December 5, 2007

GOVERNOR BLUNT MAKES A STOP AT SOUTH VALLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TODAY

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt visited South Valley Junior High School Wednesday afternoon to congratulate 2007-2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year and South Valley Junior High history teacher Eric Langhorst on his latest accomplishment.  Superintendent Phil Wright; Brad Armstrong, South Valley Junior High  Principal; and Board members Cindy Dunlap and Bren Abbott, welcomed the Gov. to the Liberty Public School District along with Missouri Commissioner of Education, Kent King .  Gov. Blunt also met several South Valley Junior High teachers during his visit today. Eric was selected Missouri Teacher of the Year in August, and will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award in 2008.  Gov. Blunt was in town today to proclaim the city of Liberty as Missouri’s Capital for a Day, offering one-on-one and personalized access to state government. View pictures of today’s visit to South Valley on our Web site at http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/news/photo-gallery/missouri-gov-matt-blunt-visits-liberty-public-schools

DISTRICT AMONG FIRST IN THE NATION TO OFFER BIOMEDICAL CLASSES  

Liberty Public Schools has been approved by the Project Lead The Way National Review Board for Biomedical Sciences Program!  Missouri is one of just seven states that has been approved to offer these courses.  This program will parallel and mirror current award winning PLTW Engineering curriculum currently in place.

The PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program will consist of a sequence of four courses:  Principles of the Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Intervention, and Scientific Research.  The goal for the program is to provide rigorous and relevant curriculum that is project and problem-based in order to engage and prepare high school students for the postsecondary education and training necessary for success in the wide variety of careers associated with the Biomedical Sciences including physician, nurse, veterinarian, scientific and pharmaceutical researcher, therapist and technician.

Liberty will begin with the first course in the sequence which is Principles of the Biomedical Sciences at Liberty Senior High School in 2008-09. The LSHS PLTW Program is a nationally recognized high school for pre-engineering. 

NEW FEATURES ON THE DISTRICT WEB SITE

The district Web site now offers two new features.  The first, will allow patrons to email Superintendent Phil Wright from the Home Page.  If you have questions or concerns, please go to www.liberty.k12.mo.us and click on the ‘Ask the Superintendent’ icon at the bottom left-hand corner of the page just below New to the District?  Dr. Wright would like to hear from you!  The second feature is the Blue Ribbon Committee icon that will give you on-going details about the Blue Ribbon Committee for Liberty’s 2^nd High School.  This site will provide information and committee progress about major decisions concerning our second high school.  If you’re interested in learning how you can be a part of the Blue Ribbon Committee, please email Jim Hammen, at jhammen@liberty.k12.mo.us

MANOR HILL STUDENTS’ SIGNATURES FLY INTO SPACE!
In conjunction with the aerospace company, Lockheed Martin, Manor Hill Elementary participated in a Signatures in Space project.  Two years ago the students of Manor Hill signed a poster which was then sent to NASA.  These posters were scanned and the signatures were flown into space aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on Mission STS-117, which launched on June 8, and landed on June 22, 2007.  During the course of the mission, the signatures traveled 5.8 million miles at speeds up to 17,500 miles per hour and orbited the Earth 219 times.  This mission was the 250th orbital human spaceflight.  The original poster has been returned to Manor Hill and will be displayed in the building along with a certificate of flight.

HONORING EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Melissa Taylor, Liberty Middle School teacher was nominated as the Honoring Excellence recipient for November.  Melissa is a 7^th grade communications arts teacher.

The December recipient is Leslie Bunch.  Leslie is the vocal music teacher at Liberty Middle School and musical accompanist at Liberty High School.  A scheduling conflict won’t allow Leslie to attend the December meeting, but she will be honored at the January meeting. Congratulations to our Honoring Excellence recipients for their dedication and commitment to the Liberty Public School District.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT LIBERTY ROBOTICS TEAM

Come and join in the fun at a Pancake Breakfast by Chris Cakes and a Silent Auction, Saturday, January 5, 2008 from 8 a.m. – noon

at Liberty High School.  The all-you-can-eat breakfast/silent auction is a fundraiser for Liberty Robotics Team 1764. The auction will feature a wide assortment of items.  If you have questions, please contact libertyrobotics@student.liberty.k12.mo.us 

LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Liberty Middle School’s Battle of the Books Program is sponsoring a book fair at the Zona Rosa Barnes and Noble on Saturday, December 15, with 10% of all purchases by Liberty patrons going to the Battle of the Books Program.  Tell the Barnes & Noble employee at the checkout counter that you are supporting Liberty Middle School, and 10% of your purchase will be donated back to the school.  Barnes and Noble is located at 8625 NW Prairie View Road.  Store hours are 9 am – 11 pm.

Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes may also be ordered by Friday, December 7, and picked up and paid for on December 15.

Liberty Middle School will also receive 10% of the proceeds from this purchase.  Order forms may be downloaded from the LMS library Web site.  Return the cheesecake order form to the LMS librarian, Susan Martin, by Friday, December 7.

SOUTH VALLEY STUDENTS HAVE A WINNING RECIPE FOR FUNDRAISING

South Valley Middle School students have created a cookbook with more than 200 recipes collected from South Valley Middle School students and staff.  All proceeds will be donated to the Community Christmas Tree Fund.  Cookbooks are $10 each and can be purchased December 10 - 19 from 7:10 – 7:25 a.m. and 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.  For more information, contact Robyn Barreca at 736-7180 ext. 7198 or at rbarreca@liberty.k12.mo.us .  Cash or checks accepted.  Make checks payable to South Valley Middle School.

WE NEED TO HEAR YOUR VOICE – COMMUNITY SURVEY OPPORTUNITY
Liberty Alliance for Youth, Inc., is collecting information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in our community.  Please take time to fill out a survey that will help the organization better meet the needs of children in our community.  To complete the survey go to: www.northlandcoalition.com\libertyalliance.html and use the “Community Survey” link, or you can pick up a paper copy at Cupini’s Restaurant, Clay County Health Center, or the Liberty Public Schools Administrative Center.  The deadline to complete the survey is December 15, 2007.  As a special thank you, survey participants will receive three Cupini’s coupons.   

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC CHESS TOURNAMENT

Sponsored by the Kansas City Scholastic Chess Association, students in grades Kindergarten through 12^th grade can sign up to take part at the Christmas Classic Chess Tournament on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at Liberty High School.  If you pre-register, the entry fee is $16 and must be received by Monday, December 10, by mail or PayPal only. To pre-register online, send entry (using PAYPAL) to chessclub@powerpawn.net or mail your name, school, grade, and a check to Ken Fee, 1537 Baker St., Liberty, MO 64068.   Make check out to Ken Fee.  

Onsite registration/entry fee is $21.  Check in and on-site registration will be from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

The first round is at 10:30 a.m.      

There will be four sections:  Elite USCF Section, K-12 Section, K-6 Section, and K-3 Section.  Depending on the number of entries, organizers may combine sections.  Each player has thirty minutes to finish the game.  Sets and clocks will be provided. 

Individual trophies will be awarded for 1st - 3rd each section, team trophies 1st each section, and 17 additional medals per section for a total of 68 medals!  Visit www.kcchess.org  for more information. Questions?  Call 816-835-7529 or email chessclub@powerpawn.net. 

CLOTHES CLOSET NEEDS ARE MANY – YOU CAN HELP!
The Liberty Council of PTA's is partnering with the Clay County Clothes Closet to provide free clothing to Clay County children, which includes Liberty kids.  The Closet primarily meets the needs of children; however, all ages are served.  Approximately 2,000 people a year are referred to the Closet by agencies, churches, and schools.  Liberty school service groups and PTA's will collect new and gently worn clothing during select weeks.  Alexander Doniphan Elementary will hold its Clothes Closet Collection drive

December 3 - 10.  For more information, contact:  Yvonne Ferstl at 792-2311, yferstl@sbcglobal.net or Sheryl Kaullen at 781-6975, kaullen@sbcglobal.net 

MAKE CHRISTMAS A BRIGHT ONE FOR FELLOW RESIDENTS – VOLUNTEER!
Once again, the Liberty Community Christmas Tree Fund is helping families in our community have a brighter Christmas.  For the first time, the fund will help families who don’t reside in Liberty, but their children attend Liberty Public Schools. 

Volunteer opportunities are available if you would like to help this year:

December 3 -7 Sort canned goods - during evening hours – Heritage Hall, 117 W. Kansas (If you have a group of 15 or more, please call ahead.). 

December 8 – Deliver food and gifts to family (before noon)

This is a great opportunity to give back to our community by helping others.  Contact David Chamberlain at 792-2020 for more information.

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL’S MILITARY HALL OF FAME
Liberty High School is partnering with Proud Military Moms to implement a Military Hall of Fame for Active Duty Alumni.  We want to honor current Liberty High School students that are classified as Active Duty or Liberty High School graduates that are currently in Active Duty, the Reserves, or in the National Guard.  To participate in this program, or for more information, please contact Mrs. Parnau at www.proudmilmoms.com or 913-338-9473. To read more about this story in the Kansas City Star, 

go to http://www.kansascity.com/317/story/372371.html

CONGRATS TO OUR GREAT STUDENTS & STAFF

Congratulations to the Liberty Speech and Debate team for placing 1^st out of 29 schools at the Independence Winter Classic tournament.  The following students placed individually.

1^st place Co-Champions Reg Policy Debate- Laura Irwin/Mallory Hamilton, Elizabeth Stander/Josh Shamblin and Rachel Wilzbach/Michele Foster.

1^st Oratory- Ryne Dittmer

1^st Student Congress- Jace Gilmore

2^nd  Champ Policy Debate- Jace Gilmore/Max Pepper

2^nd US Extemp- Steve Gott

3^rd Champ Policy Debate- Cara Ascarrunz/Kristen Wright

3^rd Champ Lincoln Douglas- Katie Whittaker

3^rd Champ Public Forum- Max Mikitish/Susan Taylor

3^rd Foreign Extemp- Max Pepper

3^rd Oratory- Annie Simpson

4^th Reg Lincoln Douglas Debate- Elizabeth Roberts

4^th Reg Public Forum Debate- Sarah Black/Kyle Geary

4^th Oratory- Matt Wiles

4^th Duo  Interp- Camille Yameen/Ryne Dittmer

5^th Prose- Eric Staves

5^th Foreign Extemp- Max Mikitish

6^th Humorous Interp- Rachel Shaw

1^st Novice Policy Debate- Henry Mikitish/Zach Musselman

1^st Novice Oratory- Brittany Stockwell

1^st Novice Student Congress- Erika White

2^nd Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Cameron Riemensnider

2^nd Novice Extemp- Henry Mikitish

2^nd Novice Dramatic Interp- Eva Udris

2^nd Novice Storytelling- Zach Musselman

3^rd Novice Policy Debate- Chi Chi Lu/Erika White

3^rd Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Kay Hottel

3^rd Novice Extemp- Chi Chi Lu

3^rd Novice  Oratory- Kristen English

3^rd Novice Duo- Kim Petroll/Michaela Lowe

4^th Novice Policy Debate- Claire Cogan/Jonathan West

4^th Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Kayla Banks

4^th Novice Extemp- Adri Spiehs

4^th Novice Oratory- Kay Hottel

5^th Novice Extemp- Billy Soper

6^th Novice Oratory- Michael Marshall

6^th Novice Storytelling- Elizabeth McClure

Congratulations to the Liberty Scholar Bowl Program for impressive victories at the Lee’s Summit North Bronco Invitational Tournament on Saturday, December 01, 2007.  With 18 teams in each of the varsity and junior varsity divisions, the Liberty teams performed well enough in the morning pool play rounds to earn coveted spots in the 8 team afternoon playoff bracket.  The varsity team took 1^st place, while the junior varsity team finished in 4^th place.  Varsity team members include Spencer Fish (captain), Allie Kline, Cameron Kieffer, Alex Dobson, Katelin Hill, Lucas Mobberley, and Andrew Hart.  The Junior Varsity team consists of Anna Bunton, Jake Mobberley, Ami Jester, Jeremy Sweetwood, Nick Motta, Jenni Baldwin, and Mackensey Daniel.  The teams are coached by Rosemary Camp, Lindsay Frey, Alison Schultz, and Mary Coogan.

Congratulations to LHS Band members Heather Carrel and Taylor Hunt for making the All-State Band and Orchestra this past weekend.  Over 1,000 musicians auditioned Saturday, Dec. 1^st at Columbia Hickman High School.  Heather was selected 15^th Chair Clarinet in the All-State Band and Taylor was selected 1^st chair tuba in the All-State Orchestra.  Sara Yunghans was selected 18^th chair clarinet for the All-State Honorable Mention Band.  Heather and Taylor will travel with the LHS members of the All-State Choir and Orchestra to the Missouri Music Educators Association’s convention at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Lake of the Ozarks on January 23-26, 2008 where they will rehearse and perform at the All-State Concert on the final day of the convention.

RECYCLE INK JET CARTRIDGES 

The Liberty Council of PTA recycles expended, unbroken ink jet cartridges and cell phones to support two annual scholarships:  the Dr. Black Educational Career and the PTA Council Scholarships.  In order to help the growing number of students who need financial assistance to attend college, PTA Council needs your help to continue awarding scholarships.  Each school has a cartridge collection box and a PTA recycling contact person, as listed below.   Please call PTA Council Coordinator Sheryl Kaullen at 781-6975 with your questions regarding cartridge pick up or for the name of your school's PTA recycling contact person.

School, Location, Contact

LHS, Attendance Office, M.B.Fish

South Valley Jr. High, Library, Phyllis Malone       

South Valley Middle School, Office, Marianne Falleri

Liberty Junior High, Office, Jerri Griffith 

Liberty Middle School, Office by front desk (trash cans), Sara McConnell

Alexander Doniphan, Lobby outside of the cafeteria, Michele Fullerton

Franklin, Front hallway by office, Ingrid Brooks 

Lewis and Clark, Front entryway by office, Susan Newton

Lillian Schumacher, Foyer on the PTA Table, Kelly Henrichs

Liberty Oaks, Drop box in front office, Tina Hart

Manor Hill, Hall by the pencil machine, Heather Borchardt

Ridgeview, Front office, Wendy Coffey

Shoal Creek, Labeled box in office, Lori Taylor   

Warren Hills, Office, Linda Wansing       

District Adm. Center, Storage area, Dee Rosekrans or      

                                                                Heddie Leger