” pointed out Lambert.“They learn to curate, to hang a show,how to write an artist statement. Theyare getting more opportunities to dothat – they are finding themselvesconsidered as artists rather than stu-

dents.”All along the art walk, they wit-

nessed their own autumn creations –18 hand-crafted scarecrows by studioart, sculpture and advanced studioart students – gracing the businessdistrict.

“There’s definitely a facelift hap-pening in Liberty,” Lambert said,“and our artwork is a part of it.”

Of course, students are engaged intransforming their own school com-munity as well. They work with chil-dren at the elementary school onsafety and anti-bullying posters.Music, art and creative writing are thefocus for the Expressions Café, heldonce each year.

An official book opening intro-duced a 60-page volume of studentwork designed, edited and publishedby the English and Art departments.

It’s all up Liberty’s alley, said LouPetraglia of ArtLib.

“We want to inspire our young andbring out our old,” he said. “The kidsare a big part of that.”

NOVEMBER 5, 2013 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT LIBERTY SCHOOL SCENE 7L6L LIBERTY SCHOOL SCENE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT NOVEMBER 5, 2013

LOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

85 N. Main St., Liberty • 845-292-0756

M d F id 6 9 S t d 8 30 4 GIFT CERTIFICATESOPEN 7 Check Out Our

1202

3

*$7 Fee may apply thru 11/1?/13

1170

4

Soccer is not just a game, its a LIFESTYLE.

Serving All of Your Soccer Needs

We are a family run businesswith roots deep in the community.

OUR STORE carries ALL GEAR

for the Soccer athlete and Soccer fan!

187 MILL STREET LIBERTY, NY 12754

845-747-9482

Athletes of All Sports... We have

CLEATS, SHIN GUARDS, JERSEYS, SHORTS,

NIKE and ADIDAS SPORTSWEAR:

HEADBANDS, SOCKS including NIKE ELITE,

SPORTS BAGS and SOCCER BALLS.

Soccer Fans...We have POSTERS, FLAGS

and a variety of GREAT GIFTS.

We also have...A full line of MUELLER SPORTS CARE Items,

PRE-TAPES and MEDICAL TAPES in all colors, COLD

SPRAY for instant relief of a pulled muscleor sprain, WRAPS and BRACES for elbows,

knees, calves and ankles.

One must come in to seehow much we really have to offer

any athlete of any sport.

Follow Goal Poston Facebook:

Goal Post

Open 7 Days A Week42 So. Main St.,Liberty, NY 12754845-397-0034

www.thecybershackcafe.com

COMPUTERREPAIRS

(Most repairs done while you wait)

Sales • InternetNetworking • Gaming

Xbox 360Wii U

Playstation 3Flavored Coff ee & Tea

Energy DrinksCandy Bars - Chips

– ALL AGES WELCOME –A Great Place To Do Homework

FREEWi-Fi Available

Game CardsHeadsets

Flash Drivesand Other

Accessories

12029

1208

8

Full Service Nail Care, Waxing,& Eyelash Extensions

LIBERTY MALL15 Sullivan Ave., Liberty, NY 12754

Tel: 845-747-9144

EVERYDAY SPECIAL2 Large Pies $17.99

Toppings ExtraCreate Your Own

Try Our

Buffalo WingsMild, Medium, Hot, Thermo, BBQ, Teriyaki,

Lemon Pepper, Honey Mustard or Ranch

Only $7.00/dozenboneless wings availablepricing does not include sales tax

12103

Students from Liberty HighSchool took the first unofficialtour of Liberty’s unofficial art

district a few weeks ago and onething is for certain – the village’syoung artists are likely to play aprominent, if not official, role in therecreation of the village as an art des-tination.

“Art is part of what these studentsdo and who they are,” says KathyLambert, Liberty High School artteacher.

Art teacher Kathy Lambert says many of herstudents are being recognized as trueartists.

Students aim to contributeto Liberty’s art district

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

On a tour of Liberty, high school Art andPhotography students met with sculptorZac Shavrick (at rear, left) and his 10-foot-high metal and steel piece called Ed.Zavrick is a graduate of Liberty High School.


There’s Facebook, there’s Twitter –and then there’s the time-honoredprinted and bound high school

yearbook.Social media may be great at linking

hundreds of friends and providinginstantaneous photos, but the highschool yearbook is a permanent recordin your hand.

“It holds memories that are importantto people,” said Liberty High Schoolsenior Alyssa Piatek.

Piatek is a member of the NationalHonor Society, whose students havetaken on the task of posting the entireLiberty Central School District yearbookcollection on line.

Advised by school librarian LouisSpataro, the students have worked onthe project since May. They use softwareavailable through the Southeast NewYork Library Resource Council, and arescanning the yearbooks and postingthem on the website of Hudson RiverValley Heritage (HRVH).

HRVH provides online access to his-torical materials from New York State’sRiver Valley. The website contains digitalcollections contributed by colleges,libraries, historical societies, museumsand cultural organizations from ninecounties in the Hudson River Valleyarea. Liberty is one of the few highschools involved.

Spataro said the first Liberty yearbookto go digital is that of 1953. Soon to beuploaded are yearbooks from 1943,1944, 1950, 1954, 1955 and 1956.Viewers can find the Liberty site atwww.hrvh.org/cdm/landingpage/col-lection/libertyhs and can explore eachpage of the 1953 yearbook. They mayalso type in the name of a particularperson and find reference to him or heron the yearbook pages.

As high school librarian with a good-

sized collection of the Liberty year-books, Spataro frequently helps phonecallers find the names, photos or infor-mation they are seeking.

“I’m constantly copying things andsending it to them,” he said. “Some peo-ple are doing research on their parents.Others are searching for people theyknew or they know or for themselves.”

Students arrive at the library duringtheir breaks between classes and beginscanning. Two scanners run at the sametime. The work is time consuming butworthwhile, said Piatek,

“To me, the yearbook will always beimportant,” she said. “It allows you tolook back at funny things. I like to seewhat my parents and aunts and uncleswent through when they were inschools here.”

Spataro noted that even today, the dis-tribution of yearbooks is exciting.

“Everybody is signing everybody else’sbook,” he said. “The teachers are sign-ing books. I don’t think that thrill willever go away.

“I’m excited about getting my ownyearbook,” added Piatek. “I can’t wait toshow my little brothers, to show themmy friends.”

As for the much older yearbooks –they date back to 1919, when girlsappeared in middy blouses and schoolclubs like The Literary Society flour-ished – the books often reveal slices oflife from long ago.

One yearbook, from 1944, referenceshistory in the senior class’s dedication atthe front of the book.

The students, who attended schoolduring World War II, wrote: “Dedicatedin 1944 to the Future. We, of 1944, in thehope that it shines as brightly for us as ithas for others, dedicate this book to thefuture – a future in which peace and jus-tice reign.”

12026

Yearbook: Memories go digital

High School senior Alyssa Piatek works on scanning the Liberty 1996 yearbook so that thebook can be available for perusing on line. Alyssa’s father Nick graduated from Liberty HSthat year.

��

��Options for All Ages:

Career Building ~ College Prep ~ Online Courses ESOL Instruction ~ HS Equivalency Diplomas

Where FuturesBegin & DreamsAre Achieved !

(845) 295-4000www.scboces.org

��

10


High-energy leaders and ‘awesome’ teacherssteer school into new watersAs part of a new teacher evalua-

tion process, Elementary SchoolPrincipal Scott Brown observed

a classroom where a teacher struggledto reach students with learning diffi-culties at the same time as she taughtthe rest of the class.

The teacher later confided that shedid need a way to manage her class of23 students better. Brown suggested amethod that is relatively new: that theteacher, assisted by a teaching assis-tant and teacher aide, break the classinto five small groups of children and“differentiate” instruction to meet theneeds of the specific groups.

What are now called classroomlearning centers allow teachers to workclosely with individual students to tar-get specific skills. Learning centers pro-vide an encouraging learning environ-ment, where children are excited, theirenergy high as they bask in attentionand the fun of learning.

“The next time I walked into thatclassroom, the atmosphere was entire-ly changed,” said Brown. “The kidswere completely engaged, smiling andlaughing. When I walked out, I hadchills.”

The new Annual Professional Per-formance Review (APPR) process forevaluating teachers and principalsbases teacher effectiveness on studentgrowth in state and classroom examsand on frequent in-class observations.

The process, which has teachers bit-ing their nails everywhere, does comewith significant benefits.

“The whole APPR process is designedto garner feedback from peers, admin-

istrators and the community,” said Lib-erty Elementary School Assistant Prin-cipal Dan Brown, who is no relation tothe principal.

Many teachers are meeting for anhour each day, sharing ideas abouteverything from creative “behaviorplans” that use motivators like stickercharts to encourage good behavior, tothe Common Core lessons that requiremuch deeper learning on the part ofstudents.

“In subtraction, let’s say, students arenot just learning that 47 minus 15equals 32,” said Dan Brown. “They arelearning that 47 is four tens and sevenones, they are learning to pick apart anumber, look at patterns, go deeply.”

Still, the school’s administratorsadmit that this is a challenging year aseducators all over the U.S. deal withsignificant changes. This is the first fullyear of implementation for both theCommon Core and the APPR and aconcomitant shift in classroom activi-ties and student skill-building. Eventhe terminology is still new, the Brownspointed out.

“But when teachers are frustrated,”said Principal Brown, “It’s our job toease the frustration. We tell them ‘relax,take your time, you know the best prac-tices, apply them with commonsense.’”

When the school realized that thedaily block scheduling on which itoperated had now become too rigid asystem, the principal suggested teach-ers themselves take the reins andrevamp their schedules, working withfellow grade level teachers and with the

schedules of the academic interven-tions specialist. Block scheduling leftlittle time for struggling students toleave the classroom and get the helpthey needed.

“The teachers did a phenomenal job”to create new, more flexible schedulesthat work, said the principal.

Both principal and assistant princi-

At Liberty Elementary, new Assistant Princi-pal Dan Brown, left, and Principal ScottBrown lead 115 staff and over 700 studentsthrough major educational shifts.

pal are newcomers to Liberty, and bothexpressed delight in working with astrong and committed school commu-nity.

Scott Brown arrived in August withseven years experience as elementaryschool principal in the Marlboro Cen-tral School District. Before that, hetaught at Valley Central School Districtand Monroe-Woodbury School Dis-trict.

Dan Brown served 17 years as a class-room teacher at the Florida (N.Y.)Union Free School and then as aca-demic interventions specialist andleader in staff development there.

Both said they are impressed by theresiliency of Liberty teachers.

“We’re seeing a willingness to listenand to be open to reflection, to maybedoing something different,” said DanBrown.

“Every day we observe teachers,” saidScott, “and what we’re seeing is achange in philosophy and dynamic.We’re having really good conversationsand seeing changes.”

“This building is 100 percent aboutthe kids,” added the principal. “Wehave teachers asking how they cansupport the students better. It’s awe-some.”

CALL NOW! 845-292-8810i i i f

MikesTire Discount & Auto Service Center

WHOLESALE & RETAIL150 S. Main St., Liberty, NY • Corner of Lake & Main

845-292-1837 • www.mikestire.com

ALL MAJOR & MINOR REPAIRS“Expert Repairs With Personal Service”

4 Wheel Alignment • Truck RepairsTruck & Tractor Trailers NYS Inspection • All Major Brands Available

NYS Inspections • Heavy Equipment & Tractor Trailer TiresRoad Service • 24-Hr Towing • Used Cars Sold

Mounting & Computer BalancingMechanic & Body Repairs • National & Government Accounts

12024

His patrol car is parked in aprominent place in front of thehigh school, and inside the

school, Officer Devin Brust is packinghis pistol and wearing his two-wayradio linking him with the Village PoliceDepartment.

But the 6-foot-five officer in blue,who likely serves as an authority fig-ure to most adults, is quickly winningthe hearts of his young charges – theentire student body of the Liberty

school district.“I like him,” said high school student

Octavia Moore. “He’s cool.”As of September, 29-year-old Brust

has served as full-time School ResourceOfficer (SRO) for the school district.Five days a week, he reports to an officeat the high school, but he makes therounds as needed at the middle andelementary schools as well.

“I try to be outside for the bus arrivalsin the morning and afternoon,”

explained Brust. “I help with schoolassemblies, talking about school safetyissues and safety involving the use ofcellphones and the social media, orabout pedestrian safety or bullying.”

He’s spoken to history classes aboutthe fourth amendment rights in termsof search and seizure, and at a recentanti-bullying rally, he detailed the lawas it involves bullies “and that bullyingis not an issue to be taken lightly – it’s aserious issue.”

Trained as a School Resource Officer,Brust, who served on patrol at the vil-lage police department for three years,also teaches Drug Abuse ResistanceEducation (DARE) to fifth grade classesat the middle school.

“They learn about the negative affectsof using drugs and alcohol, about peerpressure and about making safe andresponsible decisions,” Brust said.“DARE gives them tools to make thosedecisions.”

Liberty had enjoyed the services of apart-time SRO for a number of yearsbut decided to ratchet up the positionafter the shooting tragedy at SandyHook Elementary School in Newtown,Ct.

Officer Brust agreed that his first taskis school safety, but noted that theschool environment is also a goodplace for forming healthy relationshipsbetween young people and lawenforcement.

“Being here full-time gives me theopportunity to interact with young citi-zens in the community,” he said. “In a

classroom we communicate. The lawisn’t a factor. The students can see thatpolice are here to help them, not just tomake arrests. They learn you can cometo police for help.”

“I’ve been surprised at how the kidscome up to talk to me,” he added.“They tell me how they’re doing inschool and about upcoming sportsgames.

“Ninety-nine percent of kids are inno-cent, they are still learning, and I wantto be able to help them learn and stayon the right path.”

Brust says he’s always liked the idea ofworking with kids “but as a police offi-cer, I never thought it would happen.”

When the village and the school dis-trict decided to fund the full time SROposition, he was quick to volunteer hisservices.

In a way, working with Liberty kids is“all in the family.” Brust’s wife, AeowynBrust, is a Liberty English as a SecondLanguage teacher. The couple and theirtwo-month-old baby live in the Town ofThompson.

On one recent weekend, the officersaid, he was dressed in his civvies,doing some shopping at the GalleriaMall in Middletown. Up walked ateenage who peered at Brust and asked,“Aren’t you the cop at school?”

That, said the big tough police officer,did his heart good.

“I’m going to be working here for along time,” Brust reflected. “I want towatch these kids grow up from a youngage and see them graduate.”


Police officer takes to a new beat at Liberty schools

LIBERTY

845-292-8805MONTICELLO

845-794-5050

The SAFEST, CLEANEST,Most DEPENDABLE

Taxi Service

Local & LongDistanceTravel,

NYC andAll Airports

MEDICAIDTRANSPORTATION

PROVIDER

24-HOURS

7 DAYS

A WEEK

OVER 60YEARS OFSERVICE

$5 STUDENT RATEUntil 9 am

for Village Schoolsin Monticello and Liberty.

Students ONLY11153

12027

Liberty students consider Police Officer Devin Brust a member of the school family. Fromleft, front, Dijon Eldridge and Arianna Lindsey. At rear, Octavia Moore, Officer Brust,Gabriella Dominguez, Richie Montero, and Brianna Jackson.


12028

Learn Your ABCswith Charlie BarbutiAffordableBeauty Comfortand

AffordableBeauty Comfortand199 South Main St. Liberty, NY 12754

845-292-4826 • www.barbutifurniture.com

‘When I first started this year, Iwas stressed,” admits vet-eran Liberty kindergarten

teacher Rachel Countryman. “TheCommon Core is time sensitive – youmust stay on a particular schedule eachday because the modules (or lessons)we teach are done by a certain day. I wasstressed over the pressure of staying ona schedule.”

Luckily, Countryman’s school princi-pal and assistant principal told her andother anxious teachers to relax.

“They said to try to stay with theschedule,” related the kindergartenteacher, “but to go at the pace of yourown students.”

Countryman says she now actuallyappreciates the Common Core, whichrepresents the most significant changein teaching and learning in recentmemory.

The Common Core, a nationwidemove to bring U.S. kids on par with suc-cessful students globally, urges morerigor in learning vocabulary words, forinstance. Countryman is introducingher five-year-old pupils to words like

“quantity,” which to her kindergartnerstranslates in meaning to “how many.”

Upstairs from Countryman is thethird grade class of teacher AliciaHoughtaling, who is finding a greatvalue in the “deeper rather than broad-er” philosophy of the Common Core.

“In the past, we read lots of books,”said Houghtaling, who is teaching areading lesson. “Now we go deeper – weread the text again and again in what is

called ‘close reading.’ ”Students, Houghtaling said, are

engaged in “a lot more rich conversa-tions” over the books being studied,because the Common Core empha-sizes that students understand theirown reasoning and that of others byengaging in meaningful conversationsabout their work.

Students are also coming up withanswers to questions about what is hap-pening to characters in the books by“diving” for evidence within the book tosupport their answers.

Teachers, as well, are delving into evi-dence and data to help struggling stu-dents succeed and higher-achievingstudents to progress.

Students are assessed in reading andmath by using the tools of the North-west Evaluation Association (NWEA)that measure academic progress andproficiency in each subject area.

Using data from the NWEA scoresallows Houghtaling and others to deter-mine where the skills of each child lies

and in which areas she or he need help. For example, one student might be

capable of only summarizing a fewparagraphs in a simple book, whileanother can handle a more challengingbook and can summarize with ease anentire chapter.

Both types of students are working ontheir skills in class and always, accord-ing to the Common Core, growing thoseskills.

Houghtaling said she also values theway the Common Core lessons inter-twine English with history or geogra-phy.

And Countryman likes the fact thatthe Common Core is well organized“with language built in.”

“I like the Common Core,” says Coun-tryman. “My students are getting theconcepts being taught – they’re reallygetting it. In the past we haven’t expect-ed them to know as much. Now we aregiving them things that are a bit of achallenge. We are setting the bar at arealistic goal and helping them get to it.”

Common Core spurs anxiety and excitement

Kindergarten teacher Rachel Countryman says she is over her early Common Core ‘jitters’ andnow values the changes.

A Trusted Community Bank Since 1913.

BLOOMINGBURG • CALLICOON • ELDRED • JEFFERSONVILLE LIBERTY • LIVINGSTON MANOR • LOCH SHELDRAKE • MONTICELLO

NARROWSBURG • WAL-MART • WHITE LAKE • WURTSBORO

Helping Students Bank on the Future

(845)482-4000 • www.jeffbank.com • www.facebook.com/jeffersonvillebank

How to do your Bankingand Mandy & Randycourses are being taughtin several Sullivan Countyschools. They aredesigned to introducestudents to basic banking.

As a public service, JeffBank provides studentsand teachers with trainingmanuals and sendsrepresentatives from thebank to area schools tomake relevantpresentations.

Anna Milucky, Jeff Bank vice president and businessbanker, is pictured on a visit to teach financial skills toyoung people at one of our local schools.

12084

Third grader teacher Alicia Houghtaling, left,assists student Emily Curry with a writingassignment.


46 Sullivan Avenue,Liberty, NY

845-292-2310

ServingLunch and

Dinner

21 Pleasant Street,Monticello, NY845-791-9373

Warm Upwith Some

OLD-FASHIONEDCHILI

Warm Upwith Some

OLD-FASHIONEDCHILI

7 DAYS PER WEEKPickup Window

Available Until 1AM

Wishing All Students And Faculty A Fun And SafeSchool Year!

Come See Us After Class!

Everybody’s Somebody At Wendy’s

1203

0

12074

liberty school scene 2013

Documents

i c o o n

n o v e

e n t t o t h e s u

n c o u n t y d e

schoola s p e c

liberty elementary

teachers lastsummer

school system