School counselors are available for personal counseling, career and vocational guidance, post-secondary planning, academic counseling, and consultation with teachers and parents. They meet with students individually and in small groups. The counselor serves as the bridge between the classroom and all other aspects of students’ lives.
All students in grades 9-12 are assigned a school counselor who will meet with each student a minimum of one time during the school year to review coursework, credits and tests needed to meet graduation requirements. The school counselor is also available to assist students and families with personal, social and emotional issues.
School counselors are New York State certified professionals whose role is to identify and address student needs through the use of a comprehensive school counseling program geared towards student success. In addition, school counselors serve as an important source of information, resources and referrals.
- Learn more about The Essential Role of High School Counselors on the American School Counselor Association website.
- Access the Liberty CSD Comprehensive School Counseling Plan.
Graduation Requirements
Diploma Types
Students in New York state have four different ways they can meet high school graduation requirements. Two of these options will lead to a high school diploma, while the other two provide students with non-diploma credentials.
Each graduation option requires different coursework and related exams — and each option helps prepare students for a variety of future educational and career opportunities. Students are advised to consult with their school counselors as early as middle school to ensure they are choosing the appropriate coursework to meet graduation requirements.
What are the diploma options?
Local Diploma
There are three local diploma options for general education students, students with disabilities and English language learners. Requirements vary for each.
Regents Diploma
& Advanced Regents Diploma
The coursework required for Regents and Advanced Regents diplomas is intended to help students prepare more rigorously for college and careers.
Career Development Occupational Studies (CDOS) Credential
(non-diploma)
Students who earn this credential are considered ready for entry-level employment after high school.
Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential
(non-diploma)
Students who earn this credential have severe disabilities and have attended school for 12 years. This credential includes a summary of the student’s levels of achievement in academic and career development and occupational (CDOS) studies
Regents Diploma Course Requirements
Regents Diploma
- English: 4 Credits
- Social Studies: 4 Credits
- Mathematics: 3 Credits
- Science: 3 Credits
- Foreign Language: 1 Credit
- Art and/or Music: 1 Credit
- Health: ½ Credit
- Phys. Ed: 2 Credits
- Electives: 3 ½ Credits
- Total minimum credits: 22 Credits
Advanced Regents Diploma
- English: 4 Credits
- Social Studies: 4 Credits
- Mathematics: 3 Credits
- Science: 3 Credits
- Foreign Language: 3 Credits
- Art and/or Music: 1 Credit
- Health: ½ Credit
- Phys. Ed: 2 Credits
- Electives: 1 ½ Credit
Students are required to complete one unit of Foreign Language.
Students acquiring 5 units of credit in one area of Art, Music, Business or Career Technical Education may be exempt from the coursework.
Students with an IEP or 504 plan may have different testing and diploma options.
8 Regents Exams Required
- 1 Life Science Regents Exam
- 1 Physical Science Regents Exam
- 1 Algebra Regents Exam
- 1 Geometry Regents Exam
- 1 Algebra 2 and Trig. Regents Exam
- 1 Global Studies Regents Exam
- 1 U.S. History Regents Exam
- 1 English Regents Exam
- 1 Local Exam in Spanish
5 Regents Exams Required
- 1 Life or Physical Science Exam
- 1 Global Studies Regents Exam
- 1 Algebra Regents Exam
- 1 U.S. History Regents Exam
- 1 English Regents Exam
4 + 1 Pathways
- 1 English Regents
- 1 Math Regents
- 1 Science Regents
- 1 Social Studies Regents + A second Science or Math or State-approved CTE exam
College & Career Readiness Preparation Tests
PSAT (Preliminary SAT or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) / NMSQ (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying) Test
- New, redesigned test is evidence-based.
- The test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- This is the practice SAT test and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test.
- Offered to students in October of Junior year, during the school day.
- Two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math.
- Fee: $15. Waivers are available.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
- The test is 3 hours or 3 hours 50 minutes with essay.
- Usually taken in the Spring of Junior year (students can re-test if needed).
- Four parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math and optional essay.
- Essay is optional. (Some schools will still require it.)
- Test is offered at LHS on Saturdays in May and June.
- Cost: $43 or $54.50 with essay – Fee Waivers available.
- For more information, visit the CollegeBoard website.
ACT (American College Test)
- The test is 2 hours and 55 minutes or 3 hours and 45 minutes with writing section.
- Usually taken in the Spring of Junior year (students can re-test if needed).
- Five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing.
- The test is offered on a Saturday in April at LHS.
- Cost: $39.50 without writing, $56.50 with writing.
- For more information, visit the American College Testing website.
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
- The ASVAB is approximately 3 hours.
- Eight different vocational/academic testing subjects/career interest inventory.
- Offered every year to all Juniors.
- Free. No obligation to the Armed Services.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Financial Aid (FAFSA)
An important source of financial aid is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The first step is to establish a FAFSA account.
Scholarships
Every dollar is important, so do not overlook scholarships provided by employers, unions, churches and service groups with which you are associated. All applications have a deadline and most require the submission of specific documents, such as a transcript and an essay, so read the directions closely.
Applications are also available in the LHS Guidance Office.
Senior Scholarship Flyer
The deadline for scholarship applications for this year has passed. Please check back next year for new opportunities.
Excelsior Scholarship Program
For those who plan on attending a SUNY or CUNY school and whose family income is less than $125,000 per year can qualify for free tuition through the state of New York’s Excelsior Scholarship.
High School Links
High School Counseling Contacts
125 Buckley St.
Liberty, NY 12754
Counselors
Kellie White (A-Gam)
School Counselor
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2009
Ashley Weintraub (Gan-M)
School Counselor
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2007
Markella Nikolis (N-Z)
School Counselor
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2010
Sheila Wormuth
Behavior Specialist
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2034
Gina Castelonia
Social Worker
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2032
Guidance Secretaries
Brandie Rogers
Guidance Secretaries
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2006
Nicole Marcocci
Guidance Secretaries
Phone: (845) 292-5400, Ext. 2006
Schedule an Appointment
Students and parents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the guidance department’s services and resources. To make an appointment, students and parents should contact either of the Guidance secretaries.
SchoolLinks
SchooLinks is a college and career readiness platform designed to help students plan their future paths. It provides tools for career exploration, college search, scholarship matching, internship opportunities and skill-building. Liberty uses SchooLinks to streamline counseling, track student progress and improve postsecondary outcomes. The platform offers interactive assessments, guided planning and real-world learning experiences to empower students in making informed decisions about their education and careers.
More Information
- 24-Hour Text-Based Crisis Hotline for teens: text “GOT5” to 741-741 to start a texting conversation with a trained Crisis Counselor
- 24-Hour National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988.
- School Mental Health Resource Training Center
- Youth Workers Bill of Rights
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