January 16, 2008
REMINDER – SCHOOL CLOSED JANUARY 21 Schools will be closed Monday, Jan. 21, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
CHANGES IN UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES The Liberty Board of Education normally meets the 3rd Monday of every month, but the dates will change for the January, February and March meetings due to federal holidays and Spring Break. Board meetings have been set for the following dates: Tuesday, January 22 Tuesday, February 19 Thursday, March 13 All meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Administration Center, 650 Conistor.
LIBERTY STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY CELEBRATION William Jewell College will host the city of Liberty’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration with a program beginning at 10 a.m., Jan. 21, in John Gano Memorial Chapel on the college campus. The program is free, and the public is invited to attend; tickets or reservations are not required. Dr. Gwendolyn Grant, nationally recognized speaker, psychologist, and advice columnist for Essence Magazine, will offer the keynote address. Campus and community leaders will be honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. community service award. Recipients include Chris Carr, a senior international relations, history, and political science major and president of William Jewell’s UNITY Student Organization; Dee Rosekrans, Director of Community Development for the Liberty School District; Kansas City civil rights activist Edith Haney-Galvin; and Rick Byers, Athletic Director at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City North. The program will also include a performance by William Jewell’s Concert Choir, a performance by Kychen Synk, an a capella group of Liberty High School students, and a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., performed by members of the Liberty High School Black Student Association.
Immediately following the program, a tree on the college’s quadrangle will be dedicated in memory of Dr. King. A free public reception will follow in the Yates-Gill College Union.
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION NIGHT SCHEDULED Parents of the Class of 2008 are invited to attend the Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Night, 6:30-8 p.m., Jan. 17, at Liberty High School. Topics will include Applying for Grants and Loans with the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Application Process for Local Scholarships. The evening is sponsored by the LHS Guidance Department. If you have questions, please email kshaffer@liberty.k12.mo.us or nlaven@liberty.k12.mo.us
PARENT SURVEY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS The LHS Guidance Department would like all parents of current high school students to fill out a survey on Parent Information Nights. Please take 5 minutes to share your thoughts to help plan future meetings. Please go to www.liberty.k12.mo.us/hs or follow the link: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB227BFNK758H
EIN GESCHMACK VON DEUTSCHLAND! (A TASTE OF GERMANY!)
Please join us on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberty High School for German food and entertainment. This event is a fundraiser for Liberty High School, Liberty Jr. High, and South Valley Jr. High students who will be traveling to Germany in June of 2008. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Please contact Terri Barnes at tbarnes@liberty.k12.mo.us if you have any questions.
BREAKFAST CLUB AND BUILDER’S CLUB SPONSOR CLOTHING DRIVE The Breakfast Club and Builder’s Club at South Valley Junior High will sponsor a clothing drive for Clay County Clothes Closet. The Clay County Clothes Closet is a volunteer run organization that has clothed many children and adults in the Northland for years. This year, one-third of their funding was cut. You can help an organization that has helped Liberty students by making a donation. The clothing drive will run from Jan. 22-25. All gently used items will be accepted -- infants through adults. The drop-off location is at South Valley Junior High School, 800 MidJay Drive.
INTERNET SAFETY NIGHT AT LIBERTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Liberty Junior High will present Internet Safety Night in conjunction with a brief PTSA meeting on Monday, Jan. 28th at 7 p.m. in the school library. Platte County Sheriff’s Cyber Crimes Unit will bring their experiences and knowledge to this informational and intriguing presentation for parents. Topics will include identity theft, e-mail scams, child predators, computer virus infections, social networking sites, etc. Liberty school district families are welcome to attend.
LIBERTY SAPPHIRE SPECTACULAR The Liberty Sapphire Spectacular is a clinic for junior high (grades 8 & 9) and middle school (grades 6 & 7) students to learn basic technique and skills needed for upcoming pom tryouts. Participants will meet the Sapphires, learn a dance choreographed by the Sapphires, and PERFORM AT A VARSITY HOME BASKETBALL GAME! The clinic will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9-11:30 a.m. at Liberty Senior High School. The pre-registration cost is $40 for the clinic and performance shirt. The halftime performance will be at the Liberty Blue Jays varsity basketball game on Tuesday, Feb.12. For more information, contact Maggie Willis at Liberty Middle School or mwillis@liberty.k12.mo.us.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR JANUARY
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 816-736-7104 or drosekrans@liberty.k12.mo.us
To enroll in these classes go to: www.paypams.com/liberty 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
Saturday, January 19-ACT Prep Course #8472-This class provides a comprehensive overview of all four subject areas of the ACT test. Includes content review, strategies, and practice using an authentic ACT test. This 15-hour class includes 1 to 2 hours of weekly homework. Taught by experienced instructors who are trained as ACT coaches. Class fee: $ 275
Saturday, January 19-ACT – Bright Flight Prep Course #8474 – This class is designed for students who have previously scored a 29 or 30 and need to score a 31 to earn Bright Flight Scholarship. Guaranteed 15-hour class is fast paced and includes 4 to 5 hours of weekly homework. Taught by experienced instructors who are trained as ACT coaches.
Saturday, January 26-Drawing a Portrait-Course #8087-You will learn the seemingly impossible feat of portraiture by using a simple step-by-step process. Designed for people who have always wanted to learn to draw, but not had the opportunity. Class fee: $55
Saturday, January 26-Cartooning Basics (Grades 3-5)-Course #8457-Learn how to create your own cartoon characters, even if you have never drawn before. Tailored to suit your style and interests. Class Fee: $25
Monday, January 28-Basic Crochet-Course #8050- Come and learn why so many people enjoy crochet. Learn six basic stitches, and how to read a pattern. We will complete four different basic projects that you will take home. This course will get you ready for crocheting afghans and other more advanced items. Class Fee: $55
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 and Liberty Schools Community Education have three courses for you. A series of four classes for parents and children, “Growing With Your Child” (ages 9-12) at Clay County Public Health Center’s new location, 800 Haines Drive, Liberty, MO is on Tuesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Parents only orientation is Jan. 29. Another class will be offered at Liberty Presbyterian Church, 138 N Main, on Sundays, April 6 (parents only), 13, 20, 27 & May 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register with Liberty Schools Community Education at 816-736-7117. Fee is $30 per family.
“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 & 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. 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. To register, contact Liberty Schools Community Education at 736-7117.
MIDWEST HONOR BAND FESTIVAL AND HIGH MUSICAL HONORS FOR SVMS STUDENTS
Eleven students from SVMS have been selected to attend the inaugural Midwest Honor Band Festival and Symposium at UMKC Jan. 17-19, 2008. This festival is designed to provide rewarding musical experiences for middle and high school band students and directors alike. The festival will feature nationally recognized guest conductors and resident UMKC faculty in a busy schedule of concerts, master classes, and professional clinics. The festival and symposium will begin at noon on Thursday, Jan. 17, and will conclude by 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. The Midwest Honor Bands are comprised of students from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Arkansas, and beyond. Selection is based on band director recommendation, past achievements, and a balanced instrumentation. The South Valley Middle School band director is Cindy Price Svehla.
SVMS band students selected are: Kaitlyn Jantzen-clarinet, Rebecca Reed-Clarinet, Kathrine Kuhlmann-clarinet, Richard Adger-clarinet, Allie Vest-French Horn, Zach Brewer-Tenor Sax, Nick Smith-Bassoon, Daniel Franz-Oboe, David Roelofsz-percussion, Andrew Kisling- Baritone Sax, Matt Kisling- Oboe.
For more information on the festival and purchasing tickets for the performances, please call 816-235-2741.
CAREER AND COLLEGE NIGHT FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN MATH, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
North Kansas City Schools and Cerner Corporation extend an invitation to staff, high school students, and parents interested in learning more about career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to attend “Your Future is Now” Career and College Night on Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 6 – 8:30 pm. The event will take place at Cerner’s Riverport Facility (formerly Sam’s Town Casino), just west of I-435 off Hwy 210.
The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of the wide variety of STEM career prospects available in the KC metro area, as well as connect students with education programs that can help them continue to develop the capabilities needed for these careers. The evening will include an open career fair venue with employers and college representatives available to answer participant questions informally, and several presentations by local companies like Cerner Corporation, Stowers Institute, and American Century on the nature of the work they do as well as typical career paths, and things students need to know to get an internship or job.
The current list of employers and colleges who will be represented includes: Cerner Corporation, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, American Century, Regional Computer Forensics Lab, Thornton Tomasetti, USDA/GIPSA/TSD, Marshall Miller & Associates, Inc.,Mid-America Veterinary Research Consulting, North Kansas City Schools, DST, Stowers Institute, Baker University, DeVry University, ITT Technical Institute, Kansas State University, Metropolitan Community College, Northwest Missouri State University, Ottawa University, Park University, Pittsburg State University, Purdue University, Rockhurst University, Truman State University, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-College of Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Nebraska – College of Engineering, and Vatterott College.
This event will provide a unique opportunity for industry professionals to engage with high school students, their parents, and teachers and share information with them about careers they might not otherwise know much about. Post-secondary education partners will also be there, so students and parents can get a better sense of the next steps available to them should they choose to pursue these opportunities further.
LEGISLATORS LEARN ABOUT TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM FROM LPS TEACHERS Marty Kelsey, 5th grade teacher at Manor Hill, and Lance Huebner, special services teacher at South Valley Junior High, have been invited to the state capital in Jefferson City on Jan. 31. The two teachers will attend the Show-Me Techknowledge Day where they will spend the day in the Capitol rotunda showing state senators and representatives how they are using technology in their classrooms. Mr. Kelsey will show his KMH broadcasting club, and Mr. Huebner will show our KSVJH broadcasting program. Congratulations to Mr. Kelsey and Mr. Huebner!
SCHOLAR BOWL TEAMS ARE VICTORIOUS AT AREA EVENT Congratulations to the Liberty Scholar Bowl teams for their outstanding performance at the Truman High School sKnow Bowl on Saturday, January 12. Of the 24 teams in their division, the JV team was ranked 6th overall in total points earned. With a final record of 4 – 1, the Varsity squad earned a phenomenal 2nd place finish, ranking ahead of 22 other schools. JV team members include Ami Jester, Jake Mobberley, Jeremy Sweetwood, Anna Bunton, Nick Motta, and Mack Daniel. The Varsity team was comprised of Spencer Fish, Katelin Hill, Cameron Kieffer, Alex Dobson, Allie Kline, Lucas Mobberley, Isedua Oribhabor, and James Hatler. The teams are coached by Rosemary Camp, Lindsay Frey, Mary Coogan, and Alison Schultz. Way to go!
ALEXANDER DONIPHAN STUDENTS ADOPT ANIMALS FROM KC ZOO Students and staff at Alexander Doniphan raised money through a service learning project to adopt two animals at the Kansas City Zoo. The students voted on which two animals they would like to adopt and chose the meerkat and the Sumatran tiger. The adoption is through the zoo’s “Adopt A Wild Child” program. The school will receive fact sheets and photographs of the animals. The project was designed in conjunction with visiting authors Roland and Marie Smith who wrote the alphabet book, Z is for Zookeeper!
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.
