October 31, 2007

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. The listed schools are holding collection drives in November:

Other schools in the district will hold collection drives throughout the year.  More information to come in the following months.

OPTIMISTS ORGANIZE DICTIONARY DISTRIBUTION
Since 2001, the Optimist Club of Liberty has raised money throughout the year to purchase dictionaries.  This year, more than 1,100 dictionaries will be distributed to every third-grade student in the Liberty School District, as well as students at St. James School, the Missouri City School District, Smithville School District, and home-schooled children.  The dictionaries are delivered as part of Youth Appreciation Week, the first week of November.  The mission statement of Optimist International is "By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists ‘Bring out the best in kids’”.  Special thanks to Optimist Club members for their kind gift to students in our district!

FOUNDATION HONORS FORMER GRADUATES AT SPECIAL EVENT
In 2002, the Liberty School District Foundation initiated a new award called “Honoring Our Own.”  The purpose of the award is to recognize Liberty High School graduates whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and/or service to their communities.  In the past four years, 14 individuals have been recognized for their valuable contributions.  The Foundation also recognizes the district’s Teacher of the Year, outstanding volunteers, and retired educators at this event. This year, the recipients will be honored on Thursday, November 1, 7 p.m., at Liberty Hills Country Club.  This year’s honorees include:

Brigadier General Jack L. Capps, RET., Class of 1943
Dr. Vicki S. Johnson – Aerospace Engineer for NASA, Class of 1977
Capt. Jacqueline Todd Rychnovsky – PhD and R.N., Class of 1978
Juarenne Hester – Outstanding Retired Teacher
Eric Langhorst – Missouri Teacher of the Year – 2007-2008

This event is open to the public.  Tickets are $35 per person.  If you are interested in attending the event, please call the Liberty School District Foundation at 736-7120 or Diana Reiter at 590-1507 or reiter@lsdf.org

FRENCH STUDENTS RAISE MONEY TO TRAVEL TO QUEBEC
Thirty-one Liberty High School students and parents will travel with their teachers to Quebec, Canada, January 19-22 for the annual French trip.  Students will have an opportunity to use the French they are learning in class during this trip, but they need your help.  Students are selling Red Wheel frozen products to raise money for the trip.  They are only selling two products this year – an assortment of pies, including French silk and French twist bread.  If you’re interested in placing an order, contact Barb Adam or Bess Hayles at South Valley Junior High, or Emily Hollembaek at Liberty Junior High.  Fruit pies are $9.00 (apple, peach, pumpkin, strawberry-rhubarb, pecan) and the French silk is $12.00. Orders will be taken until November 5 and will be delivered November 14.  While on the trip, students will stay in the famous Chateau Frontenac and take part in many cultural, historical and language activities.  Liberty High School students will meet and spend the day together with their French Canadian pen pals to whom they have written or emailed earlier this year.  During the trip they will discover the old, lower city of Quebec, visit a native Indian village, visit an authentic Sugar Shack that produces maple syrup, go to the Montmorency Falls (taller than Niagara), and up the coast of the St. Lawrence Seaway. 

SAFE HALLOWEEN ALTERNATIVE AT LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL TONIGHT!
The Liberty High School Student Council will provide an opportunity for children to participate in Halloween activities in a safe environment and provide food for families in our community at the same time. 

Wednesday, October 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Liberty High School Commons area
Children in K-3 are welcome (children must have a parent accompany them)

 Children can easily go through in 30 minutes or less or stay for the entire time.  There are no scary elements.  Twenty clubs at the high school are hosting tables with games and candy for the children.  Entry fee is either 3 canned goods or $2.00 per child.  All proceeds from this event will be donated to charity.  More than 200 children attended this first-time event last year.

 FREE CHILD IDENTIFICATION KITS AVAILABLE ONCE AGAIN
On Saturday, November 3, 2007, from 9 a.m. to noon, Liberty Public Schools District Security, along with Liberty Police Department, Liberty Ambulance and Liberty Fire Department will hand out Identi-Child Kits free of charge at the Liberty Price Chopper, M-291 & Liberty Drive.  The kit includes inkless fingerprints, DNA collection, and a laminated wallet card.

CITY OF LIBERTY OFFERS SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
The Liberty Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with the Ali Kemp Foundation, is offering a one-day self-defense class for women and girls, ages 12 and older, Saturday, November 3, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Liberty Middle School gymnasium.  The training is free, but donations are appreciated.  The goal of the program is to raise awareness and to give women and older girls the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming victims of violent crimes.  Participants will learn basic self-defense techniques, which could save their lives. Space is limited, so sign up early through www.ci.liberty.mo.us/ParksOnline.  Look for “Self Defense T.A.K.E. Foundation Seminar” or call 816-792-6009. Registering in pairs is recommended.  A signed waiver is required prior to participating in the class.  Forms will be available at the time of registration.  A parent’s signature is required for participants under the age of 18.  A large crowd is expected, so arrive early so class can begin on time.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ENGINEERING? 
Metropolitan Community College – Maple Woods is sponsoring an Engineering Night on Monday, November 5, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Maple Woods Student Center.  Engage in class demonstrations and learn more about the engineering program from Maple Woods and University of Missouri-Rolla faculty.  The evening will include a dinner and program.  Tickets are available at no charge, three per family.  RSVP by October 29 to 437-3116 or mcckc.edu@engineeringnight

LADY JAYS SPONSOR BASKETBALL CLINIC FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
The State Champion Lady Jays Varsity Basketball Team and Coach of the Year, Brad Oyler, will host a basketball clinic for girls in K-5^th grade, Saturday, November 10, from 8 – 9:30 a.m. at the Liberty High School gym.  Cost is $10.  If you have questions, contact Head Coach Brad Oyler at 816-736-5340 ext. 2086 or boyler@liberty.k12.mo.us

WRESTLING CLUB KICKS OFF NEW SEASON
The Liberty Wrestling Club will kick off the 2007 season on Monday, November 12, at 6 p.m. in the Liberty High School wrestling room.  Liberty Wrestling Club is for K-7 students interested in competing in wrestling.  To sign up, please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate to the first night of practice.  The fee for the club is $200 for novice wrestlers and $250 for experienced wrestlers.  Liberty Wrestling Club practices at Liberty High School and is supported by Liberty High School wrestlers and coaches.  Please send questions to libertywrestlingclub@yahoo.com.

SVJH MUSICAL – ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
South Valley Players present ANNIE GET YOUR GUN on November 8, 9, 10 at South Valley Junior High, 800 Midjay Drive, with a curtain time of 7p.m.  The Revival is set in a Wild West show-within-a-show, which frames the love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler.  The Wild West spectacle of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is directed by Kathy Breeden and Musical Direction and choreography by Phillip Holthus.  ANNIE GET YOUR GUN features a talented 31-member cast.  Emma Cadd will appear as strong-willed sharpshooter Annie Oakley and Evan Edwards as the dashing Frank Butler.  Tickets for “Annie” are available at the door of the show. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students, children and senior citizens.

 LJHS MUSICAL – HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
The Liberty Junior High School theatre department will present How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at 7 p.m. on November 9 and 10 and 3 p.m. on November 11, at South Valley Middle School, 1000 Midjay Drive.  Tickets are $5.00 at the door or the LJHS office.

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS LES MISERABLES
Tickets are currently on sale for the Liberty High School all-school musical, Les Miserables.  You won’t want to miss this spectacular production presented by the award winning LHS theatre department.  Les Miserables will be presented November 16, 17, and 18 at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre; tickets can be purchased at the attendance window at the high school.  All three performances are expected to sell out quickly, so buy your tickets soon before it’s too late.  Because of demand, there will be no Will Call tickets for this production.  All tickets must be purchased in advance, and it’s unlikely there will be any available at the door. 

 *The Liberty Public School District is one of 13 schools in the United States that has been given the rights to perform Les Miserables School Edition this year. For those who are not familiar with the play’s subject matter, it is important to be aware that the play does contain mature themes and language that may not be appropriate for younger children.  Please keep this information in mind when purchasing your tickets.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION COURSES FOR NOVEMBER
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TEACHING A COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASS?  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, please contact Mr. Dee Rosekrans, Director, Community Development, at 816-736-7104 or email drosekrans@liberty.k12.mo.us

CLASSES FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER (to enroll go to www.paypams.com/liberty)

Home Alone (ages 5-7) – Course Number 8451 – Thursday, Nov. 1 – 6:30-7:30pm  Fee $5.00

Home Alone (ages 8-12) Course Number 8452 – Thursday, Nov. 1 –7:30-8:30pm  Fee $5.00
Home Alone prepares children for a safe time at home while adults may need to be away for short periods of time.  Topics include safe ways to handle a house key, what to do if someone comes to the door, how to access 911, how to answer the phone.  Presented by American Red Cross staff.

Resume Empowerment Workshop – Course Number 8651 Saturday, Nov 3 – 9 am-11:30 am
Fee $30
The average recruiter scans a resume in less than 20 seconds.  This workshop will help you make a powerful presentation and professional resume that gets results.  Bring a copy of your current resume to work with or plan to start fresh.

Cartooning Basics – Course Number 8079 – Saturday, Nov. 3 – 9 am-12 noon   Fee $25
Learn how to create your own cartoon characters, even if you’ve never drawn before! 

Caricatures – Course Number 8077 – Saturday, Nov 3 –
1 pm-4 pm  Fee $25
Learn how to create color caricatures of the face and all of the added features that make them funny and entertaining.

Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2007 – Course Number 8115 Saturday, Nov. 3 & 10 – 9am – 1pm
Fee $50
Introduction Microsoft Excel 2007 is a prerequisite for this class.  Continue your learning base, learn to import data, filter data, create subtotals, and create macros.  Create tables and charts.  Additional $10 book fee.

Long-Term Care Planning – Course Number 8549 – Tuesday, Nov 6 – 6:30-8 pm  Fee $15
What is long term care?  Why is it important to plan ahead?  Improve what you know in planning for this family planning issue, take action before a crisis, make more informed decisions by planning ahead.

ACT Prep Course – Course Number 8445 – Saturdays, Nov. 10, 17 & Dec 1(for Dec 8 test)
9:30 am-3:30 pm (one hour lunch on your own) 3 sessions  Fee $275 
Comprehensive overview of all four subject areas.  Includes content review, test taking strategies, practice using authentic ACT tests.  Taught by Focus on Learning staff, weekly homework of 1-2 hours.

ACT Prep Course-Bright Flight – Course Number 8448-Saturdays, Nov. 10, 17 & Dec 1^st (for Dec 8 test)
3 sessions   Fee $625
Designed for students who have previously scored a 28 or 29. (One hour lunch on your own)

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.

CONGRATS TO OUR STUDENTS & STAFF
On Saturday, October 27, 2007, Liberty High School was represented at the 17^th Annual Avila Science and Math Challenge for Young Women by Mattie Hill, Elizabeth Herrick, Katelin Hill, Kristin Wright, and Natasha Stoneking.  These ladies competed in six events and earned 2^nd place in Chemistry, 2^nd place in Earth & Space Science, and 4^th place in Biology.  Mary Coogan and Rosemary Camp served as coaches for this competition.

Congratulations to the Liberty High School Tennis Team for placing third in the State.  Varsity players are: Audra Feldhaus, Leslee Feldhaus, Carolyn Knop, Emily Hoffman, Abby Fish, Kelsey Heuer, Madie Blake, and Jaqueline Filardo, Head Coach Doug Davis and Assistant Coach Erin Zubeck.  Third Place in the Doubles Championship was won by Audra Feldhaus and Leslee Feldhaus.

The Shoal Creek Stars showed their support for Susan G. Komen’s Passionately Pink the Cure!  Students and staff wore all shades of pink on October 22 and raised over $1,100 toward breast cancer research.

Congratulations to the Speech and Debate team for placing 1^st at the Park Hill Novice tournament and 2^nd at the Oak Park Varsity tournament.  There were 20 schools in attendance.   The following Individual students placed:

1^st Humorous Interp- Elizabeth Stander
1^st-Poetry- Aisha Truss
1^st Foreign Extemp- Mallory Hamilton
2^nd Lincoln Douglas Debate-Tyler Hammond
2^nd Humorous Interp- Rachel Shaw
2^nd Poetry- Eric Staves
4^th Duo Interp- Laura Irwin/Aron Wallace
4^th Lincoln Douglas Debate- Meagan Mahanes
4^th Policy Debate- Mallory Hamilton/Elizabeth Stander
4^th Policy Debate- Abigail Fryer/Laura Irwin
5^th Foreign Extemp- Meagan Mahanes

1^st Novice Foreign Extemp- Anthony Chartier
1^st Novice Oratory- Cheryl McGiffin
1^st Novice Student Congress- Erika White
1^st Novice Dramatic Interp- Eva Udris
1^st Novice Public Forum Debate- Anthony Chartier/Anna Wright
2^nd Novice Foreign Extemp- Anna Wright
2^nd Novice Storytelling- Cheryl McGiffin
3^rd Novice Prose Michaela Lowe
4^th Novice Foreign Extemp- Kay Hottel
4^th Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Paige Brown
4^th Novice Public Forum Debate- Breanna Nold/Travis Ritchie
4^th Novice Oratory- Kay Hottel
4^th Novice Public Forum Debate- Josslyn McClung/Annie Stocksdale
4^th Novice Policy Debate- Erika White/Jon West
4^th Novice Public Forum Debate- Emily Smith/Kristen English
5^th Novice Foreign Extemp- Ben ReReynolds
5^th Novice US Extemp Extemp- Travis Ritchie
5^th Novice Oratory- Paige Brown
5^th Novice Dramatic Interp- Rebecca Ascarrunz

5^th Novice Prose- Marilyn Obranovic
6^th Novice Foreign Extemp- Claire Cogan
6^th Novice US Extemp- Madison Cowart
6^th Novice Oratory- Kristen English
6^th Novice Storytelling- Jessica Tasetano

BOOSTERS MAKE IT EASIER FOR STUDENTS TO PARTICPATE IN BAND
Two years ago, Band Boosters began a program to help students interested in playing a musical instrument.  Band Boosters will collect used instruments and pay to have them repaired.  Any student that wants to play an instrument, but can’t afford to pay for one, qualifies for the program.  The Band Boosters would like to improve their inventory, so if you have used instruments in your closet or basement collecting dust, contact Cindy Price Svehla, Band Director, South Valley Middle School, at 736-7180 ext. 2167 or csvehla@liberty.k12.mo.us   Band Boosters is a 501c3 organization, so your contribution is tax deductible.

INTERNET SAFETY INFORMATION ONLINE
The Missouri Research & Education Network (MOREnet) hosted Internet Safety Night October 23 to raise awareness of online dangers and crimes and provide resources for keeping families safe online. More than 1,500 people at 79 sites in 9 states tuned in to learn about the latest trends in law enforcement and the resources available for staying safe online.  Our local event was held at South Valley Junior High School.  If you were unable to attend Internet Safety Night, but want more information, visit http://besafe.more.net.  MOREnet launched this Web site in January as a location to accumulate information and resources to help families stay safe online.

FREE FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE KANSAS CITY MUSEUM
Take the whole family to this free event and learn more about Kansas City’s history on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  This month’s theme is ‘The Settling of Kansas City.’  Take a trip back in time to see what it was like for the first citizens of this great city.  Learn about where they came from, where they first lived, and more.  The Kansas City Museum is located at 3218 Gladstone Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo.  For more information, visit http://www.unionstation.org/kcprograms.cfm

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, CONTAINER LOCATION, CONTACT PERSON
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, 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