March 26, 2008
LIBERTY ON HIGHEST PERFORMING SCHOOLS TOP TEN LIST
The Missouri Department of Education just released its “Highest Performing Schools Top Ten List” for 2007, and we are pleased to announce that six Liberty schools can be found on this list. This year’s top ten list recognizes schools for high performance on the spring 2007 assessment for grades 3-8, 10, and 11 in communication arts and mathematics.
The schools and the grade levels/content area represented are as follows:
· Alexander Doniphan: 3rd grade math, 4th grade communication arts, 4th grade math. Alexander Doniphan was number one in the state in 4th communication arts.
· Shoal Creek: 3rd grade math, 4th grade math, 5th grade math
· Warren Hills: 3rd grade communication arts
· Liberty Oaks: 3rd grade math
· Lewis and Clark: 4th grade communication arts
· Liberty Middle School: 7th grade math
Congratulations to the students, staff, and administrators. Their success represents the good work going on throughout our district.
MSIP RESULTS EXCELLENT FOR LIBERTY SCHOOLS
Liberty School District received high marks after receiving its regular Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) review by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) last week. The Missouri School Improvement Program has the responsibility of reviewing and accrediting the 524 school districts in Missouri within a five-year review cycle. The district met all 23 of the MSIP Review checklist items, a few which include meeting state and federal program requirements, meeting curriculum state Show Me standards, meeting required board policies, and meeting A+ high school requirements.
“During the MSIP review of Liberty Public Schools it was obvious that the teaching and learning process is a high priority” said Dr. Tony Stansberry, KC area supervisor for DESE. “Continued high academic achievement by students is the result of a continued level of quality teaching and other important support services provided by the district. Students are learning, and schools are clean and safe. Liberty continues to be one of our finest school districts.”
Congratulations to the administrators, teachers, and staff for an outstanding review!
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL BAND MEMBERS RAISE FUNDS FOR HAWAII TRIP
LHS band members are currently selling trash bags to help offset the cost of their 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 appears on each bag. Each roll costs $13. 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!
RATHER HAVE PIZZA TO HELP HAWAII BOUND BAND?
Come join us for another LHS "Hawaii Bound" Band Pizza Night on Thursday, March 27, 4-8 p.m. at Liberty Godfather's Pizza Restaurant. Did you know: The LHS Band can receive 30% of your pizza purchase price at Godfather's Pizza? Dine in or carry out. Band Students should have received a blue flyer that lists all the specials. If you don't have a flyer, just say "I'm with the band." Come and show your support and help the band raise money for their trip.
LIBERTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PTA MEETING THIS WEEK
Liberty Junior High School PTSA will have its meeting on Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7 p.m. in the LJHS Library. Two guest speakers from the bond committee Speakers Bureau will provide information and answer questions about the upcoming "No-Tax" increase bond issue on the April 8th, 2008 ballot.
Liberty Middle School or LJHS parents who are interested in volunteering with PTSA for the 2008-2009 school year are encouraged to attend the PTSA meeting or contact Jerri at griff64068@yahoo.com.
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 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.
LHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS
LHS Cheer tryouts will be held April 8-11. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. 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 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th 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).
AUTISM ALLIANCE PLANS ACTIVITIES
The 5th annual KC Walk for Autism Awareness will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. For more information go to: http://www.autismalliancekc.org.
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, grades 4– 12. 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!
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.
BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH
On Saturday, March 15, the Liberty Varsity Scholar Bowl team showed several area competitors what they were capable of by earning an impressive 1st Place finish at the 24th Annual Savannah High School Varsity Quiz Bowl Tournament. “It was fantastic to see our players working so well together! With rare exception, the team seemed to be on the same page throughout the day,” according to Coach Rosemary Camp. “This consistency contributed significantly to the tremendous scores they were posting in each game.” Team members include Spencer Fish, Allie Kline, Alex Dobson, Katelin Hill, Isedua Oribhabor, Lucas Mobberley, and Alison Tatum. The team is coached by Rosemary Camp, Lindsay Frey, Mary Coogan, and Alison Schultz.
SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM STATE BOUND
The speech and debate team competed at the MSHSAA District tournament on March 14 and 15. The team qualified 14 students in 10 events. The One- Act play and Reader’s Theatre both placed 1st and qualified to state competition. The team will compete at the MSHSAA State tournament on April 18 and 19 in Columbia. The following students placed individually.
Co-District Champions Policy Debate- Marcie Babcock/Steve Gott and Jace Gilmore/Max Pepper
District Champions Public Forum Debate- Susan Taylor/Max Mikitish
District Champion Humorous Interp- Eric Staves
District Champion Radio Speaking- Matt Wiles
District Champion Poetry- Rachel Shaw
District Champion Duet Acting- Camille Yameen/Annie Simpson
State Qualifier Lincoln Douglas Debate- Sam Tabory
State Qualifier Public Forum Debate- Ethan Poe/Alexis Elliott
State Qualifier Extemporaneous Speaking- Sam Tabory
SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM QUALIFIES 17 STUDENTS TO THE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
The speech and debate team added 9 more students to the list of qualifiers for the National tournament in Las Vegas, NV. This is the most students the team has ever qualified to nationals. The team also placed 1st in sweepstakes at the NFL District tournament by dominating the tournament with 17 students qualifying in 13 entries. The next most from a school was 5 entries. The team will compete at the National tournament at Las Vegas, Nevada, in June.
Complete list of National qualifiers for 2008:
Duo Interpretation- Chris Melton/Tyler Hammond
Dramatic Interpretation- Jordan Talbot
Humorous Interpretation- Eric Staves
Original Oratory- Ryne Dittmer
US Extemporaneous Speaking- Alex Elliott
US Extemporaneous Speaking- Marcie Babcock
US Extemporaneous Speaking- Steve Gott
Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking- Tim White
Policy Debate- Jace Gilmore/Max Pepper
Policy Debate- Cara Ascarrunz/Kristen Wright
Lincoln Douglas Debate- Sam Tabory
Lincoln Douglas Debate- Katie Whittaker
Public Forum Debate- Susan Taylor/Max Mikitish
LHS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SCIENCE AND MATH COMPETITION
On Wednesday, March 12, 2008, Liberty High School competed in the 9th Annual UMKC High School/College Partnership Science and Math Competition. Congratulations to each of the team members for earning the following awards:
2nd Place – Chemistry
Alex Dobson
Cameron Kieffer
Spencer Fish
3rd Place – Physics
Spencer Fish
Max Mikitish
Cameron Kieffer
3rd Place – Biology
Steve Gott
Cameron Evans
Spencer Fish
These students were sponsored by Dr. Ken Kramme, Mary Coogan, and Rosemary Camp.
ACADEMY STUDENTS INVOLVED IN PEACE FORUM
Fourteen students from Liberty Academy were asked to participate in a peace forum sponsored by Rotary Club and facilitated by Northwest Missouri State University. The conference was in conjunction with the United States International Day of Peace. Presentations include readings delivered by junior James Fichter and senior Sarah Wynes. Other presentations to an audience of approximately 70 individuals, which included students and international students from NWMSU, were offered by Dr. Jim Eiswert, “Just War,” “Dr. Brian Hesse, “Never Again? Genocide in Darfur”, a peace training initiative in Macedonia, and Dr. Janice Falone and Matt Johnson, “Historical Perspectives on Peace Making.” The full day event included a breakfast and lunch provided by the Rotary Club, along with information regarding available scholarships in the area of peace making. Dr. Robert Cordell, Christine Patterson, and Sandra Bray accompanied students to the event.
LIBERTY ACADEMY STUDENTS WILL STRIKE OUT CANCER
Liberty Academy is hosting its 10th Annual Bowl-A-Thon to benefit the American Cancer Society on April 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Retro Bowl. Over the past 9 years, students and staff have raised over $15,000 for ACS. Those interested may participate by paying a $15 entry fee to bowl (this gets each bowler 2 games, a t-shirt, and entry for various door prizes) by donating directly to the ACS or by participating in our online auction from April 7-11. Contact Shannon Calohan at scalohan@liberty.k12.mo.us for more information.
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 in order to surpass 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 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 school will hold its drive as designated:
South Valley Middle School (contact Julie Wolff, 415-1698) April 7-11
For information regarding collection at the schools, contact your PTA designee. To obtain additional information concerning the program, please contact Liberty Council Chairperson Sheryl Kaullen at 781-6975, kaullen@sbcglobal.net
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE GATEWAY DRUG FORUM
Complimentary dinner, presentations and entertainment will be presented to families by the Liberty Alliance for Youth, Inc. Parents and students are invited to attend a forum, April 3, at Warren Hills Elementary, 1301 Camille Street to learn more about substances and prescription drugs impact families and the community. Dinner will be provided by the Olive Garden at 5:30 p.m., a keynote speaker at 6:30 p.m. and presentations at 7:15 p.m. Children will be entertained by magician Jim Lysaght while parents attend the breakout sessions. Please RSVP by March 31 to Peggy Sparks at 736-7315.
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 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 a course to assist you:
“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. 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
CAMP GONE WILD SUMMER PROGRAM
Enrollment dates for the Liberty Kids Zone summer program is March 3- April 11. A summer school before and after care program will be offered June 9-July 2. The program will be located at all summer school sites. Full day camp will take place
July 7 – August 8, and will be located at Warren Hills Elementary School. Space is limited to the first 450 students. The cost of the camp covers daily field trips, movies, swimming, bowling, skating, gymnastics, and Friday Fun trips to places like Worlds of Fun, Power Play and the Kansas City Zoo. A weekly curriculum of reading, music, art, cooking and science are also part of the camp schedule. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack, travel t-shirts and safety wristbands are provided. For more information and the cost of the programs, call the Kid’s Zone office at 736-5378.
EARNEST SHEPHERD YOUTH CENTER SUMMER PROGRAMS
Looking for fun this summer? Come join the Earnest Shepherd Youth Center staff for a great adventure. You can choose between the famous Harry Potter Camp, Camp Crazee Daze, Art Camp (taught by Lynn Pierce and Ann Grundy), Adventure Camp, and Swim Lessons. Registration begins on March 31 at 8 a.m. The flyer can be found on the Parent Resources page, under the online information table, on the Liberty Public School District Web site. You can also call Earnest Shepherd Youth Center at 781-7733 on March 31st for more information. Hope to see you at camp this summer at Earnest Shepherd Youth Center! Nancy Elkins Mense, Executive Director, MenseN@missouri.edu
