February 27, 2008
MAKE UP SNOW DAYS INFORMATION
Liberty School District officials have examined the school calendar closely, and since the district has aligned its calendar with Missouri requirements, only one make up day will be required at this point.
Students will attend school the following days:
· Thursday, May 29, will be a full day instead of the half day currently on the calendar.
· Friday, May 30, will be the last day of school with a 4-hour early dismissal. School lunch will not be served at any schools. Preschool students will not attend on May 30.
· Monday, March 24, the last day of Spring Break, has been set aside as an additional make up day if inclement weather occurs before Spring Break. If additional snow days occur beyond March, the calendar may be extended into early June. We will keep you posted through QuickNews and through your school buildings if additional changes occur to the 2007-08 calendar.
REMINDER – EARLY RELEASE DAY AND SCHOOLS CLOSED THIS WEEK
Schools will dismiss early on Thursday, February 28, and will be closed on Friday, February 29, for Parent/Teacher conferences. The 2-hour early dismissal schedule below will allow lunch to be served at all schools. The preschool midday routes will run one hour early.
Thursday, February 28, 2008: Preschool, Elementary, Secondary Schedule
Senior High/Academy 12:35 pm
Liberty Junior High 12:35 pm
South Valley Junior High 12:35 pm
South Valley Middle School 12:35 pm
Liberty Middle School 1:25 pm
Alexander Doniphan 1:25 pm
Lewis & Clark 1:25 pm
Manor Hill 1:25 pm
Ridgeview 1:25 pm
Shoal Creek 1:25 pm
Franklin 2:05 pm
Liberty Oaks 2:05 pm
Lillian Schumacher 2:05 pm
Warren Hills 2:05 pm
Early Childhood-AM session 10:40 am
Early Childhood-PM session 2:00 pm
LIBERTY ROBOTICS TEAM FEATURED IN DOCUMENTARY
“Assembly Required” premieres Thursday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. on KCPT. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is a competition that challenges high school aged young people working with professional mentors to design, build a robot, and compete in an intense event in just six weeks.
Award-winning KCPT producer Angee Simmons and videographers Don Mayberger and Dave Burkhardt followed three area high school robotics teams – Liberty, Shawnee Mission North, and Raytown South as they competed in the program.
In “Assembly Required,” KCPT documents the thrilling highs and lows of these three teams on their arduous six-week path to the Kansas City Regional Robotics Competition.
Production funding was provided by Kauffman Foundation and DST Systems.
For more information about FIRST Robotics or Assembly Required, visit www.usfirst.org or www.KCPT.org/assembly.
Congratulations to our students on the FIRST Robotics Team!
HIGH SCHOOL PERSONAL SAFETY AND AWARENESS SELF DEFENSE CLASSES
Personal Safety and Awareness Self Defense classes are being offered to any LHS female in grades 10 through 12. This course is free and filled with valuable information on how to maintain personal safety. The classes will be offered after school from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the high school LMC. Currently, classes will be held on March 12, March 14, March 21, and March 31. The classes are lead by Officer Andy Davis of the Missouri State Patrol. If you are interested in signing up to attend, please email Brett Coffman at bcoffman@liberty.k12.mo.us.
MANOR HILL BOOK FAIR
Come join the journey with us at Reading Road Trip Book Fair, Thursday, February 28, from 2-8 p.m. at Manor Hill Elementary. Everyone in the community is welcome. See you on the road!
SCHUMACHER MATH-A-THON
For the 6th year in a row, students at Schumacher Elementary have the opportunity to practice the life skill of caring by participating in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon. Students work on 200-250 fun math problems, then collect pledges based on the number of problems they complete. All money benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which treats children from around the world with catastrophic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, AIDS, and leukemia. No child is ever turned away due to lack of insurance or ability to pay. St. Jude is one of the leading research hospitals, constantly searching for better treatments and cures for these horrible diseases. You can check out St. Jude and the math-a-thon program through their Web site at: www.mathathon.org or through a link on the Schumacher Web site. Schumacher students are trying to raise over $6,000, beating the amount they raised last year. If you would like to help Schumacher's students reach this goal and support the St. Jude Math-A-Thon, please contact Laura Pixler, Math-A-Thon coordinator, (lpixler@liberty.k12.mo.us)
LIBERTY BOOSTER CLUB NEEDS YOUR IDEAS
The March meeting of the Liberty Booster Club will be held on Wednesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the high school in the Student Council Room. All members are welcome to attend. The Booster Club is looking for individuals who would be interested in taking on an officer role for the2008-2009 school year. The group will begin developing the Booster Club for the second high school. If you are interested in helping with this process, please attend the upcoming meeting. All input is welcome from parents of athletes, especially those parents of 8th and 9th grade students.
ANNUAL ITALIAN DINNER FUNDRAISER SET FOR MARCH 9
If you want a great meal and to help some great causes, plan to attend the 20th Annual Italian Dinner, Sunday, March 9, from
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Liberty High School cafeteria. Adults and students are $5, while children under 6 are free. The annual event benefits the American Cancer Society, The Children’s Spot, Down Syndrome Association, In-As-Much Ministries of Liberty, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Student Assistance Fund. Make checks payable to Liberty Senior High School. Sponsors for this year’s event include: students and teachers of LHS, LJHS, and SVJHS, Mr. Strada, employees of Wal-Mart, Price Chopper of Liberty, McDonald’s, the Fraternal Order of Police of Liberty P.D., Missouri State Trooper Association, E.R. Physicians of Liberty Hospital, Cici’s Pizza, Crowley Furniture, Pepsi, Backyard Burgers, Hy-Vee, QuickTrip, Applebee’s, LJHS Renaissance Program, Longhorn Steak House, Belfonte Ice Cream, American Italian Pasta Company, Mr. Goodcents, Scimeca’s Italian Sausage Company, Lipton Dairy Farmers of America, Liberty Tribune, Liberty Sun, and Olive Garden.
MATH AND SCIENCE NIGHT FOR THIRD GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Third Grade Family Science and Math Night will be held March 11 at the high school from 6-8 p.m. All third grade students and their parents are invited to attend this exciting and engaging evening of science and math activities – come let our high school students show you the amazing worlds of chemistry, biology, geology, and physics! The high school students spend quite a bit of time and energy preparing to entertain and teach the third graders through cool math and science activities.
AFTER PROM COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL HELP
After Prom 2008 is fast approaching for LHS juniors and seniors. This 2008 “Through the Looking Glass” themed party is a parent-sponsored event designed to keep our students (800+) safe on prom night, May 3, 2008. The school’s After Prom parent committee is asking community members and parents to provide support in the form of monetary and product donations. Past donations have included decorations, food, and prizes such as gift certificates. Monetary donations help finance activities such as a food court, obstacle course, hypnotist, and games. Individuals or businesses wishing to support this event may send checks made payable to “LHS After Prom” to the following address:
LHS After Prom
P.O. Box 1328
Liberty, MO 64069-1328
Those interested in donating other items may contact Kay Carrico, 792-2490. Those interested in volunteering to help at the event may contact Gwen Williams at gwilliams25@kc.rr.com.
ACT PREP CLASSES AVAILABLE AT LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL
LHS will offer ACT preparatory classes before the April 12 national test. Registration is required. The cost is $10 for LHS students, $20 for Liberty students living in Liberty, but attend school in a different district, and $50 for non-Liberty students. Early results from October classes indicate that students are improving their scores by an average of 2 points. Please register early and take advantage of this instructionally sound, cost-effective opportunity. Classes will be offered on Wednesday, Feb. 27, March 5, March 12, March 26, April 2, and April 9 from 6 – 9 p.m. Classes will also be offered on Saturday, March 15, March 29, and April 5 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Students/parents may register at the attendance office at Liberty High School. For more information, contact Eric Greely at LHS at 736-7032.
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT – CHARACTER FOR ALL POSTER CONTEST
The Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce and Character for All Committee, working with Liberty Public Schools, are sponsoring a poster contest to promote positive character traits in the Liberty community. The Liberty for All Program believes this contest will enhance the culture of the Liberty area by focusing on selected character traits that enable children and adults to be productive members of the community and workplace.
Vote for the poster that best represents the character of the Liberty community. The top vote-getter will have their poster displayed throughout the community and schools. Chamber Cash will be awarded to the top three selections. You may vote for your favorite entry as many times as you wish at www.libertycharacter.com Click on the “Poster Voting Contest”, and cast your vote from now through March 14. Questions? Contact Cindy Dunlap at cdunlap@liberty.k12.mo.us
SOUTH VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL
South Valley Middle School presents the spring musical “Seussical Jr.” The performances are March 6, 7, 8, at 7 p.m. on the SVMS Stage; 1000 MidJay Drive.
“Seussical Jr.” is based on the works of Doctor Seuss’s incredible series of books. Characters that visit the stage are the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Mayzie and Gertrude the Birds, Yertle the Turtle, the citizens of Whoville, the Grinch, and many more. This innovative musical weaves together his most famous tales and characters in unexpected ways. Many of these characters have never met one another before; however, they get that opportunity in this musical. The students of the cast and crew are directed by Lisa Southern and Lori Zeller, with the help of Eric Forsman, Amy Wright, and Robin Lewis.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students and went on sale Feb. 14. All shows (Thursday through Saturday) will begin at 7 p.m. with theater doors opening approximately 30 minutes before show time.
For more information, please contact any cast or crew member, as well as the directors at South Valley Middle School.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Tickets for Liberty Middle School's production of "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" are on sale now. The musical will be staged March 7, 8, and 9 at the Liberty Performing Arts Theater, 1600 S. Withers Road.
The musical, which boasts a 52-member cast, features many of the songs made famous by the 1970s cartoon series that inspired the show. Songs like "I'm Just a Bill," "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly", and "Three is a Magic Number" will be familiar to many, and everyone will enjoy the fun lessons these tunes teach about history, grammar, math, science and government.
Tickets are $5 and are on sale now at Liberty Middle School or from any cast member. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m., and the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit the LMS musical’s Web site at www.libertybluejays.com
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR MARCH
Interested in teaching Community Education classes? We are always looking for instructors for new Community Education classes that the Liberty community would find interesting. If you have a special skill or talent in an area you would like to share with our community, contact Dee Rosekrans at 736-7104 or drosekrans@liberty.k12.mo.us
To enroll in these classes, go to: www.paypams.com or bring/mail your enrollment form and a check/cash/money order to: Liberty Public Schools, District Admin Center, Attn: Heddie Leger, 650 Conistor, Liberty, Missouri 64068
Saturdays, March 1 & 8, 2008 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (two sessions) – Intermediate Microsoft Word 2007 – Prerequisite: Introduction to Microsoft Word. Learn how to extract formulas into tables, create macros, use mail merge. Create forms, templates, and learn how to protect your documents. Materials fee of $5 payable to instructor at the first session. Class Fee: $50
Monday, March 3 – 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. – (one session) – Cook for a Day, Eat for a Month – No more last minute trips to the grocery store. Learn this simple method of preparation that is flexible enough for any size family. Save time, money, and your sanity with tasty treats and recipes you can prepare in advance. Class Fee: $ 25
Tuesdays, March 4 – April 29 – 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – (eight sessions) – Getting to Know France – This class is designed to help you plan for and enjoy a trip to France. You will learn about the old and the new France and lifestyles and social behaviors of the French. Explore sightseeing, traveling, and cuisine. You will practice French phrases and be provided a list of resources to help you learn more about France. Class Fee: $ 65
CHANGES IN UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES
The Liberty Board of Education normally meets the 3rd Monday of every month, but the date will change for the March meeting due to Spring Break. The March board meeting has been set for Thursday, March 13. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Administration Center, 650 Conistor.
CLOTHES CLOSET CAN USE YOUR HELP!
The Liberty Council of PTA's has partnered with the Clay County Clothes Closet to provide free clothing to Clay County children, which includes kids in Liberty Schools. The Closet primarily meets the needs of children; however, all ages are served. Over 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. The following schools will hold their drives as designated:
Liberty Middle School (contact Lori Amsden, 415-1883) Feb. 25-29th
Warren Hills Elementary (contact Linda Wansing, 415-4339) March 3rd-14th
South Valley Middle School (contact Julie Wolff, 415-1698) April 7-11th
For information regarding collection at the listed schools, please contact the listed PTA designee. To obtain additional information concerning the program, please contact Liberty Council Chairperson Sheryl Kaullen at 781-6975, kaullen@sbcglobal.net
TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR DESIGNED FOR GIRLS IS BACK ON THE CALENDAR
Last week we received information from William Jewell that the Technology Seminar was canceled. We have since learned that the event is back on the calendar.
The William Jewell College Students in Free Enterprise team is partnering with Girl Scouts of Mid-Continent Council to sponsor a special one-day seminar focusing on “Technology Powered by Women.” The event for young women ages 12 to 18 is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1 on the William Jewell College campus in Liberty, Mo. A $20 entry fee includes all seminar presentations, lunch, and a commemorative t-shirt. Registration details and additional information can be obtained by calling 816-415-7870, or on-line at http://www.jewell.edu/tpw/
ENROLL FOR PARENT/CHILD SEX ED CLASSES
If you want to talk to your child about sex, but worry about giving your child too much, too little, or the wrong kinds of sexual information, Clay County Public Health Center & Liberty Schools Community Education have two courses for you this spring.
“Growing With Your Teen” for parents and youth (ages13-16) at Clay County Public Health Center, 800 Haines Drive, Liberty, MO, meets on Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topics are “Communication”, “STDs”, “Teen Parents”, “Responsible Choices”, and “Dating and Relationships”. Register with Liberty Schools Community Education at 816-736-7117 or www.paypams.com/liberty . Fee is $30 per family.
“Growing With Your Child” (ages 9-12) course is on Sundays, March 30, April 6, 20, and May 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Liberty Presbyterian Church, 138 N. Main. A "parents only" orientation is March 16. Register with Liberty Schools Community Education at 816-736-7117 or www.paypams.com/liberty . Fee is $30 per family.
This abstinence-based program allows parents and children an opportunity to explore the facts, feelings, attitudes, and values related to human sexuality. The program has a "family centered" philosophy which is team-taught – the instructors presenting the factual information and facilitating discussion, and the parents sharing their values and beliefs. Group activities, games, films, and "mini-lectures" are structured to allow both parent and child to have fun together as well as to learn. Facilitators will be from Clay County Public Health Center.
Questions? Call Kathleen Welton, Clay County Public Health Center, 816-595-4235 or kwelton@clayhealth.com
CUB SCOUT SPRING RECRUITMENT
Cub Scout Pack 394 will have a boy and adult spring recruiting meeting for boys grades K - 4 attending Liberty Oaks Elementary.
The information meetings will be held on two nights Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. and Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the Liberty Oaks cafeteria. Questions? Contact Brian Streich at 781-3885 or bjstreich@kc.rr.com. Boys are eligible to attend summer camp and many of the activities planned for the summer.
GIRL SCOUTING INFORMATION AVAILABLE
If you are interested in learning more information about Girl Scouts in Liberty, please email joinscouts611@hotmail.com. Girl Scouts is open to all levels of scouting - kindergarten through 12th grade.
CONGRESSMAN SAM GRAVES VISITS WARREN HILLS ELEMENTARY
U. S. Congressman Sam Graves stopped by Warren Hill Elementary to read to students in the school library. During his visit, Congressman Graves said, “Liberty is a fantastic district with good programs and opportunities for students. The students are evident of the great work taking place in the district. I am proud to represent the Liberty area.” View the photos of Congressman Graves and the students at:
SUMMER ADVENTURE 2008 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
Mark your calendars for Summer Adventure 2008. The program will run from June 9th to July 2nd.
FOR STUDENTS ENTERING KINDERGARTEN-8TH GRADE IN THE FALL OF 2008 – Enrollment brochures containing details about the summer program and instructions for online enrollment will be available beginning the week of Feb. 25th at Parent/Teacher Conferences.
FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 9TH-12TH GRADE IN THE FALL OF 2008 – Enrollment forms are now available at the Liberty secondary schools. Brochures will be available at Parent/Teacher Conferences in February. Parents may enroll online or by completing the form at the back of the brochure. Enrollment deadline will be May 2nd.
MANOR HILL TEACHER WINS VFW AWARD
Marty Kelsey, 5th grade teacher at Manor Hill Elementary School, recently was awarded the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award. He received this award for teaching his students about citizenship and patriotism. In October, Marty flew on a Weightless Flight of Discovery. He took with him 30 miniature American Flags that had been donated by the VFW. He then gave each of his students a flag certifying that it had flown on a microgravity flight and had been weightless. Congratulations Mr. Kelsey!
SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM FIND SUCCESS AT TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to the Speech and Debate team for placing 1st out of 20 schools at the Neosho tournament. The team just finished their invitational season placing 1st at 16 varsity and novice tournaments this year. This includes winning tournaments throughout the entire state, which include the Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Joplin area. The team is starting district competition this weekend. The following students placed at Neosho:
1st Policy Debate- Jace Gilmore/Max Pepper
1st Public Forum Debate- Susan Taylor/Max Mikitish
1st Humorous Interp- Eric Staves
1st Duo Interp- Zach Musselman/Isaac Ames
1st Storytelling- Zach Musselman
2nd Lincoln Douglas Debate- Katie Whittaker
3rd US Extemp- Alex Elliott
3rd Student Congress- Tim White
3rd Duo Interp- Chris Melton/Tyler Hammond
3rd Lincoln Douglas Debate- Sam Tabory
4th Policy Debate- Kristen Wright/Cara Ascarrunz
4th Public Forum Debate- Sarah Black/Cheryl McGiffin
4th Foreign Extemp- Kristen Wright
4th Oratory- Sam Tabory
4th Humorous Interp- Rachel Shaw
4th Dramatic Interp- Tyler Hammond
5th Humorous Interp- Elizabeth McGiffin
5th Duo Interp- Kim Petroll/Michaela Lowe
6th Foreign Extemp- Max Pepper
6th Storytelling- Cheryl McGiffin
