The Liberty Ledger

Providing students and parents with important updates and report of events happening at LMS.

Take the Family Engagement Survey!

If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Your feedback is critical in helping to inform and improve FCPS’ practices to best support our students. Survey topics include:

• Welcoming environment
• Communication
• Student success
• Advocacy
• Family and school partnerships
• Collaboration with the community to see if FCPS is meeting its goals at the school, region, and division levels

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Amharic, Farsi, Urdu, Pashto, and Vietnamese. Participate today by clicking on the QR code below or visit the survey website. 

TAKE THE SURVEY!

Liberty Middle School Interior Video Monitoring Information

Liberty Middle School is considering installing internal cameras, as part of the FCPS effort to have security cameras in all secondary schools. The Liberty Middle School administrative team believes that internal cameras will increase the ability to maintain the safety of all students, staff members and visitors within the building. Internal cameras will only be placed in the high traffic areas, and will not be placed in classrooms, locker rooms or restrooms.

The effectiveness of internal video monitoring has been shown to reduce theft and vandalism, as well as aid administrators in timely and accurate determinations in student/staff and building incidents. 77% of all public high schools currently use security cameras to monitor schools (Indicators of School Crime and Safety, U.S. Department of Justice and Education, November 2010). Locally, the school divisions that utilize interior video surveillance include the Maryland divisions of Frederick County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. In Virginia, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Stafford, and Culpepper School divisions utilize interior cameras. Within Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) all high schools.

Interior cameras are not meant to be an invasion of privacy, but an additional layer of security in a complex world in which we live. They are considered fundamental to school security programs. Cameras will not be personally monitored, but footage would be available for review up to 30 days in case of an incident. The only persons who would see the video are FCPS staff who need to review and use the images in the course of their official duties. This is typically security and administration. Parents may view images only of their own student and may not have copies of footage. Parents will be notified if a video has been reviewed specifically regarding their son/daughter.

The installation of interior cameras at Liberty has been funded by the FY 22 budget and grants received by the OSS. The funding for the project is in the proposed 2020-21 FCPS budget, and does not require Liberty Middle School funds currently. Therefore, there should be no impact on instructional funds. 

Feedback on the proposal will be gathered from students, staff and community members through various means:

• General faculty and staff will be surveyed April 14th through April 22nd. 
• Leadership (Administration, Department Chairs, Team Leads, and CLT Leads) will look over survey results and concerns on April 26th. 
• Student Government Association (SGA) and Representatives will be surveyed through Google Classroom on April 20th during their weekly meeting.  Their survey results and concerns will also be shared and discussed with the Leadership team on April 26th.    
• Parents and community members will be surveyed. Information will be sent out in the parent newsletter (The Ledger) on 4/13 and information will be shared at the 4/20 PTA meeting. If you are unable to attend and would like to submit feedback, please fill out the Camera Installation Input Form. You may also email Greg Hall at ghall3@fcps.edu with your comments/concerns. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the video cameras be monitored continuously? No, they will not be routinely monitored, but rather, will be reviewed after an incident occurs. Security personnel in the office of safety and security may access video cameras and images when necessary for their official duties. An example is a school alarm after hours.
• How long will the images be retained? By regulation, they must be stored for at least 14 days and not more than 30 days.
• Who can view the images? FCPS staff who need to review and use the images in the course of their official duties may do so. This is typically limited to administrators, security personnel and personnel engaged in disciplinary reviews. The School Resource Officers and the School Liaison Commander are allowed to view the images because they are considered school officials, however no other police personnel are permitted. Parents may view images of their own students. When a video involves more than one student, the parents of any student who is a primary subject of the video may review the recording but may not have a copy. Parents of students who are in the background do not have a right to view the recording. Employees may view images in which they are the subject.
• Who will these videos be released to? Disclosure of student images to individuals or organizations outside FCPS may be made only with parent consent (or student consent if the student is 18 years of age or older), in response to subpoena, search warrant or court order, in connection with a health or safety emergency, in response to legal action against the system, or consistent with one of the other exceptions to the disclosure ban in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations.
• What is the funding source? FY 22 mid-year budget review resulted in funding for the installation of interior and exterior cameras (CCTV) at all remaining middle schools. Additionally, the Office of Safety and Security received grant funding for 2 middle schools. The funding for the project does not require Liberty Middle School funds and there should be no impact on instructional funds. 
• If you obtain interior video surveillance, what reporting does the school have to do? Schools that are granted permission to utilize ongoing interior video monitoring are required to submit data regarding the number of incidents in specific areas of the schools in which cameras have been installed and the number of successful investigations of incidents using video recordings. Successful means that the video was helpful in determining what happened in an incident. The Student Information System has an input field for camera use as it relates to discipline cases. Additionally, the superintendent is required to annually report to the School Board incident and survey data collected regarding the effectiveness of ongoing interior video monitoring.
• Are the cameras effective? The experience of FCPS with video surveillance strongly suggests that their use resulted in significant reductions in vandalism at schools that used the systems, as well as aid administrators in timely and accurate determinations in student/staff and building incidents
• Do other school systems use interior video surveillance? Seventy-seven percent of all public high schools use security cameras to monitor schools (Indicators of School Crime and Safety, U.S. Departments of Justice and Education, November, 2010). Locally, the school divisions that utilize interior video surveillance include the Maryland divisions of Frederick County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. In Virginia, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Stafford, Culpepper and Alexandria school divisions utilize interior cameras. Washington D.C. also uses them.

YEARBOOKS

Tie a string on your finger • snap a rubber band on your wrist • record it in your phone • write a note on a post-it • jot it down on your calendar • repeat it like a mantra • do whatever you have to do, just don’t forget to…ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK  BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!

The price of the yearbook is $20. Supplies are limited—ordering now will ensure you receive a yearbook at distribution time in June.

To buy a yearbook online through the Yearbook Order Center, please use the direct link to the order center on Liberty Middle School’s web page: order #6966. The order center will process orders through April 18^th.

If you prefer to pay with a check or cash, please drop off your payment to Mrs. Orr in room B126 at Liberty Middle School. Make checks payable to Liberty Middle School.

If you have any questions, please contact Pamela Orr/Yearbook Advisor at PEOrr@fcps.edu

Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar

Spend an evening with your pyramid’s Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Dawn Brower, who will talk about current drug trends we are seeing in the county, vaping, ways to engage your kids in conversation about substance use, and have an open Q&A about resources and potential concerns you might have with your student. This presentation will be interactive and informative with a virtual bedroom as well as other important information on prevention.

When: April 19, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.

Where: CVHS library

Liberty Leaders Drive

Author Presentation

Julie Lythcott-Haims, NYT Best-Selling Author of 

How to Raise an Adult returns to McLean on April 26th!

Back by popular demand, former Stanford dean and New York Times best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims presents “Throw Out the Checklisted Childhood: Tips and Strategies for Raising Successful Kids.”

This FREE program, sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition and The Potomac School, takes place April 26th from 7-9pm at Temple Rodef Shalom. It’s open to all, but space is limited and registration is required.  Visit the Safe Community Coalition website for more information and registration:  http://mcleanscc.org/.

VIP Camp 2022

What are your Rising 7th & 8th graders doing this Summer?

SAVE THE DATE FLYER -  English  /  Spanish

Like you, we believe your child is a very important person and deserves a summer experience that is safe and full of fitness, friends, fun and enrichment. FCPS and Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (DNCS) have teamed up to offer a 5 week camp for rising 7th and 8th graders in the Western Fairfax area. Campers will have a great time participating in sports, games, fitness and STEAM activities in a safe environment.  Field trips to local water parks and amusement parks also give campers exciting experiences to look forward to with their new friends. The program is led by FCPS After-School and DNCS Teen/Community Center Staff.

Details:

• Dates - Wednesday, June 29th - Thursday, July 28th
• 9:00 AM - 4:00PM (Site opens at 8:00AM for drop off)
• Location – Stone Middle School
• Bus Transportation will be provided from feeder middle schools and other selected stops
• Cost – $50
• This camp serves the Franklin, Katherine Johnson, Liberty, Rocky Run and Stone middle school districts (2022-2023 school year 7th and 8th grade students)

Registration Process

The online application will be sent the week of March 28th.   You will be sent a "News You Choose" email from “Western Fairfax VIP Camp” with more detailed camp information and the online registration application link.  Please apply early as spaces fill quickly.  Email Sandy Donlon, Liberty After-School Specialist, at sldonlon@fcps.edu for more information. 

SEL Screening

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) commits to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning (SEL). The School Board has approved a screener to review students’ skills and experiences in these areas. FCPS staff will use the screener to identify strengths and needs for students in grades K-12. The screener provides information regarding students’ experiences and how staff can support their needs.

SEL skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The screener will review these skills, as well as students’ relationships, feelings of belonging, feelings about their school environment, and mood. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success.

Students in grades K-2 will be screened in the winter and spring. In these grade levels, teachers will complete a survey on their observations of students' skills and experiences. Students in grades 3-12 will be screened in the fall, winter, and spring. In these grade levels, students will reflect and report on their own skills and experiences. Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. Screener results will be used with other data to inform practices for SEL skill development and mental wellness. Screener data will also help staff plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. School staff will be available to discuss results with families on planned support.

Liberty will administer the Spring SEL on Tues, April 12^thand Thurs, April 14^th, 2022. If you do not want your student to take part in the SEL screener, please return the opt-out form linked here to the school.

Food Pantry at LMS

We have a food pantry at Liberty MS for families in need.  We are asking for donations to the food pantry to restock the supplies that we have.  If you are able to help us with this need, please bring the following items to the main office.  Also, please look at expiration dates as we need to have food that has not expired in order to hand it out.  Thank you so much!

ITEMS AVAILABLE:

• Canned Meats- tuna, chicken
• Peanut Butter
• Beans
• Protein Bars and Shakes
• Canned Meals (chili, beans and rice, pastas with meat)
• Packaged Meals- (mac and cheese, cup of noodles)
• Microwavable Meals and Snacks (Can be frozen)
• Soups
• Pasta
• Sauces
• Rice
• Oatmeal
• Crackers
• V8 juice
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Soaps
• Shampoo, conditioner
• Paper towels
• Feminine pads

• Individual cups of instant oatmeal

• Individual cups of cereal

• Toothbrushes (individually packaged)

• Toothpaste (individually packaged)

• Bar Soap (individually packaged)

• Maseca Corn Masa Flour

We also have a limited amount of clothing and have a need for clothes. If you have gently used clothes to donate, please bring them to the office.  We are looking for the sizes below.

Girls Shorts - Junior size 8; 9; L or XL and adult Sizes:  2, 4, 8, 10

Boys Shorts – Adult size 28; 29; 30 & 32

Girls Capris  - Junior size 8 or 9 and  adult Sizes:  2, 4, 8, 10

Girls -   T-shirts – Junior size 8 or 9 and  adult Sizes:  2, 4, 8, 10

Boys  -  T-shirts – Youth size: 18-16; L or XL;  Adult Sizes:  Small, Medium or Large

Girls and Boys – ankle sports socks – Size Small and Medium

Shoe sizes-  Adult 5- 7 ½

Socks and underwear donations would need to be new in the packaging

PTA UPDATES:

April PTA Meeting

NEXT Wednesday, April 20 7:30PM

We are making our final plans for the year! Join us and see how you can help celebrate the amazing teachers at Liberty MS during Teacher Appreciation. We are also starting to plan for the end of middle school for our 8th graders, volunteers are needed! Join the Zoom to hear about our plans!

Eighth Grade Celebration Committee Now Forming!

We are looking for parent volunteers to help plan the Eighth Grade Celebration. This year's celebration will be held in June right before the students finish middle school. Please email treasurer@libertymspta.org with your name and contact information. All help is appreciated! 

Open Board Positions

Want to be more involved in your students' middle school experience? Join the LMS PTA Board for the 22-23 school year. Contact Kelly Eignor (outgoing PTA president) to find out more about the positions of President, VP Membership, VP Ways & Means and Secretary, president@libertymspta.org. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents, school administration and teachers!

Teacher Appreciation May 2-6

Teacher Treat Sign-Up Genius 

LMS PTA Support:

PTA Membership:

Please consider supporting the PTA by becoming a MEMBER. Member fees are just $15 and allow the PTA to continue to provide valuable support to Liberty MS students and teachers. Click here for a quick and easy registration process. This year ALL PTA meetings will be held VIRTUALLY.  Each meeting will highlight a different academic and specials department at Liberty MS and teachers will join us to share details about curriculum and teaching methods and answer your questions.

Student Services Department

Helpful Resources

• Attendance Line: If your Lion is sick or will be absent, please notify Liberty by filling out the attendance form online HERE.
• Food Distribution: Get more information about food distribution
• SIS ParentVue: Watch this video to learn how to set up your account
• Staff Directory: Liberty MS Staff Directory
• Tech Tips:  Virtual Learning YouTube Tutorial Playlist
• Technology Help Desk:1-833-921-3277/ https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/

Connect with Us!

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LMS Administrative Team

Principal: Adam Erbrecht  |  AWErbrecht@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Gregory Hall |  GHall3@fcps.edu 

Assistant Principal: Natalie Lissy |  NSLissy@fcps.edu

Assistant Principal: Collin Whitt |  CTWhitt@fcps.edu

Director of Student Services: Renee Pete |  ERPete@fcps.edu

From Left-Right: N. Lissy, R. Pete, A. Erbrecht, G. Hall, C. Whitt

6801 Union Mill Road, Clifton, VA 20124 | Web | Twitter
Main Office: 703-988-8100 | Attendance:703-988-8181