March 12, 2008
BOARD MEETING SET FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 13
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.
SPRING BREAK
Just a reminder that Spring Break for Liberty students begins Monday, March 17, and lasts through Monday, March 24. Classes will resume on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND MEMBERS RAISE FUNDS FOR HAWAII TRIP
LHS band members are currently selling trash bags to help offset the cost of the Hawaii 2009 trip. Members are selling two sizes of bags: 39 gallon (25 bags/roll) and 55 gallon (16 bags/roll). The bags are 2 mil thick and are much heavier (and reliable) than standard household trash bags. The bags are Blue Jay Blue; the 39 gallon bags will be printed with “LHS Bands” and the Blue Jay logo on each bag. Each roll costs $13.00. All profits from the sale of the bags go directly to the account of the band member selling the trash bags. This fundraiser will be ongoing through May of 2009, but the first orders are due by April 4, 2008, with a delivery date of April 25. Please contact your favorite band member and order a roll or two. Or send an email to bandbags@gmail.com. Someone from the band will contact you to get your order information. Thanks for your support. Hawaii here we come!!
SVJH STUDENTS WIN AT CONTEST
Congratulations to SVJH vocal music students for their wonderful performances at the Missouri Choral Directors’ Association KC Metro Jr. High/Middle School Contest. Here are the ratings:
8th Grade Mixed Choir – I
8th Grade Women – I
9th Grade Concert Choir – II
9th Grade Women – I
LJHS CONCERT BAND RECEIVES SUPERIOR RATING AT FESTIVAL
The Liberty Junior High Concert Band, conducted by Paul Warnex, received a Superior or “I” rating at the Kansas City Metro Middle School/Junior High Band Festival held at Lee’s Summit West High School on Saturday, March 1. The LJHS Concert Band was the only band at the festival to receive a I+ from one of the judges. Mr. Warnex and the LJHS Concert Band would like to thank all of the parents and relatives who showed their support by attending the band’s performance. The LJHS Concert Band will perform their final concert of the year on Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center Performing Arts Theater.
PINK RIBBONS RAISE MONEY FOR BREAST CANCER
The Senior Girls’ support group at Liberty Academy raised $200 for the Passionately Pink for the Cure event, October 8 and 9. Sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund, students sold pink bracelets to the student body at Liberty Academy, Liberty High School, and to the community at large, during the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Congratulations to the students for their fundraising efforts. To see a picture of the group, go to http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/news/photo-gallery/IMG_1649.JPG%20Pink%20Ribbons/view
MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This is a time to raise public awareness of those with intellectual impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self help, and independent living. The goal as special needs educators is to encourage the school population to embrace and learn more about those with disabilities.
THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING – MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
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 through
March 14. Questions? Contact Cindy Dunlap at cdunlap@liberty.k12.mo.us
Posters will also be on display in the foyer of the District Administration Center tomorrow night before the 7 p.m. board of education meeting for anyone to view and vote for in person.
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 to 4 p.m. in the high school LMC. Currently, classes will be held on March 12, April 2, April 16, April 22, and May 9. The classes are lead by Officer Andy Davis of the Missouri State Patrol. If you are interested in attending, please email Brett Coffman at bcoffman@liberty.k12.mo.us.
FEMALE SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING
Liberty Public Schools will host an extended personal safety awareness training session for LPS 6th-12th grade female students, LPS female parents, and LPS female employees from 9 – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at South Valley Junior High. This hands-on course will cover basic self-defense strategies such as how to get away from an attacker. The cost is $25 per person. To sign up, call Peggy at 736-7315 before March 15.
BUCKLE UP – SEATBELT CHECKS
During the next few days, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Liberty Police Department will conduct child restraint and seatbelt enforcement checks at school sites around the district. These are routine checks to remind and encourage families to engage in safe travel to and from school.
LIBERTY SCHOLAR BOWL TEAM PLACE AT TOURNAMENTS
After a rigorous day of competition against some of the best teams in the state, the Liberty Scholar Bowl Varsity Team earned 3rd place at the Missouri University of Science & Technology Academic Tournament in Rolla on March 8. Team members include Spencer Fish, Allie Kline, Cameron Kieffer, Katelin Hill, Lucas Mobberley, and Alex Dobson. The team is coached by Rosemary Camp, Lindsay Frey, Mary Coogan, and Alison Schultz.
Congratulations to the Liberty Scholar Bowl team for their 4th place finish at the Maple Woods Community College Scholar Bowl Tournament on March 7. Team members include Spencer Fish, Allie Kline, Cameron Kieffer, Katelin Hill, Lucas Mobberley, and Alex Dobson. The team is coached by Rosemary Camp, Lindsay Frey, Mary Coogan, and Alison Schultz.
LHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS
LHS Cheer tryouts will be held April 8-11. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday,
March 26, at 6PM in the LHS commons. Please contact Brenda Moats at bmoats@liberty,k12.mo.us with any questions.
LIBERTY SAPPHIRE TRYOUTS
There will be an informational meeting for all dancers interested in trying out for the 2008-09 Liberty Sapphire Dance Team on Thursday, March 27, at 5 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Coaches ask that parents also attend this meeting. Auditions for the Sapphires will be open to 9, 10, 11, and 12 graders. Sapphire tryout dates are scheduled for April 2, 3, and 4. For more information, please contact Coach Maggie Willis (mwillis@liberty.k12.mo.us) or Coach Stephanie Simon (ssimon@liberty.k12.mo.us).
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 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)
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.
· 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.
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, 792-2470. 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.
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:
Warren Hills Elementary (contact Linda Wansing, 415-4339) March 3-14
South Valley Middle School (contact Julie Wolff, 415-1698) April 7-11
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
FIRST ANNUAL BARRETT WEPLER/LIBERTY BLUE JAYS BASKETBALL CLASSIC
The 1st Annual Barrett Wepler/Liberty Blue Jays Basketball Classic will be held April 18 – 20 at Liberty Junior High School. The tournament is for boys and girls, grade 4th – 12th. The entry fee is $175, and each team will be guaranteed 3 games. The entry deadline is April 11. Proceeds will benefit the Barrett Wepler Scholarship Fund and the Liberty Blue Jay men’s basketball team. Awards will be given to 1st and 2nd place finishers in each division. If you have a team and are looking for a great tournament right here in your own back yard, you shouldn’t miss this one. If you have any questions or would like to get an entry form, please contact Robert Brinser at rbrinser@kc.rr.com. GO BLUEJAYS!!
ENGINEERING IS ELEMENTARY ARRIVES IN LIBERTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Engineering is Elementary is an innovative program created by the Museum of Boston to infuse engineering and technology principles with science and math content. To better understand the world we live in, 3rd – 5th grade students at Warren Hills and Alexander Doniphan will begin an eight- week journey to foster engineering and technology literacy through after school clubs. The students enrolled in this after school program will gain knowledge of the industrial engineering field through a study of simple machines. The Marvelous Machines study challenges students to not only learn about engineering and simple machines, but to become an engineer and apply their scientific knowledge as they redesign a current system to be more effective. By offering this after school club to students this spring, Liberty Public Schools will be the first to introduce the Engineering is Elementary to elementary students in the state of Missouri and the Kansas City area. Students will also have the opportunity to sign up for an Elementary is Engineering session through the Summer Adventure program. Summer Adventure is offering two different sessions at each of the six elementary sites.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR MARCH AND APRIL
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
March 13 – Reflexology – Thursday, 6:30-9pm – Course #8316 – Learn the benefits of foot reflexology to improve circulation, promote relaxation, and self-healing. Learn techniques you can use yourself or to help others. Class fee: $35 for team of 2.
March 29 and April 5 – Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2007 – Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Course #8104 – Learn how to use Microsoft Excel using formulas, creating charts. Leave the class with intermediate use skills. Materials fee of $5 payable to instructor at the first session. Class fee $50
March 15, 29 & April 5 (for April 12 test)– ACT Prep Course-Bright Flight – Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. -Course#8475 – Designed for students who have previously scored 29 or 30 and need to score 31 to earn Bright Flight Scholarship. Guaranteed 15 hour class with 4-5 hours of homework per week. Taught by Focus on Learning Staff. Class fee: $625
March 26, April 2-16 – Money Freedom-Wednesdays – 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. - Realize the meaning and purpose of money as an avenue to help you express yourself. Realign your beliefs about money. Experience the freedom of understanding your value, independent of money, and how abundance will flow to you. Class fee: $149
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
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.
RECYCLE YOUR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
LJHS PTSA is simply asking you to protect the environment by donating your used/old cellular phone(s), ink jet cartridges, DVD movie(s)/video game(s), portable DVD player(s), laptop/notebook computer(s), MP3 player(s), video game console(s), digital camera(s), digital picture frame(s), and portable navigation & GPS device(s). 100% of the proceeds will help fund Liberty Junior High School PTSA programs. Please drop items off at the LJHS office recycle box. Questions, contact Jerri at griff64068@yahoo.com
RECYCLE INK JET CARTRIDGES
The Liberty Council of PTA recycles expended, unbroken ink jet cartridges, toners, cell phones, I-pods and similar electronics to support two annual scholarships: the Dr. Black Educational Career and 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 the program.
SCHOOL, CONTAINER LOCATION, CONTACT PERSON
LHS, Attendance Office, M.B.Fish
South Valley Jr. High, Library, Phyllis Malone
South Valley Middle, 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
Liberty Oaks, Front office drop box, Tina Hart
Lillian Schumacher, Foyer on the PTA Table, Kelly Henrichs
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
